Moorish Wonders of Guadalquivir & the Bay of Cadiz3rd Sep 2026
From:£3,830
Summary
Exploring Andalucia and the Algarve on a cruise
Called the Baetis in the Roman period, the Guadalquivir is the most important river in Spain, not just because it is the country’s only navigable river but because it flows through Andalucia, the heartbeat of Iberian history. The current name of the river derives from the Arabic wadi al kabir, or great river, bestowed on it by the Moors who settled in the area from the 8th century onwards. The river acted as a conduit of trade and culture over millennia of history, allowing great cities to flourish in the magnificent epochs which graced Andalucia. Originating in the mountains of the Jaen province, the Guadalquivir empties itself in the Gulf of Cadiz, through a plethora of cities which forged Spanish history, including those that were the homeland of Roman emperors and others which reached their peak when the region was known as Al Andalus. You will travel back as far as the Phoenicians, who founded both Cadiz, as well as the lesser-known city of Huelva, and will admire the wonderful site of Italica, which is famed not only for its remains but for its giving rise to the emperors Trajan and Hadrian. We will also explore the great Moorish cities of Seville, Cordoba and Granada to consider the period in which the rich cities of Andalucia were at the forefront of science and culture.
The price shown on this page is for a Main Deck Cabin. To find out if other cabin types are available please call us or click on 'book now'.
Please note that the itinerary can be subject to change before the cruise departs or during the cruise depending on adjusted sailing times/and or any port restrictions.
What to Expect
- Admire the Alhambra dubbed by Arabic poets ‘the pearl set in emeralds’ and unique example of Moorish architecture transformed into a Renaissance palace in the 16th century
- Explore Italica, the oldest Roman city outside of Italy, and home to stunningly preserved remains unencumbered by later periods
- Examine the historic remains of Cadiz, including its extraordinary Phoenician and Roman remains
- Visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, a colourful blend of Islamic and Renaissance architecture
Day by Day Itinerary
London - Seville
We fly to Seville this morning. Before embarking our cruise, we visit one of the most important Roman sites in Spain, Italica located just outside the modern-day city of Seville. The birthplace of two of Rome’s greatest emperors, Trajan and Hadrian, the city was founded in the 3rd century BCE by the Roman general Scipio Africanus. It is one the best preserved in Spain and includes an amphitheatre, a number of elite houses, as well as a Traianeum, a shrine to the important emperor who was born there. The visible remains today derive from the Hadrianic period when the city was enlarged and given the status of colonia.
Meals includedLunch, Dinner
Enquire about this tour
Have a question? Our team of travel experts is here to help. Simply complete the form, and one of our specialists will be in touch with the information you need. Whether you’re looking for details about the itinerary, availability, or what’s included, we’ll provide the answers and guidance to help you plan with confidence.
