Alicante Shared Tour Old town, Elche & Huerto del Cura Grdns

Explore Alicante’s Historic Old Quarter with an Expert Guide

This shared tour of Alicante and Elche lasts 5 hours and features an English-speaking guide who leads you through the city’s historic old quarter. Starting from the Port of Alicante, the guide shares engaging stories about the area’s heritage, local traditions, and landmarks, making the walk both educational and lively.

During this guided walk, you’ll see Alicante’s charming streets, historic sites, and appreciate the city’s architectural character. The tour offers a great introduction for visitors who want a taste of Alicante’s history without the hassle of organizing their own route. The guide’s storytelling helps bring Alicante’s past to life, making each landmark more meaningful.

While the tour covers the city’s highlights, some guests may choose to add an optional visit to a local tapas bar (not included), where they can enjoy a small snack and refreshment typical of local bars. This adds a relaxed element to the experience, perfect for those wanting to indulge in local flavors.

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Scenic Coach Ride and the Choice to Explore Alicante Further

After the walking tour, the group enjoys a scenic coach ride heading toward Elche, offering comfortable transportation with the flexibility to explore more or head back to the ship. The coach allows for a relaxed view of the landscape between Alicante and Elche, making the journey part of the overall experience.

Guests have the option to continue exploring Alicante on their own at the end of the tour or return directly to their cruise ship. This flexibility makes the tour suitable for travelers with varying schedules or those who prefer a more independent afternoon in the city.

Visiting the Huerto del Cura Gardens in Elche, Home to Over 1,000 Palms

The highlight of the Elche stop is the Huerto del Cura Gardens, where entrance is included in the tour. This beautifully maintained garden showcases over 1,000 palm trees of various types, along with Mediterranean and tropical plants, scenic water features, and mosaic paths.

The Imperial Palm (Palmera Imperial) is a standout specimen here. This remarkable palm has seven branches growing from a single trunk, a feature that makes it a true marvel. It’s named after Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who visited in 1894, adding a historical touch to the botanical attraction.

The gardens also include amenities like a café and restrooms, ensuring visitors can enjoy some leisure time amid the tranquil setting. The peaceful atmosphere and lush greenery make it a perfect spot for photographs and relaxation.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The tour begins at the Port of Alicante, where the guide waits with a sign displaying “YOUR SHORE TIME”. The exact coordinates are 38.331905364990234, -0.48534393310546875, making it easy to locate the meeting point directly outside the port exit.

This tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodating travelers with mobility needs. The air-conditioned coach ensures comfort throughout the journey, especially during the drive from Alicante to Elche.

Price, Flexibility, and Cancellation Policy

The tour offers flexible booking options, allowing reservations now with pay later. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind in case plans change. The cost is not explicitly listed, but the focus on inclusions like the guide, coach, and garden entrance suggests good value for a half-day cultural experience.

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How the Tour Balances Guided Exploration with Free Time

The guided walk in Alicante allows you to learn about the city’s key landmarks and traditions, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting an overview. The scenic drive to Elche introduces you to the countryside, and the visit to Huerto del Cura offers a peaceful retreat into nature.

After the garden, guests can choose to rejoin the coach and return to the port, or spend more free time exploring Alicante independently. This balance of guided and free time caters well to different interests and schedules.

Unique Features of the Huerto del Cura Garden

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the chance to see the Imperial Palm, a rare botanical specimen with seven branches, and to stroll among more than 1,000 palms and tropical plants. The mosaic pathways and water features enhance the garden’s aesthetic appeal, making it a memorable stop.

The peaceful setting gives visitors a break from city touring and offers excellent opportunities for photos and quiet reflection. The amenities like the café and restrooms add convenience, ensuring comfort during the visit.

Comparing This Tour with Similar Alicante Excursions

This tour stands out for its combination of urban walking, scenic drive, and botanical garden visit. The expert English guide enriches the experience with stories and insights, differentiating it from self-guided excursions.

Compared to other tours focusing solely on Alicante’s landmarks or Elche’s natural sites, this package offers a balanced itinerary with both cultural and natural highlights. The flexibility at the end to stay longer in Alicante or head back to the ship makes it adaptable to different travel plans.

Suitable For: History Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers

This tour is perfect for history buffs eager to learn about Alicante’s heritage, as well as botany enthusiasts interested in the rare Imperial Palm and lush gardens. Its moderate duration and accessible facilities also make it suitable for families or travelers with mobility concerns.

The optional tapas stop can add a flavorful local touch if desired, though it’s not included in the base price. Travelers seeking a relaxed, informative half-day experience with scenic views and cultural insights will appreciate this tour.

Final Insights: Is This Tour Right for You?

For those seeking a well-rounded introduction to Alicante and Elche, this tour offers a comfortable mix of guided walking, scenic drive, and garden exploration. The inclusion of the Huerto del Cura’s unique palms and the historical stories shared by the guide add depth to the experience.

The flexibility to extend free time in Alicante or return to the ship makes it a convenient choice for diverse schedules. While the 3.8 rating suggests room for improvement, the core experience delivers value through knowledgeable guiding and distinct sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour features a scenic coach ride from Alicante to Elche and back, with air conditioning for comfort.

Can I visit the Huerto del Cura Gardens alone afterward?
The entrance is included, so you can explore the gardens at your own pace after the guided portion. You can also rejoin the coach or stay longer in Alicante.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and the coach provides a comfortable way to travel between sites.

What is the main highlight of the Elche visit?
The Imperial Palm (Palmera Imperial), with seven branches from a single trunk, is the key attraction at Huerto del Cura.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for changing schedules.

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