Hafen
Cartagena (ES)

Enjoy this taste of Spain with the best of Spain presented in dancing, horses and food. This is a treat not to be missed! Spanish horses are pure breed and gifted with an ability to learn the intricate steps of Spanish dressage. Schooling of the Andalusian horses requires much time and patience on the part of their professional trainers. They will show you how the horses are trained. You’ll also enjoy fantastic local produce here served with a selection of typical Spanish tapas with wine, offering the best ingredients of the region in a beautiful garden setting. Just before returning to the pier, your guide will give you an orientation tour through Cartagena, a panoramic drive from the bus. Learn about the intense history of the city since Carthaginian and Roman times, the military history of the city and the prosperous Modernist period in Cartagena.

Your panoramic drive through some of the most important avenues of the city such as Paseo Alfonso XIII, Plaza de España and Calle Real, will give you the opportunity of admiring the University area, the beautiful building of the Regional Assembly, the Military Arsenal, as well as some notable Modernist buildings such as the Maestre House.

Just before entering back to the pier, there is also a drop-off optional stop: Next to the Main Street (Historical, shopping and restaurant area) you will have the opportunity to finish your tour and descend from the bus if you decide to stay in the city center, at your own leisure, to stroll or have a coffee (at own expenses) before making your own way back to the ship, if not, just remain seated and the bus will drive back inside of the pier to finish the tour.

Discover Murcia, the capital of the province and Cartagena - a crossroad of cultures with a fascinating history dating back 3,000 years. An approximate 1-hour journey through the foothills of the Sierra Carrascoy takes you to Murcia. Settled by the Moors in the 9th century and conquered by the Christians in the 13th century, this bustling city offers an array of architectural delights. Stop at the Monastery of the Virgin of Fuensanta and enjoy a panoramic view of the orchards, one of the most productive in the Mediterranean.

Stop at Cathedral Square, where you’ll see the beautiful Baroque style facade of the cathedral, next to the Episcopal Palace. Visit the Royal Casino of Murcia dating back from 1847, it is one of the most historic buildings. Although this is still an active private club, the ground floor is open to the public. After a period of decline in the second half of the 20th century, the building was completely refurbished and many of the rooms were restored to their original splendor. You'll also pass through the Squares of Santo Domingo and Romeo and enjoy free time for lunch on your own before returning to Cartagena for an orientation tour of the city.

In Cartagena, you’ll visit the Castle of Conception outside visit, built over the remains of the Moorish Alcazar. From this vantage point, enjoy superb views of the city and harbor. Due to the natural protection of the mountains surrounding it, it was chosen as one of the three main naval bases in Spain during the 18th century. The remarkable remains of the Roman Theatre were only discovered back in the late 1980’s, it is believed to have accommodated up to 6,000 spectators.

Join your local guide on a walking tour of this fascinating city, inhabited by several cultures since Carthaginian times which have left their mark on its artistic and maritime heritage. Follow your guide to the Panoramic Lift to the Castle of Conception, built over the remains of the Moorish Alcazar. From this vantage point, enjoy superb views of the city and harbor. It was chosen as one of three main naval bases in Spain during the 18th century. The incredible remains of the Roman Theatre were only discovered back in the late 1980’s, it is believed to have accommodated up to 6,000 spectators.

Continue your walking tour in the heart of Cartagena and learn why it was a crossroad of cultures and one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean for nearly 3,000 years. In the old quarter you’ll find several modernist town houses built between the second half of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century. The entrance to the city center, dominated by the Town Hall, is a gem of modernist architecture.

OVERVIEW

Stand in the ruins of an ancient Roman theater that remarkably wasn’t discovered until 1988, and then enjoy a tasting of small-plate specialties at several tapas bars. Get a full understanding of its design and restoration. Once inside the open-air structure, you will likely be awed by its size, as the theater can hold up to 7,000 spectators. A sampling of characteristic regional tapas follows at venues that will be chosen the day of the excursion. While the origin of tapas is unknown, it may refer to an old custom of serving drinks with a slice of ham on top to keep out sand on windy days. Tapa literally means “lid.” Others believe Spain’s small-plate specialties can trace their origin to King Alfonso X, who in the 13th century became ill and could only eat small amounts of food; a trend that caught on.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore an ancient Roman theater in downtown Cartagena that was unexpectedly found in 1988.
• Understand how it looked in Roman times.
• Visit several acclaimed tapas bars for a sampling of the small-plate specialties.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Get acquainted with the highlights of the area with minimal walking and discover one of Spain’s most famous liquors which has gained international recognition. Leaving the city, you drive to La Manga Del Mar Menor, The Sleeve of the Little Sea, that has an interesting geographical layout – a chain that stretches along approximately 15 miles/24 km from Cabo de Palos to Punta del Mojón. It is the natural boundary of the salt water lake known as the Mar Menor - Little Sea.

Stop at the fishing village of Cabo de Palos and pause to take in the views and snap a few photographs. Of specific interest here is the grey stoned lighthouse, its construction began in 1863 and it was lit for the first time in 1865. The monument stands proudly at the southernmost tip of La Manga. From your coach you’ll see the 13 mile long beach and only a thousand feet wide, a popular destination for beach combers and sun worshipers.

Visit the Licor 43 Museum and Factory and learn the history of this famous liqueur and the legend behind it, with a short video and numerous exhibits. You’ll learn about the manufacturing process and have a taste at the chill-out bar. With its light body, and characteristic vanilla and citric sweet flavor, it is one of the most popular liquors in Europe. You’ll also see Experiencia 43, an area dedicated to the past, present and future of this brand with memorabilia including all the versions of bottles and promotional items such as posters and ads. You might want to take advantage of their on­site shop and take something back home.

OVERVIEW

Explore the magnificent Sierra Espuña with a member of Association Bosqueo2, a group of conservationists dedicated to the reforestation of this now-protected natural park. Although it’s hard to imagine today, the pine-forested park was nearly devoid of trees in the late 19th century, as its natural resources were heavily exploited. That began to change in 1889, when Cartagena native and forest engineer Ricardo Codorníu spearheaded a replanting program that continues more than 100 years later. While touring this environmentally sensitive area with a member of the association, you will see firsthand how Sierra Espuña has been transformed into pristine parkland full of indigenous flora and fauna. If the weather conditions are conducive, you will plant a tree as part of the reforestation efforts. However, if it’s too dry for a newly planted tree to survive, you can opt for the association to plant one in your name later.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit a once-deforested area that has been transformed into a pine-clad natural park.
• Learn about the forester that inspired the transformation in the late 19th century.
• Plant a tree to contribute to the park’s reforestation or sponsor a tree to be planted later.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Explore two lively markets in downtown Cartagena; one for food and the second a favorite locale for handmade jewelry and crafts. While walking to the Santa Florentina covered market, you will pass landmarks such as Conception Castle and several leafy parks. Long a staple for shopping, the market offers every imaginable culinary ingredient, and you can expect the atmosphere to be extraordinary lively as the residents and vendors interact and socialize. The guide will lead you to stalls where you can taste tapas topped with favorite ingredients. You might try one of these small-plate appetizers with fried squid, anchovies, artisanal cheese or vegetables, as produce is a specialty. Continuing on to the nearby Artisan Center, which is housed inside an 18th-century palace, you will browse stalls full of locally made arts and crafts. The ceramics, jewelry and glassware are particularly noteworthy. Chances are, you will see artisans making their pieces by hand.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Browse the stalls of the Santa Florentina market, which is revered for its fresh produce.
• Sample small-plate tapas at the market, topped with local specialties such as squid and cheese.
• Shop for hand-made jewelry and glassware at the Artisan Center, another favorite venue.

Tour a country estate with one of the owners, who will regale you with stories of the family’s history as a prelude to a picnic. Generations of the family have lived at the estate, and there are countless stories about their lives, the founding of the property and how the Murcian region has changed over the decades. Farms sprawl across much of the land in Murcia, some of them dedicated to growing grapes for wine and others devoted to fruits and vegetables that thrive in the semi-arid Mediterranean climate. As part of your tour, the owners of the estate will share the family cookbook, whose recipes have been handed down for generations. You will hear entertaining stories about the recipes and see handwritten notes in the margins that show how they have been altered to make the dishes even more delectable. Afterwards, you will picnic in the countryside and taste just how spectacular Murian cuisine can be.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Spend time with the owners of a country estate who will show you around their property.
• Gain an understanding of the local agriculture and see family recipes that make the most of it.
• Enjoy a picnic in the countryside with dishes that reflect traditional Murian cuisine.

Travel to Murcia, the capital of the province, a bustling city with the charm of a small town. An approximate 1-hour journey through the foothills of the Sierra Carrascoy takes you to Murcia. Settled by the Moors in the 9th century and conquered by the Christians in the 13th century, this bustling city offers an array of architectural delights. Stop at the Monastery of the Virgin of Fuensanta and enjoy a panoramic view of the Murcian orchards, one of the most productive in the Mediterranean.

Stop at Cathedral Square, where you’ll see the beautiful Baroque style facade of the cathedral, next to the Episcopal Palace. Visit The Royal Casino of Murcia dating from 1847, it is one of the most historic buildings. Although this is still an active private club, the ground floor is open to the public. After a period of decline in the second half of the 20th century, the building was completely refurbished and many of the rooms were restored to their original splendor. You'll also pass through the Squares of Santo Domingo and Romeo and enjoy some free time for a stroll on your own or shopping.

Savor the wines of the province’s most important wine-producing region when you visit two of the leading wineries and enjoy the scenic landscapes of the countryside. Jumilla is a small town and the name of the province’s most important wine-producing region. Located in an area of wide valleys separated by a chain of mountains, wine has been produced here for centuries. The region began to receive international acclaim for its Monastrell based wines, which accounts for more than 80% of the vines grown here.

You’ll visit the BSI winery, the first wine producer of the Jumilla vineyards. You’ll learn the history and characteristics of the different wines, followed by a tasting. You’ll also visit Vina Elena, founded in 1948, with a long family tradition of winemaking. The bodega invites visitors to take a step back in time and witness the evolution of the business over three generations. Their home-grown range of olive oil and almonds, recently included in its product list, constitutes a new era for the business and pays homage to the three traditional crops of the high-plains of Murcia - vineyards, almond orchards and olive groves. You’ll have the opportunity to taste some of their special wines.

Enjoy the sights and contrasts of the city of Cartagena and its beautiful coast. Discover ancient Roman remains and white sand beaches. Leaving the city, you’ll drive to La Manga Del Mar Menor, The Sleeve of the Little Sea, that has an interesting geographical layout – a chain that stretches along approximately nearly 15 miles/24 km from Cabo de Palos to Punta del Mojón. It is the natural boundary of the salt water lake known as Mar Menor - Little Sea.

Stop at the fishing village of Cabo de Palos and pause to take in the views and snap a few photographs. Of specific interest here is the grey stoned lighthouse, its construction began in 1863 and it was lit for the first time in 1865. The monument stands proudly at the southernmost tip of La Manga. From your coach you’ll see the 13 mile long beach and only a thousand feet wide, a popular destination for beach combers and sun worshipers.

Travel back in time when you visit the Roman Theatre Museum, the achievement of architect Rafael Moneo. It was commissioned in 1999 and opened to the public in 2008. Start with the exhibition rooms holding treasures offering more than 2,000 years of history discovered. The theater, discovered in the late 1980’s is one of the largest Roman theaters of Hispania, played a very important role during Roman times with an estimated capacity of 6,000 spectators. You’ll stand in awe as you exit the museum step into the open space of this magnificent theater. Enjoy some free time in the main pedestrian area of Cartagena.

Located in the foothills of the Sierra Carascoy is Murcia, which dates from the 9th century and offers an array of architectural delights. Murcia is one of Spain's least known regions, even among Spaniards themselves, and first-time visitors are often surprised by the diversity of this small region and the friendliness of its people. Despite its growing popularity, the region remains relatively unspoilt compared to the more crowded Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca. Fruits and market-garden products are important to the Murcian economy, and are exported all over Europe.

Depart Cartagena by coach for the approximate 1-hour journey through the foothills of the Sierra Carrascoy.

Murcia

Your destination is the Capital of the province Murcia. Settled by the Moors in the 9th century and conquered by the Christians in the 13th century, this bustling city offers an array of architectural delights.

Monastery of the Virgin of Fuensanta

Your first stop is the Monastery of the Virgin of Fuensanta (the Patroness of Murcia). Enjoy a panoramic view of the Murcian orchards, the most productive in both fruits and vegetables in all of the Mediterranean.

You'll also visit the Cathedral in Cardenal Belluga Square, where you will see three different architectural styles, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Next to the Cathedral you'll see the Episcopal Palace.

Royal Casino

The Royal Casino of Murcia is one of the most historic buildings, situated in the heart of the city centre not far from the cathedral, has a mixture of different artistic styles. In 1983 it was declared a National historic building. The Royal Casino of Murcia Society, founded on 11th June 1847, first started in the mansion of Marqués and later various other properties were acquired to form the present layout.

Although, this is still an acting private club, the ground floor is being kept open to public and cultural events. After a period of decline in the second half of the 20th century, the Royal Casino of Murcia Society has recently been revived considerably. Between 2006 and 2009 the building was completely refurbished and King Don Juan Carlos I granted the Casino the title ´Real´ (Royal). Very complete refurbishments was done including structures, foundations, floors, walls, roofs and all of the decorative features including historic furniture, lamps and artwork. Many of the rooms were restored to their original decor and added latest technology throughout the building.

You'll also have some free time for a stroll on your own near the cathedral before boarding the coach to return to Cartagena.

Explore the history and cultures of Cartagena in a unique new way during this fun-filled and exciting excursion via Segway. Accompanied by your guide, learn the epic history of this beautiful city.

Segway Tour

After receiving your safety and operating instructions, board your Segway and depart the pier for a guided tour of Cartagena. Along the way, discover why Cartagena was a crossroad of cultures and one of the most important cities in ancient times.

Roman Theatre

Your route features historical, monumental and commercial pathways through Cartagena. Highlights include vestiges of a period of Roman colonisation dating from the 3rd century B.C., including the magnificent remains of the Roman Theatre (external visit), discovered by sheer chance only 20 years ago.

After spending time with your coordinator during this ride through history you will be accompanied back to the pier area.

Your Segway tour concludes at the pier and your ship.

Discover the highlights of Cartagena by boarding an 'Electric trolley train' that takes you through the city's streets.

Originally settled in 223 BC, Cartagena flourished under Roman, Muslim and Arab rule, and today offers the visitor a variety of sights that reflect more than 3,000 years of history.

Cartagena, Trolley Train-Ride, Monuments, Military Buildings, City Centre, Roman Theatre

Depart the pier aboard an Electric trolley train for a picturesque ride through Cartagena. Along the way, learn about the legacy of the city whilst marvelling at the monuments, military buildings, beautiful Modernist palaces, and historical city centre.

You will enter the historic city center, where you can admire one of the city's most surprising archaeological discoveries from the exterior. Pass by the naval museum and the18th-century Arsenal Building. You'll make a photo stop at Parque Torres to take stunning views of Cartagena Bay.

You will admire from this point the Conception Castle and from the outside one of the most surprising archaeological finds of the city: The Roman Theatre of Cartagena. Discovered only in 1988, this great structure shows how important Cartagena was in Roman Spain, and its complete excavation and restoration has been a driving force for the regeneration of what was formerly a run-down area of the city.

Re-board the trolley train for the return journey back to your ship.

Discover why Cartagena was such a crossroads of culture and one of the most important cities in the ancient world during this half-day tour. Cartagena is a charming, compact, coastal city that became great during the Roman times when Hannibal set off from it with his elephants on his journey to Rome.

Civil War Shelter

From the pier, a short coach ride will bring you to the boarding point for the panoramic lift that will bring you up to the highest point in Cartagena. Then you will proceed to the Civil War Air Raid Shelter Museum, a place to remember and learn about the recent history of Cartagena. As you pass along some of the galleries and hear the testimonies of those who lived during the conflict you can appreciate how the struggle changed their lives as well as how the passive and active defence of the city was organized. The audio-visual with the actual images and sounds of the war brings home the scale and severity of the war as you experience it inside an actual shelter.

Roman Theatre

Board the coach and proceed to the Roman Theatre. The site was discovered in 1988 and following a large excavation project, the site is now open to visitors. The Museum allows you to see how the Theatre looked in Roman times. Many of the remains that were discovered during the excavation are on display. However, the highlight is when you enter the theatre itself and experience to enormity of the site.

Old Quarter

From the theatre walk to the Old Quarter and see the several Modernist (also known as Art Nouveau) town houses built in the city's last period of splendour between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, all of which have interesting stories to tell. Enjoy some free time for either a refreshment (at your own expense), or browse the fashion shops along Calle Mayor, the main street in town.

Re-board your coach and return to the pier area and your ship.

Jumilla is a small town and name of the province's most important wine-producing region. Located to the northwest of the capital city of Murcia, it is an area made up of wide valleys separated by a chain of rocky mountains. Jumilla has had an important wine making tradition for centuries and today is recognized as ones of Spain's most promising wine regions. It has begun to receive international acclaim for its Monastrell based wines, which are conquering markets the world over.

Depart the pier in your coach for the approximate 1.5-hour drive towards Jumilla.

BSI Winery

Your first visit will be at BSI winery which is the first producer of wines in the Jumilla wine growing area, that export more than half their production. Enjoy a visit to see the vats and barrels, learning the history and characteristics of the different Jumilla wines, along with a taste of two of their productions.

Viña Elena

Continue your tour to the Viña Elena, one of the oldest family-run bodegas in the region. Originally known as Bodegas Pacheco, the bodega will give you a chance to take a step back in time to witness the impressive evolution that has made the business what it is today. Have the opportunity to taste three of their wines.

After visiting the wineries re-board your coach for the drive back to the pier and your ship.

Explore one of the largest urban archaeological sites in Spain during this unforgettable, half-day excursion to the fascinating Roman Forum District.

Cartagena, City Drive, Roman Forum District, Ancient Neighbourhood

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Roman Forum District, with a panoramic sightseeing drive through Cartagena en route. The Roman Forum District, an entire, 2,000-year-old neighbourhood, stands as one of the largest urban archaeological sites in Spain.

Guided Walking Tour, Thermal Baths, Atrium Building, Sanctuaries of Isis and Serapis

Upon arrival at the Roman Forum District, meet your curator/guide and begin your guided walking tour. Explore daily life in the ancient Roman city of Carthago Nova, and the treasures unearthed during archaeological research here over the last five years. See the different rooms of the thermal baths, learn about the exclusive banquets in the Roman Empire, visit the Atrium Building with its high walls and decorations, and immerse yourself in the mystery cults to the Egyptian gods Isis and Serapis inside their sanctuaries.

Cartagena City Tour, Historic Bar, Refreshment Stop, Drink and Tapas, Free Time

Following your visit to this archaeological jewel, your walking tour continues through bustling Cartagena. A refreshment stop is made at one of the oldest bars in the city to taste the famous local drink (vermú), and a traditional tapa. Afterward, some free time is made available for sightseeing, photo opportunities and shopping for souvenirs. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Explore Cartagena 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 Cartagena at your leisure during your half-day (4 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 Cartagena at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. 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 or van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Cartagena at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. 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 van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore the history, training and talents of purebred Spanish horses during this memorable, half-day excursion to a traditional hacienda.

Andalusian Horse Ranch, Stallions and 'Stampede' Show

Depart the pier for the short drive to a traditional, privately-owned and run ranch. Upon arrival, proceed for a welcome coffee, observe a presentation of the ranch's best stallions and take in an impressive 'stampede' show featuring these elegant, graceful and noble steeds.

Ranch Tour, Meet the Horses, Tapas, Horse-and-Dance Performance

Next, take a guided tour of the ranch. Along the way, learn about the breeding, training and management of these beautiful, purebred Spanish horses, and meet some of the docile, friendly mares and foals. Afterward, enjoy some local "tortilla" (spanish omelette). Your tour concludes with a traditional Andalusian Sevillanas dance performance.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Experience the splendid flavours, traditions and landmarks of Cartagena on-foot during this delightful, half-day excursion to the city's Old Quarter. The best way to discover a country is with your senses; to see, taste, smell, feel and hear.

Old Quarter

Depart the pier for a scenic walking tour of this beautiful ancient city. Along the way, see the many wonderful sights of the historic Old Quarter and learn how everyday life has evolved here over the last 2,500 years.

Paella Demonstration

Next, proceed to a local restaurant for a memorable and informative paella demonstration. Discover the secrets to prepare a paella and enjoy its taste.

During your cooking demonstration and Tapas, taste local wines from nearby regions such as Jumilla and Yecla, which has been renowned for its wine production for over 2,000 years. Jumilla has had an important wine making tradition for centuries and today is recognized as one of Spain's most promising wine regions. It has begun to receive international acclaim for some of its wines, which are conquering markets the world over. Yecla is a Spanish Denominación de Origen (D.O.) for wines located around the town of Yecla, in the northernmost corner of the region of Murcia. Findings from excavations have confirmed that grape growing and wine production has been practiced in this area for over two thousand years.

Afterward, you may opt to return to the pier on-foot, or remain in the city for additional sightseeing and shopping, and return to the ship at your leisure.