After three years of research, City Explorer has launched Malta’s first personal and audiovisual GPS guide, allowing visitors the freedom to experience Valletta at their leisure while simultaneously educating and informing them about the sights.

Tourists visiting Malta always wonder where they can go, who will take them there and how will they find what they’re looking for. With the help of the City Explorer Valletta GPS tour, they can do just that.

To add to the experience, the tour is available in a selection of languages.

“While our main objective was to have a well-informed customer, we wanted this experience to be done at one’s own pace,” said City Explorer operations manager Chris Micallef.

Due to the flexibility of City Explorer, one can experience the tour in as little as three hours and as much as a full day.

Tourists often take photos of monuments in Valletta, the Grand Harbour, City Gate or the Opera House, frequently wonder-ing what historical events must have taken place there. City Explorer puts an end to these questions as it delves into the history of each landmark, leaving the tourist well-informed.

Being a busy capital city, one can easily miss out on major historical sites in Valletta, especially when one visits alone or without an expert guide. The GPS will not only take visitors from one place to another but will also trigger the point of interest once they are in close proximity.

Although City Explorer is a relatively young project, it will shortly be incorporating other important tourist sights, such as Mdina and Rabat, to reach its objective of having a well-informed user with precise knowledge of the area being explored without missing out on the tour experience.

The GPS-guided tour offers audio commentary and visual maps of important locations

“In order to be at the forefront of the market, we made it our mission to provide the most sophisticated system, making it as simple as possible to use. These two elements produce a trustworthy service, with customers always having the information at hand,” said Mr Micallef.

City Explorer offers visitors to Valletta the opportunity of experiencing the real city and not that foisted upon them by a set agenda.

The personal guide allows them the freedom to roam and set their own pace while offering a wealth of information, something often missed when they’re part of a larger tour.

The GPS-guided tour offers audio commentary as well as visual maps and photos of important locations. It can be paused at any time, allowing users the freedom to shop or lunch.

Points of interest are explained in detail by historians through tongue-in-cheek video footage of places with accompanying pictures.

Tour operators and agents can also try out this revolutionary device first hand by visiting the City Explorer offices in Valletta.

www.cityexplorertours.com

Useful information

How do I book the tour?

Upon arrival at the hotel, you can ask for a City Explorer booking.

Can I book direct?

You can also register your e-mail address with City Explorer. Be sure to print the booking form, as you will need to present it to one of our authorised dealers, based in Valletta. Direct booking can be made via the Book Now option on the site www.cityexplorertours.com.

Can I share the tour with my partner?

Yes. The system is equipped with two earphone sockets that will be available to you with the system at an optional charge. Remember to get along your ear phones so you don’t have to buy a set.

Is it possible to book more than one system for a larger group?

Yes. Group bookings are encouraged because you can share your findings while you are having a break. Group bookings attract discounts, so ask your agent to check for you once you are at the hotel.

From where do I collect the gadget?

You can collect it from an authorised dealer. The dealer’s details will be printed on the booking form.

Can I stop for coffee or shop during the tour?

Yes, once your location is locked, the system can recognise your position, so you can stop as often as you want.

How long is the tour?

We recommend that you start the tour in the morning as it is around three hours long (without stops). However, it can take you around Valletta during the full day.

Can I visit one or more of the attractions listed in the tour?

Yes you can. Allow at least three hours of the day to visit some of the attractions in Valletta.

How do I return the gadget and at what time?

You will return it at the pick-up point/authorised dealers. Closing times vary, so confirm time of return at pick-up.