Unlock the ancient’s secrets of the South. See the Tarxien Prehistoric Temples dating from 3150 to 2500BC, explore the Ghar Dalam Cave with the earliest evidence of human settlement in Malta and take an optional trip to the famed and highly impressive Blue Grotto.
Drive to the south of the island with the Tarxien Prehistoric Temples as the first stop.
This unique group of temples, dating from 3150 to 2500 BC, are the most complex of all temples in Malta. They comprise four temple units linked by a square court and they were the last to be built on the Islands. Their skilful construction and the elaborate design and workmanship suggest that the temple builders had gained considerable expertise over the millennia since the first phase of megalithic construction.
The temples are renowned for the detail of their carvings, which include stone idols, domestic animals carved in relief, altars and screens decorated with spiral designs and other patterns.
Your next stop will take you to the fishing village of Marsascala where you will be treated to a lunch at a restaurant renowned for it's fresh fish dishes. Following lunch the coach and guide will escort us to Ghar Dalam which literally means "Cave of Darkness" - Ghar Dalam Cave is a highly important site as it was here that the earliest evidence of human settlement on Malta, some 7,400 years ago, was discovered.
The history of the cave and of the Islands can be decoded from Ghar Dalam's stratigraphy. The lowermost layers, more than 500,000 years old, contained the fossil bones of dwarf elephants, hippopotami, micro-mammals and birds. Above the pebble layer that follows, is the so-called "deer" layer, dated to around 18,000 years ago. The top layer, dates to less than 10,000 years and holds evidence of the first humans on the Island.
The last stop is at Wied Iz-Zurrieq a quaint fishing village nestled within high imposing cliffs. From here an optional boat trip (fare not included) can be taken to reveal the splendors of the impressive Blue Grotto - a cathedral in stone, with Nature as its architect, Blue Grotto is an immense cave adorned with deep blue waters inside after which it takes its name.
Operates:
All Year: Friday
Commences: Valletta, Malta
Departure TIme: 8:30 am
| Cost: |
$80.00 US |
| Pick-up: |
Free pick-up service from most hotels |
| Meals: |
Lunch Included |
| Entrance Fees: |
Included |
| Boat Trip : |
Included |
| Duration: |
Half Day |
|
