Crystal Symphony Food and Wine Theme Cruise - Barcelona to Dover

Gibraltar - Gateway to the Mediterranean

The Rock of Gibraltar Overlooking the Entrance to the Mediterranean

Photo (c) Linda Garrison

We chose to do a half-day shore excursion, "The Rock by Foot", which sounded much more strenuous than it was. Tour buses took us to the cable car, and it was just a short scenic ride to the Top of the Rock. Our day in Gibraltar was gray and overcast, but we could still see Africa (14 miles away), the Andalusian coast of Spain (5 minutes away) and the beautiful Mediterranean (straight down). We walked downhill past the monkeys to St. Michael's Cave, which we toured before reboarding the buses and riding down to see the Great Siege Tunnel that was built in the late 1700s by Merchant Marines. By the end of World War II, the Rock had over 28 miles of tunnels, but this was the first one constructed. Very impressive, and quite a hike to the end, but worth it. Our guide finished the tour by driving us across the runway of Gibraltar's International Airport for a look at the "Prudential" side of the Rock, which is the most famous view. All in all, Gibraltar is a great place to spend the day, full of history, wildlife, and great scenery. Next, we were on to Cadiz, Spain.

Gibraltar Photo Gallery

Index: Crystal Symphony Food and Wine Theme Cruise - Barcelona to Dover

1. Cannes, France on the French Riviera
2. St- Paul-de-Vence, France - Hilltop Village Near Cannes
3. Guest Chef Gray Kunz on the Crystal Symphony Food and Wine Theme Cruise
4. Gibraltar - Gateway to the Mediterranean
5. Cadiz, Spain - Overview of Cruise Ship Port Closest to Seville
6. Jerez, Spain - Home of Sherry, Andalusian Horses, and Bullfighting
7. Lisbon, Portugal - Capital City on the Tagus River
8. Bordeaux Region of France - Wine and Chateaus of Medoc
9. The City of Bordeaux, France
10. St. Emilion, France - Ancient Village Near Bordeaux