This morning, the sailing into the Grand Harbour of Malta at sunrise was pure magic as it seemed to rise from the sea.

We chose to spend our day in the capital of Valletta.  We took the lift up from the Harbour to the Upper Gardens to meet our tour guide (complete with Maltese food tastings).

…and then some food.  First up traditional morning pastry.  By the way it is stuffed with a spiced mashed pea mixture.  Delicious. 

Then onto the next stop for coffee and cookies. 

Then another wander to our third stop for ftira bread stuffed with a tuna mixture.

Then onto our last stop complete with a local cheese and fava bean paste appetizer plate with Maltese bread followed by a spiced stewed rabbit and some hot fried fig pastry.  The marriage of all the Mediterranean influences mixed with the North African spices is unique and delightful. 

We really enjoyed our day in Valletta.  There is so much more to see in Malta we will have to come back.