Huelva and the coast

Explore the Andalusian maritime city of Huelva which lies on the Gulf of Cadiz. It's been occupied by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Moors who were attracted by the port and the local mineral wealth. In the early 20th century geological interest was such that Huelva became a boom town, and many grand old buildings remain from this period. It is also famous for its connection to Christopher Columbus, and the Monumento a Colón commemorates his achievements. Tour the city by coach for an overview, then enjoy some time in the centre.

Half day

Guadiana River and Vila Real Portugal

Enjoy a scenic drive along part of the little-known Costa de la Luz, named ‘Coast of Light’ on account of its dazzling white sandy beaches and clear skies. The stretch of coast from the Portuguese frontier to the Doñana National Park is of great interest and diversity, with sand dunes, pinewoods and the estuaries of great rivers. You'll pause in Ayamonte, a quiet fishing town situated on the mouth of the Guadiana River, which forms the frontier between Spain and Portugal. A 15-minute ferry ride takes you across the Portuguese border to the administrative town of Vila Real de San Antonio.

Half day

Ayamonde and Vila Real

Information to follow.

Included on holidays departing after November 2019.

Half day

Cacela Velha and Tavira

Visit two the most picturesque towns on the Algarve’s east coast. The whitewashed buildings of Cacela Velha perch on a low cliff overlooking an estuary and the village remains refreshingly free from the trappings of tourism. Tavira is a larger town and is fantastically photogenic with its ruined castle, Gothic bell towers, shaded plazas and tiled houses.

half day

The pilgrimage town of El Rocio

El Rocío, a small town of white cottages, sandy streets and horse-drawn carriages is renowned for its pilgrimage-fair (the Romería del Rocío) which takes place at Whitsun. This extraordinary spectacle commemorates the miracle of Nuestra Señora del Rocío (Our Lady of the Dew) – a statue found on this spot which has resisted all attempts to move it elsewhere! The heart of the village is the Ermita del Rocío, a church that houses the miraculous statue itself, a tiny wooden image dressed in long, bejewelled robes. Also visit a typical Spanish bodega where you can taste local wines and have the opportunity to purchase local olive oil, vinegar and the local orange wine.

half day

Columbus Monastery

Information to follow.

Included on 14 nights or longer on holidays departing after November 2019.

Half day

Birdwatching

The wetlands of south-west Spain are one of the last refuges for many species of birds. As it's on the migration routes between Africa and Europe, it's also an important stopover for a large number of bird species on their travels. Join this birdwatching trip to spot some of the different species here.

Half day

El Rocío and Doñana National Park

El Rocío, a tiny village of white cottages, is renowned for its pilgrimage fair (the Romería del Rocío) which takes place at Whitsun. This extraordinary spectacle commemorates the miracle of Nuestra Señora del Rocío (Our Lady of the Dew) – a statue found on this spot which has resisted all attempts to be moved elsewhere! The heart of the village is the Ermita del Rocío, a church that houses the miraculous statue itself, a tiny wooden image dressed in long, bejewelled robes. You'll continue to Doñana, the greatest of the surviving European wetlands, where herons, egrets and spoonbills share the marshy spaces with flamingos, ducks and avocets. Almost 130 species breed in Doñana and many more pass through during migration. In order to protect the delicate environment, tours are conducted in special vehicles.

Full day

Seville

Seville is the largest city in Andalusia and traces its history back to the Carthaginians and the Romans. After capturing it from the Moors in 1248, the Castilian monarchs made it their southern capital. During the 16th century, the city grew rich with the rapid growth of trade with the Americas. Famous buildings in the city include the vast gothic cathedral, the largest in Spain, which incorporates the Orange Tree Court and Giralda minaret from the mosque originally on the site. Another is the Alcazar, the former palace of the Moorish emirs that was rebuilt in its present form by Pedro the Cruel in the 14th century. Entrance fees are not included.

Full day