Alicante Cruises Inmersing Yourself in the Costa Blanca

Inmersing yourself into Costa Blanca

Alicante City

It might turn out an amusing visit to stroll aroundold Alicante

Capital of the Costa Blanca, “City of the Sun”, Mediterraneanparadise, there are endless ways to describe Alicante. So thebest for you is to visit, experience, and make your ownchoice.

Called by Marques de Molins in 1841 "The best land inthe world".One of the most visited tourist destinations in Spain,even the world.Provides a wide range of modern services, commerceand culture offers.An ancient cultural richness portrayed in both civil andreligious monuments.A dynamic city with a large number of activities forleisure.A town where you can enjoy yourself to the full strollalong the avenues including the longest in our country:La Explanada, a beautiful palm-tree lined promenade.

The tour

Let us take you first to visit Santa Bárbara Castle, which isthe focal point of Alicante. It is a magnificent fortress, builton a mountain ridge 200 metres above the sea level. It is themost famous castle in the province, both for the history andfor the fantastic views of the surrounding countryside andthe city of Alicante.

Leaving the castle, your trip continues into the city centre.You will pass the lovely 16th century baroque Church of SantaMaria, which was built on the site of an ancient Arab Mosque.Then your guide will take you into the Cathedral of San Nicolásde Bari. The plain exterior belies the magnificent chapel,considered as one of Spain's finest examples of high baroquearchitecture. Alicante's City Hall is another impressiveexample of the lavish baroque style. Note the small disk onthe first step that marks the sea level and is used as a gaugefor levels all over Spain.

After this, there will be some time available to browse aroundthe shops and cafes in this area before returning to the ship.

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We show you a picture tour through themost relevant monuments.

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Timing and SpecialRemarks

TIMING AND SPECIAL REMARKS

ARRIVAL

09.30

10.30

11.45

13.00

DEPARTURE

09.00

10.15

11.45

12.30

Departure from the pier and have a panoramic tour through Alicante.

Visit to the Santa María Church.

A walk through the city centre.

Citu Centre, "La Asegurada" Archaeological Museum and San Nicolas Cathedral.

Free time.

Departure to the pier.

Arrival at the pier.

PLACES VISITED

DURATION OF THE TOUR / TIME SPENT ON

DURATION

04 hr.

45 min.

15 min.

45 min.

02,15 hr.

Duration of the tour

Time spent on bus

Time spetn walking

Free Time

Time spent on monumental visit

PLACES VISITED

REMARKS

Unlimited number of participants on tour.

Optional tour could be considered.

This is just an example of one of the excursions that you can request from your tour-operator.

Elche is the third largest city in the Comunidad Valencianaregion in terms of population, size and resources. A strollthrough the city's streets will reveal an interesting historicalcentre, a silent witness to its glorious past.

A world heritage site

A city provided with a special kind of enrapturingbeauty.Wherever one strolls, there is the fresh scentof the sea, typically reminiscent of a seaport.It has recently been designated two areas ofWorld Heritage by UNESCO.A surprising botanical phenomenon like theImperial palm-tree, an eight-armed specimen.

The tour

Elche Palm Grove, prehistoric in its origins and modern in itsoutlook, it is a favourite tourist attraction among Spaniards.You will find it hard to believe that with more than a millionpalm trees this is actually the biggest palm-tree reserve inEurope, as well as one of the European cities with the highestpercentage of green space per inhabitant.

On our way we will visit The Huerto del Cura, a 13,000m2orchard categorised as an artistic garden. Inside visitors canenjoy a harmonious combination of Mediterranean and tropicalplants in an atmosphere of calm and tranquillity while thepalm trees, the garden's true stars, endow it with their uniqueaspect.

Before leaving Elche we shall visit the magnificent Churchof Santa Maria, a 16th century church, built on the site of anancient Arab Mosque, where the Elche Mystery Play, a sacredlyrical drama is held every year. After a busy day, we willreturn to Alicante and visit its Old Quarter, where we will seethe Cathedral of San Nicolás de Bari and the Town Hall.Before returning to the pier, we will drive to Santa BárbaraCastle built in the 16th century, which will offer us the lastmagnificent view of our tour: the whole city of Alicante, itsmonuments and beaches.

Alicante & Elche

An exceptional location between mountainsand sea

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Elche, a world heritage city



ARRIVAL DEPARTURE

09.00

10.45

11.30

13.00

13.45

13.45

Departure from the pier and have a panoramic tour through Alicante.

Arrival at Municipal Park and short visit to the church of Santa María in Elche.

Departure to visit Huerto del Cura.

Return to Alicante.

Arrival at Alicante and visit the Town Hall and a short walk through the old town.

Arrival at Santa Bárbara Castle.

Departure to the pier.


PLACES VISITED


DURATION

05 hr.

02 hr.

03 hr..

--

--


Time spent on bus


Free Time

Time spetn walking

PLACES VISITED

REMARKS




5hourtour

09.45

11.00

12.45

13.00

14.00

The route of Castles

Castles with a captivating magic

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Not only hundred-year-old stones

Lately honoured as “Property of cultural interest”.

The tour

It is an old town with many historical features, one of whichis the Arab castle of the “Atalaya”, standing over the city. Thefirst citizens lived at the foot of the fortress.

This ancient yet modern city, warmly receives all visitorswho wish to get to know about the many aspects of this town.For museum lovers, you will find out that Villena has a lot tooffer. We recommend you to visit the Archaeological Museum“José María Soler”, housed at the Municipal Palace. Here youwill find one of the most important treasures of the BronzeAge in all Europe: “El tesoro de Villena”, comprising of 60gold and silver pieces as well as several prehistoric artefactsfound in 1963.

It is also worth mentioning this gothic temple: the church ofSantiago.

After the visit through Villena, we will go on to Biar.

Biar's castle in the route of The Cid.

The tour

Located in the Alto Vinalopó region, the region has developedaround its castle. Still standing are its double-walled perimeterand its fortified tower, the last vestige of Islam.

One thing worth visiting is a unique dome with intersectingarcs in the tower.

We will not finish our route before visiting the MunicipalEthnographic Museum, where everything is exhibited in athematic order. In all the areas you can see different objectsrelated to history, trades, handicraft, and the traditional customsof Biar.

Villena

Biar

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ARRIVAL DEPARTURE

09.00

11.20

11.30

12.00

12.00

13.30

14.15

14.15

Departure from the pier.

Arrival at Villena and short visit to Town Hall (Treasure), the church of Santiago.

Walk to the Castle.

Visit to the Castle.

Departure to visit Biar.

Biar, panoramic view from the Castle and Handicraft Museum.

Lunch / Free time.

Departure to Alicante


PLACES VISITED


DURATION

06 hr.

02,05 hr.

03 hr.

45 min.

10 min.


Time spent on bus


Free Time

Time spetn walking and visiting

PLACES VISITED

REMARKS




09.50

11.20

11.30

12.30

13.30

15.00

Guadalest

Gorgeous Guadalest, one of the most visitedvillages in Spain

Guadalest or Castell de Guadalest can call itself a “charmingvillage” without fear of exaggeration.

This village with no more than 200 inhabitantsis one of the favourite places for people whoprefer to visit a different inland town, full of local colour.Guadalest is located quite near the famous,tourist destinations such as Benidorm, Altea orCalpe.The picturesque tiny town is situated in the

valley with the same name, in the middle of awonderful route full of steep rugged landscapesof mountains covered with pine forests.

The tour

The tour begins at 09.00 am from Alicante harbour to Guadalest,passing through the villages of San Juan, Campello, Villajoyosa,La Nucía, Polop, and Callosa.

The coach will make a short stop to let visitors have a tasteof the typical wine of the region, Moscatel wine.

After this stop, the next village will be Guadalest, an old townwithin the walls of a ruined castle, perched high on top of apeak, with tiny streets which have steps up to the castle.Here, in Guadalest, we shall visit the old town centre with itsTown Hall, as well as the ethnological museum.

In Benimantel, at 15 minutes from Guadalest, do not miss thevisit to the Valley of Eagles, a Nature Centre, which is devotedto birds of prey.

In a natural setting of matchless Mediterranean beauty, thevisitor can admire eagles, hawks or vultures, besides learningabout their characteristics and habits with guided free-flightobservations.

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Splendid sense of pure nature

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ARRIVAL DEPARTURE

09.00

10.30

12.00

12.45

13.45

Departure from Alicante harbour.

Stop at Bar Fercaira.

Departure to Guadalest.

Visit Guadalest.

Departure to Eagles Valley.

Visit Eagles Valley.

Return to Alicante.


PLACES VISITED


DURATION

06 hr.

03,45 hr.

01,45 hr.

30 min.

--


Time spent on bus


Free Time

Time spent walking and visiting

PLACES VISITED

REMARKS

At 13.15 we will start the back journey to Alicante port.




10.00

10.45

12.15

15.00

Orihuela

Welcome to the home town of the famousSpanish poet Miguel Hernández

Orihuela offers the visitor a great place to enjoy the seaand sun, and a monumental city centre.

While staying in this municipality, it is a must to visit themonumental city.Its Historic-Artistic Site has five National Monuments.An urban layout that is the result of its former rank asa University and Episcopal Centre.A town which has one of the largest culturalheritages in this area.

The tour

Departure 09.00 am from the port and drive to the town ofOrihuela.

First of all we shall visit the beautiful Palace of Rubalcava,the Marquises in residence until 1950.Built at the beginning of the century, on grounds where amosque had once been, it has a beautiful baroque and gothicstyle.

Moving on we will visit the Cathedral of “San Salvador”,built over an old mosque of the 14th Century. This monumenthas several chapels of very different architectural styles. Next the “Museo de Arte Sacro” (Museum of Sacred Art), witha very important art gallery including paintings by Paolo deSan Leocadio, Pedro Orrente, and the most significant, “ Thetemplations of Saint Thomas of Aqunius” by Velazquez.

Orihuela, the capital of the Vega Baja region, boasts fivenational monuments: Santo Domingo Convent, San SalvadorCathedral, Saints Justa and Rufina Church, Episcopal Palaceand the Santiago Church.

After your relaxing break we will return to Alicante whereyou can visit the old town.

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Up until now,Orihuela has taken great pride

in maintaining all its monuments.

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ARRIVAL DEPARTURE

09.00

12.30

13.45


Arrival to Orihuela (Visit to the monuments)

Departure to have lunch.

Lunch.

Return to Alicante.

Arrival to Alicante and brief visit to the old town.

Arrival to the port.

PLACES VISITED


DURATION

06 hr.

02,30 hr.

02,15 hr.

01,15 hr.

--


Time spent on bus

Time spent on monument visit

Free Time

Time spetn walking

PLACES VISITED

REMARKS

Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended for the visit to Orihuela.




09.45

12.30

14.15

15.00

MARQA journey through the prehistory and history of the CostaBlanca, conceived and developed to meet the challenge ofbeing the first archaeological museum of the 21st century.

Was awarded the prize for the best EuropeanMuseum of the year 2004.Has a totally innovative approach to archaeology.Focuses on visitor interaction.Using the latest audiovisual technology.Extra services include a restaurant, cafeteria, shop,research rooms, auditorium and cloakroom.

The tour

Marq, placed within the old Hospital of San Juan de Dios, hasbeen renovated and accommodated to hold this investigationcentre.

The museum covers over 9000 square metres, dedicatedexclusively to Alicante's archaeological heritage.

MARQ was conceived as a vanguard museum. Theincorporation of new audiovisual and info graphictechnologies permits a reconstruction of the customs, rituals,and beliefs of our ancestors. The pieces exhibited make iteasier for the visitor to get a feeling of the history whilesurrounded by this environment.

The museum is divided into different exhibit areas whichshow the prehistoric and Iberian world, Roman, Modern andContemporary cultures, and the Middle Ages, with the mostmodern technologies and interactive panels to show the lifeof these different periods.

Apart from the exhibits, the Marq also gives a detailedexplanation and reproduction of the work process on anarchaeological site, either on land or under water. This makesfor a very complete and pleasant surprising museum.

4hourtour

All the periods exhibitedin an creative museum

The Archaeological Museum of Alicante

Discover the findings of our past

Terra Mítica

Discover all what's hidden on theMediterranean shores

Situated in Benidorm, in the province of Alicante, the maintourist attraction on the Costa Blanca is Terra Mítica, theTheme Park where entertainment, strong emotions andunforgettable sensations are guaranteed.

Only for those who like fun; turn upside down at ahundred kilometres per hour in one of the park's proposalsthat mix your emotions with the cultural nearby ideas.More than 80 daily shows are represented atopen air or prepared places for special scenic tricks.The most amusing aquatic both mechanical attractions,and impressive routes for small children, a little modelof Terra Mítica's attractions.

The tour

The warm climate and the prevailing sun, together withoutstanding accommodation and communication facilities,make Terra Mítica the most popular theme park.

Terra Mítica consists of five exciting areas where the visitorwill be able to go enjoyably deeper into ancient Mediterraneancivilisations:

EGYPT, the dream bazaar. You will Be able to roam aroundthe Port of Alexandria and, in the pyramid, share in thePharaoh's secrets, in an impressive show.GREECE, the land of the gods. You will re-live the emotionof the Olympic Games, Crete, and its famous Minotaur'slabyrinth.ROME, the frontier. The Mérida Bridge, the military atmosphere,the palisades…and the heights on a wooden Roller-Coaster.IBERIA, the warm shore. Travel to the 17th and 18th centuriesand experience the Valencian Community of then and now.THE ISLANDS, making Ulysses's mythical voyage around theMediterranean, at the heart of the park, you will experienceundreamt-of adventures.

6hourtour

Egypt, Greece, Rome and The Islands,thousands of years converted into moments

of fun, emotion and adrenaline.

in AlicanteGolf

in AlicanteGolf

Golf in Alicante

Relax and make sport

The Costa Blanca is one of the main international golfresorts and is available all year round. Players can enjoya fully-equipped network of courses with unsurpassablesports facilities and, what is more, in the ideal climatefor this sport, with temperatures ranging from 11º inJanuary to 27º in August.

One of Europe's main golf venues, especially inwinter.All of them have been designed by prestigious golfers,like Spanish champions Severiano Ballesteros orJosé María Olazabal.Golf can be played all over the Costa Blanca, closeto great tourist and business resorts.

In all golf courses there are schools with fully-qualifiedinstructors to teach you how to play golf, and with all isrelated services: trolleys, buggies, clubs and practice areascan be hired. Also available are other supplementary serviceslike booking points, cafeteria, babysitting, medical service,social club, sauna, game rooms, hotel and car-park.

Within reach of Alicante, four 18-hole golf courses can befound: Alenda (Monforte del Cid, 30 minutes from Alicante).El Plantío; Bonalba, and Alicante. In the north, there areanother four courses: La Sella, Jávea, Ifach and Don Cayo(in Altea). In the south, we can find La Marquesa, LasRamblas de Orihuela, Campoamor and Villamartín.

6hourtour

As many golf courses as you dream

Alicante Golf club

Ensure yourself a great day

Next to San Juan Beach lies Alicante Golf. Its 18 holes,designed by Severiano Ballesteros are an attractivechallenge to any player, whether beginner or professional.

Open all year.We suggest you to enjoy the beach just a few minutesfrom Alicante Golf.

The 6.270 metre course of par 72 requires a differentstrategic approach to every hole and obliges players touse all clubs.

Each of its very balanced legs of 3.125 and 3.145 metresrespectively features three par 3, three par 4, and threepar 5 holes.

It is, therefore, the first golf course in Spain to balanceits handicaps with equal number of pars.

This course also stands out for its long tees and widefairways, as well as its beautiful park areas and itssplendid lakes, which provide the ideal environment forplayers to practice their favourite sport.

5hourtour

Alicante Golf invites you to play in its course, with excellent views and facilities


DURATION

05 hr.

30 min.

04,30 hr.


Time spent on bus

Time spent in “Alicante Golf”

PLACES

REMARKS





ARRIVAL DEPARTURE

09.00

13.45


Arrival at “Alicante Golf”

Departure to harbour.

Arrival to the pier.

PLACES VISITED

09.15

14.00

Timing and Special Remarks

Bonalba Golf club

Qualified by professionals as a “noble course”

“Golf Bonalba” is a magnificent 18-hole par 72 coursemeasuring 6.367 metres, nestled at the foot of the Sierrade Bonalba overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Grove large variety.Provided with fascinating lakes and fountains.A great deal of bunkers and huge greens arrangedin a funny design made by Mr. Espinosa.

The tour

The annual average temperature of 18º and the wonderfulbeach of San Juan only 2 kms. away from the first tee,makes Bonalba a privileged area where golf can be playedall year around.

Golf Bonalba has excellent communications. From theinternational airport “El Altet” (Alicante), 10 minutes bymotorway from Alicante, which has connections by railand sea.

The facilities at Golf Bonalba also include the Golf Academywith qualified professional instructors, large driving range,putting greens, approach area and bunker practice green.Other services: club house, restaurant, car-park, changingrooms (lockers available), a pro-shop, pull and electrictrolleys, buggies, clubs, paddle, etc. The course is openevery day of the week from 8.00 am.

6hourtour

Bonalba in the Mediterranean, has theperfect combination of a pleasant climate

and marvellous sights.


DURATION

06 hr.

01,00 hr.

05,00 hr.


Time spent on bus

Time spent in “Club de Golf Bonalba”

PLACES

REMARKS





ARRIVAL DEPARTURE

09.00

14.30


Arrival at “Club de Golf Bonalba”.



PLACES VISITED

09.30

15.00


Don Cayo Golf club

An spectacular scenery

Situated within the residential area of El Aramo, in theSierra de Altea, the Golf Club Don Cayo has several first-class installations, making the sport comfortable andenjoyable. Also, the situation of the club on the mountain’sside, offers brilliant views of the Mediterranean and ofAltea’s bay.

The Don Cayo Club has a nine-hole par 27 course, andputting green. The club offers a service of hire buggies,bags and clubs, and a golf school headed by a team ofprofessionals willing to initiate everyone who is interested.

Inside the social club, as a complement of the sport, thereare cafeterias, shops and a car park.

The climate in the area is mild with average summertemperatures of 28º, with approximately five days ofrainfall; during the winter months, the temperature canreach 16º, or even more. Rainfall during winter is morefrequent (approximately 20 days).

6hourtour

Opened for the first time in 1974, this coursehas some holes where the player must show

his/her technique.


DURATION

08 hr.

02,00 hr.

06,00 hr.


Time spent on bus

Time spent in “Club de Golf Ifach”

PLACES

REMARKS





ARRIVAL DEPARTURE

09.00

16.00


Arrival at “Club de Golf Ifach”



PLACES VISITED

10.00

17.00


Ifach Golf club

The Golf Course with one of the bestlandscapes of the region

At just 12 kilometres from Calpe and 2 kilometres fromthe beach of Moraira, surrounded by tranquillity and nature,we find the Ifach Golf Club.

Founded in 1974, it is considered on of thepioneer clubs of the Comunidad Valenciana.Situated in an area that is particularly attractive forthe practice of golf.With breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The tour

Here you can find a quality that is a must for people whowish to get away from the stress of the large cities:silence.

Between pines, algarrobos, and almond trees, you canfind peace and quiet, enabling one to concentrate on thepractice of this sport.

Javier Arana, architect and golf player, designer of the ElSaler Golf Club among others, designed the Ifach Club.The course is designed for the use of all golf clubs, andis appropriate for amateur players. The course is madeup of six short holes, six of par 3, and three of par 4.

Among the services offered by the club are equipmentrental, a swimming pool, a solarium, a social club, a bar-restaurant, a car park and a specialised store that offersclub repairs. Credit cards are also accepted.

8hourtour

Difficulty and variety is added by thedistribution of trees and bunkers.


DURATION

08 hr.

02,00 hr.

06,00 hr.


Time spent on bus

Time spent in “Club de Golf Ifach”

PLACES

REMARKS





ARRIVAL DEPARTURE

09.00

16.00


Arrival at “Club de Golf Ifach”



PLACES VISITED

10.00

17.00


Information

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALICANTE - AUTORIDAD PORTUARIA DE ALICANTE

Muelle de Poniente, s/n. - 03001 Alicante ( SPAIN )

Tel. +34 965 130 095 Fax. +34 965 130 034

www.puertoalicante.com

Documents

Alicante Cruises Inmersing Yourself in the Costa Blanca