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.

Motril is the second largest town in the province, with a population of approximately 60,000.

During this excursion, guests will discover the main historical and cultural places of interest of the town Centre of Motril.

The historic route through the town starts at The Sanctuary of Ntra. Sra. de la Cabeza, Patron Saint of Motril and the interesting legend, built on the ruins of a small Moorish castle that was the summer residence of the Queen Aixa AlHorra, mother of Boabdil. At its base, The Pueblos de America Park, which houses a variety of exotic and subtropical plants from the Americas.

Venturing into the old town, you will see important monuments such as The Mayor de la Encarnación Church, a temple-fortress built between 1510 and 1514 that has been classified as a Building of Cultural Interest, the Town Hall, and The Calderon de la Barca Theatre, of Italian style, dating from 1880, with neoclassical decoration and also declared BIC, where the majority of the town's cultural activities take place.

Municipal Market

Continuing the tour walk to the Municipal Market. It opened in 1955 and has a fish market, greengrocers, coffee shops and other types of stalls and an array of local products on display. Located in the same square are the Victoria Church and the Hernández Quero Art Centre, with permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Casa de la Condesa de Torre-Isabel (Outside view)

The Casa de la Condesa de Torre-Isabel, is an aristocratic Andalusian-style building with a central courtyard, today holding cultural events and exhibitions. The building was built in the last third of the seventeenth century, although it has been modified over the years and was restored in 2000.

History Museum

A visit will be made to the History Museum. The Museum displays interesting artefacts and documents from the past. It is located in "Casa Garces in the centre of town and will give great insight into the historic past of Motril to the present day.

Preindustrial Sugarcane Museum

The highlight of this excursion is the Preindustrial Sugarcane Museum that includes technological recreations and archeological material, located on the remains of the Palma Sugar Refinery, from the 17^th Century, the only sugar establishment from preindustrial Spain that is partially conserved.

Sugar cane was the most important crop, which was later processed in the sugar refineries. After the War of Independence, in which Motril was occupied by French troops, the city started a new expansion of sugarcane and the sugar industry.

Bodega Ron Montero

After visiting the museum, rejoin your coach and travel to Bodega Ron Montero. Founded in 1963 by Francisco Montero Martin, in the bosom of a family with a great sugar tradition, the factory is the only one that can be visited in Europe. During your visit, learn about the production process that has earned Ron Montero worldwide recognition.

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.

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.