SHORE EXCURSIONS

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.

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.

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 relevance of ancient alchemy as it applies to present-day life at Al-Huerta, a farm that promotes healthy habits and environmental education. The farmers recognize how classic symbols of alchemy such as air, water, fire and earth affect human life and agriculture. They rely on these influences to grow organic citrus, teach visitors how to make natural remedies, and strive to improve the environment and achieve a healthier, more balanced life. While walking through Al-Huerta’s orchards and gardens, which were designed to reflect Andalusian alchemy, you will learn about the plants’ medicinal and culinary uses. You will also gain insight into the ways that organic farming increases biodiversity and enriches the environment. During the laboratory workshop that follows, you too will practice a bit of alchemy by extracting essential oils that are often found in perfumes and cosmetics.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Recognize how ancient alchemy may influence present-day life and agriculture.
• Discover the benefits of the eco-friendly agricultural practices at Al-Huerta farm.
• Gain insight into the many medicinal and culinary uses of the plants grown there.
• Learn to extract essentials oils in the farm’s laboratory workshop.

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

Enjoy an enlightening walk through an eco-friendly citrus orchard and then settle in for a breakfast made with organic ingredients. The setting for your immersion into healthy living Andalusian-style will be Al-Huerta, a farm that also serves as a center for environmental education. Your host will explain the sustainable agricultural techniques that improve the fertility of soil, heal degraded ecosystems and provide habitat for a variety of animals, including hedgehogs and indigenous birds. You will notice aromatic wild plants—some medicinal, others used for cooking—growing freely among the citrus trees. There are also orchards of fruits trees such as mangoes and avocados. The farmers follow a philosophy of social responsibility and encourage visitors to seek a more balanced lifestyle. Feel free to discuss the workings of the farm over breakfast, which will likely include fresh juices, organic coffee, herbal-infused olive oil and homemade bread from a wood-fired oven.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Walk through a citrus orchard where eco-friendly agricultural practices are followed.
• Become familiar with the benefits of sustainable agriculture for humans and animals.
• Enjoy a breakfast of organic juices, herbal-infused olive oil and homemade bread.

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

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.

Spend hours relaxing as you please at Los Alamos Beach, a gorgeous stretch of sand on the edge of Torremolinos. It won’t take long to reach the beach, so you will have all the more time to enjoy the setting. Long and wide with fine golden sand and typically light waves, Los Alamos is exceptionally popular. You might take a refreshing swim in the sea, meander along the shore and stroll along the paved promenade that follows the beachfront. Feel free to do nothing more ambitious than lie in the sun without a care in the world. Or you might just relax in the shade and read if that suits your mood. The ambiance at Los Alamos Beach is wonderfully inviting as plenty of amenities are nearby, yet you can easily find a spot to yourself on the sand. Because of its popularity, the beach is a great place to people-watch.

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

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.

Browse a museum devoted entirely to Malaga-born Pablo Picasso before savoring a lunch of artistically prepared Andalusian dishes. You will first enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Gibralfaro lookout, an introduction to Malaga that will be greatly enhanced by closer looks at landmarks such as the Alcazaba fortress on the way to the museum. There, you will see a remarkable collection of Picasso’s most representative works from various periods. They include masterpieces of Cubism, innovative ceramics and the artist’s personal take on the classics. Your lunch at the nearby restaurant Los Patios de Beatas will be just as memorable. Located in two back-to-back palazzo-style houses in the Old Quarter, the restaurant couldn’t be more atmospheric. Although the cuisine is classic Andalusian, the chef has reconceived it with unexpected garnishes, seasonings and accompaniments. You can expect the meal to be extraordinarily imaginative, much like the works of Picasso.

HIGHLIGHTS
• View a collection of ground-breaking works of art, all by Malaga-born Pablo Picasso.
• Enjoy a delectable lunch that pushes the boundaries of classic Andalusian cuisine.
• See Malaga from atop the Gibralfaro lookout and while driving through the Old Quarter.

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

OVERVIEW

Watch a rousing flamenco performance and savor a traditional Andalusian lunch at Venta Luciano, a family-owned restaurant-club that opened in 1956. A wonderfully scenic drive along southern Spain’s sun-splashed Costa Tropical will bring you to this beloved venue in the town of Almuñécar. Over the years, it has hosted some of flamenco’s greatest performers and the scheduled Aires de Sacromonte show will be star-studded, as well. Once you settle into your seat, the flamenco performance will begin with all the flair and passion associated with this centuries-old art form. You can expect it to be mesmerizing as the performers tell emotional stories through song and dance. As the perfect complement, you will enjoy tapas and cava sparkling wine as starters and a hearty meal made with locally sourced ingredients for a true taste of Andalusia. Besides sangria, white Zacatín and red Lindaraja Roble wines from the award-winning Fontedei winery will be served.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the seaside panoramas as you drive along the Costa Tropical, a subtropical paradise.
• Watch an expressive and emotional flamenco performance at Venta Luiciano.
• Savor traditional tapas and an Andalusian lunch with sparkling cava and other local wines.

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.

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.