Silversea Luxury Cruises À Cartagena

Located in the foothills of the Sierra Carascoy is Murcia, which dates from the 9th century and offers an array of architectural delights. Murcia is one of Spain's least known regions, even among Spaniards themselves, and first-time visitors are often surprised by the diversity of this small region and the friendliness of its people. Despite its growing popularity, the region remains relatively unspoilt compared to the more crowded Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca. Fruits and market-garden products are important to the Murcian economy, and are exported all over Europe.

Depart Cartagena by coach for the approximate 1-hour journey through the foothills of the Sierra Carrascoy.

Murcia

Your destination is the Capital of the province Murcia. Settled by the Moors in the 9th century and conquered by the Christians in the 13th century, this bustling city offers an array of architectural delights.

Monastery of the Virgin of Fuensanta

Your first stop is the Monastery of the Virgin of Fuensanta (the Patroness of Murcia). Enjoy a panoramic view of the Murcian orchards, the most productive in both fruits and vegetables in all of the Mediterranean.

You'll also visit the Cathedral in Cardenal Belluga Square, where you will see three different architectural styles, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Next to the Cathedral you'll see the Episcopal Palace.

Royal Casino

The Royal Casino of Murcia is one of the most historic buildings, situated in the heart of the city centre not far from the cathedral, has a mixture of different artistic styles. In 1983 it was declared a National historic building. The Royal Casino of Murcia Society, founded on 11th June 1847, first started in the mansion of Marqués and later various other properties were acquired to form the present layout.

Although, this is still an acting private club, the ground floor is being kept open to public and cultural events. After a period of decline in the second half of the 20th century, the Royal Casino of Murcia Society has recently been revived considerably. Between 2006 and 2009 the building was completely refurbished and King Don Juan Carlos I granted the Casino the title ´Real´ (Royal). Very complete refurbishments was done including structures, foundations, floors, walls, roofs and all of the decorative features including historic furniture, lamps and artwork. Many of the rooms were restored to their original decor and added latest technology throughout the building.

You'll also have some free time for a stroll on your own near the cathedral before boarding the coach to return to Cartagena.

This tour involves a moderate amount of walking of about 0.7 miles and is specially designed for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilize a wheelchair or a scooter.

This Cartagena shore excursion gives you a wonderful opportunity to experience the very best of Cartagena and its intriguing history, including the impressive Roman Theatre and the fascinating archaeological site from the 3^rd century BC, the Punic wall. You will also have some leisurely time for shopping on your own and stop to admire the beautiful exterior of the historic Christmas Fort.

Cartagena, Punic Walls

Start your tour by meeting your tour guide and accessible van at the Cartagena cruise dock. From here, you will head out on a short drive to your first stop of the day, the Punic Wall of Cartagena. Escorted by your tour guide, you will encounter firsthand one of the most important episodes in the history of the Mediterranean, the Punic Wars between the Carthaginians and the Romans. This archaeological site dates to the 3^rd century BC and houses a museum, old catacombs and a small theater room where you will get an introduction to the history of Cartagena.

Castillo de la Concepcion, Roman Theatre, Free time, Christmas Fort

Next, your tour continues with a short stop for photos of the breathtaking Castillo de la Concepcion, an iconic hilltop castle from the Middle Ages! Following this, you will continue to yet another historical site that will leave you in awe, the ancient Roman Theatre built between 5 and 1 BC. Here you will enjoy an interior visit at the Museum that includes hallways located underground and incredible collections of emblematic pieces found in the excavations. Finally, you will admire the impressive, and well-preserved Roman Theatre structure, one of the largest in Roman Hispania with a capacity of 7,000 people!

The last part of your tour will be spent with some leisurely free time for shopping in the main street Calle Mayor, peppered with restaurants, cafes, shops and historic buildings. On your way back to the port, you will make a short stop to enjoy an incredible view of the exterior of the Christmas Fort, a symbol of the defensive system of Cartagena located along the city's picturesque coastline.

After this photo stop, reboard your accessible van and return to the pier.

Explore the history and cultures of Cartagena in a unique new way during this fun-filled and exciting excursion via Segway. Accompanied by your guide, learn the epic history of this beautiful city.

Segway Tour

After receiving your safety and operating instructions, board your Segway and depart the pier for a guided tour of Cartagena. Along the way, discover why Cartagena was a crossroad of cultures and one of the most important cities in ancient times.

Roman Theatre

Your route features historical, monumental and commercial pathways through Cartagena. Highlights include vestiges of a period of Roman colonisation dating from the 3rd century B.C., including the magnificent remains of the Roman Theatre (external visit), discovered by sheer chance only 20 years ago.

After spending time with your coordinator during this ride through history you will be accompanied back to the pier area.

Your Segway tour concludes at the pier and your ship.

Discover Cartagena in a unique new way during this scenic and relaxing sightseeing excursion via trolley train.

Cartagena, Trolley Train-Ride, Monuments, Military Buildings, Modernist Palaces, City Centre

Depart the pier aboard a trolley train for a picturesque ride through Cartagena, parts of which date back 3,000 years. Along the way, learn about the legacy of the city whilst marvelling at the monuments, military buildings, beautiful Modernist palaces, and historical city centre.

Landmarks, Highlights, Refreshment Stop

During this fun-filled, narrated trolley tour, your guide points out the most interesting and popular areas and highlights of the city. A refreshment stop is made to enjoy a beverage, and watch the locals pass by. Afterward, re-board the trolley-train and commence the short ride back to the pier.

Discover why Cartagena was such a crossroads of culture and one of the most important cities in the ancient world during this half-day tour. Cartagena is a charming, compact, coastal city that became great during the Roman times when Hannibal set off from it with his elephants on his journey to Rome.

Castillo de la Concepcion

From the pier, a short coach ride will bring you to the boarding point for the panoramic lift that will bring you up to the highest point in Cartagena. At its peak is the Castillo de la Concepcion that offers sweeping views of the city and across the port. While the castle was important throughout the history of Cartagena, today it is known as Castillo de los Patos (ducks) as it is now home to peacocks and ducks.

Roman Theatre

Board the coach and proceed to the Roman Theatre. The site was discovered in 1988 and following a large excavation project, the site is now open to visitors. The Museum allows you to see how the Theatre looked in Roman times. Many of the remains that were discovered during the excavation are on display. However, the highlight is when you enter the theatre itself and experience to enormity of the site.

Old Quarter

From the theatre walk to the Old Quarter and see the several Modernist (also known as Art Nouveau) town houses built in the city's last period of splendour between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, all of which have interesting stories to tell. Enjoy some free time for either a refreshment (at your own expense), or browse the fashion shops along Calle Mayor, the main street in town.

Re-board your coach and return to the pier area and your ship.

Experience the splendid flavours, traditions and landmarks of Cartagena on-foot during this delightful, half-day excursion to the city's Old Quarter. The best way to discover a country is with your senses; to see, taste, smell, feel and hear.

Old Quarter

Depart the pier for a scenic walking tour of this beautiful ancient city. Along the way, see the many wonderful sights of the historic Old Quarter and learn how everyday life has evolved here over the last 2,500 years.

Paella and Tapas Demonstration

Next, proceed to a local restaurant for a memorable and informative paella and tapas demonstration. Discover the secrets to preparing some of their many diverse forms, assist in the preparation of a paella and two different types of tapas, then dine on the dishes you have helped to prepare.

Following your cooking lesson and meal, proceed to a wine tasting featuring superb wines from nearby regions such as Jumilla and Yecla, which has been renowned for its wine production for over 2,000 years. Jumilla has had an important wine making tradition for centuries and today is recognized as one of Spain's most promising wine regions. It has begun to receive international acclaim for some of its wines, which are conquering markets the world over. Yecla is a Spanish Denominación de Origen (D.O.) for wines located around the town of Yecla, in the northernmost corner of the region of Murcia. Findings from excavations have confirmed that grape growing and wine production has been practiced in this area for over two thousand years.

Afterward, you may opt to return to the pier on-foot, or remain in the city for additional sightseeing and shopping, and return to the ship at your leisure.

Embark on this very full day tour to the historical town of Lorca. Admire the stunning embroidered Easter Procession costumes in the Paso Blanco museum: Spend time in the castle and citadel, which bear witness to the town's Christian, Jewish and Muslim heritage, before partaking of a hearty lunch.

Lorca Visitor Center, Paso Blanco Embroidery Museum, Lorca Castle, Jewish Quarter & Synagogue, Fortaleza del Sol

Depart from the pier with your guide for the 90-minute coach ride north-west to Lorca.

Stop at the town's visitor center to get an overview of Lorca ́s heritage and history. Having been a contended border town between Spain's Muslim and Christian kingdoms for several centuries during the Middle Ages, Lorca comes second to none in medieval history and heritage with its beautiful monuments, museums and archaeological sites.

Walk through the town and visit Museo de Bordados del Paso Blanco to admire the spectacular embroidered costumes worn during Lorca's magnificent Holy Week Easter processions and learn about the embroiderers' skilled labors of love. Next, climb to the highest point of the city and enter its impressive castle, a fascinating walled compound where your guide will illustrate its chequered history.

See the archaeological site where building work for a luxury hotel in 2003 accidentally uncovered the remains of Lorca's Jewish Quarter and synagogue. The site's uniqueness stems from its location inside a citadel and the fact that the synagogue remains preserved as it was in the Middle Ages without ever having been used as a place of worship by other religions. It is now a worldwide Jewish pilgrimage site and bears further witness to the town's multicultural heritage. See many of this huge fortress' other medieval features and the Fortaleza del Sol citadel.

Last but not least, sit down and enjoy a hearty lunch to rebuild your strength before returning to the coach for the drive back to the ship.

Jumilla is a small town and name of the province's most important wine-producing region. Located to the northwest of the capital city of Murcia, it is an area made up of wide valleys separated by a chain of rocky mountains. Jumilla has had an important wine making tradition for centuries and today is recognized as ones of Spain's most promising wine regions. It has begun to receive international acclaim for its Monastrell based wines, which are conquering markets the world over.

Depart the pier in your coach for the approximate 1.5-hour drive through the countryside.

BSI Winery

Your first visit will be at BSI winery which is the first producer of wines in the Jumilla wine growing area, that export more than half their production. Enjoy a visit to see the vats and barrels, learning the history and characteristics of the different Jumilla wines, along with a taste of two of their productions.

Viña Elena

Continue your tour to the Viña Elena, one of the oldest family-run bodegas in the region. Originally known as Bodegas Pacheco, the bodega will give you a chance to take a step back in time to witness the impressive evolution that has made the business what it is today. Have the opportunity to taste three of their wines.

After visiting the wineries re-board your coach for the drive back to the pier and your ship.

The coastlines of Cartagena area have always been protected with watchtowers and more recently with emblematic lighthouses. If you're heading to the Southeastern corner of Spain with Cartagena as your destination, you may explore these guardians of the sea.

From the Navidad and Curra lighthouses situated on the beautiful bay of Cartagena, via the Portman lighthouse, to the Cape of Palos, there are four lighthouses and an impressive coast to visit. The coast of Cartagena, with more than 3,000 years of history, due to the different civilizations that reached, conquered and modified this part of Spain, is awaiting the eager visitor to unveil its secrets as well as famous history of Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, pirates and much more.

Lighthouses and coastal ride

Depart from the pier to surround the beautiful bay. Reach the first lighthouse, named Navidad - the red lighthouse- strategically situated at the entrance of the port area. On the other side of the bay, we will also arrive at the second one, named Curra - the green lighthouse- with a curious history about the place where it was finally constructed.

Continue the tour surrounding the outskirts of the city on a nice panoramic drive that will lead you to the former mining area. Here, in the Bay of Portman, visit the third lighthouse. Afterwards, your tour takes you to the fourth and most impressive lighthouse in Cabo de Palos. With its 51 metres height, situated at 81 metres above the sea level, majestically emerges from the top of the cape. This is the oldest working lighthouse of the region, first lit in 1865 on an strategic dangerous underwater coast. Admire the hundreds of shipwrecks on the area, the amazing views to the blue Mediterranean Sea and the breathtaking coastline of La Manga before returning to the ship.

Explore one of the largest urban archaeological sites in Spain during this unforgettable, half-day excursion to the fascinating Roman Forum District.

Cartagena, City Drive, Roman Forum District, Ancient Neighbourhood

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Roman Forum District, with a panoramic sightseeing drive through Cartagena en route. The Roman Forum District, an entire, 2,000-year-old neighbourhood, stands as one of the largest urban archaeological sites in Spain.

Guided Walking Tour, Thermal Baths, Atrium Building, Sanctuaries of Isis and Serapis

Upon arrival at the Roman Forum District, meet your curator/guide and begin your guided walking tour. Explore daily life in the ancient Roman city of Carthago Nova, and the treasures unearthed during archaeological research here over the last five years. See the different rooms of the thermal baths, learn about the exclusive banquets in the Roman Empire, visit the Atrium Building with its high walls and decorations, and immerse yourself in the mystery cults to the Egyptian gods Isis and Serapis inside their sanctuaries.

Cartagena City Tour, Historic Bar, Refreshment Stop, Drink and Tapas, Free Time

Following your visit to this archaeological jewel, your walking tour continues through bustling Cartagena. A refreshment stop is made at one of the oldest bars in the city to taste the famous local drink (vermú), and a traditional tapa. Afterward, some free time is made available for sightseeing, photo opportunities and shopping for souvenirs. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Explore Cartagena at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize 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.

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 2 guests per car. 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 Cartagena at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize 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.

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 2 guests per car. 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 Cartagena at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize 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 or 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.

Explore Cartagena at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize 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.

Explore the history, training and talents of purebred Spanish horses during this memorable, half-day excursion to a traditional hacienda.

Andalusian Horse Ranch, Stallions and 'Stampede' Show

Depart the pier for the short drive to a traditional, privately-owned and run ranch. Upon arrival, proceed for a welcome reception with coffee and biscuits, observe a presentation of the ranch's best stallions and take in an impressive 'stampede' show featuring these elegant, graceful and noble steeds.

Ranch Tour, Meet the Horses, Tapas, and Horse-and-Dance Performance

Next, take a guided tour of the ranch. Along the way, learn about the breeding, training and management of these beautiful, purebred Spanish horses, and meet some of the docile, friendly mares and foals. Afterward, relax with a delightful selection of Spanish tapas, locally-made in an area famous for its wine and olive oil production. Your tour concludes with a traditional Andalusian horse-and-dance performance. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.