• Buskett Gardens - The walking tour begins with a visit to Buskett Woodlands, also known as Buskett Gardens. This 30-hectare area is situated in the fertile valley of “Wied il-Luq” in Siġġiewi and is one of Malta’s rare woodland regions.

The gardens feature broadleaved deciduous woodland, native coniferous woodland, sclerophyllous garrigue, maquis shrubland, and fruit tree groves. A variety of trees and shrubs thrive here, including many fruit-bearing species. Celebrated as one of Malta’s greenest spots, the gardens are most vibrant in spring but also offer shade from the intense summer sun and a peaceful walking environment in winter.

The tour will explore the valley within these woodlands, providing an opportunity to admire a range of Mediterranean trees, including Malta’s national tree, the Sandarac Gum tree, and some of the island’s oldest trees, which are over 500 years old.

• Verdala Palace - The tour offers stunning views of the magnificent Verdala Palace, located on a hilltop adjacent to Buskett Gardens. Built in 1588 by Grand Master Hughes de Verdalle as a summer residence and hunting lodge, the palace now serves as the President’s summer residence. It is a notable landmark, open to the public only on special occasions.
• Misraħ Għar il-Kbir - The next part of the walk leads to “Għar il-Kbir” (meaning the Big Cave), a cave complex between Buskett Gardens and Dingli Cliffs. Dating back thousands of years, it is believed that several troglodyte families lived here until 1835. The cave system comprises eight caves across two levels.
• Dingli Cart Ruts (Clapham Junction) and Caves - The tour also includes the enigmatic “Cart Ruts,” a complex network of tracks carved into the rock. The age and purpose of these tracks remain a mystery. Most archaeologists suggest the site developed around 2000 BC, marking the start of the Bronze Age in Malta, but no definitive theory about their purpose has been established.
• VC24+FP5 - The tour continues to the Inquisitor’s Girgenti Palace, near the village of Siġġiewi, in the heart of the Maltese countryside. Girgenti Palace is a charming blend of architectural beauty and rustic allure. Dating back 400 years, it was initially a countryside lodge for Malta’s inquisitors and now serves as the Prime Minister’s summer residence. The palace offers spectacular views of the surrounding woodland, naturally irrigated by a nearby spring.
• Dingli Cliffs - The tour proceeds to Dingli Cliffs, located off the village of Dingli on Malta’s western coast. At approximately 253 meters above sea level, these cliffs are the highest point in the Maltese islands.

The cliffs offer a majestic view; the sight of the terraced fields below and the vast open sea, with the uninhabited island of Filfla in the background, is truly breathtaking! Due to their impressive height, the cliffs serve as natural fortifications, preventing any approach from the west. Besides the stunning views of the sheer cliffs and clay slopes, this area is home to several endemic plants and typical Mediterranean flora, including wild orchids, aromatic shrubs, and Malta’s national plant, the Cheirolophus Crassifolius. Both Buskett Woodlands and Dingli Cliffs are “Natura 2000” protected sites, part of a network safeguarding Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats.

• St. Mary Magdalene Chapel - The tour concludes along a trail parallel to the cliffs, offering fantastic views and a refreshing breeze. Perched on the cliff’s edge, marking the highest point on the Maltese islands, is a beautiful tiny chapel built in 1646, dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene.

A vendor selling local fruit, homemade products, and Maltese coffee is also present here, with benches available to enjoy the views from the highest cliffs of the Maltese islands.

• Expert guidance from a certified botanist.
• Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off service.

• Food & drinks (an optional packed lunch can be added to your booking)
• Tips (optional)
• Ferry tickets for guests staying in Gozo are not included (must be paid on spot, price €4.65 p.p.)

Experience the allure of the natural world and expand your knowledge about Malta’s diverse ecosystem with a certified botanist. Explore Buskett Gardens, which are among the rare forested regions in Malta, and marvel at the stunning vistas from Dingli Cliffs, the loftiest spot on the Maltese islands.

Delight in the ideal blend of recreation, learning, gentle activity, and scenic tours with awe-inspiring views, grand landscapes, and a hint of historical relevance.

Relish a serene stroll off the popular paths in these serene destinations and their vicinity, far from the standard tourists’ trails and bustling masses.

• The walking distance covered during this tour is approximately 6 km.
• Various stops are included at panoramic and historic sites.
• Although this tour includes some historic attractions, this is not a history tour, the focus of this tour is not history but nature, the tour is overseen by a fully qualified botanist and although he is knowledgeable on some aspects and areas of the Maltese history, he is not a history guide.
• We suggest wearing comfortable trekking shoes and casual but adequate clothing in conformity with the weather conditions (sandals & flip-flops are not recommended).
• Along the way we will stop for a coffee break or a snack at a restaurant/snack bar in Dingli (food or drinks are not included in the price).
• An optional packed lunch can be added to your booking; select the option including packed lunch when booking.
• The optional packed lunch includes a traditional Maltese “Ftira” (a traditional leavened Maltese bread with fillings such as tuna, fresh tomatoes, onions, capers, and olives), some savoury snacks and a bottle of mineral water.
• Guests are allowed to bring their own food/snacks and beverages during this tour.
• The difficulty level of this tour is considered easy, there is an approximate 15-minute walk on a high-inclined footpath.
• This is a private activity, only you and your party will be participating.
• Not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.