Shore Excursion Recomendation for Murcia (Cartgena) Spain

[TruJeffie]

Hello,

 

Has anyone stopped at the port of Murci used on the "Trade Routes of the Middle Ages" and the "New Along Europe's Western Coast"? The sample excursions all sound boring.

 

Does anyone have any recommendations?

 

Jeffrey

[Azulann]

Go to the port of call section of Cruise Critic.

Ask about excursions there for your port of call.

You will get lots of great advise.

You could organize a private tour with others on your roll call.

We have done that many times and then you get to see and do what you want.

[dln929]

Hello,

 

Has anyone stopped at the port of Murci used on the "Trade Routes of the Middle Ages" and the "New Along Europe's Western Coast"? The sample excursions all sound boring.

 

Does anyone have any recommendations?

 

Jeffrey

 

We're on the Trade Routes in less than a month and I could offer you suggestions about excursions but your definition of "BORING" might be miles apart from what we consider boring (which is hardly anything, actually, as it's all interesting and different to us). For example, we had a hard time deciding in Murcia if we wanted to go on the silver mines tour or the palms of Elche tour. Both of them currently cost $99 pp.

 

 

Silver mines: Venture deep underground to learn about Murcia’s former mining industry. Silver has been mined in Murcia since Roman times and zinc was extracted from the earth here throughout the 20th century. In 1966, declining metal prices forced the closure of the mines. Join your local guide for a drive to the former mining town of La Unión to witness the conditions under which this dirty work was carried out. In La Union’s market square, board a “road train” and head into the renovated Agrupa Vicente mine, where 58 steps on uneven ground lead you 262 feet below ground. Inside, you will learn about the daily lives of the miners and how they extracted minerals. You will pause during your tour to enjoy the locally celebrated Songs of the Mines performed by an a cappella group. End your tour in the old washery where ore was processed.

 

Palm Trees of Elche: Marvel at the 300,000 palm trees that surround Elche, and see the city’s magnificent basilica and lush gardens. Used in Palm Sunday parades across the country, the palms of Elche comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside to view them in a sprawling municipal park. Admire the stunning Basilica de Santa Maria and explore the interior, if the church service schedule allows. Take in more natural beauty at La Huerta del Cura, or the Priest’s Orchard. You will find plants both rare and typical in this oasis, from lemon to pomegranate trees, and Moorish-style fountains. The famous Imperial Palm, with its seven branches sprouting from one trunk, stands at the center of the garden. As you enjoy the oasis of calm, you will have the chance to sample local produce such as dates, figs, dried apricots and the heady date liqueur.

[TruJeffie]

Thanks guys as always. This site is so helpful. I will checkout the Port messages board also. Again, Thank you

[Twitchly]

Sounds like we’re on the same cruise! We signed up for the walking tour with wine and tapas. Wine, food, and a good walk — sounds like a decent combo to me.

 

I do agree that of all the amazing places we’ll be going, Murcia looked like the least interesting. But I’m with dln929; it’s all new and different to us. Watch Murcia surprise us and end up being a major highlight!

[suspaul]

We were in Murcia (Cartagena) last June, if we’re docked in the same area it’s a walk off port, basically right in the center of town. There are some ancient ruins high above the city and lots of cafes and shops in the pedestrian only zone. We did a walking tour then enjoyed ambling around town and stopping in a cafe for drinks and people watching. Here are a few websites you may find helpful,

 

https://www.whatsinport.com/Cartagena.htm

 

https://www.cruisetimetables.com/visitingcartagenaspain-16apr2018.html

 

It looks like we’re not the only ship in port on April 16th.

 

Counting the days.....[emoji414]

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums