Excursions in Spain (Guadalquivir)

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.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended: visit entirely on foot.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

At the end of the afternoon, we’ll visit a typical Andalusian hacienda. You’ll discover the hacienda’s beautiful architecture with its impressive Andalusian patio and watch a horse show in its private arena. We'll return to the ship after the show.

PLEASE NOTE

• Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
• 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.

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.

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.

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.

We will depart from Cadiz for our excursion in Jerez. Jerez has been renowned for its wines, flamenco, horses and bull ranching. A panoramic tour by coach will enable you to see the cathedral which was built in 1695 over the ruins of the old Jerez mosque and the former Salvador Church. The bell tower outside was probably built over the mosque's minaret. The rectangular temple has five naves and houses a latin cross structure. Afterwards, we'll discover the Alcazar which still displays a large amount of features from its early construction in the 12th century by the Almohads. After the city fell into the hands of Alfonso X, it became the house of Sevillian Caliphs and the headquarters of Christian governors. We'll then visit a stud farm that raises magnificent Andalusian horses, and we’ll enjoy a presentation of the equestrian arts the country is famous for. We'll return on board for lunch.

PLEASE NOTE

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

We will depart from Cadiz for our excursion in Jerez. Jerez has been renowned for its wines, flamenco, horses and bull ranching. A panoramic tour by coach will enable you to see the cathedral which was built in 1695 over the ruins of the old Jerez mosque and the former Salvador Church. The bell tower outside was probably built over the mosque's minaret. The rectangular temple has five naves and houses a latin cross structure. Afterwards, we'll discover the Alcazar which still displays a large amount of features from its early construction in the 12th century by the Almohads. After the city fell into the hands of Alfonso X, it became the house of Sevillian Caliphs and the headquarters of Christian governors. We'll then visit a stud farm that raises magnificent Andalusian horses, and we’ll enjoy a presentation of the equestrian arts the country is famous for. We'll return on board for lunch.

PLEASE NOTE

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