Almeria

This mid-cruise program is a journey through Spain’s magnificent Andalusia region that will combine art, culture, tradition and gastronomy. Explore off the beaten track inland cities such as Guadix, considered one of the oldest human settlements in Spain, famous for its characteristic districts with original cave dwellings, as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites such the historic center of Cordoba and its Mosque-Cathedral.

Note: this program involves long drive times between stops on Day 1 and is not recommended for guests with mobility restrictions due to the amount of walking and varying terrains in the old cities.

DAY 1 – April 5, 2027

After disembarking in Almeria, meet your tour guide and begin the drive inland through the Desert of Tabernas. This protected Natural Site is the only natural desert in Europe, as it receives less than 200 liters of water per year.

The singularity of its flora and fauna have to do with its territory’s climate and dryness. Its wild landscapes have been used since the 1960s as outdoor film sets. Hollywood’s movies or the famous Spaghetti Western meant the beginning of an industry that still has a main role nowadays in Almería.

Reach the city of Guadix, considered one of the oldest human settlements in Spain. Its old town brings together an important heritage of monuments including the medieval Arab Citadel, the Cathedral and various Mudejar-style buildings, although the most characteristic thing in the city are its districts with original cave dwellings.

From the comfort of a small trolley train, reach the cave district and visit some of the most symbolic cave dwellings such as the church Ermita Nueva, a cave-home and the cave Museum of Arts and Popular Customs, in which an interesting collection of local craft objects is displayed.

A traditional tapas lunch will be served in a local restaurant prior to continuing to Cordoba. Relax on the drive through the Andalusian countryside and stop for a wine tasting at a cellar in Montilla. Local wines are very aromatic, with a velvety texture, made from grapes cultivated in the region just south of Cordoba.

After this brief stop, continue the drive to Cordoba where you will check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay. A stay at the hotel chosen for this program will be like taking a trip back to Roman times. Inside the hotel are the remains of an impressive villa, which you can admire under the restaurant. There is also an indoor Roman baths and the outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by fruit trees and plants that fill the air with enchanting aromas.

DAY 2 –April 6, 2027

After breakfast, meet up with your guide and begin an exploration of Cordoba, a city full of Moorish architecture that earned it a UNESCO World Heritage site designation.

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 passing by the 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.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant and the afternoon will be at leisure for further independent exploration.

Meet again this evening for a Flamenco Show and a drink prior to dinner which will be on own arrangements.

DAY 3 –April 7, 2027

After breakfast and checking out from the hotel, continue your journey to Carmona, a lovely old town with a long history which has seen the passage of the widest variety of cultures.

Visit the Roman necropolis located on the outskirts of the city, which has hundreds of tombs and rich burial chambers excavated from rock.

Continue your exploration passing by Catholic churches, Arab mosques and dozens of building ranging from Mudejar to Baroque style. Enjoy the broad artistic heritage housed in the Carmona historic quarter, which is dominated by the imposing image of its Arab fortress, the Alcazar del Rey Don Pedro. The fortress has been recently converted into a stately owned luxury hotel, where the group will have lunch before leaving Carmona.

Finally, relax on the remaining two-hour journey to Cadiz where you will re-board the ship.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: 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 the most up to date 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

8:30am Disembark in Almeria, meet guide and transfer to Guadix passing through Desert of Tabernas

10:00am Visit Guadix with Trolley Train

1:00pm Lunch at a local restaurant

2:30pm Drive to Cordoba

5:00pm Stop at Montilla, wine tasting

6.00pm Drive to Cordoba

7:00pm Check in at your hotel

8:00pm Dinner at the hotel

Overnight at the Hotel Hospes Bailo de Cordoba or similar hotel

DAY 2

AM Breakfast at the hotel

9:30am Visit Cordoba including the Cathedral Mosque

1:00pm Lunch at a local restaurant

Afternoon at leisure

8:00pm Flamenco Show with drink

Dinner on own

Overnight at the Hotel Hospes Bailo de Cordoba or similar hotel

DAY 3

AM Breakfast at the hotel

8:30am Check out and drive to Carmona

10:00am Arrival and visit Necropolis

11:00am Visit the old town Carmona

1:00pm Lunch at the Parador of Carmona

3:00pm Depart for Cadiz

4:30pm Arrival at the port and re-embark the ship

Expected Weather

Between 48°F and 71° F (9°C and 22° C)

What to Bring

Comfortable warm 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 or short skirts when visiting temples, religious or official buildings.

Local Currency

The Euro. Credit cards are also accepted. USD are not normally accepted.

Electricity

22O volt. An adaptor is needed therefore we recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements

A valid passport is required.

Accommodations

Hotel Hospes Bailo de Cordoba

C. de Ramírez de las Casas Deza, 10, 12, Centro, 14001 Córdoba

Phone: +34 610 22 92 77

*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 hotel listed in this program.

Program Includes:

•2 nights at the Hotel Hospes Bailo or a similar hotel – Dreamer Room type with breakfast

•3 lunches including coffee or tea, wine, beer or a soft drink

•1 dinner including coffee or tea, wine, beer or a soft drink

•1 flamenco show including 1 drink

•Visits as described and entrance fees for all sites visited

•Transportation in an air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle

•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.

V