The road less traveled: other Malta tour highlights
If you are planning to go on a Malta tour, chances are, you have heard of attractions such as the St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the megalithic temples, and the city of Valetta. These attractions are considered by many as must-sees in a Malta tour, but many often think that a Malta tour is limited to these sites. Of course, this is merely a misconception; Malta tour packages and the country itself, naturally are often praised for having the most varied array of possible activities to do and sites to see. Sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage sites are often named as the country’s main attractions because of its worldwide prominence (after all, one of the listed sites includes the world’s only prehistoric necropolis, for instance). But Malta has more to offer than just prehistoric sites. Those on a Malta tour are bound to be surprised with what Malta has to offer, which is often described as a beautiful balance of new world charms and old world beauty.
After visiting such overwhelming sites such as the temples of Tarxien and Hagar Qim, you can enjoy the serene surroundings of the Chinese Garden of Serenity in San Lucija. Built during the early 1990s, the Chinese Garden of Serenity, also known as the Gnien is-Serenita, is remarkable for highlighting the basic elements of water and earth as its main features. These elements represent yin and yang, and the garden is often regarded as the gateway to personal renewal and rebirth. The keener tourist on a Malta tour will note and will be surprised that the Chinese garden is somewhat out of place in this dominantly Catholic country. This only proves that a Malta tour offers a lot of surprises in every turn.
Another surprise that a Malta tour can offer is the existence of the Popeye Village in the rustic area of Malta. Popeye Village, or Sweethaven Village, was used as the film set of the 1980 movie Popeye, starring Robin Williams. The set was preserved and is now an entertainment and an open-air museum, with a number of shows, rides, and attractions showcasing the production of the film. This site is popular among the children. And while its rides and shows (such as the famed Popeye puppet show and Popeye and his Friends play) may seem dated, specially to a generation familiar with more advance theme park technology, the rustic feel of the Popeye Village gives it a nostalgic feel, as if the visitors of the village are actually in the 80s, as if the tourists on the Malta tour are actually part of the movie.
If you are into spontaneous merry-making, you should go on a Malta tour in June to witness and enjoy the famed Nadur Carnival. The Nadur Carnival is unique for one reason. It is not organized by any committee or group, making it more authentic than the festivals and carnivals in Valetta, which often caters to foreigners. If you want to see Nadur and Malta at its best, you should celebrate the Nadur Carnival, or any other festivities celebrated in Nadur, as the region is known for its numerous festivals all year around (although most especially in June).
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