VALLETTA, MALTA...Visit Malta’s ancient capital city, Mdina, which boasts one of Europe’s finest...

VALLETTA, MALTA Arrive: 0800 Monday, 29 July

Onboard: 1800 Wednesday, 31 July

Brief Overview: The small, island nation of

Malta, located in the center of the

Mediterranean Sea, is surprisingly rich in its

cultural heritage. With temples and ruins dating

back to 6000 BC, there is a fascinating variety

of archaeological and architectural monuments.

The capital city of Valletta, overlooking the

Grand Harbor, has somehow maintained the

grandeur of a16th-century city while adapting to

21st century conveniences. The modern

Barrakka “lift,” opened in December of 2012,

swiftly transports people from the harbor below

to the Upper Barrakka Gardens on the cliffs

above. The prehistoric temples of Hagar Qim,

the Three Cities, and the hilltop town of Mdina

are worthy of a visit. But the countryside and

small villages should not be overlooked.

Nearby: The rural life and slower pace of the smaller island of Gozo provide a great opportunity to step back

and experience the completely different way of life of a Gozitan shepherd.

Between Gozo and Malta the tiny, and mostly deserted, island of Comino is a beautiful backdrop for the

crystal waters of the Blue Lagoon. You might recognize it from movies such as ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’,

‘Troy’ and ‘Swept Away’. St. Paul’s Islands, where it is believed that the Biblical Saint Paul was shipwrecked

during his voyage to Rome, can also be explored.

Suggested short-cuts to simple planning:

Register for the following “bundles” of trips based on your interests.

Culture and Architecture:

Day 1: VAL 100-101 Valletta Orientation

Day 2: VAL 104-201 Gozo

Day 3: VAL 109-301 South of Malta –

Temples & Marsaxlokk

Nature:

Day 1: VAL 102-101 Three Cities

Day 3: VAL 108-301 Walking Nature Tour

Action/Adventure:

Day 2: 201-201 Camping Adventure

Day 3: 107-301 Swimming with Tuna

Cultural Interaction:

Day 2: VAL 105-201 A Day in the Life of a

Gozo Shepherd

Day 3: VAL 110-301 The Local Experience –

Limestone Heritage

A Taste of Malta:

Day 1: VAL 103-101 Traditional Farmhouse

Dinner

Day 2: VAL 106-201 Sea Salt Harvesting

Workshop

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: In selling tickets or otherwise making arrangements for field programs (including transportation, shore side accommodations and meals);

the Institute of Shipboard Education (I.S.E.) acts only as an agent for others who provide such services as independent contractors. All participants accepting or using

tickets or other arrangements for such services shall be deemed to agree and consent that I.S.E. shall not be liable or responsible in any way for any loss, death,

injury, or illness to person or loss, theft or damage to personal property arising from or in connection with such services. I.S.E. shall not be responsible for

cancellation of field programs for reasons beyond its control and in such event, at its option, may refund the purchase price.

2

Day 1: Monday, July 29

IMPORTANT: If you registered in one of the following courses, you have a field lab on this day.

Do not make any other travel plans as this is a designated class day in port for your course:

EVSC 2050 Professor Genovese Introduction to Oceanography

ANTH 1010-501 Professor Handler Introduction to Anthropology (Field Lab in Valetta, Day 1)

HIST 3559-102 Professor Harland-Jacobs War, Trade, and Empires

ANTH 2541 Professor Lefkowitz Languages of the Arab Spring

ARH 2500-502 Professor Nelson Architectures of the Mediterranean (Field Lab in Valetta)

MUSI 2570 Professor Shannon Music Cultures of the Mediterranean

COM 4330-502 Professor Thomas-Hunt Negotiating for Value, Section 2

VAL 100-101 VALLETTA ORIENTATION Half Day

Begin your tour of Valletta with a walk towards the Auberge de Castille where a

walking tour will start. Enjoy the view from the Upper Barrakka Gardens situated

at the highest point of the city. Then visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, built by the

Knights of Malta in the sixteenth century and home to Caravaggio’s The

Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. Continue with a visit to the Grandmaster’s

Palace, completed in 1574 and currently the office of the President and the House of Representatives.

Please note: Comfortable shoes are suggested.

STANDARD PRICE Early Booking

Adult $26 $25

Child $13 $12

TIME

Date Time

Depart July 29 1000

Return July 29 1345

HIGHLIGHTS

Auberge de Castille

Upper Barrakka Gardens

The St John’s Co-Cathedral

Grandmaster Palace

MINIMUM REGISTRATION: 15

MAXIMUM CAPACITY: 120

VAL 101-101 MDINA Half Day

Visit Malta’s ancient capital city,

Mdina, which boasts one of Europe’s

finest examples of an ancient walled

city with a mix of medieval and

Baroque architecture and narrow

streets.

Tour the Cathedral of St. Paul before continuing

on towards the village of Rabat, where a visit

will be made to St. Paul’s Grotto. At the end of

your trip travel to the southwest coast of the

island for the breathtaking views found at Dingli

Cliffs.


Adult $31 $30

Child $16 $15

TIME

Date Time

Depart July 29 1000

Return July 29 1345

HIGHLIGHTS

Mdina Bastions

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Grotto

Dingli Cliffs



3

VAL 102-101 THREE CITIES Half Day

This cultural tour offers an

intriguing insight into Malta

and its history. Left largely

unvisited, the Three Cities are

a slice of authentic life, and a

glimpse into Malta’s maritime

fortunes. The Three Cities can

rightly claim to be the cradle

of Maltese history. Vittoriosa

and Senglea on rocky

promontories jutting into the

Grand Harbour and Cospicua at the end of the creek have provided a home and

fortress to almost every people who settled here. Their harbor inlets have been in

use since Phoenician times: the docks always providing a living for local people,

but also leaving them vulnerable when Malta’s rulers were at war. As the first

home to the Knights of St. John, churches, forts and bastions are far older than Valletta’s.


Adult $34 $33

Child $17 $16

TIME

Date Time

Depart July 29 1330

Return July 29 1730

HIGHLIGHTS

Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua

Inquisitor Palace



VAL 103-101 TRADITIONAL FARMHOUSE DINNER Half Day

Situated in the heart of the

medieval village of Qormi, lies a

300-year-old farmhouse

originally built to grind wheat into

flour. The farmhouse was

restored to enshrine a lifestyle

almost forgotten by time. With its

original features still intact, this

unique, rustic building stages the

perfect ambience to welcome

visitors to Malta. The kitchen fuses old and new methods of cooking,

incorporating the art of marinating and slow cooking. Ingredients include exotic

spices, which the Knights of St. John introduced to the Maltese Cuisine. Their

refined interest in food added color and character to local dishes.


Adult $60 $58

Child $30 $29

TIME

Date Time

Depart July 29 1915

Return July 29 2300

HIGHLIGHTS

Rustic architecture

Traditional buffet

Music



4

Day 2: Tuesday, July 30

VAL 201-201 CAMPING ADVENTURE 2 days/1 night

This adventure is ideal for anyone who just cannot resist the outdoors. Come and

relax and enjoy the country side, fresh sea air and the beauty of rural Malta. Your

trip will start at the only official campsite on the island just a few minutes’ walk

from the beautiful crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea.

We will divide into groups and some will spend the afternoon in an ocean kayak

tour to the small island where it is believed that St. Paul was shipwrecked. During

the tour we explore the rugged coastline of Mellieha Bay and stop at the quiet Imgiebah Bay to relax, swim and snorkel.

The second group will enjoy a 3.5 hour cycling trip along the gorgeous coast to Golden Bay. This route is suitable for all levels

of fitness and avoids any major hills. Travel down country roads, through villages and along sea cliffs with spectacular views

over the coastline.

End the day with a buffet-style BBQ dinner and relaxing at the campground. Groups will do opposite activities on Day 2 after

breakfast.

Please note: Includes tent, towels, linens, blankets, pillow, and foam mattress.


Adult $233 $217

Child $116 $109

TIME

Date Time

Depart July 30 1100

Return July 31 1400

HIGHLIGHTS

Ocean kayak tour of St. Paul’s Island

Bike tour to Golden Bay

BBQ Dinner & Breakfast included.



ITINERARY

Day 1: (Box L from ship, D)

45 min drive to campground

Ocean kayak or biking

Free time for leisure

8 pm BBQ Dinner

Day 2: (B)

8 am Breakfast

Ocean kayak or biking

Return to port (45 min)

Lunch at leisure (OOPEX)

5

VAL 104-201 GOZO Full Day

Visit Gozo, Malta’s smaller, greener neighbor about an hour and a half away by

coach and ferry. Life here moves at a leisurely pace and time seems to stand

still. Its hilly landscape, valleys and rugged cliffs naturally protect the island’s

small harbors and inlets.

Begin at the ancient hilltop village of Xaghra where the Ggantija Temples

are located. Considered to be the oldest free standing structures in the

world, these megaliths were constructed about 5,500 years ago, which

means not only are they hundreds of years older than Stonehenge in

England but also date further back in history than the earliest pyramids in

Egypt.

Then visit the stunning Azure Window at Dwerja, formed by many years of

sea and wave eroding the rock. If the weather conditions are favorable,

students can opt to enjoy a fishing boat ride (at your own expense) through

the Inland Sea and out into the Mediterranean from where they will be

able to see the Azure Window and Fungus Rock.

Make a brief stop at the Xlendi promontory to visit Xlendi Tower, built in 1650, and see the unusual site of the hand-dug salt

pans. Finally, head to the center of the island to visit the bustling capital of Victoria and its citadel. The history of this strategic

place dates back to the medieval times when corsairs and pirates used to raid the islanders. On your way to the return ferry

you will be able to see the village of Marsalforn.


Adult $48 $46

Child $24 $23

TIME

Date Time

Depart July 30 0745

Return July 30 1730

HIGHLIGHTS

Ggantija Temples

Dwejra & the Azure Window

Marsalforn Bay



6

VAL 105-201 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A GOZO SHEPHERD – GROUP A Full Day

Leave the cellphones behind and step

into the peaceful world of the local

Gozitan who lives his life as a shepherd

and produces traditional Gozitan

cheese. An hour and a half ferry will

transport you, past the island of

Comino, to the idyllic island of Gozo.

This is a “hands-on” experience in which

you will actively participate in feeding

and milking the sheep and making

traditional Gozitan cheese.

After working up an appetite on the

farm, sit down with the farmers and

enjoy an authentic Gozitan lunch with

local products. It doesn’t get much

fresher than this!

Please note: Register early – Space is strictly limited.


Adult $90 $87

Child $45 $43

TIME

Date Time

Depart July 30 0745

Return July 30 1700

HIGHLIGHTS

Farm visit

Sheep feeding & milking

Cheese making

Farmer’s lunch



VAL 106-201 SEA SALT HARVESTING WORKSHOP Half Day

Sea salt harvesting has a history going back to the Knights of St. John where the

same ancient methods and simple equipment are still used today. Culinary and

cosmetic uses have been passed over from one generation to another.

This half day workshop presents an

opportunity to learn this interesting

skill from a man who grew up

managing his family’s salt pans and

is keen to share his enthusiasm and

traditional practices.

Please note: Minimum Age - 8 years.


Adult $45 $43

Child $22 $21

TIME

Date Time

Depart July 30 0830

Return July 30 1230

HIGHLIGHTS

Delicacy tasting session

Interactive session



7

Day 3: Wednesday, July 31

IMPORTANT: If you registered in one of the following courses, you have a field lab on this day.

Do not make any other travel plans as this is a designated class day in port for your course:

ANTH 1010-502 Professor Handler Introduction to Anthropology (Field Lab in Valetta, Day 2)

VAL 107-301 SWIMMING WITH TUNA w/ Professor Dan Abel Half Day

Join Onboard Expert Marine Biologist Dan Abel on this once in a lifetime

experience by swimming in a large enclosure out at sea with huge tuna and other

species of fish. Tuna (the live fish, not the food) are a passion of professor Abel

who will conduct a brief introduction to these amazing fish onboard prior to the

excursion. Travel by speedboat from Grand Harbour to St. Paul’s Bay where you

will be equipped with snorkels and masks at the Marine Adventure Park where

you can swim in an enriched habitat with these fantastic creatures.

Conclude your adventure with a visit to the caves on the island of Comino and a brief swimming stop near the cyan waters of

the Blue Lagoon, popular filming location for films such as Troy and The Count of Monte Cristo.

8:30-9:00 onboard briefing with Professor Dan Abel.

Please note: Bring swimwear and towel. Comfortable shoes and sun protection suggested. Participants must be at least 16

years old to participate in the program.


Adult $81 $78

Child N/A N/A

TIME

Date Time

Depart July 31 0915

Return July 31 1300

HIGHLIGHTS

Swimming with tuna (about 1 hour)

Comino caves

Blue lagoon



VAL 108-301 WALKING NATURE TOUR Half Day

Enjoy a scenic tour of Malta with a

walking tour. A walk on unspoiled terrain

in the southeast of the island. We start

from Ghar Lapsi, a small fishing hamlet

that lies below a stretch of cliffs and

whose rocky shoreline is very popular

during summer with local bathers.

Moving along the southwest coast we stop at

the Tal Hamrija Tower, a seventeenth century

fortification that was constructed by

Grandmaster De Redin. This tower stands on a

cliff and has a fantastic view of the island of

Filfla.

We then go past the prehistoric temples of

Hagar Qim and end our walk in Qrendi, a small quite village that gives the visitor a sense of relaxation and tranquillity in its

narrow streets.

Please note: Comfortable shoes and sun protection suggested.


Adult $27 $25

Child $13 $13

TIME

Date Time

Depart July 31 0915

Return July 31 1300

HIGHLIGHTS

Various scenic treks

Tal Hamrija Tower

Hagar Qim



8

VAL 109-301 SOUTH OF MALTA – TEMPLES AND MARSAXLOKK Full Day

Travel to the 3rd Millennium BCE at the

megalithic temples of Tarxien whose main

features include a monumental statue

representing a Mother Goddess. Next, visit

Haġar Qim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

dating from the Ġgantija phase (3600-3200

BCE) which reveals evidence of animal

sacrifices, burnt offerings and ritual oracles.

Enjoy plenty of free time in Wied iz-Zurrieq, a small rocky inlet with several cafes

and shops, for lunch. Additionally, you may wish to arrange ON YOUR OWN for

one of the numerous little fishing boats to take you to the Blue Grotto which is

located nearby (approximately 8 Euros).

The group will then be taken to Marsaxlokk, the most picturesque fishing village on the

islands. Here, the students will have the opportunity to stroll along the seafront

witnessing the life of fishermen and village people and to admire traditional Maltese

fishing boats, the brightly colored ‘Luzzu’.

Please note: Comfortable shoes and sun protection suggested. Bring spending money

for lunch, OOPEX, and boats.


Adult $55 $52

Child $27 $26

TIME

Date Time

Depart July 31 0915

Return July 31 1630

HIGHLIGHTS

Tarxien and Haġar Qim Temples

Marsaxlokk Fishing Village



VAL 110-301 THE LOCAL EXPERIENCE – LIMESTONE HERITAGE Half Day

Visit the typical village of Zebbug,

bursting with Maltese traditions

inherited over the centuries. Visit the

market, the village square, and the

imposing church facing the pjazza.

Stop in at a local band club for a

sample of traditional pastizzi (special

Maltese cakes having a cheese or

pea filling). The local band clubs in

Malta have a unique role in village pride

and Maltese social culture and serve as

a meeting point for locals

Continue the experience with a visit to

the Limestone Heritage Complex in

Siggiewi for insight into the ancient Maltese crafts of quarrying and masonry. Great

care was taken to preserve the old and authentic, combining it with the comfort of

modern amenities and latest technology. See local craftsmen at work as well as

interesting fossil remains and other exhibits. Conclude with a quick stop at the Dingli

Cliffs.


Adult $37 $36

Child $19 $18

TIME

Date Time

Depart July 31 0915

Return July 31 1300

HIGHLIGHTS

Local village

Traditional food tasting

Limestone masonry

Dingli Cliffs



9

VAL 105-301 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A GOZO SHEPHERD – GROUP B *NEW!* Full Day

Leave the cellphones behind and step

into the peaceful world of the local

Gozitan who lives his life as a shepherd

and produces traditional Gozitan

cheese. An hour and a half ferry will

transport you, past the island of

Comino, to the idyllic island of Gozo.

This is a “hands-on” experience in which

you will actively participate in feeding

and milking the sheep and making

traditional Gozitan cheese.

After working up an appetite on the

farm, sit down with the farmers and

enjoy an authentic Gozitan lunch with

local products. It doesn’t get much

fresher than this!

Please note: Register early – Space is strictly limited.


Adult $90 $87

Child $45 $43

TIME

Date Time

Depart July 31 0745

Return July 31 1700

HIGHLIGHTS

Farm visit

Sheep feeding & milking

Cheese making

Farmer’s lunch



VALLETTA, MALTA...Visit Malta’s ancient capital city, Mdina, which boasts one of Europe’s finest...

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