ITINERARY
ITINERARY
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Kora La
You’ll feel like you’ve switched continents when you dine at this restaurant. It offers a pan-Asian selection of curries and noodle dishes, a separate sushi menu, plus bespoke dishes created by master chef Ian Pengelley exclusively for Marella Cruises. 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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Tapas @ The Mediterranean
You’ll be whisked to sunny Spain when you dine in this section of The Mediterranean, which specialises in tapas dishes for dinner. Or you can take your taste buds over to Portugal and try espetadas – meat or veg skewers – for a little extra. It's open at lunchtime, too, for light bites, like sandwiches and jacket potatoes.
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Latitude 53
The main waiter service restaurant is a good-looking place, with a gold-and-grey colour scheme and floor-to-ceiling windows. Menu-wise, you can expect traditional dishes with a modern twist.
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Malta Panoramic
This driving tour takes in some of Malta’s most famous sights – everything from bomb-proof buildings to natural wonders are on the agenda. First up, you’ll set off on the coach and head for the historic city of Vittoriosa, where you’ll get to see the Church of St Lawrence, which is home to the observation tower used by Grand Master La Vallette during the siege of 1565. From here, it’s on to Marsaxlokk, Malta’s largest fishing village, where you’ll have some time to explore before getting back on the coach. Next up, you’ll drive through some tiny villages before reaching the Blue Grotto – a cluster of picturesque sea caverns on the south coast. Then, you’ll pass through the town of Girgenti, home of the Prime Minister’s summer residence, before making tracks for the Dingli Cliffs – Malta’s highest point. From here, you’ll drive through Rabat, and around the edges of Mdina, Malta’s old capital city. Lastly, there’s a stop in the town of Mosta, which is famous for its church, which was hit by a shell bomb in World War II. The bomb went through the property but, miraculously, didn’t explode.
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Highlights of Malta
Your tour kicks off just a short coach ride from the capital with a visit to the ‘Malta Experience’ - a spectacular show bringing to life more than 7,000 years of history, followed by a visit to the Barrakka Gardens, Valletta’s most beautiful garden with a breath-taking view of the Grand Harbour and the old towns of Senglea and Vittoriosa. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to walk the main attractions of Valletta like the exterior of the Grandmaster’s Palace, the House of Parliament and the outside of Castille Palace. You then make your way to Mdina, the ancient capital city, for a wander around the bastions and ramparts. You’ll also get the chance to go inside the beautiful St Paul’s Cathedral. Next comes Rabat, a town just outside Mdina, famous for its crafts and local trades. Here, you’ll make one last stop at the ‘Tales of the Silent City’, where you’ll get some free time to shop for take-home trinkets, before re-boarding the ship.
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Harbour Cruise
Set off on a cruise round Valletta’s two natural harbours. This is the ultimate chill-out experience, so just sit back with a drink and watch as you float past Malta’s capital. You’ll drift by historical forts, battlements and creeks that can only be seen from the sea. Back on dry land, you’ll have some free time for retail therapy in Sliema. You can dip in and out of boutiques selling shoes, jewellery and bastketware. Simply sit beneath a parasol and sip a cup of coffee at one of the charming cafeterias dotting the seafront or just enjoy a local ice-cream on the Sliema promenade.
at sea...
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Kora La
You’ll feel like you’ve switched continents when you dine at this restaurant. It offers a pan-Asian selection of curries and noodle dishes, a separate sushi menu, plus bespoke dishes created by master chef Ian Pengelley exclusively for Marella Cruises. 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.
Tapas @ The Mediterranean
You’ll be whisked to sunny Spain when you dine in this section of The Mediterranean, which specialises in tapas dishes for dinner. Or you can take your taste buds over to Portugal and try espetadas – meat or veg skewers – for a little extra. It's open at lunchtime, too, for light bites, like sandwiches and jacket potatoes.
Latitude 53
The main waiter service restaurant is a good-looking place, with a gold-and-grey colour scheme and floor-to-ceiling windows. Menu-wise, you can expect traditional dishes with a modern twist.
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Soller Train
Explore Majorca's rugged interior on the 'Tren de Soller'. This is no ordinary train journey. It's a vintage electric train that's been chugging through the countryside since the 1920s - heading from Palma to Soller, a gorgeous little village on the northwestern coast. The old-fashioned train ride, which lasts an hour, has become Majorca’s most popular attraction and the island really makes the most of its chance to shine. You'll trundle by almond and olive groves. Slide in slow-motion through dinky villages. And clickety-click past pine-clad peaks. When you arrive in Soller, you take a walking tour of the town to catch a glimpse of houses that date back to the 14th-century. All before enjoying some free time for shopping - this place is famous for its beautiful ceramics, jewellery and bakers all crammed round a bustling main square.
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Enjoy Palma!
This is a great way to see the highlights of Majorca’s capital city. Start the day with a photo-stop at the 14th-century Bellver Castle. Crowning a hill, it commands spectacular views over Palma and its cosmopolitan marina. Continue on to the Gothic Quarter, which is more than 750 years old. Carry on for a visit of the Gothic Cathedral. Here, marvel at its rose-coloured stained glass windows and let your guide tell you all about the history of the church, which took over 300 years to build. After that, enjoy some free time for souvenir shopping. Then, head back to the ship, stopping along the way to get a photo of the Almudaina Palace.
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Drach Caves
A fantastical collection of cathedral-like caves, subterranean lakes and dripping stalactites form the Drach Caves. On this tour, you’ll find out why they’ve become Majorca’s most popular attraction. After driving here past picture-postcard villages and monastery-topped hills, you’ll take the steps down into the huge underground chambers. The pathways wind through weird and wonderful rock formations before fetching up at an amphitheatre that’s home to the world’s largest underground lake – Lake Martel. You won’t be the only ones down here, either – classical musicians will serenade you as they row across the water. Afterwards, you’ll wrap up the day at Porto Cristo. This charm-packed village is a honeypot for yachters thanks to its deep-cut harbour. Free time here will give you the chance to relax on one of the sea-view bar terraces or wander along the smart promenade.
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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.
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.
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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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Alhambra Palace
Stretched along the top of a hill and dominated by the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains, the Alhambra Palace is the stuff of fairytales. Offering up spectacular views over the beautiful Albaicin area, it’s the oldest, most impressive and best-preserved Arabic palace in the world. And it goes without saying it’s the most famous tourist attraction in the whole of Andalucia. Intricate carvings and tile work fill huge areas of the palace walls and high ceilings of its many pavilions. Outside in the patios and gardens, the use of water reflection and symmetry will leave you positively awe-struck. Don’t miss the beautiful ‘Patio of Lions’. The symbol of the Alhambra, it’s a magnificent man-made oasis which opens out to different rooms draped in fine white marble. This guided tour will take you through the Alhambra Palace and the unforgettable Generalife gardens, which bring you breathtaking views over Granada. The sheer beauty of these immaculate gardens will leave a lasting impression on you. After you’ve seen the palace, enjoy a well-earned lunch before returning to the ship.
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Charming Mojacar & The Tabernas Desert
Discover the charms of Mojacar. You’ll begin with a drive through El Desierto de Tabernas, the only semi-desert in Europe. With its weird eroded ravines, dry river beds and barren slopes, it’s one of the most geologically interesting landscapes in Europe. And the surreal lunar setting has long attracted film makers. You’ll drive through Mini-Hollywood, 7km south of Tabernas, where lots of westerns have been filmed. Next, see the village of Sorbas, a protected area of exceptional botanical interest. Then it’s on to Mojacar, where a guide will show you round this Moorish village set on a hill at the foot of the Sierra de Cabrera. Following the ancient route, you’ll arrive at the ‘Puerta de la Ciudad’, or gates of the city. From the top of the village, admire its narrow streets, ramps and quaint little squares, plus get a fantastic view of the Mediterranean coast in the distance. You’ll get some free time for a well-earned rest or a spot of retail therapy – the choice is yours.
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Panoramic Alpujarra
Costa de Almeria runs along in the south-east corner of Spain, taking in the colossal Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Mediterranean Sea. On this trip, you’ll explore the region’s unspoiled countryside and tucked-away villages from the comfort of an air-conditioned coach. Your first stop will be in the whitewashed village of Alboloduy. There’ll be time to check out the traditional Andalusian architecture and to stretch your legs, before climbing back on the coach and moving on to the village of Alhama. This place is the entrance to the well-known Alpujarra region – an area famous for its Turkish baths and medicinal waters. Your guide will give you the lowdown on the history of the place as you admire the scenery. As you come to the Enix and Cortijo Las Palomas areas of the region, crane your neck to see the sky-high wind turbines that dot the landscape. Your final stop will be at a rustic farmhouse, where you’ll be offered a glass of wine or a beer to drink alongside some of the local Serrano ham and cheese. Finally, your coach will snake along the coastal road which runs through the town of Aguadulce – expect sweeping sea views as you make your way back to the port.
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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.
at sea...
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Kora La
You’ll feel like you’ve switched continents when you dine at this restaurant. It offers a pan-Asian selection of curries and noodle dishes, a separate sushi menu, plus bespoke dishes created by master chef Ian Pengelley exclusively for Marella Cruises. 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.
Tapas @ The Mediterranean
You’ll be whisked to sunny Spain when you dine in this section of The Mediterranean, which specialises in tapas dishes for dinner. Or you can take your taste buds over to Portugal and try espetadas – meat or veg skewers – for a little extra. It's open at lunchtime, too, for light bites, like sandwiches and jacket potatoes.
Latitude 53
The main waiter service restaurant is a good-looking place, with a gold-and-grey colour scheme and floor-to-ceiling windows. Menu-wise, you can expect traditional dishes with a modern twist.
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Show Top Things to Do
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Treasures of Gran Canaria
If you’re a connoisseur of art and culture, the island’s cosmopolitan capital is a must. Your first stop is “Mirador de Altavista” where you will enjoy great views of the city, port and Las Canteras Beach. After this, you head to Barrio Vegueta, Las Palmas’ old quarter, its maze of cobbled streets and sun-dappled squares is a joy to explore. Make a stop outside the house and museum of Christopher Columbus. Here, your guide will be on hand to give you the low down on this great explorer. Following some free time here you’ll head to the heart of the city, keep an eye out for bronze statues of Canarian dogs which gave the islands their name. Next up is leafy Parque Doramas, a sleepy park that’s spot on for relaxing. Take a look at the famous ‘dragon trees’. A cross between a tree and a cactus, they don’t have any rings so their age is a total mystery. Parque Doramas is also where you’ll find Pueblo Canario, a traditional-style Canarian village complete with cutesy craft shops. Last but not least, you’ll get to see one of the island’s most impressive natural sights – the Caldera de Bandama - an extinct bowl-shaped volcanic crater at the heart of Gran Canaria. Over 3,000ft high, it’s one of the few inhabited craters in the world and, as you can imagine, the views it offers up are out of this world.
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Maspalomas Beach Transfer
If you want the perfect picture reminder of Gran Canaria, a visit the golden sand dunes of Maspalomas is a must. Located on the island’s south coast the pristine dunes aren’t the only attraction. The climate on this side of Gran Canaria is normally the best on the island. In fact, it was here that the first tourists headed, turning the sleepy little town into a top holiday destination. This half day tour is simple – We’ll drop you off as close to town as possible and your escort will give you a pick-up point and time. All you have to do is choose how to spend your free time. With up to 3 hours and a mix of shops, cafes and, of course, plenty of room to spread out on the beach to catch some rays – where to head first. If you fancy stretching your legs then why not head to the promenade where you can enjoy your free time on the seafront of Meloneras.
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Las Palmas 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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