For more information please click on Destination Malta I

For more information, please click on: Destination Malta I n c e n t i v e P R O G R A M M a l t a 7 n i g h t s 1 M A P O F M A L T A 2 DAY 1 OPTION 1 – ARRIVAL IN MALTA AND TRANSFER TO THE HOTEL Arrival of the delegates at Malta International airport On Site Malta representatives will welcome the delegates at the airport and lead them to a Mercedes E-Class, Vintage Car, Minibus or a Deluxe 50 seater coach and luggage van (depending on the number of clients arriving at the same time). The luggage van will go directly to the hotel and the delegates will find their luggage’s in the rooms upon arrival. All luggages are to be clearly marked with the full name of the delegates. OPTIONAL – On the coach transfer to the hotel, we can organize an English or German speaking guide on the coach who will give a brief explanation of Malta’s history during the 15/20 minute journey to the hotel. Arrival at the hotel and a private check-in will take place in a reserved area. A welcome drink will be offered to the delegates on the terrace of the hotel (weather permitting and depending on the hotel chosen). The delegates will find their luggage’s in the rooms as well as a welcome gift (optional). Afternoon at leisure 3 OPTION 2 - ARRIVAL IN MALTA AND VISIT TO VALLETTA – THE CAPITAL CITY OF MALTA WITH A DIFFERENCE The clients will leave directly from the airport to the Upper Barracca Gardens with a German/an English speaking guide where they will be welcomed by with a glass of sparkling wine/champagne and canapés. The views from these Gardens of the Three Cities are superb. After the welcome drink the delegates will be taken for a short tour of Valletta with a difference. We will travel back to the times of the Knights of St. John and the fortified capital of Malta. Valletta, Jean de la Vallette, French Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, built the capital after the epic siege of 1565. It dominates, in one wide sweep, the island’s historical Grand Harbour - one of the finest natural ports. We are recommending a very interesting and unusual way to discover Valletta. The tour is referred to as ‘The secret life of the Knights of St. John’s Based on the Knight’s theme, the visit around Valletta will investigate the secrets and sexual adventures of the Knights and prostitution in Malta. This means that the participants will pass through the back streets of the city, discovering various forgotten corners and stories and practices which took place all those years ago…. NOTE – Should you wish to do a more normal visit of Valletta, please let us know. 17.00 hrs Transfer to the hotel. DINNER IN THE HOTEL 20.00 hrs Dinner in the hotel Overnight 4 DAY 2/3/4/5/6 Breakfast at leisure in the hotel’s main restaurant OPTION 1 - EXPERIENCE OF GOZO Gozo … The Islands always conjure up a sense of escapism and mystery…and nowhere more so than Gozo. The Island is a third of the size of Malta, lusher and more rural, and exudes a relaxed pace of life. It is the ideal secluded bolthole, and at just 20 minutes or so by ferry from Malta, you can make the hop even on the shortest stay here. What make Gozo special are its legends, folklore and crafts. The Island’s history is a mix of myth and reality. We can only do justice to the special atmosphere of Gozo by relating both together. 09.00 hrs Meeting in the lobby and departure from the hotel to Cirkewwa by coach. At the hospitality desk we will give a towel to each guest to use during the day. Optional – depending on the hotel chosen we can leave the hotel by speedboat or have a transfer by coach to the nearest harbour and transfer to Gozo by speedboats. 10.30 hrs Arrival in Gozo and start of the Experience Gozo Hunt. The delegates will be split in teams of 3/4/5 pax per jeep and will be given a map of Gozo and a booklet with places of interest to see during the day. The alternative can be the following: 5 Optional 1 Jeep Tour – we usually have a specific route for the clients to see the most amazing scenario. This will include a driver on the first jeep and last jeep as well as a licensed guide to explain the story of Gozo and the places they will visit. An example of the route will be the following: • • • • • Stage 1: Qala - panoramic view of the islands of Comino and Malta Stage 2: Calypso Cave - we visit the cave of Ulysses and history about the legend Stage 3: Marsalforn - Gozo’s fishing village Stage 4: The Salt pans of Qbajjar – Optional - We can surprise the client by organising a refreshing break on the salt pans, including Fresh Fruit Kebabs, coffee (in winter months) and fruit juices. While enjoying this refreshing treat, the owners of the saltpans will be coming over to explain to the clients, how they extract salt from the pans. Stage 5: Village of Zebbug - (in Maltese “Zebbug” means olives) Stage 6: The capital city of Gozo, Victoria, with its citadel • • 6 Option 2 – Jeep Treasure Hunt – The Treasure hunt … This ‘event’ is an excellent opportunity to travel all across the Island whilst being on a hunt, hence in constant competition. There will be a briefing by On Site Malta Representative to all the delegates regarding the Treasure Hunt. There will be 6 seater jeeps with 5 persons (max) in each. Every team will have to name itself and will be given a bag containing - a Polaroid camera with 10 photos - a map of Gozo - a pen - a clipboard with the Treasure Hunt programme and points to score To score points, the teams have to answer questions which are in connection with the Maltese/Gozitan history. Each team has a Polaroid camera with 10 photos and a list of categories, eg. Churches, people, places and bays. They have to shoot 2 photos of each category and score as many points as possible. They also have to find and bring as many treasures i.e., Maltese ‘Gbejniet’ (cheese) and for this the team would have to stop and ask for local help. After lunch the Photo Treasure Hunt continues and every participant will be advised of a meeting point for the end of the Treasure Hunt. All treasures and bags are given to the On Site Malta representative for points to be counted and the delegates will then proceed to board the ferry/speedboat or another means of transport to cross back to Malta. Option 3 – Experience Gozo by yourself In this case we will provide the delegates with an informative booklet of places and things to see from lovely beaches to churches and traditional bakeries. The delegates will be free to do what they would like during the day from meeting the locals, visit the local heritage or doing nothing at all except sunbathing!! 7 OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES WHILST ON THE HUNT – TASTE OF MALTESE BREAD Gozo is renowned for its particular crispy bread. Although it has lost its overwhelming importance in the folkloristic Gozitan diet, bread accompanies the great majority of local dishes, be it stews, bakes or salads. It also goes down well on its own with some freshly picked tomato and with one or two Gozitan sheep cheeselets. We can give the delegates the opportunity to stop at one of the Bakeries to try some of the lovely bread as a mid morning snack. The particular bakery we are suggesting is about 100 years old. It has one oven that is heated by log fire. The oven outlet is made from cast iron, cast at a foundry in Malta. Apart from traditional bread, the bakery is also famous for its Ftajjar (local pies made from unleavened dough). The latter is very popular with tourists and locals alike. One should mention that although the bakery is rather small, packed and quite hectic, it keeps delivering with remarkable clockwork like organization. We can organize for our guest to stop and buy some of the special bread. We can either give them cash or vouchers to exchange at the bakery. 8 DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR LUNCH OPTION 1 13.00 hrs Lunch will be held at the Ta’ Cenc Restaurant where delicious Italian cuisine will be served under a large carob tree. OPTION 2 13.00 hrs Lunch will be served at il-Kartell Restaurant situated at the water’s edge. 14.30hrs 16.30hrs 17.00 hrs Continuation of the jeep tour selected All jeeps will return to Mgarr harbour in Gozo. Transfer back to Malta by ferry boat/speedboat or another means of transport. Transfer back to the hotel by speedboats or the ferry. The transfer time for a speedboat transfer to St. Julian’s is approx. 45/50 min. 17.45hrs Return to the hotel. 9 OPTION 2 - MOUNTAIN BIKING – HALF DAY 09.00 hrs Departure from the hotel to the start of our mountain biking adventure. This is a fantastic way to enjoy the Maltese landscape by bike. Malta has various tracks, which bring you out to stunning viewpoints. Our bike tours can be as challenging as you wish to make them. Below are some sample routes: Route 1: We start from Mdina, cycle towards Buskett and Dingli Cliffs, and finish off at Wied iz-Zurrieq Difficulty: Moderate Duration: approx. 2.5hrs Route 2: Starting off from near Dingli Chapel we cycle towards Bingemma, Mgarr and finish at Golden Bay Difficulty: Moderate Duration: approx. 2.5hrs Route 3: We start our ride from Xemxija. From here we cycle towards Mizieb, Popeye Village, Mellieha Bay and finish at Armier Bay. Difficulty: This is a more challenging ride as there is more off-road involved. Duration: approx. 3hrs Route 4: Starting off from Mgarr, we make our way through Bingemma down to Rabat. From Rabat we cycle towards Dingli Cliffs, where we make our way along the cliffs to Wied iz-Zurrieq. Our bike tour continues along the coast toward B’Bugia and finishes at Marsaxlokk. Difficulty: Moderate. Duration: approx. 5.5hrs All tours will include bikes, Helmets, Extra Bikes, Delivery of bikes, Back-up Vehicle, 1 small bottle of water per person, 2 Coordinators & First Aider & First Aid Facilities 13.00 hrs 15.00 hrs End of the activity in a countryside restaurant where the delegates will have lunch. Return to the hotel 10 OPTION 3 – MDINA PHOTO TREASURE HUNT 09.00hrs Briefing in the hotel’s main meeting room and departure to the old Capital City of Mdina. A different and fun way of experiencing Mdina’s historical treasures! This is a great event to exercise your ability to work together as a team. The delegates are divided in teams of 8/10 pax each. Each team is supplied with question sheets, Polaroid camera, map and a pencil. Besides answering questions, participants will be asked to take photos of the most interesting places and collect items from local people. Successful completion of the day will depend on teamwork, keen observation and creativity. 09.45hrs Start of the Mdina Walking Treasure Hunt. 13.00hrs Return to the hotel or lunch in Mdina area. All the treasure hunt packs will be given to our coordinators who will then calculate who is the winning team. 11 OPTION 4 - COOKING LESSON IN A PRIVATE HOUSE – (15/20 pax max or groups will have the lessons back to back and they will have lunch together. The house can accommodate up to 40 to eat) 09.00 hrs Departure from the hotel to a private house in one of the Maltese Villages. The lady of the house will show the delegates how to cook the real Maltese Home food. Arrival at the private house, where the delegates will be welcomed by the lady of the house. The delegates will be taken to the garden and tea, coffee & Kinnie the local drink will be served to all the delegates with home made Maltese cookies. 09.30 hrs 10.00 hrs A demonstration of at least 5 dishes such as bigilla, Ghagin il-Forn (baked Maltese Pasta), Soppa ta l’Armla (Widows Soup), Bragjoli, Rabbit Stew, Cannoli and Pudina will be done in the kitchen. All the delegates will help with the cooking and the end result will be either eaten at the house with the family or taken with them to another venue such a boat for a harbour cruise or a garden. This will depend on the groups schedule. Usually we ask the lady of the house to prepare enough food before hand to be sure that enough food is cooked and cooked in time for the delegates to try the dishes as some dishes take a long time to cook or bake. 12.30 hrs 15.00 hrs Lunch will be served or departure from the private house with the food to the next destination. Return to the hotel 12 OPTION 5 - WINE TASTING IN THE MORNING AND VISIT TO THE CRAFTS VILLAGE FOLLOWED BY TEAMBUILDING OR EXCURSION 09.30hrs Departure from the hotel to a private winery. Visitors are welcomed in the Courtyard or reception Area and are given an introduction on how and when the project was started, the meaning of a “wine estate” and a mention of the characteristics of the winery itself. The guests are then taken to the Upper Terrace where photographs may be taken of the breathtaking view of the vineyard. There, the visitors are given a short explanation about the vines, planting methods, irrigation and other details. The processing of the grapes is then explained and afterwards guests are invited to the Directors’ Room and Terrace where they may sample our wines. The group can have tasting of two, three or four different wines of the estate accompanied by Maltese cheese and biscuits. NOTE: The winery is near the Ta’ Qali crafts village so I would suggest that if the whole group would be going for the tour of the winery and wine tasting we will split the group into 2 groups of 40 each. One group will start with a visit of the craft centre and one group will do the winery and then they will swoop. OPTION 1 – LUNCH AT RAZZETT L’ ABJAD FOLLOWED BY MEDIEVAL GAMES 12.30 hrs Departure from Ta Qali to Razzett L’Abjad which is situated five minutes away for a typical Maltese. ‘La Petite Ferme Blanche’ - an original typical Maltese Farmhouse over three hundred years old with a unique setting and idyllic surroundings. It has a historic background, full of character and tradition. The farmhouse is surrounded by a Vineyard and an orange grove, ornamental trees and climbers. The delegates will be served a Maltese Lunch in this typical farmhouse. Optional - A Guitarist and Accordion will entertain the clients throughout the meal and a group of folklore dancers perform at the end of the lunch. 15.00 hrs After a mouthwatering lunch the group will participate in the Medieval Games on the fields of Razzett L-Abjad. Enriching team competitive 13 spirit, this tournament harks back to the times when chivalry and gallantry reigned supreme. Teams, of 10 participants each, rotate around a series of period games including: Jousting, Bridge Building, Bocci and Horseshoe toss. Scores are kept of each team’s performance at each activity. The Games will include; Horse Jousting: Two opponents wearing horse and knight costume run and try to capture coloured rings with their lance. Bocci: Each team has three throws to get its ‘bocca’ (an oddly shaped bowl) nearest to the ‘likk’. The team whose ‘bocca’ finishes closest to the ‘likk’ wins the game. Horseshoe Toss: A horseshoe is tossed at a spike driven into the ground. The aim is to land the horseshoe around the spike. Pole Jousting: Sitting astride a wooden pole and armed only with a pugil stick, here’s your chance to prove you really are a ‘Knight in Shining Armour’. As the dual commences you will have to try and make sure you’re not knocked off your pole. Gauntlet: Can you picture Richard Gere in the movie 'First Knight' going through the various deadly obstacles in order to get to kiss Julia Ormond? Can you picture our participants going through the same but less deadly obstacles in order to gain as many points as possible for their team? Bridge Building: The team is faced with a collapsed bridge. Some equipment has been washed to the shore and the team must use this to rebuild the bridge and get the whole team safely across. Archery: Often referred to as "the sport for a lifetime", archery has a fascinating legacy that includes individuals of all backgrounds and ages. A dummy will be positioned some 10 metres away from the participants who will hit the target. Points will be awarded according to the area hit. Catapults: The slingshot, or catapult as it was called in 19th century England, consisted of an elastic band fixed to a forked stick. To fire the slingshot/catapult, a spherical projectile, such as a stone or lead ball is 14 placed in a leather pouch attached to the middle of the elastic bands. The pouch and the projectile are pinched together, drawn back and released. Our participants won't throw lead balls but water filled sponges at a target which is put some distance away. 17:00 hrs After the games the group will transfer back to the hotel for some time to relax. OPTION 2 – LUNCH AT THE MEDINA FOLLOWED BY A TOUR 12.30 hrs 13.00 hrs Departure from Ta Qali to Mdina which is situated five minutes away for lunch. Lunch will be served at the Medina Restaurant situated in one of the many narrow streets in Mdina. The restaurant is an original Norman residence hidden amongst the honeycombed streets of Mdina, Malta's medieval capital. The restaurant exudes natural charm and character whilst being surrounded beneath the flowering Oleander in the vine-clustered courtyard during the summer months and by candle-light in winter. As the building is an old Norman residence the inside has a lovely atmosphere with rooms consists of one arched room after another which need little adornment. After lunch the group will be accompanied around Mdina for a short tour of the old capital city of Malta 16.00 hrs Return to the hotel 15 EXCURSIONS OPTION 1 - VALLETTA AND DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR THE AFTERNOON - A VISIT TO A PRIVATE HOME or A VISIT OF THE HARBOUR ON TRADITIONAL BOATS or VISIT TO THE HYPOGEUM - FULL DAY TOUR 09.00hrs Transfer to Valletta in Deluxe coaches with an English/German speaking guide/s who will accompany the group throughout the day. Architecturally superb, Valletta was built by the Order of St. John after the Great Siege. Foundations were laid in 1566 and the plan was to build an impregnable fortress containing a civilized, elegant city. In Fact, one of the most significant aspects of Valetta is that is was architecturally planned from scratch on the virgin land of the Sceberras peninsula that lies between Marsamexxtt and the Grand Harbour. It was the most strategic position on the island, the one most coveted by the Turks during the siege. Grand Master La Valetta made it his for all time. For this reason, Valletta is literally overflowing with palace, churches, monuments and works of art. Today, it may be the commercial hub of the island but it has retained all of its historical, architectural charm. During the day, we will visit some of the most spectacular monuments left in Valletta such as the Co-Cathedral of St. John and the Caravaggio, the Grand Master’s Palace and the Upper Barracca. St. John’s Co-Cathedral and Museum This is Malta’s most prized monument to the glorious epoch of the Knight. It was originally the Conventual Church of the Order, the focus of religious ritual and obedient service dedicated to the St. John, who was patron saint of the Order. In St. John’s Square, the surrounding space allows a full view of its somewhat austere façade giving the impression of strength and solidity, of a forthright and noble purpose. For more than 70 years after its completion, St. John’s remained a vast stone structure barren of decoration. In 1661, Grand Rafael Cottoner commissioned Mattia Preti, one of the outstanding artists of the Italian Seicento, to decorate the ceiling and redesign the interior. The floor is paved with marble slabs, each the tomb of a Knight bearing his coat of arms in intricate inlay. 16 In the Oratory is Caravaggio’s masterpiece ‘The Beheading of St. John’ which one renowned critic has described as the painting of the 17th century. The adjacent museum relates solely to the history of St.John’s when it was the Conventual church of the Order. It contains silver, sacred churches vestments and beautifully scripted and illustrated chorals books. Most of the treasury’s priceless riches were plundered by Napoleon’s troops in 1798. Fortunately the unique collection of Flemish tapestries was spared. There are 14 pieces, all in mint condition; they were a gift of Grand Master Ramon Perellos at the beginning f he 18th century. The Grand Masters’ Palace. This magnificent palace was the administrative headquarters of the Order of St. John’, the seat of the council, the control centre for matters f state, for military, economic an religious decisions as well as the formal court of the Grand Master. Designed by the prolific Gerolamo Cassar, it was completed in 1574 and over the centuries has remained the focal point of government. Plaques and paintings, decoration and furnishings reflect the varied history of the Order, British colonial rule and the Republic of Malta. Today it is the office of the President and home of Parliament, where a functional space has been converted into the House of Representatives. 17 13.00 hrs Meeting for lunch at the Carriage Restaurant. The Carriage Restaurant stands high above Valletta’s roof tops with a spectacular sea view. The simple and understated décor works well with such an impressive panorama, which leaves no distraction for what is to follow. The food is a home-made modern Mediterranean food. 13.00hrs Optional: On arrival a glass of sparkling wine will be served on the terrace overlooking the grand harbour (weather permitting). Lunch will be served at ‘The carriage’ which stands high above Valletta's, Malta's Capital City, roof tops with a spectacular sea view. Continuation of the tour. We are offering you different options for the afternoon 13.15 hrs OPTION 1 - DURING THE AFTERNOON - A VISIT TO A PRIVATE HOUSE - CASA ROCCA PICCOLA 15.00 hrs Visit of Casa Rocca Piccola a 16th Century Palazzo in Republic street. Casa Rocca Piccola is the lived-in home of an ancient Maltese family, whose history goes back over 400 years to an era in which the Knights of Malta, having successfully fought off the invading Turks in 1565, decided to build themselves a prestigious city to rival European capitals and at the same time a fortification to defend the island from any future attacks. Palaces were designed for prestige and aesthetic beauty in most of Valletta's carefully planned streets, and great bastion walls fortified the new 16th century city. As your guide will explain, Casa Rocca Piccola is more than a museum. It is a living relic of a past way of life burdened with the pretensions and aspirations of a Maltese lineage. The palace houses various memorabilia - some are interesting for their aesthetic beauty, others have a true historical value whilst some pieces contribute to the overall scene and will drag you into a different era. Climbing the marble staircase you will approach the 8 principal rooms on the piano nobile. Dominating the top landing are the various coats 18 of arms, murals and chandeliers dating back to the 18th century and the work of famous artists such as Ramiro Cali. The principal rooms include the family chapel, a small version of the typical Maltese church; the Four-Poster Bedroom where the show piece is the bed. This bed is particularly important, as one of the 9 children born in it is now a candidate for sainthood. He was the founder of the Missionary Society of St Paul which has flourished in Canada, Australia, Peru and other parts of the world. The bedroom also boasts a bobblin lace bedcover which took more than 2 years to finish, Venetian blow glass, a 16th century wooden chest and a golden sedan chair made for the Knight of Malta Fra' Victor Nicolas de Vachon Belmont who was Captain General of the Galleys between October 1764 and January 1766. Other attractions include the Green Room with its outstanding pieces of Maltese furniture, such as the magnificent marquetry bureau-bookcase made in 1640; the library, the Prophyry Room with its original 400 year old soffit; the Blue Room boasting works of Annigoni, the Rathmells and Caruan Dingli, and others; the Dining Room laid out with silver and china and Maltese lace, tablemats embroidered with the family coat of arms, and much more. At the end of the tour the delegates will be served tea in the Palazzo’s Garden in the company of the Count De Depiro and his wife. 16.15 hrs 17.30 hrs Free time for shopping Return to the hotel OPTION 2 - DURING THE AFTERNOON - A VISIT OF THE HARBOUR ON TRADITIONAL BOATS 15.00 hrs Departure from the restaurant to the harbour of Valletta about 5 minutes on foot. The delegates will find awaiting for them the traditional ‘dghajsa’ and the skippers. Each ‘dghajsa’ takes 6 pax and the clients will have a short visit of the harbour and will finish at the City of Vittoriosa. The guides will explain the Three Cities area before and after the harbour tour. 16.30 hrs Return to the hotel. 19 OPTION 3 - DURING THE AFTERNOON - A VISIT OF THE HYPOGEUM NOTE: Please note that for the Hypogeum, we will need to book the tickets at least 30 days in advance as only 10 guests can visit these underground temples every hour. We also suggest that the groups will be small so that there is not a lot of waiting time. Depending on the numbers we can suggest a The Hypogeum, or underground cavity, is a unique monument and a splendid example of architecture in the negative. It was discovered accidentally in 1902 by a stone mason who was laying the foundations of some houses. A Jesuit priest, Father Magri S.J., was appointed to report on the underground remains. However in 1907, he was sent on mission work to Sfax, Tunisia, and while there he passed away. Unfortunately, his reports of this early, critical work in the unearthing the Hypogeum have never been found. The next person to assume responsibility for the excavation was Temi Zammit, the first Director of Malta’s Museum’s Department and a distinguished professor of medicine. Sir Temi was later knighted for his contribution to medical science. His excavation yielded a wealth of archaeological material including much pottery and human bones, personal ornaments such as beads and amulets, little carved animals and larger figurines. The Hypogeum consists of halls, chambers and passages hewn out of the living rock and covering some 500m². The rock-cut chambers are of a diverse shapes and sizes and finished to different standards of workmanship. The complex is grouped in three levels – the upper level (3600-3300 BC), the middle level (3300-3000 BC), and the lower level (3150 -2500 BC). The deepest room in the lower level is 10.6 metres under road surface. The upper level consists of a large hollow with a central passage and burial chambers cut on each side. One of the chambers still contains original burial deposits. The middle level consists of various chambers very smoothly finished, which give the impression of built masonry. The workmanship is all the more impressive when one considers that the chambers were meticulously carved using only flint and stone tools. Curvilinear and spiral paintings in red ochre are still visible in some areas. This unique monument is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. To ensure its conservation, the site’s microclimate is strictly regulated: temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide levels are constantly monitored to ensure the Hypogeum’s survival for future generations. 17.00 hrs Return to the hotel 20 OPTION 2 - TA QALI (Crafts Village), RABAT AND MDINA AND A VISTI TO A PRIVATE HOME - FULL DAY TOUR 09.00hrs Transfer to Mdina in Deluxe coaches with an English speaking guide/s who will accompany the group throughout the day. This imposing citadel, perched high on a plateau, commands magnificent views over land and to the sea. It is one of the world’s finest examples of a medieval walled cit still inhabited. It is surrounded by steep vertical bastions and a dry moat. Its history is as old as that of the island and can be traced back more than 4,000 years. Even during the Bronze Age it was a fortified settlement. The Phoenicians built a cit well around Mdina ands the surrounding country side (now part of Rabat) and when it was incorporated into the Republic of Rome in 218 BC it became the island’s capital, known as Melita. Within the walls of our Silent City one can visit many places of interest. The most obvious of these is the Cathedral dedicated to the Conversion of Saint Paul. The Cathedral was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693 and the present cathedral rose four years later under the direction of Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa. The Cathedral Museum. Many treasures not pillaged by the French are on exhibition here. There’s a wealth of paintings, sculpture and marble mosaic work, historical vestments, beautifully illuminated choir books dating from the 11th century and a vast coin collection. Paintings and engravings are by Rembrandt, Piranese, Goya, van dyck and Durer. One of the particular work is a painting of he ‘Maddonna and Child’ said to be by St. Lukes who was stranded in Malta with St. Paul in AD 60. 21 From Mdina, the tour will proceed to the neighbouring town of Rabat where we can visit St. Pauls Church and the Catacombs as well as the Roman villa. St. Pauls Church, Grotto and Catacombs The Maltese Islands are rich in Late Roman and Byzantine burial sites. St Paul’s Catacombs are a typical complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the 4th century AD. They are located on the outskirts of the old Roman capital Melite (today’s Mdina), since Roman law prohibited burials within the city. St Paul’s Catacombs represent the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta and owes its name to the widely held myth that it was related to St Paul’s Grotto. These catacombs were cleared up and investigated in 1894 by Dr A. A. Caruana, the pioneer of Christian archaeology in Malta. The Maltese catacombs, when compared with those of Rome, Sicily and North Africa, although much more modest in size have a wider variety and richness of tomb architecture. The architecture of St Paul’s Catacombs is the result of an indigenous development which was barely influenced by overseas traditions. An imposing hall acts as the centre of St Paul’s Catacombs. Passages lead off from it in several directions into a bewildering series of tomb galleries. The few surviving murals, despite their fragmentary state, are of considerable interest since they constitute the only surviving evidence on the Islands of painting from the Late Roman and early medieval periods. Among the most interesting features of St Paul’s Catacombs are the circular tables which are set in a low platform with sloping sides and appear to resemble a reclining, circular couch. Both table and couch are hewn out in one piece forming a single architectural unit within an apsed 22 recess. They were probably used to host commemorative meals during the annual festival of the dead when the rites of burials were renewed. The Roman Villa The mosaic pavements in the ‘Roman house’ at Rabat rank among the finest and oldest mosaic compositions from the western Mediterranean, alongside those of Pompeii and Sicily. They were discovered in 1881 just outside Mdina in the remains of a rich and sumptuously decorated town house of the Roman period. These remarkably fine polychrome mosaic pavements were uncovered during the first excavations at the site. At that time, architectural elements of the building were restored and a number of rooms constructed over the remains to protect the mosaics. The site was investigated further between 1920 and 1924 by Sir Themistocles Zammit, Malta’s first Director of Museums. An upper hall was added to the existing museum so as to provide more exhibition space and a more suitable entrance. Its neo-classical façade with a small front garden was completed in 1925. The mosaics are composed using two techniques. Small cubes of marble or stone are embedded closely together in cement in a reticular manner. The very minuteness of the pieces, which are not always set in straight lines but vary in direction to suit the artist’s requirements, brought out greater definition in the work which sought to imitate painting. The Roman House also has an exhibition of arte facts which bear witness to the rich material culture and flourishing Roman civilization in Malta 13.00 hrs Lunch in Mdina or Rabat depending on the number of delegates A VISIT TO A PRIVATE HOUSE – CASA BERNARD IN RABAT 15.00 hrs Departure from the hotel to Rabat to visit Casa Bernard. Situated near St. Paul's Church, this late 16th Century Palazzo with great character and perfectly preserved, has been recently restored to its pristine splendour. 23 The house combines beautiful architectural features with a rich historical evolution in its layout, originally starting off as a medieval Fortizza or Fortress built on roman Foundations, progressing to a double fronted Palazzo in the 1580's and then given some Baroque additions in the early 18th Century. There are some outstanding features in the austere but imposing facade with its balcony which was originally triple-corbelled, its original late 16th Century heavy, studded front door, a magnificent barrel-vaulted hallway, a stone staircase, a charming courtyard and garden with overlooking open balcony, a long and quaint arched refractory, a cellar with a chapel, a piano noble of impressive dimensions with a fine library adjacent and lovely 'garigor' (spiral staircase) leading to a three storied watch tower. The house is amply furnished with period furniture and is equipped with all modern amenities, including a fully-functional arched kitchen with marble tops, three bathrooms and a cater closet. At the end of the tour the delegates will be served tea in the Palazzo’s Garden in the company of the Mr Magri and his wife. TA’ QALI CRAFT VILLAGE Ta' Qali Crafts Village in Malta, is where local experts create all kinds of beautiful arte facts, from blown glass to Maltese lace, and from pottery to intricate filigree jewellery. We will give you the opportunity to look for a unique souvenir to take home, or just some time to watch skilled craftspeople at work. 17.30 hrs Return to the hotel 24 DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR DINNERS OPTION 1 – DINNER AT BARRACUDA - (RESERVED AREA) 20.00hrs 20.15hrs Transfer to St Julians, to the Barracuda, St. Julian's. Arrival at the Barracuda restaurant situated in St. Julians, which started as a small fishing port around the two bays of Spinola and Balluta and now it is a major residential town and tourist centre. Hotels of all categories abound, with a high class Casino, amusement halls, discotheques and night spots providing entertainment for everyone. The Barracuda Restaurant takes you away from all this. It is set at the pivotal point of St. Julian’s Bay with its terrace directly above the water! The Barracuda Restaurant welcomes its guests to dine in comfort and enjoyment overlooking the enchanting bays of Balluta and Spinola. In this unique setting, the dining area occupies what was once the drawing room of a prominent early XVIII century seaside residential villa. This has been knowingly converted with flourish to retain its Maltese characteristic qualities. The acclaimed award "Din l-Art Helwa" was awarded for the careful preservation of this old bicentenary building housing the Barracuda Restaurant. The decor of emblazoned elegance suits the different moods and occasions of the restaurant's local and international esteemed patrons. Dinner will be served overlooking the beautiful bay, whilst a delicious fish based dinner will be served. 22.30hrs Approx return to the hotel 25 OPTION 2 - DINNER ZEST RESTAURANT - (RESERVED AREA) 20.00hrs Transfer on foot (depending on the hotel chosen) to St. Julian’s Bay for dinner at Zest Restaurant. ZEST… where East meets West in both dining and décor. The chic restaurant is a point of encounter between Continental and Asian cuisine in a contemporary ambiance. Attractive features include an open wine cellar and cooking station on the restaurant floor, where patrons can sit around the chef and enjoy the art of preparing cold Asian cuisine. Located on the first floor and using the transformed town house's original entrance and external staircase. East meets West also in design, with a focus on comfort in the form of bench seating and sink-into sofas in soothing and striking shades. 22.30hrs Approx return to the hotel OPTION 3 - MALTESE DINNER – RAZZETT L-ANTIK - (RESERVED AREA) OR COOKING EXPERIENCE 19.00hrs Transfer to the Razzett L-Antik in Qormi for a Maltese typical Dinner. Ir-Razzett L-Antik Restaurant is situated in the heart of the medieval village of Qormi. The main building itself, once a milling factory to grind grain to flour for the daily bread is over 400year-old. From here the flour used to be taken to the nearby bakeries and baked into the Maltese bread, which formed part of the Maltese daily diet. Reminiscing days gone by, '1743' Ir-Razzett L-Antik was restored to enshrine a lifestyle almost forgotten by time. With its original features still intact this unique building stages the perfect ambiance for distant memories to come alive. We have two options – we can have a normal Maltese dinner or we can have the cooking competition with Maltese food. 26 This is the private room where we can do a private dinner or to Do the live cooking for the group ACTIVE COOKING CHALLENGE 'READY STEADY COOK' On arriving at ‘Razzett l’Antik’ the delegates will be split in teams of six pax per team. The cooking challenge is ideal for smaller group - two to six teams and will be required to cook one dish in 30/60 minutes. For this team building event we can give the option to the groups compete with each other from the very beginning that is from the shopping of the ingredients (this can be done if the activity is done during the day and not in the evening), prepare the menu and then cook the meal. We will prepare kitchenettes in the courtyard and all necessary utensils, equipment and ingredients will be provided for the teams. A larder will be provided including an arrangement of fresh ingredients to allow for creativity in cooking the dish. Each team will be provided with a cooking receipt of a Maltese Dish, an apron, top of the range induction cooker and utensils to make it easier for them to cook. With the words ‘ready steady cook’ each team have 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete the dish. This will depend on the time available and the time of arrival. A host/chef will be present at all times to monitor and handle the scoring. 21.00 hrs The delegates will be able to sit down to relax and enjoy the Maltese food they have cooked as well as the food the chef has prepared – just in case!! Transfer back to the hotel. 27 23.00hrs OPTION 4 – DINNER AT IR –RIZZU AT MARSAXLOKK 19.00 hrs Meeting in the lobby and departure to Marsaxlokk, a Maltese fishing village, where the clients can see the traditional fishing boats & equipment and display of fresh fish. 20.30 hrs Dinner will be served in a typical fish restaurant along the bay where the clients can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a typical fishermen’s village. Return back to the hotel and overnight 23.00 hrs 28 GALA DINNER OPTIONAL TRANSFER 19.30 hrs Transfer in Vintage cars. These cars can take 3 - 6 pax each. (up to 50 vintage cars can be obtained) OPTIONAL – A SUNSET DRINK 19.30 hrs The clients will leave the hotel towards Dingli cliffs to enjoy a glass of champagne or sparkling wine and canapés whilst enjoying the breathtaking views and the Mediterranean sunset before dinner. OPTION 1 – GALA DINNER AT THE DE MONDION RESTAURANT IN MDINA – EXCLUSIVE FOR THE GROUP UP TO 50 PAX 18.30 hrs Transfer to Mdina, Malta’s old capital city. Optional – Breakdown of Bus: During the transfer to Mdina the driver will pretend that the bus has some trouble with the engine and that they have to finish the way on foot!! Funnily enough at that same time the clients will see horse drawn carriages and they will give them a ride into Rabat the adjacent city to Mdina and into the old capital of Malta. 29 Upon arriving in Mdina, the delegates will be taken on a mini tour of the silent city by night accompanied by a fully licensed English /Dutch speaking guide. M d i n a i s a medieval fortified city crowning a hill in the centre of the Island, commanding a magnificent view of the Island. This city is a place of many Palaces with an extremely peaceful atmosphere thus getting its name, the Silent City. The panoramic view from the bastions is truly breathtaking. 20.45 hrs the mini tour will end at the De Mondion Restaurant in Mdina 30 21.00 hrs Upon arrival, the delegates will be welcomed by a duo in costume and a welcome drink will be offered. Dinner will be served 23.00 hrs Departure to the hotel Overnight OPTION 2 – FAREWELL DINNER AT QUADRO RESTAURANT - – IN A RESERVED AREA 20.00hrs Transfer to St. Julian’s for dinner at Quadro Restaurant. Quadro Restaurant offers diners an amazing array of fresh fish and seafood, caught daily from the surrounding waters! As one of Malta’s finest restaurants, great care has been given to retain its renowned elegance and warmth. Fine silver, glowing candlelight and a beautiful setting create a memorable atmosphere. For the groups we can opt to dine indoors or under the stars. Two private rooms with sea views are also available, and are ideal for small groups. 22.30hrs Approx return to the hotel 31 OPTION 3 – CASTELLO ZAMITTELLO ON EXCLUSIVE BASIS 19.30 hrs Transfer to the Castello Zamittello in the village of Mgarr Castello Zamittello was built by wealthy Baron Bernardo Zamitt, and is a unique castle that lies on the outskirts of the country village of Mgarr, on the way to Gnejna Bay. Built in Norman style, it was used to guard against sudden raids by corsairs, as indicated by the four unusual guard turrets adorning its façade. Today, it has a much more peaceful role, with its lush gardens providing a perfect setting for exclusive event. 21.00 hrs Upon arrival, the delegates will be served a welcome drink. Dinner will be served accompanied by background music. 23.00 hrs Departure to the hotel Overnight 32 OPTION 4 - GALA DINNER AT THE PALAZZO PARISIO 20:00 hrs Departure from the hotel for a private gala dinner hosted by the Noble Mrs Ramsay Sichuan at the Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar. Often described as a miniature Versailles, this quintessentially Maltese Palazzo is a glorious showcase of Maltese and Italian craftsmanship at the turn of the 19th century. The magnificent gilded, mirrored ballroom is unique in Malta. The two walled gardens rank amongst Malta’s best, a fine example of classic baroque formality mixed with the vivid colours and scents of the Mediterranean – making a magnificent venue for a gala dinner. 20.30 hrs On arrival at the Palazzo Parisio they will be treated to a spectacular welcome party led by drummers, trumpeters and the Master of Ceremonies. Guests will be led through the garden while the Parisio entourage offers welcome drinks and canapés. During the dinner itself the guests can be pampered with a classic quartet or a harpist. 23:00 hrs At the end of the evening, the delegates get back to the hotel, in coach. 33 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE EXCLUSIVE VENUES Guests are met at the main door by Master of Ceremonies, 2 torchbearers, 2 drummers and 2 buglers. A red carpet is also placed in front of the entrance. Guests are led into venue by the emcee. To the sound of the bugles, the emcee invites guests to enter into dining hall. The flag bearers open the doors and guests enter the banqueting hall. Upon entering the banqueting hall, guests are greeted by a Harpist and Violinist or a Quartet, which entertains guests throughout the evening. First course is served and cleared and the emcee announces the arrival of the Grand Master. Grand Master enters, accompanied by the entourage who stand on both sides of the wooden stairway. GM gives welcome speech and then proceeds with the investiture of selected guests if any. GM exits with entourage. The group will be entertained by a quartet, who will perform their brilliant music all night. 23.00hrs Approx return to the hotel 34 DAY 7 Breakfast at leisure in the hotel’s main restaurant FREE TIME TO RELAX IN THE HOTEL DEPARTURES Check-out of the hotel in the morning Transfer to Malta International airport (approx 2 hrs before departure of flight). All delegates will be transferred to the airport by means of taxis, coaches, or minivans, depending on the flights and amount of persons travelling on each flight. On Site Malta Salvu Camilleri Street Mellieha MLH04 MALTA malta@bodyandsoulinternational.com 35