Malaga & Picasso House
Mediterranean Excursions
- £41-50
- 4 hours
- Hard
MALAGA, SPAIN
Its ancient streets, lovely villas, lush vegetation and good weather make Malaga one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe.
Its ancient streets, lovely villas, lush vegetation and good weather make Malaga one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe.
Malaga is the capital city of the Costa del Sol. Founded by the Phoenicians as a colony some 3,000 years ago, it has come under the rule of the Romans, Carthaginians and the Moors. With approximately 670,000 inhabitants, the city lives a ‘Janus-faced’ life as both a busy port and industrial centre for southern Spain. Its ancient streets, lovely villas, lush vegetation and good weather make Malaga one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe.
Departing the quayside, we begin our tour with a visit to Gibralfaro’s Castle, which crowns the top of hill overlooking the city. The name ‘Gibralfaro’ comes from the Moorish ‘Jebel’, meaning ‘hill’, and ‘Faro’, meaning ‘lighthouse’.
From here, we continue to the Cathedral, also known as ‘La Manquita’ (meaning ‘the little one-armed lady’). After conquering Malaga from the Moors, in 1528 the Catholic Kings ordered a cathedral to be built over the original mosque. Construction wasn’t finished until 1728, and the façade is mainly Renaissance in style. The building has only one tower – construction was halted on the second tower due to a lack of money. Nevertheless, a majestic flight of marble steps lead to the main entrance.
Next we proceed to the birth house of one of the most famous sons of Malaga, Pablo Picasso, which is located in Plaza de la Merced. Picasso’s parents rented the house and Picasso himself was born here on October 25th, 1881. The building contains some of the Picasso personal objects and some of his works. Following our visit, we can then enjoy some free time to explore the area independently, before returning to the quayside and our awaiting ship.
TOUR NOTES: This tour involves approximately two and a quarter hours of walking, some of which will be over uneven ground, and there will be some steps to negotiate. Unfortunately it is not considered suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Please note that should our call fall on a Sunday, due to religious functions a visit will NOT be made to the Cathedral; passengers shall instead view the outside of the Cathedral and then visit the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortification. Shops are also closed on Sundays. For reference, there is a long walk (approximately 300 metres/985 feet) through the passenger terminal to the tour coaches. In the heat, passengers are advised to wear sunscreen and a hat; a bottle of water is also recommended.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
Departing the quayside, we begin our tour with a visit to Gibralfaro’s Castle, which crowns the top of hill overlooking the city. The name ‘Gibralfaro’ comes from the Moorish ‘Jebel’, meaning ‘hill’, and ‘Faro’, meaning ‘lighthouse’.
From here, we continue to the Cathedral, also known as ‘La Manquita’ (meaning ‘the little one-armed lady’). After conquering Malaga from the Moors, in 1528 the Catholic Kings ordered a cathedral to be built over the original mosque. Construction wasn’t finished until 1728, and the façade is mainly Renaissance in style. The building has only one tower – construction was halted on the second tower due to a lack of money. Nevertheless, a majestic flight of marble steps lead to the main entrance.
Next we proceed to the birth house of one of the most famous sons of Malaga, Pablo Picasso, which is located in Plaza de la Merced. Picasso’s parents rented the house and Picasso himself was born here on October 25th, 1881. The building contains some of the Picasso personal objects and some of his works. Following our visit, we can then enjoy some free time to explore the area independently, before returning to the quayside and our awaiting ship.
TOUR NOTES: This tour involves approximately two and a quarter hours of walking, some of which will be over uneven ground, and there will be some steps to negotiate. Unfortunately it is not considered suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Please note that should our call fall on a Sunday, due to religious functions a visit will NOT be made to the Cathedral; passengers shall instead view the outside of the Cathedral and then visit the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortification. Shops are also closed on Sundays. For reference, there is a long walk (approximately 300 metres/985 feet) through the passenger terminal to the tour coaches. In the heat, passengers are advised to wear sunscreen and a hat; a bottle of water is also recommended.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
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Snack or meal provided
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Refreshments available
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Free time
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Shopping opportunity
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Wheelchair access
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Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
