Enchanting Landscapes and Cultures in Spain and Portugal

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. The evening is yours to do as you please.

Today, join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Córdoba and its Mosque-Cathedral. 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. 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 a free afternoon in the city. We'll be back on board in Seville.

Join us this morning for the optional excursions proposed : CLASSIC: Tour of Seville and discovery of the Alcazar and the cathedral. We'll leave by coach for Seville. We'll start off our visit with the azulejos that adorn the Plaza de España before we move on to the 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. Afterwards, we'll discover the Alcazar, one of the oldest Royal Palaces in Europe. 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. DISCOVERY: Tapas tour in Seville. The afternoon, we'll cruise to Isla Minima, passing the Doñana National Park, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve, and the city of Sanlucar de Barrameda. We'll tour a genuine Andalusian hacienda located on the banks of the Guadalquivir followed by an equestrian show. Afterwards, we'll return on board and start cruising towards El Puerto de Santa Maria(2). Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

This morning, take part in an optional excursion for both packages : Jerez, horse show and wine tasting in a bodega. We’ll first enjoy a panoramic tour of the city. Located next to the coastline, Jerez is an opulent and lively community that has prospered through its winemaking. Horse riding and flamenco remain long-standing traditions. We'll 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 will finish with a wine tasting in a bodega. We'll cuise to Cadiz. In the afternoon, join us for the optional excursions proposed : CLASSIC: Cádiz and its cathedral. We'll leave by coach on a panoramic tour of Cádiz. You'll be able to bathe in the cultural and historic riches of the city, as well as its long stretches of unspoiled beaches. 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 façades painted in glorious pastel colors and decked out with ironwork balconies. We'll visit the cathedral, a magnificent Baroque and Neoclassic building. DISCOVERY: Hike along the oceanfront in Cadiz to the Castle of San Sebastián. Walk along the oceanfront and admire this charming city by the Atlantic Ocean. Take advantage of this walk to enjoy beautiful sights over the city and its typically Spanish architecture. We'll stop off for a tasting of local products. Tonight, join us on an optional excursion for both packages : Flamenco evening. We'll depart on foot to enjoy 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. Immerse yourself in the most famous Spanish tradition!

We'll cruise along the Guadiana towards Alcoutim. Just after you rise, you will have reached the Guadiana River, where another scene is waiting for you. The river remains rather wild, with just a few hamlets found here and there as the only evidence of humankind. The water’s gentle curves and calming landscape are a haven of peace and tranquility. You will arrive in Alcoutim by mid-morning. Set among the beautiful green hills, the town is a hidden treasure in the region. Take a long stroll through the cobblestone streets and absorb the picture-perfect atmosphere. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship. We’ll begin cruising to Huelva, arriving in the evening. We'll enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.

In the morning, join us for the optional excursion proposed for both packages: The Wharf of the Caravels. We’ll leave by coach for a guided visit of the Gothic-Mudéjar Franciscan monastery that was built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Christopher Columbus stayed here while preparing his departure for the New World. A fresco by Daniel Vázquez Díaz, created in 1930, illustrates the sailor’s saga and reminds us of his historic role. Throughout the centuries, the monastery has grown and expanded. We will then head to the Wharf of the Caravels, where the great explorer set out on August 3, 1492. Life-size replicas of the famous Pinta, Nina, and Santa Maria ships await you. Our ship will cruise to Seville. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Join us on a whole-day's included excursion for both packages : Visit Granada. You will travel to Granada by coach (driving time is approximately 3 hours round trip). Upon arrival, you will begin your tour at the Alhambra, one of the major monuments of Islamic architecture and the most majestic mediaeval fortress in the Mediterranean. The tour continues with a visit to the Generalife, which was the summer residence of the Nasrid Emirs, and its marvelous 14th-century gardens. Transfer to a downtown restaurant for lunch. Afterwards, take advantage of a free afternoon to visit the Albayzin district which offers a magnificent view of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada. We'll return to Seville by coach. Tonight's our onboard gala dinner and evening.

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.