In the early hours of the morning, we navigate the waters of the Guadalquivir River arriving at Spain’s most famous southern city, Seville, mid-morning*. The Guadalquivir has been a central part of Seville’s history and a launchpad for significant voyages. From its banks, explorers like Ferdinand Magellan embarked on their landmark journeys, including Magellan’s famous 1519 expedition to circumnavigate the globe. The river was also crucial for trade, linking Seville with distant lands and shaping global commerce.
In the 8th century, the Moors—a diverse brotherhood of Arabs, Berbers, and North Africans—arrived on the Iberian Peninsula and, like a child leaving home, remained away from their homelands for nearly 700 years. They brought with them a spirit of tolerance, coexisting peacefully with Christian and Jewish communities while ruling over the land through small kingdoms characterized by castle-topped villages and fortified cities. Their remarkable contributions in mathematics, astronomy, and Moorish architecture left a lasting mark on Europe.
The southern region of Andalusia was their crowning achievement, with Seville standing out as its jewel. On our excursion, we'll navigate the narrow Guadalquivir River to reach Seville, immersing ourselves in its vibrant atmosphere both day and night. Much of the city's allure comes from its Moorish legacy, with the unique Mudejar style—blending Moorish and Christian architecture—visible throughout its streets, squares, and majestic buildings, showcasing its rich history. We moor at the city port, which is within walking distance of the city centre.
Choose to spend your time in Seville, combine time spent in the city independently with a visit to the nearby medieval city of Carmona, or join us for an unforgettable experience as we attend a Flamenco show, immersing ourselves in one of Spain’s most iconic traditions. We sail mid-evening, returning to the river and following its path to the coast, where it meets the sea at Cadiz. (*as Seville is a piloted port our arrival time will not be confirmed until closer to our date of arrival, therefore the times of the excursions may need to be adjusted)
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
Option 1 - Afternoon experience: Walking the Heart of Seville
Our local guide tells a tale of Seville supported by a host of history’s famed conquerors, stories of the ‘new world’ and a clash of cultures should read as famous as the buildings we visit. Built in the 14th century as a Mudejar style palace, The Alcázar is the oldest European monarchial residence still in use. Moorish influences join forces with tokens of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque style added by later Christian kings, all with harmonious charm. Islam and Christianity vied for power in this city, with the might of Christianity being victorious by building Europe’s third largest cathedral right over the top of a 12th century mosque. The largest Gothic structure in the world, the cathedral houses many famous souls. In 1899, 400 years after his death, the renowned explorer, Christopher Columbus, finally found an eternal place to rest, in Seville Cathedral. Towering over the cathedral is Seville’s crowning glory – UNESCO World Heritage listed Giralda tower, which was inspired by Marrakech’s Katoubia mosque. Christian overlords allowed this Islamic minaret to remain albeit as the cathedral’s bell tower. Its top storey heralds a Renaissance motif, that was added in the 16th century, affording travellers one of the greatest cityscapes throughout Spain. Our stroll of Seville continues through the Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville’s once-thriving Jewish quarter. This maze of alleyways is full of plazas, tile-covered patios, and whitewashed houses draped in flowers, leading us to Plaza de España, Seville’s spectacular central square – the perfect end to a delightful amble through Seville.
Option 2 – Afternoon experience: The Medieval Town of Carmona
Situated on the plains of the river Corbones, Carmona tells a tale of the various cultures that have populated the peninsula throughout its extensive history. Churches, palaces, and city walls form part of the city’s heritage in its historic quarter, dominated by the imposing Alcazar. Its impenetrable Gate of Seville is a warning to marauding armies. A testament to sound engineering this ancient gatehouse dates to the ninth century and thanks its solid design to the Romans, and its horseshoe archways to the Moors. Indeed, the culture of all the inhabitants of the peninsula, whether they be the western Mediterranean peoples, the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Moors and, finally, the Christians, can be said to have been engraved on the ashlar stone of Carmona’s Gate of Seville. We explore the town before returning to Seville, where you have the afternoon to explore independently.
Option 3 – Half day experience: Tapas Hopping Seville
Experience the true spirit of Seville as you enjoy a delightful lunch of tapas. Feel like a local as you savour acorn-fed Iberian ham, freshly grilled tapas, and other local specialties. This culinary adventure offers a delicious glimpse into Seville’s vibrant food culture and traditions, rounding off your exploration with authentic local flavour. (Due to logistical constraints, this tour cannot be combined with our afternoon experiences.)
Option 4 - Afternoon experience: The Art of Flamenco
The artform of flamenco combines song, guitar and dance as it weaves its story, rousing an emotional reaction from its audience. Originally performed by the Roma peoples of Andalusia, flamenco creates a state of mind that is difficult to ignore. Its musical style, where the lyrics often express loneliness and heartbreak, can be compared to the US blues scene with the intensity of the performance stirring deep sentiment. Late this afternoon, we immerse ourselves in tales of the past, told by Seville’s master storytellers in the form of music and dance as we embrace the fervour of flamenco.
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