Malaga, Spain - Mediterranean Cruises

Lying in the foothills of Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains, the Alhambra is the ‘Palace of the Sultans’ and one of the world’s finest examples of Islamic art. Although damaged and restored over the centuries, it is not difficult to picture the place as it was in all its glory 600 years ago. The ceilings drip with stalactites in stucco and each room appears more richly decorated than the previous one. Marvel at the delicate marble columns, graceful arcades and fine craftsmanship in the sultans’ ‘paradise on earth’.

The Generalife is a small Summer Palace, the highlight of which is its garden and numerous fountains. The stately cypress trees, trimmed flowerbeds, myrtle bushes and fountains provide good photo opportunities. The view from here is splendid, gaze down over the Sierra Nevada, to the Darro Valley and across to the old quarter of Albaycin.

During your tour, a delicious buffet luncheon will be offered at a leading hotel in Granada.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The estimated journey time to Granada is two hours each way. There are around 400 steps at the Alhambra and Generalife to negotiate, with approximately two hours of walking involved on the tour.

The unique solar-powered and electric train will make its way from the pier, taking you on a panoramic tour of this busy centre of the Costa Del Sol. In the 1920’s stunning Baños del Carmen was home to a beautiful public bath for the upper class society in Malaga. As you sit back and soak up the tranquil atmosphere, a refreshing welcome drink will be served in a nearby bar.

As you continue your drive, you will see the facade of the Bullring, the house where Picasso was born and the Renaissance style Cathedral that is now a national monument. A photo stop will be made at the impressive 11th century Alcazaba Palace that was built for the Arabs.

Prepare for a museum visit with a difference as you enter the Vintage Car & Hat museum while still onboard your trolley train. The museum is housed in the architecturally stunning Fabrica de Tabacos (Tobacco Factory). The factory was constructed in 1927 and has been transformed into a museum with over 80 vintage and modern cars including some of the most fashionable cars from the 20’s to the 50’s and is one of the most important private collections from around the world. The trolley train will make its way around the museum to allow you to see the exhibition from the most comfortable seat in the house.



This tour will operate by electric trolley train. There is approximately 40 minutes of walking inside the museum at your leisure. The order of sights may vary depending on traffic.

Prepare for an early start as you make your way by coach to Malaga’s ‘Mercado Atarazanas’ (central market). As you make your way around the bustling market, your guide will help you pick the best ingredients to prepare tasty Tapas and traditional Sangria. You will also have some free time to wander around the market.

Once your guide has purchased all of the ingredients, you will walk to the nearby ‘Wine Museum’ in Malaga’s old town. You’ll split into smaller groups and under careful supervision of the chef you’ll prepare a selection of seasonal Tapas dishes which may include Spanish Omlette, Gazpacho, Albondigas (meatballs) and Habas Con Jamon, or you’ll mix authentic jugs of Sangria. As you finish your cooking lesson you will all celebrate luncheon together with your Tapas, Sangria and a traditional Spanish aperitif.

As you leave the venue to return to the ship, you will be given the recipe to make the perfect Sangria and a certificate to remember your time at the Tapas and Sangria workshop.



This tour will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 1½ hours of walking on this tour. The groups will be divided on arrival at the Wine Museum to make Tapas or Sangria.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the city is the Gibralfaro Castle (external view), an 8th century Moorish castle, much of which still remains intact. A photograph stop will be made to take in the magnificent panoramic views over the city, so do not forget your camera.

A visit will be made to the Arabic Fortress of Alcazaba, sat high upon the hillside of the Gibralfaro Mountain and from where fine views of the African coastline can be enjoyed. Your guide will highlight how the Andalusian culture is ever-present within the Fortress, with its many fountains, channels and ponds. At the foot of this ancient Fortress, you can also view the excavated ruins of a Roman amphitheatre.

Take a walk to the birthplace and home of the 20th century's most popular and contemporary artist - Pablo Picasso. Passing through the rooms of his house, your guide will bring to life Picasso's early years and explain that, even as a toddler, Picasso began to draw his surroundings, which included pigeons and, bizarrely, Churros - a dough type pastry.

Leaving the birthplace of Picasso, enter the typical traditional bodega of 'El Pimpi', where a glass of sherry and some olives will be served.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Access to the Alcazaba is by way of a tunnel, which then leads to an elevator. The elevator transports groups of fifteen people at a time to the top.

Plunge into the past on your guided walk through the old quarter of Marbella with its picturesque narrow streets, whitewashed houses and heavy-grilled windows. See one of the most beautiful squares in Spain, the Plaza de los Naranjos - Orange Tree Square and enjoy a little free time to browse through the boutiques and shops. Continuing your guided tour, you will pass by the City Hall and the Nuestra Señora de la Encarnacion Church. Once a small fishing village, Marbella is now a fashionable and sophisticated resort, frequented by the rich and famous.

Puerto Banus is a designer resort of recent recreation. The exclusive designer boutiques, restaurants and yacht marina reflect the wealth of its clientele. During your free time here, wander at leisure along the promenade and take time out for some people watching.

The drive from Malaga is approximately one hour and takes you along the coast, past the popular holiday resort of Fuengirola.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests are advised that there is approximately one hour of walking over flat ground included on this tour.

La Concepcion’s historical garden dates back to 1857. The "Botanical Garden" has subsequently sprung up around it, with numerous groups of plants laid out in the manner of a garden. Fruit trees, bamboos, palms, vines, Mediterranean and aquatic plants can be found here. On a guided tour you will be able to learn about one of the best selections of tropical plants in Europe.

After a brief drive to the town centre, stop at a traditional bodega to enjoy a local sweet sherry and crisps before taking a short walk in the city’s old quarter towards the Picasso Museum. The people of Malaga are proud of the fact that Picasso was born in Malaga and on the 27th October 2003 the King and Queen of Spain inaugurated the long-awaited ‘Museo Picasso’.

The Museum chronologically represents the different stages in the work of Malaga’s favourite son. The 200 paintings, drawings, sculptures and etchings will give you a fascinating insight into the artist’s work. After you have seen the works of art, there is an unexpected treat when you descend to the level beneath the ground floor and see the beautifully preserved and sensitively displayed Roman and Phoenician ruins, which were discovered during the restoration of the building.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 3½ hours of walking on this tour. Comfortable non slip shoes are recommended.

Board your coach for an hour-long scenic drive along the Costa del Sol to Puerto Banus, also known as the St.Tropez of Spain.

You will have two hours of free time to stroll the streets and the famous harbour area, which is full with multi-million dollar yachts. Take time to browse the wonderful designer shops and boutiques and afterwards simply sit back and relax in one of the many waterfront cafés. This is a great area for people watching and you never know who you might spot in Puerto Banus.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. An English speaking guide will escort you on the coach. The remainder of the tour is for free time on your own while in Puerto Banus.

Leaving the vibrant city of Malaga, the coach will head west through the Guadalhorce Valley – the most fertile valley of Malaga, packed full with lemons, oranges and olive plantations before arriving at Mijas. A typical Andalucian village, perched high above Fuengirola, Mijas enjoys spectacular views of the coast and surrounding heavily wooded mountains. Wander through the narrow, cobble-stoned streets of this pretty village and you will see why artists are attracted to this place, with its wonderful panoramic views over the Mediterranean.

You will have some free time to browse at leisure through the narrow cobble-stoned streets. Take a look inside the local craft and souvenir shops, many of which display the colourful, local pottery, or enjoy a spot of people watching whilst you enjoy a cool drink in a local café.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The tour involves a moderate level of activity and involves paved but uneven footpaths. This tour is not recommended for guests who suffer vertigo due to the route taken.

Depart from the pier to the MIMMA museum, this unique building is located in the heart of the historic centre of Malaga and surrounded by the Nazari city walls. The Nazari city walls date back to the 13th and 14th centuries and protected the ancient city from attacks from the sea.

Enjoy sipping some sweet wine and crisps at the lobby before being treated to a passionate, mysterious and seductive Flamenco show.

After the show, you will continue to Malaga's famous Cathedral for an exterior visit, followed by free time for shopping at Malaga's famous Calle Larios, one of the main shopping areas of the city.

Finally you will be treated to a brief panoramic city tour to explore the beauty of Malaga, taking in some of the sights, Fuente de Las Tres Gracias, Paseo del Parque and the bullring, before returning to the ship.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests are advised that there is approximately 60 minutes of walking included on this tour.

Setting off from Malaga by minivan, you will begin to wind your way up the mountainside of the Montes de Malaga Natural Park. Sit back, relax and enjoy the superb views, keeping your eyes peeled along the way for the local wildlife, including deer, polecats and vultures.

After a short safety briefing, you will be supplied with your bike and safety equipment. You will be able to ride at your own pace so that you can admire the best viewpoints, flora, fauna and stop for photographs along the way. Ease your way gently up the hills before descending steadily to the refreshment venue where you can take a well-earned rest. Admire the wonderful views of the Natural Park as you enjoy traditional 'tapas' and a refreshing soft drink, tea or coffee.

A brief observation stop will be made to view the protected area of the Leonado Vultures.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by minibus and bicycle This bike ride involves an advanced level of activity; therefore you must be a competent rider, at least 16 years of age and in good health. You should bring along eye protection and wear closed toe shoes. Your tour includes a full explanation of equipment, complete safety instructions and a safety helmet (compulsory). Each individual bike will carry water. Personal belongings can be left safely in the escort van.

Birthplace of Picasso, Malaga boasts pretty streets, leafy boulevards and lush gardens. Find out why the city's cathedral is called 'La Manquita' - the one armed lady! Hear all about the old palace fortress and its two rings of walls and learn why Arab geographers praised the city as an ‘earthly paradise’. Your guide will bring the city to life, show you the main streets and places of interest, and explain all about its rich and chequered past. You will see sub-tropical gardens and the bullring on the eastern side of the city. The coach will wind its way upwards to the Castle of Gibralfaro, ‘The Mountain of the Lighthouse’, for a short photograph stop. You may opt to stretch your legs or remain on the coach. Enjoy the street life of Malaga sitting on the terrace at a local café, whilst enjoying some refreshments.

This excursion will operate by coach. This tour is been created for those guests who prefer to tour at a leisurely pace.

After a short coach ride you will arrive at the new Vintage Car Museum, formerly the old tobacco factory built in 1927. This building now houses an extraordinary collection of cars worth 25 million Euros and is considered as one of the most important collections of vintage cars in the world. On display you will see some of the finest cars including, Bugatti, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Delage, Packard, Jaguar, Mercedes, and Ferrari amongst many others.

Continue on a short panoramic drive through the city to Gibralfaro Castle which is perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. This is an 8th century Moorish castle, much of which still remains intact and affords you magnificent panoramic views over the city.

Your tour continues by coach to the Cathedral, where you will take a walk to Plaza La Merced and the birthplace and home of the 20th century's most popular and contemporary artist - Pablo Picasso.

Your final stop is an exterior visit of the Cathedral built between 1528 and 1782. Original plans allowed for two towers, but unfortunately due to lack of funds, resulted in the completion of only one. This gave rise to its local name “La Manquita, “one armed woman”.

Enjoy some free time at Calle Larios before returning to the ship.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests are advised that there is approximately 1½ hours of walking included, over some uneven and cobble-stoned ground. It is recommended that comfortable walking shoes are worn.