ITINERARY
ITINERARY

at sea...
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Kora La
Our signature pan-Asian speciality restaurant makes an appearance onboard Marella Discovery. You'll find dishes created by renowned chef Ian Pengelley such as his duck and watermelon salad. The menu covers off south and east Asia, featuring dishes like Indian spiced king prawns, and Indonesian beef rendang curry. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.
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47°
Marella Discovery’s main eatery is a big, stylish venue, finished in the colours of the sand and the sea. Daytime meals here come with a side-order of sea views, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, and a grand double staircase leads up to a separate eatery.
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Gallery 47°
You’ll find this trendy Italian restaurant on the second floor of the ship’s main dining room, 47°. It’s a laid-back place, where bookings aren’t necessary, and its designer look features a colour scheme inspired by the sunset.
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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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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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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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Malaga City Tour
Discover Malaga, capital city of the Costa del Sol and one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. It’s a city full of ancient streets, lovely villas, lush vegetation and last but not least – sunshine! You’ll start your tour with a visit to Gibralfaro, the castle that crowns the hill overlooking the city. A steep path of 150 steps connects the castle and Alcazaba, the famous 15th-century Moorish fort. From here, continue to La Manquita, a beautiful Renaisssance-style cathedral, which you’ll see from the outside. Then you’ll get some free time to browse the shops, go for a stroll and take some pictures before returning back to 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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Alicante City Tour
As the cultural capital of the Costa Blanca, Alicante comes up trumps in the sights department. Think ancient fortresses, Baroque cathedrals and cute little squares. First on the agenda is Santa Barbara Castle, which holds the crown for being the biggest in the Med. It’s bagged itself a pretty spectacular location, too, set high up on the summit of Mount Benacantil. You’ll have a bit of time to wander around what’s left of it – the walls and turrets are a grab-bag of architectural styles from Gothic to Renaissance. Then it’s on to Alicante’s old quarter for a walking tour. You’ll learn all about the city’s history as you pass by the Town Hall Square and the Cathedral of Alicante, a pretty Baroque number that dates back to the 17th century. Last but not least, it’s on to the Explanada, one of the most beautiful waterfront promenades in Spain. Stroll down the palm-shaded streets or stop off at one of the cafes for a drink before heading back to port.
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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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Altea & Villajoyosa
This tour has the perfect recipe – it blends a liberal helping of chocolate with a healthy dose of scenery to create a great day out. Your first stop is the small seaside town of Villajoyosa, and it’s straight to the famous Valor chocolate factory for a guided tour of all things cocoa-based. As well as discovering the secret steps to creating these delicious chocolates, you’ll get to watch a behind-the-scenes video, and taste the finished product. And chocoholics needn’t worry. If you can’t bear the thought of leaving these delicious treats behind, there’s a factory shop where you can stock up on freshly-made goodies. Then it’s down to Villajoyosa port for a bit of free time. Wander along the seafront and you’ll see a row of brightly-painted houses peering out to sea. Legend has it they’re painted like this to help guide the fishermen to shore. It’s back on the bus for the next stop, Altea. It’s a traditional Spanish town where whitewashed houses line the streets up to the Virgin of Consuelo church. You’ll have an hour here to soak up the atmosphere and get up close to this striking blue-roofed church that stands above the town.
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Valencia City Tour
Valencia’s well-known for its beautiful buildings. All Arabian, Gothic and Baroque flourishes, it’s literally knee-deep in design history. But there are plenty of modern touches, too. Your day starts with a fly-by driving tour taking in the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences with its space-age buildings, and the Gothic masterpiece, La Lonja – Valencia’s silk market. Next you’ll pass the Cathedral and Generalitat Palace. A flamboyant Gothic building, built in 1421 as the seat of the Valencian Autonomous Government. And be sure to check out the Gothic statue of the Virgin of the Less Fortunate you’ll find nearby. After that, you’ll make a beeline for the old quarter. Wander the cobblestone streets. Admire the Arabian architecture. And catch the rugged beauty of the city wall on camera. Other monuments that you can admire with the panoramic drive are the Bullring, Train Station, Quart Towers and Serranos Towers.
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Lladro Factory & Scenic Tour
Lladro’s beautiful porcelain figurines decorate homes all over the world - and here’s your chance to see where they originate from. We’ll take you to the famous factory of Lladro just outside of town, to see how the much-loved porcelain is produced. The origins of Lladro can be traced back to a tiny workshop built in a town near Valencia back in the 1950s. It was a family business set up by three brothers, Juan, José and Vicente Lladro. Today, the company exports to more than 120 countries. Once you’ve had a look round, it’s time to leave the factory and set off on a guided tour of Valencia. We’ll take you through the city centre, where the architecture is a mix of Arabian and Gothic styles. Head to Plaza de la Virgen and stand in the shadow of the cathedral. Now this place is a real grab-bag of styles ranging from Roman and Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque. Have a look inside then head over to the Basilica de los Desemparados. Built in the 17th century, it’s one of the most important religious buildings in the city. Next up is a walking tour of the old quarter known as El Carmen, before making your way back to the pier. En route we’ll call in at a Lladró shop near the factory.
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Valencia & Oceanographic Park
This easy-going tour does exactly what it say on the tin. A coach will whizz you from the ship to the centre of Valencia, ready for a short, guided walking tour of the old quarter. There’s plenty to see en route. Think Gothic monuments, Renaissance architecture and elegant art nouveau buildings. Part two takes in Oceanografic, the biggest aquarium in Europe. There you’ll find over 500 different marine species ranging from sea urchins and sharks to whales and walruses.