Malta MELLIEHA 2019 - HF Holidays
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Malta MELLIEHA 2019
WELCOME TO
Malta
Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta has been influenced greatly
by its neighbours, historically, culturally and linguistically. Life is usually taken at a
more leisurely pace than you may be used to
The warmth of the Maltese people and the beauty, together with the many prehistoric sites
fascination of the island’s 7,000 years of history found in every corner, make Malta an ideal island for
enchant many of its visitors to return time and walking and sightseeing.
time again. Our holiday programme will combine an
The landscape of Malta is one of low hills with exploration of the unspoilt areas of the island with
terraced green and brown fields. The coastline, visits to some of the many interesting remains
although only 85 miles in total, is extremely varied, of Malta’s ancient heritage, including Neolithic
with cliffs, harbours, bays, creeks, sandy beaches temples, 4th century catacombs, Roman ruins and
and rocky coves. The combination of natural churches built by the Knights of St John.
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ACCOMMODATION MEALS
All our holidays include breakfast and evening
SOLANA HOTEL meal. The hotel does cater for most dietary
Gorg Borg Olivier Street, requirements; we advise you to discuss your
Mellieha MLH 1925, requirements with the restaurant staff on arrival.
Malta
Tel: 00356 2152 2211 Breakfast
Breakfast is served between 7.30am and 10.00am
The friendly 4-star Solana Hotel is situated in the and is a self-service buffet offering a selection of
centre of Mellieha, one of Malta’s traditional hot and cold items.
towns, away from the hustle and bustle of the
main resorts. Its central location means shops Evening meal
and amenities are close by, making it an ideal The evening meal will be served buffet style with a
base. selection of international and local dishes – usually
including antipasti, salads and soup for starters,
BEDROOMS followed by a selection of hot savoury dishes.
There are 81 en-suite bedrooms, each with a Desserts tend to be pies and pastries, followed by
balcony or terrace. The modern, spacious rooms tea and coffee. The hotel caters for most dietary
are comfortable and have a relaxing feel to them. requirements; we advise you to discuss your
All the room types have hairdryer, safe (small requirements with the restaurant staff on arrival.
charge), telephone, fridge, satellite television, air Two evenings a week we dine at the Tosca
conditioning/ heating, Wi-Fi and tea/coffee Restaurant where the evening meal will be served
making facilities. to the table.
FACILITIES Lunch
There is a bar and lounge area in the lobby, which You may be able to purchase a picnic lunch from
has plenty of comfortable seating. The hotel has the hotel. Alternatively it is possible to buy
an outdoor swimming pool on the roof terrace ingredients from local shops or on some days to
with good views of Mellieha Bay. Indoors there is eat at one of the local cafés; your leaders will
also a smaller heated pool, along with a spa pool advise you of the options.
and gymnasium. For those who really want to
indulge themselves, the hotel has a spa area and
offers a wide range of treatments (payable
locally).
Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 3
Guided Walking
ITINERARY
A unique feature of our Guided Walking holidays is the daily choice of walks.
Each evening your leaders will give a short talk about the options for the next
day and answer any questions that you may have.
In Malta you’ll have a choice of two guided walks provisional and could be subject to change. For the
on each walking day. The cost of the transport to most up to date information, please check our website.
and from your walks each day is included in the A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort
cost of your holiday. and your leaders will talk every evening about the
Please note that the itinerary outlined below is next day’s walks.
Easier Walks: 5 to 7 miles Harder Walks: 7 to 9 miles (11-
(8-11km) with up to 700 feet 14.5kmwith up to 1,400 feet
(210m) of ascent in a day. (420m of ascent in a day.
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Day 1: Arrival day Day 5: Free day
The journey to the hotel in Mellieha is by minibus. Each week there is a free day when no guided
Time permitting, your leaders will explain more walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to
about the walks on the first evening. Should this relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit
not be possible we’ll meet after breakfast on the local places of interest. Some options for your
first morning of your stay. free day may include:
Day 2: Northern peninsula Gozo: For guests holidaying on Malta only, a day
trip to Gozo is popular. Using a hired coach it is
These walks explore the northern tip of Malta,
possible to see many of the popular sights on the
from the older part of Mellieha village and onto
island including the Rotunda Church at Xewkija,
rocky open ground to contour around the
the sea arch and Inland Sea at Dwejra Bay and
northern coastline with fine views of Gozo and
the delightful fishing village of Xlendi. The day
Comino.
is rounded off by a visit to Victoria, the island’s
Easier Walk: 5 miles (8km) with up to 500 feet capital, in order to walk around the ramparts of the
(150m) of ascent citadel and visit the cathedral.
Harder Walk: 7 miles (11km) with up to 900 feet Valletta: Although we visited Valletta on day 3, it
(270m) of ascent is impossible to explore this World Heritage City
in one day. On a return visit options available are
Day 3: Valletta - sightseeing excursion
the National Museum of Archaeology, where a
The World Heritage City of Valletta merits a great fascinating collection of artefacts from Malta’s
deal of exploration and this sightseeing day will prehistoric sites are housed; the War Museum,
introduce you to the key sights. Our tour starts which tells the story of the siege of Malta during
with a walking tour around the city with a blue the Second World War; Manoel Theatre (a
badge guide, stopping at Upper Barrakka Gardens beautiful old theatre), and an inhabited 16th
with panoramic views over the Grand Harbour century patrician town house.
and the Three Cities, and concludes with a visit to
Mdina & Rabat: Mdina is an important UNESCO
St John’s Co-Cathedral. There is then free time
Heritage Site. It is the oldest city on the island and
for you to explore Valletta before a not-to-be-
derives its name from the Arabic word ‘medina’
missed harbour cruise.
meaning walled city. Mdina is lamp-lit by night and
Day 4: Dingli Cliffs to Blue Grotto often referred to as the ‘silent city’. The cathedral
or Mdina and cathedral museum are fascinating places
with their rich cultural and religious treasures.
Today’s visit is to the Dingli Cliffs, the highest point
The impressive palaces are still home to some of
on Malta. We walk through Buskett Gardens (once
Malta’s aristocratic families.
the hunting ground of the Grand Masters) towards
the Dingli Cliffs. Rabat is home to the famous catacombs of St
Paul and St Agatha and the impressive St Paul’s
Close to the cliffs we see the remains of Ghar il- Church, which stands above a grotto where
Kbir cave dwellings and a series of distinctive St Paul is said to have taken refuge after his
prehistoric cart ruts. This visit will be enhanced by shipwreck on Malta.
a local guide who was brought up in the area. The
afternoon is spent sightseeing with the option of: Local information website: For information on
Malta please visit www.malta.gov.mt
(a) visiting 4th century catacombs, the
museum of Roman Antiquities and soaking up Day 6: Marsascala and Marsaxlokk
the atmosphere in the Silent City of Mdina or These walks link two traditional Maltese fishing
(b) visiting the temple complex of Hagar Qim, villages on the south eastern corner of the island.
which can be seen beforedescending to Wied We start at Marsascala harbour from where we
iz-Zurrieq where there is the option of a boat follow the coast past a series of deep-cut bays
trip to the Blue Grotto in good weather. and promontories. A delightful spot for lunch
and swimming is reached before we continue
Easier Walk: 5 miles (8km) with up to 300 feet
along the shore through the ‘sculpture park’ of
(90m) of ascent
Peter’s Pool. There is an option to continue on to
Harder Walk: 9 miles (14½km) with up to 900 Delimara Point to stand only 200 miles north of
feet (270m) of ascent Africa. We walk to Marsaxlokk, with its profusion of
colourful fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, and
Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 5
a quayside market.
Easier Walk: 7 miles (11km) with up to 400 feet
(120m) of ascent. In the evenings
Harder Walk: 9 miles (14½km) with up to 900 feet The friendly atmosphere of our Guided
(270m) of ascent. Walking holidays continues into the evening.
We’ll enjoy a leisurely meal and then you may
Day 7: Ancient city to sandy bays also like to join your leader for an evening
From the ancient city of Mdina – the original capital stroll, listen to local musicians, relax with a
of Malta – we descend into the fertile Qleigha Valley book in a quiet lounge or enjoy a drink at the
and a series of manmade reservoirs called the bar with your fellow walkers talking about
Chadwick Lakes. There is time to view the wayside your day.
chapel and the honeycomb of ancient tombs
beneath the Victorian Line fortifications along the
escarpment ridge. After the Bingemma Gap we
make our way mainly by coastal paths to Golden
Bay where there will be time for a swim.
Easier Walk: 6 miles (9½km) with up to 600 feet
(180m) of ascent
Harder Walk: 8 miles (13km) with up to 900 feet
(270m) of ascent
Day 8: Departure day
or transfer day for guests holidaying on Gozo.
6 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
WALKING
INFORMATION
Your walking leaders: HF Holidays’ leaders are a who will accompany you on a walk to enrich and
pivotal feature of our Guided Walking holidays. enhance your enjoyment of the area by giving you
During the day they will guide you on the walks in an insight into its history and culture. Tips for local
a caring and considerate way, showing you places interest guides have not been included in the price
of interest en route. All our leaders have been of your holiday. This is at your own discretion and
selected on an intensive residential course so we invite you to do this directly with the local guide.
you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that Maps: Your leaders will of course carry all the maps
you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your and detailed walk instructions needed for the
comments on the holiday survey; constructive walks. The map available for this area is 1:25,000
suggestions for things that they might do Kompass Map 235: Malta & Gozo.
differently are very helpful. Maps can be obtained by mail order from
We take pride in the quality of our holidays and The Map Shop, tel: 0800 0854080 or visit
work closely with all our providers to ensure our www.themapshop.co.uk.
holidays meet your expectations. If for any reason Children: We welcome unaccompanied children
you are not satisfied with any element of your of 14 or over on our walks on the basis that they
holiday, our leaders are the best people to help. can take full responsibility for themselves. Children
Local interest guides: In some of our resorts we under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an
may employ the services of a local interest guide adult.
Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 7
Your health: It is essential that you describe on
WALKING your guest registration form any health condition
or disability you may have. The leaders will treat this
SAFETY confidentially and may be able to take it into
We are committed to running our Guided Walking account on the walks; for example, by not delaying
holidays in a safe manner and your co-operation lunch if they know they have someone with
with this is much appreciated. No outdoor activity diabetes in their party.
can be 100% risk free; however, if you take EU citizens should ensure they have a European
sensible precautions and adhere to your leaders’ Health Insurance Card (EHIC) prior to their holiday.
instructions, your holiday will be both safe and There can be problems with medical authorities and
enjoyable. On the first evening of your holiday insurance companies if you cannot produce this
(dependent on arrival time), the leaders will give a when you require treatment – details are available at
short talk about safety on the walks – we would ask dh.gov. uk/travellers EHIC cards have an expiry
everyone to attend. date – please check yours is valid before you travel.
Walking as a group: Our leaders always consider Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking.
the safety of the group as a whole, and will show Therefore if you have not already arranged
more caution over potential risks (such as bad or insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and
exceptionally hot weather) than an individual or advise us of the insurance company and policy
couple might make on a private outing. Walks may number.
be modified or cancelled following the leaders’ Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient
assessment of the day-to-day situation. Your treatment normally have to be paid for at the
leaders will refuse to accept any guest whose time and the costs reclaimed afterwards – details
clothing, equipment, behaviour or walking ability is are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Therefore
considered unsuitable, and where it could affect insurance is extremely important, as is access to
the safety and enjoyment of other guests on the emergency money, preferably a credit card.
proposed walk. It is your responsibility to follow the
leader’s guidelines, for the benefit and safety of the
group as a whole. If you leave the group, then your
HOLIDAY TIPS
leader will no longer have responsibility for you. Language: Maltese and English
For safety reasons, we stipulate a minimum party Currency: Euro
size of two guests in addition to the leader. Changing money: There are several ATM machines
First aid: In line with current practice, each leader in Mellieha where you can obtain money.
carries a group first aid kit but is not able to supply Electricity: 220 Volt AC with 3-pin plugs as per UK.
any ‘medication’, including aspirin, paracetamol,
Tap water: Is considered safe to drink, but if you
antihistamines and antiseptic cream.
prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased
Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to from the hotel or local supermarkets.
keep hydrated. You will need to carry a minimum of
Telephone code: If the international number
two litres of water with you on walks, more during
you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the
hot weather or on more demanding walks.
starting digit when dialling the number.
One good way of hydrating is to use a two litre
To dial a UK number 0044
hydration pack which allows drinking without
constant stopping. This can then be filled up from To dial a Maltese number 00356
additional water sources as required. Your leader will
inform you of the possibilities for replenishing your
water during the walks.
8 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING
To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is • spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal
essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment mint cake
are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. • torch
Please note that some of our Atlantic island and You may also wish to consider bringing:
Mediterranean destinations are also in mountainous • camera
areas and at height (up to 4,000 feet) the
• personal first aid kit
temperatures can be as low as 0°C. You will need:
• walking pole(s) – many guests find these useful,
• comfortable outdoor clothing • particularly for descents
• ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles
• water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) FOOTWEAR
and a thermos flask if you wish We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks,
• sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses as these provide the best ankle support
• small rucksack and grip. Modern ‘approach shoes’ offer appropriate
The following are also recommended to all walkers, and levels of grip and may be worn on some low
are essential for mountainous and hilly areas: level walks, but users should be aware that they offer
• walking boots less ankle support.
• spare pullover or fleece Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof capes
• hat and gloves are not recommended for any walks.
TRANSFER INFORMATION
If you have booked your holiday ‘with flight’ you will arrive at Malta Airport. From the UK we offer
flights from several airports which may arrive at different times.
Please note that meals are not provided on most European flights, although some airlines may offer a
small snack.
Where possible you will be met in the arrivals hall by an HF Holidays’ leader. Look for their distinctive
clipboard and badge.
Occasionally we will ask our transfer coach company to meet you. The driver will be in the arrivals hall
holding an ‘HF Holidays’ sign.
The onward journey to Mellieha by coach takes approximately 45 minutes.
For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday ‘without flight’ HF Holidays can
help you to reach the hotel in the following ways:
HF Holidays’ transfer coach from Malta Airport. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays’
flights (provisional HF Holidays’ flight times can be found on www.hfholidays.co.uk or by calling
+44 (0)20 8732 1220). Cost per single journey is £16.50. Please note that HF Holidays is not
responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance.
Our Airport Taxi service operates at this resort, offering quick and easy transfers for guests
booking their own flights. All prices are per taxi for single journeys, allowing you to mix and match
different transfer options. From Malta Airport £55 per taxi single journey.
Transfers and taxis must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please
call +44 (0)20 8732 1220.
Airport parking and accommodation
If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we
recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031
or book online at holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays
Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 9linger a little
LONGER
Two weeks or more Leisure Activities
If you enjoyed your holiday on Malta, we We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays
recommend our holiday on the beautiful island of at some of our European destinations,
Gozo, with its secluded coves and spectacular including Discovery or Garden Tours,
coastline. Photography, Painting, or Yoga.
Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer Worldwide
holiday – either two weeks of walking at one From Alaska to Vietnam our Worldwide
resort or by combining complementary holidays, Journeys invite you to explore world famous
such as Tavira in the Eastern Algarve and Luz in destinations, and some lesser known gems, on
the Western Algarve. We arrange the transfers six continents including Europe.
between the resorts so that you don’t have to.
See our brochure or website for more
information.
Self-guided Walking
For those who prefer to explore independently,
on our Self-guided Walking holidays, in selected
European destinations, you can discover
unspoiled scenery, historic sites and the local
culture at your own pace by following our carefully
planned walking routes.
SAVE ON OUTDOOR CLOTHING
From time to time our outdoor clothing partners have special offers for our guests.
Visit hfholidays.co.uk/partnerships to see the current offers.
10 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.ukRECOMMEND A FRIEND
JOIN US TODAY
AND SAVE UP TO £50 AND BENEFIT
TOMORROW
Do you know someone who would enjoy our HF Holidays is the only UK holiday
holidays as much as you do? Invite them to provider that’s a co-operative. We’re
book a holiday and you’ll receive up to £50! owned by our members who help shape
If you recommend HF Holidays to a friend, our business for future generations.
who then makes their first ever booking with Join our award-winning and sociably
us, we’ll give you £50 off your next 7 night responsible society that’s passionate
holiday or £30 off your next 3 or 4 night short about helping others to enjoy holidays in
break. Plus as a welcome, we’ll give your beautiful countryside.
friend, or friends, up to £50 off their holiday
For a minimum purchase of 100 £1 shares
too, meaning savings for everyone! you can benefit from:
M
embers’ loyalty scheme – earn points
Claim up to £50 in three easy steps…
on your holidays and use as a discount on
When your friend books a holiday, ask your next holiday
them to mention your name, address M
ember-only events and holidays
and the ‘Recommend a Friend’ scheme M
embers come first with advance
at the same time. registration for the holiday you want
1
0% discount at our country house bars
I f they have never been on holiday with 1
5% discount at Cotswold Outdoor
us, we’ll give them a discount of up to
1
5% discount at Rohan
£50 per person.
2
5% discount at Hi-Tec
We’ll send you a voucher for up to £50 A
nnual interest on your shares
off a future HF Holidays’ break for each
friend you have recommended.
ALREADY A MEMBER?
There are many ways for you to further
Terms & conditions apply, visit hfholidays.co.uk/raf for details. your support:
Help choose our Board
Attend member events
Encourage others to join us
Increase your shares at any time
T
op up to 1,000 shares to become an
investment member with
PATHWAYS FUND enhanced benefits
Last year guests donated £19,500 to our Give membership as a gift
Pathways Fund and we spent £25,000 on projects.
For more information on the projects the
Pathways Fund has supported, plus how to
donate, please visit hfholidays.co.uk/pathways
HF Holidays continues to work in partnership with
the Family Holiday Association to provide Feel To join or increase your investment call
Good Breaks – designed to reward families who our Membership team on
could not otherwise afford it with the gift of a 0208 732 1290,
break in the outdoors and the chance to spend email membership@hfholidays.co.uk
quality time together. Help us continue this work or visit hfholidays.co.uk/membership
by donating to the Pathways Fund.
Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 11Contact details HF Holidays Ltd Catalyst House 720 Centennial Court Centennial Park Elstree Borehamwood, WD6 3SY hfholidays.co.uk For any questions before your holiday, we’re here to help, so please contact us on: +44 (0)20 8732 1250 Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm. Email: info@hfholidays.co.uk Emergency contact details: In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be our HF Holidays’ leaders. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays’ emergency contact details are as above or between the hours of Friday 7pm to Monday 9am are: +44 (0)7918 737777 or emergency@hfholidays.co.uk
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