Glories of Spain & Portugal

Optional full day excursion to Granada one of the most fascinating cities in Europe and the last Muslim city to fall to the Christians in 1492. We will visit one of the most brilliant jewels of universal architecture Alhambra a series of palaces and gardens built under the Nazari Dynasty in the 14th C. We will also visit the Cathedral and have time at leisure before returning to the ship. In the afternoon we leave Granada to return to Malaga. Overnight in port.

Early morning sailing and morning arrival in Porto Banus. Our morning optional excursion is to Ronda (50 km inland) a city which retains much of its historic charm particularly its old town and the nearby 18th century Puente Nuevo. Ronda is also famous as the birthplace of modern bullfighting today witnessed once a year at the occasion of the spectacular Feria Goyesca. Plaza de Toros (meaning “Bull Ring”) is now a museum and visitors can stroll out into the arena. Our excursion also includes visits to an elegant cloistered 16th century convent and old Ronda La Ciudad with its cobbled streets hemmed by handsome town mansions some still occupied by Ronda's titled families such as the Casa de Don Bosco. We will walk to the leafy Plaza Duquesa de Parcent which boasts a convent two churches including the toy town bell tower of the Iglesia Santa Maria de Mayor. Afternoon swim from the ship and time at leisure. Evening sailing to Gibraltar and late evening arrival. Overnight in port.

Optional half day excursion in the “Rock.” We depart by bus from the port to reach the top of the Rock perched on the summit of Gibraltar for a breathtaking view. We continue to St. Michael’s Cave to admire the stalactites & stalagmites and then we visit the WWII Tunnels. The tour will end in Main Street where you will have some free time for shopping. Midday sailing to Seville with a swim stop on the way.

This morning we sail up the Guadalquivir River. Midday arrival and afternoon optional excursion to Seville one of the most beautiful cities in Europe where Moorish and Spanish art and culture have left their mark. Our optional excursion will include the Cathedral the Alcazar Palace and its Andalusian gardens the Maria Luisa Park and the quaint and elegant district of Santa Cruz. Overnight in Seville port.

Full day optional excursion in Seville and to Jerez de la Frontera famous for its wines horse breeding and flamenco. Your tour will enable you to see the Alcazar and the Jerez Cathedral before we continue to Cádiz the oldest continuously inhabited city in Spain. (The ship departs with passengers not participating in the excursion at 8:30 to reach Cadiz). Guests re-join the ship in Cadiz in the evening. Overnight at sea to Portimao – Portugal.

Midday arrival in Portimao. Our optional afternoon excursion will take us to Silves largely destroyed by a 17th century earthquake. Marvel at the centuries-old Moorish castle complex with an underground water reservoir a 13th Century Cathedral built by Alfonso X of Castile on the site of a former Mosque and a fine strong 15th century bridge over the Rio Arade. During your visit to Silves you'll also have time to browse the historic exhibits at the Museu Arqueológico. We leave Silves and travel into the Serra de Monchique to reach the picturesque city of Monchique nested between two hills. The city retains its 16th century charm and you will walk through its cobbled streets with small doorways housing various artisan trades. Return to Portimao for the farewell dinner. Overnight in port.

Disembarkation 8:30 am. Escorted bus transfer from Portimao to Lisbon at 8:00. Arrival to your Lisbon hotel at approximately 12:30.
Important Note: For the Granada & Alhambra Palaces excursion the tickets for Alhambra must be “purchased” latest 6 months in advance therefore this tour must be pre-booked.

• Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.
• Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily including a Welcome Cocktail a local Theme Evening fun BBQ (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner.
• Regular (filter) coffee tea and drinking water free all day.
• Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability).
• English-Speaking Cruise Escort.

• International air fares
• Beverages (except those mentioned above)
• Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements
• Crew tips
• Wi-Fi (available at a charge)
• Personal expenses
• Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
• Porterage
• Departure taxes
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
  Cabin Types