Passage to Andalucia - A Voyage from Oporto to Malaga

Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky. Sail this evening.

Located at the mouth of the Modego River, Figueira da Foz is one of central Portugal’s prime beach resorts. However, the reason for our call is to visit the nearby city of Coimbra, the Medieval capital of Portugal for over 100 years. On a walking tour we will view the stunning buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries before we head to the university which was recently appointed UNESCO status. Founded in the 13th century we will see the Chapel of Sao Miguel and the Joanine Library which houses over 300,000 works dating back to the 16th century. After a local lunch, you can choose to return to Figueira da Foz or remain in Coimbra to explore further independently.

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marquis de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square. During our morning panoramic tour we will see the Monument to the Discoveries and Belem Tower. Alternatively, a full day tour will visit the Alentejo region which will begin with a drive to Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where a walking tour will explore the sights and Medieval history of this enchanting city. Evora is one of the oldest towns in the Alentejo region and we will see the well preserved Roman Temple, St Francisco Church and the Chapel of Bones before exploring the charming squares. Alentejo is also a highly respected wine region traditionally growing red wines from the Tempranillo and Trincadeira grapes. We will enjoy lunch in a vineyard including a tasting before we return to the MS Hebridean Sky via the picturesque port of Setubal.

Spend a leisurely day on board cruising. Maybe join our Guest Speaker in the lounge or find a spot on deck.

Having sailed up the lower reaches of the Guadalquivir River in the early morning to the vibrant city of Seville, we will enjoy a morning walking tour to explore the city’s greatest monuments. Enter the Alcazar Palace with its ornate Moorish interiors and exotic terraced garden. Built by Pedro the Cruel in the 14th century with the help of Moorish craftsmen, it is still used as a residence by the King of Spain. We also visit the imposing La Giralda, Seville’s cathedral, reputed to be the largest Gothic style church in the world with its distinctive Moorish tower. We return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and the afternoon is at leisure to explore further at your own pace before we sail back down the Guadalquivir River in the early evening.

Arrive over breakfast in North Africa and the port of Tangier. A short drive will bring us to the Donabo Gardens located on the coast with wonderful sea views. Divided into ten sections we can explore the Moroccan garden that celebrates the tradition of tea, the maze of mints where multiple varieties blend their fragrances along the alleys, a rose garden thriving in the cool shade and a pollinator’s garden purposely designed to attract bees. Later we can explore the city where on a walking tour we will visit the Medina, enjoy the views from the Kasbah situated at the highest point of Tangier, and wander through the Grand Souk.

Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Itineraries are subject to change.