Calypso's Isle

Day 1
An arrival transfer (including the ferry journey) is included from Malta Luqa Airport to the hotel in Gozo. Those who wish to take advantage of this transfer will be met at the airport by our taxi and taken to the ferry terminal. From here the crossing to Gozo is approximately 25 minutes, and from Gozo ferry terminal you will be transferred the remaining 10 minute drive to the hotel. The evening is at your leisure to settle in and unpack.

Day 2
Mgarr is Gozo's port, full of traditional and colourful luzzu fishing boats, and dominated by the 18C Fort Chambray, built by the Knights of St John. The path from here hugs the coast as far as the narrow creek of Mgarr ix-Xini where Turkish raiders landed in 1551 - the perfect place for a picnic and swim. From here you follow an old mule track up through the hotel's rocky grounds with fine views across to Malta, stopping to explore the remains of a copper age temple and Neolithic dolmen. Walking time 2.5hr, distance 7km/4mi.

Day 3
The north-western corner of the island is only accessible on foot, along easy farm tracks. First stop is the remarkable neo-Romanesque basilica Ta' Pinu, a huge national shrine built on the site of a miracle in 1923. Your route then leads through unique ravine-like wieds to Gharb - stunning Baroque church (1699) and traditional stone houses. The final stretch takes you along the striking cliffs of the north coast where you are rewarded with fantastic views across Gozo's famous salt pans. Walking time 3.5hr, distance 12km/7mi or walking time 4hr, distnace 14km/9mi.

Day 4
The cliffs near Sannat are the highest and most dramatic cliffs on Gozo and, in late spring they are alive with Mediterranean shearwaters. The route takes you past breath-taking views to Comino and Malta and down through tamarisk trees to the gorgeous Xlendi bay. Then it's up through the terraced fields, bright with poppies and fields of gladioli cultivated in rows like Provencal lavender. Walking time 2.5hr, distance 9km/5mi or walking time 3hr, distance 10km/6mi.

Day 5
A ride on one of Gozo's quirky buses to Xaghra starts your morning as you head towards the Ggantija Tombs, a massive free-standing temple of 6m-high monoliths, and Calypso's Cave. Lunch on Ramla Bay - undeniably the best beach on the island - then perhaps on to the lively capital, Victoria, for the afternoon. The bustling market square, used as a meeting place since Roman times, is dominated by the mediaeval citadel - spectacular views over the whole island. But the real charm lies in the maze of tiny back streets clustered around the Basilica, with carved stone balconies, flower-decked doorways and statuettes of the Madonna in street corner niches.

Day 6
To the west coast and the fascinating Punic burial site at Wardija Point. There's a mythical feeling here, like being on the edge of the world. Narrow stone walled lanes lead down to bamboo groves and to Fungus Rock (named after the 'magic' plant which grew there) and the Azure Window (a stunning stone archway framing the blue sea and sky behind). Walking time 4hr, distance 13km/8mi.

Day 7
Beginning at Qala, it's an easy stroll to Dahlet Quorrot, a tiny harbour with gaily coloured boat houses. Then it's on through fragrant lemon groves, vineyards and past fig and peach trees to San Blas Bay, a hidden beach with gorgeous ochre-coloured sand. Your final stop is Nadur where the spectacular views at the end of the day are a great finale to your week. Walking time 4.5hr, distance 11km/7mi.

Day 8
The tour ends at our hotel after breakfast, however a departure transfer back to Malta Luqa Airport by road and ferry is included for those who wish to take advantage of this.