Amazing Andalusia

Board the ship at 6 p.m., meet the crew over a welcome cocktail, and enjoy a relaxing evening at your leisure.

Seville is an exemplary city in Spanish history, as Christian and Muslim cultures have cohabited in veritable peace throughout its past. The Andalusian capital simply oozes joy and liveliness on each of its streets and squares in the old city, and its architecture is testimony to its diverse heritage.

This morning, join a tour of Seville and a discovery of the Alcazar. You leave by coach for Seville. Start off your visit with the azulejos that adorn the Plaza de Españabefore you move on to the Santa Cruz district. Sheltered behind the former perimeter wall, what used to be the Jewish district belongs to the historic heart of the city and is surrounded by the most famous buildings of the Andalusian capital. Afterwards, discover the Alcazar, one of the oldest Royal Palaces in Europe.

In the afternoon, begin to cruise towards Cádiz. Pass in front of the Doñana National Park, a UNESCO biosphere natural reserve, which spreads along the right bank of the river to its estuary. Located between the European and African continents, the reserve is one of the most important wet zones in the area and attracts several million migrating birds a year.

You arrive in Cádiz this evening.

This morning, you set out on a guided tour of Cádiz. The lovely city of Cádiz is tucked between lavish lagoons, sprawling beaches, and rich salt marshes. The city was once inhabited by the Phoenicians and Greeks and has been able to preserve its historic charm among its white walls. The sinuous streets in the medieval quarter contrast the straight and orderly streets found in the Baroque-style area.

This afternoon, join us for a visit to admire the Pueblos Blancos in Vejer de la Frontera and Conil de la Frontera. Vejer de la Frontera is one of the most captivating “white villages” in Andalusia. Every corner seems to be filled with colorful sights and fascinating spots to explore. Your next stop is the fishing village of Conil de la Frontera. This coastal town is the apex of beauty among the Pueblos Blancos. White houses with beautifully decorated patios and walls make the city a must-see for any traveler. At the end of your tour, enjoy a snack of delicious churros dipped in chocolate. After your excursion, return on board the ship. Tonight, enjoy a Spanish-themed dinner and evening of flamenco. The ship cruises to El Puerto de Santa Maria(2).

This morning, visit the Osborne bodega and taste the local wines.* You leave on foot with the host/hostess for the Osborne Bodega, where you enjoy a tasting of three different wines along with some regional products. As with most European cultures, wine has a distinct place in Andalusian culture. The exceptional climate conditions help produce the famous Jerez-Xérès-Sherry.

Spend the afternoon cruising to Isla Minima. At the end of the afternoon, you visit a typical Andalusian hacienda in Isla Minima, located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. The hacienda was originally a bull-raising ranch. At the beginning of the 1940s, the Escobar family settled across the whole area and founded Finca Isla Minima. It was the ideal location to raise wild bulls and Carthusian horses because of the quality of its pastures. Over the years it has become a model ranch. Return to the ship after the show and cast off for Seville.

This morning, tour the Palacio de las Dueñas. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, Las Dueñas was named after the former monastery of Santa María de las Dueñas. It has several buildings, courtyards, and gardens. You can tour the stables, lemon-tree courtyard, main courtyard, and Gypsy Hall, which was once the center of social life in the palace. Many of the other rooms you see illustrate the fundamental activities found in Andalusian culture, including bullfighting and flamenco dancing.

After your excursion, return on board for lunch. Enjoy a free afternoon in Seville, and take advantage of this time to discover the city at your own pace. You may stroll through the historic center to take in the full ambiance of the city.

OR

Optional excursion (not included in package): Full-day trip to Grenada (available only through reservation before departure). Leave by coach for a full-day tour of Grenada (driving time is approximately 3 hours round trip). Visit the Alhambra, the Palacio de Generalife, and the historic center of the city.  Ringed by the imposing mountainous barrier of the Sierra Nevada, Grenada is built across three hills. Its most beautiful treasure is the Alhambra. The city’s cuisine, handicrafts, and architecture have all been marked by its glorious past. You return to the ship by coach.

Tonight is the festive gala evening.

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.