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Iberian Coasts Cruise
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For your convenience, we offer you the option to purchase and reserve shore excursions in advance of your cruise. You may also book shore excursions aboard your cruise ship, but pre-booking guarantees your spot and allows you to avoid lines and hassle during your vacation.
If you book online, simply select the shore excursions of your choice. If you book by phone, tell our agent which excursions you'd like to book. If you wish to add the shore excursions to an existing reservation, please complete the shore excursions form and return the completed form via fax or email. You can pay for excursions with your final payment.
Depart from the vessel and drive to Castillo de Santa Barbara as your first stop. Alicante is the second most important city in the Valencian community and is located at the centre of the bay which bears its name, between the capes of la Huerta and Santa Pola. You will visit the Castle of Santa Barbara, located on the top of Mount Benacantil. Iberians, Romans and Arabs settled there. Its numerous rooms, towers and battlements mainly date from the 16th-17th centuries. You will walk through the Spanish Esplanade (Maritime harbor) and the historical centre; you will view Saint Mary's church and the Town Hall. You will then visit the Marq Museum which offers an interesting historic journey through Prehistory, Iberian Culture, Roman Culture and Middle Ages rooms. Its rooms contain pieces from 100,000 years ago, Iberian ceramics, a recreation of daily Roman life and over 300 objects from the Middle Ages. The museum also offers information on the archaeological sites of Lucentum, Petrarcos and Illeta. After the visit you will return to the ship.
On Monday calls the visit of the Marq Museum will be replaced with the Cathedral of St. Nicholas of Bari, one of the best examples of Spain's high baroque.
Depart from the vessel and drive to the Castle of Santa Barbara as your first stop. The Castle of Santa Barbara, a fortress containing moats, drawbridges and dungeons, offers a splendid panorama of Alicante and the coast. Enjoy the beauty of Esplanade de España, a lovely promenade running along the waterfront, before departing to Elche which has the largest palm forest in Europe and boasts the highest percentage of green space per inhabitant. Walking through the Municipal garden of Elche you will start to feel why Elche is the city in Spain with more green space per square meter, per inhabitant. This will be the first course before arriving at the Huerto del Cura (Orchard of the Priest), a unique botanical phenomenon with more than 300 different plant types, that includes a magnificent Imperial Palm said to be over 150 years old. Drive among the historic streets of Elche before returning to the vessel.
Enjoy an orientation of the city, showing you the many highlights of the city including the Olympic Stadium and surrounding area of Montjuic with panoramic views. You can view additional highlights of the city including Christopher Columbus monument, the houses of Gaudí and much more. You will be taken to the popular shopping area in Barcelona located at the top of Las Ramblas. Here you will find a wide variety of boutiques, shops,stalls and street entertainers including the department store El Corte Inglés.
Tour not available on Sunday calls, as all the shops are closed. It will be replaced by the Montserrat tour.
Your coach will depart the port along the famous Golden Quadrangle (main modernist highlights of Barcelona) in order to reach Park Güell. This work is of the greatest scope in terms of size which Gaudí realized in Barcelona, as it covers an area of 20 hectares. The park contains some architectural features and unusual power with a magnificent exhibition of ironwork and sculptures. Certainly, a fantastic visit!! Depart Park Güell and make your way to the Sagrada Familia to admire one of Barcelona's most important features and jewels of the famous architect Gaudí (the visit will be from the outside only). Leaving the Sagrada Familia, you will make your way to the Gothic Quarter. Based in the centre of Roman city established in the 1st century B.C., the Gothic Quarter is now one of the most complete surviving examples of medieval buildings, where you will admire the façade of the Gothic Cathedral and visit its adjacent Cloisters. Your last photo stop, before returning to the ship, will be outside the Olympic Stadium.
Your coach will depart from the pier and head to the Montjuïc Mountain where you will do a 10 minutes stop for panoramic view. You will then pass through the Olympic Ring, the Olympic Stadium and the Spanish Village, before arriving at the Football Stadium of FC Barcelona, the "Camp Nou". The Museum of the FC Barcelona occupies a surface of almost 4,000 m² and is formed by two plants. The first is divided into nine historical scopes that, ordered chronologically, correspond to nine stages of the life of the organization, covering a sports historical sample of the sections, a multipurpose room and an audio-visual. Here you will see references to the history of diverse complementary scopes dedicated to the Centenary, and to the Barça. The other is dedicated to the best goals of the blaugrana equipment. Also you will see the fantastic exhibition named "Footballart-Collection Pablo Ornaque" and a collection of sculptures. You will then visit the second floor and the temporary exhibitions. After visiting the Stadium and the Museum, you will have some free time for shopping. You will also have the opportunity to visit every corner of the stadium and get a first hand look at the places where day to day life takes place at the club and feel the magic of a five star venue. This tour will take you through the past and present of an emblematic stadium for both Barça supporters and other football fans alike. Follow in the footsteps of the players that have made history, such as Kubala, Cruyff, Maradona, Guardiola and Ronaldinho and feel the passion of FC Barcelona as you visit each of the fascinating zones: the presidents box, the press area, the changing room area and then down the tunnel and onto the pitch where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the stadium and really sense the dream of every Barcelona supporter, to feel for a moment just what it would be like to be a Barça player. After the visit, you will depart the Stadium and head to the Sagrada Familia, where a short stop for an outside visit will be made.
Barcelona's favorable location, in perfect harmony with its immediate surroundings, together with its ease of access and varied climate, make it a starting point for discovering new landscapes and enjoying contact with nature.
Your tour departs from the port passing through the Columbus monument, to reach the Catalunya Square, considered the heart of the city. From here, you will continue the panoramic drive along Passeig de Gràcia, the best known boulevard in town; here guides will also point you out one of the masterpieces of Gaudi's arquitecture: the Casa Milà or most known by Barcelonians "La Pedrera House" and Casa Batllo. Once the bus will reach Diagonal Avenue you will be driven to Montserrat, a peculiar rocky mountain range which is the site of the monastery where people come to worship "La Moreneta", the black Madonna who is the patron-virgin of Catalonia. The Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat was founded in the 11th century and is located in a natural park 60 km to the west of Barcelona. Besides visiting the Benedictine Abbey Monastery, you will admire also the Patron of Catalonia, Saint Mary of Montserrat that is worshipped at the shrine in the Monastery. The Benedictine community, now numbering some eighty monks, has served the shrine for almost a thousand years. They are dedicated to a life of prayer, working and welcoming pilgrims, making the site a place for dialogue, prayer and culture. Besides the monks, the escolans also live in Montserrat. They form the oldest boys choir in Europe. During the Montserrat stay and visit you will have the option to have a ride by your own on the Funicular of San Juan which goes up to the panoramic point from where you can admire beautiful views. Before leaving the site, you will visit the L'Espai audiovisual "Montserrat Portes Endins" and you will taste the typical liquors of Montserrat.
The journey between Barcelona and Montserrat is approx. 1 hour. Tour available only on Sunday calls. The tour includes visits to religious sites where knees and shoulders must be covered. Tour not recommended to passengers in wheelchairs.
Principal city in Morocco and capital in all but administration, Casablanca is now the largest port of the Maghreb busier even than Marseilles, the city on which it was modelled by the French. A visit of Casablanca city should include the central market, the Habous district, the Royal Palace, the Mohamed V square, the residential area of Anfa and a full tour of the famous Hassan II Mosque.
Departing from the pier you will stop at Mohamed V Square after passing by the United Nations Square. It's worth ducking into the Marché Central (Central Market) nearby, a high-class souk whose wares are offered to the locals, to catch a glimpse of the everyday life of the city. It's essentially a foodstuffs market, but there are handicrafts there as well. It's lively and vivid. If you had a place to cook, you could even buy a couple of turtles, for soup! Visit of the interior of Hassan II Mosque: built for the 60th birthday of former Moroccan King Hassan II, is the largest religious monument in the world after Mecca. It has space for 25,000 worshippers inside and another 80,000 outside. The 210 m minaret is the tallest in the world and is visible day and night for miles around. Drive through the sea side and residential area of Anfa. Stop at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church: a monumental concrete sculpture dating from the 1950s, lit by vast, stained-glass windows covering an area of 800 m². Visit of Habous district which seems as if it has been throbbing with activity since the dawn of time. Punctuated by attractive little shaded squares, narrow streets lined with arcades lead from one souk to another. Here, the coppersmiths shape teapots, cauldrons, chandeliers, vases, lanterns and trays... these are the bazaars bursting with all kinds of merchandise in all imaginable colours... on one side there is the curious and fragrant olive souk... on the other, the pastry shops piled high with appetising doughnuts, 'cornes de gazelles' and date cakes... rows of mechanical sewing machines being worked by men in djellabas... strange but wonderful antique shops selling fascinating and beautiful "objets d'art"... The Mahkama du Pacha, the sumptuous edifice which houses both the courts of justice and reception rooms for state occasions, is worth visiting. You will be given some free time for shopping.
The tour includes visits to religious sites, knees and shoulders must be covered.Shoes are not permitted in the Mosque.
The capital of a modern nation, Rabat symbolises the infinite variety of Morocco. Set in a rich, amber coloured landscape, dotted with distinctive nettle trees, it elegantly combines ancient history with modern culture. Arrival to Rabat and outside visit of the Royal Palace. The Kingdom's capital, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, has roots buried deep in a millennium of history - a city so often coveted by invaders in search of a strategic retreat. Yacoub El Mansour, the Almohad, erected his tents there in the 12th century, before the Merinids left their stamp there in their turn, raising the necropolis of Chellah upon the ancient Roman city of Sala. In the heart of the city stands the Tour Hassan, the last vestige of an unfinished mosque. Behind its marble columns, the Mohammed V Mausoleum engenders solemn respect and serene contemplation. Built on the banks of the Bou Regreg estuary, Rabat offers its visitors numerous flower-decked walks within earshot of the Ocean. The many fine edifices enclosed within its walls bear ample witness to its proud history as an imperial city. In the maze of streets making up the Oudaïas Kasbah, Islamic art rubs shoulders with the modern city. The result is a glittering mosaic, enchanting passers-by and answering to their every want. Trip back to Casablanca. Stop for shopping.
The journey from Casablanca to Rabat is approx. 1 hour 15 minutes.
Marrakesh, the imperial city which, at the dawn of its history, gave Morocco its name. The mightiest kings fought for it, a line of dynasties inherited it, sages, craftsmen, architects, painters and sculptors of all ages built magnificent palaces, mosques, gardens and Koranic schools. The Berbers and the Arabs come together here, to mingle with the nomads and the mountain people. Every imaginable commodity abounds, craftsmanship flourishes, and there are palaces, hotels, restaurants, golf courses and a casino. Marrakesh is the unchallenged capital of Southern Morocco. In the copper souk where the metal is worked by craftsmen following age-old traditions, their faces set in profound concentration. Or the Laghzal Souk, home of the wool merchants. Or in el Btana with its sheepskins. Or even in the hubbub of the Zarbia souk, where carpets and caftans are sold to the highest bidder. Drive to Marrakesh (approx. 4 hours with a 15 minutes stop for relaxation) and visit the Bahia Palace which was constructed within the Qasba of Marrakesh between 1894 and 1900 for Ahmed Ibn Moussa (known as Ba Ahmed), the son of the grand vizier of the 'Alawid ruler Muhammad IV. 'Abd al-Rahman (1859-1873). The palace was designed by the architect Muhammad al-Mekki of Marrakesh and is set within extensive gardens. Its large, rambling plan includes a mosque in addition to several tiled courts surrounded by lavishly decorated reception halls and private quarters. The palace's decorative programme consists of carved stucco, carved and painted woodwork, and glazed ceramic tiles. These elements visually connect the palace to themes and techniques adapted from the Nasrid palace architecture of Spain and elaborated in Moroccan architecture. The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakesh. The minaret was completed under the reign of Yacoub el-Mansour (1184-1199) and was used as a model for Giralda of Sevilla and for the Hassan Tower of Rabat. It is considered the ultimate structure of its kind. The tower is 69 m in height and its lateral length is 12.8 m. Six rooms, one above the other, constitute the interior; leading around them is a ramp, by way of which the muezzin could ride up to the balcony. The tower is adorned with four copper globes. According to legend, they were originally made of pure gold and there were once supposed to have been only three. The fourth was donated by the wife of Yacoub el Mansour as compensation for her failure to keep the fast for one day during the month of Ramadan. She had her golden jewellery melted down, to fashion the fourth globe. Lunch at local Moroccan restaurant with Moroccan folklore and belly dancer. After lunch, an interior visit of the medina and souks with approximately 20 minutes shopping stop and some free time at the Djamma El Fna Square will be given. Trip back from Marrakesh to Casablanca.
Principal city in Morocco and capital in all but administration, Casablanca is now the largest port of the Maghreb busier even than Marseilles, the city on which it was modelled by the French. A visit of Casablanca city should include the central market, the Habous district, the Royal Palace, the Mohamed V square, the residential area of Anfa and a full tour of the famous Hassan II Mosque. Departing from the pier, you will stop at Mohamed V Square after passing by the United Nations Square. Visit of the interior of Hassan II Mosque: built for the 60th birthday of former Moroccan King Hassan II, is the largest religious monument in the world after Mecca. It has space for 25,000 worshippers inside and another 80,000 outside. The 210 m minaret is the tallest in the world and is visible day and night for miles around. Drive through the sea side and residential area of Anfa. Stop at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church: a monumental concrete sculpture dating from the 1950s, lit by vast, stained-glass windows covering an area of 800 m². Visit of Habous district and the Mahkama du Pacha: the sumptuous edifice which houses both the courts of justice and reception rooms for state occasions is worth visiting. You will then drive to Rabat. The capital of a modern nation, Rabat symbolises the infinite variety of Morocco. Set in a rich, amber coloured landscape, dotted with distinctive nettle trees, it elegantly combines ancient history with modern culture. Outside visit of the Royal Palace and overview of the necropolis of Chellah rising upon the ancient Roman city of Sala. In the heart of the city stands the Tour Hassan, the last vestige of an unfinished mosque. Behind its marble columns, the Mohammed V Mausoleum engenders solemn respect and serene contemplation. In the maze of streets making up the Oudaïas Kasbah, Islamic art rubs shoulders with the modern city. The result is a glittering mosaic, enchanting passers-by andanswering to their every want. Lunch in Rabat or Mohamedia. Trip back to Casablanca. Stop for shopping.
The tour includes visits to religious sites where knees and shoulders must be covered. Shoes are not permitted in the Mosque. The journey from Casablanca to Rabat is approx. 1 hour 15 minutes.
The Rock of Gibraltar nearly 500 m above the sea level is reputed to be one of the legendary Pillars of Hercules, with its policemen, pillar boxes and pubs, the Rock is still staunchly British overlooking the entrance to the Mediterranean. On this tour you will cover the chief sights and still leave time for shopping in Main Street, the hub of this Duty Free Port. From the quayside you will initially drive towards the runway of the airfield to reach the British/Spanish Frontier.
The tour will then proceed towards the southern most point of Gibraltar, Europa Point and the sight of the only Trinity Lighthouse outside Great Britain. Here you will alight from your transport to take some photographs of the panoramic views of the busiest shipping lane in the world, the mingling of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean and two continents. You will then proceed to the upper Rock area and to St. Michael's Cave where you will be able to appreciate a mass of strangely shaped stalagmites and stalactites. The strains of classical music drift through this enormous Gothic style cavern. The Rock Apes spring to mind at the mention of the Rock of Gibraltar and there is where your next stop will take you. These tailless monkeys are endearing creatures with a penchant for handbags to say nothing of cameras and hats. (Please note they are animals and are not to be touched, however friendly they may seem.) On continuing the tour you will travel via the upper Rock area to exit the Nature Reserve passing by the Moorish Castle and the tower of Homage that still bears the scars of Battle. Finally you will enter the upper town area. You will drive down to the Main Street at which point the tour transport will, at your request, either return back to the vessel or drop you off in town to take advantage of the duty free range of shops.
Please note if you request to be dropped off in town you will then be responsible for making your own way back to vessel. The excursion will be carried out with an MP3 Audio.
From the quayside you will take a short coach transfer to the location of your Pleasure Cruiser on which you will be able to combine seeing the world’s favourite animal with one of the most visually spectacular and historic bays in the world - all the makings of an unforgettable cruise on board Dolphin World, Europe’s top dolphin watching trip. Dolphin World also incorporates a live commentary on the world of the dolphin, and the history and landmarks of Gibraltar-a unique Rock Tour by sea on the life and times of this famous British colony. On returning to the berth, your transport will be available to return you to your vessel.
Departing from the pier this tour will take you to the major coastal city of Andalusia: Málaga. This amazing city was found in the 8th century by the Phoenicians. It is crisscrossed by broad thoroughfares, numerous museums and the Gibralfaro Castle. The tour will take you on a panoramic drive through Málaga, and then you will drive up to the Gibralfaro Castle, built in the first half of the 14th century by Yusif I. Caliph of Granada. It is located on a hilltop overlooking the city, offering a commanding view of the whole town, the bay area and the mountains. You will take the best pictures of Málaga from here. To continue with the tour, your guide will take you on a walking tour through the heart of the town until the majestic Cathedral of Málaga. It was built between 1528 and 1782 on or near the site of a former mosque. While original plans had allowed for two towers, lack of funds resulted in the completion of only one, giving rise to the name by which the cathedral is affectionately referred to: La Manquita, loosely interpreted as "one armed woman". The cathedral has an 18th century Baroque façade, while the interior is both Gothic and Renaissance. The highlights are the 17th century carved choir stalls, fine pictures and the 103 individually carved saints. You will also pass by the Roman Theatre, the Alcazaba and the famous Plaza de la Merced. You will then have a nice glass of wine or a drink in a typical bar in the centre of Málaga, taking part in the sparkling, local night life. You will then return to the ship.
The Alhambra of Granada (694 m above sea level), a fortress from the 9th century, is perched on a hill overlooking Granada and it comprises two principle parts; the fortress and the Nasrid Palace with the lush gardens. It is one of the most remarkable castles ever constructed and it boasts architectural splendour and lush surroundings. Delight in a visit of the lush gardens of the 14th century Generalife (740 m above sea level), the summer palace of the Kings of Granada, with its cool, green, terraced water gardens and splendid panorama it commands the Sierra Nevada, the Darro Valley and the gypsy haunts of Sacramonte. Marvel at the Nasrid Palace, constructed around the Myrtle and Lion Courts in the 14th century. Catch sight of the Mexuar, rooms formerly used for government and judicial administration. Adjoining these you will glimpse the beautiful Myrtle Court (de los Arrayanes) and the Barca Gallery. Take pleasure in the tall domed ceiling of the legendary Abencerrajes Gallery, where the noble Abencerraje family was murdered and admire the Sala de los Reyes, with a fine selection of ornate paintings. Before returning to the ship you will indulge in a snack (merienda) and you will have some free time.
Passengers taking this tour will rejoin the ship in Almeria. The journey from Malaga to Granada and from Granada to Almeria is approx. 1 hour 45 minutes each way.
For 2,600 years, Marseilles has been an important port city. From Massalia, the Phocean city, to Marseilles "gateway to the East", the maritime adventure and the rapid expansion of trade in the 19th century are evoked from the Old Port. The large historic buildings representing many political and religious symbols which tell the story of the city can be seen on this itinerary. They are all there: Saint Victor Abbey, Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, the cathedrals, Palais Longchamps and the famous Old Port with The Canebière. You can also see all of the large residences, villas and mansions. The exceptional site of the Corniche: architectural surprises, extravagance or elegance, Frioul islands, If Castle and splendid views of the sea can be seen everywhere.
Aix is a town of water and a town of culture. Its history has been shaped by its spas and by the arts. Whether in the narrow streets of the old town, in the moss of its numerous fountains, on the pediments of mansions or in the surrounding countryside, the glorious past of Provence's former capital has been miraculously preserved. Aix en Provence is also the town of the tempestuous writer Mirabeau and famous painter Paul Cézanne. You should start by visiting University Square and Saint Sauveur Cathedral facing it. This building was first founded in the 4th century and then gradually modified in the Romanesque style. A few yards away, there are 12th century cloisters with admirable arcades and columns. A little further on are the magnificent Town Hall and the Clock Tower with its splendid astronomical clock. You then continue until you reach Cours Mirabeau, an elegant avenue lined with plane trees and Café fronts. This avenue delimits the aristocratic part of the town, the Mazarin quarter (17th - 18th centuries) where everything is luxurious and beautiful: flamboyant mansions with enormous grounds behind high walls and finely chiselled statues on the pediments of the buildings. Take time to stroll around the pedestrian streets, taste the famous Calissons and relax on the shaded café terraces. Please note that the journey from Marseilles to Aix en Provence is approx. 40 minutes.
At the cross-roads of Europe and Africa, of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Tangier opens the door onto Morocco. Look, listen and smell: the diversity of the bustling crowds, the heavy fragrances in the markets, the murmurs of the sea and city blending together - a feast of sensations that stuns the senses. There is still an air of mystery about the city, going back to the time when Tangier was an international zone. "Tangier the white", the star of many films, the city of many stars - The city you fall in love with. Via the mountain road, lined by magnificent villas and lovely gardens, you head towards Cape Spartel, set along the Atlantic Coast with its striking lighthouse built in 1860. Here, stop briefly to marvel at the view from this north-westerly point of Africa. Enjoy a visit of Hercules Caves, where legend says that he rested after separating Gibraltar from Africa! You will then drive back and explore the fascinating city of Tangier on foot, strolling along the mysterious winding streets and souks of the Medina, stopping to barter for that essential souvenir and to admire the beautiful handicrafts.
At the crossroads of Europe and Africa, of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Tangier opens the door onto Morocco. Look, listen and smell: the diversity of the bustling crowds, the heavy fragrances in the markets, the murmurs of the sea and city blending together - a feast of sensations that stuns the senses. There is still an air of mystery about the city, going back to the time when Tangier was an international zone. "Tangier the white" , the star of many films, the city of many stars - The city you fall in love with. Many are those who came here just to visit and then decided to settle permanently. Since its foundation, Tangier has been coveted by many different people and many different powers. Conquered, won back, liberated - but its power of seduction remains the same. It attracts tourists from all over the world, as well as Moroccans enchanted by its refreshing climate. You set out to conquer Tangier, but you are the one who will be conquered. Drive to Ahlen Village for a stop at the Fantasia show, while enjoying some of Morocco's local performers you can quench your thirst on soft drinks, water or Moroccan tea including varieties of cookies. After the Fantasia show, you will drive back to Tangier city and begin a walking tour along the narrow paths of the medina towards la Kasbah. Stroll through the medina and souks animated the whole day long by the local people and tourists doing shopping, admiring the exhibited objects, etc. Afterwards you will visit the museum Dar el Makhzen which dominates the Tangier Kasbah. Formerly the governor's palace, it was built in the 17th century and is laid out around a splendid patio decorated with enamelled faience. The Museum of Moroccan Arts is housed in the prince's apartments which are indeed princely: painted wooden ceilings, sculpted plaster work and mosaics, all of them exquisite. A worthy setting for works of art from all over Morocco, which are honoured as prestigious ambassadors of their regions. The north is represented by firearms decorated with marquetry and its pottery bearing subtle motifs of flowers or feathers, while from Rabat come the shimmering carpets with their characteristic central medallion, the Fez room is quite dazzling, silks with their subtly shifting highlights, superbly bound illuminated manuscripts with the finest calligraphy, centuries-old dishes decorated in the most brilliant colours, from golden yellow right through the famous "Fez blue". From the miniscule to the monumental, the Moroccan Museum of Arts is an entire universe of beauty. Drive back to the harbor.
* Prices shown are good while inventory lasts, may reflect an early booking discount, and do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee.
Though we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our site about our tours, sometimes oversights and typographical errors can occur. Please confirm all tour prices and details with us via email or phone prior to booking. We will not be held responsible for misunderstandings arising from such errors.
TourCode: d-000
