Excursion The alhambra! tour at Malaga

Experience the history and grandeur of one of Spain's most famous attractions during this full-day visit to Granada and the Alhambra Palace. Granada rose to fame when the Moors transferred the seat of their diminishing dominions to this city, which is located amidst the low foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Granada's crowning glory is the Alhambra, the Moorish citadel complex with its splendid palace overlooking the city.

Depart the pier for the approximate 80-mile (129-kilometre) drive to Granada, with a comfort stop made en route.

The Alhambra

Upon reaching the Alhambra, the last capital of the Moors, meet the local guides and begin a walking tour of its magnificent buildings and gardens. A short walk takes you to the entrance of the vast complex. Begun in 1238 by the Moorish ruler Ibn el-Ahmer, the fortified hilltop complex became a world-renowned centre of art and culture. It was so impressive that the Christian conquerors of the day could not bear to destroy it. Today, the legendary Alhambra remains Spain's most outstanding symbol of Moorish heritage.

Royal Palace

Follow the guide through a maze of pathways and corridors to the Palacio Arabe. Its splendid interior captivates with an endless procession of intricately-carved ceilings, and beautiful tiled floors, walls, arches and fountains. Of special note is the impressive marble colonnade leading to the Court of Myrtles and the Patio of the Lions. This famous courtyard, with its alabaster basin supported by 12 marble lions, is among the most photographed sites in Spain.

Generalife

Your walk continues along landscaped pathways to the Generalife, site of the Moorish rulers' summer palace. Its location on higher ground made it a pleasant and cool retreat. The gardens are renowned for their terraced flowerbeds, fountains and spectacular views of the city.

A short walk brings you for lunch to the Ruta del Veleta restaurant. After lunch, proceed to the bus for the return drive to Málaga.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Granada, Sierra Nevada, Alhambra, Royal Palace, Palacio Arabe, Court of Myrtles, Patio of the Lions, Generalife Reservation note: Due to the particular reservation system of the Alhambra, entrance tickets are not guaranteed until 1-3 months before the call, therefore this tour is booked on wait list. If Silversea manage to get group tickets (nominative tickets with each Guest Passport number and date of birth) for the suitable entrance time, the waitlisted bookings will be cleared following the order of the reservation date. A message will be e-mailed to all waitlisted Silversea Guests to notify the confirmation of their booking. Guests must bring their passport with them on tour as Alhambra will check that names and passport number of each guest correspond to the ticket purchased. Please make sure to provide your updated passport details to Silversea.

Note

Reservation note: Due to the particular reservation system of the Alhambra, entrance tickets are not guaranteed until 1-2 months before the call, therefore this tour is booked on wait list. If Silversea manage to get group tickets (nominative tickets with each Guest Passport number and date of birth) for the suitable entrance time, the waitlisted bookings will be cleared following the order of the reservation date. A message will be e-mailed to all waitlisted Silversea Guests to notify the confirmation of their booking. Please note that tickets are not refundable once confirmed. Therefore, should you wish to cancel your reservation, it's advisable to do so at least 3 months before the start of your cruise. Guests must bring their passport with them on tour as Alhambra will check that names and passport number of each guest correspond to the ticket purchased. Please make sure to provide your updated passport details to Silversea.

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking (2.5 hours) inside the Alhambra. Distance on foot is approximately 2 miles. The drive between the pier and Granada is approximately two hours in each direction. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Please make sure to provide your updated passport details to Silversea.