Malta Itinerary for SEPTEMBER 2021

Hidden Inca Tours and Horus Rising Present:

Lost Ancient High Technology and Metaphysics Of Malta

September 21st to 26th, 2021Featuring Speakers: Brien Foerster, Maria Wheatley, Patricia Awyan Lehman, and Geologist, Suzan Moore

Join this team as they enter the enigmatic Hypogeum and explore the mysteries of some of the oldest megalithic freestanding stone structures that are dedicated to the sacred feminine on earth.

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Tuesday, September 21st    Arrival MALTA

A transfer representative will meet you at the airport to assist you with entry formalities and escort you to the fabulous Dolmen Resort Hotel overlooking St Paul’s Bay on the Mediterranean Sea –featuring the remains of the 5,000-year-old Neolithic Buggiba temple in the Hotel gardens.
We’ll meet in the lobby for an introductory meeting at 6 PM followed by our Welcome Dinner at the Muza Restaurant in Valletta.
Overnight Dolmen Resort Hotel, St Paul’s Bay, Malta (D)

Day 2- Wednesday, September 22nd  EQUINOX SUNRISE ALIGNMENT AT MNAJDRA, Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, Tarxien Temples and PRIVATE Visit inside the Hypogeum, 

Equionox Sunrise at Mnajdra Temples

During the equinox, the sun rises in perfect alignment with the main doorway, flooding the central corridor to the innermost apse with the fiery sunlight. Currently limited to only 10 participants due to Covid restrictions (may change)–there will only be 6 spaces available on a first come first served basis.  Extra Charge for this ticket will be $30.00 per person. We are hoping that they lift this restriction so that everyone can attend.
After enjoying breakfast, the rest of the group will join us for a full day of visiting the ancient megalithic temples dedicated to the Mother Goddess on Malta. 
A short walk down the hill will take you to the  Mnajdra (meaning stones of worship or sacred stone)  temple. The temples at Mnajdra are similar to Ħaġar Qim (and other Maltese temples) in that they have a similar shape – the round rooms of the temples. Like most other sites, it was built over a long time and in various periods. Said to have been built around the fourth millennium BCE, Mnajdra is made of coralline limestone, which is much harder than the soft globigerina limestone of Ħaġar Qim. The main structural systems used in the temples are corbelling with smaller stones, and post-and-lintel construction using large slabs of limestone. Considered to have been an important ceremonial site, the lowest temple is astronomically aligned and was probably used as an observation area.
Maria Wheatley will speak to us about the  unique earth energies known as Earth Vortex Energy that is generated on this ancient power spot.  On the vernal and the autumnal equinoxes, sunlight passes through the main doorway and lights up the major axis. On the solstices, sunlight illuminates the edges of megaliths to the left and right of this doorway.
Afterwards, we’ll explore  Hagar Qim (meaning Standing or Worshiping Stones), known for the globigerina limestone that was used throughout its construction.
There is much to see at this site, including the sophisticated water channels and deep wells. To the right of the Woman’s Chamber, in the temple, is a recess, containing an acoustic opening called the Oracle Hole. Sound passed from the main chamber and vice-versa. This hole or niche has also been linked to alignments of the Summer Solstice. There are three separate sanctuaries and in one there was found the remains of the 7 feet Goddess statue which is considered as one of the oldest sculptures in the world. 
Our next stop will be the Tarxien Temples, dated at 3600-3000 BC, although this has never been scientifically proven.
Typical of all temples on Malta, the site is in a shape resembling a clover-leaf, constructed with two separate walls of megalithic slabs, just a few meters apart. The space in between the two walls was filled with sand and stone rubble, creating a solid wall which still stands after many millennia.

PRIVATE VISIT TO HYPOGEUM

Next, we’ll visit the famous Hypogeum (literally meaning underground in Greek) in at least two shifts of 10 people. An enormous three level subterranean structure dating back to at least 3000 BC. Many mysteries surround this temple, including what function or purpose it may have served. The structure features many interesting chambers, including a Holy of Holies and what is called the Oracle Room. The Oracle Room, one of the smallest side chambers, has the peculiarity of producing a powerful acoustic resonance from any vocalization made inside it. It has an elaborately painted ceiling, consisting of spirals in red ochre with circular blobs.Scientists who have been studying the acoustic properties of the Hypogeum are now reporting that the use of sound (researchers report a frequency of 110 Htz) in these specially designed chambers has the ability to alter consciousness.  It is also important to note that several Elongated skulls were found here.
 
After our morning of site visits , we will drive to the quaint village of Marsaxlokk, Malta’s largest fishing community, where we’ll have a wonderful lunch at Hunter’s Tower restaurant in Marsaxlokk.
Your evening will be free.  Overnight Dolmen Resort Hotel, St Paul’s Bay, Malta (B,L)

Day 3 –  Thursday, September 23rd   National Museum of Archaeology, St John’s Co-Cathedral, Mdina Cathedral (St Paul’s Cathedral) and the Catacombs

After an early breakfast we’ll leave to visit the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. We’ll stop along the way for a photo opportunity at the Upper Barakka Gardens that has a fabulous view of Grand Harbour.   The National Museum houses artifacts that purportedly date back to “the dawn of man”. Offering a fascinating glance of Malta’s pre-history, this museum showcases artifacts, such as pottery, sculpture, stone tools and implements, and more– all found at sites in Malta.Next we’re off to see the magnificent St. Johns Co-Cathedral, built between 1573 and 1578, as the conventual church of the Order of the Knights Hospitaller of St John, known as the Knights of Malta. Decorated in the height of the Baroque period, we will find intricate carved stone walls, a painted vaulted ceiling and side altars with scenes from the life of St John. One can’t help but feel the energy that emanates from the mysterious and unique symbols carved in the walls, ceiling and etched on the marble floors. The most famous work in the church is a painting depicting The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist by Caravaggio (1571–1610) It is considered one of Caravaggio’s masterpieces and the only painting signed by the painter.We’ll have lunch at Bottegin Palazzo Xara, before our visit to the late 17th-century, St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina.  According to the Book of Acts, Paul was shipwrecked on Malta for three months. During his stay, he was bitten by a snake and remained unharmed, prompting the natives to regard him as a god. He later healed the father of the governor, Publius, and many others. St Paul’s Cathedral stands on the traditional site of the house of the Publius, who received St. Paul. The lavish interior of the cathedral includes great works by the Calabrian artist and Knight Mattia Preti, and a marble-inlaid floor Our next stop will be the Catacombs of Mdina.After a quick photo stop at Bastion Square, we’ll visit St Paul’s Catacombs, where we’ll find some of the most prominent features of Malta’s early Christian archaeology. The archaeological clearing of the site has revealed an extensive system of underground galleries and tombs dating from the third to the eighth centuries CE.
 We’ll return to our hotel for an evening on your own.  Overnight Dolmen Resort Hotel, St Paul’s Bay, Malta (B,L)

 Day 4- Friday, September 24th  A full day tour on the Island of Gozo, including the Ggantija Temples

After an early breakfast, we will depart for the picturesque harbor at Mgarr, for a ferryboat crossing to the island of Gozo. Our first stop will be the Ggantija Temples (meaning “Giant Towers”) in Xaghra, which are two megalithic structures said to have been built and developed around 3600 BC.
Both temples were dedicated to the goddess of fertility with a legend describing a giant named Sunsuna who built the temple walls in one day and one night while nursing a baby. Several very large stone blocks are used in the construction and numerous stone spheres have been found with indications suggesting they may have been involved in moving the megaliths. The repeated symbol of the spiral is seen in the lintels and friezes of the stone blocks as well as symbols of trees, birds, flowers and animals. There is pitting in the walls and the altars and holes for libations cut right into the ground rock.
The people who last inhabited these temples on Gozo and Malta disappeared abruptly in 2300 BC without a trace—leaving us with many unanswered questions and mysteries to unravel.
We’ll enjoy a photo stop at the Gozo Citadel and Cathedral in Victoria before having lunch at the Stone Crab restaurant. Afterwards, we’ll explore more of this enchanting island paradise, which Homer once referred to in his “Odyssey”, as the place where the mythical Calypso lured Ulysses to stay with her for 7 years.Our last stop will be the bewitching Dwejra Bay, from which we’ll be able to view Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea.  It is no coincidence that Dwejra has been a favourite backdrop for filmmakers. On this location, nature and geography aided by time, seem to have schemed to create a place like no other.   Afterwards we’ll take our ferryboat trip back to Malta and return to our Hotel.
Tonight, we will have our Farewell Dinner at the lovely Medina Restaurant . Overnight Dolmen Resort Hotel, St Paul’s Bay, Malta (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Saturday, September 25th  Dolmen Temple, Skorba and the Dingli Cart Ruts (Clapham Junction) and Caves

After our breakfast this morning, we’ll take a short tour of the Dolmen temple located right here at our Hotel, before leaving for one of the oldest temple complexes in Malta, the Skorba. The Skorba temples are megalithic remains on the northern edge of Żebbiegħ, in Malta, which have provided detailed and informative insight into the earliest periods of Malta’s neolithic culture.  This site is a complex of two temples situated near Zebbiegħ in Mġarr. As the remains been left virtually untouched during excavations, Skorba is one of the most complete temple complexes on the island, which includes pitted floors and steps, as well as a coralline limestone slab nearly four meters high.
Next, we’ll visit the Dingli Cart Ruts (Clapham Junction), a mysterious complex network of tracks gouged in limestone. The numerous ruts are roughly parallel and in pairs all about the same distance apart. Some are straight, some curved. No one really knows for sure what their purpose or significance is but they are presumed to be thousands of years old.   It is reported that the “Clapham Junction” nickname was given by an Englishman, who later reported that it reminded him of the busy railway station Clapham Junction in London.
We’ll enjoy a late lunch at Tal-Kaptan restaurant,  renowned for its delicious pizza, salads and pasta and return to our hotel. Overnight Dolmen Resort Hotel, St Paul’s Bay, Malta (B,L)

 Day 6 – Sunday, September 26th  Transfers to the Airport for Final Departure

After breakfast (included), we will depart for the airport for our International flights.

TOUR PRICING:

$2,525.00 per person in a double room 

$2,765.00 per person in a single room

$500.00 non-refundable Deposit

Extra Charge for Equinox Sunrise ticket will be $30.00 per person for those attending.

Price does NOT include flight to Cairo, Egypt.  Guests joining us on our October 1-14 Egypt tour may purchase their own flights or ask us for assistance with their flight arrangements.

A $500.00 non-refundable deposit will be required to reserve your place on the tour.

Optional Single Room Supplement: $240.00    NOTE:  This is the additional amount you will pay if you choose to have your own private room throughout the journey.

ROOMMATES: If you’re not traveling with anyone you know, we would be happy to assist pairing you with a fellow traveler.
Per our Terms and Conditions, we will hold the registration open until 70 days before the tour begins (or later if possible) in order to try to match you with someone. If by that date we have not been able to do so, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. Please try to register early if you would like to be matched with a roommate

THIS TOUR WILL BE FACILITATED BY TRAVEL THE UNKNOWN

Please contact Travel the Unknown via Email to begin your Registration and Booking procedures:   enquiries@traveltheunknown.com

 

Your Land Package Includes:

1.  Airport ‘Meet & Greet’ and assistance with transfer to our Hotel.
2.  5-Star Dolmen Resort Hotel overlooking St. Paul’s Bay, including daily buffet breakfast. (Wi-Fi/Internet is available in the hotel) 
3.  Ferry to and from the Island of Gozo.
4.  Meals included as per our itinerary in include 5 Lunches and 2 Dinners.
5.  Visits to temples and monument sites, including transportation and entrance fees
6.  Brien Foerster and Patricia Awyan Lehman as your Hosts and Speakers                                         
7.  Maria Wheatley and Suzan Moore as your Featured Guest Speakers 
8. Fully licensed guide during all excursions for a max of 8 hours for full days and 4 hours
for half days –English Speaking 
 

 NOT INCLUDED:

– Roundtrip international airfares 
– Travelers from EU countries and countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement do NOT need a Visa in order to travel to Malta. Australian, Canadian and US travelers may stay in Malta without a visa for up to 90 Days.  All others, please check at the below link, or with your local authorities to determine if you need a visa.
https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/europe/malta/passport-visa/ 
– *ECO Contribution Tax Effective June 20, 2016
As of June 20, 2016, per the Maltese government, a new ECO Contribution tax of .50c EUR per day, per guest over18 years of age will be applied on all stays. The ECO tax is not included in the rate and will be added to the total bill at checkout of the Dolman Hotel. The cap is a maximum of 5 EUR per person, per stay. Please contact the resort for further information.
–Travel & Health Insurance (recommended)
– Meals not included (As indicated in the itinerary)
– Personal items (Such as laundry, beverages during meals, internet service on the cruise ship and telephone calls or any item not listed on the itinerary)
-Tipping for Tour Guide
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
All travelers need a passport valid for at least six months after the date of entering the country. 

 

Booking Conditions as per our Tour Facilitator, Travel the Unknown.                                            

Please read carefully – Travel The Unknown Ltd (‘the Company’) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions. 

1. Your Holiday Contract 

The contract is between the Company and the Client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the Company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to English law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts. 

 

2. Booking Procedure 

For enquiries and reservations, you can call our office on +44 (0)20 7183 6371 (or +1 800 604 6024) between 09:30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays) UK time. You can also email us at enquiries@traveltheunknown.com.
The deposit of US$500 per person per tour is required to confirm a space on a tour. The final balance is due 10 weeks before your departure date. If the trip start date is within 10 weeks then the full trip cost would be immediately payable.
The final balance is due 10 weeks before your departure date.
If you are booking your flights through us, full payment has to be made at the time of booking these.

3. Tour Prices 

3.1 Prices are per person and are based on two persons sharing a twin room. Solo travellers are accepted for travel on the basis that they agree to share all accommodation with another traveller of the same sex. On some tours solo travellers may request sole occupancy accommodation at the time of booking. A supplement will be payable as advised and added to the cost of your holiday. 
3.2 Kindly note that double bedrooms cannot be guaranteed, although requests will be noted at the time of booking. Furthermore, some hotels have several different room types. We regret that we are unable to pre-allocate a particular room type and in order that we accommodate the entire group, some clients may be given a superior room type without additional charge. In such cases this will always be done in the fairest way possible. We thank you in advance for your understanding. 
3.3 Note:  all tour prices are subject to change due to changes in domestic and international flight prices, as well as currency fluctuations. At the same time we will offer you the opportunity to pay in full for your international flights. By doing so we can guarantee that you will be protected from any fare increases later imposed by the airlines. It should be noted that airlines frequently change their prices and apply fuel surcharges, which are beyond our control. 
3.4 Any special offers or discounts to be applied to a booking must be declared at the time of booking. Offers cannot be combined.
Unless otherwise advised payments for flights are non-refundable and dates of travel will be fixed and non-changeable. It is essential that travel insurance is taken at the time of booking to cover possible cancellation. Please check website for most up-to-date prices.

4. Group Size 

Unless otherwise stated our tours are based on a minimum of 8 to 10 clients and a maximum of 30 to 60, depending on the tour. In the event that we are unable to operate the tour due to insufficient booking numbers, you will be advised at the earliest opportunity and always no less than 1 month before departure. At that time you will be offered the following options: 
4.1  Travel as planned, but at an additional supplement, payable per person. The cost of this supplement will vary depending on the itinerary and number of confirmed clients. 
4.2  The same tour but for a different date.
4.3  Alternatively a different tour, for another destination and/or date (a surcharge or partial refund may apply). 
4.4  A full refund of all monies paid to the Company. 

5. Price Information

The prices displayed on our websites and in our marketing information, are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.

6. Passports, Visas and Health Matters 

Medical vaccinations, passports and visas are entirely your responsibility and must be arranged prior to departure. We can take no responsibility for cancellation of your trip in the event that you are not allowed to fly, or continue your tour. If you are unable to travel due to not being able to obtain (or not having) the appropriate visa we reserve the right to retain the cost of the trip. 
If we are arranging your visa for an administration fee and your visa is refused by  the Embassy or Consulate, the administration fee will be non-refundable. Changes to visa procedures that result in us being unable to deliver your visa will result in the visa-related costs being refunded, but will not result in any cancellation of the trip unless otherwise agreed.

7. Alterations by You 

Once we have agreed a tour and itinerary with you and issued confirmation, should you wish to change your arrangements we reserve the right to impose an amendment fee of £75 per booking. For alterations within 10 weeks of departure cancellation charges may apply. 

8. Alteration By Us 

From time to time it may be necessary or advisable to alter the arrangements for your holiday. We reserve the right to make such alterations to any of the arrangements, as we consider necessary or advisable. Where such alterations are material we will inform you as soon as possible and discuss any options that may be available. 
No compensation will be paid at any time under circumstances caused by war or threat of war, civil strife, industrial dispute, strikes, terrorist activity, accident, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, airline failure, closure of airports, adverse weather conditions, or any other force majeure. 
A published itinerary constitutes only an indication of what the tour is planned to accomplish and is not to constitute a contractual obligation on part of the Company.               

9. Cancellation By You 

Should you wish to cancel your holiday, you must notify us as soon as possible. Please advise the reason for cancellation as you may be covered by your insurance policy. In the event of cancellation, all flight costs will be forfeited. In certain instances, some flight costs may be recoverable by you. The following cancellation charges apply: 
Over 70 days
 
Deposit 
31 – 70 days
 
50% of total tour price 
11 – 30 days
 
90% of total tour price
0 – 10 days
 
100% of total tour price

10. Cancellation By Us 

We will not cancel your holiday other than for the reasons shown in these conditions under ‘Group Size’ and for force majeure or the client’s failure to pay the final invoice. We will return promptly all monies paid as shown on the account except in the latter instance. 

11. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice 

11.1 The Client acknowledges that they are responsible to make themselves aware through Foreign Office advice, State Department warnings and other sources available to them on regard to the safety of the countries and areas in which they will be travelling and to make their decisions accordingly. 
11.2 Whilst we will do our best to inform clients of relevant changes to FCO Travel Advice ( www.fco.gov.uk), it is up to the Client and not the Company to know what the FCO travel advice to a certain country, or region of a country, is and to be adequately insured to travel there. The company accepts no liability if the Client a) chooses to cancel a booking because of FCO advice or b) is not adequately insured to travel. The Company will not normally cancel a trip simply because the FCO advise against travel. 

12. Our Responsibility for your Holiday 

12.1 Your booking is accepted on the understanding that you realise the potential risks and hazards that can be involved in adventure travel of this kind, including injury, loss or damage to property, discomfort and inconvenience. We will only accept your booking on the understanding that you realise the safety facilities in the developing world – in the vehicles, on the roads and at the tourist sights – often do not match ours in the west. 
12.2 Where the client does not suffer personal injury, the Company accepts liability should any part of the tour arrangements booked with the Company not be supplied as described in the itinerary. However, we do not accept liability for compensation should there be no fault on the part of the Company or its suppliers and the reason for the failure in the tour arrangements was the client’s fault, the actions of someone unconnected with the tour arrangements or could not have been foreseen or avoided by the Company or its suppliers even if due care had been exercised. 
12.3 Where the client does suffer personal injury or death as a result of an activity forming part of the tour arrangements booked with the Company, the same rules shall apply. 
12.4 The client will be responsible for any additional expenses incurred on the trip which are outside the scope of the tour package (e.g. costs related to personal emergencies, extra meals, phone calls, etc.). Any such costs must be paid in full locally.
12.5 Our responsibility does not start until you meet the group at the designated start point overseas; usually the airport in the city at the start of the trip or when you meet our representative in the country you will visit, whichever happens first. We are not responsible for any additional expenses incurred by you in getting to the meeting point. 

13. Claims and Complaints 

If a Client has a complaint against the Company the Client must first inform the tour guide or company representative whilst on the tour in order that the guide/representative can attempt to rectify the matter. If satisfaction is still not reached through these means then any further complaint must be put in writing to the Company within 30 days of the end of the tour. The Company will not accept any liability for claims received after the period. 

14. Insurance 

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all of our tours. We strongly recommend that you take out your own insurance once you have paid your deposit. Adequate insurance must be in place before participating in a tour, which must include cover for medical expenses and repatriation costs should you become too ill to continue your trip. Proof of relevant travel insurance must be provided before departure. 

15. Financial Protection 

15.1  We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and hold an ATOL (9854) . This ensures that in the event of our failure your money will be protected. When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight-inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.
We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable).
If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme.
For further information, visit ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk. 
15.2  We are also insured by MGA Cover Services Ltd for tour packages that DO NOT include flights .
Travel The Unknown are a company committed to customer satisfaction and consumer financial protection. We are therefore pleased to announce that, at no extra cost to you, and in accordance with ”The Package Travel, Package Tours Regulations 1992” all passengers booking with Travel The Unknown are fully insured for the initial deposit, and subsequently the balance of monies paid as detailed in your booking confirmation form. The policy will also include repatriation if required, arising from the cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Travel The Unknown. This insurance has been arranged with MGA Cover Services Limited (registered address Farren House The Street, Farren Court Cowfold West Sussex RH 13 8BP, company registration: 08444204 authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority registration number 597536) under a binding authority with the insurer CBL Insurance Europe Limited (registered address 2nd Floor 13-17 Dawson Street Dublin 2 Ireland, who are authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority registration number 203120)
In the unlikely event of Insolvency you must Inform MGA Cover Services Limited immediately on +44 (0) 20 3540 4422. Please ensure you retain this booking confirmation form as evidence of cover and value.
Policy exclusions: This policy will not cover any monies paid back to you by your Travel Insurance or any losses which are recoverable under another insurance or bond.

16. Payment for your Flight 

The payments you make for your flight are held by us on behalf of the scheduled airline who is supplying your flight, until the date we pass the money to that airline. 
ᐧ

Copyright © 2021  Horus Rising, All rights reserved.