Malta Events - Good Friday Processions in Malta

The Easter Celebrations in Malta start a week before Easter on Palm Sunday, with processions around various parishes remembering the triumphal  entrance of Jesus to Jerusalem. The following week is referred to as the Holy Week. On Maundy Thursday it’s a custom that Maltese visit churches and Last Supper displays. Good Friday, the Friday preceding Easter Sunday, is one of the most important religious holidays in Malta observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. Good Friday is a Holy Day for Catholics, where Christians fast and make sacrifices.

On Good Friday at 3pm, the time when Jesus died, a special mass is celebrated in churches around the Maltese islands. During the afternoon, one can attend one of the Good Friday processions held in different towns and villages. This is a very solemn procession of statues, each of which represents a particular episode in the Passion of the Christ, carried by the devout public. Between one statue and another there are biblical characters represented by people wearing epic costumes. Also, in many processions one can see men in penitence bearing a cross and dragging chains tied to their bare feet, as an act of penitence.

If you will be spending your Easter Holidays in Malta contact Our Chauffeur Driven Service and they will advise you on Where to Go and What to Do in Malta during your holidays.

Image provided by the Malta Tourism Authority.



About Malta - The Walls of Siege

In her book Malta of the Knights, first published in 1929, Elizabeth Schemerhorn wrote that “the history of the fortifications of Valletta is the history of the Order in Malta”.

In reality it is the history of the Maltese archipelago itself which is, in many ways, a history of fortification. Certainly few other islands around the world can so eloquently claim the title of “island fortress”. Fewer still are those fortified landscapes which can boast such a rich concentration of stone-built defenses in a combined surface area that covers little more than 300 km2.

History of Malta
This vast legacy of forts and fortresses, citadels and fortified towns and cities, towers, batteries, and entrenchments, and concrete forts and World War Two bunkers and pillboxes which dominate this rocky and insular landscape bears testimony to the intense periods of military activity that have helped shape the history of the Maltese Islands. Over the centuries, Malta’s strategic location at the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, coupled with it’s excellent natural harbour, saw it play a leading role in the military struggle for supremacy in the region. This was accompanied by a nearly continual investment in fortifications, particularly from 1530 onwards when it was transformed into a frontline bulwark of Christendom by the Hospitalier Knights of the Order of St. John and then, after 1800, as Britain’s entrepot and naval base.

Surely no other place around the shores of the Mediterranean can match the diversity of shape and the powerful sculptural features encountered in Malta’s rampants, knit as they are of virgin rock, dressed stone and reinforced concrete. They are truly majestic essays of force encountering force, of grace under pressure. In terms of fortifications, the Maltese Islands are truly unique. This uniqueness has long been acknowledged throughout the course of history.

Malta owes this unique wealth of defensive architecture to three important factors: its geography, the Knights of St. John and the British military. Geography placed these islands in a position of strategic importance in the centre of the narrow channel joining the eastern and western basins of the Mediterranean, rendering to them a unique strategic relevance in the history of the region. It also endowed Malta with an excellent natural harbour, one of the finest first-class anchorages to be found anywhere around the shores of the Mediterranean, big enough to accommodate any size of fleet, and it furnished the archipelago with an easily worked stone ideal for realizing extensive building programmes.

Order of St John
The first to systematically exploit all these features for military purposes were the Hospitaller Knights of the Order of St. John. These warrior monks, who first came together in the Holy Land for the protection of

pilgrims at the time of the Crusades, were responsible for starting the process of militarization that was to result in the widespread fortification of the Maltese Islands. The Knights’ arrival in Malta in 1530 set off an unprecedented building spree, which over the course of the next 268 years, saw the whole harbour area, transformed into one large fortress system with kilometres of bastions, citadels, entrenchments, coastal batteries and towers.

The core of these fortifications is made up of a network of defences guarding the harbours of Malta (the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett), with their nodal point, the fortified city of Valletta, all of which were built by the Knights of the Order of St. John between 1530 and 1798.

This unique ensemble of permanent defences built mainly to the conventions of the bastioned style was then inherited by the British in 1800 who continued to augment and modify it as their naval base, eventually spreading the whole defensive effort to cover the remainder of the island with new important works of fortification, creating in the process a unique island-fortress system. In all, some of the 31 forts and large batteries, five fortified cities, three fortified lines (one of which is 12kms long), over 50 tower and coastal batteries, and hundreds of WW11 concrete bunkers and defences – comprising, together over 60 kms of fortifications were erected to defend the Islands’ urban settlements, harbours and shores.


Are you interested in the History of Malta? There is so much you can learn about Malta. To assist you the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta is offering a special Malta Military and Heritage Package. Feel free to contact the friendly Team at this Luxury Malta Hotel who will assist you in planning your special Malta Holidays and inform your about Things to Do in Malta during your stay.

Malta Events - Valletta International Piano Festival 2013

If you will be visiting Malta between the 2nd and 10th February for the Valletta International Piano Festival there is no better place to stay than at a superior five star Malta Hotel on the doorstep of Valletta. A lot of events will be taking place during these dates as the Maltese Islands, and especially Valletta will also be celebrating Carnival. Besides during this weekend the Grand Hotel Excelsior will also be celebrating the Chinese New Year 2013.

On the occasion of the Valletta International Piano Festival the Grand Hotel Excelsior has come up with an attractive package.

The Piano Festival Package includes:

• Welcome drink upon arrival,
• Daily buffet breakfast,
• An automatic upgrade from a Deluxe Inland Room to a Deluxe Partial Sea View Room,
• One pass per person booked to the ‘His Majesty Grand Piano’ Concert on the 9th February taking place at the Grand Hotel Excelsior at 8.30pm,
• Use of our Leisure facilities during your stay and
• Free Parking (subject to availability).

Package price is at 190 Euro for two person sharing a Deluxe Partial Sea View Room. Above package is for the night of the 9th February.

View the Piano Festival Malta Offer.

Should you require any further information kindly visit this Luxury Malta Hotel's website or contact Our Reservations Team on reservations@excelsior.com.mt.

What to do in Malta - Malta at Christmas

Christmas is a very important day for the people of Malta and its sister Island of Gozo. In Maltese Happy/Merry Christmas is ‘Il-Milied it-Tajjeb’.

Christmas in Malta

For a very special, spiritual evening, one should join the congregation at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta for candlelit carol singing. Other Baroque parish churches across the Maltese Islands are just as awe-inspiring during Advent. Their interiors are decked out in papal crimson and altars are adorned with flowers. All churches have a calendar of events, ranging from the procession of Mary and Joseph, to streets with groups of children carol singing. The Churches are decorated with lights and nativity cribs known as ‘Presepju’, built by the church goers. Christmas Eve’s midnight mass is the most significant holiday tradition in Malta as the country is widely Catholic, thus churches are heavily populated during this ceremony. During midnight mass, a boy or a girl, normally aged 7 to 10 years old, delivers a homily instead of the priest. This is called ‘Priedka tat-Tifel’ which means the preaching of the child.

Qaghaq tal-Ghasel

Imbuljuta tal-Qastan

Maltese traditions

Maltese people enjoy a wide range of food at Christmas. Traditionally, the Maltese house-wife kept the fattest rooster, ‘hasi’, especially for Christmas Lunch, which was roasted at the local bakery in a casserole dish full of potatoes and vegetables. The customary dessert served at Christmas was the Treacle Ring, ‘Qaghaq tal-Ghasel’. To finish it off, a hot Chestnut and Cocoa Soup, ‘Imbuljuta tal-Qastan’, which was served as a cosy night cap during the cold December days. Today the traditional Maltese menu has made way for Christmas Turkey, Christmas Cakes, Christmas Puddings and Mince Pies, all inherited during 164 years of British rule (1800 - 1964) in Malta. The Italian Panettone has also become a Christmas favourite amongst Maltese residents. Some of the Maltese are nowadays enjoying their traditional Christmas Lunch together with their families in superior Malta Restaurants.

If you would like to experience memorable Malta Holidays, then contact the team of this leading Malta Hotel.

Malta Attractions - Walking Trails

Malta’s central position in the Mediterranean has made the Island a hub of history - from the landing of St Paul; through the times of the Knights of St John; to the modern epic of Gallant Malta.

A cultural mix makes Malta unique. Its language is based on Arabic, but English is widely spoken. There is a rich variety of country walking allowing visitors and locals alike to explore the Maltese Islands’ landscape of small ridges and valleys, seamed by tracks among stone walls and little farmsteads as well as lovely panoramic coastal paths. There are a number of attractive country walks in Malta. The ideal period for walks is autumn to spring as the weather would not be as hot and the countryside turns into a green paradise with blossoming wild flowers.

Gozo is greener, without the bustle of large towns. With some great walking across irrigated farmland, steep valleys, terraced fields and table-top hills, there is no better way of discovering the best the island has to offer. Through walking tours you may explore the hidden and secluded areas around the island and discover stunning views and hidden valleys. You may come across wayside chapels and old forts as well as villages that have remained practically untouched where elderly men and women still work the fields. There are also many historical and archaeological sites with breathtaking views.

If you are planning your next Malta holidays the Chauffuer Driven Service at this superior Malta Hotel can assist you with your Malta Walking Tours.

Where to Visit in Malta - The Maritime Museum

Malta Maritime History

The Maritime Museum charts Malta’s maritime history within a Mediterranean context and also illustrates the global nature of seafaring and its impact on society. The Museum is situated within the former British Naval Bakery in Vittoriosa. The building was erected between 1842 and 1845 on the site of the old covered slipway of the Knights of St John.

The bakery was the hub of the Victualling Yard and supplied the Royal Navy with its daily requirements of bread and biscuits. After World War II it was converted into offices and stores and as the headquarters of the Admiralty Constabulary. The building remained part of the naval establishment up to the closure of the British base in 1979.

At the entrance of the Museum, one may view the ‘Anadrian Hall’ which exhibits the engine room machinery of the Anadrian, which was a steam- driven grab dredger built in 1951 for Malta. The first floor houses a display on the Merchant Navy and exhibits a collection of detailed ship replicas and paintings illustrating 19th and 20th century vessels most of which served on the Malta run. The nearby St Angelo Hall, the museum’s events and lecture room, is decorated with an array of colourful ship badges.

Organised into thematic and chronological sectors, the Main Hall illustrates developments from ancient times to the end of the rule of the Order of St John in Malta. Navigational charts, nautical instruments and a series of portraits set the scene for the navy of the Order of St John. This display includes paintings, weapons, uniforms, anchors, maps, models and other artefacts dating from 1530 to 1798. An entire room is dedicated to traditional Maltese sea crafts and other objects that indicate popular traditions and Malta’s long-standing maritime vocation. In the Customs Hall there is a variety of standard weights and measures and other objects, including the uniform of an inspector of Marine Police, which bear witness to the importance of Malta’s historic links with maritime commerce and traffic.

For almost two hundred years, Malta was the home of the British Mediterranean fleet. The Royal Navy kept a vast establishment on the Maltese Islands. The final hall presents an overview of Malta as a naval base, and depicts aspects of naval and civilian life, both leisure and work. There is also a wide collection of paintings, photographs, models, uniforms, weapons, instruments and other artefacts that illustrate the history of the Royal Navy in the Mediterranean during the 19th and 20th centuries and attest to the Navy’s impact on the economy and social life on the Maltese islands.

Should you wish to visit the Malta Maritime Museum during your holidays kindly contact the transport desk at this Luxury Malta Hotel on transport@excelsior.com.mt. Alternatively you may wish to experience one of our unique Malta Tours. 

Comino - The Beauty of the Maltese Islands!

Discover the most beautiful parts of our Maltese Islands.

The tiny Island of Comino is situated right in the middle of the channel which separates mainland Malta from the island of Gozo. The unspoilt island is a haven for all those who love swimming, snorkelling, diving, wind surfing and other water sports. The Blue Lagoon, with its crystal clear blue sea, provides one of the most spectacular sights of the Maltese archipelago. The natural caves surrounding the Island are also awe inspiring and are not to be missed.

Departure from Marfa by ferry boat - 9.00 till 15.00 hrs (every hour)

Departure from Comino by ferry boat - 9.30 till 18.00 hrs (every hour)

Transfer to ferry -

€35.00 each way (2-4 Persons)

€40.00 each way (5-6 Persons)

 

Should you wish to experience a day in Comino during your holidays in Malta kindly contact our transport desk on 00356 23192229 to book your transport.



Malta - Life During the War

The role of Malta in the Second World War reflects the strategic position that it held in the Mediterranean as it acted as a gateway between the continents of Europe and Africa seeing as it was Britain’s most important Mediterranean naval base. Hence, when Mussolini plunged Italy into the war in 1940, Malta knew that it was destined to play a frontline role. In fact, Malta holds the record for the heaviest, sustained bombing attack: some 154 days and nights and 6,700 tons of bombs.

The people in Malta faced many challenges. Those who lived in the capital Valletta and “The Three Cities” had to be evacuated because of the danger of bombing and were also forced underground into a network of bomb shelters that could reportedly house nearly half of the island’s population. Due to the ferocious bombing, many towns and villages were reduced to rubble and hence, most people were spending long periods in the shelters as a form of protection.

When their morale was at its lowest, there came a glimmer of light, of hope, of joy for such a long-suffering people. The bravery and courage portrayed by the Islands population was not gone unnoticed and on the 15th April, 1942, King George VI awarded the island the George Cross, which is considered to be the highest civilian medal, for its peoples bravery and heroism.

“To honour her brave people, I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that long be famous in history”.

Once the war ended, the Maltese Islands were economically and physically devastated. In 1947, the Islands were granted around £30 million to help rebuild it. However it took several decades and further restructuring once the British forces left Malta completely in 1979, to rebuild the economy.

Re-live the Great Siege that erupted between the Knights of St John and the fierce Ottoman Empire; French and British rule; and the city’s heroic role in World War II. Check Out the Valletta History Package offered by this Luxury Malta Hotel.

72 hours in Malta continued - Gozo

If you're planning a short visit to Malta we recommend you check out a few of Malta's highlights. Today we will be giving you some tips on what to do in Malta on Day 2.

Day 2 – Gozo You cannot really understand Maltese culture without a visit to Gozo, Malta’s more traditional and peaceful little sister. Be at Cirkewwa early to take the ferry across, so as to make the most of your day. The crossing takes only half an hour and passes by Comino island and you can catch a glimpse of the Blue Lagoon.

Victoria’s main square is home to a daily market selling all sorts of things. Check out the tiny shops around the area which sell handicrafts, and make sure you get lost in the back streets! Head up the hill to the Cittadel, the Medieval walled city, and visit the Old Prisons and some of the other interesting museums it houses. Finally walk to the bastions to get a 360 degrees bird’s eye view of the whole island! Have lunch in one of the several restaurants or cafes that offer traditional Maltese food and then head off to the village of Xaghra.

Xaghra has plenty to offer, starting with Ggantija Temples, the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Not far off is Ta’ Kola Windmill which has been lovingly restored and turned into a museum, and in the heart of the village you will find Ninu’s Cave and Xerri’s Grotto with a marvel of stalactites and stalagmites. Weather-permitting, now would be the ideal time to head to Ramla Bay for a swim. Ramla Bay is remarkable for its dark orange sand. But the real must-see is Dwejra with its Azure Window being the most photographed view in the Maltese Islands. This is the location of the Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea, as well as the Blue Hole, a worldfamous diving spot. It is really striking to watch the sunset from this point, and it offers a myriad of photo opportunities! At the end of the day you can dine in one of many restaurants in pretty Xlendi Bay nearby, and don’t worry about catching the ferry back... it runs regularly till late and occasionally through the night!

Tomorrow we will be highlighting what to see and do in Marsaxlokk and Mdina. Two places that are distinct and with their own personality. Definitely worth visiting during your Malta Holidays! So visit the Blogs of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta to stay updated.

Should you wish to experience one of these Exclusive Malta Tours during your holidays kindly contact the chauffeur driven service at this Luxury Malta Hotel on: +356 21250520 or on transport@excelsior.com.mt.

Photos courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority.



72 hours in Malta

300 days of sunshine, crystal clear Mediterranean waters, 7,000 years of history, thriving local traditions and laid-back rural villages, delicious cuisine and a vibrant nightlife – Welcome to Malta!

Stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, two minutes away from Valletta, and relive the Knight’s of St. John legacy. Visit the medieval city of Mdina, one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city and extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture. Head north to enjoy Mediterranean sun, sand and sea. Experience Gozo where tranquillity is still a way of life. Enjoy Malta’s religious ‘festas’, adorned churches and glittering firework displays. Discover megalithic temples, rugged countryside and dramatic cliffs or submerge into a diver’s paradise. Wine and dine in stylish surroundings and party in lively evening venues.

If you have only three days in Malta, do not attempt to see it all. Although the area covered by the Maltese Islands is just 316 km², there is plenty to see and do so we recommend you experience just a few of Malta’s highlights to get a feeling of the island’s character.

We will start by giving you information about Things to do in Malta on Day 1.

Day 1 – Valletta & Sliema

With the Grand Hotel Excelsior as your home, the Capital Valletta, is probably the most obvious place to start. With the entire city declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, walking through its streets is nothing short of walking through an open-air museum. Walk along Republic Street to St John’s Co-Cathedral, the jewel of Valletta, with its gilded interior enough to make one’s jaw drop. Look out for the Caravaggio’s only signed painting, The Beheading of St John. Exit the Catheral and dive into the open-air market in Merchants’ Street. All in all, Valletta is also a great place for shopping.

Do take the time to wander through the alleyways, up and down the lopes and stairways, and to sit under the sun with a coffee watching the pigeons. In whichever order you choose to do these, try to be at the Upper Barrakka Gardens at noon for the re-enactment and shooting of the cannon, and enjoy one of the most spectacular views in Malta, that of the Grand Harbour.

For the afternoon we recommend a Harbour Cruise which takes you to see the the Three Cities from a unique perspective and which offers an insight to the essence of Maltese History.

Tomorrow we will be giving you some tips on what to do in Malta on Day 2. So visit the Blogs of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta to stay updated.

Should you wish to experience one of our exclusive tours during your Holidays in Malta kindly contact our chauffeur driven service on: +356 21250520 or on transport@excelsior.com.mt.

Photos courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority.



Fool's Paradise - Carnival in Malta and Gozo

Carnival was introduced to the Maltese Islands by Grand Master Piero de Ponte back in 1535. Held on the week prior to Ash Wednesday, and the approaching 40 days of Lent all rich and tantalizing foods and drink had to be disposed of. The result was a near hedonistic celebration of gluttony and other naughty pleasures, celebrated in the village or town.

The Maltese Karnival also has it’s own unique traditions, among these is the game Kukkanja which was introduced by Grand Master Zondadari in 1721. A crowd assembled in the Palace Square on Carnival Monday and at a given signal attacked the hams, sausages and live animals tied to the long beams fixed against the guard house and covered over with branches of trees in leaf. The provisions became the property of those who, having seized them, were able to carry off the items.

These traditions unfortunately have been lost in Malta, however one can still see the Kukkanja in Gozo’s villages. The nobility would obviously refrain from such rustic endeveavours, preferring a more subtle approach in the form of Carnival balls.

Official Celebrations open with the Parata, an ancient sword dance commemorating Malta’s victory over the Turks in 1565. Nowadays it is mainly children who participate in the dance. The Parata is of special significance in the history of the Maltese Carnival. Under the Knights it was taken very seriously, and the Maltese eagerly awaited its performance because the rule was “no Parata, no Carnival”.

Valletta hosts a number of these parades in costume and colourful floats which normally follow a particular theme, among these the Carnival King. These parades are judged and prizes are given for best dances, costumes and floats. During the 20s and 30s these parades would portray caricatures of the leading political figures which led to some tense situations. The colonial governors outlawing this form of satire of which has never been expressed since.

In Gozo parades also take place at Victoria (Rabat). However the attraction to many Maltese and tourists is the spontaneous Carnival held in Nadur, where costumes take a more personal theme, and show the Gozitan spirit to distinguish themselves from the rest.

Several Carnival Activities are centered in and around Valletta. If you would like to experience the Maltese Carnival Celebrations stay at one of the top Malta Hotels which is located on the doorstep of Valletta and enjoy superior Malta Accommodation.

Things to do in Malta: Bird Park & Salini Park Nature Tour

The Bird Park is now open to the general public.

Nestled within Salina, Bird Park Malta so far has been Malta’s best kept secret! Home to over 200 species of birds and animals, the park is a must for all nature-lovers. Flamingos, pelicans, swans, storks, owls, cranes, parrots and many other amazing birds from around the world thrive happily with kangaroos, wallabies, antelope, meerkats, deer, genets, marmosets and more… This nature-themed leisure park is a first for Malta and offers a unique experience.

Salini Park

This site is one of the last remaining salt marshes in the Maltese Islands. The remarkable landscape is also home to a variety of native flora and fauna.

The tour starts from 11.30hrs till 14.30hrs and is available from Wednesday to Sunday including Public Holidays.

This package includes the following:

• 3 hour Tour with our Executive Chauffeur Driven Service

• Entrance to the Bird Park Malta

• A visit to The Salini Park where you can enjoy a small snack offered by this Luxury Malta Hotel

Price for 2 persons 140.00 Euros

Price for 3 persons 160.00 Euros

Price for 4 persons 180.00 Euros

Should you wish to experience one of Our Exclusive Tours during your Holidays in Malta kindly contact our transport office on: +356 21250520 or on transport@excelsior.com.mt.

Don’t miss out on an excursion to The Silent City

Mdina is one of the few great architectural treats in Malta that did not result from the activities of the Knights of Malta. The oldest city on the island, going back to prehistoric times, the word Mdina derives from the Arabic word ‘medina’ which means ‘city’. Mdina was fortified in medieval times, but its protection in early times must have been its high location on a rocky crag. It is certain that either during the Byzantine or during the Arab occupation of Malta, the fortifications were retracted to the present proportions, perhaps for better defensibility. It is during this time, when the city was referred to as the ‘medina’, that Mdina got its name. The Arab legacy continued even though the Arabs were officially expelled from Malta in 1250 when the Maltese Islands were under Christian rule. Thus the name ‘Mdina’ survived even though the City was referred to as ‘Civitas’ (city in Latin) or ‘Citta Notabile’.

It may be on most postcards and is a must in all the painters’ portfolio, yet the sight of Mdina as you are driving up to Rabat is a view that does not fail to amaze every time. Standing proudly on one of Malta’s highest promontories, the old capital looks like a medieval walled city straight out of a fairy tale. It is an inspiring view; a city that hundreds of years after it was built still commands respect, awe, and curiosity about its tales. And what tales, innumerable and long-winding given the city’s long history. The fortress city, which acted as Malta’s capital city before Valletta was built, once extended to the adjoining town of Rabat. Yet the fortified city was subsequently downsized in order to defend it more effectively.

Once past the deep moat, nowadays a public garden, and inside the city’s walls, cobbled streets are lined with immaculately preserved noble houses, private chapels, palazzi, and cathedrals.

The streets are narrow and winding, and walking along them feels like trying to find your way out of a warren; a feeling which adds to the element of surprise at finding large squares. Silence pervades, and is the perfect accompaniment to a walk on the bastions, and a pause to take in the view of most of Malta stretching out to the sea.

The Grand Hotel Excelsior offers a great opportunity to discover the beauty of Malta & Gozo with Our Executive Chauffeur driven service. 

Check Out Our North of Malta Tour:

Price for 2 to 4 persons: 120 Euro, or

Price for 5 to 6 persons: 150 Euro.

Should you wish to experience one of Our Special Malta Tours kindly contact our chauffeur driven service on: +356 2125 0520 or concierge@excelsior.com.mt.

Maltese Islands Celebrate Santa Marija

On Monday 15th August, the Maltese Islands celebrate the feast of Santa Marija Assumption. In the light of this religious celebration Mosta, Attard, Qrendi, Gudja, Ghaxaq and Victoria, Gozo organize spectacular feasts.

The day also commemorates the arrival of what is historically known as the Santa Marija convoy. Operation Pedestal was a British convoy of 15 merchant ships that barely made it to Malta with food, ammunition and provisions in August 1942 during the World War II. The arrival of the convoy was deemed miraculous after other convoys in previous months which had attempted to reach the island were sunk after they were bombed by the Axis of Germany and Italy.

The feast is also synonymous with a period of rest, with thousands of workers enjoying the annual shut-down and crossing over between Malta and Gozo.

Should you wish to visit one of the villages and towns celebrating this feast, please contact Josette or Chris at our Chauffeur Driven Service Office of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta and they will ensure you are taken to your destination of fun, intrigue and colours.

Life is the Bubbles… Under the Sea…

Diving in Malta

Set like precious gems in a sea of purest blue, the five islands of Malta, Gozo, Comino, Comminotto and Filfla offer a diverse and captivating experience, both above and below the water. The warm clear blue Mediterranean surrounding the Maltese Islands beckons divers down to discover many hidden delights most of which are world renowned and frequented by thousands every year.

Safe tideless water offer year round accessibility with Summer presenting its own character and charm. The Islands are honeycombed with stunning caves, caverns and grottos to be explored and enjoyed by those who know where to find them.

Whether you are an absolute beginner or an experienced diver, we can help you do the right choice to immerse yourself in this splendid underwater world.

Check Out Our Malta Diving Package and for more details kindly visit Our Dive Malta Page.

Ġbejna - A Traditional Maltese Cheese

And if you enjoyed reading and trying out Our Head Chef's Recipe of the Month 'Fried Goat's Cheese with Gastic Tomato' below is a brief information and the making of the traditional cheeselet.

Ġbejna is a round cheeselet made in the Maltese Islands from goat’s or sheep milk, salt and rennet. Virtually all sheep milk and most goat milk produced in Malta is used for the production of these cheeselets, much of it through family-owned cottage industries.

Ġbejna is shaped in a cheese hurdle made of indigenous dried reeds, although now even plastic ones are used. They are traditionally dried in small ventilated rooms, with windows protected by a special mesh mosquito net. It is said that in the past, sea water, rather than rennet, was used as a curdling agent.

It is prepared and served in a variety of forms: fresh, sundried salt cured or peppered. The fresh ‘gbejniet’ have a smooth texture and a milky flavour and are kept in their own way in a similar manner to fresh Mozzarella. The sundried variety have a more definite, nutty almost musky, taste, and are fairly hard. The peppered ones are covered in crushed black pepper and cured, after which they may be stored in oil or pickled in vinegar. Their sharp taste becomes more piquant the more they age and they also develop a crumbly texture.

Try out our mouthwatering dishes at one of our top Malta Restaurants. For more information kindly contact our Food and Beverage Department on food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt

Dining Out on Friday: It’s a Grand way to dine

Sunday Buffet Lunch the Grand Way!
The Grand Hotel Excelsior is now in its third year of operation and from the first few months of opening, it was very clear that the culinary offerings were to set a new standard on the Maltese Islands. The ever so popular Sunday Buffet Lunch takes patrons on a culinary journey that is second to none. The lavish spread of food includes a never ending array of antipasti, 88 to be precise, seven live cooking stations to include Sushi, Pasta, Indian, Turkish, Carvery, Berkel and the dessert station. Last but definitely not least, a spectacular spread of 28 different desserts, featuring the all time favourite chocolate fountain with fruits, marshmallows and doughnuts for dipping. The award winning kitchen brigade is exceptionally passionate about the food created and makes a supreme effort to offer unparalleled cuisine using a harmonious collection of fresh, wholesome ingredients to nourish the senses.

Headed by Executive Head Chef Roger Friggieri, the team craves innovation and individuality and has taken this year’s Sunday buffet lunch one step further by creating an additional specialty corner for savoury and sweet items where a different theme will feature each week.

Seeing as Sunday is a family day out, the team has also set up a children’s corner to feature pasta, chicken nuggets, sausages and potato smileys.

This Grand Experience comes at the small price of €33 per adult, half price for children between the ages of six and 11 and free for the under fives.

*     *     *     *     *     * 

Harbour View – 24 Hour Bar

The Grand Hotel Excelsior’s Harbour View Lounge is the only one on this side of the island to offer 24 hour service. Light snacks and beverages can be consumed in the relaxing and warm ambiance while soaking up stunning harbour and sea views.

Chartroom Lounge – Afternoon Tea

In the tradition of true hospitality, the Grand Hotel Excelsior serves Afternoon Tea in the cosy atmosphere of the Chartroom Lounge Bar every day between 3 and 5pm. English scones, freshlybaked cakes and pastries and a special ‘Chocolate Delicacy’ are just some of the delights to discover for the price of €28 to share.

View Link on the Malta Independent Newspaper.

For more information kindly visit the Excelsior Hotel Malta Website.

FREE AKON Concert Ticket per person booked!!

So many concerts and parties this Summer!!! The world's international Minister, Senegalese R&B hit maker will be pumping the island with his music. He will be performing in a live concert at Ta' Qali on Saturday 14th August 2010.

The Grand Hotel Excelsior is giving out A FREE AKON Concert Ticket per person booked over the 14th August when staying a minimum of 3 nights on Bed and Breakfast Basis.* Offer includes Free Parking, Use of Gym, Pools and Jacuzzi.

Offer is subject to availability so Book Now or Check Availability through the main Book Now Button on the Grand Hotel Excelsior Website with stay over the 14th August for 3 nights and over and avail yourself of this Special offer in order not to be disappointed.

* Offer is only available when booking through our website.

For more information kindly check: http://bit.ly/cA8FC8