1 00:00:00,466 --> 00:00:02,833 -"Dream of Europe" is made possible by... 2 00:00:05,200 --> 00:00:07,633 -At Regent Seven Seas Cruises, 3 00:00:07,733 --> 00:00:11,400 we believe that personal space is essential 4 00:00:11,500 --> 00:00:14,266 to the luxury travel experience. 5 00:00:16,300 --> 00:00:19,900 With no more than 732 guests, 6 00:00:20,000 --> 00:00:23,300 our ships allow you to explore the world 7 00:00:23,400 --> 00:00:27,933 and discover the freedom of having space at sea. 8 00:00:28,033 --> 00:00:32,700 ♪♪ 9 00:00:32,966 --> 00:00:42,866 ♪♪♪ 10 00:00:42,966 --> 00:00:52,766 ♪♪ 11 00:00:52,866 --> 00:00:56,933 ♪♪ 12 00:00:57,033 --> 00:00:59,766 -Custom privately guided travel. 13 00:00:59,866 --> 00:01:02,900 Kensington. See the world. Differently. 14 00:01:03,000 --> 00:01:12,133 ♪♪ 15 00:01:12,233 --> 00:01:15,066 -I'm Kathy McCabe. In this series, 16 00:01:15,166 --> 00:01:17,733 we'll explore the stunning landscapes, 17 00:01:17,833 --> 00:01:20,100 unearth the centuries of history, 18 00:01:20,200 --> 00:01:23,033 and discover what makes Europe one 19 00:01:23,133 --> 00:01:26,133 of the most captivating continents on Earth. 20 00:01:26,233 --> 00:01:28,700 Join me as we Dream of Europe. 21 00:01:28,800 --> 00:01:37,833 ♪♪ 22 00:01:39,066 --> 00:01:40,700 ♪♪ 23 00:01:40,800 --> 00:01:44,666 Malta. It's a small Mediterranean jewel 24 00:01:44,766 --> 00:01:48,833 you've likely heard of but you might not know much about. 25 00:01:48,933 --> 00:01:51,400 Malta's strategic location, 26 00:01:51,500 --> 00:01:56,366 58 miles south of Sicily and 180 miles from Africa, 27 00:01:56,466 --> 00:02:00,933 made it a coveted prize for conquest over the centuries, 28 00:02:01,033 --> 00:02:04,133 leading to a unique blend of cultural influences 29 00:02:04,233 --> 00:02:05,900 that remain today. 30 00:02:06,000 --> 00:02:08,200 It was the Knights of Malta who, 31 00:02:08,300 --> 00:02:10,600 over the years, defended the Holy Land 32 00:02:10,700 --> 00:02:12,633 and cared for the sick and poor, 33 00:02:12,733 --> 00:02:16,433 who set the stage for this Mediterranean stronghold 34 00:02:16,533 --> 00:02:19,333 to become the last frontier to defend Europe 35 00:02:19,433 --> 00:02:23,266 against the Ottoman Turks in 1565. 36 00:02:23,366 --> 00:02:28,533 Malta gained independence from British rule in 1964... 37 00:02:28,633 --> 00:02:30,600 -Malta, today a British possession, 38 00:02:30,700 --> 00:02:33,100 tomorrow independence. 39 00:02:33,200 --> 00:02:35,933 -...and has become a delightful destination 40 00:02:36,033 --> 00:02:37,333 for those in the know. 41 00:02:37,433 --> 00:02:42,766 ♪♪ 42 00:02:42,866 --> 00:02:45,166 -[ Speaking foreign language ] Welcome to Malta. 43 00:02:45,266 --> 00:02:49,133 -Grazie. I've always dreamed of visiting Malta. 44 00:02:49,233 --> 00:02:51,300 And finally I am here. 45 00:02:51,400 --> 00:02:55,066 -Today we are in Valletta, Malta's beloved capital city. 46 00:02:55,166 --> 00:02:57,000 -What's so special about Valletta? 47 00:02:57,100 --> 00:02:58,733 -Valletta is a planned city. 48 00:02:58,833 --> 00:03:00,766 It's not like other cities in the world. 49 00:03:00,866 --> 00:03:03,400 This was planned in every single detail 50 00:03:03,500 --> 00:03:05,733 to become the newly capital of the island, 51 00:03:05,833 --> 00:03:08,766 and also the new headquarters of the Knights of Malta, 52 00:03:08,866 --> 00:03:10,600 the Knights of Saint John. 53 00:03:10,700 --> 00:03:12,300 They were the sons of the Christian 54 00:03:12,400 --> 00:03:13,900 noble Catholic families. 55 00:03:14,000 --> 00:03:16,500 So each nationality, eight in total -- 56 00:03:16,600 --> 00:03:18,900 that's why we have an eight-pointed cross. 57 00:03:19,000 --> 00:03:22,166 -I've seen the shape, and it's so beautiful. 58 00:03:22,266 --> 00:03:24,966 -You will see it almost everywhere in Malta. 59 00:03:28,166 --> 00:03:29,633 -What's the most surprising thing 60 00:03:29,733 --> 00:03:31,533 people don't know about Malta? 61 00:03:31,633 --> 00:03:34,500 -It's definitely that we have such a rich history. 62 00:03:34,600 --> 00:03:37,066 It's a melting pot of various civilizations 63 00:03:37,166 --> 00:03:40,933 due to the fact that we have 7,000 years of history. 64 00:03:41,033 --> 00:03:43,166 -That's a long, long time. 65 00:03:43,266 --> 00:03:44,600 -I agree with you, Kathy. 66 00:03:44,700 --> 00:03:46,833 Malta is the heart of the Mediterranean, 67 00:03:46,933 --> 00:03:48,666 and we were mainly conquered 68 00:03:48,766 --> 00:03:51,733 because of the strategical positioning of our islands. 69 00:03:51,833 --> 00:03:53,700 From the Phoenicians to the Carthaginians, 70 00:03:53,800 --> 00:03:56,866 the Romans, the Arabs, the Normans, Knights of Malta, 71 00:03:56,966 --> 00:03:58,566 the French and even the British. 72 00:03:58,666 --> 00:03:59,700 -But now you're an independent country. 73 00:03:59,800 --> 00:04:00,933 -We're independent. 74 00:04:01,033 --> 00:04:02,333 -I know Malta is an island. 75 00:04:02,433 --> 00:04:03,833 There are beautiful cities. 76 00:04:03,933 --> 00:04:05,600 But I hear there are some really nice beaches. 77 00:04:05,700 --> 00:04:07,366 -Yes, there are some very beautiful beaches, 78 00:04:07,466 --> 00:04:09,366 especially in the northern part of Malta. 79 00:04:09,466 --> 00:04:12,700 And you cannot miss the sunset. In fact, at Golden Bay, 80 00:04:12,800 --> 00:04:15,033 which is one of the most beautiful beaches 81 00:04:15,133 --> 00:04:16,633 that we have in Malta. 82 00:04:16,733 --> 00:04:18,700 -Oh, I love a good sunset. 83 00:04:20,100 --> 00:04:21,566 So tell me some of the highlights 84 00:04:21,666 --> 00:04:23,333 of this beautiful city, Valletta. 85 00:04:23,433 --> 00:04:25,366 -This is one of the most beautiful spots 86 00:04:25,466 --> 00:04:29,333 that we have here in the city. Upper Barrakka Gardens, 87 00:04:29,433 --> 00:04:32,433 from where we have a beautiful view overlooking 88 00:04:32,533 --> 00:04:34,566 the Grand Harbour. 89 00:04:34,666 --> 00:04:36,800 -These gardens are really something. 90 00:04:36,900 --> 00:04:39,400 -Yes, these were actually built by 91 00:04:39,500 --> 00:04:42,333 the Italian knights. -I love some Italians. 92 00:04:42,433 --> 00:04:44,133 -There you go. 93 00:04:44,233 --> 00:04:46,500 An Italian touch in the heart of Valletta. 94 00:04:46,600 --> 00:04:48,466 And also the Auberge de Castille, 95 00:04:48,566 --> 00:04:51,833 which was one of the palaces of the Knights of Malta, 96 00:04:51,933 --> 00:04:54,366 which nowadays is used as the office 97 00:04:54,466 --> 00:04:56,600 of the Prime Minister of Malta. 98 00:04:56,700 --> 00:04:59,066 The ruins of the Royal Opera House. 99 00:04:59,166 --> 00:05:00,800 And last but not least, 100 00:05:00,900 --> 00:05:03,166 the Co-Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. 101 00:05:03,266 --> 00:05:08,466 -I had no idea how rich and full of history Malta is, 102 00:05:08,566 --> 00:05:10,666 and I can't wait to explore the whole island. 103 00:05:10,766 --> 00:05:14,333 -Consider myself very, very lucky that I'm actually Maltese. 104 00:05:14,433 --> 00:05:16,433 -Well, so far I can see why. 105 00:05:19,200 --> 00:05:22,133 Six days a week at noon and 4:00 p.m., 106 00:05:22,233 --> 00:05:25,066 a cannon is fired into the harbor. 107 00:05:25,166 --> 00:05:27,766 Today it is something more for tourists. 108 00:05:27,866 --> 00:05:31,333 But the firings re-create both the maritime signal 109 00:05:31,433 --> 00:05:33,733 for midday and the 4:00 p.m. 110 00:05:33,833 --> 00:05:38,166 cannon used by ships' captains to calibrate clocks. 111 00:05:38,266 --> 00:05:40,200 [ Soldier shouting in foreign language ] 112 00:05:40,300 --> 00:05:41,333 -[ Cannon fires ] -[ Gasps ] 113 00:05:41,433 --> 00:05:43,400 [ Laughs ] 114 00:05:43,500 --> 00:05:45,133 Whoo! [ Clapping ] 115 00:05:46,466 --> 00:05:49,533 A visit to Valletta isn't complete without seeing one 116 00:05:49,633 --> 00:05:53,666 of the local filigree jewelry makers in action. 117 00:05:53,766 --> 00:05:56,266 Matthew Borg is one of the best. 118 00:05:56,366 --> 00:05:58,866 At his store, The Silversmith's Shop, 119 00:05:58,966 --> 00:06:01,600 he is continuing his father's legacy 120 00:06:01,700 --> 00:06:05,866 of creating intricate pieces with amazing precision 121 00:06:05,966 --> 00:06:08,366 and the steadiest of hands. 122 00:06:10,466 --> 00:06:13,500 Why is Malta known for this filigree jewelry? 123 00:06:13,600 --> 00:06:17,133 -Filigree is a technique worked by hands, 124 00:06:17,233 --> 00:06:18,866 very intricate, very delicate, 125 00:06:18,966 --> 00:06:21,933 but at the same time it's a strong piece. 126 00:06:22,033 --> 00:06:24,633 The filigree technique was invented from the Phoenicians. 127 00:06:24,733 --> 00:06:25,966 -Oh, wow. -Centuries ago. 128 00:06:26,066 --> 00:06:28,033 -Yes. -And they spread it out 129 00:06:28,133 --> 00:06:29,800 throughout the Mediterranean and beyond, 130 00:06:29,900 --> 00:06:34,600 because we had the demand from the nobles and the knights, 131 00:06:34,700 --> 00:06:37,366 and we started the work. We sophisticated more, 132 00:06:37,466 --> 00:06:39,233 and we invented our own design, 133 00:06:39,333 --> 00:06:41,766 especially the eight-pointed cross. 134 00:06:41,866 --> 00:06:45,500 It is a must when you are in Malta to have a Maltese cross. 135 00:06:45,600 --> 00:06:48,533 -So if I buy a piece of this jewelry, did you really make it? 136 00:06:48,633 --> 00:06:50,533 -Yes, of course. I do my designs. 137 00:06:50,633 --> 00:06:52,366 We make all the filigree stuff here. 138 00:06:52,466 --> 00:06:54,400 -It's not just mass-produced. 139 00:06:54,500 --> 00:06:56,133 You're doing it with your hands. -With hands. 140 00:06:56,233 --> 00:06:58,066 -Wonderful. 141 00:06:58,166 --> 00:06:59,733 -To make the filigree, 142 00:06:59,833 --> 00:07:02,866 there are two types of different wires that you need. 143 00:07:02,966 --> 00:07:04,933 -Okay. -For the frame that will be 144 00:07:05,033 --> 00:07:07,200 a 925 sterling piece of silver. 145 00:07:07,300 --> 00:07:09,200 And for the filigree, 146 00:07:09,300 --> 00:07:13,200 the filigree is the filling that you use to fill the design. 147 00:07:13,300 --> 00:07:15,733 That will be another type of wire 148 00:07:15,833 --> 00:07:18,900 and that will be 100% pure silver only. 149 00:07:19,000 --> 00:07:20,966 -That's good to know because you want to wear 150 00:07:21,066 --> 00:07:22,566 your jewelry for years and years. 151 00:07:22,666 --> 00:07:23,933 -That's it. -And hand it down. 152 00:07:24,033 --> 00:07:24,966 -Exactly. 153 00:07:25,066 --> 00:07:29,733 ♪♪ 154 00:07:29,833 --> 00:07:33,800 -Wow. I need a Malta cross. 155 00:07:37,300 --> 00:07:39,533 It might be time for a new bracelet. 156 00:07:39,633 --> 00:07:41,133 And look at all the detail. 157 00:07:41,233 --> 00:07:43,033 I could spend all my money here. 158 00:07:43,133 --> 00:07:48,466 ♪♪ 159 00:07:48,566 --> 00:07:50,633 Oh, wow. So we're going on an adventure. 160 00:07:50,733 --> 00:07:52,300 Malta Rural Tours, 161 00:07:52,400 --> 00:07:56,266 which focuses on slow travel, partners with local farmers 162 00:07:56,366 --> 00:08:00,566 to give visitors some truly off-the-beaten-path experiences. 163 00:08:02,166 --> 00:08:05,333 Today they have brought me to Tan-Nixxiegha Farm 164 00:08:05,433 --> 00:08:07,100 near the town of Mgarr, 165 00:08:07,200 --> 00:08:10,866 about 30 minutes across the island from Valletta. 166 00:08:10,966 --> 00:08:14,633 This farm was once a forgotten patch of land 167 00:08:14,733 --> 00:08:18,400 until Charlie Vella breathed new life into it. 168 00:08:18,500 --> 00:08:23,500 The farm stands as a testament to his dedication and vision, 169 00:08:23,600 --> 00:08:28,066 blossoming into a thriving oasis bustling with ducks, 170 00:08:28,166 --> 00:08:30,233 peacocks, dogs, fish, 171 00:08:30,333 --> 00:08:35,333 beehives and beautiful olive and fruit trees. 172 00:08:37,966 --> 00:08:41,633 Wow, I love olives. I love olive trees. 173 00:08:41,733 --> 00:08:44,033 And are they starting to bud a little? 174 00:08:44,133 --> 00:08:46,700 -As you are seeing, they are already blooming. 175 00:08:46,800 --> 00:08:49,100 -You planted all of these trees yourself. 176 00:08:49,200 --> 00:08:52,200 -It's been 24 years ago now. 177 00:08:52,300 --> 00:08:54,433 These are going to be all trees next year. 178 00:08:54,533 --> 00:08:57,200 -So you're repopulating the trees of Malta. 179 00:08:57,300 --> 00:08:58,566 -Yes. -That's very good. 180 00:08:58,666 --> 00:09:00,866 -I make a lot of them. I made over 200 this year. 181 00:09:00,966 --> 00:09:02,433 -Really? 182 00:09:02,533 --> 00:09:04,433 -The more you make trees, the better for the environment. 183 00:09:04,533 --> 00:09:06,100 -This is very true. 184 00:09:06,200 --> 00:09:07,466 -Because if you live in a good environment, 185 00:09:07,566 --> 00:09:09,466 a healthy environment, 186 00:09:09,566 --> 00:09:13,033 you'll be stronger and happier and everything. 187 00:09:13,133 --> 00:09:16,266 -Charlie, what a beautiful, beautiful place you have here. 188 00:09:16,366 --> 00:09:18,366 It must make you happy. -I am happy. 189 00:09:18,466 --> 00:09:20,133 -Yes. -I don't need anything. 190 00:09:20,233 --> 00:09:21,266 -Yeah. -Just nature. 191 00:09:21,366 --> 00:09:22,466 -Yeah. -Yes. 192 00:09:22,566 --> 00:09:24,166 -Nature is a great healer. -Yes, yes, yes. 193 00:09:24,266 --> 00:09:29,733 ♪♪ 194 00:09:29,833 --> 00:09:32,300 -So tell me. I know you have guests who come here. 195 00:09:32,400 --> 00:09:36,200 And I love this because they get to experience the real Malta. 196 00:09:36,300 --> 00:09:38,800 -Yes, yes. We have guests from all over the world here 197 00:09:38,900 --> 00:09:41,666 and they are interested in nature. I adore it. 198 00:09:41,766 --> 00:09:43,600 -What do you like about welcoming people 199 00:09:43,700 --> 00:09:46,400 from other countries here to this spot? 200 00:09:46,500 --> 00:09:49,066 -For them, it is a good thing to experience. 201 00:09:49,166 --> 00:09:51,800 I think it is a dream of everybody, almost, 202 00:09:51,900 --> 00:09:54,000 but not everybody can do it. 203 00:09:54,933 --> 00:09:58,366 -All of this is you? -Yes. Everything. 204 00:09:58,466 --> 00:10:02,066 One by one and two by two and two by two. 205 00:10:02,166 --> 00:10:03,633 And that's what we have. 206 00:10:03,733 --> 00:10:05,066 -Incredible. 207 00:10:07,633 --> 00:10:09,900 When visitors tour the busy farm, 208 00:10:10,000 --> 00:10:13,600 they are treated to one of Malta's traditional dishes, 209 00:10:13,700 --> 00:10:17,500 pastizzi, or savory pastries. 210 00:10:17,600 --> 00:10:19,033 Look at you go. 211 00:10:19,133 --> 00:10:21,000 Thank goodness Charlie knows one 212 00:10:21,100 --> 00:10:24,700 of the premier pastizzi makers in all of Malta. 213 00:10:24,800 --> 00:10:27,866 -[ Speaking indistinctly ] 214 00:10:27,966 --> 00:10:29,700 -Gulinu Scicluna, 215 00:10:29,800 --> 00:10:31,833 who has been making these delicious creations 216 00:10:31,933 --> 00:10:35,600 for more than 63 years since the age of 12. 217 00:10:37,166 --> 00:10:38,500 Look at that. 218 00:10:40,200 --> 00:10:41,300 Wow. 219 00:10:41,400 --> 00:10:45,866 ♪♪ 220 00:10:45,966 --> 00:10:48,333 -You can see the layers. -I do. 221 00:10:48,433 --> 00:10:51,666 So we're taking each one and we're flattening them out? 222 00:10:51,766 --> 00:10:53,433 You use your thumbs. -You are doing good. 223 00:10:53,533 --> 00:10:54,800 -I am? -Just press from 224 00:10:54,900 --> 00:10:56,833 the outside to make it thinner. -Like this way. 225 00:10:56,933 --> 00:10:58,600 -You did well. -Thank you. 226 00:10:58,700 --> 00:11:00,566 Now, what are we putting inside? 227 00:11:00,666 --> 00:11:03,733 Peas. And what else is in there? It smells like onions. 228 00:11:03,833 --> 00:11:06,866 -Onions and curry and spice for a flavor, you know. 229 00:11:06,966 --> 00:11:09,266 -Yeah. -Just seal. 230 00:11:09,366 --> 00:11:11,433 Very good. Press. 231 00:11:11,533 --> 00:11:14,700 -So like a ravioli? -You are doing better than me. 232 00:11:14,800 --> 00:11:17,633 -No, you're just saying that. -[ Laughs ] 233 00:11:17,733 --> 00:11:20,766 We'll make the cheese one. -I love cheese. 234 00:11:20,866 --> 00:11:22,766 Oh, it looks almost like a pierogi. 235 00:11:22,866 --> 00:11:26,266 How many do you make a day? -40 tres. 236 00:11:26,366 --> 00:11:28,800 -40 tres. How many in a tray? -On Sundays only. 237 00:11:28,900 --> 00:11:30,433 20? -30, 30. 238 00:11:30,533 --> 00:11:34,000 -30? So over a thousand of these on a Sunday. 239 00:11:34,100 --> 00:11:36,566 -And we start from 4:00 in the morning. 240 00:11:36,666 --> 00:11:38,866 And at 10:00, we'll sell them all. 241 00:11:38,966 --> 00:11:44,733 ♪♪ 242 00:11:44,833 --> 00:11:50,900 ♪♪ 243 00:11:51,000 --> 00:11:53,500 We're going to put them in a wood-burning fire. 244 00:11:53,600 --> 00:11:56,033 -[ Gasps ] They're gonna taste really good. 245 00:11:56,133 --> 00:11:57,766 It's heavy. -It is. 246 00:11:57,866 --> 00:11:59,633 -You must have muscles doing this every day. 247 00:11:59,733 --> 00:12:01,733 -I think so. -Whoa! 248 00:12:01,833 --> 00:12:06,566 Oh, my God! Wait, wait! Holy cow! 249 00:12:06,666 --> 00:12:08,766 -Okay? -The biceps on this man. 250 00:12:08,866 --> 00:12:09,766 -Because you need. 251 00:12:09,866 --> 00:12:13,466 ♪♪ 252 00:12:13,566 --> 00:12:15,366 -It smells good. -Really. 253 00:12:15,466 --> 00:12:17,600 -So how do you say, like, bon appétit? 254 00:12:17,700 --> 00:12:19,400 -[ Speaking foreign language ] -[ Speaking foreign language ] 255 00:12:19,500 --> 00:12:25,866 -[ Speaking foreign language ] 256 00:12:25,966 --> 00:12:27,866 There are so many little layers of dough. 257 00:12:27,966 --> 00:12:31,133 Mmm. Tastes like a little bit of Europe. 258 00:12:31,233 --> 00:12:33,566 A little bit of the Middle East, Africa. 259 00:12:33,666 --> 00:12:35,233 -Because it's got curry in it. -Mm-hmm. 260 00:12:35,333 --> 00:12:36,633 -That's why. Taste of Malta. 261 00:12:36,733 --> 00:12:38,266 -Oh. Cheers. -Cheers. 262 00:12:38,366 --> 00:12:44,900 ♪♪ 263 00:12:45,000 --> 00:12:46,533 From the bounty of the land 264 00:12:46,633 --> 00:12:49,200 to the bounty of the Mediterranean Sea. 265 00:12:49,300 --> 00:12:53,300 Every Sunday morning, the Marsaxlokk Fish Market 266 00:12:53,400 --> 00:12:56,900 is where the local fishermen sell their fresh catches 267 00:12:57,000 --> 00:13:00,600 to locals, tourists and nearby restaurants. 268 00:13:00,700 --> 00:13:02,433 What is popular this Sunday? 269 00:13:02,533 --> 00:13:03,700 -The sea bream. -Sea bream? 270 00:13:03,800 --> 00:13:05,933 -Yes. -Amidst the colorful boats 271 00:13:06,033 --> 00:13:09,400 bobbing in the harbor, I'm here to do a little shopping 272 00:13:09,500 --> 00:13:12,633 and to learn about the centuries-old fishing culture 273 00:13:12,733 --> 00:13:15,166 from fisherman Jason Carabott. 274 00:13:23,933 --> 00:13:26,233 So it's been here for so long. 275 00:13:26,333 --> 00:13:28,266 It's an institution. It's a part of Malta. 276 00:13:33,133 --> 00:13:34,933 And was your father, grandfather, 277 00:13:35,033 --> 00:13:36,566 were they fishermen? -Uh-huh. 278 00:13:43,133 --> 00:13:45,366 Your grandfather, great-grandfather. 279 00:13:47,900 --> 00:13:50,933 You have to tell me about the eye that's on the boat. 280 00:13:51,033 --> 00:13:52,133 What does it mean? 281 00:13:59,066 --> 00:14:02,300 And they're full of colors. Beautiful colors. 282 00:14:08,066 --> 00:14:09,066 Okay. 283 00:14:09,800 --> 00:14:10,800 Okay. 284 00:14:13,466 --> 00:14:15,666 And do you repaint it every year? 285 00:14:20,600 --> 00:14:22,666 What kind of fish do you catch? 286 00:14:30,000 --> 00:14:32,533 So how do you catch octopus? 287 00:14:32,633 --> 00:14:33,833 What's the process? 288 00:14:51,200 --> 00:14:53,366 Well, some things are still slow in the world. 289 00:14:56,300 --> 00:14:59,566 You have to have patience to be a fisherman. 290 00:14:59,666 --> 00:15:02,200 I think in Malta you have a very good life. 291 00:15:06,733 --> 00:15:09,533 ♪♪ 292 00:15:09,633 --> 00:15:12,566 I'm entering into the world of Maltese fashion 293 00:15:12,666 --> 00:15:14,800 with designers Charles and Ron 294 00:15:14,900 --> 00:15:18,233 at their Valletta boutique and fashion café. 295 00:15:18,333 --> 00:15:21,566 This dynamic duo blends Mediterranean charm 296 00:15:21,666 --> 00:15:23,600 with international flair. 297 00:15:23,700 --> 00:15:26,500 The pair has captivated the fashion world with 298 00:15:26,600 --> 00:15:31,066 their signature style inspired by Malta's rich heritage. 299 00:15:31,166 --> 00:15:35,133 Their designs have graced runways from New York to Milan 300 00:15:35,233 --> 00:15:37,400 and everywhere in between. 301 00:15:37,500 --> 00:15:41,433 I knew when I came to Malta I had to come to Charles & Ron 302 00:15:41,533 --> 00:15:44,900 because it's quite a mix of very stylish, 303 00:15:45,000 --> 00:15:48,166 sophisticated, elegant and a little Mediterranean. 304 00:15:48,266 --> 00:15:49,900 -That's right. 305 00:15:50,000 --> 00:15:51,733 -Charles, did you ever dream such a dream? 306 00:15:51,833 --> 00:15:54,533 -Not really, but when I met Ron, 307 00:15:54,633 --> 00:15:56,400 I wanted to make a good impression. 308 00:15:56,500 --> 00:16:00,133 And I told him that I'm a very famous fashion designer, 309 00:16:00,233 --> 00:16:02,066 which I wasn't. 310 00:16:02,166 --> 00:16:03,766 I told him, "You should come to Malta and model for me." 311 00:16:03,866 --> 00:16:05,733 -Stop it! Stop! -I was lying. 312 00:16:05,833 --> 00:16:07,533 -Charles. -I was making all this -- 313 00:16:07,666 --> 00:16:10,766 -Boy, did he work you over. How long till you figured out 314 00:16:10,866 --> 00:16:12,500 he wasn't a famous fashion designer? 315 00:16:12,600 --> 00:16:15,000 -I think I figured it out pretty quickly. 316 00:16:15,100 --> 00:16:16,600 -Oh, but you liked him already. 317 00:16:16,700 --> 00:16:18,433 -But I was impressed with his talent. 318 00:16:18,533 --> 00:16:22,000 -I used to sew when I met Ron, but very casually. 319 00:16:22,100 --> 00:16:23,466 And when I met him, 320 00:16:23,566 --> 00:16:25,300 he told me, "You have to take this as a profession." 321 00:16:25,400 --> 00:16:27,433 And I said, "No, no, it's not really my thing." 322 00:16:27,533 --> 00:16:29,833 I just wanted it as a hobby. 323 00:16:29,933 --> 00:16:33,366 But when he moved to Malta, he put me in the business. 324 00:16:33,466 --> 00:16:36,900 -[ Laughs ] You had no choice. -I had no choice. 325 00:16:37,000 --> 00:16:39,066 -From when we first started, it just clicked. 326 00:16:39,166 --> 00:16:41,500 And I think both of us, we brought something 327 00:16:41,600 --> 00:16:44,266 out in each other that I think if we were on our own 328 00:16:44,366 --> 00:16:45,600 would have never happened. 329 00:16:45,700 --> 00:16:47,300 -Do you use a lot of the history 330 00:16:47,400 --> 00:16:49,533 and the symbols from around the island? 331 00:16:49,633 --> 00:16:51,500 -Yes, we do. 332 00:16:51,600 --> 00:16:53,800 Our aesthetic is inspired by Malta and the Mediterranean, 333 00:16:53,900 --> 00:16:57,000 and that is very, very important for our collections. 334 00:16:57,100 --> 00:16:59,266 -The Malta cross, do you use that a lot? 335 00:16:59,366 --> 00:17:01,833 -Yeah, we do. Yes. People like it. 336 00:17:04,533 --> 00:17:05,800 -We always try to create something 337 00:17:05,900 --> 00:17:07,800 that's beautiful visually, 338 00:17:07,900 --> 00:17:10,366 but then once you start looking you can see a lot of references 339 00:17:10,466 --> 00:17:12,833 and interesting things. 340 00:17:12,933 --> 00:17:16,700 This particular collection was inspired by a friend of ours 341 00:17:16,800 --> 00:17:18,666 who used to send letters. 342 00:17:18,766 --> 00:17:21,300 And then because of these letters, we created stamps. 343 00:17:21,400 --> 00:17:25,166 But all these stamps have elements of Malta and 344 00:17:25,266 --> 00:17:27,766 of things that were important for Charles and Ron. 345 00:17:27,866 --> 00:17:29,166 -So the lobster? 346 00:17:29,266 --> 00:17:32,733 -The lobster is obviously Mediterranean. A cat, 347 00:17:32,833 --> 00:17:34,666 which is, you see all over the island. 348 00:17:34,766 --> 00:17:37,433 -You do. Is that an octopus? 349 00:17:37,533 --> 00:17:40,200 -Yeah. An octopus and a ship. -I saw many of those yesterday. 350 00:17:40,300 --> 00:17:41,533 -And the Maltese balcony. -Yes. 351 00:17:41,633 --> 00:17:43,633 These are famous through Valletta. 352 00:17:43,733 --> 00:17:46,000 You see that. -Yes, yes. 353 00:17:49,466 --> 00:17:52,766 -Is that a spaceship? Were there aliens on Malta? 354 00:17:52,866 --> 00:17:54,000 -[ Laughs ] 355 00:17:54,100 --> 00:17:56,066 -Come on, Ron. -There are some theories. 356 00:17:56,166 --> 00:17:57,566 -I know, tell me. 357 00:17:57,666 --> 00:18:00,433 -And there are some interesting documentaries on Netflix... 358 00:18:00,533 --> 00:18:03,766 -That's what I hear. -...about these theories. 359 00:18:03,866 --> 00:18:05,300 -You have fun. -Yes. 360 00:18:05,400 --> 00:18:07,800 -Yes. Fashion should be fun. It should remain fun. 361 00:18:07,900 --> 00:18:10,000 We shouldn't take fashion too serious, 362 00:18:10,100 --> 00:18:11,733 which sometimes people do. 363 00:18:11,833 --> 00:18:13,966 -We shouldn't take anything too seriously. 364 00:18:14,066 --> 00:18:16,200 -That's right. -Fashion is an escape, I think. 365 00:18:16,300 --> 00:18:17,766 -Yeah. -It has to be. 366 00:18:17,866 --> 00:18:19,500 And it has to remain that way. 367 00:18:19,600 --> 00:18:22,766 -From modern fashion to ancient sites, 368 00:18:22,866 --> 00:18:27,900 Malta truly offers something for everyone. 369 00:18:28,000 --> 00:18:29,400 In 1839, 370 00:18:29,500 --> 00:18:31,466 archaeologists unearthed a group 371 00:18:31,566 --> 00:18:36,266 of 5,000-year-old temples built by the people of the Stone Age. 372 00:18:36,366 --> 00:18:39,300 Carbon dating shows them to be even older 373 00:18:39,400 --> 00:18:42,366 than the pyramids and Stonehenge. 374 00:18:42,466 --> 00:18:45,700 Hagar Qim is exceptionally well-preserved, 375 00:18:45,800 --> 00:18:48,600 and I have the privilege of a private tour 376 00:18:48,700 --> 00:18:52,666 with astroarchaeologist Tore Lomsdalen. 377 00:18:52,766 --> 00:18:54,300 What does the name mean? 378 00:18:54,400 --> 00:18:57,233 -Hagar Qim means "standing stones." 379 00:18:57,333 --> 00:18:59,366 That's a translation... -Very simple. 380 00:18:59,466 --> 00:19:00,633 -from Maltese, "standing stones." 381 00:19:00,733 --> 00:19:02,233 And what do we see here? 382 00:19:02,333 --> 00:19:04,233 Standing stones. -Standing stones. 383 00:19:04,333 --> 00:19:07,466 How many temples are there here on the island of Malta? 384 00:19:07,566 --> 00:19:09,500 -Seven. -That's a lot for a country. 385 00:19:09,600 --> 00:19:11,266 -It is. 386 00:19:11,366 --> 00:19:14,500 And what is so amazing about these temples -- 387 00:19:14,600 --> 00:19:17,400 that they are the oldest freestanding 388 00:19:17,500 --> 00:19:20,133 megalithic structures in the world. 389 00:19:20,233 --> 00:19:21,866 The structure of it 390 00:19:21,966 --> 00:19:25,100 is exactly today what it was 5,000 years ago. 391 00:19:25,200 --> 00:19:27,533 -There's few things you can say that about. 392 00:19:27,633 --> 00:19:29,400 -Yes. Exactly. 393 00:19:29,500 --> 00:19:30,900 -What can we learn looking at these structures, 394 00:19:31,000 --> 00:19:32,500 analyzing them? 395 00:19:32,600 --> 00:19:34,266 -Well, today, most archaeologists, 396 00:19:34,366 --> 00:19:36,366 they agree that they are temples. 397 00:19:36,466 --> 00:19:39,366 So a temple that is connected on a worldview, 398 00:19:39,466 --> 00:19:43,066 a belief system, a cosmology. -And what is that? 399 00:19:43,166 --> 00:19:44,766 What is that worldview, that the sun 400 00:19:44,866 --> 00:19:47,266 and the moon control everything? -Yes. 401 00:19:47,366 --> 00:19:48,966 I think today we have lost 402 00:19:49,066 --> 00:19:53,533 the attraction towards the sky. 403 00:19:53,633 --> 00:19:55,366 But imagine what that meant 404 00:19:55,466 --> 00:19:57,500 for the people living 5,000, 6,000 years ago. 405 00:19:57,600 --> 00:19:59,600 -Everything. -It meant everything. 406 00:19:59,700 --> 00:20:01,400 Looking around there, 407 00:20:01,500 --> 00:20:04,166 you see the specific features like altars, 408 00:20:04,266 --> 00:20:07,700 and you have rooms that you had to go two, three steps higher 409 00:20:07,800 --> 00:20:09,233 and they could be locked. 410 00:20:09,333 --> 00:20:10,933 So not everybody can come in. 411 00:20:11,033 --> 00:20:13,766 -So kind of a class type system of...? 412 00:20:13,866 --> 00:20:16,733 -So let's say the priestly class. 413 00:20:16,833 --> 00:20:18,600 They will summon them. 414 00:20:18,700 --> 00:20:21,533 So the congregation would come here for the equinox, 415 00:20:21,633 --> 00:20:23,400 and they would then call them here 416 00:20:23,500 --> 00:20:27,733 for their social gatherings, religious or not. 417 00:20:27,833 --> 00:20:30,433 But there must have been a kind of a belief system 418 00:20:30,533 --> 00:20:32,166 that tracked them all together. 419 00:20:32,266 --> 00:20:34,033 -And the social gatherings were really tied 420 00:20:34,133 --> 00:20:36,733 to the solstice, the equinox. 421 00:20:36,833 --> 00:20:42,100 -Most of the temple, they are aligned to the winter solstice. 422 00:20:42,200 --> 00:20:44,133 -I see. 423 00:20:44,233 --> 00:20:47,366 -So I think the winter solstice was probably more important 424 00:20:47,466 --> 00:20:49,133 than the summer solstice 425 00:20:49,233 --> 00:20:53,700 because Malta, the harvest is in the winter time. 426 00:20:53,800 --> 00:20:55,600 It's a calendar as well, 427 00:20:55,700 --> 00:20:58,666 probably the oldest freestanding calendar. 428 00:20:58,766 --> 00:21:00,866 So you could stand inside the temple 429 00:21:00,966 --> 00:21:02,966 and you could know which day of the year... 430 00:21:03,066 --> 00:21:06,266 -Wow! -...period of the year it was. 431 00:21:06,366 --> 00:21:07,833 And another thing I want to say 432 00:21:07,966 --> 00:21:11,000 is that the temple-period people, 433 00:21:11,100 --> 00:21:14,933 there are no indication that they killed each other. 434 00:21:15,033 --> 00:21:18,166 They're very sort of friendly people there. 435 00:21:18,266 --> 00:21:21,333 And it must have been like a society. 436 00:21:21,433 --> 00:21:24,666 They wanted to do the best for the -- for everybody 437 00:21:24,766 --> 00:21:27,400 because there is no skeletons found 438 00:21:27,500 --> 00:21:30,733 which has a kind of destruction of their bones. 439 00:21:30,833 --> 00:21:34,500 So it's been a tremendously peaceful society. 440 00:21:34,600 --> 00:21:37,166 -Mm. Something to aspire to today. 441 00:21:37,266 --> 00:21:38,766 -Absolutely, absolutely. 442 00:21:38,866 --> 00:21:44,400 ♪♪ 443 00:21:44,500 --> 00:21:47,066 -There are a number of blue grottoes in the world, 444 00:21:47,166 --> 00:21:50,400 but none compares to the one here in Malta. 445 00:21:50,500 --> 00:21:53,600 Sunlight dances on crystal-clear waters, 446 00:21:53,700 --> 00:21:57,700 revealing hidden caves and majestic arches. 447 00:21:57,800 --> 00:22:00,333 Carved by centuries of tidal forces, 448 00:22:00,433 --> 00:22:02,533 this labyrinth of sea caves 449 00:22:02,633 --> 00:22:06,866 dazzle with radiant use of greens and blues. 450 00:22:06,966 --> 00:22:09,533 The interplay of light and shadow 451 00:22:09,633 --> 00:22:12,466 transforms the grottoes' limestone walls 452 00:22:12,566 --> 00:22:15,100 into an ever-changing canvas. 453 00:22:15,200 --> 00:22:18,033 This is the way to see Malta, on a boat. 454 00:22:18,133 --> 00:22:21,700 Malta tour guide Clive Cortis and his friend, 455 00:22:21,800 --> 00:22:24,000 boat captain Alexander D'Amato, 456 00:22:24,100 --> 00:22:26,666 are taking me out to see for myself. 457 00:22:28,133 --> 00:22:31,533 -We are raised by the water all the time and all our lives. 458 00:22:31,633 --> 00:22:35,033 So when I'm next to the water, I'm comfortable. 459 00:22:35,133 --> 00:22:36,666 -You're at home. -And I'm home. 460 00:22:36,766 --> 00:22:39,966 -Yeah. There's a scuba diver. 461 00:22:40,066 --> 00:22:41,766 -Here, it's very popular for scuba diving. 462 00:22:41,866 --> 00:22:43,600 -I know. 463 00:22:43,700 --> 00:22:46,566 -Because you can reach the shipwreck from shore. 464 00:22:46,666 --> 00:22:48,733 -Oh! -No need to go by boat. 465 00:22:48,833 --> 00:22:50,600 -Wow! -So you can go and see 466 00:22:50,700 --> 00:22:53,533 the caves, reefs, fish and the shipwreck, 467 00:22:53,633 --> 00:22:56,066 you know, all in one dive. -Right. 468 00:22:59,933 --> 00:23:03,533 I think I read Malta is one of the sunniest places in Europe. 469 00:23:03,633 --> 00:23:06,900 -We have 300 days of this. -The sun. 470 00:23:07,000 --> 00:23:09,100 -That's right. How do you say sun in Maltese? 471 00:23:09,200 --> 00:23:11,333 -Xemx. -Xemx. 472 00:23:11,433 --> 00:23:13,500 -So these are all small caves 473 00:23:13,600 --> 00:23:16,833 before we reach the actual Blue Grotto. 474 00:23:16,933 --> 00:23:19,733 -So, do they film a lot of movies in here? 475 00:23:19,833 --> 00:23:23,766 -Oh, they did. Yeah. Malta, it's very popular with movies. 476 00:23:23,866 --> 00:23:26,800 -I feel like I'm in a movie. -Yeah, yeah. 477 00:23:26,900 --> 00:23:30,200 -Look at that blue, the turquoise. 478 00:23:30,300 --> 00:23:34,133 Teal. I love a good teal. It is beautiful. 479 00:23:34,233 --> 00:23:35,733 -Yeah, yeah. 480 00:23:35,833 --> 00:23:37,700 So now we reached the Blue Grotto. 481 00:23:37,800 --> 00:23:40,466 Right now we're just passing underneath the main arch. 482 00:23:40,566 --> 00:23:44,400 -Wow. Look at those colors. 483 00:23:44,500 --> 00:23:48,066 -Malta has got one of the cleanest waters. 484 00:23:48,166 --> 00:23:50,933 So here in Malta, when they start scuba diving, 485 00:23:51,033 --> 00:23:54,733 at 30 meters, the visibility, it's almost 100%. 486 00:23:54,866 --> 00:23:56,800 -Look at that! 487 00:23:56,900 --> 00:23:58,966 Look at the pattern. 488 00:23:59,066 --> 00:24:00,766 -The seabed here, it's all sand. 489 00:24:00,866 --> 00:24:02,500 -I've never seen such colors. 490 00:24:02,600 --> 00:24:04,966 I mean, such a variety. The green, the teal. 491 00:24:05,066 --> 00:24:09,200 Purple. The water in Malta is electric. 492 00:24:09,300 --> 00:24:15,000 Electric blue. Turquoise. Neon. Wow. 493 00:24:15,100 --> 00:24:17,633 It just goes on and on forever. 494 00:24:20,200 --> 00:24:23,133 -On the left. -Yeah. It's an elephant foot. 495 00:24:23,233 --> 00:24:25,700 -Yeah, yeah, yeah, I have to say anything like that 496 00:24:25,800 --> 00:24:28,633 is good luck. -Yeah. [ Laughs ] 497 00:24:28,733 --> 00:24:32,900 -And sure enough, right after that, I get a special treat. 498 00:24:33,000 --> 00:24:37,633 So my friend Alexander the Great doesn't know me very well 499 00:24:37,733 --> 00:24:39,466 and is letting me drive the boat. 500 00:24:39,566 --> 00:24:41,166 Which way should I go? That way? 501 00:24:41,266 --> 00:24:44,666 ♪♪ 502 00:24:44,766 --> 00:24:47,466 Whoa! -[ Laughing ] 503 00:24:47,566 --> 00:24:49,800 -Do we have insurance? [ Engine revs ] 504 00:24:49,900 --> 00:24:53,633 -Whoa! [ Laughs ] 505 00:24:53,733 --> 00:24:55,900 -I'm living the dream! 506 00:24:56,000 --> 00:24:59,800 ♪♪ 507 00:24:59,900 --> 00:25:01,900 -With inviting blue waters... 508 00:25:02,000 --> 00:25:03,433 Oh! 509 00:25:03,533 --> 00:25:08,066 ...lovely and welcoming locals and captivating ancient cities, 510 00:25:08,166 --> 00:25:12,133 Malta is a welcome respite from everyday life. 511 00:25:12,233 --> 00:25:15,433 Malta may be tiny, but she is mighty. 512 00:25:15,533 --> 00:25:20,466 ♪♪ 513 00:25:21,066 --> 00:25:23,633 -"Dream of Europe" is made possible by... 514 00:25:26,000 --> 00:25:28,433 -At Regent Seven Seas Cruises, 515 00:25:28,533 --> 00:25:32,200 we believe that personal space is essential 516 00:25:32,300 --> 00:25:35,100 to the luxury travel experience. 517 00:25:37,133 --> 00:25:40,733 With no more than 732 guests, 518 00:25:40,833 --> 00:25:44,133 our ships allow you to explore the world 519 00:25:44,233 --> 00:25:48,766 and discover the freedom of having space at sea. 520 00:25:48,866 --> 00:25:53,533 ♪♪ 521 00:25:53,800 --> 00:26:03,666 ♪♪♪ 522 00:26:03,766 --> 00:26:13,600 ♪♪ 523 00:26:13,700 --> 00:26:17,766 ♪♪ 524 00:26:17,866 --> 00:26:20,600 -Custom privately guided travel. 525 00:26:20,700 --> 00:26:24,100 Kensington. See the world. Differently. 526 00:26:24,200 --> 00:26:26,466 -For more about visiting Europe, 527 00:26:26,566 --> 00:26:30,033 additional videos, and a companion travel guide, 528 00:26:30,133 --> 00:26:33,466 visit dreamofeurope.com/tv. 529 00:26:33,566 --> 00:26:38,400 Follow "Dream of Europe" on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. 530 00:26:39,133 --> 00:26:41,800 ♪♪ 531 00:26:42,966 --> 00:26:45,766 ♪♪