EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Spend time at a traditional goat farm in the Malaga province, learning how regional cheeses are made from goat’s milk and then sample a selection of them with sausages and wine. Near the white-washed village of Casares in the shadow of Sierra Crestellina, you will visit a family-owned farm that raises goats for their milk, which is primarily used to make cheese. You will learn the process step by step and the variations that make the different cheeses. You will see how the goats are milked, how the milk is ripened with cultures and induced to form a thick curd by adding the natural enzyme rennet. In time, the watery whey will be drained off to make ricotta cheese, and the curds will be pressed into cheese molds. You will then taste a selection of cheeses made months earlier. The younger cheeses are typically creamier, while the more mature cheeses tend to be firmer and more pungent.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Gain a thorough understanding of how regional cheeses are made at a family farm.
• Watch the process step by step, which will make the tasting that follows more relevant.
• Taste the difference between younger cheeses and more matures ones, while sipping wine.

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.

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.

Behold the haunting beauty and geological wonders in the Natural Park of El Torcal and then explore the historical landmarks in the nearby village of Antequera.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a leisurely drive inland to the Natural Park of El Torcal, a karst limestone landscape that was covered by the sea millions of years ago. As the water receded over time, it exposed the imprint of marine skeletons and shells.

Parts of the porous limestone also eroded, leaving an abundance of caves and towering stacks of rock. You will observe these unusual geological structures and marine fossils in the rocks on a short walk through the stark terrain.

Along the way, the guide will describe the history of El Torcal and the effect of the inhabitants who quarried the limestone. Although the last village in El Torcal has long been abandoned, rock dwellings still remain. If you spot birds, chances are they are griffon vultures.

Continuing on, you will soon arrive Antequera, a town whose architecture bears Roman, Moorish and Spanish influences. Many of the buildings date to medieval times, and the town’s stone monuments known as dolmens are estimated to have been built in 3,000 BC.

As you may discover during free time, Antequera also has an abundance of churches, its most well-known being the Church of El Carmen, which features a magnificent Mudéjar coffered ceiling. The Real Colegiata de Santa Maria La Mayor church is also worth a look.

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.

Savor a variety of authentic Andalusian dishes, starting with hot chocolate and churros and ending with a five-course meal that you will enjoy with a local family at their home.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a picturesque drive inland, much of it along the Montes de Malaga Natural Park. You will notice that it is densely forested with Aleppo pines, which were planted throughout the surrounding river basin to curb flooding.

Upon arriving in the village of Colmenar, you will be treated to hot chocolate and sugary fried churros, a classic Andalusian start to the day. In the nearby whitewashed village of Alfarnate, you will gain another insight into the local cuisine by touring an olive grove.

Olive oil has been produced here since ancient times, and olives are an essential ingredient in many classic Andalusian dishes. As you will see, some varieties of olives are best eaten whole by themselves, especially those flavored with garlic, thyme and fennel.

You will become even further immersed in the cuisine by joining an Andalusian family in their home for a five-course meal. You will enjoy tapas, soup, the main dish and a sweet dessert followed by coffee and liqueurs.

Don’t just limit your conversation to the cuisine, as the family will be happy to answers about their lifestyle and how Andalusia culture has changed.

Hike to Gibralfaro Castle atop a lofty hill overlooking Malago and then enjoy free time in the city after passing landmarks such as Pablo Picasso’s birthplace.

Your hike will start from the pier, and As you follow the vibrant promenade, you will pass La Malagueta, a 16-sided polygon bullring built in 1874. Spain’s legendary bullfighters have all performed here to crowds of more than 10,000. Before long, you will start the ascent to Gibralfaro Castle, taking in one spectacular view after another on the way to the summit. Constructed in the 10th century where a lighthouse once stood, the castle rises majestically out of a forest of pines and eucalyptus trees. The name Gibralfaro translates to “rock of the lighthouse,” and it is undeniably solid as a rock. One of the longest sieges in the re-conquest of Spain occurred here 1487, when King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella’s forces took three months to defeat the Moors. By walking near the ramparts and gazing down on the steep terrain, you can appreciate how difficult it would have been to conquer the castle. You will be presented with sweeping urban views from a different perspective on the descent. Upon reaching Malaga, you will pass the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and the Cathedral, a National Landmark that took 200 years to build. Free time follows.

This distinctive tour provides a fascinating introduction to Malaga by visiting a variety of landmarks. Those include a vintage car museum, an ornate cathedral and a castle that has become a symbol of the city.

After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive at the Malaga Automobile Museum, a magnificent exhibition space that was once a tobacco factory. Inside, you will find a collection of some of the world’s most prized vintage automobiles, including rare Ferraris, convertibles from the 1920s and even a Rolls-Royce customized with Swarovski crystals. As a rather unusual complement, several exhibits are also devoted to haute couture gowns and hats designed by international fashion houses such as Chanel and Dior.

After browsing the museum and toasting the experience with a glass of distinctive Oporto wine, you will enjoy an enlightening tour of Malaga, a city that the Phoenicians founded in the 8th century. Following a panoramic tour of the city, you will leave your coach behind and commence a walking tour that begins with an exterior visit of imposing Gibralfaro Castle, a hilltop fortress from the 14th century that offers a sweeping view of Malaga.

Re-boarding your coach, it’s on to the city center and the Malaga Cathedral, known as the “one-armed woman” because its planned second tower was never built so it looks a bit lopsided. Even so, the cathedral is beautifully ornate. Built over the course of 250 years, it reflects several architectural styles as you will observe during your exterior visit.

You will also enjoy some free time to explore the pedestrian friendly surrounding area. Shopping is always an excellent option or you might stroll the Plaza de la Marina and nearby palm-lined park. Afterwards, you will return to the pier.

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.

Explore the attractions in Malaga that sound most interesting to you by using an Unlimited 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. The pass also entitles you to skip the lines at the busiest attractions, so you won’t waste any time. There’s no need to rush because you can hop on another bus whenever the mood strikes. Or if you wish to explore Malaga through other modes of transportation, you can ride the tourist train, cruise the Guadalmina River and walk through the city with a guide. It’s entirely up to you, which is the beauty of this excursion. Other great choices include browsing the works of art in the Centre Pompidou Malaga, playing virtual-reality games at VRFun and watching the Jaleo Flamenco Show.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Use the Unlimited Attraction Pass to see Malaga’s best attractions at no additional cost.
• Ride a bus around town, stopping at the attractions that you find most appealing.
• Stay as long as you like at each attraction to enhance your understanding of it.
• Hop on another bus whenever you please and ride it to another intriguing destination.
• Return to the cruise ship when you’re ready.

See the attractions that you find most interesting by hopping on and off double-decker buses as they make continuous loops around Malaga, the historical birthplace of Pablo Picasso. With the complimentary bus pass in hand, you can ride both the Red Line and Green Line buses and gain entrance into the Interactive Museum of Music. Simply hop on one of the buses and then hop off when it reaches an attraction that intrigues you from the nearly 20 designated stops. The amount of time that you spend at each destination is entirely up to you. When you are ready to leave, just hop on the next bus. You might take in the sweeping views from the 10th-century Gibralfaro Castle, see the downtown bullring where Spain’s most legendary bullfighters have performed and wander through the Cathedral of Malaga, which is affectionately known as “La Manquita,” the one-armed lady, because its planned second tower was never built.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Ride a bus around Malaga, stopping at the attractions that you find most appealing. • Stay as long as you like in each attraction to enhance your understanding of it. • Hop on another bus whenever you please and ride it to another must-see destination. • Use the provided route map and headphones to easily plan your exploration of the city.

Take a drive west through the most fertile valley of the region, packed full with lemon orchards, orange and olive plantations. In Mijas, enjoy the gleaming white houses where bright splashes of bougainvillea and geraniums spill over garden walls and window sills. Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets of this Andalusian village, as you discover what has attracted artists to this mountain town which offers wonderful panoramic views over the Mediterranean. The popular village square is surrounded by sidewalk cafes and shops.

A short walk up the slope brings you to one of the few square-shaped rings in Spain. From the terrace of a small church, take in the marvelous view of Fuengirola and the coast. A refreshing soft drink will be served at a local cafe during the tour. Enjoy some free time to browse into the local craft and souvenir shops, adorned with colorful local pottery. Before returning to your ship, pass through Fuengirola and Torremolinos (motorway), two very popular holiday resorts with miles of sandy beaches.