Excursions question from a Thomson newbie

We're looking at the excursions offered on our first cruise with Thomsons to Portugal and Spain next month, and just wondered if there's likely to be an option to stay in the town for some 'free time' after a tour?

From exp of Thomson excursions most pick up and drop off at the cruise ship with little time to explore on your own when you get back to the ship depends on the excursion etc. Depending where you go in Portugal and Spain it's possible to do your own thing that will give you time to explore the town and do some shopping. Unless you want to see something specific which is why you are looking at doing an excursion.

Which Ports will you be in?

Thanks for the info. We call at Vigo, Porto, Lisbon, Cadiz and Gibraltar.

We've only been on one other cruise recently (P&O last year), where we toured most of the ports independently because they were easy to access from the ship. We'd probably opt to do the same this time, too, if possible (and without too much stress about getting back on time, lol!).

From what I've read, Porto looks to be the port where we'd be most likely to take an excursion on this itinerary, but I'm very open to any other suggestions!

TIA

Lisbon, Cadiz & Gibraltar are easily walkable from the ship 15, 20 min if that, and the towns especially Lisbon are big enough to spend a few hours in exploring. When I went to Porto I did the bike tour excursion from the ship. If you're up to cycling about 6 ish hours from memory at a nice easy pace with several breaks it's well worth it.

If you've not been Saville consider this from Cadiz. Although when I was on the Dream a week ago, the only trip to Saville was £66 pp which is a guided tour quite a lot of money really. When I went there last year on the Spirit it was £28 I think and you had all day to do your own thing. Much better value in my opinion. Don't forget Gibraltar is sterling and buy your alcohol there it's dirt cheap.

If you are sailing from Malaga do not exceed your 200cigs or 1litre spirits duty free allowance as your suitcases are scanned at Malaga port and they are stricter if the ship has called in Gibraltar You are of course allowed more if you buy duty paid in the EU

We have just returned to Malaga from Montego Bay on Dream and although we didn't call in to Gibraltar customs had caught a number of people with excess duty free You will be told about this in your disembarking info It does not happen -so far- at any other home port

Thanks for the info. We call at Vigo, Porto, Lisbon, Cadiz and Gibraltar.

 

We've only been on one other cruise recently (P&O last year), where we toured most of the ports independently because they were easy to access from the ship. We'd probably opt to do the same this time, too, if possible (and without too much stress about getting back on time, lol!).

 

From what I've read, Porto looks to be the port where we'd be most likely to take an excursion on this itinerary, but I'm very open to any other suggestions!

 

TIA

lisbon just outside the port are tuk tuks offering tours

gibratlar mini buses offering tours too

Thanks for the info. We call at Vigo, Porto, Lisbon, Cadiz and Gibraltar.

We did this itinerary last year and enjoyed it so much that we are doing it again as our second week later this month (only difference was last year the port was Huelva not Cadiz but we had docked at Cadiz the year before). All the ports are very DIY friendly; hope these personal thoughts may be of interest?-

GIBRALTAR - If you want to so the Rock Tour there are 8 seater minibuses waiting outside the cruise terminal; cost is 25 Pounds compared with 33 Pounds for the similar Thomson excursion (can be even cheaper if you take a taxi tour from Casemate Square). If you want to shop on Main Street it is a 15 minutes walk from the port to Casemate Square at the bottom of Main Street (the cable car is right up at the opposite end) or the port provides a shuttle bus at a cost last year of 4 Pounds return. Remember that you may get some Gibraltan Pounds in your change and, as these are not legal tender in the UK, spend them before leaving. Also beware that there are a lot of fake cigarettes for sale so, if you are a smoker, the best place to buy tobacco is at Morrisons.

CADIZ - The old city is only a 5 minutes walk from the port. A HOHO bus runs from the port gates but we didn't find it very interesting as it mainly just goes back and forth along the same stretch of beach; it cannot enter the old city as the streets are too narrow.

PORTO - The port is a 25 minute drive from Porto so the ship lays on a shuttle bus - return fare was 5 Pounds per person last year. This drops you off at the top of the city so you need to walk downhill past the railway station (call inside the station to see an amazing display of traditional local blue and white picture tiling) and Cathedral to drop to the river - for people with walking difficulties there is a rather well hidden funicular that runs from a side road just below/on the opposite side of the road to the Cathedral that takes you down to the river (fare last year was 2 Euros each way). To get the the river boats just cross the bridge to the far side of the river - these are good value and most trips end with an optional tour of one of the local Port Wine lodges. A HOHO bus operates around the city but not all will return you to the port area despite drivers saying they do!

LISBON - The first time we docked in Lisbon we jumped on one of the old local trams (think San Francisco style) that was cheap, fascinating and took us to parts of the city we would have missed otherwise. The second time we took the HOHO buses - there are 2 routes. You can get on a bus for the first route right outside the cruise terminal; this goes round the new museum area of the marina then up to the airport. You need to go to the main square (15 minutes walk from the port) to get a bus for the second route but it is well worth it as the tour was very interesting taking in many of the cities most famous sites. This month we hope to do a tuk tuk tour but will pick one up outside the cruise terminal rather than booking the more expensive Thomson tour.

VIGO - A surprisingly pleasant town famous for its seafood - especially Oysters that can either be found in the great fish market or pm 'Oyster Street' )Calle de Ostras). Beautiful beaches a very short bus ride from the town centre. For a great value local tour (including a stop at a famous local beach) - check out Vigo Tour - TOURS 4 CRUISERS - a real bargain at just 17 Euros per person and less than half the price of the similar Thomson trip.

MALAGA - It is a 1.5 km walk from the cruise terminal to the port gates so a shuttle bus is provided at a cost of 5 Euros. If you feel energetic and want to walk through the port you will pass the recently built 'Muelle Uno' ('Pier One') bar. restaurant and shops development that is a good place to break your journey. When you get to the port gates go straight across 2 roads (the second is Malagas main artery the Avenida Alameda Principal) and you will be in the heart of the old city. SHOPPING - Malaga is a great place for a bit of retail therapy - the main shopping street is the pedestrianized Calle Larios. As well as all the well known international stores, and the big Spanish department store El Corte Ingles, the city is home to many artisan shops many of which specialise in local food produce, hand crafted Silverware and Flamenco clothing.ARAB BATHS - Missed by most visitors to Malaga the Arab baths are a great place to unwind and be massaged by experts using centuries old techniques. MARKET - The Ataranzas indoor market, situated one road back from the Avenida Alameda Principal, is a fascinating mix of stalls selling local food produce - the display of fish, meat and fruit/vegetables is amazing. Recently refurbished, decoration of the markets rear wall revealed a spectacular stained glass window that is now a very attractive feature. The market also has several Tapas Bars where you can sample local Sea Food/Fish, Cheeses, Cooked Meats and Wines. The market is a great place to buy Herbs to take home and the delicious local Malaga Almonds should definitely be sampled. GIBRALFARO CASTLE - Bus 35 from the Parque de Malaga (park opposite the port) will take you right up the hill to the Gibralfaro Castle entrance. Soaring over the city, the 14th century castle was built to defend the citadel and provides spectacular views over Malaga bay and over the Bullring. After visiting the Castle walk back down the hill for less than 5 minutes and you will come to the entrance of the Parador Hotel - a really lovely place to stop for a Coffee break; you can get the bus back into the city centre from outside the Parador gates. ALCAZABA - Situated below the Gibralfaro Castle is the Alcazaba, a fascinating Moorish Citadel with many features similar to those found at the Alhambra in Granada (but without the crowds!). You can buy a reduced price joint entrance ticket for both Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba. ROMAN THEATRE RUINS AND DIG - Situated at the base of the Alcazaba, visitors are now allowed to walk through the ongoing archaeological Dig to get a closer look at the ruins; closed Mondays. CATHEDRAL - A truly spectacular building known as the One Armed Lady as only one tower was built - probably due to lack of funds but legend has it that money for the second tower was sent to rebel US forces to help them in their battle against the Brits in the War of Independence. Next to the Cathedral is the Bishops Palace Square which is a great place to sit and people watch. MUSEUMS - Malaga is home to far too many museums to list them all but these are my particular favourites:-Picasso Museum, Carmen Thyssen Museum, Glass + Crystal Museum and Motor Museum/Fashion Museum. TAPAS BARS - Malaga is a Foodies paradise. You are spoiled for choice of high class restaurants but, for us, Tapas is the only way to go. Definitely try the local speciality 'Fritura Malaguena' which is a delicious mix of deep fried small fish. Just follow locals into a bar and you won't go far wrong. CHURROS - Churros are deep fried Donut-like fingers served with very thick Hot Chocolate or Coffee (dunking is compulsory lol!) can be found in many of Malagas traditional bars but Casa Aranda is a Churros institution visited by people from all over the world. BEACHES - If walking around a city isn't your thing, Malaga has several beaches close to the city centre. The best known is La Malagueta Beach about 5 minutes walk from the port entrance - the beach is especially popular with locals and is fringed with some good Chiringuitos (beach bar/restaurants).. HOHO BUS - The sightseeing tour bus stops immediately outside the port gates and takes you all around the city including a trip up to Gibralfaro Castle. MALAGA PARK/PARQUE DE MALAGA - Situated just across the road outside the port gates (and by the drop off point for the ****tle bus) this is an oasis in the city. Paraqueets, Tropical Trees, small childrens play area and peace + quiet make this a lovely place to relax.

If you are sailing from Malaga do not exceed your 200cigs or 1litre spirits duty free allowance as your suitcases are scanned at Malaga port and they are stricter if the ship has called in Gibraltar You are of course allowed more if you buy duty paid in the EU

We have just returned to Malaga from Montego Bay on Dream and although we didn't call in to Gibraltar customs had caught a number of people with excess duty free You will be told about this in your disembarking info It does not happen -so far- at any other home port

I'm always a bit bemused at the "Duty Free" shops in ports such as Palma and Malaga since there is no such thing unless you are sailing directly out of the EU.

Thank you all soooo much for such great information! It's all really useful, and is now making me wish mid-June would come around a little more quickly!

I agree Weecountyman there should be no such thing as a duty free shop in the EU except for passengers flying/sailing to a country outside the EU when they should show their boarding cards and the duty should be shown on the receipt as a refund. I have repeatedly tried to not show my boarding card to the checkout operator when flying to an EU country as I've read they claim the VAT back and keep it as profits but they insist When flying to a country outside the EU I have asked why I am paying the same price for perfume as everyone else but get no sensible answer. The only products you can't buy from a UK airport if flying to an EU country are alcohol and cigarettes but I was under the impression there was excise duty on perfumes Please note I am not referring to VAT here

It would appear due to my age I am behind the times and there is no longer excise duty on perfumes, lighters, playing cards etc just VAT lol

I think we've gone off the original topic. However for what it's worth. I don't know why people get so worked up about duty free. You can get alcohol perfume after shave sunglasses etc etc far cheaper in supermarkets in the UK and on line anyway.

Hi there,

I will be doing this same cruise at the beginning of July on Discovery 2 and found your reviews extremely interesting and informative.

If you have any updates from your trip this year they would be much appreciated as it sounds like you like to do the same as us when out for the day.

Many thanks again

Hi there,

 

I will be doing this same cruise at the beginning of July on Discovery 2 and found your reviews extremely interesting and informative.

If you have any updates from your trip this year they would be much appreciated as it sounds like you like to do the same as us when out for the day.

 

Many thanks again

Hope this doesn't bore you too much!

Came home on Tuesday after a great 2 weeks - actually preferred the second weeks itinerary (Iberian Treasures) despite having done it before. We did 2 organised tours and DIY'd the other 3:-

VIGO - this time we docked right in the centre (by a large shopping mall) so only a 5 minutes walk into the heart of the old town. We visited the Cathedral then wandered along 'Oyster Street' sampling a plate of Oysters for Elevenses! Explored the back streets where we found some excellent antique shops followed by a bit of shopping then returned to 'Oyster Street' (opposite end) for another half dozen Oysters and a platter of Galician Style Octopus - delicious and very good value (Oysters 1.50 Euros each).

PORTO - Thomson excursion today 'River Cruise and Wine'. Coach left the port at 9.30 and we were in the heart of Porto within 20 minutes. The coach gave us a brief tour of the city then stopped at the Cathedral for around half an hour - sadly no chance to explore inside the Cathedral as there was a Mass on but it looked lovely from what we saw peeking through the door. Stunning views over the city from the Cathedral square and beautiful traditional blue and white tiles in the cloister. We then crossed the river to Guia (sorry if that is spelt wrong) where all the wine lodges are to join the river boat for a ver enjoyable 50 minute cruise. After the boat trip we had a 5 minutes walk to the Calem Port Wine museum for an interesting tour and tasting (one glass of White Port and one of Tawny) - plus time to buy in the shop there. Then back to the ship just after 1.30 p.m.

LISBON - We had planned to do a Tuk Tuk tour here but decided to book the Thomson 'Sintra and Cascais' tour. This is advertised as moderate walking but, due to on going road works in Sintra, once we had left the port we were informed that we would have a 15 minutes uphill walk to the mansion we were due to visit; as my husband has limited mobility we stayed in Sintra centre and other people also decided that the walk was not for them. Unfortunately, although those of us staying in the town were told to be back at the meeting point in one hour, the mansion tour party didn't return until 50 minutes after that which meant we were very late leaving and therefore only had time for a 20 minutes stop in Cascais. We did see some lovely countryside and coastal scenery from the coach between Sintra and Cascais.

CADIZ - We walked out of the terminal building and saw a lady from the Tourist Information office giving out maps (far more detailed than the Thomson issued map). She told us to cross the road and we would be in the old city. This was beautiful - lots of narrow streets with good shops, bars and cake shops/cafes. We visited the market (indoor and outdoor) that was fascinating - especially the fish/seafood stalls. We then visited the lovely Cathedral and would have loved to have a leisurely lunch in one of the restaurants but Hubby was tiring so we returned to the ship.

GIBRALTAR - Not our favourite port as it is somewhere we know very well (we go down there on shopping trips every few months) but we still went ashore. We were docked by 8 a.m. and not leaving for 12 hours so there was plenty of time for people to see all the Rock has to offer. We took the port shuttle bus (2 Pounds each way) to Casemate Square then had a slow walk up Main Street. Only change we noticed from previous visits is that BHS is now Debenhams! As it became quite misty we returned to the ship - again using the shuttle service. When we got back on board we were informed that, due to the late kick off of the FA Cup final, we were staying in port for an extra hour to allow people to watch the match in one of Gibraltars many bars.

Despite having done this itinerary before we thoroughly enjoyed it again and would do it again as there are so many things we would like to do e.g. from Vigo we would like to take a trip to Santiago de Compostela (but would do the trip organised by tours4cruises rather than the Thomson trip - the tours4cruises bus goes from right in front of the shopping mall we docked by so very convenient.

I am sure that you will have a wonderful time - let me know if you have any other questions.

Oh, forgot to mention that we spent the night before the cruise in a hotel in Malaga. Had a great day visiting various Tapas bars we like then had a lovely/well priced meal right by the Cathedral (Bishops Square) at night - a lovely way to start the holiday.

Glad you enjoyed your cruise and thank you so much for the detailed information, it's invaluable.

We are undecided yet as whether to take any of the Thomson tours as we normally like to do our own thing. That said, the ones you have described sound very good.

Thanks once again for taking the time to reply - now to get planning!! :D

Thanks for the additional info - lots of useful tips in there to help us decide what we might do in each of the ports :-)

We are on this cruise in september. Are there beaches to visit that are free?

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We are on this cruise in september. Are there beaches to visit that are free?

 

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All beaches on this itinerary are free. Stunning beaches at Cadiz and Vigo especially Samil Beach at Vigo https://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A9mSs2C93TNZqikABw9LBQx.;_ylu=X3oDMTByZmVxM3N0BGNvbG8DaXIyBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzYw--?p=beach+Vigo&fr=yfp-t-UK104. If you have time to go into Malaga the Malagueta beach is also good and only a short stroll from the cruise port https://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A9mSs3CL3jNZpwYAAJdLBQx.;_ylu=X3oDMTByZmVxM3N0BGNvbG8DaXIyBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzYw--?p=malagueta+beach+malaga+spain&fr=yfp-t-UK104-s .