Malaga is on the southern Spanish coast of the Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean in Andalusia, a popular tourist destination with a mild, equable climate.
Surrounded by mountains, the city sits just behind the harbour. The Phoenicians founded the city of ‘Malaka’ in around 1000 BC – the name Malaka probably derives from the Phoenician word for salt, because fish was salted here near the harbour.
Six centuries later the Romans conquered the city and ruled until the 8th century when the Moors conquered Spain, during which time Malaga became an important trade centre. Pablo Picasso was born here in 1881.
Granada
Discover the Alhambra - the dramatic highlight of historic Granada - on this unforgettable tour.
The city is beautiful in its own right, but nothing in all of Spain compares to the wealth of architectural art to be found in the city's Muslim-Hispano complex - the 14th-century Alhambra.
This breathtaking example of Moorish architecture is completely encircled by walls and towers. Palaces, military buildings, a fortress and the administrative centres of a bygone era all lie protected within.
You will have ample time to explore this remarkable structure, with its detailed mosaics, prism-style cupolas, and stone-cast latticework that speak of surprising grace and sophistication.
The nearby Generalife, surrounded by water gardens, was the residence of kings in need of refuge, and is in contrast to the Palace commissioned by Carlos V, built in the purest Renaissance style of the 16th century.
Enjoy a Buffet lunch at the Hotel Gran Luna de Granada. Since Spirit of Adventure will have berthed at Motril in the meantime, the coach will drive you back there.
Included excursion
Duration: 10 hours
Highlights of Malaga
The city of Malaga flourished under Moorish rule. Discover her many charms on this tour by coach and on foot, beginning with a drive to the Gibralfaro castle, known as the Mountain of the Lighthouse, where you can explore the ramparts and enjoy the panoramic views from the fortified walls.
Your walking tour of the city begins at the Plaza de le Merced. You will see Picasso’s house, the Roman theatre and the Alcazaba, a typical Arabic fortress nestling below the Gibralfaro.
The Renaissance-style Malaga Cathedral dates from the 16th-century and is built on the site of a great mosque, and there are finely carved wooden choir stalls and other architectural features to admire at this magnificent religious shrine.
Finally, relax at a local bodega where you will be invited to sample a typical Malaga wine.
Included excursion
Duration: 4 hours
Marbella & Puerto Banus
Today you visit two internationally famous resorts, Marbella, dubbed the Capital of the Costa del Sol, and chic Puerto Banus.
You will drive through the seaside resorts of Torremolinos and Fuengirola to reach Marbella, a favoured haunt of the so-called celebrity “jet set”, where the charming old quarter is characterised by its narrow streets and whitewashed houses.
Puerto Banús, inaugurated in 1970, brainchild of property developer José Banús, is based on ports on the Cote d’Azur in the French riviera, with berths for more than 900 yachts belonging to the rich and famous, and views of La Concha mountain.
There are chic restaurants, bars, boutiques and nightclubs and a three-ton statue of a rhinoceros by Salvador Dalí, created in 1956, to complete a surreal experience. There will be free time to explore at your leisure.
Optional excursion
Duration: 4 hours
Ronda
Leaving the port of Malaga, your coach drives west along the coastal road up to San Pedro de Alcantara where the new road turns inland to climb into the Serranía de Ronda.
You will walk round the Moorish city with its narrow streets, white houses and grilled windows. The Cathedral incorporates the remains of a mosque and the "Puente Nuevo", the bridge joining the old city to the Mercadillo, spans the mighty gorge, affording breathtaking views.
After the walk, you will have time at leisure before having lunch in a local restaurant. Oon the way back to the ship you will be driven along the coastline east of Málaga, past the towns of La Cala and Torre del Mar.
Sugar cane, avocado and custard trees grow along this subtropical coast. You will have time to stop and explore the town of Nerja before continuing on to Motril.
Optional excursion
Duration: 11 hours