Today we had a Virtuoso Voyage excursion on the island nation of Malta. One of the first Unesco sites. 430,000 people; 350,000 cars; 0% unemployment; 200 years of British rule leaves them with British driving, schooling and other ways of life. This island has no natural resources except stone. They import everything. Now sure how the Maltese make their money but there are many, many yachts in their harbors!
Valletta is the port we arrived at today. Boarded a bus with our Virtuoso guide, Luana, and toured all day. We visited Wignacourt Coollegiate Museum in Rabat and St. Paul's Grotto. St. Paul is the patron saint of Malta. The lowest level of this complex served as World War II bomb shelters. Fascinating history. We walked through the medieval fortified city of Mdina. Then we dined at Palazzo Parisio, the private estate and gardens of the Scicluna family. It's called a "mini Versailles".
Virtuoso provides either shipboard credit or a private tour on most cruises. A definite added bonus to an already amazing vacation.
Loving all the stops on this cruise. Today was our favorite so far. Meeting some wonderful people. Enjoying Seabourn more than I can say.
Off to another port in Malta tomorrow.
Pamela
