Explore Spain’s magnificent Andalusia region, including UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Alhambra in Granada and the historic center of Cordoba, while enjoying the distinct culture, wines and cuisine between stops.
DAY 1
After disembarking in Motril, you will transfer to Granada to explore this extraordinary ancient city. The highlight will be visiting the Alhambra complex, the fortified home of the Nasrid sultans that ruled from 1232 to 1492. The Nasrid dynasty was the last Islamic dynasty on the Iberian Peninsula before the Catholic conquest.
While touring the Alhambra, whose name reflects an Arabic word for “red castle,” you will visit the palaces within the complex. They feature intricately carved stucco walls, knotted ceilings, elaborate honeycomb vaulting and beautiful courtyards. You will also view the official residence of the sultan, the harem and the Patio of the Lions, whose centerpiece alabaster fountain spouts water through 12 lion heads that represent the months of the year.
Continuing on, you will visit the Generalife palace, which was built as the summer residence for the sultans of Granada. Its lovely terraces, grottoes, flowerbeds and fabulous fountains still reflect the Moorish influence.
A traditional tapas-style lunch at a nearby restaurant follows, after which you will proceed to the Albaycin neighborhood. Together with the Alhambra complex and the Generalife palace, this neighborhood has been deemed worthy of a UNESCO World Heritage site designation. You will walk through its narrow, atmospheric streets towards the San Nicolas viewpoint, which will afford you with a magnificent view of Granada.
The next stop will be Sacromonte, the so-called gypsy neighborhood, an area whose main street is lined with caves. At the Sacromonte Visitor Centre, you will gain an understanding of how the caves have been used through the centuries. You will also be treated to a flamenco guitar performance that will introduce you to this classic form of music. Later, while dining at a restaurant, you will enjoy a more comprehensive flamenco performance.
You will then spend the evening at the Hotel Abades Recogidas Granadas or a similar hotel.
DAY 2
After checking out of the hotel, you will travel to Antequera, a medieval town of outstanding beauty. It is considered a national monument because of the dozens of churches and monasteries. Even so, its Dolmens site may well be the highlight because of the megalithic stone monuments there. UNESCO declared Dolmens to be a World Heritage site as a remarkable architectural work of European prehistory.
By midday, you will depart for Montilla, a town renowned for its wines. Over lunch at a wine cellar in Montilla, you will learn how the wines are produced and sample some of the most characteristic ones.
Upon arriving in Cordoba, you will check into the Soho Boutique Cordoba hotel. The remainder of the day and dinner will be on your own, giving you plenty of time to explore independently.
DAY 3
After checking out from the hotel, you will begin an exploration of Cordoba, a city full of Moorish architecture that earned it a UNESCO World Heritage site designation. You will focus on the Great Mosque, which was converted into a Christian cathedral in the 13th century. This magnificent complex is known for its iconic double arches of alternating red and white bricks and more than 850 Roman columns shaped from precious stones.
You will next visit the Jewish Quarter and tour a 14th-century synagogue. It is the only synagogue in Andalusia to survive the expulsion and inquisition of the Jewish community in 1492 and one of only three ancient synagogues left in Spain.
In time, you will continue on to Carmona, a lovely old town that an Arab fortress dominates. After an exploration of Carmona’s landmarks such as the Alcazar del Rey Don Pedro, you will dine at the luxury hotel Parador.
Afterwards, you will drive an hour or so to rejoin the ship in Seville.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details and the timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with updated details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
9:00am Disembark in Motril, meet guide and transfer to Granada
10:00am Arrive at the Alhambra Palace and meet local guides
10:30am Visit the Alhambra Palace and the Generalife palace
1:00pm Transfer to a restaurant for lunch
3:00pm Walking tour of Albaycin and Sacromonte
4:00pm Check-in at the hotel
8:30pm Depart for flamenco show
9:00pm Flamenco show and dinner
10:00pm Return to the hotel
Overnight at the Hotel Abades Recogidas Granadas (or similar hotel)
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Check out from the hotel and depart for Antequera
9:30am Arrive in Antequera for a walking tour and Dolmens visit
12:00pm Depart for Montilla
1:00pm Tasting and lunch in Bodega Perez Barquero in Montilla
3:30pm Depart for Cordoba
4:30pm Arrive in Cordoba
Remainder of the day and dinner on your own
Overnight at the Soho Boutique Cordoba (or similar hotel)
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Check out from the hotel
9:00am Visit a synagogue and mosque in Cordoba
10:30am Depart for Carmona
12:00pm Arrive in Carmona and visit
1:30pm Lunch at the Parador
3:00pm Depart for Seville
4:00pm Arrive at the Seville pier and embark the ship
Expected Weather
Between 57°F and 89° F (14°C and 32° C)
What to Bring
Comfortable light clothes, walking shoes and a foldable umbrella in case of rain. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent are also recommended. Do not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings.
Local Currency
The Euro. Credit card are also accepted. USD are not normally accepted.
Electricity
22O volt. An adaptor is needed so be sure to bring one for electric devices.
Luggage
Bring only 1 piece of hand luggage per person and an additional small item such as a shoulder bag or purse.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required.
Hotels
Granada
Hotel Abades Recogidas Granadas
Calle Recogidas 7, 18005, Granada
Phone: + 34 958535484
Cordoba
Soho Boutique Cordoba
Av. de América, 19, 14008 Córdoba
Phone: +34 957 104 194
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes:
1 night at the Hotel Abades Recogidas Granadas or asimilar hotel – standard double room
1 night at the Soho Boutique Cordoba or a similar hotel – standard double room
Two breakfasts, including water, coffee, tea
Three lunches and one dinner with flamenco show, including coffee or tea, wine, beer or a soft drink
Transportation in an air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
Entrance fees for all sites visited
English-speaking tour guide throughout, plus local guides as per local regulations
Program Excludes:
Items of a personal nature
Any meals or beverages not listed above
Hotel incidentals such as room service, laundry, mini bar
Gratuities for drivers and guides
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces that may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be an occasional need to climb steps or stairs. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
