Valletta, Malta

Valletta & the Knights of Malta

The Stunning City of St. John and His Followers Discover Valletta, a UNESCO Site, and learn about its ties to the Knights of Malta from a present-day knight. With a local guide, set out to explore this mighty fortress city, viewing the auberges built to house the knights of the Order of St. John. Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, one of Europe’s finest examples of high baroque architecture. Its most famous work, Caravaggio’s The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist , hangs in the Oratory. You will also meet a local member of the present-day Hospitaller Military Order of Jerusalem. He will present a short talk about the historical role of the knights, their founding as part of a hospital providing care to sick pilgrims in the Holy Land, their emergence as a military order during the Crusades and how they conduct business today. A light snack will be provided before the return to your ship via motor coach. Please note: on Sundays and public holidays, guests will visit Fort St. Elmo instead of the Cathedral interior. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3