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The 3 Best Historical Tours in Sliema
Sliema is a fantastic base for exploring Malta’s history and heritage. Its seaside promenade, lively cafes, and central location make it easy to hop onto tours that reveal Malta’s storied past. We particularly like the Heritage Pass combined with the Hop-On Hop-Off bus for a flexible way to see key sites, and the day trips to Gozo for a deeper dive into Malta’s sister island’s ancient sites and landscape. Whether you prefer a comprehensive pass or a shorter day tour, Sliema offers options that suit different interests and schedules.
One thing that makes these tours especially appealing is their mix of history, scenic views, and local culture. For example, the Heritage Pass combines visits to Malta’s top museums with the chance to explore Valletta’s forts and creeks from a boat—giving a well-rounded picture of Malta’s military and artistic heritage. Meanwhile, the Gozan heritage tours let you wander through ancient temples and walk the majestic Cittadella walls, making history tangible and fun.
Quick Overview
In this guide, you'll find three top historical tours in Sliema. The first is a multi-day Heritage Pass with a hop-on hop-off bus that covers Malta’s key heritage sites along with a harbor cruise. The second is a single-day Gozan Heritage Pass that combines ferry rides with visits to Gozitan temples and towns. The third offers a day trip from Sliema or Bugibba to Gozo, providing an all-in-one experience of ferries, open-top buses, and heritage site access. Each has its own charm, and all are designed for travelers eager to explore Malta’s historic heart.
1. COMBO: Heritage Pass with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus (CMO)
At number 1, we have the Heritage Pass combined with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, a fantastic way to learn about Malta’s historic sites over 6 days. The iSeeMalta Heritage Pass grants you access to top attractions like the National War Museum and Malta National Community Art Museum (MUSA), while the City Sightseeing Malta bus offers unlimited rides to sites and neighborhoods at your own pace.
One of the highlights is the harbor cruise with live commentary, offering a unique perspective on Malta’s coastal defenses and ancient forts. The bus routes take you through Valletta, the Three Cities, and beyond, making it easy to customize your sightseeing. This combination is perfect for travelers who want flexibility and a depth of historical exploration. The reviews average 4.7 out of 5, with many praising the value and ease of access.
Bottom Line: This pass is ideal if you prefer a flexible, multi-day experience with the convenience of combined museum visits and scenic cruises. It’s well-suited for those who want to slow down and absorb Malta’s history at their own pace.
2. COMBO: Gozo Heritage Pass with Ferry + Hop-on Hop-off Bus
Coming in at number 2, the Gozo Heritage Pass with Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Bus offers a one-day adventure on Malta’s quieter neighbor. For around a day’s worth of time, you get a ferry trip to Gozon, a hop-on hop-off bus with 14 stops across the island, and free entry to seven heritage sites like the Ħaġar Qim Temples and the Cittadella.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of scenic travel and historical discovery. The ferry ride delivers beautiful views of the Maltese archipelago, and the bus takes you to highlights that include ancient temples, fortresses, and charming villages. The inclusion of seven heritage sites, such as Ggantija Temples, makes it excellent value for history-minded travelers. With a 4.5-star rating from two reviews, it’s appreciated for its well-organized structure and cultural depth.
Bottom Line: This tour is a great pick if you want a full-day Gozan experience that balances scenic travel with visits to Gozon’s major archaeological and cultural sites, ideal for history lovers wanting to explore beyond Malta’s main island.
3. From Sliema or Bugibba: Gozo Heritage Day Pass
At number 3, we find the Gozo Heritage Day Pass, a convenient all-in-one package for a 7-hour exploration of Gozon. For $68 per person, this tour includes return ferry trips from Sliema or Bugibba, open-top buses for exploring the island comfortably, and access to 7 museums and heritage sites.
This pass is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time and get a broad sense of Gozon’s history without the hassle of planning logistics. Visiting the Citadel in Victoria is a highlight, where you can walk the ramparts and enjoy panoramic views. The tour is rated 3.7 out of 5, with some comments about the shorter duration, but most appreciate the easy transportation and access to key sites.
Bottom Line: Best for those with limited time who want a guided taste of Gozon’s history and sites without multiple bookings. It suits travelers who want a straightforward, all-inclusive experience.
$68 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Malta Historical Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your time, budget, and specific interests. If you love flexible multi-day touring and want to include a harbor cruise, the Heritage Pass with Hop-On Hop-Off is your best bet. For a mindful day trip to Gozon with a focus on ancient temples and heritage, the Gozan Heritage Pass offers great value. If your schedule is tight but you want a comprehensive Gozan experience, the Heritage Day Pass from Sliema or Bugibba makes a lot of sense.
Also, think about logistics: the Heritage Pass is ideal if you want to explore at your own pace, while the Gozoans’ guided bus tours are better for those who prefer not to worry about transport. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and the best rates.
Final Thoughts
Sliema offers a variety of historical tours that cater to different tastes and schedules. The Heritage Pass with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is a fantastic choice for a multi-day, flexible experience that combines museums, scenic cruises, and city exploration. If you prefer to focus on Gozon’s ancient temples and charming towns, the Gozoan day trips provide a rich culture for a single day.
For travelers with limited time or those seeking a straightforward, all-inclusive Gozon experience, the Heritage Day Pass from Sliema or Bugibba makes those goals easy to achieve. No matter your choice, booking early and planning your days around key sites will help you get the most out of Malta’s fascinating history.