The easiest option is to take the plane you normally use and head off across the channel.
Depends on type and departure point, but 5 hours will normally see you somewhere in Scandanavia, east Germany, Switzerland, the Med... All great places. Once you have decided how many hours you can afford - Google Earth is your friend! I can also recommend the 'Pilot's free flight atlas' for your planning.
By taking your usual plane, you'll 'save' the hour or two checkout cost before a new rental, you'll be paying less per hour because you're known to the owner (and hopefully he trusts you!), and it'll be more fun because you'll be more relaxed (aircraft a known entity).
Oh, it'll save you 2x return airfares as well!
Fly safe, Sam.
PS do keep an eye on avgas availability - a quick call ahead is a good idea...
PPS from Malta... there is Tunisia if you are feeling a little brave, or Algeria if more brave (and contacts, and budget). A great 'normal' trip could be up via Sardinia and Corsica to the Swiss alps, then back down through Italy.