The British city of Gibraltar lies to the south of the coast of Spain. Its 27,300 inhabitants are protected by a heavily fortified naval and trading port. The reasons for this are to be found in the unique location of the island of the same name, whose waterway, "the strait of Gibraltar" (60 km long and 14 km wide at its narrowest point) connects the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Gibraltar was the subject of many battles in early history: conquered by the Spanish in 1462, they were forced to surrender the island to the British in 1704 and Gibraltar was made a Crown Colony in 1830. Nevertheless, Spain still lays claim to the city and its bay. Sights include: the Catholic cathedral "St. Mary the Crowned", the Anglican "Holy Trinity" cathedral, the Gibraltar Museum and the Governor's palace "The Convent", where you can watch the changing of the guard several times a day, all of which are on Main Street. The most well-known inhabitants of the famous Rock of Gibraltar are the Barbary Macaques, imported by the British from North Africa in the 18th century.

Tips for excursions

Gibraltar highlights

The excursion begins with a coach trip to the British/Spanish border. The trip continues to the southernmost tip of Gibraltar, which is also the southernmost point of Europe. The tour is rounded off by a visit to the town centre with the opportunity for duty-free shopping. Participants who wish to spend longer shopping can return to the ship under their own steam.

Climbing the Upper Rock

The excursion begins with a minibus ride up to the top of the famous Rock of Gibraltar to the Apes Den, a nature reserve for monkeys. The next highlight of the excursion is a visit to Caroline's Battery, the subterranean defensive system built by the British to keep out Spanish invaders. On the way back there is an opportunity to explore the town centre of Gibraltar by yourself. Participants wishing to stay for longer in the town can return to the ship under their own steam.

Gibraltar - a city under siege

The excursion begins with a cable-car ride to the summit of the Rock of Gibraltar. A visit to the old fort and the famous Barbary apes. The next highlight is a visit to the Museum of Gibraltar, home of the exhibition "Gibraltar - A City Under Siege". The trip ends with the option of duty-free shopping in Gibraltar town centre.