SHORE EXCURSIONS

Enjoy a glass of sherry while learning to make authentic tapas at the Bodega Casa del Marques, a 19th-century palace built for a wine merchant. The elegant residence is decorated with period furnishings that lend it an ambiance so authentic that it feels as if you were transported to another time. While there, you will learn to make tapas, some traditional and others topped with surprisingly inventive ingredients. These small-plate snacks reflect the local cuisine and are typically served with a glass of sherry, especially in Jerez, which has been producing the fortified wine for more than 175 years. The exact tapas that you will prepare will depend on which ingredients are freshest and most flavorful. They might include fried fish, meatballs or something a bit more unusual such as stewed ox tail. Be sure to add favorite ingredients, as you will dine on the tapas afterwards.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Participate in a hands-on culinary class at a 19th-century palace built for a wine merchant.
• Learn to prepare authentic, small-plate tapas with traditional and unusual ingredients.
• Dine on the finished tapas and enjoy a glass of sherry as an accompaniment.

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.

Explore two lively markets in downtown Cartagena; one for food and the second a favorite locale for handmade jewelry and crafts. While walking to the Santa Florentina covered market, you will pass landmarks such as Conception Castle and several leafy parks. Long a staple for shopping, the market offers every imaginable culinary ingredient, and you can expect the atmosphere to be extraordinary lively as the residents and vendors interact and socialize. The guide will lead you to stalls where you can taste tapas topped with favorite ingredients. You might try one of these small-plate appetizers with fried squid, anchovies, artisanal cheese or vegetables, as produce is a specialty. Continuing on to the nearby Artisan Center, which is housed inside an 18th-century palace, you will browse stalls full of locally made arts and crafts. The ceramics, jewelry and glassware are particularly noteworthy. Chances are, you will see artisans making their pieces by hand.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Browse the stalls of the Santa Florentina market, which is revered for its fresh produce.
• Sample small-plate tapas at the market, topped with local specialties such as squid and cheese.
• Shop for hand-made jewelry and glassware at the Artisan Center, another favorite venue.

OVERVIEW

Stroll through the Old Quarter of Cadiz, following a guide that will introduce you to the rhythms of local life. Your first stop will be a bustling marketplace where the locals shop for fresh produce and seafood and enthusiastically socialize. While meandering through the stalls, you will pause on occasion to sample enticing delicacies that reflect Cadiz’s cuisine. It will be an excellent introduction to the signature offerings that you will be served at Manteca Tavern. Founded in 1953, the tavern is wonderfully atmospheric and a favorite among locals. While reveling in the authentic ambiance, you will sample a traditional local tapa and enjoy a glass of sherry that complements their flavor. Afterwards, the guide will lead you to another favorite spot: the beach at La Caleta. During free time, you might gaze out at the fishing boats anchored just offshore, walk the promenade with the locals and people-watch.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a local guide through the atmospheric streets in the Old Quarter of Cadiz.
• Sample some of the delicacies at a bustling marketplace and mingle with the locals.
• Enjoy a glass of sherry and a traditional appetizer at a well-known tavern.
• Spend free time relaxing at the guide’s favorite beach, doing whatever you please.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Enjoy this taste of Spain with the best of Spain presented in dancing, horses and food. This is a treat not to be missed! Spanish horses are pure breed and gifted with an ability to learn the intricate steps of Spanish dressage. Schooling of the Andalusian horses requires much time and patience on the part of their professional trainers. They will show you how the horses are trained. You’ll also enjoy fantastic local produce here served with a selection of typical Spanish tapas with wine, offering the best ingredients of the region in a beautiful garden setting. Just before returning to the pier, your guide will give you an orientation tour through Cartagena, a panoramic drive from the bus. Learn about the intense history of the city since Carthaginian and Roman times, the military history of the city and the prosperous Modernist period in Cartagena.

Your panoramic drive through some of the most important avenues of the city such as Paseo Alfonso XIII, Plaza de España and Calle Real, will give you the opportunity of admiring the University area, the beautiful building of the Regional Assembly, the Military Arsenal, as well as some notable Modernist buildings such as the Maestre House.

Just before entering back to the pier, there is also a drop-off optional stop: Next to the Main Street (Historical, shopping and restaurant area) you will have the opportunity to finish your tour and descend from the bus if you decide to stay in the city center, at your own leisure, to stroll or have a coffee (at own expenses) before making your own way back to the ship, if not, just remain seated and the bus will drive back inside of the pier to finish the tour.

OVERVIEW

This unique tour combines a tour of Gibraltar’s unique sights with a sampling of its delicious Spanish culinary flavor. Setting out from the pier by panoramic coach, you’ll take a scenic drive out to Gibraltar’s unique airport runway, which doubles as the border between this small British colony and the Spanish mainland. Traveling on toward Catalan Bay along the colony’s eastern flank, you’ll admire spectacular views that reach all the way to Spain in one direction and Africa in the other. Passing the American War Memorial that honors Britain and America’s winning alliance in World War I and the Trafalgar Cemetery from far earlier, you’ll work your way toward the land’s very tip at Europa Point. From this viewpoint, with the coast of North Africa just 12 miles across the famous Strait, you’ll fully appreciate why this territory has always been of such strategic importance to the British Navy. Having drunk in all these sights, your next stop is at a local dining venue where you can sip a glass of wine and indulge in a delicious selection of traditional tapas. This colony may be English, but the cuisine is pure Mediterranean.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle back for a driving tour that circles Gibraltar in search of its most intriguing views.
• Drive the highway that crosses an airport runway and see Europa Point, from which North Africa is so close you can usually make out Morocco’s Rif mountains.
• Relax and enjoy a selection of traditional tapas and a glass of wine at a scenic local restaurant.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

This definitive tour of Malaga showcases landmarks such as Gibralfaro Castle, but also leaves free time for shopping and exploring in the historic city center, where Picasso was born.

Starting off from the pier you'll drive due west along the coast to Malaga, an Andalusian city with Moorish roots and an illustrious past that was founded in the 8th century by the Phoenicians. Arriving in Malaga, your tour begins with a panoramic drive that passes by numerous city landmarks en route to your first stop, the imposing Gibralfaro Castle. Perched high atop a hill, it offers commanding views of the city, the bay and the mountains and has stood sentinel over Malaga for more than 1,000 years. During your visit, you might walk the ramparts, take in the panoramic views or immerse yourself in the castle's turbulent history in its museum, a building once used to store gunpowder.

Next, you'll travel back to the heart of Malaga where another historic landmark awaits you in the city center, the limestone Cathedral of Malaga. Built on the site of a former mosque, construction on the cathedral started in 1528 and dragged on for the next 255 years, until completely halting in 1783 due to a lack of money. To this day, the cathedral's second planned tower hasn't been built, giving rise to the nickname: manquita or "one-armed woman." It's an iconic building, as is the nearby Picasso Museum.

Continuing on, you'll enjoy an enlightening walking tour of the architecturally rich city center before stop for a tapas lunch at El Pimpi, a traditional Andalusian bodega. Afterwards, you'll have some free time to explore on your own, before driving back to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a relaxing day of sun, sand, and reggae vibes at the Bamboo Beach Club, just a short drive from the pier. Lounge on complimentary beach chairs beneath shade sails and tropical trees while hostesses serve a delicious tapas-style lunch right to your seat, featuring local favorites like jerk chicken, sausage skewers, and cinnamon banana puffs. Sip on included cocktails — such as guava rum punch and fern gully— or enjoy refreshing non-alcoholic drinks as the beach comes to life with music, line dancing, and even a cocktail demonstration. Swim in the calm Caribbean waters, stroll along the shoreline, or simply sit back and enjoy the authentic Jamaican atmosphere. Time permitting, a short shopping stop will be made before returning to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax on a soft sandy beach with included beach chairs, shade, and facilities.
• Enjoy a tapas-style lunch served to your chair with local Jamaican flavors.
• Sip on complimentary cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages while enjoying reggae music.
• Enjoy the fun beach activities such as line dancing or simply unwind to the reggae beat.
• Optional shopping stop in route back to the ship, time permitting.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

View landmarks of Palma de Mallorca and thrill to an authentic flamenco performance while being treated to delicious traditional tapas. Make your way to the city center aboard your coach, passing alluring sights during a comfortable, panoramic ride, and get acquainted with this lively city. Stop for some pictures in front of La Seu, the city’s utterly magnificent cathedral, located by the sea and impressed by its spectacular gothic architecture. Relish some free time. Prior To experience the true spirit of Spain: you’ll savor a typical tapas lunch served with sangria, all while enjoying a rousing flamenco performance. Applaud this exhilarating dance, a stirring blend of clicking heels and castanets, Spanish guitar and emotive bravado, a perfect encapsulation of the impassioned and irrepressible soul of this magical land.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours independently exploring Bilbao, a seaside city in the heart of Basque Country that has been dramatically revitalized since the Guggenheim Museum opened a few decades ago. You will be dropped off near the Euskalduna building, one of the symbols of modern Bilbao. Built on the site of a former shipyard, the Euskalduna Concert Hall and Convention Centre is another contemporary masterpiece well worth visiting. For a counterpoint, you might cross the circuitous Nervión River to browse the Archaeological Museum. Nearby, you will also find within easy walking distance from the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum, whose wildly expressionistic titanium-clad exterior sets the tone for the collection of modern art inside.. A nice 30 minutes stroll along Gran Via – Bilbao´s main shopping avenue - will lead you to the Old Quarter, a pedestrian-friendly area founded more than 700 years ago. Bilbao’s most historical churches, monuments and plazas are there and not to be missed. If you wish to dine like a local, most every restaurant serves sparkling txakoli wine and pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. Fresh seafood is typically among the ingredients.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Bilbao on your own and focus on the attractions that sound most interesting.
• Be dropped off in the city center near the Euskalduna building and at walking distance from the Guggenheim Museum.
• Enjoy the freedom of wandering about at your own pace with no schedule to follow.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

What better way to discover a destination up-close than on foot. This delightful and delicious tour allows you to not only experience the charming atmosphere of La Coruña, but its lively Galician food culture as well.

Your tour begins with a brief walk from the pier to the beachfront that runs along the Atlantic coastline. Along the way, you will pass by many conservatories and beautiful old homes that capture the character of La Coruña. From here, it's on to the San Agustín Market, which is the town's main food market. Every day, a huge variety of products are available for purchase here and the Market is especially well-known for its impressive and wide-ranging selection of seafood.

Next, you will have the opportunity to enjoy local tapas as your tour takes you around to two local taverns, know as tapas bars. During your visit, you will be treated to various tapas, which are typically made with fresh seafood and ham, accompanied by the best wines in Galicia, like Albariño or Ribeiro.

Following your visit to the tapas bars, your guide will escort you back to the pier where your tour concludes.

Spend the day in cosmopolitan Santiago de Compostela, which gained fame in medieval times as a pilgrimage site for the faithful who came to visit the tomb of Saint James. Depart from the pier and begin driving into Spain's northwestern interior to Santiago de Compostela, a city so architecturally rich it's now deemed a World Heritage Site. The marquee attraction is undeniably the Cathedral, home to the relics of Saint James. Despite its Baroque façade, the cathedral boasts a spectacular predominately Romanesque interior. It took more than 150 years to build, finally being completed in 1211. There are so many inspiring features, including the largest cloisters in Spain, a sacred carving where countless pilgrims have worn five deep indentations in the marble with their fingers, and of course the silver coffer that holds the saint's relics. Four magnificent squares surround the Cathedral, and you'll have time to explore them in detail, as part of your guided walking tour and then on your own. The squares are graced by fountains, framed by historic buildings, and replete with shops. No matter where you venture in Santiago de Compostela, the setting is phenomenal. That is especially true of the historic hotel where you’ll enjoy a delicious Galician tapas experience, sampling a variety of regional small plates that highlight the culinary heritage of Galicia. In fact, the luxurious Parador de los Reyes Catolicos is a Spanish national monument and considered to be the world's oldest hotel. After your tapas experience, you will have free time to enter the Cathedral on your own, or continue exploring the historic heart of Santiago at your leisure. When the time comes, enjoy a scenic and relaxing drive back to the pier.