Family Club - Andalusia: Traditions, Gastronomy and Flamenco (port-to-port cruise)

Cádiz will be your starting point for an excursion to Jerez. Jerez owes its fame to its wines, flamenco, horses, and bull breeding.

Visit to the Alcázar.

This ancient fortified palace, dating back to the 9th century, bears witness to the city's Muslim heritage. It is mainly built from limestone rubble, with brick elements added over the centuries. Within its beautifully restored annexes, you will find the Christianized mosque, dedicated to Santa María la Real, the Arab Baths, the Olive Mill, and the peaceful gardens, designed according to Andalusian aesthetic principles.

The Torre del Homenaje, a 30-meter watchtower, is the central point of the Alcázar and offers a panoramic view of the city and surrounding landscapes. The Alcázar played a strategic role throughout history, particularly during the Reconquista, serving as a noble residence and a military defense point.

Then, you will discover the cathedral.

Built between the 17th and 18th centuries, this masterpiece illustrates the transition between Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. Its façade, made of cut stone, is adorned with sculptures and refined architectural details, including statues of saints and floral motifs. The main entrance is topped with an impressive pediment, while the bell towers, each in a different style, add a vertical dimension to the structure.

The cloister, designed in an elegant Baroque style, offers a serene space with its arches and gardens. These two landmarks, the Alcázar and the cathedral, showcase the cultural and historical richness of Jerez, reflecting the evolution of architectural styles and the impact of various civilizations on the region.

Return on board.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

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.

Duration : approx. 2:00

• 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.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

Departure on foot to visit Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe. The old center brings together the most characteristic areas of the city, including beautiful baroque churches and elegant mansions, many of which are adorned with painted facades of delicate pastel colors and ornate wrought iron balconies. Sights include the castle of San Sebastian built in the 17th century, the popular neighborhood of the Vina, the cathedral whose construction lasted 116 years, which explains the diversity of styles. In the 18th century, King Phillip II of Spain commissioned the construction of many important monuments in this area in order to protect the town from seaborne assaults. You'll be able to admire the Castillo de Santa Catalina, the Castillo de San Sebastián and many more of the monuments that Cristobal de Rojas had built at the time.
Our tour continues towards the Plaza de España, formerly known as Plaza del Carbón, which was extended to mark the 100th anniversary of the constitution. The square contains the Monument to the Constitution of 1812, created by architect Modesto López Otero and sculptor Aniceto Marinas. Your tour ends via the Plaza de las Flores. You will be enchanted by this blue and white city. Return on board in Cadiz.

Duration: approx. 2:00

• Good walking shoes are recommended: visit entirely on foot.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.
  

Departure for a guided tour of Seville Cathedral. Built between 1401 and 1519, it is an exceptional example of Gothic architecture and is among the largest cathedrals in the world. Erected on the foundations of an Almohad mosque, it incorporates elements of this structure, notably the Giralda, a former minaret converted into a bell tower, reaching 104 meters in height and featuring ramps that allow access to the observation platform.

The main façade is adorned with sculptures and architectural details typical of the Gothic style, with richly decorated portals and pinnacles. Inside, the vast central nave, rising to 42 meters, is flanked by lateral chapels, each housing valuable artworks, including baroque altarpieces. The choir, in particular, features a grand golden wooden altarpiece, decorated with sculptures and frescoes depicting biblical scenes. The ribbed vaults, colorful stained glass windows, and slender columns contribute to a majestic atmosphere. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral remains a major spiritual and cultural center.

The tour continues to the Palace of the Countess of Lebrija. Built in the early 20th century, it is a remarkable example of neo-Mudéjar architecture, blending traditional Andalusian elements with modern influences. The palace façade stands out for its exposed brickwork and colorful ceramic tiles, featuring geometric patterns characteristic of the Mudéjar style. Wrought-iron balconies and large windows add an elegant touch to the structure.

Inside, the palace is a true artistic treasure, with rooms richly decorated with mosaics, frescoes, and sculptures, each reflecting the countess’s refined taste. The central patio, surrounded by marble columns and ceramic tiles, provides a bright and airy space, emblematic of Andalusian architecture. The palace also houses an impressive collection of artworks, antique furniture, and archaeological pieces, including Roman mosaics from the ancient city of Italica, highlighting the region’s historical importance.

The Palace of the Countess of Lebrija offers insight into Andalusian history and culture, as well as the opulence of the aristocracy of the time.

Return on board.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

You will travel to Granada by coach. Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada and at the confluence of three rivers, Granada was the capital of the last Islamic kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula.
Upon arrival, you will begin your tour at the Alhambra, directly translating as "the red”, reflecting the color of the walls at sunset. It is one of the major monuments of Islamic architecture and the most majestic mediaeval fortress in the Mediterranean. Along with the Great Mosque of Córdoba, it is the most impressive evidence of the Islamic presence in Spain from the 8th to the 15th century. The tour continues with a visit to the Generalife, which was the summer residence of the Nasrid Emirs, and its marvelous 14th-centruy gardens, where water was harnessed to refresh every courtyard and garden.
Transfer to a restaurant in the center for lunch. In the afternoon, you'll be able to enjoy the delights of the historical center of Granada at your own pace. Return by coach.

PLEASE NOTE

• Entrance included to the Alhambra and the Generalife.
• Good walking shoes are recommended. There are some stairs and slopes at the Alhambra.
• Lunch includes 250ml of wine and 250ml of water per person.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• For your information, please note that the bus trip should take about 3 hours to go and 3 hours to return.

Special booking conditions for the optional excursion in Granada: to guarantee your participation, your booking request must reach us no later than eight (8) weeks before departure.
- Between eight (8) and four weeks before departure: requests may still be accepted, exclusively subject to remaining availability and without any guarantee of confirmation.
- Less than four (4) weeks before departure: bookings are definitively closed and no new requests can be taken into account.

Transfer by coach from Seville to Cordoba. 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.

Set off by coach for a guided visit of the Rábida Friary. Christopher Columbus was welcomed here by Brother Juan Perez who gave him hospitality. This Franciscan Friary was one of only two or three in the world where navigation based on the stars (Celestial Navigation) was studied. Christopher Columbus stopped here before he set off for America. Then you will visit the Wharf of the Caravels where you will be able to see the replicas of Christopher Columbus's ships, the Pinta, the Niña and the Santa Maria, with which he discovered America in 1492. Return on board.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Leave on foot for the Seville Aquarium. The aquarium was built in 2014 and is one of the most modern and recent in the country. It also contains one of the richest biodiversities in Europe. Approximately 400 fish species and 7,000 animals are represented in the vast aquariums, and include sand tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, mata mata turtles, and a giant octopus. The aquarium also retraces Ferdinand Magellan's adventures in trying to find the "Spice Islands" in 1519. We will return to the ship on foot.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• The excursion to the Seville Aquarium is guaranteed with a minimum of 5 participants.

You'll be transferred by coach to the Isla Magica theme park. Take a trip back to the middle of the 16th century, during the era of Spanish adventurers and the expansion into the New World. Seven different zones each have a unique theme: the shores of America or India, the world of pirates, the Amazon, just for kids, or the El Dorado. The rides and attractions are spread out around a large lake. Thrill seekers will love the freefall and the roller coaster with its repetitive loops. You’ll be able to cool off on water slides, and small kids will love the rides sized just for them.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• The full-day excursion to Isla Mágica Park is guaranteed with a minimum of 25 participants. Below this minimum, an Classic Excursion will be offered instead.

We'll leave on foot for a guided tour of Seville, beginning with the Plaza de España—a majestic crescent-shaped complex arranged around a central square. Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition to showcase Spain's industrial and technological exhibits, the building's tiled alcoves each represent a different province of Spain. The complex faces the Guadalquivir, signifying the prosperous trading route towards the Atlantic Ocean and the Americas. Architect Aníbal González combined a mix of 1920s Art Deco, "mock Mudejar” and Neo-Mudéjar styles, and the Vicente Traver fountain is found in the center. The Plaza de España has been used as a backdrop for many films, including Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars Episode II, and The Dictator. We'll continue on to Santa Cruz, the most picturesque and delightful part of the city with narrow, winding cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. Formally the Jewish quarter, it remains part of the historical center of the city and contains many renowned monuments. In the 18th century, the neighborhood underwent a major process of urban renewal, and even today remains incredibly picturesque and full of history and hidden passageways. Afterwards, we'll visit the Alcazar Palace, which looks like a Moorish palace, but in fact was mostly built for the Christian king, Pedro the Cruel of Castile. The complex houses the current royal residence among its palaces. The extensive and fascinating buildings and grounds are regarded as one of the most outstanding examples of Mudéjar architecture found on the Iberian Peninsula.
We'll return to the ship at the end of the morning. 

Duration: approx. 3:30

• Please dress appropriately for the visit of the Cathedral.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.