ITINERARY
ITINERARY
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Palma, Majorca
Palma. Think leafy boulevards that echo with the stilettos of stylish shoppers. Tiny tapas bars tucked down narrow sidestreets. Architectural gold hidden in the historic…
Departs: 22:00
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Gibraltar, Gibraltar
Affectionately known as Gib or The Rock, Gibraltar is a little slice of Britain in the Mediterranean. And, just like the motherland, it’s a small stretch of land with…
Time in port: 09:00 - 22:00Show Top Things to Do
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The Rock Tour
Discover the Rock, which rises nearly 1,400ft above sea level and is said to be one of the legendary pillars of Hercules. Gibraltar, well known as the gateway to the Mediterranean, is steeped in history. See Europa Point, the southernmost point of Gibraltar and the only Trinity Lighthouse outside Britain. You’ll also pass over the only runway in Europe that has to stop vehicles for aircraft! At the famous Gothic-style St. Michael’s Cave, marvel at the beautiful stalagtites and stalagmites sculpted through the centuries. Your leisurely tour ends with a trip to Gibraltar’s most respected residents, the ‘Barbary Apes’, a breed of tail-less and very naughty monkeys that roam free on rocky slopes. Be warned – they’ve got a penchant for cameras, handbags, hats and food!
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World War Two Tunnels
This short trip gives you a great introduction to Gibraltar’s history, and you’ll have an exoert guide on hand to give you the lowdown on the sights. Leaving Gibraltar’s quayside behind, you’ll kick things off by heading to Europa Point, where the Trinity Lighthouse is. There’ll be a photo-stop here so you can soak up the vistas – the area looks out over the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the busy Straits of Gibraltar, the African Coastline and Spain’s Costa del Sol. From here, your coach will whisk you to the Rock of Gibraltar – the highlight of the tour. Inside, is a network of narrow tunnels that were used back in the Second World War. You’ll be given a safety briefing, before being led down into the dark, following in the soldiers’ footsteps in a conga-line. Look out for the ancient stalactites and stalagmites as you get deeper into the caves. After the tour, it’s up to you whether you want to head back to the ship, or explore Gibraltar’s town centre.
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Dolphin Watch
Hop aboard and cruise with us around the Bay of Gibraltar, one of the most famous bays in the world. There’s a really high concentration of dolphins in these parts and if you’re lucky you might see baby dolphins swimming close to their mothers. It’s a great opportunity to take pictures and see the Striped, Bottle-Nosed and Common dolphin, as well as seven species of whale, flying fish, turtles and sunfish in their natural habitat. Plus you get to admire the landmarks of Gibraltar all in the same morning. What more could you ask for?
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Cadiz, Spain
From its impressive harbour to its streets packed with Moorish relics, Cadiz is a great introduction to Spain. One minute you can be admiring medieval walls, the next…
Time in port: 08:00 - 17:00Show Top Things to Do
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Cadiz Top Highlights
On this trip, you’ll get to explore photogenic Cadiz, which is thought to be Europe’s oldest city. Kick things off with a short drive along the coast making a stop at Genoves Park. Stroll through the well-groomed gardens to Caleta Bay where things might look familiar. This was one of the filming locations from the James Bond blockbuster, ‘Die Another Day’. Back on the coach, you’ll arrive in the old town, called Plaza San Juan de Dios, where you’ll set off on another walking tour – this time of the city. Your guide will lead you through narrow, cobbled streets, pointing out 18th-century houses and shops, and giving you the background on sights like the Town Hall and the Cathedral. The latter dominates the entire town with its huge gold dome and baroque façade. Later, you’ll cross the busy squares of Plaza San Antonio, Plaza Mina and Plaza España, before emerging in Plaza de Las Flores, where you’ll get a small amount of free time.
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Cadiz Panoramic Tour
The picturesque city of Cadiz is said to be the oldest in Europe, and you’ll get a whistle-stop tour of its highlights on this trip - with a few photo stops thrown in the mix. Setting off you’ll pass the town hall, a neoclassical building that was completed back in 1861. Nearby there’s also Plaza España and a couple of the towns best parks, – Park Alameda and Park Genoves – full of well-tended gardens. Following the coast, we’ll take a photo stop near Playa Caleta at Castillo Santa Catalina – an imposing, 17th-century castle. Your guide will fill you in on its history, before you’re whisked to the city’s impressive cathedral. Here, you can take some photographs of its Baroque exteriors and huge gold dome, or stop for some Spanish coffee at one of the pavement cafés that surround it. Once you’re back on the coach, there’ll be one last photo stop, where you can soak up some spectacular sea views before heading back to the port.
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Cadiz & A Taste of Jerez
This driving tour will introduce you to a couple of Andalucía’s cities – ancient Cadiz, which is said to be Europe’s oldest, and pretty Jerez, which is known all over Europe for its wine bodegas. The trip gets off to a start with a panoramic drive around Cadiz’s old quarter. You’ll circle the spindly, cobbled streets, and the vast squares, so be sure to have your cameras at the ready. We'll pass the 18th-century baroque cathedral, Plaza España - where a famous monument of the Spanish Parliament stands - before making our way to Alameda Apodaca, the city’s public gardens, From here, your coach will snake inland through the green Andalucían countryside. You’ll start to see the vineyards as you reach your destination – a wine cellar in Jerez de la Frontera. Here, you’ll get to taste the region’s famous sherry wine, and learn all about the making process behind the drink.
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Malaga, Spain
Set on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol, Malaga is a Moorish delight. During the Arab occupation of Spain, the city was the principal port of the Moorish kingdom of Granada.…
Time in port: 08:00 - 19:00Show Top Things to Do
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Magical Mijas
Explore postcard-pretty Mijas, with its whitewashed houses perched high above Fuengirola and Mijas Costa. This place offers up spectacular views of the coast and the mountains. And its web of cobbled streets overflows with geraniums, red tile roofs and archways. It goes without saying, the village has retained much of its charm and quaint traditions, one of the most unusual being the donkey-taxis! You’ll get plenty of time to wander around, browsing the craft shops and just enjoying all that lovely scenery.
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Wine tasting in Álora
This half-day tour starts with a trip to the picturesque town of Álora, in the Guadalhorce Valley. Its whitewashed buildings, centuries-old castle and mountainous backdrop are primed for photo opportunities. You’ll be taken on a guided walking tour of the town, before taking a short bus ride to the Bodega Pérez Hidalgo winery. Here, you’ll learn all about the winemaking process, before tasting a selection of them, along with olives, cheese and bread. Then, following the tasting session, you’ll be taken back to the ship.
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Marbella & Puerto Banus
Marbella’s well known for its hot climate, beautiful landscape and friendly locals. On this trip, explore the best of this Spanish town. Wander its quaint narrow streets. See the colourful houses decked out with flower-festooned balconies. And browse the tempting craft shops. Have your cameras ready as you take a guided visit to the famous Naranjos Square, the City Hall and the Church of San Jacobo. Then take a drive to the millionaire’s playground that is Puerto Banus. Admire the luxury yachts and pull up a pew in one of the open-air restaurants and bars that cater for an exclusive clientele. Spend your free time, shopping for souvenirs and just strolling around this exclusive slice of Spain. If you’re lucky you might even spot a yacht belonging to the King of Saudi Arabia, a regular visitor here.
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Almeria, Spain
A wide, tree-lined avenue splits Almeria in half. To the west, you’ll find the Medieval buildings of the old town, while on the east side, the new town is home to boutiques…
Time in port: 08:00 - 16:00Show Top Things to Do
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Almeria Bike Tour
For a different way of exploring a port of call, try one of our bike tours. This way, you can really get to know a destination and see the places that bus tours can't reach. You'll be led around by a guide, who'll give you the lowdown on all the sights.
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Alicante, Spain
A palm-lined promenade packed with waterfront cafés. Whitewashed houses freckled with fuchsia geraniums. World class museums stacked with futuristic attractions. That’s…
Time in port: 09:00 - 16:00Show Top Things to Do
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Benidorm On Your Own
To most people, Benidorm is the Costa Blanca. It’s been a major player on the holiday scene for a good while now, and after a day here you’ll see why. The city is less than an hour away by coach, and when we arrive, we’ll leave you to explore on your own. Head for the Blue Flag-flying Levante Beach, rated among Europe’s best. Or plump for a bit of people-watching at one of the cafés along the promenade. Lining the beach you’ve got the high-rise hotels that Benidorm’s famous for. The skyline here is all skyscrapers looming in spiky clusters. But behind them, you’ll find the old town. Think cobbled streets, whitewashed little houses and noisy tapas bars. There’s plenty in the way of shops, too, from chic boutiques to market stalls groaning under the weight of souvenirs.
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Guadalest
Set in the foothills of the Sierra de Aitana mountains, Guadalest holds the title of the Costa Blanca’s prettiest village. The first thing you’ll notice is its whitewashed belltower. It’s set high up on the summit of the mountain, next to the entrance of the Portal de San Jose tunnel. Even today, the tunnel is the only way of getting to and from the village. Once you’re through, you’ll set off on a walking tour. It was built by the Moors over a thousand years ago and there are plenty of old treasures to check out. Wander through the little streets towards Orduna House. This charming place was built by the rich family after a 17th-century earthquake wiped out their house. Nowadays, it’s a fascinating museum. Take a look round the pantries, kitchen and recpetion area – they’re built half into the rock. And make sure you head out to the gardens where you’ll find the barn and stables.
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Magical Murcia
Murcia might not be on your radar – but it should. This city has all the exotic influences of Arabia, thanks to its Moorish past, and it rubs shoulders with typically Spanish tapas bars and leafy plazas. The cathedral here is Murcia’s biggest draw, though. Construction started in the 14th-century, but it wasn’t actually finished until the 18th, and the end result is a grab-bag of Baroque and Gothic architectural styles. The bell tower is the tallest in Spain, measuring up at 92 metres – that’s including the weathervane. It’s also home to 25 chiming bells. After a look around, it’s on to St Clara Monastery. The Islamic art collection here is one of the best in the region, and dates back to the 13th century. And the building itself has a few things in common with the Alhambra Palace in Granada. So think mosaic-domed ceilings and pillared archways leading out to perfect rectangular water features. When we leave here, there’ll be some time in the city centre itself. A good place for stop for a coffee is Plaza de Flores, which is packed with flower stalls.
Palma, Majorca
Palma. Think leafy boulevards that echo with the stilettos of stylish shoppers. Tiny tapas bars tucked down narrow sidestreets. Architectural gold hidden in the historic…
Arrives: 06:00
