In the early hours of the morning, we navigate the waters of the Guadalquivir River arriving at Spain’s most famoussouthern city, Seville, mid-morning*. The Guadalquivir has been a central part of Seville’s history and a launchpad forsignificant voyages. From its banks, explorers like Ferdinand Magellan embarked on their landmark journeys,including Magellan’s famous 1519 expedition to circumnavigate the globe. The river was also crucial for trade, linkingSeville with distant lands and shaping global commerce.In the 8th century, the Moors—a diverse brotherhood of Arabs, Berbers, and North Africans—arrived on the IberianPeninsula and, like a child leaving home, remained away from their homelands for nearly 700 years. They broughtwith them a spirit of tolerance, coexisting peacefully with Christian and Jewish communities while ruling over theland through small kingdoms characterized by castle-topped villages and fortified cities. Their remarkablecontributions in mathematics, astronomy, and Moorish architecture left a lasting mark on Europe.The southern region of Andalusia was their crowning achievement, with Seville standing out as its jewel. On ourexcursion, we'll navigate the narrow Guadalquivir River to reach Seville, immersing ourselves in its vibrantatmosphere both day and night. Much of the city's allure comes from its Moorish legacy, with the unique Mudejarstyle—blending Moorish and Christian architecture—visible throughout its streets, squares, and majestic buildings,showcasing its rich history. We moor at the city port, which is within walking distance of the city centre.Choose to spend your time in Seville, combine time spent in the city independently with a visit to the nearbymedieval city of Carmona, or join us for an unforgettable experience as we attend a Flamenco show, immersingourselves in one of Spain’s most iconic traditions. We sail mid-evening, returning to the river and following its pathto the coast, where it meets the sea at Cadiz. (*as Seville is a piloted port our arrival time will not be confirmed untilcloser to our date of arrival, therefore the times of the excursions may need to be adjusted)Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 - Afternoon experience: Walking the Heart of SevilleOur local guide tells a tale of Seville supported by a host of history’s famed conquerors, stories of the ‘new world’and a clash of cultures should read as famous as the buildings we visit. Built in the 14th century as a Mudejar stylepalace, The Alcázar is the oldest European monarchial residence still in use. Moorish influences join forces withtokens of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque style added by later Christian kings, all with harmonious charm. Islamand Christianity vied for power in this city, with the might of Christianity being victorious by building Europe’s thirdlargest cathedral right over the top of a 12th century mosque. The largest Gothic structure in the world, thecathedral houses many famous souls. In 1899, 400 years after his death, the renowned explorer, ChristopherColumbus, finally found an eternal place to rest, in Seville Cathedral. Towering over the cathedral is Seville’scrowning glory – UNESCO World Heritage listed Giralda tower, which was inspired by Marrakech’s Katoubia mosque.Christian overlords allowed this Islamic minaret to remain albeit as the cathedral’s bell tower. Its top storey heralds aRenaissance motif, that was added in the 16th century, affording travellers one of the greatest cityscapesthroughout Spain. Our stroll of Seville continues through the Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville’s once-thriving Jewish quarter.This maze of alleyways is full of plazas, tile-covered patios, and whitewashed houses draped in flowers, leading us toPlaza de España, Seville’s spectacular central square – the perfect end to a delightful amble through Seville.Option 2 – Afternoon experience: The Medieval Town of CarmonaSituated on the plains of the river Corbones, Carmona tells a tale of the various cultures that have populated thepeninsula throughout its extensive history. Churches, palaces, and city walls form part of the city’s heritage in itshistoric quarter, dominated by the imposing Alcazar. Its impenetrable Gate of Seville is a warning to maraudingarmies. A testament to sound engineering this ancient gatehouse dates to the ninth century and thanks its soliddesign to the Romans, and its horseshoe archways to the Moors. Indeed, the culture of all the inhabitants of thepeninsula, whether they be the western Mediterranean peoples, the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans,the Moors and, finally, the Christians, can be said to have been engraved on the ashlar stone of Carmona’s Gate ofSeville. We explore the town before returning to Seville, where you have the afternoon to explore independently.Option 3 – Half day experience: Tapas Hopping SevilleExperience the true spirit of Seville as you enjoy a delightful lunch of tapas. Feel like a local as you savour acorn-fedIberian ham, freshly grilled tapas, and other local specialties. This culinary adventure offers a delicious glimpse intoSeville’s vibrant food culture and traditions, rounding off your exploration with authentic local flavour. (Due tologistical constraints, this tour cannot be combined with our afternoon experiences.)Option 4 - Afternoon experience: The Art of FlamencoThe artform of flamenco combines song, guitar and dance as it weaves its story, rousing an emotional reaction fromits audience. Originally performed by the Roma peoples of Andalusia, flamenco creates a state of mind that isdifficult to ignore. Its musical style, where the lyrics often express loneliness and heartbreak, can be compared to theUS blues scene with the intensity of the performance stirring deep sentiment. Late this afternoon, we immerseourselves in tales of the past, told by Seville’s master storytellers in the form of music and dance as we embrace thefervour of flamenco.
Cádiz lies on Spain’s breathtaking province of Andalusia and gained incredible wealth during the 18th century; riches from the Americas were unloaded here after the Guadalquivir River to Seville silted up. This scenic southern region is the home of the matador and world-class equestrian art. Seville, city of polyamorous suitor Don Juan, boasts plenty of its own glories. Its grand cathedral, Alcázar Palace and Tower of Gold were built from the coffers of Spanish kings, but its fiery flamenco defines its true spirit. It is best to ponder it all while sipping sherry at a bodega.
