EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

This interesting tour allows you to appreciate the turbulent history of this amazing Fortress that is Gibraltar.

Meeting your guide at the pier, you will transfer directly to the Cable Car Base station where modern technology does all the hard work for you as you are transported to the Top Station, perched at the very summit of "The Rock". The magnificent panorama that will open out before you is sufficiently breathtaking to make you forget that you are suspended in mid-air.

In the company of an experienced and knowledgeable guide, you will learn of the momentous events that took place over the centuries that have made this small outpost famous throughout the world.

The Top Station is located on the site of an old gun emplacement last used during the Second World War.

Here your guide will walk you around the terraces and introduce you to the geography of this British colony at the entrance to the Mediterranean. You may also take the opportunity to use the restrooms, look around the Souvenir shop and Restaurant or simply wander around the former anti-craft battery site. Your guide will now accompany you back to the Cable Car for a short ride to the Middle Station and the sanctuary of Gibraltar's oldest inhabitants, The Rock Apes. These tail-less monkeys (macaca sylvanus) are roaming free. Many legends surround these monkeys and your guide will brief you as to their origin. Keep your possessions close. Remember they are wild animals. Please do not touch or feed them.

After enjoying your encounter with the Apes and their enchanting antics you will again board you coach for a five minute drive north until we reach Princess Caroline's Battery and the entrance to the Upper Galleries, or the Great Siege Tunnels.These are a system of tunnels carved out of solid limestone. The works were commenced on the 25th of May 1782 by the forerunners of the Royal Engineers and today they stand as a monument to their ingenuity and engineering. We shall walk through Windsor Gallery, to St. George's Hall. This is a fascinating experience ignored by most visitors to the Rock. As you leave the Great Siege Tunnels you will see the runway built during the Second World War with rocks hewn out of these and other tunnels inside the Rock.

A short drive will then take you to see the first buildings ever constructed by the British in Gibraltar which now house the Gibraltar "A City Under Siege" exhibition. Here the visitor will see the hardship endured by the inhabitants of the Rock in times of great need when the relentless sieges failed to re-conquer Gibraltar - The Gateway to the Mediterranean. A short distance away you will pass by the Moorish Castle built in 1333 by the Moors, who spearheaded their invasion of the Iberian Peninsula from Gibraltar in 711 AD. This impressive Tower still bears the scars of Battle.

From here your tour proceeds to the Gibraltar Museum, entrance is included in your program. Opened on the site of the old Moorish Baths it will amaze you with the enormous amount of artefacts that are on display. Available to all, there is an optional 15-minute Film show depicting the evolution that has taken place in Gibraltar over the past 200 thousand years.

Your tour is now coming to its end and the choice of leaving you in the busy town center or returning back to the vessel is completely yours. Should you wish to remain in town you will be responsible in making your own way back to the ship.

Begin with a short transfer to the cable car station for the scenic ride to the top of the Rock; it's only a short ride, but the panorama opening out before you is sufficiently breathtaking to make you forget you are suspended in mid-air. Enjoy scenic views of Catalan Bay, before striding along a wooded path to St. Michael's Cave to admire what was a source of wonderment even in Roman times. Neolithic inhabitants are known to have lived here much earlier.

From here, you will proceed towards the home of Gibraltar's most respected residents, the "Barbary Apes", where you will have an opportunity to photograph these playful macaques. Continue on to Princess Caroline's Battery and the entrance to the Upper Galleries. This labyrinth of tunnels inside the Rock includes the Great Siege Tunnels. They represent arguably the most impressive defensive system devised by man. Excavated during the Great Siege of 1779-83, they allowed the mounting of gun emplacements along the north face of the rock towards enemy positions.

Your tour concludes with a transfer back to the pier, passing the Tower of Homage of the Moorish Castle, the duty-free shopping area and Main Street. A stop will be made for those guests who wish to remain in town for shopping or independent exploration.

Setting off from the pier, you will enjoy a scenic drive to Gibraltar's unique airport runway, which also serves as a border between this small British colony and the Spanish mainland beyond. From here, you will then travel toward Catalan Bay which offers spectacular views that reach all the way to Spain and North Africa.

Retracing your steps, you will proceed along the outskirts of town, passing the American War Memorial and the Trafalgar Cemetery while on your way to Europa Point. From this viewpoint you can admire panoramic views of the coast of North Africa which lies just 12 miles across the famous Straits of Gibraltar. This setting also enables visitors a full appreciation of why this territory was, and continues to be of such strategic importance to the British Navy.

Your final stop before returning to the pier is at a local dining venue where you can indulge in a delicious selection of traditional tapas. Relax and take pleasure in the inviting scenery as you enjoy your these typical Mediterranean snacks and a glass of wine.

This tour makes for a truly unforgettable experience, combining seeing one of the most visually spectacular and historic bays in the world, along with viewing playful dolphins.

You will begin with a short ride to the marina where you will board your boat for the scenic cruise within the Bay of Gibraltar. Along the way, you will learn about the world of dolphins as well as the history and landmarks of Gibraltar as seen from the sea. Few people are aware that Gibraltar is one of the best places in the world to view cetaceans all year round - the local waters being home to three species of dolphins, several species of whales, flying fish, turtles and sun fish.

Dominated by a huge mass of limestone rock, riddled with caves thought to be at least 135 million years old, Gibraltar has a fantastically varied history. The Rock has always been of special significance by the civilizations that have occupied it. Its physical shape and geographical location makes it one of the world's strategic crossroads, and it has been of great importance to both Muslims and Christians. Your tour today gives you a unique, up-close look at this impressive landscape from the surrounding sea.

Upon retuning to the marina, you may transfer directly back to the ship or elect to remain in town and do some shopping or further explore Gibraltar on your own. Those who remain in town will be responsible for making their own way back to the ship.

Your outing begins as your minibus travels across the town's airport runway, one of the smallest in the world, and then heads toward Gibraltar's Spanish Frontier.

Continuing along Devil's Tower Road, skirt the base of the Rock's magnificent north face. As you gaze up the towering wall of limestone, you will understand why this tiny colony has presented would-be invaders with such an imposing obstacle.

Soon, you will reach the eastern edge of Gibraltar's peninsula, watching as the small fishing village of Catalan Bay comes into view. This storied place is where the original Genoese immigrants chose to settle during the Napoleonic Wars.

Beyond the outskirts of town, pass the American War Memorial and the Trafalgar Cemetery on your way to Europa Point. From this spectacular vantage point, you can see the Trinity Lighthouse. On a clear day, you can even glimpse the North African coast, a mere 12 miles across the Strait of Gibraltar.

From here, proceed to the renowned Rock Hotel for a true taste of British culture: hot tea and a tempting array of sandwiches, cakes and scones.

Return to your ship following your relaxing repast.

This tour takes you off the beaten-track and allows you to experience the lesser known side of Gibraltar.

Starting off from the pier, it's a 20-minute drive around the Bay of Gibraltar, taking in the spectacular scenery of this unique outpost that straddles two continents, as you make your way to the edge of a Natural Cork Forrest Park. En route, a brief photo-stop at El Mirador allows you to capture some of the wonderful views before reaching the cork farm.

Tucked away at the edge of the forest you will find a typical Andaluz farmhouse that dates from 1797 and features an inviting patio and an array of old barns. The farmhouse is part of a family-run cork and cattle farm and during your visit you will be shown how the cork bark is harvested from the oak trees, using a centuries-old method to create the perfect cork bottle-stopper. Andalucia produces half the world's cork and this area boasts a very special, high quality cork that is sold to the international wine trade market.

While you are here, you will also have the opportunity to observe the deep red local Retinto breed of cattle which is raised on the farm. Retinto cattle is recognized as one of Spain's purest breeds. After a short stroll through the forest, you will be treated to local tapas and a glass of wine. You may also want to visit the farm's traditional shop that features local products such as leather and cork goods, excellent quality olive oils, sherry wines and beautiful handcrafted souvenirs.

At the conclusion of your visit, you will reboard your coach and travel back to the pier.

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.

One will be able to appreciate the turbulent history of this Fortress on this tour. In the company of an experienced and knowledgeable guide, you will learn of the momentous events that took place over the centuries that have made this small outpost famous throughout the world.

Your tour begins with a drive to the sanctuary of Gibraltar's oldest inhabitants, The Rock Apes. These tail-less monkeys (macaca sylvanus) are roaming free. Many legends surround these monkeys and your guide will brief you as to their origin. After enjoying your encounter with the Apes and their enchanting antics you will again board you coach for a short drive north until we reach Princess Caroline's Battery and the entrance to the Upper Galleries, or the Great Siege Tunnels.

These are a system of tunnels carved out of solid limestone. The works were commenced on the 25th May 1782 by the forerunners of the Royal Engineers and today they stand as a monument to their ingenuity and engineering. Stroll through Windsor Gallery, to St. George's Hall. This is a fascinating experience ignored by most visitors to the Rock. As you leave the Great Siege Tunnels you will see the runway built during the Second World War with rocks hewn out of these and other tunnels inside the Rock.

A short distance away you will pass by the Moorish Castle built in 1333 by the Moors. From here your tour proceeds to the Gibraltar Museum. Opened on the site of the old Moorish Baths it will amaze you with the enormous amount of artifacts that are on display. Available to all, there is an optional 15-minute Film show depicting the evolution that has taken place in Gibraltar over the past 200 thousand years.

Your tour is now coming to its end and the choice of leaving you in the busy town center or returning back to the vessel is completely yours. Should you wish to remain in town you will be responsible in making your own way back to the ship.

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.