Explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites – Cordoba’s atmospheric Old Town and the Alhambra Palaces in Granada – and come away with a deeper understanding of the Moorish influence that shaped so much of Iberia centuries ago. Other culturally important highlights include Cordoba’s emblematic Great Mosque, which was converted into a cathedral in the 13th century, and the Generalife gardens, where the kings of Granada peacefully relaxed away from the palaces. You will also discover the charms of Malaga by watching a flamenco show and seeing where Picasso was born.

DAY 1

Disembark the ship and meet your travel companions and tour guide and leave Malaga behind for a leisurely drive to Cordoba. Its historic old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with abundant little streets to be explored, courtyards full of flowers, inviting squares and lively taverns. Become familiar with the city prior to arriving at a centrally located hotel in a historical palace to enjoy a traditional meal paired with local wines.

In the afternoon, visit the Great Mosque of Cordoba, a mixture of architectural styles superimposed on one another over nine centuries of construction and renovations. It is one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim architecture in Spain.

Leave Cordoba for Granada, where you will spend the evening at the Alhambra Palace Hotel near the legendary Alhambra. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Overnight at Alhambra Palace Hotel or similar

DAY 2

Following breakfast, treasure an in-depth exploration of Granada’s astonishing Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Join a knowledgeable local guide and wander through seemingly endless rooms and courtyards, where you will be dazzled by richly colored mosaics, intricate ceilings and romantic archways.

In the adjacent Generalife gardens, part of a sprawling former summer residence, observe the Moorish Patio de La Acequia, the Patio del Ciprés – which mixes Moorish and Renaissance features – the Italian-style terraced gardens and the famed Water Stairway, all of which are showcased amid a dazzling array of cypress hedges and fountains.

Then savor a delicious repast in a nearby restaurant prior to exploring the city of Granada, in particular the Albaicin Quarter, a historical neighborhood with an eclectic cultural mix of people. From numerous viewpoints there, you can take extraordinary pictures of the Alhambra.

Return to the hotel for some rest prior to meeting again with your guide for a flamenco performance with dinner in a characteristic venue. Flamenco is a form of popular artistic expression representing a long-standing tradition that appears on the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This art form combines vocal music, dance and musical accompaniment rooted fundamentally in Andalusia.

After the show, return to the Alhambra Palace Hotel for the evening.

Overnight at Alhambra Palace Hotel or similar

DAY 3

Following breakfast and check-out from the hotel, settle in for a relaxing 2-hour drive to Malaga. This Andalusian city on the shores of the Mediterranean is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and has reinvented itself recently by inaugurating a variety of museums.

At the top of Gibralfaro hill, visit the imposing Phoenician castle that the Moors later reconstructed. The views of the city from there are extraordinary.

Follow your guide on a walking tour through the pedestrian-friendly Malaga city center and stop for a brief visit at Picasso’s birthplace.

A leisurely lunch in a bodega will precede your transfer to the hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at Gran Hotel Miramar or similar

DAY 4

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport. Transfers will be based on flight times. See your Welcome Letter for details. For guests with late-departing flights, luggage storage is available at the hotel.

Land Program Details Step by Step:

•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. 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.

•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.

DAY 1

AM Disembarkation

09:30am Meet the group, briefing and depart for Cordoba

11:30am Stroll around and become familiar with the city

12:30pm Lunch with wine pairing at the Hospes

2:00pm Walking tour and visits including Cathedral and Mosque

4:00pm Depart for Granada

6:30pm Check in at the hotel and dinner at the hotel

Overnight at Alhambra Palace Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 2

AM Breakfast at the hotel

09:00am Meet the local guide and visit Alhambra Palaces and Gardens

12:30pm Lunch at local restaurant

2:00pm Orientation tour of City Centre and afternoon at leisure

7:00pm Meet for flamenco show and dinner

Overnight at Alhambra Palace Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 3

AM Breakfast at the hotel

09:00am Check out of the hotel, drive to Malaga

11:00am Arrival, visit Gibralfaro Castle

12:30pm Walking tour of City centre, including Picasso Birth Place

1:30pm Tapas-style lunch at local restaurant

3:00pm Transfer to the hotel

Rest of the day at leisure

Overnight at Gran Hotel Miramar or similar

DAY 4

AM Breakfast at the hotel

TBA Check out from the hotel

Transfer to the airport based on the time of your flight. Should you have a late flight, luggage storage is available at the hotel until your transfer time.

Extra Nights:

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.

•When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.

Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.

Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.

Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.

Weather

Min 59°F Max 77° Fahrenheit

Min 15° Max 25° Celsius

What to Bring

Comfortable clothes and shoes for walking visits, sunscreen, medicine, and foldable umbrella just in case.

Currency

Euro is accepted and Credit Card. USD not normally accepted.

Electricity

220 volts. adaptor is needed, normally can be purchased at the hotel or in many souvenir shops or shops in the hotel area.

Documents and Visa Requirements

A valid passport is required.

Hotel

Alhambra Palace Hotel

Pl. Arquitecto García de Paredes, 1, 18009 Granada, Spain

Phone: +34 958 22 14 68

Gran Hotel Miramar

P.º Reding, 22, 24, 29016 Málaga, Spain

Phone: +34 952 60 30 00

Program includes:

•2 nights at the Alhambra Palace Hotel – Classic Room (or similar hotel) with breakfast daily

•1 night at the Gran Hotel Miramar – Premier Room (or similar hotel) with breakfast daily

•English-speaking official guides on Days 1-3

•Lunch on Days 1-3

•Dinner on Day 2 and Day 3

Program does not include:

•Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program

•Gratuities to drivers and guides or at restaurants

•Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar

•Any touring not listed above

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 situation

Please note: 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. Land 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. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.