This exclusive tour which has been created especially for our 2012 Reunion Cruise, presents a grand overview of Gibraltar from high atop the Rock in the comfort of the Mons Calpe Suite and also includes attractions as diverse as the botanical gardens and a crystal factory.
Your tour commences from the pier and drives north across Gibraltar's unusual runway, which was built with rocks that the British excavated during World War II when tunneling inside the famed Rock of Gibraltar for defensive purposes. Along the way, make a photo stop at the American War Memorial and pass by the Trafalgar Cemetery, both located just outside the city walls. Stopping atop Europa Point, you'll enjoy a magnificent view of North Africa, just 12 miles across the Straits of Gibraltar. As you enjoy the view, you will come to appreciate why this territory was and continues to be of such strategic importance to the British Navy.
Next, you'll travel to the Gibraltar Crystal Factory, where you'll see glassblowers at work, discover the history of the factory, and browse an exhibition of colorful, one-of-a-kind crystal. Following this visit, your guide will take you on a tour of the City Center. Travel back through time and immerse yourself in Gibraltar's history during the Moorish, Spanish and British periods. During your guide's narrative, you will learn all about the development of Gibraltar's people and its culture, utilizing themes elaborated on at the different stops.
From here, it's on to the Botanical Gardens. Gibraltar's mild climate nurtures a variety of exotic flora, and there is an excellent variety to be found here. Opened in 1816 as the Alameda Gardens, this botanical wonderland contains more that 1900 species, including succulents, palms, flowering shrubs and trees from as far away as California.
Of course, the Rock of Gibraltar dominates the landscape and no trip to Gibraltar would be complete without a visit to its summit. Boarding your cable car you'll ride to the summit, stopping along the way at the Apes' Den to view the Rock's free-roaming Barbary Apes. Reaching the top, you'll find the views are simply unparalleled. As you wander independently around the many terraces, you are afforded 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. To round out the experience, the Mons Calpe Suite has been reserved for our exclusive use and drinks and canapés will be served, accompanied by live music. There's plenty of time to enjoy the ambience here before it's time to ride the cable car back down to the base.
Afterwards, you will have the choice of returning directly to the pier, or staying in town to enjoy some free time exploring Main Street, a bustling street with shops that sell everything from fashions to designer sunglasses, Chinese linen to electrical equipment. Alternatively, you may wish to relax for a bit in the pedestrian-friendly Irish Town in a pub or café, or perhaps even return to the Crystal Factory to help create your very own unique piece of art. Those guests who elect to remain in town will have 40-minutes of free time until the bust returns to pick them up for the transfer back to the pier. Those who miss the transfer will be responsible for making their own way back to the ship, at their own expense.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 2-hours of easy to moderate walking, plus any additional walking at the guests' discretion during free time. The tour is conducted via minibuses which do not have room to store wheelchairs; therefore, this tour is not available to wheelchair guests. Those with mobility concerns are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Weather-appropriate clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.