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Admire some of this historic city’s most ornate sites on a pleasant and enlightening stroll with a local guide. Cádiz is one of the oldest continually inhabited places in Southern Europe. Situated on a narrow promontory of land surrounded by water on three sides, it is an easy city to get around. You will navigate passageways that connect elaborate plazas, stopping to explore Plaza de San Antonio de Padua, Plaza de España and Plaza de Mina. Pause also to admire the Torre Tavira. Merchants once looked out to sea from this tower in search of their returning ships. Visit the Catedral Nueva, or New Cathedral, with its elaborate baroque exterior. Its gold dome reflects the wealth that poured into this city from the New World after the river that led into nearby Seville silted up in the 18th century. If the cathedral is closed, you will instead visit the fascinating Diocesan Museum.

Embark on an enriching tour of the magnificent Seville Cathedral and the delightful neighborhoods surrounding it. Embark on a scenic journey through the breathtaking Andalusian countryside, then take a panoramic drive past iconic landmarks such as the Plaza España, a half circular complex populated by buildings representing the four ancient kingdoms of Spain, en route to the Barrio de Santa Cruz. Visit Seville’s stunning Gothic cathedral, the third largest in Europe. Admire the church’s rich interior, in which Christopher Columbus is entombed. The soaring Giralda, adjacent to the cathedral, stands 321 feet high. There is no finer symbol of the coexistence of Moorish and Christian cultures than this former minaret, now the cathedral’s bell tower. Explore the cathedral’s vibrant and historic neighborhood filled with shops and cafés before returning to your ship.

Witness one of Andalusia’s most prized traditions up close: the art and skill of equestrian ballet. Your destination is the town of Jerez de la Frontera. As you leave Cádiz you will enjoy a panoramic tour of the old city with your guide, passing some of its main sites, including the Monument to the Constitution of 1812 and the Cádiz Cathedral with its mix of neoclassical and baroque styles. Traveling inland, you will pass fertile farmland and rich vineyards that grow grapes cultivated for the production of sherry, one of the region’s main products. Upon arrival at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, you will learn about the riding school’s efforts to promote equestrian art and to further the respect and culture of the horse. In the school’s display ring, you can witness equestrian tradition come alive during a spectacular demonstration.

Spend the day exploring Seville, the capital of Andalusia, at your leisure. According to legend, the city was founded by Hercules; it was called Hispalis under the Romans and Isbiliya by the Moors. Before its Guadalquivir River silted, funneling trade downstream toward Cádiz, Seville was a wealthy and bustling port. Lying along the riverbanks, modern-day Seville is an intoxicating blend of Moorish and Christian architecture and rich cultural traditions. Highlights include the Giralda, built as a minaret and today a cathedral bell tower, the Alcázar, built in 913 as a Moorish fortress, and more. If you wish, explore the cathedral’s vibrant and historic neighborhood of shops and cafés. After a couple of hours in the largest city in southern Spain—the city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro—return by coach to your ship.

Enjoy a delightful cooking class with the chef of the prestigious restaurant, La Carbona, in Jerez de la Frontera. A crossroads of the New World and Old World, Cádiz is a melding of cultures, with its foods reflecting many influences. Following a brief panoramic drive through Cádiz, we proceed inland to historic Jerez de la Frontera, the world’s sherry capital, which boasts grand Moorish-influenced architecture. Upon arrival, visit a winery and learn everything about the blending process. Then, enjoy a tasting of different types of sherry at a local bodega. After, discover the wholesale food market; see the seafood from the Bay, fresh fruit and vegetables, and other typical products. Next, arrive via coach at La Carbona restaurant. During the master class led by chef Javier Muñoz, learn to cook typical Andalusian food; then, savor it with your fellow travelers.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

Journey into the beautiful Andalusian countryside to learn more about the charming village of Vejer de la Frontera. Embark on a scenic drive from Cádiz to Vejer, located atop a rocky hill not far from the Atlantic Ocean. Take a guided walk through its cobblestone streets as you wander through a maze of secret corners, hidden patios and whitewashed homes. Pause underneath the shade of looming palm trees in Plaza de España, then enjoy free time to independently explore the nearby shops and cafés. Afterward, travel through the protected pine forest of La Breña y Marismas del Barbate National Park during a panoramic drive to Cape Trafalgar and its lighthouse, which marks the location of the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar. Here, your guide will briefly describe the battle that claimed the life of renowned British Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson before your return journey to your awaiting ship.

Discover the cuisine, customs and traditions of Andalusia during a journey through Cádiz and Jerez. Drive through historic Cádiz to view the baroque exterior of the golden-domed Catedral Nueva (New Cathedral), the old City Hall and the remnants of the former city wall dating back to the 16th century. Head into the countryside to colorful Jerez, renowned for its sherry wine, flamenco and Andalusian horses. Stroll around the Old City, where your guide will point out its most interesting buildings, parks, squares and monuments. Head to a local bodega, where a specialist will introduce you to Tio Pepe, the famous fino sherry, and describe its production process. Next, continue to San Fernando to enjoy a delicious Andalusian lunch accompanied by an authentic flamenco performance. After lunch, sample more sherry or shop for mementos before returning to your ship.

Glimpse the authentic culture of Andalusia during a scenic country drive along the Route of the Bulls. The region of Andalusia is famous for its fighting bulls. Board your motor coach and embark on a picturesque journey through the idyllic countryside, passing small villages, beautiful beaches, and olive groves and vineyards. Keep watch for the many herds of grazing and lounging bulls that dot the landscape. Your guide will describe the history of bullfighting, which dates back to the 6th century BC. See the town of Medina-Sidonia, nestled between the mountains and the sea, where you will enjoy free time to explore its narrow streets and see its traditional whitewashed houses. Cap your excursion by passing through the village of Vejer de la Frontera, located atop a rocky hill not far from the ocean, then return to your awaiting ship.