Malaga Granada and Alhambra Gardens Excursion

Description

• Air-conditioned and licensed round-trip transportation from your excursion meeting point!
  
• English-speaking and trained Malaga excursion guides!
  
• Visit the Alhambra fortress and palace complex - Alcazaba Fortress and Generalife Gardens!
  
• Guided walk in the city of Granada!
  
• Free time in Granada!
  
• Entrance fee to the Alcazaba and Generalife!
  

Come and experience a day that will be sure to satisfy all of your senses as you discover the beauty of both the Granada and Andalucia area. The sound of Flamenco music, the aromas of spices and herbs, and the beauty of the gardens are all sure to energize and rejuvenate your spirit. Capture the memories of your uniquely Spanish journey!

You will take a taxi from your Malaga cruise port to the meeting point nearby (transportation costs to the meeting point are not included). Upon meeting your professional, English-speaking guide at a centralized location, you will board your comfortable, air-conditioned transportation and embark on your 2-hour journey to Grenada (in the Andalucia southern area of Spain). As you travel, you will want to remain awake and aware of the beauty of your surroundings as you pass through miles of rolling hills covered in sunflowers and olive trees.

Many visitors head into the southern area of Spain known as Andalucia to the city of Granada unsure what to expect. What they find is a compelling city where serene Islamic architecture and Arab-flavored street life go hand in hand with monumental churches, old-school tapas bars, and counterculture graffiti art. The city, sprawled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, was the last stronghold of the Spanish Moors and their legacy lies all around in its horseshoe arches and the spicy aromas emanating from street stalls. It is the Alhambra, an astonishing fortress-palace complex located in Grenada whose Islamic decor and landscaped gardens are without comparison in all of Europe.

You will enjoy a splendid three-hour guided visit to some of the most breathtaking gardens in the world located at the Generalife Palace. The Generalife was first and foremost designed as a place of rest and respite for the sultans and emirs who resided in the sumptuous palace. Although some form of palace or fort had existed in the area since about the 8th century onwards, it wasn't until the 13th century that the Alhambra was converted into a royal palace and it was about this time that plans for the Generalife were made, most likely during the reign of Muhammad III. In 1984 the Generalife was awarded the status of World Heritage Site alongside the Alhambra palace and together they form one of the most important legacies of Moorish architecture and design in Spain. The Gardens are lavish with plants and fountains. Your entrance into Generalife is included.

You will also be taken to the Alcazaba fortress, located in the oldest part of Alhambra. The views from the watchtowers, Vermilion Towers (Torres Bermejas), are astonishing. Your entrance into Alcazaba is included.

After your relaxing and informative stroll through the Gardens, you will continue to discover the history, architecture, and culture as you wind through the city with an expert local guide. You will explore the Royal Chapel, Alcaiceria, Corral del Carbon, Cathedral, and other important features of Granada (approximately 45 minutes). After your guided walk-through, you will have one hour to explore on your own. Be sure to purchase and enjoy some local fare, tapas; delicious small plates served hot or cold, and superbly Spanish, while a glass or two of some exquisite local wine will be the perfect accompaniment.

Next, kick back and relax as you are transported back to the pickup point where you may return to your Malaga cruise terminal at your leisure and own expense.

What is included?

• Air-conditioned and licensed round-trip transportation from your excursion meeting point near the Malaga cruise pier
  
• English-speaking and trained Malaga excursion guides
  
• Visit the Alhambra fortress and palace complex - Alcazaba Fortress and Generalife Gardens
  
• Guided walk in the city of Granada 
  
• Free time in Granada
  
• Entrance fee to the Alcazaba and Generalife

Excursion Notes

• Please note that the itinerary of this excursion is subject to the Alhambra visiting hours assigned by the Council of the Alhambra.
• Excursion prices shown are quoted in US dollars.
• As you may be visiting a religious or memorial site, shoulders and knees must be covered on men and women.
• We suggest you have cash (Euros) on hand for refreshments, taxi cost, excursion staff gratuities, shopping, etc.
• Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are highly recommended along with sun protection.
• Please pay attention to the restrictions and requirements for this excursion, no refund will be granted if the requirements are not met.
• Not available on Sundays

Where we meet

For the Malaga Granada and Alhambra Gardens Excursion, you will meet at a centrally located spot from your cruise terminal or hotel in Malaga. All necessary details will be printed on your Shore Excursion Electronic Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

• This excursion is not wheelchair accessible.
• Guests must be able to step on and off the coach.
• Guests must be able to walk on paved, gravel, and cobblestone surfaces, some on inclines.
• There are steps required to enter several of the sites as well as some steep curbs.
• This excursion is only available for cruise ships staying 14 hours or more at the port.

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
• Your ship skips/misses the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
  
• Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.