TOUR F - ALICANTE CITY TOUR
Excursions
- £45 - 55
- Approximately 5 hours
- Limited to 150 participants
Alicante was founded by the Romans, who named it ‘Lucentum’ (‘the city of light’). Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, it is a vibrant cosmopolitan city, with wide esplanades and numerous cafés and terraces to relax in and soak up the Mediterranean sun.
Upon arrival here, we begin our walking tour of Alicante’s historical district, located in the area around the Calle Labradores and the Rambla de Méndez Núñez, a street where the river once flowed. We shall see the famous Esplanada de España, a beautiful walkway made of more than six million black, red and grey tiles that form waves. During our city tour, our guide will provide us with the history of the city while we pass by the Town Hall Square, and Alicante Cathedral, better known as the Church of San Nicolas de Bari. The Cathedral has an impressive façade, considered to be one of the finest examples of the Spanish religious Baroque period. On the steps of the town hall, there is a disc that indicates the sea level and is used as a gauge for all of Spain.
Next, we make our way to the Castle of Santa Barbara, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, which was built by King Phillip II in the 16th century. The Castle, which is approximately 200 metres above sea level, rises above the city and offers wonderful views of Alicante.
The Castle has three differentiated areas. The highest part contains remains from the 11th to 13th century, including the Baluarte de los Inglese (‘Rampart of the English’), the Sala Noble (Hall of Nobles) and the Governor’s House. The intermediate section comprises buildings that were constructed in the 16th century – the Room of Phillip II and the Baluarte de la Reina (Queen’s Rampart) – while the third part of the Castle was added in the 18th century. Here we can see the angular embankment and the monument to the famous soldier Félix Berenguer de Marquina, from Alicante.
Following our visit, we make our way back to Cartagena and our awaiting ship.
TOUR NOTES: This tour involves approximately one and a half hours of walking, some of which will be over cobbled and uneven ground. Inclines and some steps will be encountered at the Castle of Santa Barbara. Unfortunately it is not considered suitable for guests with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Guests are advised to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. Please note that the journey time from Cartagena to Alicante is approximately one and a half hours each way; a comfort stop will NOT be made, however toilet facilities are available at the Castle.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2011 CANARIES & MED SEASON
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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