Sinful Secrets of Valletta: Blood, Booty and Courtesans
Embark on an adventure where survival, dreams of a better life (against all odds), and desire collide, revealing the darker side of Valletta whilst viewing malta sightseeing places. Hear of tales risk takers, misery maximized for gold, love gone terribly wrong, exotic delicacies with a shocking past and much more during one of the best Malta tours.












★★★★★ 5/5
"Saha Chris! What can we say.. The best and most inspiring way to learn about Malta. Chris.. You are the best guide and we have been around a bit (whoring ha!)!. This tour was personal and genuine and really was the most informative way of learning about Maltese history. The main draw is the main man! Chris you made us feel comfortable and we laughed lots and lots and enjoyed you company and that of your friend. If you want to feel welcomed to Valetta and generally to Malta then you can't look further than a true Maltese guy who is proud of the heritage and aware of the present and future of Malta. The history of the Causair is something that is fascinating and little known about. Let Chris tell you a little more about this that you don't know.The tour takes you to the highs and lows of the past centuries, war and migration of the beautiful island. From looting to slave trades to the history of navigation, Chris covers it all. With humour and warmth. Please go on this tour as you won't find anything better! We loved it and when we come back we will have some fun! Can't wait to see you again bro.. Love James and Fiona xx"
- James P
Tour Details
- Ages: 14+
- Starting Location: Auberge de Castille - In front of it by the fountain
- Tour Difficulty: Easy
- Photo Friendly: Yes
- Duration: 2 hours
- Ending Location: Lower Barrakka garden, Valletta
- What to wear: Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
- Guide: Licensed tourist guide in authentic corsair costume (or not in costume optional)
- Language: English
Overview
The Secrets of Valletta’s Streets await you! Experience one of the most media covered and best Malta Tours on the island.
Uncover the hidden and sinful chapters of Malta’s maritime city as your costumed corsair guide helps you learn the tricks of the trade to escape poverty whilst enjoying top Malta sightseeing places. You’ll discover why the Knights of St. John were more interested in booze, booty, and bootylicious wenches than actually, you know, being holy…
Hear how Malta turned plundering into a profitable career path. From forbidden love affairs, cunning courtesans and exotic worldwide delicacies with a sinister past, our costumed storyteller will bring Malta’s rich history to life in a thrilling, interactive, and engaging manner.
How will you rise through the ranks? Will you help your 17th century guide re-ignite his woman’s love and stop giving him the cold-shoulder? Are you ready to perfect the art of living fast, loving hard, and leaving a trail of chaos in your wake? Join and find out as you see why these legendary figures were hailed as protectors by everyday Maltese people yet despised by the feared Holy Roman Inquisition! Learn why even an angry Pope is forced to get involved, turns out, “What happens in Valletta”…didn’t always stay in Valletta!
Embark on your wildest ride this side of the Mediterranean, admire the rich architecture of Valletta’s Baroque buildings where each location holds naughty bits, that Valletta has been hiding for centuries including customs and sayings that would raise eyebrows today. Live forgotten stories, and get a raw, unfiltered glimpse into Malta’s colorful 17th Century as you become your past!
Don’t miss this fun opportunity to explore the streets filled with nautical naughtiness, historical hanky-panky, and puns so bad, they’re practically a sin. But hey, in Valletta, sin is just another way to win. Join us and discover the dark heart of Valletta where you literally “Get Rich or Die Trying!”
Uncover the hidden and sinful chapters of Malta’s maritime city as your costumed corsair guide helps you learn the tricks of the trade to escape poverty whilst enjoying top Malta sightseeing places. You’ll discover why the Knights of St. John were more interested in booze, booty, and bootylicious wenches than actually, you know, being holy…
Hear how Malta turned plundering into a profitable career path. From forbidden love affairs, cunning courtesans and exotic worldwide delicacies with a sinister past, our costumed storyteller will bring Malta’s rich history to life in a thrilling, interactive, and engaging manner.
How will you rise through the ranks? Will you help your 17th century guide re-ignite his woman’s love and stop giving him the cold-shoulder? Are you ready to perfect the art of living fast, loving hard, and leaving a trail of chaos in your wake? Join and find out as you see why these legendary figures were hailed as protectors by everyday Maltese people yet despised by the feared Holy Roman Inquisition! Learn why even an angry Pope is forced to get involved, turns out, “What happens in Valletta”…didn’t always stay in Valletta!
Embark on your wildest ride this side of the Mediterranean, admire the rich architecture of Valletta’s Baroque buildings where each location holds naughty bits, that Valletta has been hiding for centuries including customs and sayings that would raise eyebrows today. Live forgotten stories, and get a raw, unfiltered glimpse into Malta’s colorful 17th Century as you become your past!
Don’t miss this fun opportunity to explore the streets filled with nautical naughtiness, historical hanky-panky, and puns so bad, they’re practically a sin. But hey, in Valletta, sin is just another way to win. Join us and discover the dark heart of Valletta where you literally “Get Rich or Die Trying!”
Tour Highlights
- Valletta’s Sinful Streets: Explore Valletta, one of UNESCO’s naughtiest World Heritage Cities and top Malta sightseeing places, tracing the dark footsteps of the legendary Corsairs during the Knights of St John period.
- Scandalous Stories: Entertain yourself in tales of audacious plunder, unrestrained desires, and ingenious schemes that will make your lawyer blush and your history teacher weep.
- Dark Secrets: Learn why “going to Malta for business” was the 17th century’s equivalent of a Vegas trip. As you climb the ladder, find out how deep this rabbit hole goes. You’ll be surprised, hopefully not too shocked!
- Immersive and animated Storytelling: Step into the shoes of a struggling Valletta resident and see history through their eyes as your costumed guide helps you escape poverty through Malta turning “finders keepers” into an economic policy (don’t try this at home).
- Hidden Havens:Explore hidden off beaten paths such as the fabulous East street and the less visited but equally magnificent Lower Barrakka Garden, with its jaw-dropping views of our Grand Harbour ,that are Instagram gold (No filter needed) and will make your social media light up with jealous comments on one of the best Malta Tours!!
Tour Theme
Daring to Dream – Freedom vs Responsibility – Brotherhood and Loyalty – Risk-Taking and Adventure – Consequences of Greed – Ethics of Piracy – Profit through misery – Search for Love
Location Highlights
- Auberge de Castille
- St. James Cavallier
- De Valette Statue
- Auberge D’Italie
- Merchant Street
- Castellania
- St. John’s Co-Cathedral
- Banca Giuratale
- Grand Master’s Palace – back entrance
- Valletta Food Market
- Oratory of the Jesuits
- St. Ursula Church and Monastery
- East Street
- Lower Barrakka Garden with epic views of the Grand Harbour
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 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 sex, adultery, 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. 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 and all is paid on the day of the Tour itself :)
NO Deposit is Needed and all is paid on the day of the Tour itself :)
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. However, a downward hill must be tackled to head towards the panoramic views.
The tour includes around 17 stops.
The route, sights, and topics may vary slightly depending on weather and any building works.
Approximately half an hour of walking is involved.
The path is an easy one, flat ground and always heading downwards where steps are involved to our last few gems such as East Street and the Lower Barrakka Garden with Epic views of the Grand Harbour
Also pushchair friendly
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 less than 10 minutes’ walk away.
Our Starting Location being Auberge De Castille is extremely easy to find and convenient whether your coming via cruise liner and exiting from the Upper Barrakka Garden ( less the 1 minute) or coming through Valletta Main Gate ( approx 5mins walk time from the main gate)
A Public Bathroom available close to the meeting place. (UPPER Barrakka Garden)
A Second Public bathroom is available at the end of the tour. (LOWER Barrakka Garden)
Kindly note at times opening hours of the Public Toilets may vary according to the to cleaners on duty
In case of emergencies there are plenty of Cafes, restaurants close by with a tiolets/restrooms throughout your voyage :)
Yes, the tour is offered in English. (or Maltese)
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.
Also plan ahead for traffic to reach Valletta , since it’s our capital city.
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.

- 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.
Well done, Giacomo, for this well researched and well played role. Would definitely recommend it to both Maltese and tourists alike. Marilde and family 18.10.2024.
- 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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