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: 2.5 hours
- Ending Location: Grandmaster's Palace
- What to wear: Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
- Guide: Licensed tourist guide in authentic Knight of Malta clothing (or not in clothing 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
- Church of our Lady of Victory
- 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, they still find time for infidelity and bed hopping, all while shaping the destiny of Malta. Join your costumed Malta Tour guide on a journey through their little-known but intriguing story.
Uncover the captivating and colourful lives of Valletta's infamous Corsairs. 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, they still find time for infidelity and bed hopping, all while shaping the destiny of Malta. Join your costumed 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, they still find time for infidelity and bed hopping, all while shaping the destiny of Malta. Join your costumed Malta Tour guide on a journey through their little-known but intriguing story.
Uncover the captivating and colourful lives of Valletta's infamous Corsairs. 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, they still find time for infidelity and bed hopping, all while shaping the destiny of Malta. Join your costumed Malta Tour guide on a journey through their little-known but intriguing story.
- Client Testimonials
We’re proud to receive awesome client reviews
Like no other!
Full immersion!
The Tour is an immersive and captivating experience that delves deep into the island's tumultuous past. Our guide, dressed as a pirate, was incredible bringing the stories of Malta's infamous pirates to life. The tour covered significant part of Valletta. Each location was enriched with fascinating anecdotes and historical context.
The blend of history and entertainment made it engaging for all ages.The attention to detail in both the storytelling and the visual presentation was impressive, making the experience both informative and highly enjoyable.
Overall, the Tour is a must-do for history enthusiasts and families alike. It’s a unique way to explore Malta's rich maritime heritage and understand the pivotal role piracy played in its history.
- Babur B
Stop and Book This Tour!!!
I cannot recommend Malta Themed Tours enough, what fun we had. Giacomo is such a warm personality and is such a well researched historian, it has been quite sometime since I have met someone who has taken so much care in curating how best to tell stories and share historical facts. We booked the tour late as it was a last minute plan to be in Mdina that day, Giacomo made it so easy to take a last minute booking and even still remembered our names as he did the rest of the tour group. If you are looking for a fresh and fun tour of some of Malta’s history or even if you are a local like me, looking for something new to experience, I really recommend booking a tour with Giacomo and then going for a late dinner after the tour. We are planning to do all of the tours that are offered this year. Thank you Giacomo for everything.
- Christina W
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!
- 0Hellish0
“EASILY THE BEST!"
We have been organising Malta heritage tours for 15 years, and Giacomo is easily the best, most engaging guide we have ever come across.
His tours are totally original and deeply researched, yet they're not a series of names and dates, but a very lively trip into a Malta's past, full of colourful characters and dramatic events.
If you and yours want an informative, immersive and extremely amusing Malta tour, this is the one for you!
- Baroque5
"Must thing to do in Malta"
Our guide really nailed it. He arrived dressed as a corsair and stayed in character throughout his entire "performance". Using a first-person story-telling style, he brought us back in time to actually feel the history. This tour checked every box - it was entertaining, informative, and memorable. I highly recommend them!
- David F
“Brilliant performance by a scoundrel!" -
The guide was a murderous scoundrel (and pirate), but his performance was brilliant!
It opened new and very interesting views on areas we thought we knew quite well.
- Lidingo2017
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
- Tijonelson t
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 G
Absolutely fantastic!
We had a tour of Mdina with Giacomo for my brother’s birthday and it was absolutely fantastic! It was the perfect balance of informative and light-hearted and fun. Giacomo was really knowledgable and made the tour feel very personal by involving us and getting to know us a bit along the way. I’d highly, highly recommend this for anyone interested in history and seeing some of the sights from Game of Thrones Series 1. Genuinely one of the most enjoyable and engaging tours I’ve done in years!
- Will D
We walked for 2 hours and didn’t even notice… it was THAT entertaining
Our guide was so entertaining! We walked for 2 hours and didn’t even notice… it was THAT entertaining. I booked this tour for my husband since I’m a local but never really was interested in history but I really didn’t mind it and my husband (history fan) was happy with his gift. Would recommend to both people on holiday as well as locals since you are sure to learn something new.
- alessia Z
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