The Maltese Archipelago lies virtually in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, some 93kms south of the Italian island of Sicily. Yet Malta is just a few hours' flying time from most mainland European cities and has excellent intercontinental connections. Choose from scheduled services or charter flights, many of which offer a convenient departure point from European regional cities.

The national airline, Air Malta, operates flights to and from all the major airports in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

Getting to Malta

• Arriving by Plane—Malta International Airport (MLA)
  The Malta International Airport is located in Luqa. Information about the airport, arrivals, and departures can be found on their website.

Getting to the Hotel

• FIRST Ground Transfer
  For those that are traveling in a large group, or will be coming with family and plenty of luggage, FIRST has made arrangements with a local transfer company AGL, to "meet and greet" and transport attendees between the hotel and the airport. Taxi, mini buses or coaches are available for these transfers. €22 per person per way. Please download their transfer request form and fax it back to Natalie at the number in the form.
  
  
• Taxi Service (preferred and most economical)
  Taxi service is available 24 hours a day from Malta International Airport to any destination in Malta. Fixed rates are applicable and pre-paid tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth inside the Welcomers' Hall on Arrivals. The fixed rate as of February 2012 is €20 to the Hilton Malta (Portomaso area in St. Julian's) + tip.

Getting Around in Malta

The Hilton Malta is located conveniently in the St. Julian's area near the Portomaso Marina and Spinola Bay . From here, attendees can easily walk to restaurants and bars. If you want to venture out further, Malta offers bus service throughout the island and ferry service to Gozo.

Buses run regulary throughout the island, bus stops are scattered across the island and vary from town to town. They range from small stone rooms to green shelters and the more modern stainless steel, you may also find a red "fare stage" sign which is also serves as a bus stop. Bus drivers are friendly and will assist you with your ticket when boarding, however please have the correct change ready for your journey. The main bus terminal is just outside the city gate of Valletta, here you can get a bus to almost anywhere on the island. The buses run untill 10pm. The average trip on any bus is approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

A visit to Gozo and Comino should be added to your itinerary. Both can be reached by a short ferry ride across the Channel. The Gozo ferry allows you to take your car across with you whilst the Comino ferry is a small boat that only carries passengers. The Gozo ferry runs on a tight schedule and operates roughly every 45 minutes.

Car and driver = €15.70 additional passengers @ €4.65, children under 12 @ €1.15. Your tickets are presented when departing Malta.

For a schedule or further information please visit www.gozochannel.com.

Additional information on how to get around Malta can be located at www.visitmalta.com.