If you’re craving a day of discovering Malta’s little sister island, Gozo, this full-day Jeep tour offers a fantastic blend of scenic drives, historical sites, and local flavors. For $92.19 per person, you get around eight hours of exploring, including hotel pickup, a private boat transfer, and a delicious included lunch. The tour is run by Gozo Pride Tours Ltd and has earned a solid 4.5/5 from over a thousand reviews, proving it’s a popular choice for travelers seeking an authentic, yet comfortable way to see the island.
What we love about this tour is how it combines transportation with expert guidance—your driver-guide not only navigates the small, winding roads but also shares stories and insights that bring each stop to life. Plus, the private boat transfer means you avoid long ferry queues, making your journey smoother and more exclusive. On the flip side, a consideration is that the jeep can be quite tight, especially if you have mobility concerns or are traveling with larger groups, which some reviews highlight.
This tour suits adventurous travelers eager to see both the famous sights and quieter, lesser-known corners of Gozo. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of off-the-beaten-path exploration, combined with local food tastings and panoramic views. If you’re looking for a balanced mix of culture, nature, and fun, this could be your ideal day out.
Key Points
- Comprehensive exploration: Visit highlights like Victoria, Ggantija Temples, and Xlendi Bay, plus hidden gems.
- All-inclusive value: Lunch, food tastings, transportation, and private boat transfer are included, making it a good deal.
- Expert guides: Knowledgeable drivers enrich the experience with stories and local insights.
- Scenic drives: Travel on small country roads inaccessible to large buses, offering unique photo opportunities.
- Authentic experiences: Tasting local foods and visiting traditional sites provide genuine cultural moments.
- Consider logistics: Tight jeep seating and the need for pre-booking might influence your comfort and planning.
The Experience in a Nutshell
From the moment we booked, it was clear this tour aimed to give a flexible and intimate look at Gozo. Starting with hotel pickup (or designated meeting points), we transferred via private boat—skipping the ferry queues—to the island. Once on Gozo, our driver, who was also our guide, took us on a roughly eight-hour journey filled with sightseeing, local tastings, and storytelling.
The highlight? Traveling in a jeep that could navigate tiny country lanes and rugged paths, providing access to spots large buses can’t reach. With small groups (usually around 4-6 people), the experience felt personal and relaxed. The tour offered great value, given the inclusion of food, transportation, and the unique boat trip.
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The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do
Ggantija Archaeological Park
Our first stop was the Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the Neolithic era. These megalithic structures are among the oldest free-standing monuments in the world. The admission fee isn’t included, but the site itself is a marvel, with towering stones and a sense of ancient craftsmanship. Several reviews mention this as a highlight, with one reviewer noting: “the temples are fascinating, and it’s incredible to think they’re over 5,000 years old.”
The Citadel in Victoria
Next, we visited the Citadel, the historic heart of Gozo, offering panoramic views over the island. Walking through its narrow streets and fortress walls, we felt transported back in time. The free entrance allows a leisurely exploration of churches, small museums, and charming alleys. Reviewers rave about the spectacular views and the chance to walk around at your own pace.
Dwejra Bay and Inland Sea
A scenic stop at Dwejra Bay was next, with its dramatic cliffs and the Inland Sea, a lagoon surrounded by cliffs accessible by a short walk. The optional boat ride to see the famous Azure Window (which sadly collapsed in 2017) isn’t included, but the area itself remains stunning, especially with the rugged coastline and caves.
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Ramla Bay and Xlendi Bay
A swim stop at Ramla Bay allows for some beach relaxation on the famous red sands, highly praised in reviews for its natural beauty. Later, we spent time at Xlendi Bay, a bustling seaside spot perfect for photos and a relaxed walk. Expect around an hour at each bay—ample time for soaking in the views or a quick dip.
Cultural and Scenic Stops
- Salt Pans: Traditional salt harvesting areas, offering great photo opportunities. Some reviews mention the salt pans as a fascinating, authentic look at local industry.
- Qala Belvedere: Panoramic views of the countryside and coast; a favorite for stunning vistas.
- Ta’ Pinu Basilica: A beautiful, peaceful church with murals and mosaics, representing Gozitan culture and spirituality.
- Marsalforn Bay: Known for its lively atmosphere and local eateries.
- Kercem Heights and the Limestone Quarries: Industrial heritage with scenic value.
- Sanap Cliffs and the Xlendi cliffs: Dramatic viewpoints showcasing Gozo’s rugged coastline.
Food and Tasting
A big plus is the included lunch, which reviewers describe as generous and featuring local dishes. There are also food tastings of local products, such as cheese, tomato sauce, and liquor, allowing you to sample genuine Gozitan flavors. One reviewer mentioned they brought home local cheese and liquor, emphasizing the quality of the tastings.
End of Day: Victoria and Hotel Drop-off
After a full day, you’re returned to your hotel or meeting point. Many travelers appreciate the seamless organization and punctuality, plus the chance to reflect on what they just saw during the boat ride back, which often offers great views of Gozo’s coastline.
The Value of This Tour
Considering the all-inclusive price, the tour offers a lot of value. The transport is private, not a crowded bus, and the guide’s local knowledge adds depth to each stop. The food tastings and lunch make it feel like a culinary as well as scenic journey. The private boat transfer is a real highlight, saving time and avoiding queues, giving you a more relaxed and exclusive experience.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This trip is perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy exploring on small roads, learning from knowledgeable guides, and experiencing local culture firsthand. It’s especially suited for those who love photo opportunities, authentic food, and seeing both the highlights and hidden corners of Gozo. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility concerns, the tight jeep seating might be a challenge, but overall, many reviews praise the balance of fun and comfort.
For a full-day immersion in Gozo, this Jeep tour delivers a balanced mix of culture, scenery, and local flavor. The inclusion of private boat transfer, lunch, and food tastings makes it a convenient and worthwhile choice. Guides like Louis, Joe, and Geoff consistently earn praise for their knowledge and humor, making the journey not just educational but also entertaining.
While the jeep seating can be tight, especially for larger groups, the overall experience is highly rated, with many travelers calling it the highlight of their Malta trip. For those eager to see the best of Gozo without the hassle of organizing individual transportation or multiple bookings, this tour is a solid, enjoyable way to spend a day.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 25 days ahead, which helps secure a spot on this popular tour.
Is the boat transfer included?
Yes, the private boat transfer both ways is included, weather permitting, and it saves you from waiting in ferry lines.
Are food and lunch included?
Yes, a three-course lunch and local food tastings are part of the package, giving you a taste of Gozitan cuisine.
What are the main sights visited?
Highlights include Victoria, Qala Belvedere, Ggantija Temples, Xlendi Bay, Salt Pans, and Ta’ Pinu Basilica.
How long are the stops?
Stops typically range from 30 minutes to an hour, enough time for sightseeing or photos, but some reviews wish for a bit more time at certain locations.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but mobility concerns might be an issue due to the tight jeep seats. Strollers and wheelchairs require advance requests.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and towels for summer visits, rain jackets in winter, and your camera for all those breathtaking views.
This Gozo Jeep Tour is a well-rounded, engaging way to experience the island’s highlights and hidden treasures. It’s especially good for curious travelers who enjoy guided stories, local food, and scenic drives. The mix of culture, nature, and authentic experiences makes it a day to remember. For a practical, fun, and value-packed excursion that takes the stress out of planning, this tour hits the right notes, with guides who genuinely enhance your adventure.