Port
Motril (Granada), Spain
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$330
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
Meals Included
Meals included
Travel by coach to Granada -- a lovely city nestled among the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is one of only a handful in Spain that experience four seasons, due to its semi-alpine location.
Upon arrival, your first stop is at the Albaicin Quarter -- the old Arabian quarter that was the residential section of the Moors. This narrow labyrinth of crooked streets escaped the fate of much of Old Granada, which was torn down in the name of progress. Cisterns, fountains, plazas, whitewashed houses, villas, and the senescent remnants of the old city gate are still in place here.
Continue to the Royal Chapel and the Cathedral of Granada. The close relationship between the two gives rise to a curious architectural detail, as the Royal Chapel's Gothic gateway melds into the cathedral's walls. In the Royal Chapel, you will see the tomb of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand -- the Catholic Kings. It was their wish to be buried in recaptured Granada, not in Castile or Aragón which were their respective birthplaces. The coffins are remarkably tiny -- a reminder of how small people were 500 years ago. Accenting the tombs is a beautiful wrought-iron grille. Their daughter, Joanna the Mad, occupies a much larger tomb, as does her husband, Philip the Handsome. Clearly, they were a rather fascinating family. In the sacristy, view Isabella's personal art collection, with works by Rogier Van der Weyden and various Spanish and Italian masters, including Botticelli. You'll also visit the interior of the cathedral. This richly ornate Renaissance building with its spectacular altar is one of the country's architectural highlights, acclaimed for its beautiful façade and gold-and-white décor. An outstanding feature is the façade by Alonso Cano -- a marvelous Baroque scenography culminating in the ornate bell tower. The cathedral was begun in 1521 Gothic style and completed in 1714 Baroque -- an unusual arrangement that generated a host of technical problems. The floor plan, reflecting the customary grandness of Gothic cathedrals, was designed by Enrique Egas -- a master architect of Flemish descent. Left to its own devices, the floor plan would have been adequate, but subsequent development (including Siloé's attempt to transform the original Gothic style into Roman style) has resulted in total architectural chaos that is actually quite breathtaking.
Before returning to the port, you will enjoy a pleasant lunch at Restaurant Veleta (or similar).
Please note: Travel time to Granada is approximately one hour each way.