GIJON, SPAIN

From the pier we shall have a short drive to the city of Oviedo, which is the capital of the principality of Asturias, and is the administrative and commercial centre of the region. It is also the hometown of 2005 and 2006 Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso.

From the pier we shall have a short drive to the city of Oviedo, which is the capital of the principality of Asturias, and is the administrative and commercial centre of the region. It is also the hometown of 2005 and 2006 Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso. After a brief panoramic drive we commence our walking tour of the old quarter at the Plaza de la Escandalera. Our tour takes us to the Cathedral of San Salvador, built in the 14th – 16th centuries around Oviedo’s most cherished monument – the Cámara Santa or Holy Chamber. King Ramiro’s predecessor, Alfonso the Chaste, erected the Cámara Santa to hide the treasures of Christian Spain during the long struggle with the Moors. The chamber was heavily damaged during the Spanish Civil War but has now been rebuilt. Inside is the gold leaf cross of the Angels, encrusted with pearls and jewels. The many treasures were stolen from the Cathedral in 1977 but were recovered intact before the thieves managed to get them out of Europe through Portugal. After our walking tour we shall have some free time before returning to our awaiting ship.

This tour is mainly a walking tour, approximately 3 hours in total including the free time, so is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or in wheelchairs. Much of the walking will be over cobblestones in the Old Town. Toilet stops will not necessarily be made, although facilities will be available in local bars during the free time (it is polite to also buy a drink in this case).

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES