Holy Cities of the World: Caravaca de la Cruz
Strenuous Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Holy Cities of the World: Caravaca de la Cruz
Caravaca is renowned as one of only five cities to hold the perpetual Jubilee Year every seven years and believed to hold a relic of the True Cross, a fragment of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. As you ride into the city, you'll be greeted by the hilltop Castle of Santa Cruz. Inside the 15th cen-tury fortress sits the Sanctuary of Vera Cruz, a Baroque beauty that houses the True Cross. Time permitting and depending on the Holy Mass service times, you may be able to kiss this holy relic. Nearby sits the Religious Art Museum, where you can view Baroque architecture and religious artworks. Enjoy a walking tour of Old Town that includes a visit to the Archaeological Museum, and free time to shop and purchase lunch at the picturesque Plaza del Arco. Your day ends with a visit to the Museum of the Fiesta and the Wine Horse Museum,dedicated to the world-famous Wine Horse Festival.
The Museum of the Fiesta
Located in Old Town, the museum is dedicated to the legend behind the world-famous Wine Horse Festival-an event that dates back to the 15th century and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage event. Inside, you'll find stunning embroidered horse mantles, participants' costumes and props used during the race where men run alongside elaborately dressed horses up a steep hill to the Castle of Santa Cruz, commemo-rating a 13th-century legend of Templars bringing wine (instead of poisoned water) to besieged townsfolk.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
If a picture says a thousand words, then by the end of this adventure you'll have plenty to say. Rising 675 meters (2,214 feet) above sea level, the Castle of Santa Cruz boasts panoramic views of the city below, the surrounding countryside and the distant mountain ranges.
LUNCH
Treat yourself to local favorites such as tapas and "zarangollo' (sautéed zucchini, onions, and eggs). Everywhere you look, you'll find street vendors selling fresh fruit, juice, coffee and snacks like "papas rellanas de carne," which are meat filled potato buns.
SHOPPING
In addition to religious souvenirs, ceramic, pottery and olive oil are ideal mementos of your visit.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
The approximate 90-minute ride takes you through a diverse landscape of coastal plains, olive groves, rugged mountains and historic towns.
Schedule
Special Notes
The journey to Caravaca de la Cruz is approximately 1½ hours each way.
The Holy Mass at the Sanctuary of Vera Cruz is typically celebrated at 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (after which, visitors are allowed to kiss the True Cross). Dress conservatively when visiting sacred sites - clothing should cover the shoulders and knees.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes. Bring sunblock, water, head cover, sunglasses. Headsets (included) will enhance your experience.
This tour involves extensive walking over uneven and cobblestone surfaces.
Inclined surfaces and slopes need to be negotiated, particularly on the way to the Castle and Sanctuary area. This tour is not recommended for passengers with limited mobility.
Bring euros or credit cards for meals and additional purchases.
Sequence of tour stops may vary.
Shops may be closed on Sundays and during lunch time.
Photography and video recording are not permitted inside the Sanctuary and the museum de la Fiesta.
Exceptional Value
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Strenuous Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Holy Cities of the World: Caravaca de la Cruz
Caravaca is renowned as one of only five cities to hold the perpetual Jubilee Year every seven years and believed to hold a relic of the True Cross, a fragment of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. As you ride into the city, you'll be greeted by the hilltop Castle of Santa Cruz. Inside the 15th cen-tury fortress sits the Sanctuary of Vera Cruz, a Baroque beauty that houses the True Cross. Time permitting and depending on the Holy Mass service times, you may be able to kiss this holy relic. Nearby sits the Religious Art Museum, where you can view Baroque architecture and religious artworks. Enjoy a walking tour of Old Town that includes a visit to the Archaeological Museum, and free time to shop and purchase lunch at the picturesque Plaza del Arco. Your day ends with a visit to the Museum of the Fiesta and the Wine Horse Museum,dedicated to the world-famous Wine Horse Festival.
The Museum of the Fiesta
Located in Old Town, the museum is dedicated to the legend behind the world-famous Wine Horse Festival-an event that dates back to the 15th century and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage event. Inside, you'll find stunning embroidered horse mantles, participants' costumes and props used during the race where men run alongside elaborately dressed horses up a steep hill to the Castle of Santa Cruz, commemo-rating a 13th-century legend of Templars bringing wine (instead of poisoned water) to besieged townsfolk.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
If a picture says a thousand words, then by the end of this adventure you'll have plenty to say. Rising 675 meters (2,214 feet) above sea level, the Castle of Santa Cruz boasts panoramic views of the city below, the surrounding countryside and the distant mountain ranges.
LUNCH
Treat yourself to local favorites such as tapas and "zarangollo' (sautéed zucchini, onions, and eggs). Everywhere you look, you'll find street vendors selling fresh fruit, juice, coffee and snacks like "papas rellanas de carne," which are meat filled potato buns.
SHOPPING
In addition to religious souvenirs, ceramic, pottery and olive oil are ideal mementos of your visit.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
The approximate 90-minute ride takes you through a diverse landscape of coastal plains, olive groves, rugged mountains and historic towns.
Schedule
Special Notes
The journey to Caravaca de la Cruz is approximately 1½ hours each way.
The Holy Mass at the Sanctuary of Vera Cruz is typically celebrated at 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (after which, visitors are allowed to kiss the True Cross). Dress conservatively when visiting sacred sites - clothing should cover the shoulders and knees.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes. Bring sunblock, water, head cover, sunglasses. Headsets (included) will enhance your experience.
This tour involves extensive walking over uneven and cobblestone surfaces.
Inclined surfaces and slopes need to be negotiated, particularly on the way to the Castle and Sanctuary area. This tour is not recommended for passengers with limited mobility.
Bring euros or credit cards for meals and additional purchases.
Sequence of tour stops may vary.
Shops may be closed on Sundays and during lunch time.
Photography and video recording are not permitted inside the Sanctuary and the museum de la Fiesta.