Gibraltar Ultimate Tour
Gibraltar Tour by Inside-Out Rock Tours
The Gibraltar Ultimate Tour has 12 stops and takes around 7hrs
- Pillars of Hercules
- St Michael's Cave
- O'Hara's Battery (Highest Point)
- Top of the Rock with Skywalk & Monkeys
- Great Siege Tunnels
- City Under Siege Exhibition
- WWII Tunnels
- Moorish Castle
- Tax Free Shopping + Lunch
- 100 Ton Gun
- Europa Point
- 360º Drive around Gibraltar (Catalan Bay)
- Drive under runway (Kingsway Tunnel)
The Pillars of Hercules
Our first stop is the iconic Pillars of Hercules. Here, you can soak in the breathtaking vistas of North Africa and Morocco. This vantage point allows you to witness the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, marking the sole gateway to the Mediterranean. You will also find yourself at Europe Point, the southernmost tip of Europe.
St Michael's Cave
Next, we venture into St Michael’s Cave, a natural wonder visited by thousands each year. The cave's vast chambers are easily navigable, with steps providing simple access. This spectacular formation arose from rainwater percolating through limestone over millions of years, creating a weak carbonic acid that gradually dissolved the rock.
In 2021, a new lighting system named "The Awakening" was introduced, enhancing the cave's natural beauty. This immersive light and sound show breathes life into the ancient caverns, illuminating sculptures and unraveling their hidden stories.
O'Hara's Battery (Highest Point)
Following our exploration of St Michael’s Cave, we will ascend to O'Hara's Battery, situated at the Rock of Gibraltar's highest point at 1383 feet. This historic artillery battery, near Lord Airey's Battery, was built in 1890 on the site of a former watchtower known as O'Hara's Folly.
Named after Governor Charles O'Hara, the battery originally housed a 6-inch breech-loading gun, later replaced by a 9.2-inch Mark X BL gun in 1901. The battery saw action during World War II and was last fired during training in 1976. Now refurbished and open to the public, O'Hara's Battery is listed with the Gibraltar Heritage Trust.
Top of the Rock Skywalk
After O’Hara’s Battery, we will proceed to the top of the Rock, where you will experience two main attractions: the Skywalk glass viewing platform and the resident monkeys.
The Skywalk, once a military lookout, has been transformed into a modern glass platform offering spectacular 360º panoramic views of the Mediterranean. The experience provides a thrilling sense of freedom and exhilaration.
Monkeys Visit (Ape's Den)
A short walk from the Skywalk brings us to the Upper Apes Den, home to the only Barbary Macaque Apes in Europe. Over 200 apes in six packs roam the upper rock nature reserve. According to legend, Sir Winston Churchill ordered the apes' population to be replenished in 1942, believing that Gibraltar would remain under British rule as long as these apes inhabited the Rock.
The Great Siege Tunnels
Next, we will drive to the Rock's north side to explore the Great Siege Tunnels. These tunnels, hand-carved during the Great Siege of 1779-1783, were created to defend Gibraltar from Spanish and French forces. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into Gibraltar's siege history.
City Under Siege Exhibition
Following the tunnels, we will visit the City Under Siege Exhibition. The most notable feature of this building is the graffiti on its walls, dating back to 1726. It is believed that soldiers on guard duty would draw to stay awake, as falling asleep was punishable by death.
World War II Tunnels
Our next stop is the World War II Tunnels. In 1940, with Germany and Italy posing a threat, Britain constructed an extensive network of tunnels in Gibraltar. This "fortress within a fortress" served as a city within the Rock, used by figures like Churchill, Sikorski, and De Gaulle during the war.
Moorish Castle
We then visit the Moorish Castle, a medieval fortification on the Rock's eastern elevation. Originally built in 1160 CE and later ransacked by the Spanish, the castle was rebuilt in the 14th century by Abu-l-Hasan. Today, visitors can explore the restored castle, admire its ancient walls, and see the cannon dents.
Tax-Free Shopping and Lunch
After the castle visit, we will drive through Gibraltar's old town to Casemates Square, the start of Main Street. Here, you will have 1 to 1.5 hours for lunch and shopping, exploring the narrow streets of the charming old town.
100 Ton Gun
Post-lunch, we head to see the 100 Ton Gun. Built in the late 1800s by the British naval authorities, two of these massive guns were installed in Gibraltar and two in Malta to secure their holdings.
Europa Point
Our next destination is Europa Point, the southernmost part of Gibraltar. From here, you can enjoy stunning views across the Strait of Gibraltar to North Africa and Morocco, as well as the bay of Gibraltar and nearby Spanish towns.
360º Drive Around Gibraltar's Coastline (Visiting Catalan Bay)
We will then take a scenic drive around Gibraltar's coastline, stopping at various viewpoints along the way. Highlights include Catalan Bay, Jurassic sand dunes, and the old water catchments.
Airport Runway
The tour continues under the airport runway via the new Kingsway Tunnel, heading towards the Spanish border where you can observe Spanish Customs at work.