VALLETTA, MALTA

Travelling to the southern part of the island, our first visit is to Qrendi, where we find the Hagar Qim Temples, likened to Stonehenge and originally built about 2700 BC. The site of these temples – high above the sea – was chosen well.

Travelling to the southern part of the island, our first visit is to Qrendi, where we find the Hagar Qim Temples, likened to Stonehenge and originally built about 2700 BC. The site of these temples – high above the sea – was chosen well. For some unknown reason the axis of the first temple was altered and the temple itself was extended several times. The stone used in the building of this temple is of globigerina limestone, which is rather soft and relatively simple to work with, and for this reason there are several ‘porthole’ openings in Hagar Qim. From here it is a short drive to the megalithic Tarxien Temples. At no other site in Malta is the evolution of prehistoric temple building better exemplified. The earliest temple, now unfortunately in a vestigial state dates back to around 2800 BC, while the more recent of the four temples dates from some 700 years later. Inside these temples is a statue originally thought to have been at least two-and-a half metres (eight feet) in height, representing a mother goddess; now broken in half with the top part missing, the base of the statue still stands at the height of one metre (three feet). It is believed to be the only piece of monumental sculpture belonging to this early period. Our final stop will be at the Ghar Dalam Cave, where the first traces of life on the island, dating back to around 18,000 years ago, were discovered. Here we will be able to admire the fossils of the animals that once populated the island during the ice age, before starting our return journey. Enroute back to our ship, we will make a stop at Marsaxlokk, an ideal photo opportunity of a picturesque village with its multicoloured boast, stone houses and fisherman at work. Please note that this tour involves approximately 1½ hours of walking mostly over uneven ground. There are about 40 steps to negotiate at the Ghar Dalam Cave. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. This tour is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN SEASON