Description:
Touring Cottonera, or more famously known as the “Three Cities” is likened to watching an old historical film – a lot of flashback to the rich history of Malta. The Three Cities are Vittoriosa, Cospicua & Senglea. The first part of this “Three Cities Vintage Bus Tour” starts in Cospicua, a city known to be home to the Neolithic people. It used to be called Bormla (prior to the 18th Century). The Knights of Malta tried to protect the city by putting up a military building surrounding it as well as the other two cities of Vittoriosa and Senglea. The walls took 70 years to be completed which was done in 1708. It was called Citta' Cospicua by Grand Master Marc' Antonio Zondadari in 1722 because of its strong and indestructible military walls.
The second stop of the tour is the city of Vittoriosa, a city known for its military background and long commercial history. It was also known for its maritime past. Since Vittoriosa is located in a strategic location (overseeing the Grand Harbour), it became the center of Malta in terms of power. As times goes by, Malta changed capital and Vittoriosa remains popular for its historical landmarks and rock structures. Among the popular landmarks in the area are Vittoriosa Waterfront, the Order St. John's treasury and the Palace of the General of the Galleys. The Vittoriosa Waterfront was renovated and turned into a casino while the Order St. John's treasury became the Malta Maritime Museum. Another museum dedicated to the 1565 siege of Malta can be found in the city as well and is called the Vittoriosa 1565 Museum.
Senglea is the third Three Cities it was once connected to Cospicua via a land bridge. The land bridge gave it an outline of a peninsula during the time of the Knights of St. John. This city was also called L'Isola di San Giuliano because locals normally go to the place to hunt. There is also a chapel within the city that is called St. Julian's. It was built in 1311, the very first in the city. The second building was built on 8 May 1552 with the construction of St. Michael Church. The city was named after Grand Master Claude De La Sengle.
Our Vintage Bus drivers speak English and will be providing a detailed commentary during the tor to help you understand their rich history of Malta’s capital city (Valletta) and the Three Cities especially during the Great Sieges which occurred in the 1565 and 1942. Our wooden Vintage Buses were produced and assembled by locally carpenters and mechanics and are licensed to run the Three Cities Tours.
Tour starts from the Sliema Ferries (opposite of Marks & Spencer).
What's included & what's not
Price includes:
- 2 hour "Three Cities Tour on 1920 Vintage Bus
- English commentary throughout the tour
Price does not include:
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Important notes:
- Due to high demand, your booking will be confirmed manually. Should your preferred date is fully booked (and no suitable alternatives dates available), iHoppers will provide full refund of deposit paid.
- Once confirmed, please print our booking confirmation and bring it with you
- Any loss or damage to equipment or property will be the responsibility of the Client and all replacement and repair costs will be charged in full.
- The Company does not accept any responsibility for the loss or damage of personal property belonging to Clients or their guests.
