OVERVIEW

Come visit the Albufera Natural Park and learn about its importance and how specialists work on the conservation and the biodiversity of species in the area. Although you may have visited La Albufera on previous occasions, this time, we are going to discover La Gola de El Pujol, a very particular area inside the park and the most popular gully. The historical route of the Gola del Pujol is a short walk of about 40 minutes over 700 metres and 8 stops, which runs parallel to the Gola del Pujol, a gorge that joins the Albufera lake with the sea. The path, fitted out with non-slip wood, leads from the gates in front of the famous jetty - one of the most photographed spots in Valencia - to the Estany del Pujol, an artificial pond that has existed since 1970 and has now been converted into a protected spot for the birds that visit the area - it is of vital importance for many species - and bathing in this area is prohibited. You’ll walk under the shade of pinewoods and discover many endemic species of plants and insects. On the shore of the lagoon there is a jetty and a very interesting viewpoint, which provides a panoramic view of the Albufera.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a specialized guide through the national park in a discovery of biodiversity and conservation.
• Gain insight into how the land was transformed from rice fields into freshwater wetlands.
• Cruise through the reserve in a boat and observe the abundant water birds.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Stroll through a bustling market taking note of the ingredients and then join a chef who will show you how to prepare paella from scratch, an iconic dish that will be your lunch. The items at the Central Market are locally sourced, so they truly represent the ingredients found in the regional cuisine. After meandering through the stalls, interacting with the vendors and sampling some of the delicacies, you will walk to a nearby restaurant for a paella workshop. The chef will show you step by step how to prepare authentic paella Alicante-style. You will have seen many of the ingredients in the market, which will make the preparation all the more relevant. Although the city of Valencia just to the north is known as the birthplace of paella, the version made in Alicante is much the same. Feel free to ask questions as the chef prepares the meal, which you will dine on afterwards.

Become familiar with the agricultural practices of Ecofinca Nogales, an organic farm that grows fruits and vegetables using sustainable methods that respect the environment. While touring the family-operated farm, you will see firsthand how the produce is grown without chemicals that may damage the quality of the soil. Compost tea, livestock manure and plant debris are used as an organic fertilizer that over time improve the fertility of the land. The farm has also optimized its irrigation system to reduce water consumption and meticulously recorded its carbon footprint to see how it might be lessened. As a result, everything grown at Ecofinca Nogales is certified to be ecologically responsible and sustainable. The variety and distinct flavors of the produce may surprise you. During the tasting that follows the guided tour, you may sample Pinkerton avocados, Red Lady papayas and aubergines.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit an organic farm that strictly follows sustainable practices.
• See how the farm’s water consumption and carbon footprint have been reduced.
• Taste a variety of fruits and vegetables grown using traditional, eco-friendly methods.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Spend free time exploring a series of sea caves and an inland village that was the island’s first capital. The Ajuy sea caves are on the other side of Fuerteventura and on the way to this natural monument you will get a genuine feel for the island’s volcanic landscape. To reach the voluminous caves, you will follow a short trail through bizarrely shaped, fossilized dunes. The caves’ gaping entries will be quite the sight as will the geological wonders inside. The stone towers that you will see along the walkways are old lime kilns that were used when many of the local residences were constructed. Time will also be allotted for you to meander through Betancuria, a village that French explorer Jean de Béthencourt founded in 1404. Although the Norman Gothic-style Church of Santa María de Betancuria is the architectural highlight, the Museum of Sacred Art is also well worth browsing.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through the high-ceilinged Ajuy Sea Caves, a Canary Islands natural park.
• Stroll at your leisure through the village of Betancuria, the island’s first capital.
• Marvel at the island’s volcanic landscape as you travel to and from its western coast.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover the allure of the UNESCO World Heritage Site city of Santiago de Compostela on this full day tour.

Traveling by coach, it's a comfortable ride of just over 1 hour to this charming town that offers visitors a magical glimpse into the past. Upon arrival, you will disembark your coach for a ten-minute walk to the center of the city where you will find the famous cathedral at Plaza del Obradoiro. Here, you can appreciate the great Romanesque architecture of the Cathedral and surrounding buildings. Positioned to one side of the Cathedral is the well-known Hostal de Los Reyes Catolicos, a former hospital which is now a luxurious hotel. Directly opposite the Cathedral is the Palacio de Rajoy. Built in the 18th century, the Palace today serves as the Town Hall and also the parliament building for the regional government.

Making your way to the Hostal de Los Reyes Católicos, you will be treated to a leisurely lunch of local favorites accompanied by a glass of rosé wine. Following lunch, your guide will provide you with plenty of information from the exterior of the Cathedral. Afterwards, those who wish may enter the Cathedral independently during the free time you will be provided. For those who choose to enter, you will find a unique gamut of architectural styles. Romanesque, Baroque and Ogival Gothic styles are all combined with the most elegant Plateresque throughout the vast confines of the cathedral. There is also a silver urn containing the ashes of St. James, the Apostle of Santiago. The urn is kept in a small crypt situated immediately under the ornate high altar dominated by the carved image of the Patron Saint of Spain.

Your guided tour resumes with a walk through the Old Town of Santiago de Compostela. Before rejoining your coach for the transfer back to the ship, free time will be provided to explore on your own or do some souvenir shopping.

Visit an organic aloe vera farm and discover how this succulent plant is sustainably grown in harmony with the environment. Aloe vera thrives in Fuerteventura’s rich volcanic soil as you will see firsthand at Verdeaurora, a family-owned bio farm that follows agricultural practices that respect the environment. No chemical fertilizers, pesticides, hormones or antibiotics are ever used in the production of the aloe vera, which help to maintain the fertility of the soil and reduce water consumption. You will watch, as one of the farmers demonstrates how to extract the juice from the leaves and preserve it. Although used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, aloe vera has plenty of other applications, including as an ingredient in cosmetics, soap, shampoo and even drinks. Verdeaurora has also minimized its energy use by installing solar panels and by investing in renewable resources. The farm has even created an ornithological reserve to protect the birds on Fuerteventura.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Tour the bio farm Verdeaurora and see how it grows and processes organic aloe vera.
• Watch as the beneficial juice is carefully extracted from the succulent plant.
• Gain insight into the uses of aloe vera that go far beyond medicinal purposes.
• Discover how the eco-friendly farm has reduced its energy and water consumption.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Stroll through the atmospheric streets of the Old Quarter on the way to a nightclub, where you will watch a mesmerizing flamenco performance that tells a passionate story. After walking from the pier, you will continue at a leisurely pace toward the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Quarter, which the Phoenicians founded in the 12th century. Being the oldest continuously occupied city in Western Europe, Cadiz exudes history, as you will soon discover in the Plaza of San Juan de Dios, a square that originated in medieval times.

As you meander the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter, you will pass one architectural treasure after another. Highlights may include the Neoclassical-style Cadiz Cathedral, which boasts a tile dome that appears Moorish, and Calle Ancha, a wide boulevard that is considered the heart of the city. In time, you will arrive at Taberna Flamenco La Cava, a nightclub that showcases the art of flamenco. Before taking your seat, be sure to notice the photos on the wall of some of the most acclaimed flamenco performers in the past 50 years. UNESCO honored flamenco by recognizing it on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Andalusia, especially Cadiz, is the heartland of flamenco, an electrifying art form that fuses expressive songs, passionate dancing and emotional music. To enhance your immersion into the local culture, you will be served traditional tapas that may include Serrano ham and Manchego cheese.

Spend hours of free time in Granada, exploring the attractions you find most intriguing, whether landmarks such as the Alhambra or lesser-known areas for shopping and dining. After departing from the pier, you will drive inland, past the majestic Sierra Nevada National Park and on to Granada. The Moors’ last stronghold before falling to Spain’s Catholic monarchs in 1492, Granada still bears a Moorish influence.

For starters, there is the Alhambra, the fortress-palace of the Nasrid sultans. Walking through the seemingly endless rooms and courtyards is an unforgettable experience, as the Alhambra complex is adorned with richly colored mosaics, ornamental columns and romantic archways. The adjoining Generalife gardens are just as magnificent.

You might also wander the labyrinthine streets in the historical Albaicin neighborhood, a World Heritage site where the Moors once resided. During Granada’s modernization, the Albaicin was almost destroyed, but preservationists prevailed. While wandering about, you may see the remains of an Arab bath complex and some original Moorish homes. Another highlight is where the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand lie in the Royal Chapel.

As an alternative to sightseeing, you might spend time browsing the shops for hand-painted ceramics, designer fashions and leather goods, all of which are extraordinary in Granada. If you choose to dine, try regional favorites such gazpacho or garlic and almond soup, and a hearty dish of paella for the main course.

Discover some of the most scenic parts of Mallorca, the lovely village of Soller and enjoy a picturesque ride on the Soller Railway. Board your coach for a scenic drive through the beautiful Majorcan countryside. Enjoy a walk through the narrow streets of Soller. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of this quaint mountain village. Board the historic Soller train for your scenic 45 minute journey, which is highlighted by beautiful panoramic views of the Mallorcan Mountains, orange groves and small, fairy-tale like villages. Pass through tunnels, over bridges and stop at a lookout point for a great view on your way back to Palma. You will enjoy a Panoramic drive through Palma before returning to the pier.

Drive along the elegant Passeig de Gracia with its wrought-iron street lamps and fine array of Modernist buildings, including Gaudi’s Casa Mila, with its arches and spiral chimneys. It is known locally as “the stone quarry,” because of its wavy facade of rough stone. Originally designed as an apartment building, it now houses a cultural center. Stop for a photo of Gaudi’s controversial and towering masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia (The Holy Family) Church. Begun in 1883, it is still unfinished. A panoramic drive takes you through the memorial Arch of Triumph and Ciutadella Park, home to State of Catalona’s parliament, museums and a monumental fountain designed by a student of Gaudi. You’ll also enjoy spectacular views of the harbor and the Olympic Stadium from the top of Montjuic. Last but not least, stroll at your leisure the narrow streets and handsome squares of the old Quarter, lined with medieval buildings contemporary shops, bohemian artist workshops and cool bars and restaurants.

Enjoy the charms of the streets, squares and hidden corners of Valencia. Sample its signature dish and the symbol of Spanish cuisine around the world - Paella. You'll also learn how and where Paella originated during this visit to Albufera. Explore the city of Valencia, with sights of the City of Arts and Sciences, a panoramic drive and a stroll through the old quarter to visit some of the most important historic buildings. Few cities like Valencia are able to blend so many architectural styles including Medieval, Art Nouveau, Baroque and Gothic along with ancient ruins and the most modern avant-garde buildings this well. See the New Valencia, where The City of Arts & Sciences is a leisure center designed for the diffusion of science and culture. Its unique buildings will impress you.

Walk to la Plaza de la Reina in the historical center and discover its more relevant monuments and buildings. Admire the Cathedral with the Miguelete Tower and its many different architectural styles and works of art - La Lonja declared Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO and the Central Market’s modernist building. Visit the Fallero Museum, where you will learn everything about the tradition of the Fallas festival. Enjoy a traditional Paella lunch and a glass of wine while taking in the views of the beach as the locals do. Learn about another surprising area of Valencia, the Albufera Nature Park. It features the largest lake in Spain and one of the most important wetland areas in the Iberian Peninsula. The lake is home to rare species of wading birds and a variety of wildlife. Its waters have been worked by fishermen and rice growers supplying ingredients and inspiration for the region’s delicious cuisine.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a panoramic drive across Ibiza and explore some of its most enchanting villages before enjoying lunch at a beachfront restaurant. A winding road through pine-forested mountains will bring you to Sant Josep, a beach-blessed village nestled in the foothills. It is a wonderfully scenic setting with white-washed houses and medieval churches. Farther down the coast, you will pause to admire Es Vedra, a petite nearly 100-year-old lighthouse on a rocky island whose only inhabitants are goats. Sant Antoni de Portmany is another village on Ibiza’s western coast and it has become quite the foodie destination. Fishermen unload their catch daily and the local agricultural cooperative supplies a bounty of seasonal produce. While dining at a family-owned waterfront restaurant that overlooks the Sant Antoni Yacht Club, you will taste the difference that fresh, locally sourced ingredients make. Lovely inland villages are also plentiful as you will see while later passing through Santa Gertrudis.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See some of the island’s most characteristic coastal and inland villages.
• Visit the gorgeous beach-rimmed village of Sant Josep on Ibiza’s western shore.
• Pause at a lookout that presents a dramatic view of the lighthouse Es Vedra.
• Dine on traditional cuisine at a waterfront restaurant in Sant Antoni de Portmany.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.