Discover Andalusia in Seville, Follow the Footsteps of Columbus in Huelva, and Fall Under the Spell of Cádiz (port-to-port cruise)

We'll leave by coach on a panoramic tour of Cádiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe. You'll be able to revel in the cultural and historical riches of the city, as well as its long stretches of unspoiled beaches. Many cities built by the Spanish colonists in the Americas used Cádiz as its urban model, and the port is heavily reminiscent of Havana, Cuba and San Juan, Puerto Rico. We'll visit the cathedral, a magnificent Baroque and Neoclassic building that took over 115 years to build. We'll return on board for dinner.

PLEASE NOTE

• Entrance to the cathedral is included.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Walk along the oceanfront to the Castle of San Sebastián. According to legend, the Temple of Kronos (a Titan of the Greek gods) was first built here. A chapel was built in the 1400s by Venetian boat crews and the irregular, fortified castle found on the site now was built in 1706. It defended the northern section of the city from attack. Because of its unique shape and décor, it has served as backdrop for many films.
We'll return via the city's historic center and authentic neighborhoods, admiring the elegant homes painted in glorious pastel colors and decked out with ironwork balconies.
Following our tour, we'll return to the boat.
The walk is approximately 4.5 miles.
Level of difficulty: low.
Altitude difference: none.

PLEASE NOTE

• PLEASE WEAR COMFORTABLE, STURDY SHOES AND APPROPRIATE CLOTHING ACCORDING TO THE WEATHER.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

After dinner, departure on foot for a Flamenco evening. Flamenco (cante flamenco) is an art created by the Gypsy and Andalusian peoples based on popular folklore born from the various cultures which flourished throughout the centuries in Spain.
Originally, Flamenco was simply a capella vocals (cante). Its first genre, la toná, was forged in the geographical triangle formed by Triana, Jerez and Cádiz. Only later did the hand-clapping (palmas), the dancing (el baile) and the guitar (toque) appear. Dancing and guitar can now often be found alone, although vocals are still considered at the heart of the tradition. More recently, instruments such as the cajon (a percussion instrument from Peru), the palillos (castanets), and the bass guitar were added.
Immerse yourself in the most famous Spanish tradition, this mixture of vocals, guitar and dance in which Arab, Oriental and Gypsy influences mingle. Return to the boat.

PLEASE NOTE

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

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.

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.

You’ll leave directly from the ship with a local guide for a tapas food tour in several eateries in the center of Seville. Discover the wide range of Spanish delights and flavors served as appetizers or snacks. The most well known include patatas bravas, salads, and cold cuts (chorizo, lomo, Jamón ibérico)—all sublime when served with a glass of Spanish wine.

PLEASE NOTE

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

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.