The Best of Granada: The Granada Cathedral & the Royal Chapel
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Port
Malaga, Spain
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$240
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 9 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Pass pretty whitewashed villages during a two-hour scenic drive to the charming city of Granada, perched under the Sierra Nevada mountains. Founded by the Phoenicians around 1000 BC, conquered by the Romans about 800 years later, and the Visigoths in the 5th century AD, Granada's most significant building period occurred when the North African Moors occupied the Iberian Peninsula in AD 800. Islamic art and architecture flourished throughout Spain until Queen Isabella of Castile married King Ferdinand of Aragon, and their combined forces led to the Reconquest of Spain.
Head to the Old Quarter of Granada to explore its stunning cathedral (1523), tucked tightly among other age-old buildings. The cathedral's formidable exterior hints at the grandeur you'll discover once you step inside. The foundation and massive granite columns are Gothic in style, while the main façade is Baroque. The stunning Renaissance interior holds two praying statues of Isabella and Ferdinand. A 147-foot-tall dome bathes the cathedral in a surreal light.
Enjoy a delicious tapas lunch with a Flamenco show at Tablao La Soleá restaurant (or similar). This captivating live dance show exemplifies the nuances of the art.
The Royal Chapel, built in 1504, houses a wealth of Baroque sculptures, tapestries, portraits, relics and the marble tombs of Isabella and Ferdinand.
Relax for the pleasant ride back to Málaga and the ship.
Please note: Travel time to Granada is approximately two hours each way. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Tour requires approximately four hours of walking. Please realistically assess your physical fitness and ability prior to booking. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Guides are not allowed inside the cathedral during mass services; entry is allowed on an individual basis to view the interior quietly and reverently. Many stores are closed on Sundays, holidays and at lunchtime.