How to keep your teens off of their iPads

MORNING Spend the morning exploring Malta’s compact capital city by foot or Segway tour. Valletta’s beautiful baroque architecture and rich heritage earned the city the accolade of being the European Capital of Culture in 2018. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to elegant winding streets, over 320 historical monuments and a wealth of boutique hotels.

Pass through CITY GATE; the door to the city of Valletta. The impressive gate marks the beginning of Republic Street and was designed by architect Renzo Piano. Wander through the streets of Valletta and marvel at the NEW PARLIAMENT BUILDING and the ROYAL OPERA HOUSE also designed by the Italian architect during the City Gate Project. The exterior of the contemporary New Parliament Building resembles the limestone that the Maltese Islands are recognised for; the holes in the structure replicate the erosion of limestone over time. The ruins of the Royal Opera House have also been converted into an open-air theatre for all to enjoy.

Visit the UPPER BARRAKKA GARDENS; a beautiful public garden in Valletta. The gardens offer a stunning panoramic view of the Grand Harbour and date back to 1661, when it was a private garden for the Italian Knights.

Discover ST JOHN’S CO-CATHEDRAL. The jaw dropping interior elaborately adorned by Mattia Preti is widely considered to be the best example of baroque style anywhere in Europe. The magnificent Cathedral is also home to the only signed work and largest painting by Caravaggio. AFTERNOON Enjoy lunch at ST JOHN’S SQUARE and try traditional Maltese pastizzi; a delicious savoury filo pastry pasty filled with either rich ricotta cheese or mushy peas.

Visit VALLETTA’S WATERFRONT before taking a traditional Maltese Dghajsa boat trip to THE THREE CITIES. The beautifully restored waterfront is of great historical value and heritage, dating back more than 250 years. Today, the waterfront boasts a number of upmarket bars, retail outlets and restaurants.

Enjoy a ROLLING GEEKS TOUR of The Three Cities; a collective description of the three fortified cities of Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua in Malta. The oldest of the Three Cities is Birgu, which has existed since the Middle Ages. The other two cities, Senglea and Cospicua, were both founded by the Order of Saint John in the 16th and 17th centuries. Please note that a driving license will be needed to operate the five-seater self-drive electric cars, complete with pre-programme GPS.

Contact Rolling Geeks directly to book a tour of The Three Cities.

EVENING Spend the evening taking in the spectacular view of the The Three Cities’ marina from Birgu’s waterfront. If you’d like to enjoy another traditional Maltese meal, try Malta’s national dish Fenek; rabbit stew or delicious ravioli packages filled with cheese made from sheeps milk.

DAY ONE:

¦ 13 ¦

the miracle of mosta dome

During World War II, the town of Mosta was prone to aerial bombardment due to its proximity to the airfield of RAF Ta Qali. On 9 April 1942, the Luftwaffe dropped three bombs on Rotunda, and two of them deflected without exploding. However, one 500kg high explosive bomb pierced the dome and entered the church, where a congregation of more than 300 people were awaiting early evening mass. The bomb bounced across the floor and did not explode, which was interpreted as a miracle by the Maltese. A similar bomb is now displayed in the sacristy at the back of the church.

¦ 14 ¦

MORNING For a spectacular morning view, visit the DINGLI CLIFFS located on Malta’s Western coast, they are the highest point of the Maltese Islands and stand at around 253 metres above sea-level. Early birds should check out this location at sunrise.

Take a trip to Malta’s old capital city; the origins of MDINA can be traced back to more than 4,000 years. The Medieval capital is still home to Malta’s noble families and impressive palaces line its narrow, shady streets. Mdina is one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city and unusual in its mix of medieval and Baroque architecture. Lamp lit by night, Mdina transforms itself into the ‘Silent City’.

There are many ways to explore the car-free city. Why not experience a traditional horse drawn carriage ride? Or enjoy a fun-filled Segway tour? Both great ways to keep the children entertained whilst taking in the charming architecture and spectacular views.

Enjoy lunch at the Fontanella Tea Gardens where you can take in the breathtaking views surrounding Mdina.

AFTERNOON Visit MOSTA, a town in the Northern region of Malta. The most famous building in Mosta is the Rotunda, a large church with the third largest unsupported dome in the world.

EVENING Enjoy a traditional folklore dinner show at Ta’ Marija in Mosta - it’s a great experience for the family.

DAY TWO:

¦ 15 ¦

MORNING Take a trip to GHAJN TUFFIEHA for a beach day to remember; the area is home to a stretch of three picturesque beaches.

GHAJN TUFFIEHA BAY is one of the most tranquil beaches in Malta and invites you to enjoy the stunning scenery whilst the kids enjoy swimming in the welcoming waters. The rugged coastline and hillside behind the beach makes Ghajn Tuffieha a hidden gem. AFTERNOON GNEJNA BAY is perfect for swimmers and divers wanting to enjoy the crystal clear waters.

EVENING GOLDEN BAY is a stunning sandy beach set within a cliff face, located along unspoiled Maltese countryside. The bay offers one of the most remarkable sunsets in Malta, making it the perfect location to sit, relax and take in the breath-taking view this evening.

¦ 16 ¦

DAY THREE:

¦ 17 ¦