Guided tours tend to be hit and miss in our experience when visiting other countries and cities. Yet, as fans of dark tourism, we’ve been trying to branch outside of the norm and explore more unique and insightful experiences. Thus, we were excited to come upon many dark tours offered all over Malta, including from companies such as Dark Malta Tours and Malta Themed Tours. Intrigued by the rich history and captivating media shared by Malta Themed Tours, we decided to experience their Valletta tour, Sinful Secrets of Valletta: Blood, Booty and Courtesans.
Malta Themed Tours offer very unique touring experiences created by locals and rooted in a passion for history. Founded in 2018, Malta Themed Tours pioneered dramatised Corsair tours and offer immersive experiences where guides portray key historical figures, bringing Malta’s rich past to life.
Our tour with Malta Themed Tours was the most personalised, engaging, and immersive tour experience we’ve ever attended! The experience begins even before you set foot in Malta, thanks to the company’s warm and detailed communication ahead of the tour. They provide all the essential information to help you prepare, and you’re put in direct contact with your guide should you have any questions or concerns in advance.
Upon arrival, our guide Giacomo greeted each of us, immediately setting a welcoming tone and fostering a sense of camaraderie among a group of solo travelers and strangers. He soon revealed that, for the evening, he would be stepping into the role of Alonso de Contreras—a corsair and Knight of the Military Order of St. John in Malta.
And so began an evening rich with history, passion, and adventure, as we journeyed through the stunning city of Valletta—seeing it through the eyes of corsairs, knights, prostitutes, and nuns. It was a unique lens through which to experience the past. Guiding us through it all was Giacomo, whose infectious energy and deep passion for his craft infused every step of our journey through 17th-century Malta’s trials and tribulations. He also made sure each one of us had a chance to take part in the evening, including roleplaying as different Maltese citizens. It was the most participative tour we’ve ever been on, making us ooh, aah and laugh along the way!
Giacomo guided us through all the must-see historical landmarks and streets of Valletta—from the Auberge de Castille to the Grand Master’s Palace—culminating in the serene beauty of the Lower Barrakka Gardens, where we took in magnificent evening views of the Grand Harbour. Though we didn’t join, Giacomo even extended an invitation to some guests for dinner, offering yet more history and entertainment to round off the night.
Malta Themed Tours offers an experience unlike any other—cheeky, insightful, and entertaining, far from your typical historical tour. This thoughtful and passionate company presents a diverse range of both private and scheduled tours, each one bringing Malta’s vibrant (and often bloody) past to life. They even send you Malta itinerary and restaurant recommendations. Besides their ‘Sinners’ tour, Malta Themed Tours also offers a Valletta tour centred on the Knights of St. John, as well as Mdina tours that delve into Medieval Malta—or even one that explores iconic Game of Thrones filming locations. Whether going as a group or a solo traveller, this is definitely the tour guide company to make you feel right at home on your journeys abroad.
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