Alicante Kreuzfahrten

Dieser Ausflug richtet sich an alle, die sich für Geschichte, Kultur und lokale Traditionen interessieren und führt uns in die pulsierende Stadt Alicante mit ihren Bauwerken und den belebten Straßen, der malerischen Strandpromenade und den Zeugnissen ihrer Bedeutung als Hafenstadt. Den Abschluss dieses Spaziergangs bildet eine erfrischende Verkostung von "Horchata de chufa“, einem Mandelmilchgetränk aus Erdmandeln.

• Panoramatour durch Alicante
• Stierkampfarena und Mercado Central
• Castillo de Santa Bárbara
• Altstadt von Alicante: Calle Labradores und Rambla de Méndez Núñez
• Explanada de España, Strand von Postiguet und Parque de Canalejas
• Verkostung von "Horchata de chufa"
• Zeit zur freien Verfügung

• Wir verlassen den Hafen in Richtung Zentrum von Alicante und beginnen die Erkundung mit einer Panoramatour. Alicante wurde von den Römern gegründet und ist mit seiner Lage am Mittelmeer eine sehr beliebte, pulsierende Stadt. Als erste spanische Stadt erhielt es 1851 eine Bahnverbindung nach Madrid und wurde damit zum wichtigsten Seehafen für die Hauptstadt.
• In Begleitung eines Reiseführers, der uns die Geschichte der Stadt erläutert, führt uns unser Rundgang zur Stierkampfarena, der Plaza de Toros, wo Stierkämpfe, Konzerte und Veranstaltungen unterschiedlichster Art stattfinden, und zur Markthalle Mercado Central, wo in einer mitreißenden Atmosphäre fröhlichen Treibens frische lokale Produkte angeboten werden.
• Wir bewundern das prächtige Castillo de Santa Bárbara, eine der größten Burgen im gesamten Mittelmeerraum in Bezug auf Fläche und Anzahl der Gebäude. Mit ihrer Lage am Berg Benacantil, von dem sie einen Großteil des Hanges einnimmt, dominiert sie die Stadt von ihrem 180 Meter hohen, aufs Meer gerichteten Felsausläufer von oben.
• Wir setzen unsere Tour in der Altstadt von Alicante fort, die um die Calle Labradores und die Einkaufsstraße Rambla de Méndez Núñez entstand und auf den Fundamenten der antiken Verteidigungsmauern errichtet wurde. Hier konzentriert sich heute das Nachtleben der Stadt.
• So erreichen wir die Explanada de España. Diese lange Promenade erstreckt sich parallel zum Ufer und besteht aus mehr als sechseinhalb Millionen kleinen Mosaiksteinchen aus Marmor (den "azulejos“) in den Farben rot, weiß und schwarz, die so verlegt sind, dass sie ein Wellenmotiv darstellen, eines der bekanntesten Motive von Alicante.
• Im Schatten der Palmen, die die Explanada säumen, flanieren wir zwischen den zahlreichen kleinen Verkaufsständen, die sich für gewöhnlich hier befinden. Dabei sehen wir den Strand von Postiguet am Nordende der Promenade, und am anderen Ende der Promenade den Park Parque de Canalejas mit seinem Fischmarkt, der zur wichtigsten Ausstellungshalle Alicantes umgebaut wurde.
• Auf der Explanada machen wir eine Pause und kosten die berühmte „Horchata de chufa“, ein für diese Region typisches Erfrischungsgetränk aus Wasser, Zucker und Erdmandeln.
• Nach dieser Erholungspause haben wir noch ein wenig Zeit für einen Spaziergang auf eigene Faust, bevor wir zum Schiff zurückkehren.

Die Faszination der Berge und der Vergangenheit: bei diesem Ausflug erleben wir atemberaubende Panoramen und ein malerisches Bergdorf, das trotz seiner geringen Größe einen Reichtum an Geschichte, Kultur und Traditionen zu bieten hat, den wir erkunden werden.

• Spaziergang durch das Dorf Guadalest
• Pfarrkirche
• Casa Orduña
• Strand von San Gregorio
• Freizeit
• Horchata-Verkostung im Herzen von Alicante.

• Transfer mit dem Bus nach Guadalest, einem kleinen mittelalterlichen Dorf mit weißen Häusern und mit Steinen und Flusskieseln gepflasterten Straßen, das sich über die Berge der Region Marina Baixa erhebt.
• Wenn wir in Guadalest ankommen, machen wir einen angenehmen Spaziergang durch das Dorf. Zwischen den Häusern und Plätzen können Sie wunderschöne Ausblicke auf die umliegenden Berge, den flussabwärts gelegenen See, der das wichtigste Wasserreservoir der Region darstellt, und die kleinen Dörfer bewundern, die die Landschaft prägen.
• Wir besuchen die Pfarrkirche, die im 18. Jahrhundert im Barockstil erbaut und José Sierra zugeschrieben wird. Wir betreten die Casa Orduña, die der gleichnamigen Adelsfamilie gehörte, wo Sie prächtige antike Möbel, Gemälde aus dem 18. Jahrhundert und eine interessante Keramiksammlung bewundern können.
• Der Spaziergang endet auf der Plaza San Gregorio, dem neuralgischen Punkt der kleinen Stadt, von wo aus Sie einen spektakulären Panoramablick auf den Guadalest-See genießen können.
• Wir haben Freizeit, bevor wir nach Alicante zurückkehren.
• Bei unserer Ankunft in Alicante machen wir einen kurzen Halt, um Horchata zu probieren, eine süße und erfrischende Delikatesse, die typisch für die Region ist. Hergestellt aus Erdmandeln, Wasser und Zucker.
• Mit dem Bus zurück zum Schiff.

Wir besuchen die Universitätsstadt Murcia, einst Siedlung des arabischen Kalifats, Bischofssitz, kultureller Anziehungspunkt und Handelszentrum: ein ebenso zauberhafter wie vielseitiger Ort, an dem jeder auf seine Kosten kommt.

• Stadt Murcia
• Glorieta de España
• Kathedrale Santa Maria (Besichtigung von außen) * Kirche San Juan de Dios und angegliedertes Museum (Besichtigung von außen)
• Plaza Cardenal Belluga: Rathaus und Bischofspalast
• Calle Trapería und Casino (Besichtigung von außen)
• Zeit zur freien Verfügung

• Mit dem Bus fahren wir vom Hafen ins Landesinnere nach Murcia. Diese 825 n. Chr. unter dem Namen Madina Mursiya vom Kalifen von Cordoba gegründete Stadt ist heute vor allem eine Universitätsstadt, deren Wirtschaft überwiegend auf dem Dienstleistungssektor basiert.
• Der Bus setzt uns an der Glorieta de España ab, einem der belebtesten Plätze von Murcia, dem wahren Zentrum der Stadt. Hier können wir wunderschöne mit Blumen bepflanzte Grünflächen und Brunnen mit Wasserspielen bewundern.
• Unser erstes Ziel ist die Kathedrale Santa Maria, die wichtigste Kirche der Stadt. Sie wurde ab dem 14. Jahrhundert an dem Ort errichtet, an dem sich einst eine arabische Moschee befand, und zeigt zahlreiche Elemente aus der Renaissance und dem Barock, während im Innenraum der gotische Stil vorherrscht. Die imposante prunkvolle Hauptfassade gilt als eines der Meisterwerke des spanischen Barock.
• Anschließend gehen wir zur Kirche San Juan de Dios, die sich ganz in der Nähe der Kathedrale befindet. Sie wurde an dem Ort errichtet, an dem die antike muslimische Festung stand, von der auch heute noch einige Reste zu sehen sind. Sie besteht aus sechs miteinander verbundenen Kapellen und ist mit einer reich verzierten Kuppel versehen.Das angegliederte Museum der Kirche San Juan de Dios ist eine Außenstelle des Museums für Schöne Künste von Murcia (MUBAM) und beherbergt wichtige Sammlungen religiöser Malerei aus dem 15. bis 20. Jahrhundert.
• Dann spazieren wir durch die Altstadt und sehen uns die wichtigsten Bauwerke der Stadt an, angefangen mit der Plaza Cardenal Belluga, wo wir das Rathaus und den Bischofspalast mit seiner Rokoko-Fassade und dem wunderschönen Hof bewundern können, zwei echte architektonische Juwele der Stadt.
• Wir gehen weiter zur Calle Trapería, einer der charakteristischsten und exklusivsten Straßen in Murcia, wo die ersten Bekleidungsgeschäfte mit importierter Ware entstanden, und besichtigen das historische Casino (von außen).
• In der freie Zeit, die wir dann zur Verfügung haben, können wir bei einem Einkaufsbummel in den Boutiquen stöbern, durch die malerische Altstadt schlendern oder in einem der typischen Restaurants der Altstadt zu Mittag essen.
• Am Ende des Ausflugs steigen wir wieder in den Bus, um zum Schiff zurück zu fahren.

Eine Panoramatour, die teilweise im Bus und teilweise zu Fuß durchgeführt wird, um die künstlerischen und natürlichen Schönheiten zweier malerischer Städtchen, eines am Meer und eines im Hinterland. Abgerundet wird dieser Ausflug durch einen Besuch des prachtvollen Castillo de Santa Bárbara.

• Panoramatour durch Alicante
• Explanada de España und Parque de Canalejas
• Elche: Huerto del Cura und die wichtigsten Monumente
• Spaziergang durch den Gemeinschaftsgarten von Elche
• Spaziergang durch das Zentrum von Alicante
• Castillo de Santa Bárbara

• Wir verlassen den Hafen in Richtung Zentrum von Alicante und beginnen die Erkundung mit einer Panoramatour an Bord eines Busses.
• So erreichen wir die Explanada de España. Diese lange Promenade erstreckt sich parallel zum Ufer und besteht aus mehr als sechseinhalb Millionen kleinen Mosaiksteinchen aus Marmor, die so verlegt sind, dass sie ein Wellenmotiv darstellen.
• Wir bestaunen den Parque de Canalejas, den ältesten Park der Stadt mit riesigen, uralten Bäumen, die die Bewunderung der Spaziergänger stets aufs Neue auf sich ziehen.
• Unser Bus bringt uns anschließend nach Elche und unterwegs bewundern wir dessen ländliche Umgebung mit typischen Mandel-, Granatapfel- und Dattelgärten.
• Es geht weiter mit dem Besuch des Huerto del Cura, eines exotischen Gartens, in dem viele prächtige Exemplare besonders seltener Palmenarten vertreten sind.
• Wir bewundern die charakteristischsten Monumente von Elche, wie den Torre Calahorra, den Palacio de Altamira und die Basílica de Santa María.
• Zu Fuß erreichen wir den Gemeinschaftsgarten von Elche, der sich am Rand des berühmtesten Palmenhains befindet und wo wir die Gelegenheit haben, uns zu entspannen und zwischen den Bäumen zu spazieren.
• Wir fahren zurück, um durch die Innenstadt von Alicante zu flanieren und bewundern die Außenseiten der wichtigsten Monumente der Stadt, wie die Concatedral de San Nicolás.
• Abgerundet wird unser Ausflug mit einem Besuch der Burganlage Castillo de Santa Bárbara, einer mittelalterlichen Festung, die sich 166 m über dem Meer auf dem Monte Benacantil befindet. Von ihren Bollwerken aus genießen wir eine fantastische Sicht auf die Stadt mit ihren monumentalen Bauwerken und auf den Küstenstreifen.

Wir verbringen einige entspannende und unterhaltsame Stunden in Benidorm und genießen die Schönheit und die vielen Attraktionen, die diese Stadt zu bieten hat, die zu den bekanntesten Badeorten der Costa Blanca zählt.

• Costa Blanca und Benidorm
• Weiße Strände und kristallklares Meer
• Shopping, Entspannung und Unterhaltung

• Im Bus fahren wir nach Benidorm, einen der schönsten und am besten erschlossenen Badeorte an der Costa Blanca, nicht weit von Alicante.
• Die urbane Entwicklung seit den 1960er Jahren hat aus dem einstigen kleinen Dorf eine pulsierende moderne Stadt mit florierender Hotel- und Tourismusindustrie und eindrucksvollen Gebäuden und Wolkenkratzern gemacht, die Benidorm Spitznamen wie „Manhattan von Spanien“ und „Beniyork“ einbrachten. Die Strände mit feinstem weißen Sand, das klare Wasser und das angenehme Klima, das hier das ganze Jahr über vorherrscht, aber auch die qualitativ hochwertigen Anlagen und Dienstleistungen haben aus Benidorm ein beliebtes Urlaubsziel gemacht.
• Nach der Ankunft haben wir drei Stunden zur Verfügung, um alle Highlights dieser Stadt auf uns wirken zu lassen: nicht nur Meer und Strände, sondern auch zahlreiche Geschäfte und Einkaufszentren, in denen Einkaufsliebhaber die Qual der Wahl haben zwischen Souvenirs, Markenkleidung führender Hersteller und typisch lokalen Produkten.
• Wer ein kleines Spielchen wagen möchte, kann das elegante Casino von Benidorm besuchen, während es für diejenigen, die es etwas entspannender mögen eine große Anzahl Bars und Cafés gibt, in denen man ein Getränk mit Blick auf die endlose Weite des Meeres genießen kann.
• Nach dem Aufenthalt bringt uns der Bus zurück zum Schiff.

Ein Abenteuer durch die Sierra de Aitana umgeben von unbefleckter Natur: Dieser Ausflug führt uns über wunderschöne Panoramapfade, um ein wenig bekanntes und doch unglaublich faszinierendes Ausflugsziel zu entdecken.

• Panoramen der Costa Blanca
• Sierra de Aitana
• Trekking auf dem Aitana
• Rast in Finestrat

• An Bord unseres Busses fahren wir Richtung Benidorm und genießen während der Fahrt die malerischen Panoramen der Costa Blanca.
• Unser Endziel ist die Sierra de Aitana, eine Bergkette mit einsamen Tälern, die zu den spektakulärsten unbefleckten Gebieten Spaniens zählt.
• Der höchste Gipfel ist der Aitana, dem das Gebirge seinen Namen verdankt, thront in 1558 m über dem Meer und genau hier beginnen wir unser Abenteuer.
• Unsere Trekkingtour führt uns um den Berg herum über Pfade, die uns in engen Kontakt mit der Natur dieser malerischen Umgebung bringen und uns atemberaubende Aussichten auf die Hänge und darunterliegenden Täler bieten.
• Anschließend erreichen wir das Dörfchen Finestrat, das an einem anderen Berghang der Bergkette thront, dem Puig Campana.
• In Finestrat steht uns etwas freie Zeit zur Verfügung, um uns eine Erfrischung zu gönnen, die eindeutig von den Mauren inspirierte Architektur zu bestaunen und uns an der prachtvollen Sicht zu ergötzen, die von den Bergen bis zum Meer reicht.
• Nach Abschluss unseres Halts fahren wir mit dem Bus zurück zum Hafen.

This tour provides you with the perfect opportunity to discover two Mediterranean cities located in the heart of the Costa Blanca and visit a local winery.

Alicante, capital of the Costa Blanca, White Coast, is also known as the Ciudad de la Luz or the City of Light. Arriving in the old quarter, follow your guide on a walking tour. View the 18th century Neo-Baroque town hall, and stop at the Cathedral for a visit. One of the Cathedral’s most notable features is its Renaissance baroque facade. Inside, you’ll discover an impressive 17th century nave and a 15th century cloister.

Travel from Alicante to the city of Novelda to visit its most important historic building, the sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena. The building is a Gaudi inspired design and has been likened to the Sagrada Familia. Enjoy a visit of the wine cellar of a local winery with a short introduction to its history. See the old machinery once used for wine-making and its evolution up until the present day. Here, you’ll also learn about the wine-making process - from the receiving of the grapes, all the way through before being bottled and labeled. At the end of your guided tour, you’ll be invited to taste one of the wines produced here.

Discover the popular tourist town of Guadalest, an ancient military stronghold that sits perched at the top of a granite mountain. A scenic 90-minute drive takes you past picturesque villages and winding roads surrounded by spectacular landscapes. The picture-postcard site of the free-standing bell tower and the tunnel that provides access to the old center of Castell de Guadalest greet you on arrival. Both are nestled in a dramatic granite mountaintop setting that leaves a lasting impression.

Follow your guide on a walk through the quaint village streets. The old urban center is located on the top of an outcrop, which is only accessed via a tunnel hollowed into the side of the rock. The area at the top of the rock includes the bell tower, Saint Josep Castle and the recently restored Orduña House which you will visit.

The Orduña House was built after the great earthquake that demolished much of the original housing in Guadalest. One half of the house is supported by the rock while the other half occupies areas over the chapels of the adjoining church. You’ll be surprised to find a house of such greatness in this remote and rural setting. Enjoy some free time to further explore the village on your own the many shops offering a great variety of crafts.

Enjoy exploring two of the region's most charming towns - Villajoyosa, famous for fishing and chocolate, with vividly painted houses and Altea, one of the most beautiful towns of the Costa Blanca which maintains its former fishing village feeling. The old section, atop a hill, offers spectacular views and perfect photo opportunities.

A scenic drive along the coastal road takes you to Villajoyosa, a small seaside town, famous for its fishing and its’ chocolate. Still dependent on its fishing industry, each afternoon the daily catch brought in by the local fishermen is auctioned off in the port. The quaint houses that line the seafront are painted in bright rainbow colors and legend has it, that this is so the fishermen can see them from the sea. Upon arrival at the seafront, you’ll enjoy free time to explore the town on your own.

Your route to Altea takes you along the coastal road via Albir, providing wonderful views of the sweeping bays of the Costa Blanca. Altea's old town is an enchanting picture postcard scene of white-washed houses that has managed to maintain its authentic atmosphere. Follow your guide on a walk to the famous square at the summit, where you’ll find the Virgin of Consuelo Church with its iconic blue roof. After an outside visit of the church, you’ll have free time to soak up the town's ambience and enjoy the wonderful views.

Gain an understanding of the many cultures that have influenced the gastronomy of Alicante and then dine on a meal that reflects some of those impacts. As you will discover while browsing the city’s esteemed Archaeological Museum, the Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans and Moors have all left their marks on Alicante since its founding in 325 BC. You will also see artifacts from more modern civilizations that reveal how the city has transitioned into its present state. The 16th and 17th centuries were particularly volatile and to protect Alicante from the invading pirates security towers were built along the coast to protect the residents. You will pass some of these soaring stone towers on the way to the lunch venue. The main dish will be paella, prepared Alicante-style. The local version differs from others in that the rice is sautéed in salmorreta, a tomato-based sauce with ñora peppers that imparts a unique flavor.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Browse an archaeological museum with artifacts from conquerors of the Alicante area.
• Learn how those invaders influenced the culture and gastronomy.
• Behold some of the security towers built centuries ago to protect Alicante from pirates.
• Dine on a version of paella that reflects the local influences on this traditional dish.

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

Stroll through a bustling market taking note of the ingredients and then join a chef who will show you how to prepare paella from scratch, an iconic dish that will be your lunch. The items at the Central Market are locally sourced, so they truly represent the ingredients found in the regional cuisine. After meandering through the stalls, interacting with the vendors and sampling some of the delicacies, you will walk to a nearby restaurant for a paella workshop. The chef will show you step by step how to prepare authentic paella Alicante-style. You will have seen many of the ingredients in the market, which will make the preparation all the more relevant. Although the city of Valencia just to the north is known as the birthplace of paella, the version made in Alicante is much the same. Feel free to ask questions as the chef prepares the meal, which you will dine on afterwards.

OVERVIEW

Delve into the history and gastronomy of Altea, a snow-white coastal town that boasts the ruggedly beautiful Sierra Bernia Mountains as a backdrop. While walking the cobbled streets of Old Town, you can’t help but feel a great sense of serenity. You will likely come across leafy plazas shaded by citrus trees, arched passageways to uncrowded pedestrian-only areas and trellis after trellis adorned with brightly colored bougainvillea. The blue-domed Nuestra Señora del Consuelo is one of the most striking churches on the Costa Blanca, and is well worth a visit. The higher you wander in Altea, the more magnificent the views, especially of the sea. A lengthy promenade lined with artisanal boutiques, restaurants and tapas bars runs along the beach. If you snack on the local cuisine while walking about, be sure to leave room for the traditional lunch that will be served at the Oustau restaurant.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the whitewashed town of Altea, one of the prettiest settings on the Costa Blanca.
• Enjoy a guided tour of the landmarks and free time to explore further on your own.
• Savor a traditional lunch at a restaurant in Altea’s atmospheric Old Town.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Learn to prepare a version of paella that is unique to Alicante and delve into the city’s religious heritage and culture in its oldest active church. Although dating to the 13th century, the Basilica of Santa María had to be rebuilt following a devastating fire two centuries later. As you will discover, its façade is baroque, yet its golden altar is rococo, evidence that the basilica was often renovated over time. A short walk through the historical district will bring you to the Hestia Lucentum cooking school for a hands-on masterclass in the preparation of paella. Although nearby Valencia is known as the birthplace of paella, the version made in Alicante is much the same. The biggest difference is the rice, which is one of the main ingredients. The chef will show you step by step how to make Alicante-style paella from scratch, a hearty dish that will be served for lunch.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Alicante’s oldest still-active basilica, which was built over an ancient mosque.
• Gain insight into the cultural influence of the basilica while browsing the ornate interior.
• Learn to prepare authentic paella under the watchful eye of a local chef.
• Discover how the rice used in Alicante-style paella differs from other paella rice.
• Enjoy the paella that you have prepared for lunch.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Travel inland through the Sierra Bernia Mountains, pausing along the way at traditional villages and to dine on the province’s characteristic cuisine. You will follow a beautiful coastal route before turning onto a winding mountain road that leads to the village of Polop. Its beautiful setting inspired Spanish modernist writer Gabriel Miró, who spent many of his most productive summers there. He described Polop as an “oasis on the Costa Blanca.” Ascending deeper into the mountains, you will soon arrive in Guadalest, a remote town that the Moors founded atop a granite peak. The photogenic castle there was built in the 11th century, and the street leading up to it is lined with whitewashed houses. Before dining on traditional Mediterranean cuisine at the "Contemple" restaurant located inside the Vivood Hotel, you will have time to explore on your own. If you like museums, there are ones devoted to dolls, salt and pepper shakers and instruments of torture.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow an immensely scenic route along the coast and into the Sierra Bernia Mountains.
• Enjoy the sweeping views while stopping in the mountain villages of Polop and Guadalest.
• Tour Guadalest before settling in for a leisurely lunch of traditional cuisine.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Walk through the Roman ruins in and around Alicante and enjoy a selection of signature tapas at a beachfront restaurant. Founded by the Romans as Lucentum or “The City of Light,” Alicante is full of excavated ruins that reveal what life was like during that period. To enhance your understanding of the area in Roman times, reconstructions of ancient structures have been mixed in with the ruins. You will sample several popular tapas at the restaurant El Maestral in the San Juan Beach area. The tapas are home made with fresh and local products.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the Central Market, visited places by Alicante citizens in their daily life for food shopping.
• Wander among the Roman ruins in Alicante, which the Romans called Lucentum.
• See how the Romans farmed fish and held them in seaside tanks that still exist.
• Sample a selection of tapas made with fresh local ingredients that may include seafood.

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

Sample a soft nougat sweet in the village famed for its production and enjoy a traditional paella lunch. For centuries, confectioners in Jijona have made the nougat that is now so synonymous with the village that it’s known as Jijona turrón. The ingredients include honey, toasted almonds and egg whites. After tasting the golden dessert, you will understand why it’s so popular. Back in Alicante, you will visit the Monastery of Santa Faz, which is renowned for holding a piece of fabric that Saint Veronica is said to have used to wipe Jesus’ face on the way to his crucifixion. The image of his face was supposedly transferred onto the fabric, which is now in a locked room that can only be accessed with four keys, each held in a different part of the city. A hearty lunch with seafood fideuà, meet and vegetables paella, the most typical rice in Alicante at Finca Santa Luzia restaurant.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See how confectioners in Jijona prepare the village’s namesake nougat and sample it.
• Visit a monastery that guards a sacred piece of fabric said to bear the image of Jesus’ face.
• Enjoy a traditional lunch with a paella and fideua as the main courses.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Explore Alicante and the winemaking traditions and flavours of south-eastern Spain during this half-day excursion.

Alicante, Panoramic Drive, Walking tour

Depart the pier for a Panoramic drive of Alicante before starting a short walking tour of the Old Town.

During the panoramic tour we will see the most important highlights like the Bullring, central market, or Canalejas park which is the oldest park in the city. After the panoramic drive enjoy a guided stroll which 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. After the Alicante visit reboard your coach and start the 45-minute drive to the winery.

Bodegas Cerdá, Winery Tour, Cellar, Wine & Tapas Tastings

Upon arrival, discover Bodegas Cerdá, a family winery dedicated to the wine industry since 1885 in Hondón de las Nieves, recognized for offering a careful service and an excellent taste for quality wine.

You are invited to visit the tasting room, restoration, production, and bottling, as well as the wine store and traditional products.

Visit the museum, where you will see a wide selection of century old machinery to admire and appreciate. Later visit the exposition, the bottling room, storage and the cellar with the oak barrels. You will learn about the different processes and properties of the wines. Enjoy a wine tasting accompanied with some Spanish tapas.

Your tour concludes with an approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience a delightful introduction to the gastronomy and history of Alicante during this scenic and flavourful, half-day sightseeing excursion with tapas tastings.

Alicante, Puerta del Mar Square, Old City, Walking Tour

Depart the pier for the short shuttle transfer to Puerta del Mar Square. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the Old City en route to the Central Market. The gastronomy of Alicante is largely based upon the Mediterranean Sea due to its close proximity. Therefore, fish is an important part of their diet. Rice is also prevalent in many of Alicante's dishes; this can be linked to the Muslim roots in the culture of Alicante. Along with the sea, Alicante is renowned for its fertile land, which enables a variety of fruits and vegetables to be farmed and consumed locally. Add in the use of olive oil to round out this truly Mediterranean diet, which is common in Alicante.

Central Market, Produce, Meat, Fish, Vegetables, Fruit, Bread, Pastries, Flowers, Tapas Tasting

Designed and built in 1921, the Mercado Central (Central Market) is an eclectic style building with Modernist ornaments. As the main source of top quality, fresh, and locally grown produce, meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, bread, pastries, and flowers, the Central Market remains the best place to experience the local gastronomy. After your guided stroll through the Old Quarter and Central Market, proceed for a tapas tasting at three different venues to experience some of the many different types of mouth-watering tapas. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your shuttle for the short drive back to the pier.

Discover the medieval beauty and landmarks of Alicante during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Alicante, Moorish Quarter, Old Town, Cathedral Church of Saint Nicholas, Nave, Cloister, Town Hall

Depart the pier for the short drive to the city centre of Alicante. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the charming old Moorish Quarter, nestled at the foot of the imposing Santa Barbara Castle. Along the way, stop by the Cathedral Church of Saint Nicholas, which has an austere Renaissance façade. Inside, discover a magnificent, 17th-century nave and 15th-century cloister. Leaving the Saint Nicholas Church, head for an exterior visit to the impressive, 18th-century Baroque Town Hall, where your guide provides you with details of its imposing exterior.

City Centre, Free Time, Shopping, Esplanade of Spain, Horchata Tasting, Monastery of Santa Faz

Next, some free time is made available for independent shopping and exploration in the city centre. Afterward, proceed to the beautiful, palm-lined Esplanade of Spain to sample a delicious local speciality, horchata, a sweetened milk of crushed tiger nuts first introduced to Alicante by the Moors. From here, re-board your coach for a short, panoramic drive to the baroque-style Monastery of Santa Faz, with its pyramid-shaped dome. Inside, view a relic brought from the Vatican in the 15th century which, according to tradition, is actually a cloth used by Christ to dry his bloodied face during the Stations of the Cross.

Benacantil Hill, Santa Barbara Castle, Battlements, City & Coastal Views

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the return drive to Alicante and an external visit of the Santa Barbara Castle, Perched high up on Benacantil Hill, the Santa Barbara Castle is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. During your visit, gaze down from the Castle's battlements for spectacular panoramic views overlooking the city and surrounding coastline. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Indulge your senses with the exquisite natural wonders and flavours of Spain during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Alicante, Busot, Canelobre Caves, Vaulted Ceilings, Works of Natural Art, Medusa, Candelabros

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Busot, then head for the Canelobre Caves, one of the largest and most popular caves in Valenciana, and a heritage site of the Valencian Autonomous Region. Upon arrival, enter this renowned karst cave for a guided tour. Within the Canelobre Caves is one of the highest vaulted ceilings of Spain, approximately 230 feet (about 70 metres) in height, and similar in shape to that of a cathedral. During your visit, marvel at the strange and beautiful works of natural art, including Medusa, the Candelabros (from which the name of the caves is derived), stalactites, stalagmites, columns, flowers, draperies, and many other spectacular geological formations.

Masmar Casual Bar, Beer Tasting, Local Specialities

Next, re-board your coach for the return drive to Alicante, then proceed to the Masmar Casual Bar, one of the most famous gastronomical venues in the city. Upon arrival, enjoy a wonderful beer experience consisting of tastings of five different classes of beer served with local specialities. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Explore two of the most enchanting villages in the Alicante province during this bespoke, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Alicante, Villajoyosa, Seafront, Brightly-Coloured, Tiny Houses, Guided Walking Tour

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive to Villajoyosa. The charming seafront of this historic town is a photographer's delight, with groups of tiny houses painted in bright, gaudy colours, originally utilised to help returning fishermen find their way home. Upon arrival, take a guided stroll through the town's historic heart.

Bustling Markets, Chocolateria Valor, Chocolate and Churros Tastings, Costa Blanca, Altea

The streets here bustle with markets, and the air is filled with the mouth-watering aroma of Villajoyosa's unexpected industry, chocolate. A stop is made at its source, Chocolateria Valor, the largest chocolate producer in Spain and a hometown favourite of the local community. After a delectable chocolate and churros tasting, re-board your coach and head to Altea. A popular hub amongst many artists as a source of inspiration, Altea's whitewashed houses provide a fascinating contrast to the vivid colours of Villajoyosa.

Guided Walking Tour, Free Time, Shopping, Promenade, Church Square, Mediterranean Sea

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour along the cobblestone streets of Altea, renowned as the most beautiful town on the Costa Blanca, followed by some free time for shopping and independent exploration. You might opt to watch the busy fishing boats from the palm-fringed promenade, sample the fruits of their labour at one of the traditional cafés at your own expense, and/or browse the church square, typically home to artisans selling quirky jewellery and leather goods. Afterward, enjoy a stunning view across the Mediterranean from a panoramic balcony, then re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Embrace the scenic splendour of historic Alicante during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Alicante, Postiguet Beach, Huerta de Alicante, San Juan Beach, Defencive Towers

Depart the pier for the short drive towards Playa San Juan (San Juan Beach). En route, pass by lovely Postiguet Beach. It is believed that San Juan, located in the heart of the fertile Huerta de Alicante, was likely selected as an early settlement by the ancient civilisations that came to these lands. Here, see the defencive towers, which are catalogued as an Asset of Cultural Interest.

Cabo de la Huerta, Monastery Santa Faz, Santa Barbara Castle

Next, your panoramic drive passes by the beautiful Cabo de la Huerta, Monastery Santa Faz, and the Santa Barbara Castle before heading towards the city centre of Alicante. Cabo de la Huerta owes its name to its proximity to the Huerta de Alicante, which, together with the port, was one of the two economic engines of the region.

Central Market, Free Time, Shopping, Canalejas Park, Saint Nicholas Church, Old City Centre

Once back in Alicante, some free time is made available at the Central Market for independent shopping and exploration. Afterward, your panoramic drive resumes past the Train Station and Canalejas Park, the oldest park in the city. A final stop is made for a brief walking tour past the exterior of the Church of Saint Nicholas and through the centre of the Old City. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Explore Alicante at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Alicante at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Alicante at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Alicante at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.