Silversea Luxury Cruises To MOTRIL (Granada)

Experience the spectacular beauty and grandeur of the Alhambra Palace during this unforgettable, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Motril and Granada

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.25-hour drive to Granada. Nestled in the shadows of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada holds the secrets of ancient Moorish Andalusia. Granada rose to fame when the Moors transferred the seat of their diminishing empire to this charming city. Its most famous site is the Alhambra Palace, a spectacular complex of buildings, courtyards and cupolas that represent the zenith of Moorish architecture. This last capital of the Moors is so impressive that even Catholic conquerors could not bear to destroy it.

Alhambra Palace, Nazaries Palace, Serallo, Patio de Los Leones, and Fountains

Upon arrival, take a guided tour inside the Alhambra Palace. Along the way, visit the section known as the Nazaries Palace, which is adorned with intricately carved stucco walls, knotted ceilings, elaborate honeycomb vaulting and beautiful courtyards. You can also step inside the Serallo, the official residence of the Sultan, and Harem, which surrounds the famous Patio de Los Leones with its fountains feeding water through the mouth of 12 lions. There are many other wonderful sights to be seen within the fortress.

Generalife, Gardens, Terraces, Grottoes, Flowerbeds, Fountains, and Sierra Nevada Mountains

Next, your guided stroll continues among the Generalife, a garden residence that was built as a summer paradise for the Sultans. Its lovely terraces, grottoes, flowerbeds and fabulous fountains bring to life the glamour of the Moorish inhabitants. Look up and marvel at the splendid view of the 'original' Sierra Nevada. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.25-hour drive back to the pier.

Indulge your senses with the music, dance, history and culture of Andalusia at your leisure during a full-day flamenco show and self-guided excursion to Granada City.

Motril, Sierra Nevada National Park, Granada City, and Sacromonte

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate one-hour drive inland, past the majestic Sierra Nevada National Park and on to Granada, an Andalusian city that reveres flamenco dancing. Upon arrival in Granada, proceed to Sacromonte, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Granada's Old Arab Quarter, and take in a highly-charged, passionate flamenco performance.

Flamenco Performance, Lunch and Granada City Centre

Through dance, song and guitar music, the seductive gypsy art of flamenco tells an emotional story with themes ranging from love to oppression. Its roots can be traced back more than 200 years, and nowhere is flamenco admired more than in Granada. After this pure Andalusian experience, re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, drive to the city centre, where ample free time is made available to spend the afternoon at your leisure.

Free Time, Alhambra Palace, Generalife Gardens, Albaicin, Cathedral, and Royal Chapel

During the self-guided portion of your visit, you may take a tour of the landmark Alhambra Palace and its splendid Generalife Gardens (advance ticket purchase is mandatory), or stroll along the labyrinthine of streets and plazas in the historic Albaicin neighbourhood, an UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Moors once resided. Behold the ornate Cathedral and adjacent Royal Chapel, where the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand lie.

Shopping, Hand-Painted Ceramics, Designer Fashions, and Leather Goods

Alternately, you might simply spend your time browsing the shops for hand-painted ceramics, designer fashions and leather goods, all of which are extraordinary in Granada. Following your visit, re-board your coach at the appropriate time and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Explore the beautiful mountains, valleys, gorges and towns of Las Alpujarras during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Motril, Las Alpujarras, Villages, Valleys, Gorges, Presa de Rules, Guadalfo River

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to the region of mountain villages known as Las Alpujarras, or 'The Grasslands'. Here, whitewashed towns cling to the southern flanks of the Sierra Nevada, bisected by deep, sheltered valleys and gorges that run all the way down to the Mediterranean. The Alpujarra area is famous for its unique mini-ecosystem. Its terraced farmlands are constantly watered by the snowmelt from above, creating a high-altitude oasis of greenery dramatically contrasting with the arid foothills below. The cultural interest of the region lies in its fifty-odd villages, which were the last stronghold of the Moors. A photo stop is made at Presa de Rules, also known as the 'Rules Reservoir or Dam', which is located in the Guadalfeo River.

Orgiva, Pampaneira and Lanjarón Villages, Walking Tours and Free Time

Next, re-board your coach and drive through Orgiva en route to Pampaneira Village, which lies approximately 5,000 feet (about 1,524 metres) above sea level. Pampaneira, the 'Land of Vines', has retained its traditional Berber architecture, terraced clusters of grey-white box-shaped houses with flat clay roofs, a style that is still common in the Rif and Atlas mountains of Morocco. Upon arrival at Pampaneira, take a short, guided walking tour, followed by some free time to explore the village at your leisure. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier. En route, pass through the village of Orgiva and stop in Lanjarón, where some free time is made available for independent exploration.

Experience the wonderful colours, flavours and sights of Andalusia during this lovely, half-day excursion to the Nazari Gardens, and a tapas-and-wine tasting.

Motril, Lecrin River Valley, Velez de Benaudalla Village, Muslim Gardens, and Cypress Trees

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive through the Lecrin River Valley en route to the village of Velez de Benaudalla. Upon arrival, proceed for a guided walking tour of the Nazari Gardens, one of the last remaining Muslim Gardens in southern Spain. Originally designed to stimulate the five senses, the lush gardens are immensely peaceful. As you stroll about the grounds, discover why the flowers in full bloom and countless aromas wafting through the air are often described as a spiritual experience. Be sure to walk through the iconic stand of cypress trees, which are so tall they dwarf everything else below.

Bodega Señorio de Nevada, and Wine and Tapas Tasting

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to the esteemed Bodega Señorio de Nevada for a guided walking tour of the historic winery, which is located in a valley where conquering Romans produced wine centuries ago. Following your guided tour, proceed for a tasting of tapas and wine featuring vintages produced from Spain's native tempranillo grape. The grape tends to ripen early, resulting in wines that are typically spicy, aromatic and flavourful. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the coach and commence the approximately 50-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore Motril at your leisure during a full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Motril at your leisure during a half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Motril at your leisure during a full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to 6 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

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Explore Motril at your leisure during a half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 6 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Discover sugar's profound influence on the history of Motril and visit related landmarks during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion

Motril and Sugar Museum

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Museo Preindustrial del Azucar, better-known as the 'Sugar Museum'. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the museum, and learn how sugar, known as the 'sweet gold', has shaped the culture of southern Spain. The region's microclimate is ideal for growing sugar cane, which over the centuries has brought great wealth to the Spaniards.

Sugar-Refining Exhibits

Historical records show that sugar production in Motril dates from the 10th century, and Christopher Columbus carried sugar cane plants from southern Spain to the New World on his second voyage. The development of Motril City is inextricably linked with the sugar industry, and nowhere is this more evident than at the museum, which sits on the site of a 16th-century sugar mill. Inside, view exhibits that demonstrate the painstaking process of refining sugar long before more modern technology was developed.

Sugar Factory and Piononos-Making Demonstration

Leaving the museum, proceed on-foot to a nearby sugar factory that operated until 1984. After an exterior photo stop here, re-board your coach and drive to a local restaurant. Upon arrival, enjoy a professional cooking demonstration during which you can observe the typical Andalusian 'piononos' being prepared. A traditional Spanish dessert, these small pastries originated in the little town of Santa Fe, near Granada. A pionono consists of a thin layer of sponge that is rolled into a cylinder, flavoured with different kinds of syrup to give it a sweet and pleasant taste, and covered with caramelised creme patissiere. Following the preparation of the piononos, you can sample these delicious specialities, which are normally eaten in one or two bites. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.