EXCURSION: Private
EXCURSION TYPE: Cultural, Scenic, Shopping
FOOD/BEVERAGE: Snacks, Bottled Water Included
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Easy
This private half-day excursion in Spain, accompanied by your English-speaking tour guide, will provide you with sweeping and panoramic vistas of this incredible area. As you leave the port area you will make your way into the city, Alicante is the capital of eastern Spain’s Costa Blanca holiday region. The name comes from the endless sequence of white sandy beaches in this part of the country. The city is full of history with many sights not to miss including a medieval fortress towering over the city and a classic Mediterranean old-town with whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets.
Start your day with a view of the bullring, The Plaza de Toros de Alicante was inaugurated on June 15, 1888. From the year 1928, with the creation of the festivities of “Les Fogueres de Sant Joan”, the Bullfighting Fair of Las Hogueras was consolidated. Throughout its existence it has held numerous events that have structured the social activity of Alicante up to the present day, in which the activities of the largest public congregation are scheduled: concerts, congresses, private events and the renowned Bonfires Fair.
Move on to the central market and discover that the markets in Spain are something similar to food religion and Alicante’s is no exception. Find an enormous amount of fish and meat stalls, as the seafood stalls are a particular highlight with counters all but overflowing with squid, lobster, crab and so much more. Fruit and vegetables are also available and you can explore for regional specialties such as Mistela, a sweet dessert wine.
Stars Square or The Plaza de los Luceros, was named for the stars that outline the fountain that dominates its center. One of the most emblematic squares in Alicante, it is located right in the heart of the city and it is here that the famous firecracker displays are held every year as part of Alicante’s main festivals, las Hogueras.
Crowning Benacantil Mountain, the vast, monumental rock looming over Alicante, is a fortress with medieval Arab origins. The most recent renovations took place during Spain’s Golden Age in the 1500s, but if you look closely, you’ll find little fragments from Moorish times. From here, an elevator or a steep climb leads to medieval Castillo de Santa Barbara, set on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Mediterranean coast.
Make your way next to the old town, Barrio de la Santa Cruz, featuring narrow streets with brightly colored houses. This area is a typical residential Mediterranean area with a peaceful atmosphere and lively locals.
Continue and pass by historical buildings such as the Cathedral, built on the remains of a mosque, the town hall with a baroque style construction and the Carbonell House, the residential palace from 1924 with a modernist style.
You will finish this experience walking by the Spanish Esplanade, the pedestrian street located near the seaside.
• Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
• Meeting and assistance by our representative.
• Entrance fees to the monuments.
• Private guide throughout your journey.
• Covering all main / major monuments and tourist attractions in each city.
• All Transfers, Sightseeing and Overland drive as per the itinerary by private air-conditioned Transport.
• All taxes.
• Domestic and International Flights.
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tips.
• Travel Insurance.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.