Compare Cruising to the Heart of Seville and Bordeaux by Titan Travel vs Country Roads of Andalucia - Small Group, 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 14 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 2,526 | $ 3,375 |
| Price Per Day | $ 180 | $ 375 |
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| Trip Style | Large ship cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities | N/A | N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | See the differences between Spain’s north and south on this fantastic journey around mainland Europe’s North Atlantic coastline. Heading first across the Bay of Biscay, we meet the north coast of Spain at Avilés, in the heart of the largely unknown but remarkably beautiful region of Asturias. Vigo is next, home to one of the finest natural ports in the world and an important part of Spain’s maritime industry for centuries, something that cannot go unnoticed as you wander through its old streets. Heading south we reach Seville, a glorious culmination of centuries-old influences, and then Cadiz, one of Europe’s oldest cities, with a skyline of watchtowers and bell towers. Returning north we stop overnight in France, to soak up the elegant city of Bordeaux. | See the best of Andalucía on this 9-day guided tour that whisks you from Malaga to Seville. In the Malaga province, cruise the coastal route of Costa del Sol until you reach the hillside town of Mijas. When you reach Ronda, cross the New Bridge, which spans across a 300-foot-deep gorge, and at sustainable olive farm, taste award-winning olive oils. Walk the sea walls of Cadiz, separating the ocean from the oldest settlement in Europe. In Seville, stomp your feet to the sounds of an acoustic guitar during a private flamenco dance lesson, then dine in the Lonja Del Barranco market, choosing delectable regional treats until you have built a tapas feast. Visit the Doñana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a refuge for the endangered Spanish imperial eagle, whose wingspan can grow to more than seven feet. |
Day 1 Southampton
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to Southampton, where our staff will greet you and assist with embarking Braemar (3T+) in preparation for a late evening sailing.
Day 2 At sea
A day at sea, giving you time to relax and familiarise yourself with the extensive facilities on board.
Day 3 Avilés, Spain
Avilés may have turned away from its roots as a maritime and farming town, and focused on steel and iron industries, but this scenic city still holds onto its heritage from centuries past. Head into the largely pedestrianised Old Town to roam amongst the historic squares and plazas, home of architectural gems including the Palacio de Valdecarzana, a 14th century Gothic merchant house, and Camposagrado Palace, the baroque-style home of the Marquises of Camposagrado until it became a military barracks in the 19th century.
Day 4 Vigo
Vigo boasts a beautiful natural port, which has played an essential part in Spain’s maritime history. Many of the city’s attractions reflect the influence of the sea, from the narrow streets of Cidade Vella, lined with old fishing houses, to large fish markets, a statue of inspiring adventure novelist Jules Verne, an imposing sculpture called El Sireno (The Merman) and the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria, a neoclassical cathedral built on the site of a grand Gothic church that was burnt down by Sir Francis Drake. Maybe stroll through the flourishing old town, or savour the many green parks.
Day 5 At sea
Relax aboard as we sail around the coast of Portugal towards the Guadalquivir River.
Day 6-7 Seville (overnight)
Early this morning we dock in the heart of Seville, a Roman city boasting three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Docking here overnight and departing late in the evening of day 7 allows you plenty of time to absorb this glorious city. This Roman port is best known as a powerful city of the Moors Empire. As you explore the town, you will find reminders of this, although many buildings have been remodelled with Renaissance and Mudéjar styles. Alcázares Reales, one of the oldest European Royal Palaces still in use, is just one of the UNESCO-listed attractions here, noted for the harmonic amalgamation of influences through the centuries. The city’s famous cathedral is also recognised by UNESCO for its historical and cultural importance. The world’s biggest Gothic building contains the tomb of Christopher Columbus and some wonderful works of art. You may like to visit the spectacular Royal Tobacco Factory, setting of the opera Carmen by Bizet, or stroll through beautiful Parque de Maria Luisa, filled with hundreds of exotic trees, flower beds, ponds and grand pavilions.
Day 8 Cádiz
Cádiz is considered Europe’s oldest continually inhabited city, founded around 1100 BC. As you may expect, there is plenty to see here, but be sure to spend time ambling in the jumble of streets that form the ancient centre. Cádiz is all but cut off from the mainland, and has a coastline of eroded sea walls and lovely beaches, plus two controversially restored castles. The city also had 160 watchtowers, 129 of which still stand. In the 18th century, every merchant added a tower to his house as a sign of prosperity. Torre Tavira was Cádiz’s official watchtower when it was constructed in 1778, and today makes a wonderful viewing platform to look out over the city’s rooftops, including the castles and the orange cupola of the impressive cathedral, a baroque-neoclassical treasure well worth visiting.
Day 9-10 At sea
Day 11 Bordeaux, France (overnight)
Stretched along the banks of the rivers of Aquitaine is Bordeaux, a ‘City of Art and History’. A large portion of the elegant city centre is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ‘outstanding urban and architectural ensemble’, with 362 historic monuments to discover, including some dating to Roman times. We arrive early this morning and remain overnight, to allow time to enjoy the art museums and the lofty views from the gargoyled belfry of Pey Berland or the flamboyant, freestanding Gothic belltower of the Basilica of St Michael. The city is most famous for wine, and a visit to Musée du Vin et du Négoce or La Cité du Vin celebrates every aspect of wine production with exhibitions on grape varieties and cultivation, ancient wine trade and, of course, the opportunity to try a glass.
Day 12 Bordeaux - Cruising Gironde and Garonne Rivers
Our cruise continues mid-morning, with beautiful views of the French countryside as we cruise along the Gironde and Garonne rivers.
Day 13 At sea
Take time to relax on your return voyage to the UK.
Day 14 Southampton
We disembark after breakfast and you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.
Day 1: Welcome to Andalucia
Transfers to your hotel depart from Málaga airport at 11:30, 13:00 and 15:00. Malaga is the cultural gateway to Andalucia with its sleek port and the street-art-cloaked streets of its edgy Soho district. At 17:30, join your Travel Director for an orientation of Málaga. See the Alcazaba, a hallmark of the city’s Moorish past. This citadel dates back to the 11th century, and the Roman Theatre sits by the entrance. Your Welcome Dinner is served at a local restaurant, with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant evening with wine.
Day 2: The Soul of Andalucia Relaxed Start
Journey through Málaga province. Relax as you travel the scenic route along the Costa del Sol through high end resorts where the rich and famous holiday. Your journey continues through the green hills to the white-washed village of Mijas. Stroll through the old streets and gardens and take in the views of the coast. Stop in LA Organic, a sustainable and gastronomic olive farm offering a unique experience. Enjoy tasting the refined and delicate flavours of this award-winning olive oil, before an alfresco terrace lunch, overlooking the picturesque seascape. Feast on the freshest farm-to-table flavours as you tuck into local produce, harvested that day from the hillside gardens. Arrive in Ronda, often referred to as 'the soul of Andalucia'. Once an important cultural centre filled with mosques and palaces, it has inspired many poets and writers, including Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles. Walk just a few steps from your perfectly located hotel through Puente Nuevo, the New Bridge, which spans a gorge over 300 feet deep, and see Alameda del Tajo park.
Day 3: Through National Parks to Jerez
Cross the Grazalema National Park, an area of natural beauty scattered with mountains and oak forests. Stop in clifftop Arcos de la Frontera, Andalucia’s hidden gem. The mystery that resides within the high city walls and huge churches scattered around the city often intrigues the visitor. Spend time wandering through the serene alleyways and alongside elegant palaces, and appreciate the sheer cliff-plunging views from the parador. Continue on to Jerez-de-la-Frontera, your home for the next three nights. Learn more about Jerez in an orientation and see this city that is a bit of an underdog compared to its more famous neighbours. See the impressive 12th century Moorish Alcázar, the stately Plaza del Arenal and the romantic Plaza de la Yebra.
Day 4: Sherry in Jerez Relaxed Start
Celebrate Jerez, a city famous for its Sherry. Explore the Sherry making heritage of Jerez, the city’s most famous and sought-after export, on a tasting tour in the Old Town. The rest of the day is free to further explore. Perhaps visit the gypsy-flamenco neighbourhood of Santiago, a labyrinth of beautifully scruffy townhouses and attractive squares?
Day 5: Exploring Cádiz Relaxed Start
Today is dedicated to exploring the province of Cádiz. Stop in quiet Medina Sidonia, often overlooked by visitors. It was once the seat of the Duques de Medina Sidonia, one of Spain's most powerful families. Make sure to try Alfajores, the area’s famous honey and almond cakes made in the Arab tradition. Continue to seaside Cádiz. Founded as Gadir by the Phoenicians circa 1100 BC, it is generally considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. See the cathedral, Teatro Romano and the monumental Puerta de Tierra. Watch the Atlantic waves crash against eroded sea walls, as you walk along Paseo Maritimo. During free time, find out what makes Cádiz a leading gastronomic capital and be sure to try fresh fried fish and seafood. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 6: Seville, The City of Carmen
A short drive north takes you to Seville. Explore Seville with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Seville's Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus, with a Local Expert. Alternatively, join a scenic drive around the city and a short walk through the narrow lanes of the Santa Cruz Quarter to enjoy a refreshing beverage. Visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant, for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This private dance school is dedicated to promoting the conservation of flamenco and supports young enthusiasts from all over the world with a special focus on new talent from the Andalusian region. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson before witnessing emotions come to life in a flamenco performance. Head to the nearby market for an enthralling tapas tour for dinner.
Day 7: Doñana National Park
Doñana National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to a unique ecosystem that is considered one of most important natural protected areas in Europe. A key crossroads for migratory bird routes between Africa and Europe, it is also the last refuge for many endangered species, such as the Spanish imperial eagle. A vast spectacle awaits, as sand dunes meet marshes, lagoons, pine and oak forests. Embark on a fascinating bird-watching tour with a naturalist guide for a chance to see rare species and unique landscapes. Return to Seville, where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 8: The Costa Del Sol Relaxed Start
Bid farewell to Seville. Continue along sunny Costa del Sol to your resort hotel for a final day to enjoy the beautiful views across the Mediterranean. Spend the day relaxing at the beach or by the hotel pool. This evening, celebrate the end of your Andalucian adventures and newfound friends, at a Celebration Dinner served in a local restaurant. Buen provecho!
Day 9: Farewell Málaga
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Malaga airport at 07:00 and 10:00.
