TOUR E - CAGLIARI BOTANICAL GARDENS & ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE
Excursions
- £40 - £ 50
- Approx. 3.5 hours
- Strenuous
Departing from the quayside, our guide will introduce us to the city of Cagliari and its history, en route to the Roman Amphitheatre. Cagliari is a modern town, which has nevertheless managed to preserve its historical roots. One of its main attractions is its panoramic position in amongst natural surroundings. To the south lies the great Golfo Degli Angeli (‘Gulf of the Angels’), while the lagoons of Santa Gilla and Molentagus now appear to be almost enclosed by the urban network of the town, with its wide suburban belt flights of flamingos, ducks and herons.
The city’s convenient position and exceptionally mild climate ensured development of an urban settlement from the 7th century BC, fostered by the Phoenicians and later the Carthaginians. Cagliari, or ‘Casteddu’ for the Sardinians, reveals its centuries old soul through its monuments, the most important one being the Roman Amphitheatre. It was built in a natural depression in the rocks between the end of the 1st century and the beginning of the 2nd century, in the Palabanda Valley, a rich archaeological site. The Amphitheatre could hold approximately 10,000 spectators, who gathered to watch gladiators, people sentenced to death and theatrical performances. Today wooden seats cover the original ones, but it is still possible to see the cells and cages where animals and prisoners were kept, as well as part of the terraces. It is still used as an open-air theatre.
Next we walk to the Botanical Garden, located nearby. Covering an area of five hectares, the garden is of great historical importance due to the presence of Punic-Roman water tanks. It was founded in the 1860s and damaged during World War II, but has since been restored. During our tour, we will walk through the garden and discover some of the approximate 2,000 species, divided into three areas - Mediterranean plants, succulent plants and tropical plants. The garden also conserves a rare variety of rubber plant, found to be used during the Punic-Roman age.
Following our visit, we re-board our tour coach for the return journey to the quayside and our awaiting ship.
TOUR NOTES: This tour is a strenuous tour which involves approximately two hours of walking and standing, some of which is over cobbled and uneven terrain, and some steep gradients may be encountered. This tour is unfortunately not suitable for guests with limited mobility or wheelchair users. There are a few steps to negotiate at the Botanical Garden and steep steps at the Amphitheatre. For reference, there is approximately 30 minutes of free time, where walking is at the discretion of the individual. For operational reasons, this tour may be carried out in reverse. During the summer months the Roman Amphitheatre many have scaffolding as it is also used for concerts and performances.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2011 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
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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