Spend hours of free time in Granada, exploring the attractions you find most intriguing, whether landmarks such as the Alhambra or lesser-known areas for shopping and dining. After departing from the pier, you will drive inland, past the majestic Sierra Nevada National Park and on to Granada. The Moors’ last stronghold before falling to Spain’s Catholic monarchs in 1492, Granada still bears a Moorish influence.

For starters, there is the Alhambra, the fortress-palace of the Nasrid sultans. Walking through the seemingly endless rooms and courtyards is an unforgettable experience, as the Alhambra complex is adorned with richly colored mosaics, ornamental columns and romantic archways. The adjoining Generalife gardens are just as magnificent.

You might also wander the labyrinthine streets in the historical Albaicin neighborhood, a World Heritage site where the Moors once resided. During Granada’s modernization, the Albaicin was almost destroyed, but preservationists prevailed. While wandering about, you may see the remains of an Arab bath complex and some original Moorish homes. Another highlight is where the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand lie in the Royal Chapel.

As an alternative to sightseeing, you might spend time browsing the shops for hand-painted ceramics, designer fashions and leather goods, all of which are extraordinary in Granada. If you choose to dine, try regional favorites such gazpacho or garlic and almond soup, and a hearty dish of paella for the main course.

Enjoy a brief look at the fabled city of Granada and visit two notable landmarks, Capilla Real and the Cathedral of Granada.

It's a 45-minute drive inland to the Moorish city of Granada, nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As you travel down a modern highway that was once ancient Arab pathways, you will enjoy wonderful views of both the Alpujarras Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, as well as groves of olive and fruit trees. Upon arrival, your first stop will be in the Albaicin quarter. This is the old Arab quarter and was the residential region of the Moors, even after the city was reclaimed by Spain. This narrow labyrinth of crooked streets escaped the fate of much of Granada, which was torn down in the name of progress. Fortunately it has been preserved, as have its cisterns, fountains, plazas, whitewashed houses, villas, and the decaying remnants of the old city gate. From a viewpoint here, you'll be able to capture photos of the renowned Alhambra Palace.

Continuing on, you will drive to Capilla Real and the Cathedral of Granada which is located next door. The close relationship between both gives rise to a curious formal detail seen in the ambulatory that surrounds the circular gallery. The Capilla Real's gothic gateway becomes just another part of the Cathedral's walls, as if it were in reality one of the other many chapels when, in fact it represents the entrance to another building. In the Royal Chapel here, the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand are kept. It was their wish to be buried in recaptured Granada, not Castile or Aragón. The coffins are remarkably tiny-a reminder of how short they must have been. In the sacristy you can view Isabella's personal art collection, including works by Rogier Van der Weyden and various Spanish and Italian masters, such as Botticelli.

Next, you will make the short walk to the richly ornate Renaissance Cathedral. With its spectacular altar, it is considered one of Spain's architectural highlights and is renowned for its beautiful facade and gold-and-white interior. Construction of the Cathedral began in 1521 in a gothic style, and came to completion in 1714 as an example of Baroque architecture. Another outstanding feature is the facade by Alonso Cano, a truly marvelous example of Baroque interiors, culminating in the bell tower which holds more than a secret within. The ground plan incorporated a five-nave basilica and another in the center to be surrounded by an enormous aisle, in which a high altar would be inserted. This design led Rosenthal to believe that the model was based on the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

Following your Cathedral visit, you'll walk back to your awaiting coach and make the drive back to the pier in Motril where your tour concludes.

See Granada’s most important Moorish-influenced attractions, including Carlos V Palace and the Albaicin neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a meandering drive inland to Granada, the Moors’ last stronghold before falling to Spain’s Catholic monarchs in 1492. The capital of the Andalusia region, Granada boasts a wealth of extraordinary architecture, including the Carlos V Palace within the Alhambra complex, your first stop. 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. Next, walk down the Albaicin quarter, an ancient Moorish neighborhood of winding streets and whitewashed houses. During Granada’s modernization, the Albaicin was almost destroyed, but preservationists prevailed. While wandering about, you may see the remains of an Arab bath complex, some original Moorish homes and plenty of unique stores selling handmade merchandise. Continue to browse a former Moorish-influenced gran Market, the only fully preserved in the Iberian Peninsula. Called “The Corral del Carbón” and built in the fourteenth century, served as a warehouse for merchandise to be sold there, as well as housing the merchants who passed through the city. Later, it was used as a hostel and as coal warehouse in their basement; that's where his current name comes from. After that, in the sixteenth century, Christians adapted it for theatrical performances. Lastly, you will also visit the Capilla Real or Royal Chapel, where the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand lie. Finally, enjoy free time to shop or have lunch on your own in one of the many atmospheric bars and restaurant in the surroundings

Discover geological wonders such as the world’s largest stalagmite in the Caves of Nerja and then meander through the lovely old quarter in the seaside village of Nerja.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a picturesque coastal drive to the seaside village of Nerja, a former fishing village that has recently become a popular resort town. A short distance away, you will find the Caves of Nerja, a series of caverns that stretches nearly three miles and contains the world’s largest stalagmite.

Although archaeological evidence shows that the caves were occupied from about 25,000 BC to the Bronze Age, it wasn’t until 1959 that they were rediscovered. Cave paintings reveal that the earliest inhabitants were hunters, followed by fishermen and farmers.

As you walk through the caves, you can expect to see eerily illuminated stalactites and stalagmites in the Hall of Ghosts, formations that look like frozen waterfalls, and geological debris in the Hall of the Cataclysm that an earthquake caused millennia ago. It will be an extraordinary experience that you will not soon forget.

Back in Nerja, you will explore its oldest quarter, a beautiful setting with narrow, winding streets and whitewashed houses with wrought-iron terraces overflowing with geraniums. Following a guided walking tour of the quarter, you will have free time to discover some of Nerja’s other charms.

On the return drive, you will pass the Bridge of the Eagle, a towering aqueduct built to supply water to a sugar mill.

OVERVIEW

Behold the stunningly beautiful Maro-Cerro Gordo cliffs from a unique water perspective by paddling a kayak along its rugged coastline. The adventure will begin along the horseshoe-shaped bay in the fishing village La Herradura. After a beachside briefing to ensure that you maximize the experience, you will paddle off in a caravan of kayaks towards the precipitous cliffs to the west. This entire area is a protected nature reserve and completely undeveloped, which has allowed the flora and fauna to flourish in the mild microclimate that the sheltering Sierra Nevada mountains have created. You may spot mountain goats atop the craggy cliffs, colonies of seagulls along the coast and birds of prey flying high above. Much of the vegetation is rare or endemic, including sea fennel, an edible species you may see growing out of crevices in the rocks. If time permits, you may take a refreshing swim after kayaking.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a close-up look at the Maro-Cerro Gordo cliffs while kayaking.
• Be awed by the rugged precipitous cliffs that plunge straight down into the sea.
• Look for mountain goats and seabirds, whose characteristics the guide will describe.
• Take a refreshing swim in the sea if time permits.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a hat, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Snorkel the crystal-clear waters in the shadow of the Maro-Cerro Gordo cliffs, a nature reserve known for its colorful marine life. You will approach the cliffs with a motor rubber boat from the horseshoe-shaped beach that rims the fishing village of La Herradura. After considering the tides and water conditions, the guide will choose an ideal spot for snorkeling. You may observe sea bass – known locally as lubina – schools of brightly colored gobies, tiny blennies and tripletail wrasses, which are easy to identify because they appear to have three tails. Dolphins are sometimes seen frolicking in the sea and on occasion sea turtles gracefully swim by. Be sure to look straight up for a different view of the natural world as seabirds often nest in the precipitous cliffs. This entire area is protected from development and somewhat difficult to access except by sea, which keeps it pristine and wonderfully serene.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe the underwater wonders while snorkeling below the Maro-Cerro Gordo cliffs.
• Look for schools of colorful fish, playful dolphins and even sea turtles.
• Scan the skies for sea birds and the cliffs for mountain goats.
• Enjoy a bit of free time on the beach if time permits.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a hat, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Dine on the quintessential Spanish dish paella in fabulous Villa Astrida, the vacation house of Belgium’s former King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola. You will be greeted with a welcome drink and a brief presentation of the residence where the royal family spent summers starting in 1967. As you will discover, it is an extraordinary setting on the sun-drenched Costa Tropical. After a reflective moment or two at the serene memorial to the monarch, you will tour the beautiful Villa Astrida and the surrounding royal gardens, which were designed as a place of contemplation for the deeply spiritual king. Afterwards, you will be served appetizers that were favorites of the royal family, including gazpacho and Serrano ham. The main course will be paella, a dish that originated in the rice-producing area around Valencia and has become synonymous with Spanish cuisine. Paella recipes vary from region to region, but they still reflect the freshest local ingredients.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Villa Astrida, the summer home of the former king and queen of Belgium.
• Pause at a memorial to the deeply spiritual king and meander through the royal gardens.
• Dine in the villa on dishes including paella that were favorites of the royal family.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Discover the considerable charms of the whitewashed town Frigiliana, which lies within the Natural Park of Sierras de Tejeda, an environmentally protected mountain region. Take a glimpse into Frigiliana’s history from Neolithic times to the present. Highlights include a 16th-century dagger excavated from the castle ruins and a number of Phoenician vessels. The architecture throughout the historical town center is also well worth a look, especially the 17th-century Church of San Antonio. A leisurely walk along the town’s cobblestone streets, which feature beautiful inlaid Moorish patterns, will bring you to a restaurant for a tasting of muscatel wine and sun-dried raisins, two of the products most associated with Frigiliana. A heartier traditional meal will be served at a nearby tavern. The dishes there may include a tomato gazpacho that is thicker than most, meatballs in a flavorful almond sauce and gachas, a warm dessert of fried bread squares topped with honey.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the beautiful whitewashed architecture while walking through the town center.
• Sample local muscatel wine and raisins and a hearty Andalusian meal afterwards.
• A delicious lunch will be served in a traditional local restaurant "Taberna Sacristan".

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Ride through the forested countryside in a 4x4 vehicle and enjoy spectacular views of scenic places off the beaten track. Once you reach the white-washed village of Frigiliana, the adventure will begin in earnest as you hop in an off-road vehicle and drive caravan-style into the wilderness. The route will take you through the Sierra de Tejeda mountain range, whose lower regions are blanketed with Aleppo and Corsican pines that were planted to reduce flooding. Along the way, stops will be made at particularly picturesque spots such as Abebuchal, a so-called “lost village” because it was completely abandoned in the mid-20th century. You will also pause within the Almijara and Almara Natural Park as the guide describes the flora and fauna, including birds such as booted eagles. Once you reach the whitewashed village of Cómpeta, you will settle in at the restaurant Casa Paco for a cold beverage and to snack on tapas.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Race through the forested foothills and a natural park in an off-road 4x4 vehicle.
• Take in the surrounding natural beauty, which the guide will describe in detail.
• Enjoy brief but enlightening walks through two whitewashed villages, one a ghost town.
• Snack on tapas in a traditional restaurant in the village of Cómpeta.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Take a leisurely drive through the picturesque neighborhoods of Salobreña, La Herradura and Almuñecar before enjoying a delicious lunch at "Luciano Restaurant". The whitewashed village Salobreña sprawls across a steep rocky hill on Spain’s lovely Costa Tropical. The castle that crowns the city has been a fixture since being built in the 13th century during the Nasrid dynasty. American author Washington Irving set his tale “The Legend of the Three Beautiful Princesses” at the castle, and you will pause nearby to hear parts of the story read aloud. You will dine at a hilltop restaurant in town where you will be served a variety of courses such as cava-marinated olives, Serrano ham and barbecued sirloin. Venta Luciano is a family business where we will enjoy the flavors in a lovely atmosphere. Surrendered by a beautiful valley of tropical trees, our guests will enjoy a lovely welcome with an succulent appetizer with typical wine of the region. Follow by an amazing and suculent lunch with a Luciano´s touch. Our guests will taste the most amazing typical dishes of Venta Luciano, making customers participate in the way they are elaborated. To end up with the experience they will taste tropical Cocktails of the area "Mango Gin" and others delicious tropical drinks. A gastronomic experience that you can include among your most memorable experiences. If weather conditions permits it we will enjoy the experience outdoors, in the typical Andalusian patio. In second option we will enjoy the experience indoors, in a typical rustic dining rooms.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take a panoramic drive through Salobreña, and pause near its landmark castle. Additionaly, we will pass through La Herradura and Almuñecar.
• Admire the gorgeous setting of the Costa Tropical while driving through the countryside.
• Pass through three lovely seaside towns with Moorish architectural influences.
• Dine on dishes that reflect the local culture at a hilltop restaurant in Almuñécar.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Spend hours relaxing at a luxurious beach club where you will be free to do most anything you please. It won’t take long to reach the Hoyo 19 Beach Club, giving you all the more time to enjoy the amenities of this idyllic spot on Punta del Santo. It will be easy to find your own slice of paradise as the club offers plenty of sunbeds and room to stretch out. If you wish, you can spend the entire time simply basking in the sun. After all, there is no schedule to follow other than your own. Shade is also abundant under the wispy thatched-roof palapas and beach umbrellas. If you are looking for a bit of activity, you might stroll along the beach and take a refreshing swim in the sea, which is typically calm and crystal-clear. A cold drink and a Serrano ham tapa will make the day all the more pleasurable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax however you please at the Hoyo 19 Beach Club on nearby Punta del Santo.
• Stretch out on a sunbed or under a beach umbrella, if you prefer.
• Take a refreshing swim, stroll along the beach and enjoy the natural beauty.
• Enjoy a complimentary drink and tapa from the beachside restaurant.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a hat, towel and sunscreen
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Watch a moving flamenco performance next to Granada's bull fight ring and then enjoy free time in Granada exploring everything from little-known attractions to those as famous as the Alhambra. Depart from the pier and drive inland, past the majestic Sierra Nevada National Park and on to Granada, an Andalusian city that reveres flamenco. Upon your arrival in Granada , marvel in front at the Bullfight Ring (Plaza de Toro), one of the 10th largest in Spain and active agenda.

Next, you'll be treated to a highly charged, passionate flamenco performance. Through dance, song and guitar music, the seductive gypsy art of flamenco tells an emotional story with themes ranging from love to oppression. Its roots can be traced back more than 200 years, and nowhere is flamenco admired more than in Granada.

After this pure Andalusian experience, you'll transfer to the city center, where you're free to spend the afternoon doing whatever you wish. Wander the labyrinthine streets and plazas in the historic Albaicin neighborhood, a World Heritage Site where the Moors once resided. Behold the ornate cathedral and the Royal Chapel next door where the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand lie. Or simply spend your time browsing the shops for hand-painted ceramics, designer fashions and leather goods, all of which are extraordinary in Granada.

After approximately 3 ½ hours on your own, you'll rejoin your coach and escort at the appointed time and place and make the return journey back to Motril. Those who are not on time for the return transfer will be responsible for making their own way back to the ship, at their own expense.