Vintage Bus Tour: Aviation Museum & Mosta Church inc Platter

Exploring Malta with a vintage bus, visiting historic sites, and enjoying authentic Maltese food sounds like a charming way to spend a few hours, right? This Vintage Bus Tour offers just that—a nostalgic ride on a classic Maltese ‘Xarabank’, combined with visits to some of the island’s most iconic sights, topped with a taste of local cuisine. We’re here to break down what you can really expect, highlighting the genuine value and potential pitfalls, so you can decide if this tour is the right fit for your Maltese adventure.

What we love about this experience is the chance to ride a colorful, classic Maltese bus, truly enjoying local transport culture. Then, there’s the opportunity to explore the Aviation Museum with its impressive WWII aircraft collection, admire the stunning Mosta Dome, and walk through the WWII Shelters—all packed into just four hours. Plus, it’s a great way to see Malta without feeling rushed.

One point to keep in mind is that the tour can feel hurried, especially during visits to the Museum and the Church, so it might not suit travelers wanting in-depth exploration. Also, it’s not ideal for those with mobility challenges, given the nature of some sites and transport. Still, for those after a laid-back, scenic, and culturally rich experience, this tour offers a worthwhile snapshot of Malta’s past and present.

This experience is perfect for history lovers, foodies, or anyone curious about Malta’s WWII stories and religious architecture. Travelers who enjoy authentic local transport and want a manageable, all-in-one tour will find this especially appealing.

Good To Know

• Authentic Vintage Experience: Ride a 1950s Maltese ‘Xarabank’ bus decorated with local designs and symbols.
• Cultural & Historical Highlights: Visit the Malta Aviation Museum, Mosta Dome, and WWII Shelters.
• Inclusive & Convenient: Pickup, drop-off, entrance fees, a Maltese platter, and water are all included.
• Time Management: The tour lasts around 4 hours, making it suitable for a quick yet meaningful sightseeing snapshot.
• Limited Accessibility: Not recommended for those with mobility issues due to site structures and transport.
• Value for Money: At $59, it offers a balanced mix of sights, stories, and flavors, especially with guided commentary.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

The Vintage Maltese Bus – A Ride Through History

What immediately makes this tour stand out is the ride on the traditional Maltese ‘Xarabank’. These buses, built between the 1950s and 70s, are real local icons—they come in bright colors like red, purple, or blue, often adorned with slogans, symbols, and even painted messages. Such buses were designed to overcome illiteracy by using symbols and colors to identify routes, turning every ride into a mini cultural lesson.

On this tour, you’ll get to sit behind the wheel or on the seats in a well-preserved vehicle that’s around 100 years old. The reviews highlight how riding in this vintage bus is a change of pace. One traveler described it as “so much fun,” saying that the old-world charm really adds to the experience. The bus’s interior features nostalgic touches, making the journey feel like a step back in time, and a great conversation starter for photo opportunities.

The Malta Aviation Museum – A Must-See for History Buffs

The Malta Aviation Museum is housed in three hangars on the site of a former Royal Air Force airfield at Ta’ Qali. This is where the tour shines for those interested in WWII aviation, with displays that include aircraft spanning from the early days of flight to modern jets. Visitors can expect to see preserved planes, some restored to flying condition, and even cockpit simulators you can peek inside.

Reviewers note that the museum is well-curated, with many aircraft in excellent condition, and some even in airworthy state. It’s not just a collection of planes—there’s a layer of storytelling about Malta’s strategic importance during WWII. One reviewer was particularly impressed by the two jetliner cockpits, which you can get a glimpse inside, making the history tangible. The guide’s knowledge adds depth, as they explain the significance of each aircraft and Malta’s role in wartime.

However, the museum can feel a little rushed if you’re trying to absorb every detail, so plan to focus on the highlights. Entrance is included in the tour, making it good value compared to independent visits.

The Mosta Dome – An Architectural Wonder

The Mosta Rotunda is Malta’s most famous church, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. Its gigantic unsupported dome, the third largest in the world, is truly impressive. The story of the 1942 bomb that fell during Mass but failed to explode is central to Malta’s wartime narrative, and you’ll find a replica of this event inside the church.

Tourists love the blend of stunning architecture, religious art, and historical significance. Visitors can climb into the bell tower, admire the sacristies, and take in the large-scale models of the church. Reviewers mention being “lucky that bomb was a dud,” reinforcing the church’s symbolic importance. The interior is adorned with objects of religious prestige, making it a peaceful, reflective stop.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

WWII Shelters – A Glimpse into Malta’s Wartime Resilience

The WWII Shelters near Mosta offer a sobering insight into how local families protected themselves from air raids. Dug by hand in 1940, these tunnels provided crucial safety during relentless bombings. Walking through the shelters gives you a tangible sense of Malta’s wartime hardships.

The site also hosts an exhibit of old tools and trades, adding a layer of everyday life to the historical narrative. Visitors often comment on how the shelters bring Malta’s WWII story home, making the experience both educational and emotional.

Food & Local Flavors

The tour includes a Malteser platter, which reviewers describe as “delicious,” although some found it a bit small or simple. Still, it’s a good way to sample traditional Maltese tucker, with local snacks and perhaps a short film about Mosta Church providing cultural context. The inclusion of water and coffee keeps you refreshed throughout.

Practical Details & Tips

• The tour lasts around four hours, making it manageable for most travelers without feeling overly rushed.
• Pickup is included, with the local provider contacting you the day before to confirm your time and location.
• The guide, like one reviewer noted, “done her job well,” and is likely to share interesting stories and insights.
• Price at $59 per person is fair considering the entrance fees, guided commentary, and included food.
• Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes—the sites involve walking, and some areas, like the shelters and church bell towers, may have uneven surfaces.
• Not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to site structures and transport.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a fun, compact overview of Malta, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially good for first-timers wanting a taste of history, culture, and local life in a single, scenic outing. History buffs and WWII enthusiasts will appreciate the aviation museum and shelters, while anyone interested in religious architecture will find the Mosta Dome fascinating. Food lovers will enjoy sampling authentic Maltese snacks, and the vintage bus ride adds a nostalgic charm that elevates the whole experience.

Final Thoughts

This Vintage Bus Tour offers a balanced combination of history, local flavor, and scenic charm. It’s a great way to see Malta’s highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple visits, especially with the comfort of an included guide and transportation. The nostalgic ride, combined with engaging visits, makes it particularly appealing for those who appreciate cultural authenticity and straightforward sightseeing.

While it might feel a little rushed if you like deep dives into each site, the tour’s value lies in its ability to cover key highlights efficiently and enjoyably. The inclusion of a Maltese platter and a knowledgeable guide adds to its appeal, making it more than just a sightseeing trip but a small, memorable Maltese adventure.

If you want a friendly, informative, and fun way to explore Malta’s history, architecture, and local food, this tour will serve you well. Just remember to wear comfy shoes, come ready for a lively journey, and enjoy Malta’s warm hospitality and timeless charm.

FAQ

Is pick-up included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or a nearby location, with details provided the day before.

How long does the tour last?
The overall experience takes about four hours, making it perfect for a half-day activity.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers transportation on the vintage bus, entrance to the Aviation Museum, Mosta Dome, WWII Shelters, a Maltese platter, water, and coffee.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the experience is generally family-friendly, provided children are comfortable with walking and bus rides. Be aware that mobility may be an issue for some.

Can I expect enough time at each site?
Some reviews mention the visit to the museum and church can feel a bit rushed, so plan to prioritize what interests you most.

Is the vintage bus comfortable?
The buses are vintage and may lack modern amenities, but they are well-maintained and add a charming touch to the experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended, especially since walking and site exploration are involved.

This tour offers a well-rounded slice of Malta’s past and present, wrapped in a fun, nostalgic package. Perfect for curious travelers who want an authentic, engaging, and reasonably priced experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: