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Andalucia & the Algarve

Cruise Andalucia's Guadalquivir River and The Algarve's Guadiana River to marvel at a landscape of sun-blushed fields and quaint wine villages as well as the spectacular cities of Seville and Cadiz.

Itinerary
Ship
Cabin and
Deck Plans
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Practical
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Prices &
Dates

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Seville.

Fly to Seville where you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship, MS Belle de Cadix. (D)

DAY 2: Seville - Cadiz.

With its fascinating historical treasures and rich Moorish heritage it's no wonder Seville is often called Andalucia's 'Radiant City'. Explore the city sights on an optional morning tour, taking in the spectacular Cathedral, the famous Alcazar Palace and its gorgeous gardens, tranquil Maria Luisa Park and the seductive Santa Cruz district. Return to your ship for lunch and set sail on the glorious Guadalquivir, Andalucia's longest river, cruising past picturesque rice and cotton fields and the beautiful marshlands of Donana Park biosphere reserve en route to Cadiz. This evening, enjoy an optional flamenco evening. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Cadiz.

Set on a rocky peninsula overlooking the beautiful bay, captivating Cadiz exudes traditional Andalucian charm and boasts an old city of quaint narrow lanes, tranquil plazas and delightful architecture, such as the baroque cathedral, Grand Theatre and pretty watchtowers. This morning there is an optional excursion to Jerez. Cradle of Spain's sherry-making, flamenco and equestrian traditions, Jerez is laden with scented orange trees, beautiful squares and lively bodegas. Today's tour takes in the famed Alcazar and the magnificent cathedral. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon enjoy an optional excursion of Cadiz. This evening entertainment will be provided on board your ship. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Alcoutim - Vila Réal.

Cruise past the golden sand beaches of Cadiz Bay and along the charming Spanish coast to southern Portugal and the glorious Algarve. Reaching the mouth of the tranquil Guadiana River, sail upstream to the traditional Algarve village of Alcoutim, passing a delightfully serene landscape of timeless rustic villages and colourful crop fields on the way. After time to admire the pretty sugar-cube style houses, sail back to the coast and to the picturesque town of Vila Réal. Explore at leisure or join the optional trip to nearby Faro, a city rich in Roman and Moorish heritage, for a walking tour of the old city, castle and cathedral. Tonight enjoy a Portuguese-themed dinner and folk evening on board. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: El Puerto de Santa María - Seville.

Explore the heart of El Puerto de Santa María at leisure this morning, perhaps strolling the cobbled streets, enjoying the lovely sandy beaches or visiting some of the plentiful historic sights or take a full day optional excursion to Gibraltar. A tiny slice of Britain at the southernmost tip of Spain, Gibraltar is complete with British shops, pubs and restaurants and offers a unique sightseeing mix, from the beautiful bay of Algeciras and the resident colony of Barbary Apes to the St Michael's Cave stalactites and the Europapoint views of the Moroccan coastline. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Seville - Granada - Seville.

Today is entirely devoted to a visit to the wonderful city of Granada. Enjoy a guided tour of the town and a visit to Granada's spectacular Alhambra Palace. Commissioned by the 13th century Moorish ruler, Al Ahamar, this breathtaking fortress-come-palace stands against the snow-tipped Sierra Nevada. After lunch in a local restaurant, spend time exploring more of Granada's main sights before returning to your ship in Seville for dinner and an evening of entertainment. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Seville.

Spain's 'City of Caliphs', the magnificent Moorish city of Córdoba is today's optional trip. Take in the breathtaking Great Mosque, famed as one of the greatest feats of Islamic architecture outside the Arab world and a veritable forest of intricately decorated pillars, each adorned with jasper, granite or precious marble. Also visit the quaint former Jewish quarter, a maze of whitewashed lanes overlooked by pretty courtyards festooned in vividly coloured flowers. After lunch in a traditional Córdoban restaurant, enjoy free time before returning to your ship in Seville. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Seville - UK.

After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

MS Belle de Cadix
Double cabin, MS Belle de Cadix
Dining Room, MS Belle de Cadix
Dining Room, MS Belle de Cadix
Lounge, MS Belle de Cadix
Sun deck, MS Belle de Cadix
Sun terrace, MS Belle de Cadix

MS Belle de Cadix

Designed to meet and exceed the expectations of a spacious and bright river cruiser, MS Belle de Cadix lives up to CroisiEurope's reputation for comfort, style and superb service. Well-maintained and equipped with the latest technologies, the fully air-conditioned MS Belle de Cadix accommodates 178 passengers in 89 light, airy cabins as it traverses one of the most attractive regions in Europe.

Your holiday price is based on a Main Deck cabin with porthole window, or you may choose to upgrade.

For full details, please see our website www.archersdirect.co.uk/cruises

Public Rooms & Facilities

Swimming pool; large sun deck; restaurant; lounge bar with dance floor; Pianorama bar; swimming platform with access to the sea; gift shop; lift.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. The dining room is large enough to accommodate all passengers in one sitting. Breakfasts are buffet style, while lunch and dinner have set menus, usually including a choice of regional specialities and traditional favourites. Aperitifs, coffee and digestifs are available in the lounge bar. Vegetarian meals and any special dietary requirements should be requested at the time of booking. There is an evening programme of entertainment and a welcome cocktail on the first night. While on board you will be looked after by the ship's hostess and purser.

Cabins

All middle or upper outside cabins have twin or double beds; air-conditioning/climate control; satellite TV; radio; hairdryer; safety deposit box; shower and wc; and large picture window. Your holiday price includes a main deck cabin with porthole windows, or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

Twin/double main deck cabin with porthole window

Twin/double middle deck cabin with window

Twin/double upper deck cabin with window

MS Belle de Cadix

MS Belle de Cadix Sun Deck
MS Belle de Cadix Upper Deck
MS Belle de Cadix Middle Deck
MS Belle de Cadix Main Deck

Middle Deck twin or double cabin with window

Upper Deck twin or double cabin with window

Maria Luisa Park, Seville

Drinks with meals included on cruise

Wine, beer, fruit juice, mineral water and one cup of tea or coffee.