Guided Gozo Excursion with Ġgantija Temples Visit and Lunch

Overview

This full-day excursion takes you to discover the historical and natural heritage of the island of Gozo. The programme begins with a twenty-minute ferry crossing to reach the island. The itinerary includes a visit to the Ġgantija megalithic temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as a stop in Victoria, the capital. There, you will discover the main market square and the Citadel (Iċ-Ċittadella), an ancient fortified structure overlooking the horizon. The day continues with a visit to Xlendi Bay and the Inland Sea at Dwejra, both sites bordered by steep cliffs. A set-menu lunch including a glass of wine is included in the package. The activity is organised in an air-conditioned coach or bus with a licensed guide. Depending on the option chosen, guidance is provided in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Polish.

Itinerary

1. Temples de Ggantija

   We start our tour by visiting the megalithic temples of Ġgantija, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, this impressive archaeological site dates to c. 3600-2500 BC, along with Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples and Skorba Temples in Malta, the temples of Ġgantija are believed to be the second oldest free-standing monuments on Earth, second only to Göbekli Tepe in Turkey and predating Stonehenge in England, and the Pyramids of Egypt by approximately 1000 years! The etymology of “Ġgantija” is derived from the Maltese word for giant (“Ġgant”) because it was believed the site was built by a race of giants. This mythological idea makes sense considering that the temples are constructed from megaliths (massive limestone blocks) measuring more than five meters in length and weighing over 50 tons.

   · 45 min· Admission included

2. Victoria

   After visiting the temples of Ġgantija we will proceed to visit Victoria, the delightful capital city of Gozo. Victoria is not just the geographic heart of Gozo; it is also the centre of everyday activity. It manages to combine the bustle of its market and shops with a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. It is a great place to watch the islanders go about their day, especially when the main market square comes to life.

   · 25 min

3. La Citadelle

   At the heart of the city lies another majestic site: the mediaeval fortress known locally as “Iċ-Ċittadella” (The Citadel). With its distinctive skyline and imposing military architecture, this ancient, fortified structure stands out as Gozo’s major landmark, a beacon visible from all over the island. The area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, and the site now occupied by The Citadel is believed to have been the acropolis of the Punic-Roman city of Gaulos, or Glauconis Civitas. During the mediaeval period, the acropolis was converted into a castle, which served as a refuge for Gozo’s population. A suburb began to develop outside its walls by the 15th century, and this area now forms the historic core of Victoria.

   · 50 min

4. Xlendi Bay

   Our next visit is the delightful sea inlet known as Xlendi Bay, located at the end of a deep, lush ravine, which was once a riverbed and surrounded by picturesque steep cliffs, the bay is now on the must-visit list of most day-trippers to the Island. Xlendi’s small but lively promenade is busy at all times of the day, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and a handful of souvenir shops. Though seemingly bursting with activity during summer, Xlendi bay remains a refreshingly quiet place even at the height of the season.

   · 20 min

5. Dwejra Bay

   Our last stop is at Dwejra, situated on the western shore of the island of Gozo this area is a geological and ecological haven. All the various surroundings are a blend of geology, landscape, fauna, habitats, shoreline, seascapes, archaeology, flora, and history, which makes a visit to this site an experience to remember. Dwejra is also known for its Inland Sea, a small bay surrounded by high cliffs and connected by an impressive 65-metre-long natural tunnel which opens out into the open sea, a truly fascinating natural formation which evokes awe and leaves a striking impression. Weather permitting you will have the opportunity to take a short boat trip through the narrow tunnel and its surrounding area, this trip is available at a small fee payable on location (the boat trip is not included in your package price).

   · 45 min

6. Île de Gozo

   A lunch (fixed menu) with a glass of wine is included during one of our stops.

   · 1 h 15 min

Pickup

Pickup included.

9:45 AM is the approximate start time of the activity and not the time when you will be picked up from your hotel (or closest meeting point). At least a few days before the date of your activity, you need to make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pick-up location and pick-up time. Your pick-up time can be any time between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, depending on where you are staying. If your pick-up location is a hotel, please wait outside near the main entrance. Do not wait in the lobby or inside the hotel. When the guide or driver arrives, they will have a list of names and will ask those waiting outside for identification. They will not enter the hotel to look for guests. Transportation will not wait for late arrivals. If you miss your morning pick-up, you will not be able to join the tour later. Once the tour has started, it cannot be interrupted to accommodate latecomers.

How to use your ticket

• The time shown on the website or on your ticket is the approximate start time of the activity and not the time when you will be picked up from your hotel (or closest meeting point). At least a few days before the date of your activity, you need to make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pick-up location and pick-up time. Your pick-up time can be any time between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, depending on where you are staying. • To confirm your pick-up location (meeting point) and your pick-up time, please send an e-mail to internal-tours@robertarrigo.com at least a few days before the date of your activity. Make sure to include your booking reference number in the e-mail. • It is very important that you arrive at your pick-up location (meeting point) at the given time; however, if transport is a bit delayed due to unexpected traffic conditions, do not become alarmed. Please allow up to 15 minutes of waiting time before contacting our emergency number. • The boat trip at Dwejra Bay is not included in the price of your package; the boat trip is optional (to be paid on location) and can only be done subject to favourable weather conditions. The cost is approximately €6 per person. • Out of respect for all guests who would already be waiting on the bus/coach, as well as other guests who would be waiting for their pick-up at their respective meeting points, please be aware that transport will not wait for late arrivals, as this will only cause an ensuing series of delays to the entire pick-up process and the tour; therefore, please ensure you are waiting at the correct meeting point at the given time by the provider. If you miss your transport, you will not be able to join the tour later; this is a tour in motion, and therefore joining the tour will be logistically impossible. No refunds will be given to any customers who are late for their pick-up.

What to know before you go

• Prams and pushchairs are accepted for babies and young children.
• Public transport is available nearby.
• The activity is suitable for all fitness levels.
• The time indicated is approximate; you must contact the tour operator a few days before to confirm your pick-up point and time (between 8:00 am and 9:00 am).
• Guidance is provided in the reserved language, although multilingual guides may be used depending on operational needs.
• For the Polish option, guidance is provided by a Polish guide or an English-speaking guide with a native translator.
• For the Spanish option, guidance is provided by a Spanish-speaking guide or an English-speaking guide with a translator.
• The order of visits may be changed without notice.
• The boat trip at Dwejra Bay is optional, subject to weather conditions, and costs approximately €6 per person (to be paid on-site).
• The total duration includes all transport time and transfers between the islands.
• The activity is not recommended for people with reduced mobility.
• The group is limited to a maximum of 52 participants.
• Booking confirmation is immediate.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before departure.

• No refund if cancelled less than 24 hours before departure.
• The activity may be cancelled in case of bad weather.

Who is it for?

• Travellers seeking a comprehensive one-day visit of Gozo.
• Families with young children (pushchairs accepted).
• People wanting organised transport and a licensed guide.
• Travellers without mobility restrictions.

What makes it different

• Set-menu lunch and a glass of wine included.
• Ferry tickets and entry to Ġgantija Temples included.
• Pick-up and transport in an air-conditioned bus included.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 6089GOZOTEMPLE

Activity offered by Robert Arrigo & Sons via Viator.