I’m an Introvert Who Usually Avoids Group Tours. Then I Took Road Scholar’s Malta Trip and Everything Changed

Group tours, on the other hand, have always made me a little nervous.

Would I be expected to socialize all day? Would every minute be scheduled? Would I end up on a bus with people whose travel style was completely different from mine? So when I boarded a plane for Road Scholar’s 11-day Malta & Gozo program, I packed my curiosity alongside a healthy dose of skepticism.

What I didn’t expect was to discover one of the most enjoyable vacations I’ve ever taken. Instead of feeling trapped by a group, I felt supported by it. Instead of returning home socially exhausted, I came home with new friends I’m already planning another trip with.

If you’re a solo woman who loves learning but also values your independence, here’s why this trip might surprise you as much as it surprised me.

1. I Was Never Lonely, but I Was Never Forced to Be “On”

One of the biggest misconceptions about group travel is that you’re constantly surrounded by people. That wasn’t my experience.

Road Scholar struck a balance that felt almost tailor-made for introverts. We explored together, shared wonderful meals, and learned from local experts, but there was also plenty of downtime built into the itinerary. There was no pressure to fill every free minute with conversation or activities.

If I wanted to spend an hour by the pool, I could. If I wanted to wander through Valletta’s limestone streets with my camera in the evening, no problem. If I wanted to join others for a drink before dinner, someone was always happy to have company.

It was social…without ever becoming overwhelming.

2. The Pace Actually Felt Like a Vacation

I’ve taken trips where I felt like I needed another vacation just to recover. This wasn’t one of them.

Yes, we covered an impressive amount of ground. Over 11 days we explored prehistoric temples, medieval cities, fishing villages, museums, archaeological sites, and even cruised the sparkling Mediterranean in gondolas. But the itinerary never felt rushed. It thoughtfully alternated more active sightseeing days with lighter schedules and free afternoons, giving everyone time to recharge.

One afternoon I found myself sitting on my balcony overlooking the pool at the Kempinski hotel in Gozo, just enjoying the beautiful views while I recounted all the beautiful sites we saw that day.

The next morning, we were exploring one of Europe’s most beautiful walled cities.

That rhythm made all the difference.

3. Having a Great Tour Leader Removed Every Ounce of Stress

Solo travel usually means I’m responsible for every reservation, ferry schedule, museum ticket, and transportation connection. This time, I simply got to enjoy the destination.

Our group leader, Kristian, somehow managed to be everywhere at once without ever hovering. He handled logistics seamlessly while making every traveler feel like an individual.

When I casually mentioned wanting to experience Malta’s horse racing scene, he didn’t just nod politely. He looked up the race schedule and helped me figure out whether it would fit into our free time.

It wasn’t a huge gesture. But it perfectly captured the spirit of the trip.

Whenever someone had a question, Kristian had an answer or knew exactly where to find one. He made exploring a foreign country feel effortless.

4. The People Completely Changed My Opinion of Group Travel

I’ve been on organized trips before. Some groups click. Others…don’t. This one was exceptional.

Everyone arrived with the same curiosity and genuine interest in learning about Malta’s remarkable history and culture. Conversations flowed naturally, whether we were discussing Caravaggio’s masterpieces inside St. John’s Co-Cathedral, comparing favorite travel destinations over dinner, or laughing together on a boat ride across impossibly blue water.

There were no cliques. No drama. No one trying to dominate every conversation. By the end of the trip, several of us were already talking about where we’d travel together next.

For a solo traveler, who is also an introvert, that’s about the best souvenir you can bring home.

5. The Hotels Felt Like Destinations All Their Own

I’ve reached the point in life where I appreciate a luxurious hotel almost as much as the destination itself. Road Scholar clearly understands that assignment. Our accommodations weren’t simply places to sleep. They became places to unwind after a day of exploring.

The spacious rooms felt wonderfully comfortable, the pools were beautiful, and the overall atmosphere was elegant without feeling stuffy. Whether overlooking Gozo’s peaceful extravagant pools (both indoor and outdoor) or relaxing at The Phoenicia in Malta after a day of sightseeing, it felt like the kind of place where royalty might quietly check in.

For me, those quiet mornings overlooking breathtaking gardens or elegant pools with coffee before breakfast became some of my favorite moments of the trip.

6. I Never Expected the Food to Be This Good

Confession: I didn’t have particularly high expectations for the included meals. I’ve taken enough organized tours to know they can sometimes be…forgettable.

Road Scholar proved me completely wrong. Did I mention I’ve authored two culinary guide books? So yes, food is an important part of any trip for me.

Several meals took place in outstanding restaurants, including Michelin-recognized dining experiences that elevated the entire trip. Instead of generic tourist fare, we enjoyed beautifully prepared traditional Maltese cuisine alongside fresh seafood, excellent local wines, and regional specialties.

Yes, I tried rabbit, Malta’s national dish.

It was delicious.

But travelers who preferred more familiar options found beautifully prepared shrimp, steak, and fish that rivaled restaurants back home. Every meal became another opportunity to understand Malta’s culture through its food.

7. Malta Is the Perfect Blend of Discovery and Relaxation

Malta surprised me in many ways. I didn’t fully appreciate just how beautiful it would be. One day I was standing inside cathedrals that had witnessed centuries of history. The next, I was cruising past dramatic cliffs and sea caves on brilliant blue Mediterranean water.

We wandered through the Silent City of Medina, explored the charming island of Gozo, admired colorful fishing boats in Marsaxlokk, and learned about civilizations that occupied these islands thousands of years before most of Europe existed. Yet somehow, despite all that history, the trip never felt academically heavy. Boat rides, seaside lunches, scenic viewpoints, and leisurely afternoons kept everything wonderfully balanced.

It satisfied both sides of my personality. The curious traveler. And the woman who occasionally just wants to sit beside the Mediterranean and do absolutely nothing.

Final Thoughts

When I booked this Road Scholar trip, I expected to discover Malta.

What I didn’t expect was to enjoy group travel so much!

As an introvert, I worried that traveling with strangers might leave me emotionally drained. Instead, I found the opposite. Someone else handled the logistics while I focused on experiencing one of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating destinations. I never had to worry about navigating ferries, finding parking, or buying attraction tickets. I simply showed up, learned something new every day, and still had enough free time to make the trip my own.

That’s a rare combination.

If you’re a solo woman who’s been curious about group travel but hesitant to give up your independence, Road Scholar’s Malta and Gozo itinerary offers something I didn’t know I was looking for: the confidence of traveling with experts, the comfort of exceptional accommodations, the joy of meeting genuinely wonderful people, and just enough solitude to make it still feel like your own adventure.