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Discover the allure of the UNESCO World Heritage Site city of Santiago de Compostela on this full day tour.

Traveling by coach, it's a comfortable ride of just over 1 hour to this charming town that offers visitors a magical glimpse into the past. Upon arrival, you will disembark your coach for a ten-minute walk to the center of the city where you will find the famous cathedral at Plaza del Obradoiro. Here, you can appreciate the great Romanesque architecture of the Cathedral and surrounding buildings. Positioned to one side of the Cathedral is the well-known Hostal de Los Reyes Catolicos, a former hospital which is now a luxurious hotel. Directly opposite the Cathedral is the Palacio de Rajoy. Built in the 18th century, the Palace today serves as the Town Hall and also the parliament building for the regional government.

Making your way to the Hostal de Los Reyes Católicos, you will be treated to a leisurely lunch of local favorites accompanied by a glass of rosé wine. Following lunch, your guide will provide you with plenty of information from the exterior of the Cathedral. Afterwards, those who wish may enter the Cathedral independently during the free time you will be provided. For those who choose to enter, you will find a unique gamut of architectural styles. Romanesque, Baroque and Ogival Gothic styles are all combined with the most elegant Plateresque throughout the vast confines of the cathedral. There is also a silver urn containing the ashes of St. James, the Apostle of Santiago. The urn is kept in a small crypt situated immediately under the ornate high altar dominated by the carved image of the Patron Saint of Spain.

Your guided tour resumes with a walk through the Old Town of Santiago de Compostela. Before rejoining your coach for the transfer back to the ship, free time will be provided to explore on your own or do some souvenir shopping.

OVERVIEW

Come visit the Albufera Natural Park and learn about its importance and how specialists work on the conservation and the biodiversity of species in the area. Although you may have visited La Albufera on previous occasions, this time, we are going to discover La Gola de El Pujol, a very particular area inside the park and the most popular gully. The historical route of the Gola del Pujol is a short walk of about 40 minutes over 700 metres and 8 stops, which runs parallel to the Gola del Pujol, a gorge that joins the Albufera lake with the sea. The path, fitted out with non-slip wood, leads from the gates in front of the famous jetty - one of the most photographed spots in Valencia - to the Estany del Pujol, an artificial pond that has existed since 1970 and has now been converted into a protected spot for the birds that visit the area - it is of vital importance for many species - and bathing in this area is prohibited. You’ll walk under the shade of pinewoods and discover many endemic species of plants and insects. On the shore of the lagoon there is a jetty and a very interesting viewpoint, which provides a panoramic view of the Albufera.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a specialized guide through the national park in a discovery of biodiversity and conservation.
• Gain insight into how the land was transformed from rice fields into freshwater wetlands.
• Cruise through the reserve in a boat and observe the abundant water birds.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Stroll through a bustling market taking note of the ingredients and then join a chef who will show you how to prepare paella from scratch, an iconic dish that will be your lunch. The items at the Central Market are locally sourced, so they truly represent the ingredients found in the regional cuisine. After meandering through the stalls, interacting with the vendors and sampling some of the delicacies, you will walk to a nearby restaurant for a paella workshop. The chef will show you step by step how to prepare authentic paella Alicante-style. You will have seen many of the ingredients in the market, which will make the preparation all the more relevant. Although the city of Valencia just to the north is known as the birthplace of paella, the version made in Alicante is much the same. Feel free to ask questions as the chef prepares the meal, which you will dine on afterwards.

Become familiar with the agricultural practices of Ecofinca Nogales, an organic farm that grows fruits and vegetables using sustainable methods that respect the environment. While touring the family-operated farm, you will see firsthand how the produce is grown without chemicals that may damage the quality of the soil. Compost tea, livestock manure and plant debris are used as an organic fertilizer that over time improve the fertility of the land. The farm has also optimized its irrigation system to reduce water consumption and meticulously recorded its carbon footprint to see how it might be lessened. As a result, everything grown at Ecofinca Nogales is certified to be ecologically responsible and sustainable. The variety and distinct flavors of the produce may surprise you. During the tasting that follows the guided tour, you may sample Pinkerton avocados, Red Lady papayas and aubergines.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit an organic farm that strictly follows sustainable practices.
• See how the farm’s water consumption and carbon footprint have been reduced.
• Taste a variety of fruits and vegetables grown using traditional, eco-friendly methods.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Visit an organic aloe vera farm and discover how this succulent plant is sustainably grown in harmony with the environment. Aloe vera thrives in Fuerteventura’s rich volcanic soil as you will see firsthand at Verdeaurora, a family-owned bio farm that follows agricultural practices that respect the environment. No chemical fertilizers, pesticides, hormones or antibiotics are ever used in the production of the aloe vera, which help to maintain the fertility of the soil and reduce water consumption. You will watch, as one of the farmers demonstrates how to extract the juice from the leaves and preserve it. Although used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, aloe vera has plenty of other applications, including as an ingredient in cosmetics, soap, shampoo and even drinks. Verdeaurora has also minimized its energy use by installing solar panels and by investing in renewable resources. The farm has even created an ornithological reserve to protect the birds on Fuerteventura.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Tour the bio farm Verdeaurora and see how it grows and processes organic aloe vera.
• Watch as the beneficial juice is carefully extracted from the succulent plant.
• Gain insight into the uses of aloe vera that go far beyond medicinal purposes.
• Discover how the eco-friendly farm has reduced its energy and water consumption.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover Murcia, the capital of the province and Cartagena - a crossroad of cultures with a fascinating history dating back 3,000 years. An approximate 1-hour journey through the foothills of the Sierra Carrascoy takes you to Murcia. Settled by the Moors in the 9th century and conquered by the Christians in the 13th century, this bustling city offers an array of architectural delights. Stop at the Monastery of the Virgin of Fuensanta and enjoy a panoramic view of the orchards, one of the most productive in the Mediterranean.

Stop at Cathedral Square, where you’ll see the beautiful Baroque style facade of the cathedral, next to the Episcopal Palace. Visit the Royal Casino of Murcia dating back from 1847, it is one of the most historic buildings. Although this is still an active private club, the ground floor is open to the public. After a period of decline in the second half of the 20th century, the building was completely refurbished and many of the rooms were restored to their original splendor. You'll also pass through the Squares of Santo Domingo and Romeo and enjoy free time for lunch on your own before returning to Cartagena for an orientation tour of the city.

In Cartagena, you’ll visit the Castle of Conception outside visit, built over the remains of the Moorish Alcazar. From this vantage point, enjoy superb views of the city and harbor. Due to the natural protection of the mountains surrounding it, it was chosen as one of the three main naval bases in Spain during the 18th century. The remarkable remains of the Roman Theatre were only discovered back in the late 1980’s, it is believed to have accommodated up to 6,000 spectators.

Discover some of the most scenic parts of Mallorca, the lovely village of Soller and enjoy a picturesque ride on the Soller Railway. Board your coach for a scenic drive through the beautiful Majorcan countryside. Enjoy a walk through the narrow streets of Soller. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of this quaint mountain village. Board the historic Soller train for your scenic 45 minute journey, which is highlighted by beautiful panoramic views of the Mallorcan Mountains, orange groves and small, fairy-tale like villages. Pass through tunnels, over bridges and stop at a lookout point for a great view on your way back to Palma. You will enjoy a Panoramic drive through Palma before returning to the pier.

Enjoy the charms of the streets, squares and hidden corners of Valencia. Sample its signature dish and the symbol of Spanish cuisine around the world - Paella. You'll also learn how and where Paella originated during this visit to Albufera. Explore the city of Valencia, with sights of the City of Arts and Sciences, a panoramic drive and a stroll through the old quarter to visit some of the most important historic buildings. Few cities like Valencia are able to blend so many architectural styles including Medieval, Art Nouveau, Baroque and Gothic along with ancient ruins and the most modern avant-garde buildings this well. See the New Valencia, where The City of Arts & Sciences is a leisure center designed for the diffusion of science and culture. Its unique buildings will impress you.

Walk to la Plaza de la Reina in the historical center and discover its more relevant monuments and buildings. Admire the Cathedral with the Miguelete Tower and its many different architectural styles and works of art - La Lonja declared Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO and the Central Market’s modernist building. Visit the Fallero Museum, where you will learn everything about the tradition of the Fallas festival. Enjoy a traditional Paella lunch and a glass of wine while taking in the views of the beach as the locals do. Learn about another surprising area of Valencia, the Albufera Nature Park. It features the largest lake in Spain and one of the most important wetland areas in the Iberian Peninsula. The lake is home to rare species of wading birds and a variety of wildlife. Its waters have been worked by fishermen and rice growers supplying ingredients and inspiration for the region’s delicious cuisine.

Stroll through the atmospheric streets of the Old Quarter on the way to a nightclub, where you will watch a mesmerizing flamenco performance that tells a passionate story. After walking from the pier, you will continue at a leisurely pace toward the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Quarter, which the Phoenicians founded in the 12th century. Being the oldest continuously occupied city in Western Europe, Cadiz exudes history, as you will soon discover in the Plaza of San Juan de Dios, a square that originated in medieval times.

As you meander the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter, you will pass one architectural treasure after another. Highlights may include the Neoclassical-style Cadiz Cathedral, which boasts a tile dome that appears Moorish, and Calle Ancha, a wide boulevard that is considered the heart of the city. In time, you will arrive at Taberna Flamenco La Cava, a nightclub that showcases the art of flamenco. Before taking your seat, be sure to notice the photos on the wall of some of the most acclaimed flamenco performers in the past 50 years. UNESCO honored flamenco by recognizing it on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Andalusia, especially Cadiz, is the heartland of flamenco, an electrifying art form that fuses expressive songs, passionate dancing and emotional music. To enhance your immersion into the local culture, you will be served traditional tapas that may include Serrano ham and Manchego cheese.

Journey to the village of Chefchaouen, also known as Chaouen, the town of poetry and art lined with blue and white washed houses with balconies, tiled roofs and patios adorned with citrus trees. This Moorish town sheltered the Arab refugees from Andalusia after the fall of Granada and the decline of Arab rule in Spain. Explore the town’s old medina on foot along with your guide, who will share stories of its history.

Visit the Kasbah, dating back to the early 18th century. See the craftsmen at work in their small traditional factories and enjoy the aromas of the Moorish and Andalusian civilizations. Inside the Kasbah, visit the museum containing antique weapons, musical instruments, and photographs of the old town. You’ll have a privileged view of Chaouen, as you enjoy a drink from a hotel’s terrace.

Stop at the main square, where the striking 15th century Grand Mosque stands. The mosque and its nearby buildings were built by Jewish refugees, who alongside Muslims escaped Spanish persecution. You’ll have some free time here for shopping or exploring further on your own. Enjoy a typical, authentic lunch at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a panoramic tour of La Coruña and visit the famous village of Betanzos on this excellent half-day tour.

Commencing from the pier, you will first enjoy a drive through La Coruña, passing the famous Tower of Hercules. Now declared a National Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tower was built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD by the order of the Emperor Trajan. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world that is still used for its original purpose of guiding ships into the harbor and amazingly, its light can be seen from 32 miles away. Next, your coach will travel along the seafront promenade past the San Anton Castle, which now houses the Archeological Museum.

Leaving La Coruña behind, you will make the 45 minute drive to Betanzos, a wonderful Galician town that offers a genuine and unspoiled view of the region and its colorful past. Upon arrival, you will embark on a guided walking tour of this former Roman town that emerged from the ancient settlement of Castro de Untia. The town later came into an era of prosperity when King Alfonso IX granted it the same law-code as La Coruña. However, it was the mighty Andrade family and other noblemen who were the protagonists of Betanzos' medieval history, hence the name of Betanzos de Los Caballeros ('of the Knights'). The nobility and bourgeois who made their homes here, attracted the Franciscans, whose church is a masterpiece of the Galician art. A visit to the Church of San Francisco is included in your tour as well as viewing several other notable sights, such as the 16th century clock tower and well-preserved town walls.

Before rejoining your coach for the drive back to La Coruña, you will make your way to a local hotel for a refreshment break.

Sit back and enjoy the views on your way to Baiona, one of the most important and prettiest coastal towns of Galicia. Head up to Mount Castro and enjoy a view of the city of Vigo, the estuary and your ship in port This stop is made after the Visit in Baiona before driving back to the pier. Make your way to Baiona, a picturesque coastal village with lots of charm, the harbor and fishing fleet make it one of the most important towns in Galicia. This is the village where the Pinta arrived after Columbus first returned from discovering America. On the way to the center of the village, your guide will offer you a briefing, so that you can enjoy the town at leisure during free time. Walk along the seaside promenade, have a coffee at one of the cafés or visit the replica of the Columbus ship in port. The return drive to Vigo will take you along a different route for a view of the countryside and you’ll pass by one of the most beautiful medieval-style bridges still standing in Galicia.