An exploration of the world's oldest temples and the Spirit of Place on this sun-kissed Mediterranean island. You'll be traveling with Sacred Britain's tour directors Glenn and Cameron Broughton. An introduction to Earth Energy Dowsing is included.
Set on green-carpeted land, under sunny blue skies and surrounded by crystal-clear azure seas the honey-colored temples of Malta were built on exceptional sites and would have been a powerful celebration of the abundance of nature. Dwarf elephants basked in the sun while eagles soared high above. The island's treasure is its stone, a type of limestone that traps the light in its corners, its panels and its curves. This golden stone earned Malta the name of Melita, "the island of honey".
The design of the temples, their underground chambers and figurines that were found in situ would indicate that they were dedicated to the goddess. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Tarxien, Mnajdra, Hagar Qim and Ggantija are the best-preserved examples of this temple culture. The tiny islands of Malta and Gozo still have dozens of these Neolithic sacred sites, all of which predate both Stonehenge and the Pyramids. We will explore these truly ancient sites and make a conscious connection with the energies/spirit of place present.
Malta's central location in the middle of the Mediterranean made this small island country an important gateway to Europe, Africa and the East. Successively occupied by Sicilians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Knights of St. John, Napoleon and the British, Malta has a rich cultural heritage spanning 7,000 years. This is strikingly visible in the varied architecture of its towns and many churches. Despite being invaded so frequently the Maltese people have always had an international reputation for their warm hospitality.
"The inhabitants treated us with unusual kindness" - The Acts of the Apostles. "When a sick man arrives, take him to bed and just as if he were a rich lord, give him the best the house has to offer" - From the Statute of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John.
This generosity of spirit combined with the responsive energies of the land create an unconditional welcome. The natural beauty, the sea and the sunshine also contribute to raise your spirits and set the scene for an unparalleled and transformational experience. Be prepared for your heart to be opened. Malta is less than 20 miles by 8 miles and so there are no long journeys involved. The schedule will be kept light to allow for relaxed and meaningful time wherever we go. All activities are of course optional allowing for you to choose from the guided schedule and more personal time catering for your own interests and needs.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, Sunday, 4 May: Collection from Malta International Airport. Rest up or free time to explore locally before pre-dinner Introductions meeting. Dinner at hotel.
Day 2, Monday, 5 May: Orientation meeting, including an introduction to earth energy dowsing to help you experience the powerful energies of the islands. This afternoon we visit the Hal Saflieni temples at Tarxien including the Hypogeum. We will be guided through what is the most complete temple on Malta, which is an underground temple complex. You will be able to try out your new-found dowsing skills.
Day 3, Tuesday, 6 May: Morning visit to Ta' Hagrat and Skorba temples. Many ancient temple sites in Malta were constructed in pairs as were these two. We have arranged to visit during the only time in the week when they are open, on a Tuesday morning. Then we will go to St Paul’s Bay for lunch. After lunch we can explore Bugibba and Ta'Qadi temples before a visit to the Mosta Dome, the third largest unsupported dome or rotunda in Europe after St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London. Includes: (D)
Day 4, Wednesday, 7 May: An introduction to the goddess culture of Malta through the ancient pottery figures that have been found at the various sacred sites, with Sina Farrugia an expert Maltese ceramicist. After her talk Sina will accompany us to the Archeology Museum in Valletta to see some of the statuettes and artifacts found at the temples.
The rest of the day is free time to explore the capital city of Valletta. Important places of interest include: St. John’s Co-cathedral, the magnificent and ornate church of the Knights Hospitallers.
Magnificent views of Grand Harbour from the elevated position of Barakka Gardens, Auberge de Castille one of Valletta’s finest old buildings and now the official residence of the Prime Minister
The Sacra Infermeria the original hospital of the Knights.
Day 5, Thursday, 8 May: Visit to Mdina, considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of an inhabited medieval citadel in Europe. Explore its labyrinth of narrow winding streets and view the island from its ramparts. Just across a park lie the ancient suburbs, called Rabat that are now outside the city walls. Close by is an old Roman house containing a fine mosaic pavement. Free afternoon.
Day 6, Friday, 9 May: Today we take a short ferry ride to the neighboring island of Gozo, often called Calypso’s Island after the nymph who kept Ulysses there for seven years. We will visit Ggantija temples, the oldest free standing structure in the world. This is a magnificent semi-ruined temple complex containing the largest stone on the islands. Ta’Cenc is the largest area of undeveloped land on Gozo and offers fabulous views of the surrounding countryside and across to Malta.
The Citadel with its fortified walls sits in the center of the island and commands stunning views over the whole of Gozo. Contained within its boundaries are palaces and a cathedral. Standing out dramatically from the flat surrounding landscape is Ta’Pinu Sanctuary and finally the natural beauty of Dwejra Bay and the Azure Window complete this full day on Gozo. Includes: (D)
Day 7, Saturday, 10 May: This day is left open for a possible visit to the Three Cities (Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea) the original settlements of the Knights Hospitalliers and the least touristy cities on the island, free time for relaxing and to allow flexibility in the schedule. Dinner at hotel.
Day 8, Sunday, 11 May: Morning visit to the picturesque Sunday market at Marsaxlokk followed by a visit to Kordin III temple site. Afternoon sightseeing boat trip around the Grand Harbour at Valletta. See the largest harbor in Europe from the best vantage point, on the water (90 minutes).
Day 9, Monday, 12 May: This morning we take a boat ride from Wied iz-Zurrieq along the rocky southern coastline visiting the many flooded caves including the Blue Grotto cave. We have planned to be there at a time when the light penetrates furthest into the caves. Inside the rock is tinted pink, mauve or orange by coral and minerals and the water can change color from indigo and navy to azure and emerald according to the light. (50 minutes boat ride). After lunch if they have been reopened to the public after months of restoration work we will visit Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temple complexes. Farewell Dinner at hotel.
Day 10, Tuesday, 13 May: To the airport for return flights home. Bon voyage!
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
This tour is now being offered at a discounted price.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Malta
Pilgrimage/Spirituality
Archeology/History
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