NEW! Iberian Odyssey

Explore the seaside Andalusian city of Málaga, one of the oldest cities in the world, by motor coach and on foot. Your guide will explain the city’s rich history as you pass grand 19th-century buildings such as City Hall, the Old Justice Court and the Central Post Office. Witness the remnants of the 14th-century Gibralfaro Castle, a reminder of the legacy of the Moors. You will briefly stop here to take in superb views of the city below. Back in Málaga’s city center, continue on your walk past the ruins of a former Roman Theater and to the foot of the beautiful Alcazaba Palace, the best-preserved citadel in Spain. It was built during the 11th century and once served as a residence for Arabian caliphs. Afterward, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Experience the unspoiled nature and flavorful dishes of Andalusia on this excursion through southern Spain. Set out by motor coach for a Spanish finca, a rustic country residence where your hosts invite you to savor a traditional Andalusian breakfast of freshly farmed dairy, produce and fruit. Continue to the village of Alora, where you will stop at a bodega for some locally produced wine and cheese. Then follow a scenic road toward the Málaga Lake District. In this dreamy land of immense beauty, admire El Chorro Gorge, with its turquoise lakes surrounded by pine forests. After some time to take in this gorgeous canvas, stop at a local restaurant to sample delicious Spanish tapas. A fresh glass of tinto de verano, a drink with a red wine base, is a refreshing finale to your exciting and delicious tour. After this wonderful tasting, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Journey through the stunning Andalusian countryside to Granada and its spectacular complex of the Alhambra. Begin with a drive by motor coach to this historic site. Visit the many and varied chambers and halls of the palace complex, perched on an outcropping overlooking Granada. As you view its rich adornments and intricately carved stucco walls, knotted ceilings and elaborate honeycomb vaulting, your guide will share stories of the heady days when Spain ruled much of the New World. Take in the sight of its beautiful courtyards adorned with greenery, the “Serallo,” the official residence of the sultan and his harem, and the famous Patio de los Leones, or Court of the Lions. Enjoy the serenity and sweeping views of these lovely gardens where sultans and kings came to contemplate their destiny. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to your ship.

Stroll the spotless streets of two lovely seaside destinations—Marbella and Puerto Banús. Board your motor coach and set out for a drive with your guide along the scenic Costa del Sol to Marbella, a delightful town of labyrinthine streets. Quaint, white houses lend a bright and cheery atmosphere to its narrow warrens and gracious plazas. Linger a while in the Plaza de los Naranjos, or Orange Square. Laid out in 1485, the plaza is surrounded by the Town Hall, the Old Governor’s House and the Chapel of Santiago. Your route continues down the coast to the little port town of Puerto Banús, a yachting playground for the rich and famous. Here, you can take in the sight of its bustling marina, where row after row of glamorous sailing vessels bob in the crystal clear waters. Afterward, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Gain insight into the life, works and art techniques of Málaga native Pablo Picasso at the Buenavista Palace. After a short drive by motor coach, set out on foot for Plaza de la Merced, the birthplace of Picasso, passing some of Málaga’s parks, gardens and 12th-century architecture along the way. At the Museo Casa Natal (Birthplace Museum), located in the building where Picasso was born in 1881, browse its rotating collection of exhibits focused on Picasso to learn about the youth of this world-famous 20th-century artist. At the museum, take a private guided tour and admire some of Picasso’s work, donated from the private collections of the Picasso family and totaling almost 300 pieces. Hear more about the artist himself and study the techniques that he used in his work. After your visit, enjoy Spanish tapas and refreshments, before returning by foot to your awaiting ship.

Enjoy a captivating flamenco performance and a walking tour of historic landmarks in Málaga. Flamenco is a musical and dance style steeped in the folkloric traditions of southern Spain. It combines guitar playing, singing and dancing to create a lively and passionate art form. Embark on a scenic drive past the subtropical gardens of the city park to La Malagueta, a culturally significant bullring that hosted its first bullfight in 1876. Wind your way up the hillside to Gibralfaro Castle for sweeping views of the city and bay below; this hilltop has been the site of defensive fortifications since the 8th century BC. Return to the city center and head to a local venue for your flamenco performance. Enjoy a riveting and exuberant show while savoring tapas and a refreshing beverage. Afterward, continue your walk, passing the ruins of the Roman amphitheater and the Moorish-style Alcazaba Palace before returning to your ship.

Uncover the architectural history of Málaga, one of the oldest cities in the world, on this half-day tour. Begin with a panoramic drive, passing some of Spain’s finest examples of 12th-century Mudéjar and Gothic architecture and beautiful parks and gardens. Visit the famous Gibralfaro Castle, built in the first half of the 14th century, and enjoy spectacular views of the bay and the mountains from its hilltop position. Head down to the town and stop at the magnificent 11th-century Alcazaba palace-fortress, which was once the residence of the Arabian caliphs. Archaeological remains can be seen from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras, making this entire city an open museum exhibiting its 2,800-year-old past. Following a short walk, you will enjoy traditional tapas and a special musical performance by Tuna, a group of local musicians playing traditional instruments and singing popular songs.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

Head deep underground and high above the Mediterranean to the magnificent caves and historic village of Nerja. Journey with your guide to the Nerja Caves, a stunning world of natural and archaeological significance. Artifacts uncovered here point to human and animal habitation as far back as 25,000 BC. You can examine some of that evidence for yourself, but you will want to see the larger picture, too: massive stalagmites and stalactites, the world’s widest column found in a cave and a vast natural amphitheater used as a concert venue. Later, continue to Nerja’s Old Town of narrow, winding streets and quaint, white houses boasting picturesque terraces. See the heart of the village on a walking tour. After free time for shopping or gazing out to the Mediterranean from the Balcón de Europa, you will return to your ship.

Explore the evolution of the automobile and its effect on art and fashion at an eye-catching private museum. Embark on a scenic coastal drive by motor coach along the Alboran Sea, making a photo stop at Gibralfaro Hill for sweeping views of the harbor and your ship en route to the Automobile and Fashion Museum of Málaga. Located in the historic Tabacalera Building, this museum boasts a collection of more than 90 exclusive car models—Jaguar, Aston Martin, Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, Porsche and more—displayed throughout ten different themed rooms. The exposition mixes haute couture designs, contemporary art and models dressed in period fashions to convey the history of the automobile from its late 19th-century invention, to the stylish refinements of the 1920s and 1930s, to the alternative-energy concepts of today. Stroll through the different rooms, taking time to admire this eclectic mix of engineering and art before returning to your ship.

Discover the rich history and epic sights of the scenic hilltop city of Ronda. Drive through the beautiful Andalusian countryside and Guadalhorce valley to this ancient city, set atop steep cliffs. Its dramatic setting and complicated past has inspired a diverse range of artists, such as Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles and Giorgio Armani. Take a guided walk through the Moorish-influenced Old Town, strolling its maze of narrow cobblestone streets. Pass the 14th-century cathedral, originally built as a mosque, and admire the many white houses with imposing porticos and grilled windows. Cross over the Puente Nuevo bridge, which spans the mighty El Tajo gorge, to the Mercadillo. Visit one of Spain’s oldest bullrings and admire the views from the many parks and promenades that overlook the surrounding mountains. After lunch, you will return to your ship.

Venture on a fascinating full-day tour to Granada, the heart of southern Spain, and explore its architectural gems. You will begin your excursion with a drive over a mountain pass to reach Granada, where you will call at the Royal Chapel. Here lie Queen Isabella and her husband King Ferdinand—it was their wish to be buried in recaptured Granada rather than Castile or Aragón, the cities of their origin. Continue to the Granada Cathedral, situated within the heart of Granada’s historic center. This remarkable monument was constructed over a period of 181 years—celebrated for its blend of architectural styles, it features Gothic, baroque and Spanish Renaissance elements. Take in the views of its ornate facade, designed by Alonso Cano in the 17th century, before continuing to a nearby restaurant for a lunch of local dishes. After, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Discover the most charming and picturesque Andalusian village of the Costa del Sol, the town of Mijas. Nestled in the mountains at 1,400 feet above sea level, Mijas is a classic example of a pueblo blanco—its narrow, winding streets are lined with white houses topped with with terra-cotta roofs. Its elevation earned it the nickname “Mirador of the Costa del Sol,” or “Viewpoint of the Costa del Sol.” After a short drive, stroll its cobblestone streets and take in the views of these quaint houses decorated with wrought iron, bougainvillea and jasmine. Continue to the scenic viewpoint at El Compas, glimpsing ocean vistas along the way, before stopping at the 17th-century Chapel of the Virgin of the Rock. This tiny chapel carved into the hillside features a richly decorated interior. After your visit, sample traditional Spanish tapas before returning to your ship.