EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Visit an ancient farm and mill that produce olive oil in a traditional way that protects the environment and improves the land's biodiversity. While walking through the olive groves with the owners of Molino La Paca, you will gain an understanding of the traditional agricultural practices in Andalusia. It provides benefits to the environment, such as less soil erosion, improved fire protection and greater biodiversity. Learn how the processes residues are used to produce energy in a nearby factory. While enjoying olives and a glass of local wine, you will taste the difference in the extra-virgin olive oil that the farm produces. For a glimpse into other aspects of Andalusian life, you will explore Mijas, a town whose architecture bears Roman, Moorish, and Spanish influences and a picture-perfect village perched high on a mountainside.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Tour a farm and mill that produce organic olive oil in an traditional manner.
• Enjoy olives and a glass of local wine.
• Spend free time exploring Mijas, a town whose architecture bears Roman, Moorish, and Spanish influences.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover the charms of Granada, the architecturally stunning capital of the Andalusia region, by exploring a magnificent palace, the Royal Chapel and the city’s oldest quarter.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for scenic drive inland to Granada, a city likely named for the Spanish word for pomegranate, a fruit so abundant it is depicted on Granada's coat of arms. Or Granada may have derived from its Moorish name, as the city was the Moors' last stronghold before falling to Spain's Catholic monarchs in 1492.

Granada features a wealth of extraordinary architecture such as your first stop, the Carlos V Palace within the Alhambra complex. Construction on the palace began in the early 16th century, following a Renaissance ground plan with a circular courtyard within a square building-the only one of its kind in Spain. Amazingly, a monarch has never lived in the palace, nor did it even have a roof until 1957.

Walking a bit farther, you will soon arrive in the labyrinthine streets of the Albayzin quarter (down part of the quarter), the city's oldest section. UNESCO has deemed it a World Heritage site for its harmonious blend of Moorish and Andalusian architecture.

Nearby, you will find the glorious Royal Chapel, the final resting place of Spanish monarchs such as Queen Isabella and Kind Ferdinand. Be sure to see the chapel's mausoleum, spectacular altarpieces and ornate grilles before enjoying free time and perhaps lunch on your own in the surrounding historical area.

Afterwards, you will drive back to Malaga.

Enjoy a leisurely drive across Spain’s gorgeous Costa del Sol to Gibraltar, where you will delve into its history, see unusual landmarks and meander about at will during free time.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a wonderfully scenic, relaxing drive across southern Spain and on to the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. Once across the border, you will board a smaller vehicle that is ideal for negotiating the narrow streets.

You will then pass through the former Genoese fishing village of Catalan Bay on the way to Europa Point, Gibraltar's southernmost tip. Its lighthouse was constructed in 1841 and it continues to be a familiar landmark, as the strait is one of the world's busiest waterways. You can expect spectacular views, and if it is a clear day you can spot Africa in the distance.

Another highlight will be St. Michael's Cave, which was believed to be bottomless in Roman times. As you stroll the cavernous interior, you will see eerily illuminated rock formations and learn about the history of the cave, which was first inhabited in the Neolithic period.

You will also pause at the Moorish Castle, parts of which date to the 11th century. Other parts have been converted into stylish residences. Still, Gibraltar's most famous residents are the free-roaming Barbary Apes often spotted on the rocks and in the lower town. You may see the tailless primates up close while shopping during free time before returning to Malaga.

Note: Note: Transfer time is approximately two hours each way; time on your own is approximately 1¾ hours (depending on traffic and border crossing). Please bring your passport. Depending on your nationality, make certain that you have any visas that may be required for you to enter Gibraltar.

As this excursion involves walking over uneven ground, and approximately 120 steps; therefore, it is not recommended for our more agile guests and physically fit guests and not available to wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. It is recommended that guests wear warm, layered clothing and comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes with tread. The duration of this excursion may vary. The visit inside the caves is not guided; guests will have to follow the signs and instructions.

Want to explore Gibraltar on your own? We are happy to provide a motorcoach transfer to Gibraltar complete with an English speaking escort. You'll be dropped off at a central location in Gibraltar and will have approximately three hours to shop and explore the city at your leisure. Motorcoach drop-off and pick-up points will be provided by your escort.

Disfruta de un recorrido por las atracciones más conocidas de esta ciudad legendaria, con edificios de arquitectura mudéjar y gótica, parques encantadores y la plaza de toros. Al salir del puerto, iniciarás un viaje panorámico por el Boulevard Alameda con destino al lugar en el que se sitúa el monte de Gibralfaro. A medida que recorras las murallas que coronan la cima de este monte de 560 pies de altura, podrás admirar los espectaculares paisajes de la ciudad, el puerto y la plaza de toros. A continuación, al autobús te llevará de regreso a la Plaza de la Merced para que des un breve paseo por la Alcazaba. Al pie de este antiquísimo fuerte, podrás ver la excavación que ha dejado al descubierto las ruinas de un anfiteatro romano.

La Alcazaba restaurada data del sigo 11, época en la que el rey de Granada ordenó que se construyera esta fortificación siguiendo el estilo de la Alhambra. Luego de la conquista Cristiana, los Reyes Católicos tomaron la Alcazaba y el Rey Felipe IV la convirtió en su residencia durante sus visitas a Málaga. Luego de dejar la Alcazaba, tu recorrido te llevará hasta la catedral. Sin duda quedarás deslumbrado con su interior, la exquisitez del tallado de las bancas que ocupa el coro y otros delicados detalles que son exponentes de la escultura del Renacimiento Español.

Take a drive along the coast passing the holiday resort of Fuengirola before arriving at the town of Marbella. Plunge into the past and visit the old quarter of the town with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses and heavily grilled windows, centered around the beautiful Plaza de los Naranjos "Orange Tree Square" filled with stately buildings, small shops, art galleries, bars and bistros; a hub of activity day and night.

Once a small fishing village, Marbella today is a fashionable and sophisticated resort, visited by the rich and famous. After your guided walk, enjoy some free time to explore on your own or shop before the return drive to your ship.

Discover the traditional ways being practiced in the fishing village Pedregalejo, where you will see how an old-style fishing boat is made and learn how to grill sardines on an open fire. The origin of the wooden boats, known as jábegas, dates to the Phoenician era. They have recently experienced a rebirth of sorts with rowing clubs using them in competitive events. Pedregalejo is also revered for its old-style beachfront restaurants known as chiringuitos. At one of the most popular chiringuitos, you will learn how to prepare espeto, which is barbecued fish, most often sardines. The fish are heavily seasoned with coarse sea salt and skewered on long flat bamboo sticks. They are then placed over an open fire of olive wood, which imparts an unmistakable flavor. If sardines are used, their silvery color will turn golden brown as they cook. Once the sardines are done, you can eat them with your fingers right off the skewer.

OVERVIEW

Savor the slow pace and casual lifestyle so prevalent in the mountain villages north of Malaga, where you will linger over a home-cooked meal at a private residence. As you meander through white-washed village of Alfarnate, you can't help but notice the relaxed pace. Life here reflects the town's remote location, limited population and low-key economy. Days are meant to be enjoyed without stress or anything else that may interrupt the tranquility. It's a refreshing attitude that the locals have wholeheartedly embraced. Nearby, you will find Alfarnatejo, another small and wonderfully serene mountain village, where goats seem to outnumber residents. Life here also unfolds slowly, as you will discover while visiting a private home for an authentic Andalusian meal. Your hospitable host will happily discuss the attractions of living in a quiet village and how most residents pass the time. The conversation can be as frank as you wish and no topic is off limits.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Stroll the tranquil streets of Alfarnate, taking in the village’s stress-free atmosphere.
• Enjoy the similarly serene and slow-paced mountain village of Alfarnatejo.
• Dine on authentic Andalusian cuisine at a private residence in Alfarnatejo.
• Discuss daily life with your hospitable hosts, who will gladly share their views.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Race through the Montes de Malaga Natural Park in a 4x4 vehicle made for exhilarating off-road adventure. On the approach to the park, you will notice that it is densely forested with Aleppo pines, which were planted throughout the surrounding Guadalmedina River basin to curb flooding from the park's steep mountainous slopes. The pines are so plentiful that they have become synonymous with the area. As you tear through this densely forested landscape in a caravan of off-road vehicles, you can't help but admire the natural setting. The guide will offer enlightening commentary about the flora and fauna during stops. Be sure to keep an eye out for birds of prey, as booted eagles, black kites and tawny owls are often spotted in the conifers. Later, stop at whitewashed town and continue your off-road adventure with a drink and a sampling of tapas that reflect the local Andalusian ingredients.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Zip through the mountainous Montes de Malaga Natural Park in a 4x4 off-road vehicle.
• Stop on occasion at the most scenic spots, where you may spot birds of prey.
• Follow your off-road adventure with a drink and tapas in a white-washed village.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Ride through downtown Malaga on, a small electric vehicle, ideal for navigating through an urban environment. According to the availability , you might be assigned either a Twizy - a half-car, half-motorcycle with seating for two people - made by Renault , a Ami, a funny e-minicar made by Citroen or a similar vehicle. Large windows and remarkable stability, will allow you to easily zip in and out of traffic. You can either drive or ride along as a passenger. As you travel from the pier through Malaga's downtown, the guide will provide enlightening commentary over the vehicle radio. The exact route will depend on the traffic conditions, but you can expect to pass all sorts of historical landmarks before looping back to the pier. Stops will be made at points of interests such as Gibralfaro Castle, a 10th-century Moorish fortress that perches high on a hill overlooking the city. The views are spectacular from atop the castle's medieval stone ramparts.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through Malaga in unique electric minicar
• Take the wheel or just ride along as a passenger, if you prefer.
• Enjoy commentary from the guide through the vehicle radio.
• Take in the panoramic views while stopping at the ramparts of a 10th-century castle.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Race over a stretch of spectacularly beautiful countryside on the outskirts of Malaga on a zipline that will enable you to reach a dizzying speed of up to 62 miles per hour. The adventure will begin atop Sunview Park, where after a briefing to help you maximize the experience, you will be harnessed into the zipline. It is the longest double zipline in Andalusia so you can share the thrills with a friend or family member that will race along side-by-side on the adjacent zipline. You have the choice of sitting in the zipline harness or lying flat in the so-called Superman position, which reduces your wind resistance. Either way, the ride will be immensely exhilarating as you zip downhill for nearly one mile. Along the way, you will enjoy a literal bird's-eye view of distant mountains, agricultural fields and perhaps other adventurers riding horseback through the countryside below.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride the longest double-zipline in Andalusia at speeds of up to 62 miles per hour.
• Fly through the air like Superman or sit in the zipline harness, if you prefer that position.
• Race downhill for nearly a mile and take in the beautiful scenery from high above.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Explore the attractions in Malaga that sound most interesting to you by using an Attraction Pass that covers the entrance fees and transportation around the city. Just hop on one of the buses that make continuous loops through Malaga and then hop off when it reaches an attraction that sounds intriguing. There's no need to rush because you can hop on another bus whenever the mood strikes. The Interactive Museum of Music is a great stop to participate in exhibitions that showcase music and art, where you will be able to enjoy Jaleo, a quality show to experience the intimacy of the Flamenco soul. Other great choices include browsing the works of art in the Centre Pompidou Malaga. Attractions Included: The pass includes the City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour, the Interactive Museum of Music Malaga, the Automobile Museum and 3 of the following attractions based on the guests' preferences: Picasso Museum, Picasso Birthplace Museum, Jaleo Flamenco Show, Russian Museum, Pompidou Museum, Revello de Toro Museum, Carmen Thyssen Museum, Alborania Museum, City Sightseeing Malaga Boat Tour.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Use the Attraction Pass to see Malaga’s best attractions at your own pace.
• Ride a bus around town, stopping at the attractions that you find most appealing, and stay as long as you like at each attraction to enhance your understanding of it.
• 3 Attractions Included: City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour, the Interactive Museum of Music Malaga, and the Automobile Museum.
• 3 Attractions Choose-and-Select from the following options: Picasso Museum, Picasso Birthplace Museum, Jaleo Flamenco Show, Russian Museum, Pompidou Museum, Revello de Toro Museum, Carmen Thyssen Museum, Alborania Museum, City Sightseeing Malaga Boat Tour.