Malta,Valletta......

Malta is the largest in a group of 7 islands that occupy a strategic position between Europe and Africa. The island's history is long and turbulent. Everyone from the Normans to the Nazis have vied for control of this small honey coloured rock. For centuries the island was the possession of the knightly order of St. John/ the knights of hospitaller.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

 Valletta, Malta's current capital was planned by the orders grand master Jean de la Vallette to secure the islands eastern coast from Turk Incursions . Founded in 1556 Valletta's bustling streets are lined with superb baroque buildings and churches.

Malta has a long history: the mejalithic stone temples at Gozo may be the oldest free structures on earth . Malta has 2 official languages, Maltese and English .Malta was admitted to the EU in 2004 and in 2008 became part of the Eurozone.

Neither Ken nor I have ever been in Malta or Valletta so we had many choices of excursions to choose from. Because I thought this area of the world would be Hot I chose a harbour cruise.

Here is what they promised: 

Valletta Harbour Cruise,

A leisurely cruise in Malta is the ultimate chill out experience and a perfect opportunity to take it easy while seeing the sights of 2 popular cities. From Valleta you'll travel to the resort town of Sliema on Malta's east coast. Here your boat awaits to cruise round Valleta's two natural harbours, Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour. From this unique perspective, you'll glide past historical forts, battlements and creeks. Cameras at the ready during the cruise , as the photo opportunities of not only Valleta, but the famous three cities of Sengela, Vittoriosa and Kalkara are boundless. After the conclusion of the Harbour Cruise and back on dry land, you'll have some free time to explore Sliema, Malta's most popular tourist center. Browse the shops in search of that perfect gift, stroll the picturesque promenade or purchase lunch or a snack at one of Sliema's charming pavement cafes. 

As we sailed into the harbour we were awed by what we saw. What an amazing sight. I am not sure what I expected but this was not it. Such beauty, such grandeur, such sites of living history. 

I can't wait to disembark. Fortunately it is not as cold as it was but not as hot as I thought it might be. We will be bundled up in what we have and hope it will be enough.

We have room service breakfast and then head to the meeting point, then on to the bus.

As usual the bus was new and very well equipped. We did not need the air conditioning. Our guide spoke and told us what our excursion would entail. The driver began our journey to the cruise boat. We were amazed at the sites we passed . The narrow, hilly streets required a great deal of skill on his part.

Soon we arrived at the dock. Here we saw a sign showing a map of where we would sail on our cruise.

Again the guide explained with great detail what was to happen. We received detailed instructions and then boarded the boat. Ken and I went topside but could not sit together. I did get a seat on the outside so I was able to take lots of pictures.  It was very interesting but as we thought it was very cold. Our cruise lasted 90 minutes.

We could not go to any of the churches because of the fact that it is Good Friday. 

A lot of the stores were also closed.

The blending of the old and the new is so well done.

Back at the dock we were given an hour to shop and explore. Ken and I headed for Starbucks and a hot coffee and of course a rest room. Next we walked and explored a few shops. I did get a decoration for the tree.

We headed for the bus. It was nice and warm inside , a fact that was much appreciated. 

On this return trip our guide was very informative and our driver was very skilled. 

Before long we were back where we started and it was time for lunch.The rest of the day was as is normal for us, lunch, a rest, an attempt to blog, dinner and then more blogging and then sail away.

This was the first of Port days. we will be pretty tired by the time we finish them and have a day at sea.

Tomorrow we will be in Catania Sicily. This is the island off of the toe of Italy.