The Soul of Christmas in Andalusia: Cruise to the Heart of the Nativity and Festive Celebrations (port-to-port cruise)

We'll leave on foot with our host/hostess for the Osborne Bodega. One of the oldest wineries in the region, Osborne began producing its Sherry Solera in 1772. The iconic Osborne bull silhouette has become part of the landscape in the area. We'll enjoy a tasting of three different wines* along with some regional products.

PLEASE NOTE

• Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

Transfer by coach from Seville to Cordoba (driving time is approximately 2 hours round trip). Cordoba's golden era started in the 8th century when it was conquered by the Moors who built about 300 mosques and countless palaces and public buildings, rivaling the splendors of Constantinople, Damascus and Baghdad. In the 13th century, under the reign of Fernando III the Saint, the Great Mosque of Cordoba was transformed into a cathedral and new defensive structures were built, namely the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos and the Calahorra Tower. After lunch in a restaurant, enjoy some free time and succumb to the charms of the city. We'll be back on board in Seville.

PLEASE NOTE

• The entrance to the Great Mosque of Cordoba is included.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• For your information, please note that the bus trip should take about 2 hours to go and 2 hours to return.

Transfer by coach to Seville. We'll start off our visit with the azulejos that adorn the Plaza de España which was constructed for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. The 200 meter diameter hemicycle symbolizes Spain welcoming its former colonies. It faces in the direction of Guadalquivir and represents the path to the Atlantic Ocean and America. There is only one building going all along its rounded side. A fountain designed by Vicente Traver, a Valencian architect, stands in the center. Also lying between the center and the palace are four bridges spanning four canals in half circles, representing the four former Spanish Queens. We'll move on with a stroll through the typically Sevillian patios garnished with flowers in the charming 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. The district, which dates back to the Middle Ages, is a center of art and history that brims with legends, churches and palaces, witnesses to its past. It was greatly enhanced at the beginning of the 20th century and stands today as one of the most emblematic quarters of Seville. It's mostly reputed for its enchanting steep alleys and shaded squares. Afterwards, we'll discover the Alcazar*, one of the oldest Royal Palaces in Europe and the King's residence. A Moorish house and a fortress, the Alcazaba (former Arab district) is a gorgeous witness of the mudéjar style with a combination of Moorish techniques and Christian symbols. The visit will end with Seville's cathedral, providing one of the last testimonies to the Gothic style. This structure was built over the ruins of an Almohad mosque as a symbol of the capital's prosperous status of great commercial town after the Reconquista. We'll return on board at the end of the morning.

PLEASE NOTE

• Entrance to the Alcazar and the cathedral is included.
• Good walking shoes are recommended: visits by coach and on foot.
• Please dress appropriately for the visit of the cathedral.
• *Except on Sunday afternoons and Mondays: visit of the Pilate Palace.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.