Optional Social Events
For VAST this year we have come up with a mix of excursions which should give you the opportunity to experience some of the best locations in Malta. Every day between the 22nd and the 26 apart from the academic component of the symposium we have included a social event which we hope most of you will be participating in. Apart from the welcome reception (22nd) and the gala dinner (24th) VAST delegates can also participate in the following events.
 
23rd September:  - Sunset Cruise (Eur50/person) - 
 

 
1900hrs : Delegates will meet at the Radisson SAS Resort Hotel lobby and then transfered to the Sliema jetty by minivan, where they will board a Turkish Gullet known as the Fernandez which will be awaiting them.
 
1930hrs : Once all the guests are on board, the Gullet will commence to cruise towards St. Paul's Bay and St.Paul's Island.
 

 
2200hrs : Arrival at St.Paul's bay. Upon arrival delegates will be at leisure for some time to swim. A delicious hot and cold buffet spread is then served. After dinner we will sail towards the Grand Harbour where we sail past the mignificent famous floodlit fortifications.  A fully stocked bar and toilet facilities are available on board.
 
The perfect setting for a wonderful evening ...
 
25th September: Valletta and the 3 Cities Half-Day Tour (Eur30/Person)
 

 
1300hrs: Transfer to the picturesque area in the Southern part of the island known as the 3 cities. This is one of the richest areas on the islands which was left to us by the Order of the Knights of St.John. These three medieval fortified cities are all connected to one another and overlook the imposing grand harbour. A qualified English speaking guide will be with the group throughout the tour. 
 
1330hrs: Arrival at Birgu, one of the 3 cities. The tour will be brief and will only last around 30 minutes and delegates will be free to walk around the place on their own should they wish to do so.
 
1400hrs: We will then head towards the waters edge at the harbour and embark on what are locally known as il-Barklora, a Maltese version of the Venetian Gondola. Each Gondola may accomodate up to 6 persons and from here we will head towards the other side of the harbour. The skippers on board the Barklora will row the boat as well as use a small engine during part of the crossing which will last around 20min. 
 

 
1420hrs: Arrival at the capital city of Valletta. We will be visiting the Upper Barraka gardens, Piazza Regina and Republic street (the main shopping street within the capital) and the imposing St.Johns co-cathedral, which houses the famous Caravaggio painting. We will also allocate some time so that everyone can discover the city on their own.
 
1700hrs: Transfer back to the hotel by coach.
 
26th September: Gozo Tour (Eur52/person)
 

 
Tour to Malta's sister island of Gozo. We start the day by a 30min transfer with coach to the port of Cirkewwa, followed by a 20min ferry crossing to Gozo. Upon setting foot in Gozo you will notice that although both islands are similar in history and development Gozo has a character entirely of its own. Gozo, which is a three hilled island, is greener and more picturesque than Malta.
 
During this excursion, we shall visit the temples of Ggantija, the citadel in Veictoria, the Bay of Xlendi, and the Azur Window at Dwejra. There will also be some free time for shopping - Gozo is reknown for its woollen goods and handmade lace. We should be back at the hotel at approximately 1800hrs.
 
The following are a few of the sites we will be visiting:
 
Victoria (Rabat) & The Cittadella -  The chief place on Gozo is Victoria (pop 6,800) to celbrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubillee of 1897 the capital of Gozo, Rabat, changed its name in her honour, although the locals still refer to the town as Rabat. It has a hadsome cathedral (1697) built by Lorenzo Gafa within the Cittadella. St.George's Church has a number of pictures by Mattia Preti (1613-99). The old quarters of the Cittadella began to take shape more than 350 years ago and is made up of the narrow alleys that mould themselves into a cohesive little maze of dark angular shadows and bright sunlight, distorting the delightful local balconies out of proportion.
 

 
The Azure Window - The arch called "Azure Window", is situated in Dwejra Bay. This 100-metre high natural arch, hollowed out of the Gozo coastline at Dwejra by thousands of years of wind and waves, is perhaps the island's most famous landmark and has attracted the attention of several film-makers.
 

 
The Ggantija Temples (the place of the Giants) - the only major prehistoric site on the island of Gozo. The temple is among the oldest and best preserved in the Maltese islands and consists of two adjacent units dating back to 3500 years B.C.