Explore Andalucia by Little Boats

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Explore Andalucia by Little Boats

JOURNEY ALONG SPANISH WATERS

Embrace a slower pace as you travel by water and land across southern Spain, pausing to sip sherry on piazzas while taking in the ancient sites. From your base, Jerez de la Frontera, the city of flamenco dancing, fine sherry, and horses, you’ll embark on experiences to engage in local life. Gaze in awe as the famous ‘dancing stallions’ perform at the Royal Andalusian Equestrian School, wine taste in a bodega and tuck into tapas at shaded, open-air eateries. Seville with its collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and orange tree-ringed piazzas is next on the itinerary, and a cruise across the Guadalquivir River allows you to take in the sights from a different angle. A boat trip in a traditional barge to Doñana National Park, a birdwatchers’ paradise, is followed by a visit to ancient Cádiz, sailing in a catamaran to medieval Rota, and an optional excursion to Marbella’s world-famous marina, Puerto Banus, by water.

Holiday Highlights

Set off on a tour of Jerez de la Frontera, known for its history of sherry production, flamenco dancing and fine horses
Watch the famous ‘dancing stallions’ perform at the Royal Andalusian Equestrian School
Sip on port and sherry wine while learning about the production during a visit to the House of Sandeman
Discover the highlights of Seville with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and orange tree-ringed piazzas
Sail along the Guadalquivir River to take in the scenery from the water
Join an optional tour of the white villages through the picturesque countryside
Travel in a traditional barge to the Doñana National Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise
Wander around the charming seaside town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Explore the ancient port city of Cádiz, the oldest in Western Europe
Travel in a catamaran to Rota, with its castle and historic landmarks
Experience fashionable Marbella and a boat trip to Puerto Banus on an optional excursion

What's Included

Seven nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the four-star Hipotels Sherry Park in Jerez de la Frontera
Seven breakfasts
A guided walking tour of Jerez de la Frontera
A visit to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and show
Sherry and port wine tasting at The House of Sandeman
A guided walking tour of Seville
A boat trip across the Guadalquivir River to view Seville
A guided walking tour of Sanlúcar de Barrameda
A boat trip across the Guadalquivir River in a traditional barge to the Doñana National Park
A guided tour of Cádiz, and a catamaran boat trip to Rota, with a walking tour
Return flights from the UK to Spain
Return airport-to-hotel transfers
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Itinerary

Day 1

You’ll touch down in southern Spain’s Andalucía region and be met by your tour manager before being transferred to your hotel in Jerez de la Frontera. Upon arrival at Hipotels Sherry Park, you’ll receive a refreshing welcome drink and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Perhaps take a dip in the palm tree-lined pool and enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.

Day 2

Following breakfast, a day of activities awaits, and you’ll first be transferred to the heart of Jerez de la Frontera for a walking tour. Your guide will lead you around the streets and piazzas of this lesser-known city, a hidden gem rich in history with a beautifully preserved old town. At its historic centre, you’ll discover Alcázar de Jerez, a Moorish fortress, which was built in the 11th century and is bounded by a pretty estate. The Catedral de Jerez is another highlight and was only built in the 17thcentury, despite looking medieval with its striking bell tower. Jerez is also home to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, and you’ll be dropped off here to see where some of the finest horses are bred, trained, and taught to dance. It’s one of the most prestigious classical riding academies in the world and it seeks to conserve the ancestral abilities of Andalusian horses. You’ll get to watch a show of the ‘dancing stallions’ during your visit, as well as walk around the grounds. There will be a break for lunch, where you can wander to one of the many tapas bars to refuel – we recommend trying fresh langoustines, a local favourite. The tour will then resume with an activity to celebrate the city’s long heritage of port and sherry production, as you’ll make a stop at the House of Sandeman, behind the school, for a tasting and to learn about the fermentation process and the different styles. Later in the day, you’ll return to the hotel to enjoy a relaxed evening.

Day 3

Post-breakfast, prepare to discover more of this corner of Spain’s cultural and natural splendours, as you’ll be driven to Seville. This lively, colourful city, abounding with grand monuments, and famed for flamenco dancing will be soaked up with the help of a guided walking tour. Traverse its narrow lanes, bordered with tightly packed shops, cafés, and bars by foot, pausing to rest in the shade of an orange tree-ringed piazza. Towering over Seville, the Giralda bell tower is unmissable, as is the Royal Alcázars of Seville, a royal palace in Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its chambers, towers, and gardens adorned in vibrant Moorish tiles. The Cathedral of Seville, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest churches in the world, as well as the largest Gothic church, and houses 80 chapels. The city’s biggest and most eye-pleasing piazza, Plaza de España, built in 1928, will also be sought out, with its canal, mosaic-lined alcoves, trickling fountains, and Venetian-inspired bridges. You’ll then have a break for lunch, which is best enjoyed in the tapas bars of the old town and complemented by a cold beer or glass of wine – tapas is an integral part of life in Seville after all. Your last excursion of today is a boat ride across the Guadalquivir River, and you’ll be driven to a dock to board. Observing Seville from the water provides a different view of the sights. Sit back and take in the landmarks on the banks while learning more about the city’s history. This evening, you’ll return to your hotel to unwind and have dinner.

Day 4

Today after breakfast, you can choose to spend the day at your leisure, perhaps taking advantage of the facilities at your hotel or setting off to explore the surrounding area. Alternatively, you can join an optional white villages (pueblos blancos) tour, which takes you through the provinces and picturesque countryside of Cádiz. On the way, you’ll call at some of the white-washed houses built in a Moorish style and set into the hillside. Each charming village features its own collection of castles, churches, and archaeological sites, and is surrounded by rows of olive trees and sprawling Andalusian plains. The coach will then drop you back at your hotel to take it easy in the evening.

Day 5

Rise for breakfast and you’ll then be picked up and driven to Bajo de Guia beach. From here, you’ll board a traditional barge and set off to the Doñana National Park, a nature reserve, one of Europe’s most important wetlands, and a major site for migrating African and European birds. You can amble around this UNESCO World Heritage Site, observing the diversity of ecosystems, including pine forests, lagoons, marshlands, and pristine white beaches, abounding with wildlife. In the centre of the park, you’ll also visit Palacio del Acebron, an old hunting lodge, which houses the national park visitor centre. There will then be a break for lunch – heading to the seafront promenade of Playa de Matalascañas bordered with bars and restaurants is recommended. After lunch, you’ll return to Bajo de Guia beach before travelling to the small seaside town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Here, you’ll be taken around on a walking tour, passing by ancient sites, sherry bars, for which it’s known, and the pretty squares, like Plaza de Cabildo, with its mosaic stone floor and fountain. Castillo de Santiago, originally built in the 1400s, is another point of interest, as well as Nuestra Señora de la O in Barrio Alto, a charming church. In the evening, you’ll head back to your hotel to relax and perhaps have a refreshing swim in the pool before dinner.

Day 6

Enjoy breakfast ahead of exploring southern Spain further today. You’ll begin by being transferred to Cádiz, where you’ll experience a morning walking tour of the ancient port city, the oldest in Western Europe. During this time, you’ll learn about the town’s 3,000-year-old history, how it is now the home of the Spanish Navy, and currently features 100 watchtowers. Heading to the waterfront, you’ll see the striking Cádiz Cathedral, with its neoclassical and baroque elements. The city’s historic centre is particularly attractive, made up of a maze of narrow lanes and squares. It’s a good idea to seek out a lunch spot in this area, or head to Mercado Central de Abastos, Spain’s oldest fish market for a dish of fresh, grilled seafood. Afterwards, you’ll have some free time at your disposal to potter around. Perhaps call at Cádiz’s most famous beach, Playa de La Caleta, for an iced tipple and to laze in the sun or to the shopping streets around the Plaza de las Flores to pick up some souvenirs. You’ll then head to the port and board a catamaran before sailing across the Atlantic waters to Rota. A guide will take you by coach beyond this seaside town’s medieval-like ramparts to see some of the historic buildings, including the 13th-century Castillo de Luna, and the San Roque Church, home to the statue of the town's patron saint. The fish market, Pesquero Astaroth, is another interesting sight, as is Torre de la Merced, a bell tower overlooking the town. As the day ends, you’ll be driven to your hotel for dinner and to relax.

Day 7

Once you’ve had breakfast, you can decide to embrace another day at leisure or join the optional Marbella excursion. This outing will begin in the morning, and you’ll be driven to Marbella, a city and fashionable resort area set on Costa del Sol, with the Sierra Blanca Mountains in the background. After arriving, you’ll venture on a guided tour, leaving the ‘Golden Mile’ of stylish hotels, bustling clubs, and lively beach bars for the 15th-century old town, with its whitewashed houses and colourful flower displays. The Plaza de los Naranjos in the old town dates to 1485 and is especially appealing with its assortment of orange trees, palms, and tropical plants. Why not take a seat in one of the open-air eateries for lunch before browsing the boutique clothing stores? Alameda Park, tucked in the middle of the city, provides a tranquil and welcoming retreat with its brightly coloured ceramic benches and a trickling fountain. Paseo Maritima, the snaking seafront promenade, is also perfect for taking in the sea breeze in between exploring. You’ll get to view the Iglesia de la Encarnación (Church of our lady of Incarnation), the Marbella castle, and the Moorish walls too. Your last activity will be a boat trip to Puerto Banus, Marbella’s world-famous marina, known for its beach clubs and nightlife. Luxury yachts satiate the harbour and trendy alfresco restaurants, and high-end shops border the streets. You’ll have some time to roam while keeping an eye out for visiting celebrities before returning to your hotel by coach.

Day 8

After breakfast, you’ll check out of the hotel and be transferred to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have and if special assistance is needed at the airport.

Entrance fees

Generally, all entrance fees are included in your holiday price. If we do not include the entrance fee to an attraction, this will be advised on your Final Travel Documents. The entrance fee will be payable locally where applicable.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction, or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Foreign Office Travel Advise

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Hotel transfer times

On arrival and departure days, the transfer time from and to the airport from your hotel is approximately one hour and thirty minutes from Seville Airport and two hours thirty minutes from Malaga Airport.

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.

Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.

Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").

Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.

European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

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