Gibraltar Inside Out Extended Tour 2.30hrs

Explore Gibraltar in Comfort and Style

The Gibraltar Inside Out Extended Tour offers a comprehensive 2.5-hour journey around Gibraltar’s most significant sights, all from the convenience of a luxurious, air-conditioned vehicle. Priced at $686.87 per group (up to 8 people), this private tour is ideal for those who prefer a personalized experience with an expert guide. The tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and scenic stops, making it a popular choice, often booked 115 days in advance. With pick-up and drop-off services included, travelers can relax and enjoy their exploration without worrying about transportation logistics.

The tour features guided commentary in nine languages via drop-down plasma screens inside the vehicle, or the option of spoken guides in English or Spanish. This flexibility helps cater to diverse groups, ensuring everyone can follow along comfortably. The length of 2 hours and 30 minutes balances a thorough overview of Gibraltar’s key locations with a relaxed pace, avoiding rushed sightseeing.

Key Points

• Private guided tour providing personalized attention in a luxury air-conditioned van
• Includes transportation with pick-up and drop-off in Gibraltar
• Tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
• Guided commentary available in nine languages or spoken in English/Spanish
• Access to iconic sights like The Rock, Europa Point, and St. Michael’s Cave
• Includes visits to historical fortifications, natural reserves, and scenic viewpoints

Starting at Gibraltar’s Famous Rock of Gibraltar

The tour kicks off with a visit to The Rock of Gibraltar, an impressive limestone promontory standing 426 meters high. This site is renowned for its nature reserve, home to approximately 300 Barbary macaques. The five-minute stop allows travelers to appreciate the natural beauty and possibly spot these playful monkeys in their habitat, which is a key highlight of the tour.

The Rock of Gibraltar isn’t just a stunning geological feature; it’s a symbol of the territory’s rich history. The upper area’s nature reserve is a major draw, and the guide explains its significance as both a wildlife sanctuary and a historical landmark.

Discovering Gibraltar’s Historical Layers

Next, the tour explores Gibraltar’s layered history. From its roots as a Moors settlement in the Middle Ages to its Spanish rule and eventual cession to Britain in 1713, this segment gives a clear overview of Gibraltar’s strategic importance. A five-minute stop in this section includes views of the Moorish Castle remains and the Great Siege Tunnels—a series of fortifications expanded during WWII.

Travelers get an appreciation for Gibraltar’s defenses through visits to layers of fortifications, including the 14th-century Moorish Castle and 18th-century tunnels. The guide shares insights into how these ancient structures were built for protection and how they contributed to Gibraltar’s military significance.

The Charles V Wall: A Defensive Marvel

The Charles V Wall is a key part of Gibraltar’s defenses, built in the 16th century. The curtain wall is a prominent feature of Gibraltar’s fortifications and offers a glimpse into the military engineering of the period. The tour provides a brief stop here, letting visitors view the stronghold that helped defend the territory over centuries.

This defensive wall not only illustrates Gibraltar’s military history but also offers scenic views across the surrounding landscape. The guide explains its strategic importance and how it integrated into the overall fortification system of Gibraltar.

A Quiet Moment at Trafalgar Cemetery

A short five-minute stop at Trafalgar Cemetery offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling sights. Located just south of the city walls, this historic cemetery marks the resting place of notable figures and reflects Gibraltar’s maritime past. Its location in what was once a Spanish defensive ditch adds a layer of historical intrigue.

While small, this site provides a quiet moment to absorb Gibraltar’s layered history, especially relating to its naval and military significance during various conflicts.

Relaxing at Gibraltar Botanic Gardens

A highlight of the tour is the visit to Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, established in 1816. Spanning approximately 6 hectares (15 acres), these gardens were created by Governor General George Don to provide soldiers and residents with a pleasant, shaded area. The 20-minute stop here offers a chance to stroll among exotic plants, enjoy the lush surroundings, and breathe in the fresh air.

The gardens are a peaceful oasis in Gibraltar, contrasting the rocky landscape with lush greenery. The guide shares stories of the gardens’ history, making this stop both relaxing and informative.

The Power of the 100 Ton Gun Napier of Magdala Battery

One of the most striking sights on the tour is the 100 Ton Gun at Napier of Magdala Battery. This massive artillery piece, weighing just over 100 tons, is one of only two such guns remaining worldwide. Built in 1870, it boasts a 32-foot-long barrel capable of firing a 2,000-pound shell up to 8 miles.

The guide explains that this gun could penetrate more than 2 feet of iron and was designed for Gibraltar’s coastal defense. The 15-minute stop allows visitors to appreciate the gun’s size and historical importance, understanding its role in Gibraltar’s military preparedness.

Europa Point and Its Famous Lighthouse

The southernmost tip of Gibraltar hosts Europa Point, home to the Europa Point Lighthouse, built between 1838 and 1841. The 15-minute stop here provides spectacular views across the Straits of Gibraltar toward North Africa, including Morocco and Spanish Ceuta.

The lighthouse, now fully automated since 1994, boasts a beam visible from over 27 kilometers (17 miles). Visitors can also see the Shrine of Our Lady of Europa and the Nuns Well, an ancient underground reservoir. The guide shares historical details about this strategic vantage point, emphasizing its ongoing importance for navigation and defense.

The Gibraltar Upper Rock Nature Reserve: Nature and Views

The tour stops at the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, which covers over 40% of Gibraltar’s land area. Established in 1993 and extended in 2013, this protected area is home to diverse flora and fauna. The guide highlights that the reserve is a category Ia protected site, emphasizing its ecological significance.

Visitors are offered 20 minutes to enjoy the landscapes, spot wildlife, and absorb the breathtaking views. While entry tickets are not included in the tour price, the reserve’s natural beauty is a key component of Gibraltar’s appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Marvel of St. Michael’s Cave

St. Michael’s Cave is arguably Gibraltar’s most famous natural attraction. Situated over 300 meters above sea level, this extensive cave system receives over one million visitors annually. During the tour, a 20-minute stop grants access to its main chambers, where stalactites and stalagmites create a stunning natural spectacle.

Historical significance includes its use during WWII as an emergency hospital following inside blasting to improve ventilation. The discovery of a deeper cave system, known as Lower St. Michael’s Cave, adds to its intrigue. The guide explains the cave’s natural formations and its role in Gibraltar’s history.

The Skywalk: A Glass Platform with Panoramic Views

For thrill-seekers and lovers of panoramic vistas, the Skywalk offers a 10-minute experience on a state-of-the-art glass platform. Sitting atop the Rock, this unbroken 360º viewpoint provides spectacular sights across the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Gibraltar coastline.

This modern attraction transforms a former military lookout into a spectacular viewing platform, where visitors can feel the sense of freedom and elevation. The guide notes that this experience is perfect for those seeking a memorable photo opportunity.

The Great Siege Tunnels: A Remarkable Engineering Feat

Carved during the Great Siege between 1779 and 1783, the Great Siege Tunnels stand as a testament to Gibraltar’s resilience. The tunnels are a major attraction, offering a glimpse into the defensive strategies used during the conflict.

The tour includes a 20-minute stop at these tunnels, with the guide explaining how they were hand-carved and how a horizontal gun emplacement was created to defend against attacking forces. The tunnels are a fascinating reminder of Gibraltar’s military history and ingenuity.

Encountering the Barbary Macaques at Upper Apes Den

A fun and iconic part of the tour is the visit to the Barbary Macaque Feeding Station atop the Rock. Over 200 monkeys live in 9 packs within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, with the population historically reduced to just 7 in 1942. The British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill ordered their population to be replenished, symbolizing Gibraltar’s connection to British sovereignty.

This 20-minute stop provides an opportunity to observe and interact with these famous primates at Upper Apes Den. Visitors may see the monkeys up close and learn about their importance to Gibraltar’s identity. The guide emphasizes that the feeding station offers a safe, controlled environment for viewing these lively animals.

Exploring the Moorish Castle Complex

The tour concludes with a visit to the Moorish Castle, located at the northern end of the Upper Rock. The castle’s construction began in the 8th century, though its current form was rebuilt in the 14th century after destruction during a Moorish re-conquest. Its most notable features include the Tower of Homage and The Gate House.

This 15-minute stop offers insight into Gibraltar’s medieval history, with the guide describing how the castle’s fortifications connect from the rock’s top down to the sea. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of Gibraltar’s strategic military position through these ancient structures.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The Gibraltar Inside Out Extended Tour departs from FrontierGibraltar, GX11 1AA, and ends at a different location, with flexible pick-up and drop-off options in Gibraltar. The tour operates daily from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with full confirmation received within 48 hours of booking.

Entry tickets for the Nature Reserve and St. Michael’s Cave are not included in the tour price and cost £30.00 GBP per person, increasing to £35.00 GBP from April 2026. The total experience combines scenic views, historical sites, wildlife encounters, and modern attractions, making it suitable for most travelers, especially those interested in a rundown of Gibraltar.

Final Thoughts on the Gibraltar Inside Out Extended Tour

This private, guided tour delivers a well-rounded exploration of Gibraltar’s highlights in a comfortable and flexible format. The expert guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, enriching the experience with detailed explanations of Gibraltar’s history, geography, and military significance.

The scenic stops, including Europa Point, St. Michael’s Cave, and the Skywalk, combine natural beauty with cultural and historical insights. The massive gun at Napier of Magdala Battery and the Great Siege Tunnels stand out as unique highlights, offering tangible links to Gibraltar’s strategic past.

While entry tickets are separate costs, the tour’s private nature and customizable stops make it a valuable choice for those seeking a personalized experience. It is most suited for visitors who want an in-depth, guided overview without the hassle of organizing individual visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Gibraltar Inside Out Extended Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation in a luxury air-conditioned van and guide services in one of nine languages, with pick-up and drop-off in Gibraltar.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entry tickets to the Nature Reserve, St. Michael’s Cave, and other sites are not included and cost about £30 GBP per person.

Can I customize the tour?
Since this is a private tour, it offers flexibility for stops and pacing, tailored to your preferences.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the stops are designed to be accessible and family-friendly.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of scenic viewpoints, historical sites, and personalized guidance in a comfortable vehicle offers a comprehensive and relaxed way to experience Gibraltar.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pick-up and drop-off services are included, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is generally booked 115 days ahead on average, so early reservation is recommended for availability.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 8 people, ensuring a private and intimate experience.

What are the operating hours?
The tour operates seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.