GIBRALTAR
Rock out in Gibraltar
Gibraltar revolves around a rock — but not just any rock, it’s that rock — the Rock of Gibraltar. The renowned, overseas British territory sits on the tip of the Iberian peninsula with a larger-than-life limestone rock looming protectively over the little city.
The awe-inspiring Rock is home to a network of caverns; from the natural-occurring St. Michael’s Caves which are gorgeously illuminated by multicolored lights, to the Great Siege Tunnels and the Gibraltar Nature Preserve where the resident Barbary Macaque apes roam freely.
Surrounding the rock lies a fishing village, six stretches of beach, and a British-esque town complete with bright red phone booths. On the town’s singular street, you’ll find a beautiful cacophony of languages like Andalusian Spanish, British English, and Llanito. But Gibraltar’s incredible combination of culture extends beyond just Spanish and British to include Maltese, Italian, Moor and more — a product of its strategic seaport on the Strait of Gibraltar — resulting in a tiny town with a big personality.
Surrounding the rock lies a fishing village, six stretches of beach, and a British-esque town complete with bright red phone booths. On the town’s singular street, you’ll find a beautiful cacophony of languages like Andalusian Spanish, British English, and Llanito. But Gibraltar’s incredible combination of culture extends beyond just Spanish and British to include Maltese, Italian, Moor and more — a product of its strategic seaport on the Strait of Gibraltar — resulting in a tiny town with a big personality.
Cable Car Ride & Botanical Gardens
Ride through the sky to reach the top of the Rock to get lost in gardens, meet Barbary macaques (Old World monkeys) and get a glimpse at Africa. Glide in the cable car to reach each destination. At the top, wander around the many terraces and take in the views of Gibraltar, Africa, and Spain before heading to the botanical gardens. Your guide will take you through Alameda Gardens to discover native and exotic plant species. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore Main Street to shop.
Wine Vault Pairing & Europa Point
Kick off your tour at the famous Europa Point, a vantage point with sweeping views of Northern Africa, the Strait of Gibraltar, and a lighthouse (as the cherry on top). Then, visit the historic Chatham Counterguard, a striking defense wall with arched roofs, vaults, and impressive stonework. Learn about its significance and sip on fresh white wine before settling down to enjoy a chef’s selection of gourmet bites paired with three wines. Finish off your meal with a final glass or Italian coffee.
The Ultimate Rock Tour
Start your rockin’ tour at Europa Point, the southernmost point of Gibraltar (and the Iberian Peninsula). After capturing panoramic photos, head up to the Rock of Gibraltar’s upper area to explore the stunning St. Michael’s Cave. Meet the legendary ape-like (and human-like) resident monkeys of the Rock, the Barbary macaques, pass by the nature reserve, and see a Moorish Castle that holds the keys to Gibraltar’s past. At the end of a jam-packed tour, explore Main Street or head back to the ship.
Strut down the runway
The airport runway bisects the busiest road — visitors cross it on foot.
At only 2.6 square miles, Gibraltar is a small but mighty seaport stop. The Rock of Gibraltar itself can be explored time and time again for hours (and days) on end — undoubtedly finding something new each time you do. Whether you take the cable car or hike the Mediterranean Steps to see it, the scenic views on the way up are almost as impressive as the Rock itself. But climbing up the Mediterranean Steps is not for the faint of heart — you’ll ascend twice the height of Big Ben, but be rewarded with cliffside views so expansive you can take in Africa on the horizon.
