The island of Malta has long been a popular destination for film directors, drawn by the diversity of its landscapes and its fascinating historical buildings. From ancient Megalithic Temples to underground burial sites of long-lost civilizations, there's history round every corner. The famous American-British animator Ray Harryhausen frequently used spots in Malta as shooting locations for films such as Sinbad and The Eye of the Tiger.
You'll explore several of these cinematic locations on this eight-day tour with expert local guides from your hotel base on the sunny harbourfront in Qawra. Actress Caroline Munro and Footage Detective Noel Cronin will accompany you for the duration of the tour providing their expert insights as you explore locations from films including Baby and the Battleship, Battle of the River Plate, Bedford Incident, Bolibar, Clash of the Titans, Eyewitness, Gladiator, Hell Boats, Hieronymus Merkin, Mackintosh Man, Malta Story, Midnight Express, Mister Jerico, Orca, Popeye, Pulp, Shout at the Devil, Single Handed, Sons of the Sea, Sinbad, The Eye of the Tiger, Tell England, Treasure in Malta, Twist of Sand and Vendetta for the Saint. One evening Noel will interview Caroline on her life and career, where you will have the opportunity to ask your burning questions.
Your adventure starts with a full day exploring the elegant capital, Valletta, where you'll spot locations from films including Malta Story, Battle of the River Plate and Mister Jerico. Over the next few days, look forward to exploring The Three Cities - Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua - where you'll explore filming locations from Mister Jerico, Black Eagle and They Who Dare, amongst others. You'll also get the chance to look inside the Malta Film Studios, subject to filming schedules. A day exploring central Malta will take you to stunning locations including the Palazzo Parisio, St Paul's Grotto, St Paul's Catacombs and Palazzo Falson.
A highlight will be a boat trip to the incredible natural caves of the Blue Grotto in southern Malta. These natural caves are illuminated by sunlight in the morning, with dazzling blue tones reflecting off the water's surface onto the rock.
You'll be based at the four-star Santana Hotel in Qawra, where you'll have breakfast and several dinners included. This stylish hotel is located in St Paul's Bay, just moments from the elegant seafront promenade. During your free time, enjoy the hotel's indoor and outdoor pools, sun terrace and poolside bar.
Caroline Munro is an English actress, model and singer known for her many appearances in horror, science fiction and action films of the 1970s. She is the hostess of the Friday Night Cellar Club on Talking Pictures TV.
Noel is a film aficionado who is passionate about preserving film history and is forever uncovering and spotting famous film locations. Noel is the founder of the innovative and successful Talking Pictures TV and is one half of their hit TV show, The Footage Detectives, a Sunday teatime must watch.
Today you'll depart on your flight from London Gatwick to Malta. On arrival in Malta you'll transfer to your home for the next few days, Hotel Santana in Qawra.
After some time to settle into your room you'll enjoy an included dinner in the the hotel's buffet-style restaurant, offering a selection of local and international dishes.
After an energising breakfast at the hotel, you'll set out for a full day exploring Valletta, Malta's elegant capital, where you'll see locations from films like Malta Story, Battle of the River Plate, Baby and the Battleship, Treasure in Malta, Twist of Sand, Eyewitness and Hell Boat.
You'll have included entry to the Lascaris War Rooms, a fascinating underground complex of tunnels and chambers that once housed the War Headquarters and the Sacra Infermeria, a 16th-century hospital building once run by the Order of the Knights of St John.
Other visits to look forward to today include The National War Museum at Fort St Elmo and the Grand Masters Palace. You'll also make a stop at the beloved Ollie's Bar, a cosy pub which pays tribute to Oliver Reed, who died at the bar after a night of heavy drinking in 1999, while on the island filming Gladiator.
Set out on another day of exploration today as you discover filming locations in and around Vittoriosa and Cottonera.
You'll visit Vittoriosa Waterfront, a stylish marina which you'll recognise as a filming location from Cutthroat Island and the Count of Monte Cristo.
Fort St Angelo is also on the itinerary today. This impressive bastioned fort makes appearances in Napoleon amongst others. Other visits today include The Couvre Porte, a stone gateway that gives access into the city of Vittoriosa and which has appeared in Gladiator.
After a fascinating day of exploring, return to the hotel for a relaxed dinner.
Today you'll explore film locations around Malta's centre and east coast, including entrances to Palazzo Pairsio, St Paul's Grotto, St Paul's Catacombs and Palazzo Falson.
You'll also see some filming locations from Hell Boats, Pulp, Vendetta for the Saint, Bolibar and others before returning to your hotel for dinner.
Today you'll have a full day to spend as you wish. Perhaps you'll choose to relax and make the most of some of the hotel's facilities. You could take a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool, enjoy a cocktail at the poolside bar, relax in the spa, or head to the fitness centre to work up a sweat.
Head out into Qawra to wander along the pretty seafront promenade to explore its scenic bathing areas and seafront cafes.
Dinner is not included tonight, giving you the chance to head out and eat in one of the many restaurants within easy walking distance of the hotel.
Today you'll discover two other main islands of the Maltese peninsula, Comino and Gozo. on Comino you'll have access included to St Maria's Tower, an imposing bastioned watchtower and fortress dating back to the 17th century and which appeared in the Count of Monte Cristo.
Other filming locations that you'll visit today include the Blue Lagoon, which features in Popeye and Troy, and Mġarr, a picturesque village which provided the backdrop for scenes in the Battle of the River Plate.
You'll then return for dinner at the hotel.
Today you will visit the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples, located on the top of a hill in the southern part of Malta, very close to the sea. They are believed to have been built between 3200 and 3600 BC and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A highlight of the day will be a trip to the natural caves of the Blue Grotto. These caves are illuminated by sunlight in the morning, with dazzling blue tones reflecting off the water's surface onto the rock. You will also visit 'Popeye Village Malta', the film set of the 1980 Musical Production "Popeye", The film set was constructed in Anchor Bay during the last 7 months of 1979.
You'll then return for dinner at the hotel.
Transfer back to Malta airport for your flight home.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £300. Full payment required at time of booking. Some filming locations may require additional entrance fees. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Tavel Ltd (ATOL bonded).