Enchanting Andalusia – Seville Fair Festivities: Tradition, gastronomy and flamenco (port-to-port cruise)

SEVILLE - Córdoba - SEVILLE - CADIZ - EL PUERTO DE SANTA MARIA (1) - ISLA MINIMA - SEVILLE - Granada - SEVILLE

You’ll board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail and present your exciting cruise program. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.

Enjoy free time in Seville this morning.

This afternoon, tour of the Palacio de las Dueñas and the Seville Fair. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, Las Dueñas was named after former monastery of Santa María de las Dueñas. It has several buildings, courtyards, and gardens. We will tour the stables, and the lemon tree courtyard, the main courtyard, and the 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. Then, prepare yourself for a blast at the Seville Fair. This is the unique occasion 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.

We'll return on board.

Spend the day on an excursion to Córdoba. We’ll leave Seville by coach for Córdoba (driving time is approximately 2 hours round trip). Córdoba began its prosperous era in the 18th century when it was conquered by the Moors. During this time, over 300 mosques and countless palaces were built. 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. You’re free to do as you please in the afternoon. After our tour, we’ll return on board in Seville.

Join us for a guided tour of Seville and its Alcazar this morning. Our first stop will be the Plaza de Espana, a majestic crescent-shaped complex arranged around a central square. We’ll then continue on to the attractive district of Santa Cruz, passing in front of the typical flowered patios found in the city. Formally the Jewish quarter, it remains part of the historical center of the city and contains many renowned monuments.

After our tour, we will return on board the ship. We'll spend this afternoon sailing towards Cádiz, reaching it in the evening. Join our hostess for a tour of Cádiz at night.

Morning, included excursion: the Alcázar and the Cathedral of Jerez.

Departure by coach to Jerez. Nestled in the heart of Andalusia, Jerez is renowned for its sherry wine, Andalusian horses, and flamenco. A city tour will allow you to discover its main monuments. Then, you will visit the Alcázar, a former fortified palace dating back to the 9th century, a testament to the city's Muslim heritage. Within its beautifully restored buildings, you will find the Christianized mosque dedicated to Santa María la Real, the Arab Baths, the Olive Mill, and peaceful gardens. Finally, you will visit the majestic cathedral, an architectural masterpiece blending Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. Built on the remains of an ancient mosque, it is famous for its impressive altarpiece and magnificent chapels. Don't miss the chance to climb the tower's stairs for a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. Return on board.

Afternoon, included visit: Cádiz. Depart on foot toward the historic center of Cádiz. Situated at the tip of a narrow strip of land, Cádiz stretches across a coastline of lagoons, beaches, and salt marshes. Once coveted by the Phoenicians, Greeks, and other civilizations, this white city has retained, over the centuries, the nostalgic charm of a lively historic center. The winding streets of the medieval quarter and the more structured layout of the Baroque district give it an undeniable appeal.

Flamenco show on board. Flamenco (cante flamenco) is an art created by the Gypsy and Andalusian people, rooted in folk traditions from the various cultures that flourished in Spain over the centuries. Immerse yourself in the heart of one of Spain’s greatest traditions. During the night, sailing toward El Puerto de Santa María(1).

Enjoy a tasting of some local specialties in El Puerto de Santa Maria this morning. 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. We’ll enjoy a tasting of three different wines* along with some regional products.

After we return on board, we’ll begin to cruise to Isla Minima. We’ll set off for a visit to a traditional 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 on board after the show and begin to cruise to Seville. Gala dinner and evening.

Spend the day on an excursion to Granada. We will leave by coach for a full-day tour of Granada (driving time is approximately 3 hours round trip). Our first stop will be a true wonder of Moorish art: the Alhambra, whose stunning palaces and captivating gardens are framed by the surrounding mountains. We’ll continue on to the Palacio de Generalife, the former summer palace of the Nasrid rulers. We’ll have lunch in a local restaurant. Spend some free time in the city by yourself this afternoon, strolling through the Albaicin District surrounded by the imposing Sierra Nevada landscapes. We'll return to our ship by coach. Tonight's entertainment will be a flamenco show.

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.