Barcelona

Experience the diversity of Spain by enjoying tapas and a flamenco show in Madrid, walking about architecturally rich Toledo and exploring a Roman theater and Picasso’s place of birth in Malaga, with a sprinkling of UNESCO World Heritage sites in between.

Note: This program includes walking tours which may have you traversing over uneven terrain such as cobbled streets). This program is not recommended for guests with limited mobility.

DAY 1

Disembark the ship in Barcelona and meet your tour guide that will accompany you throughout this overland program.

A shorth transfer will take you to Sants train station where, with your guide, you will board the AVE high-speed train for a picturesque, 3.5-hour journey to Madrid.

NOTE: There is no porterage service at the train station – guests must take their own luggage from the coach through security and on to the train as well as off the train in Madrid.

At your arrival, begin your exploration following your guide on both a panoramic and a walking tour of the historical city center of Madrid. See the main highlights such as the Plaza Mayor and along the way taste some tapas (small Spanish savory dishes) in a traditional establishment as the locals do.

On a panoramic drive, see the area known as Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro Park, which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list as a cultural landscape.

Check in to your hotel and have a chance to refresh prior to meeting again in the lobby for an exciting evening of Flamenco! Madrid shines at night, as you will discover at a local Tablao (Flamenco venue), where you will be treated to an authentic dinner accompanied by a passionate Flamenco performance. (Please note that Flamenco venue is not exclusive to RSSC). Afterwards, you will transfer back to your hotel for the evening.

DAY 2

After breakfast, meet your local guide in the reception area and begin the journey to Toledo. Declared a National Monument by the Spanish State, the city seems to be one large museum.

Hardly another town is so well conserved in its historical style.

The best way to explore Toledo is to have a long walk and view the buildings of various epochs: Arabian, Jewish, Muddier, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Walking through its streets, one feels like having stepped back into the Middle-Ages.

Rejoin your coach for a leisurely drive into the countryside where you will find a 200-year-old local wine family-run winery. Enjoy a visit of the winery and explore the vineyards. Taste locally produced wine prior to indulging in a delicious meal of local specialties at the winery.

Return to Madrid in the late afternoon. The remainder of the day is at your leisure and dinner is on your own. Your guide or hotel concierge will be more than happy to make dinner or evening tour suggestions.

DAY 3

After breakfast and settling any incidentals, check out and transfer to the Madrid Train Station for a highspeed train to Malaga. Sit back and enjoy the two-hour journey with impressive scenery along the way.

NOTE: There is no porterage service at the train station – guests must take their own luggage from the coach through security and on to the train as well as off the train in Malaga.

Upon arrival in Malaga, meet your local guide and start exploring the elegant city center. This guided leisurely stroll along its pedestrian streets offers you the ability to see the city’s highlights such as the Roman Theater, Picasso’s Birth House and the Cathedral.

For impressive and enchanting views over the Alcazaba (Red Castle) enjoy a beverage on a roof top terrace. Lunch will be served at a local taverna offering the best of the local gastronomy.

After lunch, proceed to the top of Gibralfaro Castle and visit this impressive defensive fortress. You can’t miss the privileged views from this location which overlook the city. You will even see your awaiting ship in the distance!

Following this stop, proceed to the pier in Malaga where you will rejoin 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 the ship in Barcelona, meet your guide and drive to Sants train station

10:00am AVE high speed train to Madrid (lunch box for light lunch on the train)

1:30pm Panoramic and walking tour with tapas in local establishments

6:00pmC Check-in to your hotel

7:30pm Flamenco Madrid and dinner

Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid or similar hotel

DAY 2

AM Breakfast at the hotel and check out

8:30am Depart from Madrid for Toledo

9:30am Arrival and visit of Toledo

12:30pm Departure to winery

1:30pm Visit, tasting , lunch

5:30pm Return drive to Madrid

6:30pm Arrive to the hotel

Evening at leisure, dinner on own

Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid or similar hotel

DAY 3

AM Breakfast at the hotel and check out

8:30am Check out and drive to train station

9:30am Highspeed train to Malaga

11:30am Walking tour of Malaga city center and rooftop drink

1:30pm Lunch

3:00pm Gibraltaro Castle visit

4:00pm Rejoin the ship

Climate:

In May, the average daytime temperature will be around24°C (75° F) and an average of 13°C (55° F) at night.

In August, the average daytime temperature will be around 30°C (86° F) with evening temperatures dropping slightly.

What to Bring:

Comfortable weather appropriate clothing and shoes for walking, any medications, small umbrella. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent in summer can be very useful during your stay.

Local Currency:

Euro and credit cards are accepted.

Electricity

22O V. We recommend having a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.

Luggage information

There is no luggage compartment on the highspeed train therefore guests should bring one small overnight bag preferably on wheels and one additional small item such as a shoulder bag or purse. Guests must carry their own luggage to / from the train and through security as there are no porters at the train stations to assist.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

A valid passport is required for international travel

Accommodations:

Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel

PO de la Castellana, 259, B, 28046 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 913 34 27 00

*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 for guests:

•Two nights at the Eurostar Madrid or similar hotel - Skyline Room with View

•Three breakfasts, one packed lunch box, one tapas tour, dinner and flamenco show, wine tasting in Toledo and lunch in the wine cellar, lunch in Malaga and a drink on a rooftop

•Included at meals: water, coffee or tea, one choice between wine, beer and soft drink. Lunch Box: only water is included, additional drinks can be purchased at the train cafeteria or bar service.

•Transportation in air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle for tours and transfers as described.

•High Speed train Barcelona to Madrid and Madrid to Malaga

•Entrances to all monuments and visits as indicated

•English speaking tour guide throughout plus local guides as per local regulations

Program Excludes for guests:

•Items of a personal nature such as meals not listed above, room service, laundry, minibar

•Gratuities to 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 which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. 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. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

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.