Duration: approx. 1.5 hours

Standing proud at the gateway to the Mediterranean Sea, the Rock of Gibraltar is not only reputed to be one of the two legendary Pillars of Hercules, but is also home to the only troop of wild Barbary macaque monkeys on mainland Europe. Your tour begins with a short coach ride down to Europa Point, a beauty spot at the Rock’s southernmost tip from which the African continent is often visible. A photo stop will be made at this special place, which affords panoramic views of the world’s busiest shipping lane, the famous Strait of Gibraltar that both links the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean and serves to separate Europe from Africa. The journey then continues on to the Botanical Gardens and the base station of the cable car, which will first take you to the so-called Ape’s Den (even though macaques are monkeys!) before carrying you right up to the top of the Rock. In addition to amazing views, you will find a restaurant, bar and cloakroom facilities at the summit. A coach service leaving from the cable car station at approx. 20-minute intervals will be provided to take you back to the ship. However, if you prefer you can also spend some time in town before making your own way back to the ship.

After meeting your guide, you will head north along the coastal road to Marstrand, which is situated on the island of Marstrandsön and has held city status since the 13th century despite its diminutive size. This summer paradise offers a wide range of beaches, unspoiled landscape and perfect conditions for numerous outdoor activities. You will have a chance to stroll through the streets of this pretty little “city”, admire the charming houses and soak up the cosy atmosphere of this special place. Among the town’s highlights, the 19^th-century building where King Oscar II held many festivities is particularly worthy of mention. In the past, Marstrand used to be a naval base of the Western Swedish Fleet. The town is protected by Carlsten Fort on the highest spot on the island, which was built at the behest of King Carl Gustav X and completed in 1860. A visit to the fort will give you a chance to enjoy breathtaking views of the archipelago from the top of the tower.

This tour takes you northwards along the coastal route to the city of Kungälv, the place where three famous Scandinavian kings are said to have met in the year 1100. From here, the tour will continue on to the charming Västra Gatan, while your guide will entertain you with dramatic stories about the region’s past history, its kings and their battles. En route you will also pass through a number of small fishing communities where people have not changed their way of life much over the course of time. Your guide will tell you more about the history and typical architecture of Sweden’s traditional bohus houses. The last stop on the tour before returning to port is Skarhamn to visit the Nordic Watercolour Museum, one of the most exciting cultural projects in the Nordic countries. Apart from exhibiting the works of leading international watercolourists, the museum is also a centre for contemporary art, research and training.