Spanish flavors and festivities, a cruise in the heart of Andalusia (port-to-port cruise)

You will travel to Granada by coach (driving time is approximately 3 hours round trip). 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.

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 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. Then, discover the Alcazar(1), which houses the King of Spain and is one of the oldest Royal Palaces in Europe. A fortress and Moorish residence, the Alcazaba (the old Arab quarter) is the sublime illustration of the Mudejar style, showcasing a virtuoso combination of Moorish techniques and Christian symbols. We'll return to the ship at the end of the morning. 

PLEASE NOTE

• (1) Except on Sunday afternoons and Mondays: visit of the Pilate Palace.
• Entrance to the Alcazar is included.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

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.

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.