Malta Crochet Retreat

Today, we enjoy our first full-day workshop with Lucy at the hotel. Tea, coffee and water will be available throughout the day and a break will be taken for lunch – either eat at the hotel or head to St, Julian’s, about 15 minutes’ walk from the hotel.

This evening is free for you to enjoy at leisure.

Valletta, Malta’s capital city, is nothing short of an open-air museum. It was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980 and contains buildings dating back to the 16th century, during the rule of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as Knights Hospitaller. Walk through the bustling streets of Valletta and to Barrakka Gardens for a breathtaking panorama of the Grand Harbour, before visiting St. John’s Co-Cathedral where we will see the famous painting ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’ by Caravaggio. The painting is considered to be one of Caravaggio’s masterpieces and the only painting signed by the painter. There will be free time for lunch before this afternoon’s Grand Harbour Cruise.

The Grand Harbour of Malta is one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Throughout history the port has been used extensively and contains several forts, wharves and docks, giving it a unique character and beauty and making it one of Malta's most interesting sights to visit.

This evening is free for you to enjoy at leisure.

Today we have our second full-day workshop with Lucy at the hotel. Tea, coffee and water will be available throughout the day and a break will be taken for lunch – either eat at the hotel or head to St, Julian’s an approx. 15 minute walk from the hotel.

This evening is free for you to enjoy at leisure.

As soon as you arrive on Gozo, the charm of Malta's sister island is immediately apparent; it's greener, more rural, and smaller, with life's rhythms dictated by the seasons. Travelling to Gozo by ferry (25 mins), the tour begins with a visit to the shrine of Ta'Pinu. This important church is set in a stunning location, providing beautiful views of the surrounding area. The church is also linked to a number of 'miracles' which we will learn about during our visit.

Continue to Fontana Crafts Village where we’ll see local handmade pottery, mouth-blown glass, Gozo lace and silver filigree. An ideal stop if you want to pick up a souvenir! Continue to 'Dewjra' area for three interesting geological sites; Dwejra Bay, The Inland Sea and Admiral's Rock or, as it is better known, Fungus Rock.

After some free time for lunch we continue to Gozo’s capital city, known locally as Rabat, but you are likely to know it as Victoria. In the heart of the city lies the Cittadella, the centre of activity on the island since Neolithic times. Only a small number of families still live within the walls. Here explore quaint alleys or stroll around the walls enjoying amazing views of the island from the high bastions.

At the ancient temples of Ggantija, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, our guide will recount the history of these 'giant towers' erected during the golden neolithic period (c. 3600–2500 BCE).

Our tour will conclude as we drive through some beautiful villages, stopping at Qala belvedere for views down to the coast and in the distance the islands of Comino and Malta.

This evening is free for you to enjoy at leisure.

Your final full-day workshop with Lucy, at the hotel. Tea, coffee and water will be available throughout the day and a break will be taken for lunch – either eat at the hotel or head to St, Julian’s, an approx. 15 minute walk from the hotel.

Evening at leisure

The medieval city of Mdina, the old capital of Malta, is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled city. During this excursion, you will have time to explore the quaint alleys, narrow streets, ancient buildings and magnificent far-reaching views from the high bastion walls.

At the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk, characterised by low lying buildings and the colourful traditional fishing boats known as 'luzzu', a small market lines the seafront, selling locally produced honey, jams, wine and souvenirs. If you would like to sample fresh Mediterranean fish, there are numerous local restaurants here.

Leaving Mdina, we travel south to the Blue Grotto; a complex of seven caves, named in the 1950’s by a British soldier who compared it to Capri’s famous Grotta Azzura due to its amazing clear, bright blue waters.

Come together this evening for a 3-course dinner at the hotel, including house wine, beer, soft drinks and water.