OVERVIEW

Explore the most enlightening attractions on the Rock of Gibraltar, the iconic strategically important limestone monolith at the western entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. Although now a British Oversea Territory, the famed rock has been occupied by countless invaders since ancient times. You will follow in their footsteps inside St. Michael’s Cave, which was believed to be bottomless in Roman times. As you stroll the voluminous main chamber, 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 wander through the labyrinthine Great Siege Tunnels, which the British carved out of the solid limestone for military purposes in the late 18th century. Free-roaming macaque monkeys inhabit the exterior of the Upper Rock as you will discover at Apes Den. From this elevated perch, you will enjoy a sweeping view of the limestone cliffs and sea below.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View the teeny British Oversea Territory of Gibraltar from several perspectives.
• Walk through the main chamber of St. Michael’s Cave, whose interior is dramatically illuminated.
• Discover how the hand-carved Great Siege Tunnels were used during wartime in the 18th century.
• Watch Gibraltar’s famed, free-roaming macaque monkeys at the Apes Den.

HELPFUL HINTS

&bull Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

This unique tour combines a tour of Gibraltar’s unique sights with a sampling of its delicious Spanish culinary flavor. Setting out from the pier by panoramic coach, you’ll take a scenic drive out to Gibraltar’s unique airport runway, which doubles as the border between this small British colony and the Spanish mainland. Traveling on toward Catalan Bay along the colony’s eastern flank, you’ll admire spectacular views that reach all the way to Spain in one direction and Africa in the other. Passing the American War Memorial that honors Britain and America’s winning alliance in World War I and the Trafalgar Cemetery from far earlier, you’ll work your way toward the land’s very tip at Europa Point. From this viewpoint, with the coast of North Africa just 12 miles across the famous Strait, you’ll fully appreciate why this territory has always been of such strategic importance to the British Navy. Having drunk in all these sights, your next stop is at a local dining venue where you can sip a glass of wine and indulge in a delicious selection of traditional tapas. This colony may be English, but the cuisine is pure Mediterranean.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle back for a driving tour that circles Gibraltar in search of its most intriguing views.
• Drive the highway that crosses an airport runway and see Europa Point, from which North Africa is so close you can usually make out Morocco’s Rif mountains.
• Relax and enjoy a selection of traditional tapas and a glass of wine at a scenic local restaurant.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Join us for a delightful journey as we explore the dolphins and abundant sea life surrounding Gibraltar. This tour begins with a quick transfer by mini coach from the pier to the marina. Upon arrival, you will board your boat and sail to the Straits and Bay of Gibraltar. A resident naturalist will accompany the tour, and provide commentary on the region’s sea fauna, topography, and species you might encounter. Keep your eyes peeled for the dolphins that live in the area, including the striped and bottle-nosed dolphins. On rare occasions, whales may also be observed as they migrate through the Straits from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Whale species sighted in the area include sperm, fin, pilot, orca, and Minke whales. Next, the boat will then sail past the Europa Point Lighthouse to the eastern side of Gibraltar to view Gorham’s Cave. Afterward, you will reboard the mini coach for the return drive to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Look out for striped and bottlenose dolphins; occasional sightings of whales like sperm, fin, pilot, orca, and Minke.
• Guided by a resident naturalist sharing insights on sea life and local geography.
• Sail past Europa Point Lighthouse and view Gorham’s Cave from the water.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

If you prefer your Gibraltar with a minimum of walking, this outing fits the bill – and includes a true British cultural rite as well. You’ll experience a voyage across the town’s airport runway, one of the smallest in the world, and into Gibraltar’s Spanish Frontier. On a drive along Devil’s Tower Road, you’ll skirt The Rock’s magnificent north face. One gaze up at this towering wall of limestone, and you’ll see clearly why this tiny colony has presented would-be invaders with such an imposing obstacle for centuries. You’ll see the small fishing village of Catalan Bay on Gibraltar’s eastern shore and pass the American War Memorial that honors Britain and America’s alliance in World War I, along with the Trafalgar Cemetery from far earlier. From Europa Point on the peninsula’s southern tip, you’ll see historic Trinity Lighthouse and, on a clear day, glimpse the coast of North Africa just 12 miles across the famous Strait where Atlantic and Mediterranean waters meet. After this cavalcade of sights, the excursion proceeds to the renowned Rock Hotel to savor the quintessentially English repast: piping hot tea served with a tempting array of finger sandwiches, cakes and scones.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle back for a minibus excursion that delivers maximum Gibraltar with minimum walking required.
• Drive the highway that crosses an airport runway and see Europa Point, from which North Africa is so close you can usually make out Morocco’s Rif mountains.
• View the eastern Catalan Bay shore, skirts the base of the towering Rock itself, and salute a monument to the alliance that helped defend Europe during two World Wars.
• Savor a classic British tea with all the delicate trimmings, served at a landmark Gibraltar hotel.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Take a remarkably in-depth introductory drive around Gibraltar, occasionally pausing to explore landmarks such as the Trinity House Lighthouse and St. Michael’s Cave. After departing from the pier, you will soon pass through the historical Waterport Gates district and on to the Cross of Sacrifice war memorial. You will then cross Gibraltar’s unusual airport runway, the world’s only runway that bisects a major road, forcing cars to stop every time a plane lands or takes off. To the north lies the so-called frontier, the border between the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar and Spain. Then turning south, you will pass the former fishing village of Catalan Bay on the way to Europa Point. The lighthouse here was constructed in 1841 for vessels passing through the strait. The existing lantern features two LEDs while the original wick-oil lantern is on exhibit at the University of Gibraltar. The views from Europa Point are always spectacular, and if it is a clear day, you should be able to spot Africa. Another highlight will be St. Michael’s Cave, which was once believed to be bottomless, and adjoining Cathedral Cave, which is often used as an auditorium for concerts and even fashion shows. As you stroll through the cavernous interior, you may learn about the history of the cave, which was first inhabited in the Neolithic period. Finally on the return to the pier, you can expect to see the Rock of Gibraltar’s free-roaming Barbary Apes, a tailless species indigenous to Morocco and Algeria.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See Waterport Gates district, Cross of Sacrifice war memorial, and Catalan Bay.
• Drive across the only runway in the world that intersects a major road.
• Visit the 1841 Trinity House Lighthouse with stunning views.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a rolling Gibraltar excursion that visits landmarks closely tied to the history of this fortress colony. Your seasoned guide will provide backstories and insights about momentous events that took place over the centuries in this famously small, formidable outpost. First up is a visit to the sanctuary of Gibraltar’s oldest inhabitants, the tailless Barbary apes. You’ll get an up-close dose of their enchanting antics at the Apes’ Den, halfway up The Rock. A short drive further is historic Princess Caroline’s Battery and the entrance to the Great Siege Tunnels, carved out of solid limestone by the forerunners of the Royal Engineers in 1782-83 and still considered one of the most impressive defensive systems ever devised. You’ll take a fascinating walk inside, through Windsor Gallery to St. George’s Hall. Now, having learned much about The Rock, you can explore Old Town further independently or transfer back to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn of the momentous events that have made this strategic city famous throughout the world.
• Take a guided walk inside the Great Siege Tunnels, an enduring monument to British military engineering and ingenuity.
• Observe a troop of notoriously playful free-range Barbary macaques at the Apes’ Den.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Join us for this scenic and informative tour of the many fascinating sites found on the Rock of Gibraltar. The British-influenced, Rock of Gibraltar is situated in the Mediterranean Sea. The Rock was named in 711 AD, when it was captured by the Moorish chieftain, Tarik, and became known as the Rock of Tarik, or Gib el Tarik. After successive Moorish, Spanish and British invasions, its name was changed to Gibraltar. Depart the ship for a drive along Winston Churchill Avenue, passing the Cross of Sacrifice along the way. You will also see the airstrip, where only flights emanating from the UK are permitted to land. Next, you will drive down the Queen’s Road, home to panoramic vistas of the picturesque harbor, then up to St. Michael’s Caves, a series of underground chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Continue on for a visit to the Ape’s Den to view its collection of famous Barbary apes and tailless Moroccan monkeys. Popular legend has it that as long as the apes continue to thrive here, Britain will retain control of Gibraltar. When their population was threatened, Winston Churchill issued orders for the maintenance of the ape colony. To this day, there remains a designated Officer of the Apes, who feeds them at 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, daily.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn how Gibraltar got its name—from "Rock of Tarik" in 711 AD to its present-day name after multiple invasions.
• Travel along Winston Churchill Avenue and Queen’s Road with panoramic harbor views.
• See the famous Barbary apes and learn about their symbolic link to British control of Gibraltar.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.