Step back through the mists of time as you drive to the fortress of Cottonera which is widely known as the Three Cities, these being Vittoriosa, Cospicua & Senglea. These cities were built and fortified by the Knights of Malta. You first start with an informative drive through Cospicua. Cospicua has been inhabited since Neolithic times.
You will then visit Vittoriosa, ideally situated for safe anchorage and over time it has developed a very long history with maritime, mercantile and military activities. Prior to the establishment of Valletta as a capital city of Malta, military powers that wanted to rule the Maltese islands would need to obtain control of Vittoriosa due to its significant position in the Grand Harbour. Vittoriosa is now a location of several tourist attractions.
The third city is Senglea, which is joined by a land bridge to Cospicua. During the time of the Knights of St. John, Senglea was used as a hunting area.
A detailed commentary by the driver will help you unfold the history of Valletta and the Three Cities connected with two Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942. The tour is operated by one of the first two wooden bodied buses purchased in 1921 by the Cottonera Motor Bus Company. These buses were licensed to operate routed between Cottonera and Valletta and were made by local carpenters and mechanics.
After the tour, you will take the free shuttle transport back to the hotel available at 15.00, 16.00 and 18.00