Oosterdam European Adventure, Valletta, Malta... Part 1 of 2

I was up early to snap a few photos as we sailed into Malta. Valletta harbor is one of the most scenic ports in the entire Mediterranean. We met our guide Alfred outside the cruise terminal and we headed to the North end of Malta to get a ferry to Gozo. On our approach to Gozo, we had a great view of Comino Island and its 16th century red watchtower. After arriving at Mgarr Harbor we started our island tour with a stop to visit the Rotunda Church of St. John the Baptist in Xewkija…the town’s people were busy putting up colorful decorations for a weekend festival to celebrate the feast of St. John the Baptist on June 21st. Next, we drove through Rabat, the capital of Gozo. Passing through the town of St. Lawrence we arrived at Dwejra at the west end of the island. Here we took a boat ride through Inland Sea, a natural tunnel through the rock to the Blue Grotto…the water was really blue! Next, we went to the village of Gharb to the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary with its superb sculptures and craftsmanship. After that we went to see the Salt Pans in Xwejni and passed through the beach town of Marsalform Bay. We stopped in Xlendi Bay, walked around the waterfront towards the watchtower and had lunch. Our last stop was the Citadel of Gozo in Rabat…the Citadel is located on top of one of Gozo’s famed three hills, stands high and proud, dominating skylines around the island. We walked the quaint streets and the walls of the fortress before taking the fast ferry back to Valletta. Again, today we explored some different areas of the beautiful and historic country of Malta.