- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Departing from the pier, we drive to Elche, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Palmeral and Misteri Festival. Elche is worthy of special interest on account of its spectacular surroundings, the wealth of monuments and its architecture, which is steeped in history. Upon arrival, we shall make an outside visit to the Church of Santa Maria and Municipal Park.

Elche is completely surrounded by palm trees. The Huerto Del Cura, which is home to the Imperial Palm Tree, is the greatest treasure of this garden, the largest in Europe. Considered to be the cultural crucible of the city, this area of 13,000 square metres is home to 700 palm trees and over 500 other species of plants and flowers. We can enjoy some free time here to walk through the gardens at leisure, before re-boarding our tour coach for our return to the quayside.

TOUR NOTES: There is a moderate amount of compulsory walking involved during this tour (approximately one kilometre in the old town of Elche, plus five steps to negotiate, and 500 metres at the Botanical Gardens). Guests will have approximately 30 minutes of free time at the Botanical Gardens, where walking is at the discretion of the individual. What flora may be seen is obviously subject to seasonal change.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2011 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES