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.

Departure by coach to a nature reserve, where you'll take a private tour with a forest guide. This excursion will be a total immersion into an entirely unspoiled naturel area which has managed to preserve its very specific character. Then, we will go on to a bird-watching site where you will get the chance to discover an amazing variety of bird species : waders, gulls, ducks, etc.
Please note that this visit is not avalaible between June and August. Instead, you will visit the Rabida Friary and the wharf of Christopher Colombus's caravels.

PLEASE NOTE

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

Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, Las Dueñas was named after the former monastery of Santa María de las Dueñas. It has several buildings, courtyards, and gardens. We will tour the stables, lemon-tree courtyard, main courtyard, and Gypsy Hall—which was once the center of social life in the palace. Many of the other rooms we will see illustrate the fundamental activities found in Andalusian culture, including bullfighting and flamenco dancing. We'll then move on to discover the Seville Fair. This is a unique opportunity to discover and participate in traditional Andalusian festivities. Many wonders and excitements await you at the "Real de la Feria," where the fair takes place—including tapas, music, and dancing. Join us for a glass of Rebujito* and some local specialties.

PLEASE NOTE

• For optimal organization of your excursion, the order of the visits can be modified.
• Times are approximate and can change according to navigational conditions.
• *Alcohol can be dangerous to your health. Please drink in moderation.

Vejer de la Frontera is one of the most captivating “white villages” in Andalusia. It was declared a Spanish historic site (Conjunto histórico) in 1976 and has received several prizes for its tourism distinctions. Every corner seems to be filled with colorful sights and fascinating spots to explore. Your guide will take you to the historic center where you’ll be able to see the remains of the 15th-century ramparts that protected the city from invasions. You’ll also visit the Plaza de España—dominated by a beautiful tile fountain—and the Divino Salvado church, which was built over a mosque. Our next stop will be the fishing village of Conil de la Frontera. This coastal town is an apex of beauty among the Pueblos Blancos, and the white houses with beautifully decorated patios and walls make the city a must-see for any traveler. At the end of our tour, we’ll enjoy a snack of delicious churros dipped in chocolate.

PLEASE NOTE

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

The most famous palace in Seville was built in the late 15th century and is a good example of the eclectic mix found between Spanish Gothic and Moorish styles. Many historic figures have passed through the palace doors over the years, including Spanish poet Antonio Machado, who was born here. The palace is a work of art unto itself. During our tour, you’ll see its rich collection of furniture, ceramics, antiques, and paintings. You’ll also discover its interior courtyards and magnificent gardens with thousands of plants, including orange, lemon, and palm trees.

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 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.

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.

We will depart from El Puerto de Santa Maria 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 governers. We'll return on board.

PLEASE NOTE

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
  

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'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.

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'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.
We'll return to the ship at the end of the morning. 

PLEASE NOTE

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

We will leave by coach for Jerez.

Known worldwide as the cradle of flamenco music, the city is also revered for its sherries, fine horses, and bull ranches. During a panoramic tour, you'll discover the 17-century Jerez de la Frontera Cathedral. The Baroque-style building has a rectangular plan with five naves.

The next site will be the Alcazar, which has retained much of its initial design. Built during the 11th and 12th centuries, this fortress-palace is one of the few examples of Almohad architecture in the Iberian Peninsula. Most of the area inside the fortress has been turned into a lovely garden.

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. At the end of the show, we'll have a tasting of local products and wine in a bodega.

After our excursion, 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.

Departure by coach from Seville for an excursion to Córdoba. Córdoba is ideal for those who like to eat well, explore on foot, hang out in old bodegas and relish architectural wonders. The city center needs no introduction, for its fame is widespread: the magnificent Mezquita, a symbol of worldly and sophisticated Islamic culture, reigns over the town and pulls thousands of tourists into its arched interior every day. The streets of the Jewish Quarter branch out from the great mosque and emerge onto peaceful plazas. The ruins of Medinat al-Zahra, to the west of town, stir the imagination with its mystery and grandeur. We'll have lunch in a local restaurant. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to discover the city at your own pace. We'll return to the ship in Seville.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• 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.

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.

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. Now considered a true piece of art, it was decorated by Keith Herring in 1983 and was the subject of a photo exhibit by Larry Mangino in 1996. We'll enjoy a tasting* of three different wines along with some regional products.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

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.

We'll leave by coach on a panoramic tour of Cádiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe. You'll be able to bathe in the cultural and historic riches of the city, as well as its long stretches of water of unspoiled beaches. The old center includes the most distinctive districts in the city; it has superb Baroque churches and elegant stately homes, a large number of which have painted facades in delicate pastel colors and wrought iron balconies. We'll start off our visit with the castle of San Sebastian built in the 17th century. It's located on the Playa de La Caleta on a small island. It was built in order to protect the Northern part of the city. A 41-meters high lighthouse has been standing there since 1908. It used to be a humble quarter where Flamenco first appeared, far from the port and the shops. The popular neighborhood of La Vina will enchant you with its tradition of carnival and its gastronomy. We'll then move on to a visit of the Cathedral whose construction lasted 116 years, which explains the diversity of styles. You will be enchanted by this blue and white city. Return to the boat in Cadiz.

PLEASE NOTE

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

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’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 diametered 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 courtyards 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 testimony to 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

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• Please dress appropriately for the visit of the cathedral.