Andalucía from the Water

Fly from London Gatwick to Seville and transfer to the mooring to embark the MS Belle de Cadix for seven nights. Welcome drink aboard and introduction to the crew.
(D)

A full day excursion, travel by road to Córdoba (2hrs) for a city tour which includes the well-preserved, UNESCO listed Jewish Quarter, its medieval maze of streets and alleys once isolated (and/or protected) within a walled enclosure; and the most famous marker of Andalucía’s Moorish/Christian heritage, the vast and hugely impressive ‘Mezquita’, a 16^th century cathedral within the 10^th century Great Mosque, its interior studded with marble and jasper-covered columns.
(B,L,D)

Home to the fictional Figaro, Carmen and The Barber, Seville is famed for its joie de vivre. A walking tour of the city’s highlights includes the cobbled alleys of the ‘Barrio de Santa Cruz’ former Jewish Quarter, viewing the huge Gothic cathedral and its iconic Giralda belltower; and the spectacular expanse of the Plaza de España, built in 1929, regally rimmed in Revival styles of Moorish, Baroque and Renaissance grandeur, bookended by two tall towers, and focused on a central fountain and semi-circular, bridged ‘canal’. Back on the water, cruise past the pine groves and lagoons of the UNESCO listed Doñana natural biosphere reserve, which attracts 230 species of birdlife; and continue to an overnight mooring at Cadiz, enjoy an evening walking tour of the city.
(B, L, D)

This morning take the short road journey to Jerez, where a medieval old town encircles the ‘Alcázar’ 11thcentury Moorish fortress; the 17thcentury San Salvador Cathedral blends Baroque, neo-classical and Gothic styles; and claims to fame include flamenco music, an equestrian heritage, and fine sherry. Enjoy a walking tour including a visit to Alcázar Palace. Returning to Cadiz for a walking tour of the ‘almost-island’. The ancient buildings on the rocky promontory support its claim as Europe’s oldest city, two fortresses flank the Playa de la Caleta, the domed cathedral and Roman theatre sit side by side on the Atlantic waterfront, and narrow alleys lead to large plazas in the old town. Sail the short hop to El Puerto de Santa Maria, and enjoy a Flamenco show aboard this evening.
(B, L, D)

The charming town of El Puerto de Santa Maria is not short of picturesque sights, but it is most famous for production of sherry. Enjoy a cellar tour and wine tasting here; sail to Isla Minima to visit an authentic Andalucian hacienda beside the river, and to experience the horsemanship and artistry of an equestrian show; and continue cruising to Seville.
(B, L, D)

A full day excursion takes you by road to Granada (3hrs), tucked in the foothill folds of the Sierra Nevada mountains, to experience its Moorish and medieval glory, the huge expanse of the 14^th century Alhambra hilltop fortress complex, where city walls surround royal palaces, restful patios, and reflecting ponds, regally and romantically complemented by the fountains, orchards and waterfall stairway of the UNESCO protected Generalife Gardens.
(B, L, D)

With the afternoon at leisure in Seville, a morning tour today takes you to visit the Rabida Monastery, at which Christopher Columbus has prayed and the Wharf of Caravels, a floating museum on the banks of the Rio Tinto, with life size replicas of the three-ship flotilla which sailed with Christopher Columbus to America in 1492. Enjoy a Gala Dinner aboard this evening.
(B, L, D)

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London Gatwick.
(B)