We had a picturesque drive through the city starting off by passing the Valletta fortifications via Fort St Elmo to the quaint fishing village of Marsaxlokk, where we saw the local fishermen at work. We also saw the colourful Maltese fishing boats known as the 'luzzu'. At the village of Mosta, we saw the exterior of the Mosta Dome, a magnificent domed church, known as the Mosta Rotunda, and said to be the third largest, unsupported church dome in Europe. In World War II, the Church took a direct hit from a German bomb during a mass. The bomb pierced the dome, but failed to explode making this event legendary.

We had a refreshment stop at Villa Arrigo, before heading for a drive through Rabat and Mdina. The old medieval capital of Mdina rises above central Malta, its bastions and Cathedral dome dominating the skyline. It is a place of timeless atmosphere, cultural and religious treasures.

We visited the Mdina Glass Factory at the Ta` Qali Crafts Village, and saw the talented local glass blowers at work.

We returned to the ship via the scenic coast road and through the towns of Sliema and St Julian's and had time to visit the Hard Rock Cafe on the waterfront before returning to the ship.