Malta & Gozo hiking vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

We are committed to offering low impact vacations, which benefits the countries and communities we visit, as well as our travelers. As most of the time on our tours is spent exploring on foot, it is important that our staff, local partners and customers are aware of the delicate balance that exists in the places we visit.

We are also dedicated to promoting sensible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

The Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa takes sustainability seriously and has implemented a variety of practices designed to reduce environmental impact, support local community and culture, and promote responsible hospitality. At least 80% of food in the restaurants is locally sourced, with a high proportion of organic food. The hotel has comprehensive food-waste a recycling policies, and efforts to eliminate single-use plastic include no plastic water bottles, no plastic straws or stirrers, and the use of reusable cups and tableware only.


ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

We operate a ‘leave no trace’ policy in national parks, archaeological sites, monuments and other sensitive areas like beaches and coastlines; these should be treated with the ultimate respect to maintain them for future generations. Our tour leaders are trained to promote this message to our customers during the vacation.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

We provide ample opportunity to explore the local areas on foot, where you can shop for local wares and crafts and immerse yourselves into the rich cultural heritage of the islands. On Malta we stay in the four-star Antonine Hotel & Spa, which is perched on one of the many terrace levels carved out of the town’s rocky slopes and overlooks the sea and Gozo and Comino. A beach is located 1 km away and is easily reached on foot. Other facilities include a bar and terrace, sun beds, an indoor pool and a spa area. The hotel offers both vegetarian and vegan dining options and its philosophy emphasises fresh local ingredients that aligns with a health-focused, Mediterranean diet.

In Gozo you stay at the Hotel Calypso in Marsalforn Bay on the north of the island. The Hotel Calypso is in the perfect location for our walks on the island with many starting or ending from the hotel. Dinners are served at the hotel restaurant where you can get a selection of fresh seafood.

All breakfasts are taken at your hotels and are from a wide buffet selection. Lunches are packed and brought for by yourselves. Every walker likes something different for lunch so there are plenty of bakeries and supermarkets close to our hotels in which to buy what you need and contribute to the local economy. Sometimes our leader might know of a good little coffee shop to stop at for a lunch time snack. Dinners are in the hotel.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY

We are committed to responsible and sustainable travel practices that support both the local environment and surrounding communities. By selecting environmentally conscious accommodation, encouraging reduced waste, and prioritising sustainable transport where possible, we aim to minimise our footprint. Through respectful engagement and conscious travel choices, we strive to protect natural landscapes while delivering enriching and memorable experiences.

Our walking tours are thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in local heritage and culture, building meaningful connections with the places and people we visit - including the employment of local tour guides. As a company we believe in workplace diversity and equal employment, with opportunities available to everybody regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or nationality.

Malta (including Gozo) is LGBTQ+ friendly and is considered one of Europe's most progressive countries in terms of its rights for LGBTQ+ people.