OLD CHARM, MODERN TWIST

Behind the seemingly impenetrable thick walls, flanking Malta’s Grand Harbour, lies a hidden gem known as the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea), which is surprisingly off the tourists' radar. Predominantly a maritime hub, rich in history, this area is reviving itself and the Rolling Geeks are paving the way with their modern take on touring. Explore this gorgeous open-air museum full of architectural riches and breathtaking views, while cruising around in your eco friendly, smart technology vehicle.

The cars are fun, safe and easy to drive. Following a GPS-guided route at an easy pace while listening to the commentary on board in the language of your choice gives you the freedom to sightsee at your own pace. The online tracking and on-board communication system enables the Rolling Geeks’ vigilant staff to provide assistance throughout t he tour, giving you peace of mind. The roads on the prescribed route are very quiet and it is very easy to park and step out whenever you wish to.

The selfie feature in the cars adds to the fun, the rest is up to you to capture. Overall, this is a great value-for -money experience, suitable for all ages.

Visit www.rolling-geeks.com for more information.

Birgu’s core is postcard pretty - walking through the quaint medieval alleyways of traditional houses and grand palazzos is magically Mediterranean. A short stroll out of the fortifications to the nearest town along the seafront took us to Bormla, where we sat down for a drink, and first taste of warm Three Cities hospitality. For dinner, we headed back to Birgu’s picturesque square to a lively restaurant. The row of candlelit tables sneaking up the rustic alleyway proved worthy of many a photo break for fellow visitors. We went for a bountiful smoked salmon salad and a Capriciosa to share. It was then that we realised that Birgu portions were off the scale, and, more importantly, delicious. Imqaret with ice cream - a Maltese delicacy - hit the spot for dessert.

After a fresh morning walk to Senglea, across the water from Bormla over a pedestrian bridge, our Three Cities staycation led us back to Birgu square, just in time for an English Breakfast and fresh Maltese orange juice, in true holiday style. There’s something about “touristing in your own country” that extracts romanticism from simplicity, and the other patrons on the surrounding tables looked just as content. On overhearing the excitement of an American couple abroad purchasing pastizzi for the first time from the pastizzar in the square, my thoughts on Birgu being a worthy worldtravel destination were confirmed.

Birgu Waterfront was also polka-dotted with sunshine-soaking holidaymakers enjoying th eir cappucinos. We had to join them for a tab le, it was Golden Hour after all. Apart from the stellar selection of restaurants and cafes on the waterfront, the row of super-yachts were also quite the attrac tion. For lovers of boats and/or celebrities, Birgu’s top class Marina is the ultimate place to take down notes. With their cream leather sofas on deck and sparkling sliding doors, they made a kitsch comparison to the nearby traditional wooden boats that take excited tourists to Valletta and back for less than five euros.

Boasting Baroque churches with jewel-box interiors set in a maze of colourful doors and pavestones smoothed with time, Birgu’s historical artefacts and architecture (and truffle Calzones the size of your head) certainly won us over.

THE INQUISITOR’S PALACE

The Inquisitor’s Palace has many stories to tell; from the domestic area at ground floor, the piano nobile which includes both official halls and private quarters extending on two floors, and the tribunal, torture chamber and prison complex.