Proposed Pilgrimage Itinerary *

Day 1 -Sunday 28th February 2027

Depart on your scheduled flight to Malta. Upon arrival at Malta International Airport, you will be met by your Marian Pilgrimages representative and transferred by private coach to your hotel in the St. Julian's area. After check-in there will be time to relax following your journey before dinner in the hotel. Overnight in Malta.

Day 2 - Monday, 1st March 2027

After breakfast we depart for Valletta, Malta's beautiful capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded by the Knights of St. John following the Great Siege of 1565. We begin our day by celebrating Holy Mass in the historic Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck, home to the treasured relic of the Apostle and one of Malta's most important places of worship. Following Mass, our guided tour begins at the impressive Triton Fountain and City Gate before continuing along Republic Street and Merchants Street, where elegant Baroque buildings, traditional Maltese balconies and historic palaces reflect the island's rich Christian heritage. We also visit the magnificent St. John's Co-Cathedral, famous for its richly decorated Baroque interior, the chapels of the Knights of St. John and Caravaggio's masterpiece, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. After lunch in a local restaurant we make a brief stop at the Grand Master's Palace before visiting the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where magnificent views overlook the Grand Harbour. There will be time for quiet reflection before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 3 - Tuesday, 2nd March 2027

Following breakfast we travel to Mdina, Malta's ancient capital, affectionately known as the Silent City. We continue to neighbouring Rabat where we celebrate Holy Mass in St. Paul's Grotto Chapel, traditionally believed to stand above the cave where St. Paul lived during his three months on the island after his shipwreck. Following Mass we visit St. Paul's Grotto, the adjoining museum and the ancient catacombs, gaining a fascinating insight into Malta's earliest Christian communities. We then return to Mdina to visit St. Paul's Cathedral before enjoying a leisurely walk through the city's peaceful medieval streets, lined with noble palaces, convents and historic churches. After lunch in a local restaurant we continue to Mosta where we visit the famous Basilica of the Assumption, better known as the Mosta Dome. Here we learn the remarkable story of the unexploded bomb that pierced the dome during the Second World War but failed to detonate, an event regarded by many as miraculous. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Day 4 - Wednesday, 3rd March 2027

After breakfast we transfer to the ferry terminal for the crossing to the peaceful island of Gozo. On arrival we travel to the magnificent National Shrine of Our Lady of Ta' Pinu, Malta's foremost Marian shrine and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Mediterranean. Here we celebrate Holy Mass before spending time in prayer and learning about the history of the shrine, the reported Marian apparition and the many testimonies of pilgrim s whose faith has been strengthened through visits to this sacred place. There will also be an opportunity to walk the outdoor Way of the Cross while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Gozitan countryside. Following lunch we continue to Victoria where we visit the historic Citadel and the beautiful Basilica of St. George before returning by ferry to Malta. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Day 5 - Thursday, 4th March 2027

After breakfast we travel to St. Paul's Bay, traditionally associated with the shipwreck of St. Paul as described in the Acts of the Apostles. We begin our day by celebrating Holy Mass in St. Paul's Church (Bonfire Church), built close to the traditional site where the Apostle first came ashore and where Christianity first took root in Malta. Following Mass we enjoy a scenic boat excursion around St. Paul's Island where the impressive statue of the Apostle overlooks the surrounding waters. During the cruise we reflect on the arrival of St. Paul and the spread of the Christian faith throughout the Maltese Islands. We continue to the spectacular Blue Grotto where dramatic sea caves and crystal-clear waters create one of Malta's most famous natural attractions. Weather permitting, there is an opportunity to enjoy an optional boat excursion into the caves. Following lunch in the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk we enjoy time exploring the colourful harbour, famous for its traditional Maltese fishing boats known as luzzus. We also visit the Church of Our Lady of Pompeii before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 6 - Friday, 5th March 2027

After breakfast and check-out, we enjoy our final morning in Malta at a relaxed pace, with some free time for lastminute shopping, a stroll along the waterfront or simply an opportunity to reflect on the many memorable experiences of our pilgrimage. We then gather together for a special farewell lunch in a local restaurant, sharing our final meal in Malta and giving thanks for the journey we have enjoyed together.

Following lunch, we transfer by private coach to Malta International Airport in good time for our 16:25 return flight home
. As we leave these beautiful Mediterranean islands, we take with us lasting memories of Malta's remarkable Christian heritage, our journey in the footsteps of St. Paul, the prayerful beauty of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Ta' Pinu and the fellowship shared throughout our pilgrimage.