The Rock Revealed - BEST SELLER
Only in Gibraltar for half a day? See the main highlights and still have time for independent shopping or a cable car ride.
Only in Gibraltar for half a day? See the main highlights and still have time for independent shopping or a cable car ride.
See Gibraltar’s oldest and most famous residents – the apes – at close quarters. The semi-wild apes roam freely around the slopes at this viewpoint and you can usually get some great photos. Please remember the apes are wild animals – do not be tempted to touch or feed them and please watch your belongings as they have been known to take things.
St. Michael’s Cave is a large natural cavern filled with uniquely formed stalactites and stalagmites. It is said that this bottomless cave is linked to Africa by a 15-mile-long passage under the straits.
Located on the southern tip of Gibraltar at Europa Point, Trinity Lighthouse is still in use and its light can be seen from a distance of 30 miles.
At the end of your tour, you can either be dropped off at Main Street for shopping, or at the Cable Car Station, where you can take a ride independently to the Top of the Rock (cable car payable direct). Alternatively, you’ll be taken directly back to the ship.
Secrets of the Rock
What better way to discover the Rock’s fascinating attractions than with a guide, who’ll bring the stories of Gibraltar to life.
What better way to discover the Rock’s fascinating attractions than with a guide, who’ll bring the stories of Gibraltar to life.
As you rise up towards the Top of the Rock Station on a cable car ride, enjoy views of the town, across to Africa and over to Spain. You’ll walk from the Top of the Rock down to St. Michael’s Cave with your guide, who will point out views and places of interest along the way. Marvel at the amazing stalactites and stalagmites in St. Michael’s Cave.
Think of Gibraltar and the apes come to mind! The Rock’s most popular tourist attraction are the tail-less apes that roam about freely, much to the delight of photographers. Please note they are wild animals, and are not to be touched or fed however friendly they may seem.
Take a guided walk of approximately 45 minutes through the unique system of the Great Siege Tunnels, carved through solid limestone. 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.
Dolphin Watch
Ever been dolphin watching? This is your opportunity to seek out these fascinating creatures – an experience not to be missed.
Ever been dolphin watching? This is your opportunity to seek out these fascinating creatures – an experience not to be missed.
Dolphin watching not only gives you the opportunity to get out into the fresh air on a boat trip in the Bay, but the thrill of seeing dolphins swimming playfully alongside the boat and leaping in the waves is unforgettable.
Your experienced captain and crew will point out the different species of dolphin found in these waters – the Common Dolphin, the Striped Dolphin and the Bottle-nosed. These mammals breed in the sheltered waters, which are rich in food, and young dolphins can often be seen – always a great attraction!
Sailing back towards the Rock, your captain will point out key landmarks and give you some interesting snippets about Gibraltar.
Afterwards, a coach will be waiting to take you back to the ship. Time permitting, you may opt to walk into town (500 metres away). In this case you will be responsible for making your own way back to the ship.
Panoramic Gibraltar & English Tea
This leisurely option provides a perfect introduction to Gibraltar followed by a spot of English tea!
This leisurely option provides a perfect introduction to Gibraltar followed by a spot of English tea!
A relaxing drive north will take you across Gibraltar's unique runway to the border between this small colony and Spain. You won’t make a stop here but as we drive by there’s a great opportunity to view this remarkable border and the Spanish mainland beyond.
Proceeding along the outskirts of town and passing the American War Memorial and the Trafalgar Cemetery, you’ll soon reach Europa Point. Admire the fine views from this vantage point, of the coast of North Africa, 12 miles across the famous Straits of Gibraltar. From here, you will appreciate why this territory was, and continues to be, of such strategic importance to the British Navy.
Relax and enjoy refreshments at the renowned Caleta Hotel. From this location overlooking a Genoese fishing village, you will be able to admire the spectacular views to Spain and North Africa. Take in the scenery as you savour a delightful tea accompanied by a tempting selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes.
Fortress Gibraltar
Follow in the footsteps of the world leaders of WWII on this guided walk through the intricate network of tunnels in the Rock.
Follow in the footsteps of the world leaders of WWII on this guided walk through the intricate network of tunnels in the Rock.
Enjoy the views of the most southerly point in Europe, site of the Trinity Lighthouse.
Step back in time to the year of 1940. Britain was at war with Germany and Italy and the future of Gibraltar looked bleak. A decision was taken by Winston Churchill and the British Military leaders to construct a massive network of tunnels. Experience these World War II Tunnels as your guide takes you on a journey through this amazing fortress. Visit the areas that housed the hospital, power station, military headquarters and accommodation for nearly 10,000 troops and civilians.
On a clear day, the views of Spain are spectacular from Jock’s Balcony lookout point. You’ll have free time to enjoy the display of photographic images, depicting life as it was in the 1940’s.
Alameda Gardens and Cable Car
Stroll around beautiful Alameda Gardens before capturing some fantastic views of the Rock from an exciting cable car ride.
Stroll around beautiful Alameda Gardens before capturing some fantastic views of the Rock from an exciting cable car ride.
Delight in the wonderful collection of plants at Alameda Gardens. The gardens are an important conservation project and house a collection of plants from around the world as well as displays of local flora. Join your guide as they point out the various plants, sights and wildlife whilst guiding you through its fascinating history.
Gibraltar’s Cable Car is the island’s only purpose-built tourist attraction. Enjoy a ride up to the very top of the Rock and marvel at the breath-taking views. At the Cable Car top station take advantage of the restaurant and bar as well as cloakroom facilities. Visitors are free to wander independently around the many terraces and enjoy the splendid views of the city of Gibraltar to the west, the Coastline of Africa to the south, the Spanish Mainland to the north and the blue waters of the Mediterranean to the east.
Don’t miss your chance to do some shopping back in Gibraltar’s Main Street. Your tour ends at the bottom station of the cable car where it is just a 5 – 10 minute walk to the main shopping area. You will have free time to explore the many shops selling everything from sunglasses to Chinese linen, alternatively, you may choose to relax in a pub or café in the Irish Town pedestrian area, before making your own way back to the ship.
Enchanting Ronda
Located on a huge rocky cliff, the charming town of Ronda is one of the most spectacularly placed cities in Spain.
Located on a huge rocky cliff, the charming town of Ronda is one of the most spectacularly placed cities in Spain.
Cross the Gibraltar frontier and travel along the coast, through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Southern Spain, to reach the ancient, fortified mountain top town of Ronda. Situated some 2,300 feet up in the Serrania de Ronda Mountains, this wonderfully picturesque town offers a perfect combination of art, history and beauty.
At approximately 500 feet deep, the Tajo Gorge is one of Ronda’s best known attractions and separates the old town from the new. The gorge is spanned by a spectacular Roman Bridge from which, it is believed, bandits were thrown to death on the rocks below. On both sides of the gorge are cliff hanging houses and hotels which look as if the slightest push would plunge them into the gorge.
The old part of town retains its Moorish influence and is where the Arab baths are found. Explore the narrow streets and many historically interesting buildings here. In the new part of town, you can take the opportunity to wander through the shopping streets, gardens and visit the oldest bull ring in Spain.
With free time to enjoy some lunch and browse the shops, a trip to Ronda will leave you with lasting memories.
Marbella and Puerto Banus
Spend a day at the ultra stylish resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus for an ideal combination of sun, sea, sand and shopping!
Spend a day at the ultra stylish resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus for an ideal combination of sun, sea, sand and shopping!
Drive across the Spanish border and along the coastal road to Marbella, home of the jet set of the Costa del Sol. On arrival, you will have free time to roam the narrow cobbled streets of the old town and relax in elegant Orange Square with its attractive open-air cafes. The town is a delight to explore with its spotlessly clean streets, squares and plazas. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities with many large shops and stores spread throughout the town. Or you may simply wish to enjoy the excellent beaches and soak up the rays.
Back along the coast is Puerto Banus, Marbella’s most renowned and ostentatious marina. You will stop here in the afternoon for free time to enjoy the boutiques, bars and restaurants, set around luxury hotels, apartments and yachts.
After your day at two of the largest resort towns in the Costa del Sol, you will return across the Gibraltar frontier, back to the ship.