Katz & Dawgs Unlimited ™

Gibraltar
Two tours: Dolphin Tour, and tour to the Top of the Rock

July 12

GIB-003 CRUISING THE BAY OF GIBRALTAR-DOLPHIN WATCH

This tour makes for a truly unforgettable experience, combining seeing one of the most visually spectacular and historic bays in the world, along with viewing playful dolphins.

You will begin with a short ride to the marina where you will board your boat for the scenic cruise within the Bay of Gibraltar. Along the way, you will learn about the world of dolphins as well as the history and landmarks of Gibraltar as seen from the sea. Few people are aware that Gibraltar is one of the best places in the world to view cetaceans all year round - the local waters being home to three species of dolphins, several species of whales, flying fish, turtles and sun fish.

Dominated by a huge mass of limestone rock, riddled with caves thought to be at least 135 million years old, Gibraltar has a fantastically varied history. The Rock has always been of special significance by the civilizations that have occupied it. Its physical shape and geographical location makes it one of the world's strategic crossroads, and it has been of great importance to both Muslims and Christians. Your tour today gives you a unique, up-close look at this impressive landscape from the surrounding sea.

Upon retuning to the marina, you may transfer directly back to the ship or elect to remain in town and do some shopping or further explore Gibraltar on your own. Those who remain in town will be responsible for making their own way back to the ship. Please note: This tour is not available to wheelchair guests and those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their own level of ability and stamina. The tour may not be suitable for those who experience motion sickness. Casual clothes, comfortable flat shoes with a non-slip sole, a hat and sunglasses are suggested. The boat is equipped with a restroom and bar (beverages are at an additional cost) and operates weather permitting. Guests who elect to stay in town will be responsible for making their own way back to the pier.

Easy

GIB-007 GIBRALTAR DELIGHTS

This exclusive tour presents a grand overview of Gibraltar from the delightful O’Callaghan Elliot Hotel, situated in the heart of Gibraltar, with spectacular views of the Old Town and Bay of Gibraltar. Experience the beauty and diversity of the historical Alameda Botanical Gardens and the wonders of the Gibraltar Crystal Factory.

Your tour commences from the pier and drives north across Gibraltar's unusual runway, which was built with rocks that the British excavated during World War II when tunneling inside the famed Rock of Gibraltar for defensive purposes. Along the way, make a photo stop at the American War Memorial and pass by the Trafalgar Cemetery, both located just outside the city walls. Stopping atop Europa Point, you'll enjoy a magnificent view of North Africa, just 12 miles across the Straits of Gibraltar. As you enjoy the view, you will come to appreciate why this territory was and continues to be of such strategic importance to the British Navy.

Next, you'll travel to the Gibraltar Crystal Factory, where you'll see glassblowers at work, discover the history of the factory, and browse an exhibition of colorful, one-of-a-kind crystal. Following this visit, your guide will take you on a tour of the City Center. Travel back through time and immerse yourself in Gibraltar's history during the Moorish, Spanish and British periods. During your guide's narrative, you will learn all about the development of Gibraltar's people and its culture, utilizing themes elaborated on at the different stops. From here, it's on to the Botanical Gardens. Gibraltar's mild climate nurtures a variety of exotic flora, and there is an excellent variety to be found here. Opened in 1816 as the Alameda Gardens, this botanical wonderland contains more than 1900 species, including succulents, palms, flowering shrubs and trees from as far away as California.

Of course, the Rock of Gibraltar dominates the landscape and no trip to Gibraltar would be complete without a visit to its summit. Boarding your cable car you'll ride to the summit, reaching the top, you'll find the views are simply unparalleled. As you wander independently around the many terraces, you are afforded splendid views of the city of Gibraltar to the west, the coastline of Africa to the south, the Spanish Mainland to the north and the Blue waters of the Mediterranean to the east.

After descending from the top of the Rock, you will be taken to the O’Callaghan Elliot Hotel, where you will enjoy some delicious canapés and drinks on their top floor suite, where you will be able to appreciate unique views of Gibraltar’s Old Town, Main Street and the Bay of Gibraltar. Please note: This tour includes approximately 2-hours of easy to moderate walking, plus any additional walking at the guests' discretion during free time. The tour is conducted via minibuses which do not have room to store wheelchairs; therefore, this tour is not available to wheelchair guests. Those with mobility concerns are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Weather-appropriate clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Duration: 4.00 Hrs

First views of Gibraltar, before docking

The dolphin tour began at a marina (no great surprise)

Another cruise ship (right) dwarfed Sirena

Watching

Dolphins are hard to photograph.
I took dozens of photos just to get these two.

Beginning of our tour of Gibraltar and the rock.

At the botanic gardens, as we made our way to the base station
of the cable car trip to the top of the rock

Our tour guide for Gibraltar.

Sirena, again dwarfed by the other ship.
Also, the first of many apes at the top of the rock

Steph bought our own monkey. We named him Henry.