One of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Eixample. It was the home of architect Antoni Gaudí, whose Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Park Güell and Casa Milà are the most profound statements of Modernisme. View the splendid works at the Picasso Museum and the Miro Foundation, or discover Barcelona’s passionate ambiance at a flamenco show.
Follow a circuitous route through central Spain to explore cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites not readily reachable from the coast, including Madrid, Toledo and Cordoba’s Great Mosque.
DAY 1 - May 2, 2024
After disembarking the ship in Barcelona, you will meet the tour guide that will accompany you throughout this overland program. A short transfer will bring you to the Sants train station, where you will board the AVE high-speed train for a picturesque, 3.5-hour journey to Madrid. A box lunch will be provided, and cafeteria service is available on the train.
Upon arriving in the capital, you will settle in for a panoramic drive down streets such as Gran Via, which is lined with early 20th-century architecture. Other sights may include the Parliament House and Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s historical and geographical heart.
The walking portion of the tour will begin with a stroll through Plaza de España, where you will view the Don Quixote monument. Check-in at the Meliá Madrid Princesa hotel and time to relax follows, after which you will travel to a nearby venue for a tapas dinner and passionate flamenco performance.
The remainder of the evening will be spent at your leisure at the hotel.
DAY 2 - May 3, 2024
After breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will travel to Toledo, a city so architecturally rich that Spain has declared it a national monument. While walking through Toledo, the guide will point out the various styles of architecture, including Arabian, Jewish, Mudéjar, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. You will have the opportunity to explore the interior of the synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca. Constructed in 1180 in the Mudéjar style, it features 32 pilasters and five naves.
Toledo was the capital of Spain from the Gothic epoch until 1560 and much of the architecture from that time has been beautifully preserved. The streets are so atmospheric that it is easy to imagine what it was like there in the Middle Ages.
Continuing on, you will drive to Cordoba, stopping for lunch along the way. Once in town, you will begin a panoramic drive of Cordoba that passes the Roman bridge, the royal palaces and the Calahorra Tower. Following check in at the NH Califa Hotel, you will have time to relax before dinner at a nearby restaurant.
You will then overnight at the Soho Boutique Cordoba.
DAY 3 - May 4, 2024
After breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will tour more of Cordoba, a UNESCO World Heritage site hailed for its extraordinary architecture. Highlights include browsing the magnificent Great Mosque, which is now the Catholic cathedral, and strolling through the former Jewish Quarter.
You will then drive to the small town of Montilla and visit Bodega Perez Barquero, wine makers since 1905, and learn about the history of three brothers who founded the winery more than a century ago. You will be shown how their local wines are produced and of course enjoy samples with some snacks.
Following lunch at a nearby restaurant, you will continue on to Ronda, a dramatically picturesque city perched atop two sheer cliffs that form the El Tajo canyon. Over time, the Guadalevín River carved the deep, incredibly photogenic canyon out of the rock. Many of the buildings were constructed right on the edges of the cliffs, and three ancient stone bridges provide the only means to travel from one side of the city to the other.
Follow a guide through Ronda on an eye-opening walking tour. The Plaza de Toros may be the highlight as it was completed in 1785, making it the oldest bullring in Spain. Bullfighting aficionados such as Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles have watched some of Spain’s most legendary toreadors fight there, and original paintings by Malaga-born Picasso adorn the interior walls.
The Church of Santa Maria la Mayor is another landmark, and to see it you will cross over El Tajo canyon. The earthquake of 1580 destroyed much of the first church built on the site, and the renovated version that stands today features a beautiful blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural elements.
After checking into the hotel in Ronda, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
DAY 4 - MAY 5, 2024
Following breakfast at the hotel and check-out and enjoy the drive to Malaga.
Upon arrival, guests participating in the World Cruise Event will transfer to the event. The remainder of the group will enjoy a panoramic tour of Malaga before re-joining the ship.
Land Program Step by Step
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 updated details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review this final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
8:30am Disembark in Barcelona and transfer to Sants train station
10:00am Board a high-speed train for Madrid
1:00pm Arrive in Madrid for panoramic drive and walking tour
5:00pm Check-in at the hotel
8:00pm Meet in the lobby for flamenco Show and tapas dinner
Overnight at the Meliá Madrid Princesa or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel and check out
9:00am Depart from Madrid to Toledo
10:00am Arrival and visit of Toledo
1:00pm Departure to Cordoba and lunch along the way
5:30pm Arrival to Cordoba and panoramic drive
6:00pm Check in at the hotel, time on own
8:00pm Meet at reception and walk to restaurant for dinner
Overnight at the NH Califa Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at your hotel and check out
9:00am Visit Cordoba for a morning tour
11:30am Depart for Montilla and visit Bodega Perez Barquero
1:00pm Lunch
3:00pm Drive to Ronda and walking tour
7:00pm Arrival and check in
Dinner on your own
Overnight at the Hotel de Parador de Ronda
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at your hotel and check out
8:30am Drive to Malaga
10:00am Upon arrival, World Cruise guests will depart for their event
OR panoramic drive to the port
TBA Arrival to the port of Malaga to re-join the ship
Expected Weather
The average high temperatures in this region in May range anywhere from 53F (12 C) to 79 F (26 C).
What to Bring
Bring comfortable clothing and good walking shoes as there is a lot of walking on this tour. Bring an umbrella in case of a spring rain. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts or short skirts when visiting temples, religious sites or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat are also recommended.
Local Currency
The Euro. USD are not accepted. Major credit cards are accepted.
Electricity
22O V, an adaptor is needed. Bring a universal travel adaptor for your electronic devices.
Luggage
Luggage must be stored at your seat while on the train, therefore, guests are limited to one piece of hand luggage and one additional small item such as a backpack or purse.
Documents
A valid passport is necessary.
Hotels
Meliá Madrid Princesa
C. de la Princesa, 27, 28008 Madrid
Phone: 912 76 47 47
NH Califa Hotel in Cordoba
C. Lope de Hoces, 14, 14003 Córdoba, Spain
Phone: +34 957 29 94 00
Hotel in Ronda
Hotel Parador De Ronda
Pl. España, s/n, 29400 Ronda
Phone: +34 952 87 75 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 stay at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests
1 night in Madrid at the Meliá Madrid Princesa hotel – Melia Room
1 night at the NH Califa Hotel in Cordoba – Standard double room
1 night at the Hotel de Parador de Ronda –Standard double room
3 breakfasts,1 lunch box, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
Lunches and dinners in restaurants include water, coffee or tea and a choice of a glass of wine, a beer or a soft drink
Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
English-speaking guide throughout
Entrance fees per the itinerary
Program Excludes for guests
Any meals or beverages not listed above
Gratuities to drivers and guides
Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar
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, gravel and 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.
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 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
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.
