Torre dei Cavalieri is perfectly situated in the heart of Birgu, adjacent to the oldest and most historical buildings in Valletta.  This is one of the most prestigious locations of the whole island, right next door to the Casino di Venezia, with its excellent restaurant. There are several wine-bars and a water-taxi service which operates all day including evenings to Valletta. The area is the oldest of Malta, dating back to before 1565 (when Sultan Suleiman the Great and his admiral Dragut attempted in vain to invade) and was defended by the forts of St. Angelo – thereafter the site of the British Royal Navy for many years and now that of the Order of St. John and St. Elmo. Among places of interest to visit in Valletta are the co-Cathedral (with the only signed painting by Caravaggio) and the Knights’ Palace, with a very fine collection of firearms and Gobelin tapestries, gifts of the Grand Masters. The old”Silent City” of Mdina is a must, with its wonderful cathedral and unforgettable architecture. There are many restaurants and bars well worth stopping at, in particular the Xara Palace (“Relais des Chateaux”) which has a very good outside “trattoria”.