Malta: Gozo Full Day Jeep Tour with lunch and Boat Trip

Exploring Malta’s sister island, Gozo, is quite the adventure, and this full-day jeep tour promises to showcase its most captivating sights in just one day. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or someone who simply adores scenic drives, this experience offers a balanced mix of off-road fun, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking views.

While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, based on numerous reviews and the detailed itinerary, we can tell you that it’s highly regarded for its knowledgeable guides, stunning landscapes, and well-organized structure. A few things to keep in mind: the lunch options might feel a bit basic for some, and the group size can be up to 48 travelers, which is still manageable but worth noting.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of Gozo’s highlights without the hassle of planning or driving themselves. It offers good value for money, especially with included ferry transport, hotel pickup, and unlimited local wine during lunch.

Good To Know

• All-inclusive full-day experience combining jeep excursions, boat trips, and cultural visits.
• Knowledgeable guides who add depth to each stop with insights and local tips.
• Convenient transportation from Malta, including hotel pickup and ferry transfers.
• Diverse stops from ancient temples to scenic cliffs, offering a well-rounded snapshot of the island.
• Hearty buffet lunch with unlimited local wine and water, served in a Maltese restaurant.
• Small group size ensures more personalized attention, even with up to 48 travelers.
• Option for boat rides into caves and around Blue Lagoon, weather permitting.
• A great choice for those with limited time but wanting a thorough taste of Gozo’s sights.

An In-depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Basics: What’s Included and How It Works

For $92.69 per person, this tour packs in a lot. The experience kicks off early at 8:00 am from VapurGhajnsielem in Malta, with hotel pickup included—no need to worry about organizing transport. The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

The main draw is the off-road jeep adventure, driven by an expert guide who navigates the often rugged terrain of Gozo’s valleys and countryside. With a maximum of 48 travelers, the group size is enough to keep things lively yet not overcrowded.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Do

Ggantija Temples: A Neolithic Wonder

The tour begins with a visit to the Ggantija Temples—the oldest free-standing structures in Malta and older than the pyramids of Egypt. This UNESCO-listed site offers a glimpse into one of the earliest known monumental constructions. Reviewers have noted the significance of this site, with one mentioning it as a must-see neolithic temple.

Calypso Cave: Myth Meets Reality

Next, the group heads to Calypso’s Cave, a spot associated with Homer’s Odyssey. Located in Ramla Bay, it’s a natural site where you can peek into the legend of the nymph holding Odysseus captive for seven years. Visitors often appreciate the quick 10-minute stop for photos, with no extra charge for admission.

The Citadel in Victoria

The historic Cittadella in Victoria provides sweeping views of Gozo and is believed to have been inhabited since the Bronze Age. It’s a perfect spot for photos and taking in the ambiance of the island’s capital. Reviewers highlight the free-entry aspect and the opportunity to explore at your own pace.

Inland Sea and Xwejni Salt Pans

Adventure continues with Inland Sea, a lagoon of seawater accessible via a natural arch—ideal if the weather allows a boat trip, which is weather-dependent. Then there’s the Xwejni Salt Pans, a 350-year-old salt harvesting site that’s photogenic and steeped in history, with no entrance fee.

Scenic Cliffs and Belvedere

The Sanap Cliffs offer breathtaking vertical drops into the Mediterranean, while the Qala Belvedere provides panoramic views of nearby islands and the famous Blue Lagoon. Reviewers consistently comment on the stunning vistas, making these stops worthwhile for photography and awe.

Cultural and Coastal Highlights

The Church of St. John the Baptist (Xewkija Rotunda) and Marsalforn Bay are also part of the itinerary. Marsalforn Bay, a lively resort town with a promenade and beach, gives you a taste of local life and scenic seaside views.

Optional Boat Trip into Caves

Weather permitting, the tour includes a speedboat transfer into caves near Blue Lagoon and the Comino Caves, adding a fun aquatic dimension to your day. Many reviews mention how memorable this boat ride is, with some noting it’s particularly good for photos and cooling off.

Lunch and Refreshments

A hearty buffet lunch with wine and water is served at a local restaurant. Reviewers like Irene and Sandra have praised the quality of the food, calling it the best they’ve had on an excursion. That said, a few mention the options are somewhat simple—primarily rice, potatoes, and pasta—so those with specific dietary preferences might want to plan accordingly.

Guides and Group Dynamics

According to reviews, guides like Tony, Mario, and George are particularly appreciated for their friendliness, knowledge, and personalized approach. Many travelers comment on how guides checked what they wanted to see, provided ample time for photos, and kept the group moving smoothly.

For example, one reviewer noted that Mario was informative and patient, giving extra time for photos and explanations, while another praised George for being a “legend” and making the day fun and memorable.

Transport Quality and Comfort

The jeep rides are generally comfortable, with licensed vehicles suitable for 8 people plus the driver. Reviewers mention the breeze while driving off-road as a highlight, though some found the seating a bit cramped when the group was at full capacity.

The ferry transfer from Malta is included, and in some reviews, travelers appreciated the seamless, organized transfer from hotel to boat and jeep, making the whole experience hassle-free.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

The positives: the impressive scenery, the knowledgeable guides, the variety of stops, and the inclusive lunch and wine. Travelers consistently mention how well-organized and enjoyable the day was, with many noting the stops at caves, cliffs, and temples as highlights.

The downsides: a few reviews point out that the lunch is somewhat basic, with limited options, and that the group size can feel a little large for some. There are also comments about the boat trip into the caves being weather-dependent, which might mean it’s not always available.

A few travelers mentioned crowded jeep rides, but overall, most felt the experience was good value considering the inclusions.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for visitors who want a comprehensive, hassle-free way to see Gozo in one day. It suits those with a moderate fitness level who enjoy driving in off-road vehicles, appreciate scenic views, and like cultural landmarks. If you’re looking for a balance of history, nature, and some fun boat rides, this tour hits all those marks.

It’s especially good for travelers who value guided commentary and want to avoid the stress of self-driving or organizing multiple activities separately. Keep in mind, if you’re after a gourmet lunch or a very relaxed pace, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Jeep tour of Gozo combines the thrill of off-road driving with the chance to see some of the island’s most iconic sights. The inclusion of ferry transport, hotel pickup, and unlimited wine during lunch makes it a convenient and enjoyable package for those wanting to maximize their limited time on the island.

The stops at ancient temples, scenic cliffs, and historical sites provide a well-rounded experience that captures Gozo’s essence without feeling overwhelming. The guides’ friendliness and expertise are often highlighted as a major plus, making the journey more engaging and informative.

While the lunch options are straightforward and some travelers might find the group size a bit large, the overall value, scenic beauty, and memorable moments make this tour a strong choice. It’s especially suited for those who want a structured, all-in-one day that combines adventure, culture, and stunning landscape views.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in this tour? Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it a stress-free start to your day.

What time does the tour start? The tour begins at 8:00 am from VapurGhajnsielem in Malta.

How long does the tour last? The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore.

Are the stops at major sites free to enter? Yes, several stops like Ggantija Temples, the Citadel, and the Church of St. John are free to visit.

Is food included? Yes, a buffet lunch with unlimited local wine and water is part of the package.

Can I do the boat trip into the caves? The boat trip is weather-dependent but is included and highly praised when available.

What’s the group size? The tour accommodates up to 48 travelers, which strikes a balance between intimacy and social vibe.

Is this suitable for children? Yes, children are welcome if accompanied by an adult, but physical fitness should be moderate as some walking and steps are involved.

What should I bring? Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, camera, and cash for optional extras or purchases.

Are there any additional costs? The Ggantija Temple entrance fee is not included and costs around 8-10 Euros if you choose to visit.

In the end, this tour offers a lively, well-organized way to enjoy Gozo’s highlights in one day. Perfect for those who want a mix of adventure, culture, and scenery without the stress of planning every detail themselves.