Variety Cruises to Launch New Glories of Spain & Portugal Cruise in May 2017
Variety Cruises will launch Glories of Spain & Portugal, an eight day cruise aboard the 25-cabin Panorama II, in May 2017. Sailing on Saturdays between May 13 and October 21, 2017, the cruise takes passengers between Malaga, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal (or reverse), with excursions in Grenada, Ronda, Gibraltar, Seville and Jerez de la Frontera.
Along the way, travelers see UNESCO-classified monuments and architectural jewels like the Alhambra Palace, taste fine sherry and experience the region’s rich mix Spanish, Moorish and Portuguese cultural heritage. The cruise marks Variety Cruises’ first ever season in Spain & Portugal.
In Motril. travelers have the option to visit Grenada, one of the most fascinating cities in Europe and the last Muslim city to fall to the Christians in 1492. Here they visit the Alhambra, a series of palaces and gardens built under the Nazari Dynasty in the 14th Century. Sailing to Porto Banus, travelers can visit Ronda, a city which retains much of its historic charm, particularly its old town and the nearby 18th century Puente Nuevo. Ronda is also famous as the birthplace of modern bullfighting, today witnessed once a year at the occasion of the spectacular Feria Goyesca.
Continuing to Gibraltar, tour goers have the option of visiting the Rock for a breathtaking view of this British colony. In Seville, the optional excursion takes travelers to the Cathedral, the Alcazar Palace and its Andalusian gardens, the Maria Luisa Park and the quaint and elegant district of Santa Cruz. Later in the journey, the group visits Jerez de la Frontera, famous for its wines, horse breeding and flamenco music.
In Silves, largely destroyed by a 17th century earthquake, travelers will marvel at the centuries-old Moorish castle complex with an underground water reservoir, a 13th Century Cathedral built by Alfonso X of Castile on the site of a former Mosque and a 15th century bridge over the Rio Arade. Next travelling to the picturesque city of Monchique, travelers will walk through its cobbled streets with small doorways housing various artisan trades. and see a 17th century Franciscan monastery overlooking the town. The group sets sail for the grand city of Lisbon the next day.
Glories of Spain & Portugal will be available from $2290 – $3390 per person, based on double occupancy and depending on cabin class. Price includes buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail Hour and Captain’s Dinner, use of fishing and snorkelling equipment and the services of an English-Speaking Cruise Escort.
