The drive to Seville is as beautiful as the city itself. Along the way, you will traverse the rolling countryside, dotted with olive and orange groves, vineyards, and the farms where Spain's finest bulls and horses are bred.
Upon arriving in Seville, you'll pass through the Plaza de América and the stunning Plaza de España, which is covered entirely in decorative ceramic tiles. It's the perfect prelude to The Alcázar, an ornate Moorish palace that has been Spain's royal residence since the Middle Ages. Its crenellated outer walls and portions of the interior are part of the original Moorish fortress. You will also see the palace's splendid golden-domed Hall of the Ambassadors, where Ferdinand and Isabella welcomed Columbus upon his return from his first voyage.
Another architectural highlight is Seville's majestic Gothic cathedral, where you will have an exterior visit. Built on the site of a mosque that was demolished, this massive cathedral took more than a century to build and may well be the world's largest church. Some remnants of the original mosque remain, including the lovely Courtyard of the Orange Trees, a gate with Islamic metalwork, and the towering 12th century minaret, which is now known as the Giralda bell tower.
Later, you'll spend time in Seville's charming medieval quarter, the Barrio de Santa Cruz, meandering through the narrow cobbled streets and flower bedecked squares. Free time has also been provided, so you can explore further on your own before you meet back at the coach to return to the ship.
Please note: The drive time from Cadiz to Seville is approximately 1 3/4 hours in each direction. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes for this tour, which involves approximately 2 hours of extensive walking and/or standing, plus any additional walking at the guests' discretion during free time. This tour is not suitable for wheelchair guests and those with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina.