In a nutshell

We will set off on the discovery of Murcia, a university city, the home of the Arab caliphate, episcopal headquarters: a magical and polyhedral destination, where everybody can find something to amuse them.

Main stops

City of Murcia
Glorieta de España
Cathedral of Santa Maria (external visit) * Church of San Juan de Dios and relative museum (external visit)
Plaza Cardenal Belluga: City Hall and Episcopal Palace
Calle Trapería and casino (external visit)
Free time

The programme

We will leave the port by coach and head, via the hinterland to the city of Murcia. Founded by the Caliph of Cordova in 825 AD with the name, Madina Mursiya, at present, it is primarily a university city, whose economy is majoritarily supported by services.
The coach will leave us atGlorieta de España, one of the busiest squares in Murcia, the genuine nerve centre of the city, where we can admire beautiful green areas adorned with flowers and fountains with water features.
Our next stop is the cathedral of Santa Maria, the city's main place of worship. Built at the beginning of the 14th Century on the site where an Arab mosque previously stood, the church features many Renaissance and Baroque elements, whilst the inside primarily boasts a Gothic style. The monumental and striking main façade is considered a Spanish Baroque masterpiece.
We will have the opportunity to visit the church of San Juan de Dios, which is near to the cathedral. Built in the area where the ancient Muslim fortress once stood, some remains of which can still be seen, it is formed of six connected chapels and is topped by a splendidly decorated dome.
The adjacent Museum of the Church of San Juan de Dios, one of the buildings belonging to the museum of Bellas Artes de Murcia (MUBAM), houses a large collection of religious images dating back to the 19th and 20th Centuries.
We will walk through the historic centre to look at the city's major monuments, beginning with Plaza Cardenal Belluga, where we can admire the City Hall and Episcopal Palace with its Rococo façade and the beautiful courtyard, the city's authentic architectural gems.
We will head to Calle Trapería, one of the most characteristic and exclusive streets in Murcia, where the first stores selling imported clothing opened, and we can admire the historic casino building (external view).
We can take advantage of our free time to browse in the shops and do a little shopping, walk along the old city's charming streets or have lunch in one of the centre's typical restaurants.
At the end of our excursion it’s back on board the coach to return to the ship.

Good to know

We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria is closed between 13.00 and 17.00.