SHORE EXCURSIONS

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 an overview of this legendary city’s best known attractions, including buildings of Mudejar and Gothic architecture, lovely parks and the bullring. Departing the port, your sightseeing drive will take you along Alameda Boulevard en route to the hilltop location of Gibralfaro. As you walk along the ramparts crowning the 560 foot high summit, admire splendid views of the city, harbor and the bullring. Then your coach will take you back down to the Plaza de la Merced for a short walk to the Alcazaba. At the foot of this ancient fortress, view the excavated ruins of a Roman amphitheater.

The restored Alcazaba dates back to the 11th century when the king of Granada ordered the fortress built and modeled on the style of the Alhambra. After the Christian conquest, the Catholic kings took over the Alcazaba and King Philip IV used it as his residence when visiting Malaga. Leaving the Alcazaba, your walk continues to the cathedral. You’ll admire its fabulous interior, the exquisitely carved choir stalls and other fine examples of Spanish Renaissance sculpture.

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 learn how to grill sardines on an open fire. The fishermen of this village use wooden boats, known as jábegas, the origin of which 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.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a panoramic drive up to Gibralfaro Castle with time for photo stop.
• Stop in a beachfront restaurant known as a chiringuito for a cooking demonstration.
• Watch fresh sardines being grilled over an open fire and eat them right off the skewer.

OVERVIEW

Spend free time shopping along elegant Calle Larios before settling in for a traditional lunch at El Pimpi, a restaurant that Malaga-born actor Antonio Banderas co-owns. As an introduction to the city, you will enjoy a guided tour of landmarks such as the Alcazaba, a palatial fortress that dates to the 11th century. You will also view the exterior of the Malaga Cathedral, whose planned second tower was never completed, giving rise to the cathedral’s nickname “the one-armed woman.” It lies within the historic district as does the pedestrian-only Calle Larios, a shopping paradise that is also Malaga’s most expensive residential area. You will dine nearby at El Pimpi, whose name refers to a folkloric character that was a city guide for visiting sailors. Although the menu – named for Malaga-born Picasso – changes seasonally, it will likely include potato salad with prawns, local fried fish and acorn-fed Iberian tenderloin pork, all complemented by unlimited wine.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See Malaga’s landmarks on an enlightening tour of the historic district.
• Shop along the exclusive pedestrian-only street Calle Larios.
• Dine at El Pimpi, a restaurant that actor Antonio Banderas co-owns.

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

Spend hours relaxing however you please at the fashionable beach in Torremolinos, an enticing resort town on the affluent Costa del Sol. The beach has been designated a Blue Flag, meaning it meets stringent environmental criteria for cleanliness and water quality. During your time there, you might stretch out on a sun bed, lie in the shade of beach umbrella, stroll the lengthy shoreline and take a refreshing swim in the sea. The fine golden sand is one of its most attractive features making it one of the favorite stretches of coast for residents and tourists alike. The beach is also exceptionally wide so you can easily find your own slice of paradise on it. If you wish to explore the surrounding area, the seaside promenade is lined with shops and restaurants.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax for hours at a popular beach in the resort town of Torremolinos.
• Take comfort in knowing that the beach has a Blue Flag designation for being eco-friendly.
• Do whatever you please at the beach, which is long, wide and fashionable.
• Take full advantage of the provided sun beds and beach umbrellas.
• Stroll the seaside promenade, a hub for shopping and dining.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Ride through the streets of Malaga in a tuk-tuk and stop along the way for tastings at destinations that are abuzz with activity. The tuk-tuk – an open-air rickshaw of sorts for just four passengers – will offer a unique perspective of the landmarks, which will become all the more meaningful as the driver describes them. While visiting a popular beach bar, you can choose a favorite drink that pairs well with a skewer of grilled sardines, which are known as espetos. These locally caught fish are typically prepared with a light seasoning of sea salt and olive oil and cooked over an open fire. Your immersion into Andalusian cuisine will continue with a plate of tapas at a tavern. Although the ingredients vary with the season, they often contain fresh seafood such as prawns, octopus and anchovies. For the ultimate sweeping view of Malaga, you will enjoy another drink at a rooftop bar.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride around Malaga in a four-passenger open-air vehicle known as a tuk-tuk.
• Sit back and enjoy the scenic urban landscape while the driver describes the attractions.
• Stop along the way to sample local specialties such as a grilled sardines and tapas.
• Toast the occasion with drinks at each destination.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Survey glorious Granada at your own pace, visiting locations of your choice, on this independent exploration. Settle in for a relaxing drive to elegant Granada’s city center, where you’ll revel in approximately three hours to do as you please. You may choose to explore the glorious Alhambra and its stunning Generalife gardens or the labyrinthine streets and plazas of the historic Albaicín neighborhood, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Perhaps you’ll visit the marvelous Cathedral of Granada and its adjacent Royal Chapel, final resting place of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand, or just wander the enchanting medieval streets in search of a perfect keepsake. However you decide to spend your generous free time, the dazzling sights and sounds of extraordinary Granada are certain to stir your soul.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy ample time for independent exploration in resplendent Granada • View the city’s spellbinding UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Alhambra and Albaicín.
• Choose to visit the extraordinary Cathedral of Granada and Royal Chapel.
• Shop for unique handcrafted items such as leather goods, hammered metalwork and pottery.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• If you plan to visit a religious venue, dress appropriately; shoulders and knees must be covered.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Malaga, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie tutor will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Malaga, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Gibralfaro Castle
• Plaza de la Higuera
• Malaga Cathedral
• Roman Theater
• Alcazaba
• Pompidou Centre museum
• City Hall

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Malaga.
• Follow tips from your selfie tutor to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Enjoy sweeping views of Malaga from the viewpoint of Gibralfaro Castle.
• See Malaga Cathedral, nicknamed the “one-armed woman” for its single tower.
• Stand in front of the multi-colored glass cube of the Pompidou Centre art museum

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

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.