Alghero

Guadalest enjoys a spectacular location, set high on a pinnacle and carved into the mountain. Declared a ‘Monument of Historical and Artistic Value’, it’s easy to see why so many tourists flock to this stunning village every year. A short guided tour takes you through the cobbled streets of this fairytale village and lets you enjoy the spectacular views. Head for the upper village, through a tunnel hewn out of the rock, on which the castle ruins and church’s distinctive belfry are precariously perched. Here, you’ll visit the tastefully restored ‘House of the Ordunas’ (the former overlords of the valley) before taking the spiral steps to the ruined castle and strolling to the cobbled village square.

Guadalest’s many craft and souvenir shops are sure to tempt you – you’ll have time to browse in the shops for handicrafts including ceramics, lace, olive-wood carvings and Lladro porcelain, to name but a few.

Enjoy a glass of locally produced Moscatel wine or some freshly squeezed orange juice during a photo stop in the mountainous outskirts of Guadalest.

Set in the heart of Costa Blanca, the World Heritage site of Elche is surrounded by thousands of palm trees, which were originally introduced by the Phoenicians in around 300 BC.

Enjoy a stroll along the paths between the lily-strewn ponds and the abundant plants, shrubs, trees and cacti in the Priest’s Garden. The Garden’s focal point is the magnificent 8 trunked ‘Imperial Palm’. Treat your taste buds to a specially-prepared tasting of local produce such as dates, fig bread, dried apricots and date liqueur, while you watch a demonstration of how a palm tree is pruned.

In the old town centre, a short visit will be made to the Basilica de Santa Maria. A delightful, blue-domed Baroque church, built in the 17th century and where the yearly passion play, the ‘Mystery of Elche’ is held.

Stroll through the tranquil Municipal Park before departing to Alicante to visit the Santa Barbara Castle, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. Apart from the interesting historical aspect, there are stupendous views over the City of Alicante and the coastline. Enjoy a panoramic drive back to the ship.

Explore the rugged beauty of inland Costa Blanca in an Anibal 4-wheel-drive vehicle. The spectacular route follows deserted country lanes and forest tracks, passing by almost forgotten mountain villages. Breathtaking climbs to the highest peaks of the region and dramatic drives through deep ravines make this a truly exciting day of adventure. This is your chance to get off the beaten track, stopping en route for photos of the fabulous scenery.

You will even have the chance to get wet at the Algar Waterfalls, by taking a dip in its refreshing waters.

Enjoy a typical Spanish lunch accompanied by wine, water or soft drinks. A truly memorable day ashore.

The pace of life on this transfer is entirely up to you. With a fabulous climate any time of the year, the choices are endless. Visit one of Benidorm’s vast expanses of fine golden sand beaches – Levante or Poniente, which have been awarded with European Blue Flags and are amongst the best in the world.

Take a stroll through the quaint, narrow streets of the old town, sit on the headland between the beaches, and enjoy the views from the lookout point. Shop in the souvenir stores or in the fashionable clothes and shoe boutiques.

If you are feeling energetic, why not hire a bicycle and head out into the hinterland or to the nearby Albir Beach. Alternatively, visit one of the theme parks or simply relax with a drink, soak up the sun and watch the world go by- the day is yours to spend as you please.

Depart Alicante through the villages into the hinterland and visit a little village called Novelda. Novelda is renowned for its sanctuary, modernist architecture and also one of the most promising vineyards in the Alicante region.

The impressive St Magdalena Sanctuary was built as part of a project undertaken by Novelda- based engineer, Jose Sala Sala. The building has taken on a Catalan Modernist style, likened to Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, and took 28 years to finish. Next to the Sanctuary you will find De la Mola Castle, an Islamic Fortress built in the late 12th century.

Located 787 feet above sea level, the Bodega of Heritat de Cesilia has been an important agricultural production centre in the area of the Medio Vinalopó for centuries. After a short presentation, enjoy a guided tour of the winery before tasting 2 different wines, accompanied by some nibbles. A panoramic drive passing the main squares and avenues of Alicante will be made before returning to the ship.

Hop on your bicycle just below the highest mountain peak in the area, suspended 4,500 feet above sea level. Experience the breathtaking views from the summit as you take a little time to get used to your bicycle before the pedalling begins.

Riding at your own pace and stopping along the way to admire the best viewpoints, your route descends approximately 20 miles on a glide down to the picturesque village of Orcheta. In the company of an experienced tour leader, enjoy the scenic beauty of the Costa Blanca as you cruise through rolling, lush pine forests and orange, lemon, almond and olive groves. Enjoy this beautiful Spanish village set upon the mountainside and tantalise your taste buds with tapas washed down with a refreshing glass of wine.

Visit the Moorish Castle of Santa Barbara, one of Europe’s largest medieval fortresses. Set high on Benacantil Hill, gaze down from the Castle battlements over the city and surrounding coastline. A panoramic drive then takes you down to the San Juan Beach, where you’ll stop for a refreshing glass of Sangria.

Explore the baroque-style Monastery of Santa Faz, with its pyramid-shaped dome. Inside the Monastery, you’ll find a relic brought from the Vatican in the 15th century which, as tradition has it, is actually a cloth used by Christ to dry his bloodied face during the Stations of the Cross.

A guided stroll takes you through the charming old Moorish quarter, nestling at the foot of the imposing Castle. The Cathedral Church of Saint Nicholas has an austere renaissance façade, and inside you’ll discover a magnificent 17th century nave and 15th century cloister. You’ll also see the impressive 18th century baroque Town Hall, where your guide will provide you with details of its imposing exterior before some free time.

On the beautiful palm-lined Esplanade of Spain, sample the delicious local specialty first introduced to Alicante by the Moors: ‘Horchata’, a sweetened milk of crushed tiger nuts.

Visit the Moorish Castle of Santa Barbara, one of Europe’s largest medieval fortresses. Set high on Benacantil Hill, gaze down from the Castle battlements over the city and surrounding coastline. A panoramic drive then takes you down to the San Juan Beach, where you’ll stop for a refreshing glass of Sangria.

Explore the baroque-style Monastery of Santa Faz, with its pyramid-shaped dome. Inside the Monastery, you’ll find a relic brought from the Vatican in the 15th century which, as tradition has it, is actually a cloth used by Christ to dry his bloodied face during the Stations of the Cross.

A guided stroll takes you through the charming old Moorish quarter, nestling at the foot of the imposing Castle. The Cathedral Church of Saint Nicholas has an austere renaissance façade, and inside you’ll discover a magnificent 17th century nave and 15th century cloister. You’ll also see the impressive 18th century baroque Town Hall, where your guide will provide you with details of its imposing exterior before some free time.

On the beautiful palm-lined Esplanade of Spain, sample the delicious local specialty first introduced to Alicante by the Moors: ‘Horchata’, a sweetened milk of crushed tiger nuts.

Set in the heart of Costa Blanca, the World Heritage site of Elche is surrounded by thousands of palm trees, which were originally introduced by the Phoenicians in around 300 BC.

Enjoy a stroll along the paths between the lily-strewn ponds and the abundant plants, shrubs, trees and cacti in the Priest’s Garden. The Garden’s focal point is the magnificent 8 trunked ‘Imperial Palm’. Treat your taste buds to a specially-prepared tasting of local produce such as dates, fig bread, dried apricots and date liqueur, while you watch a demonstration of how a palm tree is pruned.

In the old town centre, a short visit will be made to the Basilica de Santa Maria. A delightful, blue-domed Baroque church, built in the 17th century and where the yearly passion play, the ‘Mystery of Elche’ is held.

Stroll through the tranquil Municipal Park before departing to Alicante to visit the Santa Barbara Castle, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. Apart from the interesting historical aspect, there are stupendous views over the City of Alicante and the coastline. Enjoy a panoramic drive back to the ship.