A quirky potpourri of the familiar and the unusual, Gibraltar is a must-visit. This tour is a roll call of its star attractions – the Barbary apes, the Rock and Main Street. And to top it off, you'll sail around the Bay of Gibraltar for the chance to spot dolphins. Rosa, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Gibraltar's monkeys are the most accommodating wildlife around. Unlike dolphins, you don't have to search for them – they come looking for you, especially if you're holding food.'
The fun kicks off with a boat trip in the bay to look out for dolphins. Three species – bottlenose, common and striped – are known to frolic in these waters. Then, back on dry land, head for a guided minibus tour of the Rock of Gibraltar, which juts 426 metres above the Mediterranean. You'll stop at Europa Point, where there are many famous monuments, a mosque and a historic Christian shrine. Plus, you'll also visit the Rock's recently renovated St Michael's Cave, which now hosts an auditorium.
At the Upper Rock nature reserve, you'll meet the free-roaming Barbary apes – Europe's only wild monkeys. Rosa adds, ‘There are about 300 monkeys on the Rock. A local legend says that if the monkeys disappear, Gibraltar will stop being British.' Back at ground level, Gibraltar's town centre makes a point of being more British than Britain itself. Head to Main Street, where many of the British high street chains have outlets, for a mooch around its duty-free shops.
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