Knightly Secrets: A Knight’s Tale during Valletta’s Golden Age
Explore the captivating life of a Knight of St John, where danger, honour and scandal intertwine.
★★★★★ 5/5
Where to start, we had the honor of having two very talented tour guides Giacomo and Chris and another apprentice all for ourselves (3ppl) They personalized this tour based on the time we had available and they gave us lots of history of Malta, the Knights of Malta and so much more. Information not heard in any other place while keeping it very entertaining and in all time captured our attention. We were so glad we booked this tour. We highly recommend this tour. It will not disappoint.
- Aisha E
Tour Details
- Ages: 14+
- Starting Location: Upper Barrakka Garden
- Tour Difficulty: Easy
- Photo Friendly: Yes
- Duration: 2 hours
- Ending Location: Grandmaster's Palace
- What to wear: Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
- Guide: Licensed tourist guide in authentic corsair costume (or not in costume optional)
- Language: English
Overview
Journey through time and uncover the enigmatic life of a Knight of St John in Valletta. Uncover the secrets that lie beneath their noble appearance, explore the path to knighthood, the pursuit of power, and the inner conflicts of serving God or oneself and what being a knight truly meant.
Step into the footsteps of a murderer turned knight and witness the extraordinary loopholes that challenged the order’s principles. As you stroll through enchanting piazzas and majestic palaces of Valletta, you’ll grasp the undeniable truth that blood money was the unspoken mortar of this city’s foundation.
Encounter the Knights’ circle of corsairs and courtesans that thrived amidst the chaos of warfare, making it the best time to visit Malta. Delve into a world where scandal and piracy intertwine, as well as the most horrid of murders, offering glimpses into the depths of human suffering.
Amidst the dis-orderly delinquents, discover the exceptional strategies employed by a Grandmaster to maintain law and order in a city teeming with cutthroats. While Chivalry may be a relic of the past, brace yourself for a journey filled with tales of death-defying adventures at sea, on land, and even within the bedroom whilst walking past top Malta tourist attractions.
Are you ready to unravel the mysteries of the Knights of St John? Allow our expert guide to breathe life into their captivating story and embark on an unforgettable experience.
Step into the footsteps of a murderer turned knight and witness the extraordinary loopholes that challenged the order’s principles. As you stroll through enchanting piazzas and majestic palaces of Valletta, you’ll grasp the undeniable truth that blood money was the unspoken mortar of this city’s foundation.
Encounter the Knights’ circle of corsairs and courtesans that thrived amidst the chaos of warfare, making it the best time to visit Malta. Delve into a world where scandal and piracy intertwine, as well as the most horrid of murders, offering glimpses into the depths of human suffering.
Amidst the dis-orderly delinquents, discover the exceptional strategies employed by a Grandmaster to maintain law and order in a city teeming with cutthroats. While Chivalry may be a relic of the past, brace yourself for a journey filled with tales of death-defying adventures at sea, on land, and even within the bedroom whilst walking past top Malta tourist attractions.
Are you ready to unravel the mysteries of the Knights of St John? Allow our expert guide to breathe life into their captivating story and embark on an unforgettable experience.
Tour Highlights
- Join your guide as he portrays one of the unlikely Knights of St John, yet renowned worldwide.
- Discover the iconic architectural marvels of Valletta and other top Malta tourist attractions inside the city, the true story behind the construction funding, and unravel the enigma of knighthood.
- Walk in the footsteps of these legendary warriors venturing into hidden corners of their world, where chivalry clashes with temptation.
- Discover the intricate web of relationships, both sacred and forbidden, and the deeds that colored their lives when it was the best time to visit Malta if you sought to escape your past.
Tour Theme
Chivalry and Honor – Identity and Duty – Nobility vs Humility – Internal Struggles and Temptations
Location Highlights
- Upper Barrakka Garden / Grand Harbour View
- Auberge de Castille
- De Valette Statue
- Auberge D’Italie
- Merchant Street
- Church of St. James
- Castellania
- St. John’s Co Cathedral
- Monte di Pieta
- Banca Giuratale
- Valletta Food Market
- The Jesuit Church
- Old University Building
- St. George’s Square
- Grand Master’s Palace
Further Information
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• A hat in summer (although the narrow streets will be mostly shaded).
• Warm clothes in winter as Valletta can be chilly.
Professional Maltese Licensed Tour Guide, in costume portraying a real 17th century character to better tell this remarkable story. (Or not in costume optional)
Entry to buildings is not included.
Participants must be 14 years old or above due to adult content involving romance, adultery, violence and more.
Our tours typically have a small group size to ensure a personalized experience.
The tour will only be cancelled in case of extreme weather conditions.
Unless there is extreme rainfall, the tour will still happen. If the tour is cancelled, we will notify you beforehand and refund your order. We will always prioritize the safety and comfort of our clients first.
Your journey begins at the very top of this page.
First step is to head to the top of page, and kindly fill in the details of your ideal date, preferred tour and add any extra tidbits that can jazz up your experience.
Then just click on “Send Booking request” and we’ll be in touch with you within 48 hours
Once we’ve established a date and time and sorted all the details, the rest is easy.
NO Deposit is needed. The amount is paid on the date of the tour.
Cancellations or change of bookings are only allowed if received via email notification on [email protected] at least 24 hours before the tour commences.
Our tours are designed to be safe and enjoyable for all clients. We prioritise safety above all else and work with experienced guides and tour operators to ensure that all activities are conducted safely.
The tour is on even paved ground.
The tour includes around 15 stops.
The route, sights, and topics may vary slightly depending on weather and any building works.
Approximately half an hour of walking is involved.
Yes, all tours must be booked in advance.
NO Deposit is Needed and all is paid on the day of the Tour itself :)
The meeting place is less than 10 minutes away from a public car park and the bus stop is also less than 10 minutes’ walk away.
A Public Bathroom available at the meeting place.
Restaurants and Cafeterias with bathrooms are available halfway during the tour.
Yes, the tour is offered in English.
Although much appreciated, it is solely up to you to decide whether or not to tip your tour guide.
Just email us on [email protected] and we will be glad to help out.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in with your guide.
Tour Pricing
Group Size
Price
1 to 2 people
€ 140
3 to 4 people
€160
5 to 10 people
€210
11 to 15 people
€250
16 to 30 people
€280
30 or more people
€320
Have any questions?
Wondering about something? If it's not in sight or a bit fuzzy don't hesitate! Email us at [email protected]
Prefer joining a scheduled tour?
Prefer a shared adventure? Our scheduled tour is your jam. Click 'Book a Scheduled Tour' below to view our scheduled tours calendar and join equally awesome folks.
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On this Medieval Mdina Scheduled Tour discover the secrets of Mdina's elite as they plot their way to the top during a time of civil war, sieges, and invasions. Amidst backstabbing and betrayal, the families that made Mdina great still find time for infidelity and bed hopping, all while shaping the destiny of Malta. Join your costumed Rogue Malta Tour guide on a journey through their little-known but intriguing story.
On this Medieval Mdina Scheduled Tour discover the secrets of Mdina's elite as they plot their way to the top during a time of civil war, sieges, and invasions. Amidst backstabbing and betrayal, the families that made Mdina great still find time for infidelity and bed hopping, all while shaping the destiny of Malta. Join your costumed Rogue Malta Tour guide on a journey through their little-known but intriguing story.
Uncover the captivating and colourful live of one of Valletta's infamous Sea Captains. Meet unruly nasty knights, tortured and suppressed slaves as well as devoted prostitutes followed by naughty nuns. Learn about the dark forgotten industry of piracy that once formed the daily bread of most of the island's population and hear the lies that ignited it. Tales of plunder, promiscuity gone wild, and peril await you. These stories of battles on sea, land and in the bedroom are sure to leave you breathless.
Uncover the captivating and colourful live of one of Valletta's infamous Sea Captains. Meet unruly nasty knights, tortured and suppressed slaves as well as devoted prostitutes followed by naughty nuns. Learn about the dark forgotten industry of piracy that once formed the daily bread of most of the island's population and hear the lies that ignited it. Tales of plunder, promiscuity gone wild, and peril await you. These stories of battles on sea, land and in the bedroom are sure to leave you breathless.
On this Medieval Mdina Scheduled Tour discover the secrets of Mdina's elite as they plot their way to the top during a time of civil war, sieges, and invasions. Amidst backstabbing and betrayal, the families that made Mdina great still find time for infidelity and bed hopping, all while shaping the destiny of Malta. Join your costumed Rogue Malta Tour guide on a journey through their little-known but intriguing story.
Uncover the captivating and colourful live of one of Valletta's infamous Sea Captains. Meet unruly nasty knights, tortured and suppressed slaves as well as devoted prostitutes followed by naughty nuns. Learn about the dark forgotten industry of piracy that once formed the daily bread of most of the island's population and hear the lies that ignited it. Tales of plunder, promiscuity gone wild, and peril await you. These stories of battles on sea, land and in the bedroom are sure to leave you breathless.
On this Medieval Mdina Scheduled Tour discover the secrets of Mdina's elite as they plot their way to the top during a time of civil war, sieges, and invasions. Amidst backstabbing and betrayal, the families that made Mdina great still find time for infidelity and bed hopping, all while shaping the destiny of Malta. Join your costumed Rogue Malta Tour guide on a journey through their little-known but intriguing story.
Uncover the captivating and colourful live of one of Valletta's infamous Sea Captains. Meet unruly nasty knights, tortured and suppressed slaves as well as devoted prostitutes followed by naughty nuns. Learn about the dark forgotten industry of piracy that once formed the daily bread of most of the island's population and hear the lies that ignited it. Tales of plunder, promiscuity gone wild, and peril await you. These stories of battles on sea, land and in the bedroom are sure to leave you breathless.
- Client Testimonials
We’re proud to receive awesome client reviews
You wont find a better guide, to bring the history of Malta to life. His passion, knowledge and delivery really made our tour of Valetta special and memorable. Right from the initial contact, his communication was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed our interactions with him over email and in person. Giacomo also gave us many ideas and suggestions about how to make the most of our week in Malta including places to visit and restaurant recommendations, which we really appreciated. His care and consideration was superb.
- Alison Gunusen
The best tour in Valletta!!!!
Giacomo is such a wonderful guide! Prepare for a full immersion, as he's taking you on board! We learned so much during this tour, and we now view several buildings of Valletta under a different light! I had no idea of the history of Valletta under the Knights and Corsairs and not only Giacomo made the tour really informative but also memorable and interesting. Jokes were on point and his good mood was contagious. Such a perfect tour! We enjoyed it a lot, so much that now we want to treat ourselves with the tour of Mdina! Thank you Giacomo for your professionalism and the messages before and after the tour, it feels really nice and the experience is full! Till we meet again! Céline
- Céline
A «dark», historic walk through the beautiful streets of Valletta. Giacomo Muscat guided us vividly through the «dark» streets of Valletta. The theme of our tour was «The Sinful secrets of Valletta – Blood, Booty and Courtesans» and that’s exactly the story Giacomo gave us through his acting and storytelling. We could almost see, smell, feel and hear the knights, corsairs, slaves, pirates, poor, priests, nuns and a few «ordinary» people back in time. Thank you for an amazing night, Giacomo. This is an event not to miss!
- BEHaraldsen
Best experience of my 2024. The Valletta Sinful Secrets tour exceeded my expectations , I've travelled and done my share of tours, but this was like my top highlight to day!
Our guide (Giacomo) is exceptional from initial communication and meeting him, we knew we were in for a treat, he's warm, friendly and knows his stuff. We also had many a good laughs along the way. What fun it was seeing the capital from his themed perspective. Loved it! Seriously you should charge enough more for the value of this wonderful experience ! Thank you for this treasure of a tour!
Best. .Jo Nelson
- Tijo
Mdina walking tour with a difference. We booked the Malta themed tour to Mdina. This promised to be a thrilling and enjoyable tour. Well, it superceded my expectations a 100 times over. The narrator Giacomo Muscat aka Mikele the Corsair, was funny, knowledgeable, full of enthusiasm and involved those present by learning their names and asking them to participate, to contribute their views and opinions about what would next. It was the best 2.5 hours walking tour we've ever attended. The drama, the secret, and the mystery of the tales/historical events unfolded as we strolled the dark and winding streets of Mdina.
- Marilde
This whole experience was fantastic, from the very funny back and forth emails with Giacomo when booking from England before we went (thanks also for the many helpful tips for things to do and see on the Maltese islands, many of which we ended up doing), to the evening itself with the simply brilliant Chris as the Corsair. Extremely educational and delivered with infectious enthusiasm. Puts everything in a much wider context; this isn't the conventional 'pantomime' piracy of eye patches, pieces of eight and parrots, but more about profiteering as a mutually advantageous political discourse to both defend the Grand Harbour and contribute to the coffers of the Knights of St John. As my daughter says below, don't miss it, there's nothing else like it.
- ShotsGeoff
Greatly recommend. Very happy that I found them. The best corsair in the Mediterranean.
Firstly, I am extremely grateful for the time Giacomo and Chris spent with me on trying to understand our needs and desires, working on setting up a nice tour to fit the budget and everyone's needs as we had 7 year old with us as well. Secondly, consideration and patience, also involving our kid (later we found out that Chris is also a teacher) and fitting into our schedule. Lastly, thank you for your personal untraditional point of view and interpretation, it was really refreshing.
- Star929
We were on a cruise and stopped in Malta. I arranged a tour with Chris who was exceptional. He customized our tour according to our time and requests. He was friendly and kind and extremely knowledgeable. We enjoyed our time with him and loved the tour of Malta. I would highly recommend him!
- MMM
I visited Malta with my adult son, who is, usually, not fond of guided tours, so I tried to find something exceptional to get him interested, and - yes! - this corsair tour was absolutely brilliant! We were lucky to have it all for ourselves - as it happen no other guests booked the tour on the same evening. The only disadvantage was the noise - streets of Valletta is overcrowded in the evening, and sometimes our points of interest were surrounded with loud music and noisy people, but in general it was very good anyway. We both highly recommend it!
- Julia
My husband booked this walking tour as part of our wedding anniversary stop over in Valletta. We have stopped in Valletta a couple of times but we learnt so much about places we have walked past previously, on this 2 hour tour with Chris aka Shandru.
We were the only people doing the tour on this rainy evening but the guide still put lots into the tour. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Corsairs in Malta and its not a long walk so is suitable for all ages. Think my grandchildren would love some of the stories and being shown around by a real life Corsair (legal pirate).
We were the only people doing the tour on this rainy evening but the guide still put lots into the tour. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Corsairs in Malta and its not a long walk so is suitable for all ages. Think my grandchildren would love some of the stories and being shown around by a real life Corsair (legal pirate).
- Jeanette W
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