EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

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.

Casablanca es la ciudad más grande de Marruecos y un centro de comercio famoso en todo el mundo. Visita el mercado central donde hay cientos de puestos llenos de vegetales cultivados en la zona, carnes, mariscos y también artesanías. Después sigue tu recorrido hasta la nueva Medina de Casablanca y el barrio Habous con su arquitectura árabe-islámica. Verás la fachada del Palacio Real y cruzarás el barrio y el colorido mercado de aceitunas a pie. Recorre el barrio residencial de Anfa con tu guía, quien te mostrará el lugar donde se celebró la Conferencia de Casablanca durante la segunda guerra mundial. The main highlight of Casablanca is the famous Hassan II Mosque; stop here for an inside visit of this great architectural masterpiece. This is the world's largest religious monument after Mecca and its minaret is the tallest. You'll have some free time at United Nations Square for more photo opportunities or even some shopping.

OVERVIEW

Gaze at spectacular vistas from the hilltop ruins of Agadir’s Old Quarter. Travel along a splendidly scenic route to the enchanting earthen remains of the ancient Kasbah, which offers a sweeping panorama of the city’s beautifully broad avenues and sandy beaches. You’ll appreciate ample time to explore and photograph the amazing sights of the verdant Souss River Valley, the rolling Anti-Atlas Mountains and the intriguingly stark Tichka Plateau. Return to bustling Agadir, once a conglomeration of Berber and Jewish hamlets, and stop at Medina Coco Polizzi; a village built to commemorate the old city of Agadir which was destroyed during the earthquake in 1961. Designed by master craftsman Coco Polizzi, this medina impresses with its architecture. Inspired by ancient Moroccan constructions as well as superb buildings from around the world, it was erected in accordance with nature and the traditions of the kingdom. Relish a guided tour of the colorful Souk El Had, also known as the Sunday Market. You’ll be afforded the opportunity to seek out one-of-a-kind souvenirs, such as a thuya wood box, painstakingly crafted from the native cypress tree mentioned by Saint John in the Book of Revelation.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Embark on a scenic drive and explore the incredible ruins of Agadir’s ancient Kasbah.
• Discover stunning views of the Souss River Valley, the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the Tichka Plateau.
• Explore the Coco Polizzi Medina where you will find a spectacular place, respecting the ancestral architecture of Souss Massa.
• Take an illuminating guided tour of the bustling Souk El Had marketplace.
• Shop for wonderful souvenirs including rare thuya wood boxes made from the mountain cypress tree.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

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.

Stroll through the atmospheric streets of the Old Quarter on the way to a flamenco venue, where you will watch a mesmerizing flamenco performance that tells a passionate story. After walking from the pier, you will continue at a leisurely pace toward the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Quarter, which the Phoenicians founded in the 12th century. Being the oldest continuously occupied city in Western Europe, Cadiz exudes history, as you will soon discover in the Plaza of San Juan de Dios, a square that originated in medieval times.

As you meander the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter, you will pass one architectural treasure after another. Highlights may include the Neoclassical-style Cadiz Cathedral, which boasts a tile dome that appears Moorish, and Calle Ancha, a wide boulevard that is considered the heart of the city. In time, you will arrive at Taberna Flamenco La Cava, a flamenco venue that showcases the art of flamenco. Before taking your seat, be sure to notice the photos on the wall of some of the most acclaimed flamenco performers in the past 50 years. UNESCO honored flamenco by recognizing it on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Andalusia, especially Cadiz, is the heartland of flamenco, an electrifying art form that fuses expressive songs, passionate dancing and emotional music. To enhance your immersion into the local culture, you will be served traditional tapas that may include Serrano ham and Manchego cheese.

A drive to the southern part of the Lanzarote will take you past the picturesque villages of Macher and Uga and cross black lava streams before arriving at the Timanfaya National Park, a natural museum of unique beauty. Bizarre craters, streams of lava, and fields of ashes are mixed here with a nearly unrealistic lunar landscape, all formed during the last eruption in the 18th century. Upon arrival to Islote de Hilario, a crater with the highest surface temperatures in the region, you’ll experience still-existing activity not far underground as you gather around for the fun demonstrations. The geothermal energy is so strong that water gushes up and dry weed catches fire within seconds. At the restaurant El Diablo, food is cooked on a natural grill powered by the heat within the earth below.

Board a coach to embark on a tour of the Fire Mountains called "Lunar Route" which goes deep inside the heart of the National Park and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Through a recorded narration, you’ll learn about the history of the volcanic eruptions and see how slowly life conquers the inhospitable landscape with very few endemic plants. From here you’ll drive to the wine-growing area of La Geria where the locals have modified grape-growing through the centuries in order to preserve the vines from the harsh natural elements and provide a special cultivation for the grapes that produce the famous Malvasia wine. These vines are grown inside dimple-like craters and surrounded by volcanic stone semi-circles (called Zocos), built for each individual vine to provide much needed protection from the fierce winds. After this photo stop you’ll return to your ship.

An orientation tour of some of the city highlights, with free time to explore on your own, grab a bite or shop gives you the perfect combination of a guided tour and at-will exploration. Always a favorite, Seville offers a wide variety of compelling and famous sights. Enjoy a panoramic drive with a brief photo stop at Plaza de España.

Follow your guide on a stroll through the old Jewish Santa Cruz Quarter with its labyrinth of narrow streets, wrought iron-grilled windows, whitewashed buildings and tiled patios. Renowned as the largest place of worship in Spain and one of the largest in the world, the Cathedral of Seville boasts an impressive exterior, together with La Giralda, an imposing 322-foot tower, formerly a Moorish-style minaret from a mosque that once stood on this site.

Enjoy approximately 3 hours of free time to explore on your own. Lunch is not included, to allow you maximum flexibility. Be tempted by one of the many cafes and restaurants within the area.

Enjoy a brief look at the fabled city of Granada and visit the notable landmark, Capilla Real de 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 visit, you'll walk back to your awaiting coach and make the drive back to the pier in Motril where your tour concludes.

Your day starts with an approximate 1 1/2 hour drive to Rabat, the diplomatic capital of Morocco. Discover Rabat’s rich history and see its major treasures. Admire the majestic exterior of the Royal Palace built in 1864. Explore the archaeological site of Chellah, an ancient Phoenician city. Excavations uncovered the remains of “Decumanus Maximus” its principal way, a forum, monumental fountain, triumphal arch and other important ruins. Visit the Mohamed V Mausoleum, where the father of Moroccan independence is buried. You’ll also see Hassan Tower, one of the prestigious architectural heritages of the Almohad dynasty. After lunch at a typical Moroccan restaurant, continue to the Kasbah of Oudaya, a quiet and picturesque spot with white and blue houses nestled in the heart of bustling Rabat. Stroll through its charming pathways, it’s beautiful Andalusian garden and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this historic site on the banks of the Bou Regreg River. Back in Casablanca, you’ll have an orientation tour of the city including a photo stop at the Hassan II Mosque. Time permitting, you'll have some time for shopping at United Nations square.

You’ll journey to the southern part of the island passing the picturesque villages of Macher and Uga and cross a huge black lava stream to get to the Timanfaya National Park. At the Visitors Center, you’ll learn about the volcanic phenomenon in Lanzarote. There are various exhibition rooms, each equipped with different interpretative resources. Then, it’s off to Timanfaya National Park, a natural museum of unique beauty. Bizarre craters, streams of lava, and fields of ash are mixed here with a nearly unrealistic lunar landscape, all formed during the last eruption in the 18th century. Upon arrival to Islote de Hilario, a crater with the highest surface temperatures in the region, you’ll experience still-existing activity not far underground as you gather around for fun demonstrations.

The geothermal energy is so strong that water gushes up and dry weed catches fire within seconds. At the restaurant El Diablo, food is cooked on a natural grill powered by the heat from the earth below. Board the coach to embark on a tour of the Fire Mountains called "Lunar Route" which goes deep inside the heart of the national park and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Through a recorded narration you’ll learn about the history of the volcanic eruptions and see how slowly life conquers the inhospitable landscape with very few endemic plants. Continue to the valley of La Geria where the famous Malvasia grape is cultivated. Here you’ll be able to taste the wine produced from the grapes that grow in deep holes surrounded by semicircular volcanic stone walls that protect the delicate vines from the strong winds.

Next, stop will at Mancha Blanca Village to enjoy a buffet-style lunch at Los Dolores Restaurant. Then continue to the Mirador del Rio viewpoint, built into the precipice of the Famara Mountains and also designed by Cesar Manrique. From the steep cliffs you’ll appreciate fantastic views (weather permitting) of the small island of La Graciosa, Montaña Clara and Alegranza. Drive through the northern area of the island known for its volcanic tunnels, product of strong eruptions that have carved caves and passages, to the town of Guatiza; and visit an extraordinary botanical space: the Cactus Gardens. Designed by renowned local artist César Manrique and set within a former volcanic quarry. It showcases over 4,500 cactuses from around the world, beautifully integrated into the island’s unique environment, respective the unbreakable bond between art and nature that can be felt in all Manrique´s works.

OVERVIEW

Exult in astonishing views from the hilltop ruins of Agadir’s Old Quarter, delight in signature folkloric entertainment at a famed restaurant and stroll through a diverse marketplace where you’ll enjoy time to shop. Travel along a splendidly scenic route to the enchanting earthen remains of the ancient Kasbah, which offers a sweeping panorama of the city’s beautifully broad avenues and sandy beaches. Appreciate ample time to explore and photograph the amazing sights of the verdant Souss River Valley, the rolling Anti-Atlas Mountains and the intriguingly stark Tichka Plateau. At the renowned Agadir Fantasia restaurant, relish a drink under the shelter of a unique caidal tent as you watch a thrilling performance featuring Moroccan dancers, acrobats and magnificent horses. Revel in a guided tour of the colorful Souk El Had, also known as the Sunday Market. You’ll be afforded the opportunity to seek out one-of-a-kind souvenirs such as a thuya wood box, painstakingly crafted from the native cypress tree mentioned by Saint John in the Book of Revelation. As you roam the pleasant alleyways of the souk, reflect on the unforgettable cultural experiences of your day.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Embark on a scenic drive and explore the incredible ruins of Agadir’s ancient Kasbah.
• Discover stunning views of the Souss River Valley, the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the Tichka Plateau.
• Take in a celebrated show of traditional dance and majestic horses at the Agadir Fantasia restaurant.
• Savor an illuminating guided tour of the bustling Souk El Had marketplace.
• Shop for wonderful souvenirs including rare thuya wood boxes made from the mountain cypress tree.

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

OVERVIEW

Meander through the atmospheric streets of an elegant city known as the Grandmother of Marrakech, discover Moroccan spices in an authentic Berber marketplace and enjoy time on your own to shop for local treasures. As you drive through the lush landscape of the Souss River Valley, keep your eyes peeled for the singularly whimsical sight of goats perched on the branches of argan trees. Admire the ochre-hued walls that encircle Taroudant, which was built as a base for attempted takeovers of its newer neighbor, the stronghold of Marrakech. You’ll begin your guided tour at the magnificent enclosed ramparts that lead to the Place Assaraq, or Big Area, whose bustling streets and winding alleyways are filled with donkeys, also called Berber taxis, and even the occasional dromedary. Stroll to the colorful souks, where you’ll learn about the use of spices in traditional cuisine and view craftspersons hard at work producing highly prized argan oil. Indulge in free time to shop for precious goods including jewelry, Berber carpets and coveted, aromatic thuya wood. At the Palais Oumensour relax over light refreshments as you relish the distinctive culture and history surrounding you.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Thrill at the chance to spot goats amusingly standing atop branches of the beautiful argan tree.
• Discover the incredible culture and history of Taroudant, known as the Grandmother of Marrakech.
• Appreciate a guided tour through beguiling souks and learn about spices used in Berber cuisine.
• Take time to shop for amazing local wares and witness the production of famed argan oil.
• Linger over refreshments at the Palais Oumensour.

HELPFUL HINTS

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