OFFER SAVE Andalucian Odyssey 400 PER PERSON

Transcription

1 special OFFER SAVE Andalucian Odyssey 400 PER PERSON Exploring the Art, Architecture & Natural Wonders of Andalucia and Gibraltar aboard the MS Serenissima 25 th October to 2 nd November 2016

2 Alhambra From the eighth to the fifteenth centuries, a large area of the region was part of the Islamic world. Known as Al- Andalus it was for centuries the most culturally sophisticated region in Western Europe. Poets compared it to paradise and because of its mixed population of Muslims, Christians and Jews it became a place for the exchange of ideas, art and traditions. Our in-depth travels around Andalucia will be endlessly fascinating as we explore Seville, the city of Carmen with its joyous and colourful riches including the fabulous Alcazar and the minaret of Giralda; Cordoba with its exquisite Mezquita, the grandest mosque constructed by the Moors and of course we will visit the jewel in the crown, Granada s Alhambra complex, one of Europe s greatest architectural treasures representing hundreds of years of history and set against mainland Spain s highest mountains. As a contrast we will spend some time in the stunning El Torcal Nature Reserve and enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the Ronda Valley. Our exploration ends in Gibraltar with its own fascinating, albeit more recent history. All this will be achieved with great ease using the charming MS Serenissima as our base allowing us to moor centrally for our two night stay in Seville during which time we will experience the local cuisine and an exclusive Flamenco performance before departing for the coast by cruising along the Guadalquivir River. Seville Cordoba SPAIN Alhambra El Torcal Ronda Valley Motril Malaga Gibraltar Voyage Highlights Two nights moored in Seville Exclusive Flamenco Performance at the Museo del Baile Flamenco Visit to El Torcal Nature Reserve, the most geologically stunning of all of Andalucia s natural parks Exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Alhambra and Generalife gardens Journey along the scenic railway to the spectacular city of Ronda Private concert at St Michael s Cave, situated within the rock of Gibraltar The Itinerary Day 1 London Gatwick to Seville, Spain. Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Serenissima which will be moored in the city for the next two nights. Day 2 Seville. On our morning excursion we will see one of Seville s greatest monuments, the Alcazar with its exotic terraced garden. Built by the Moors in the 14th century, it is still used as a residence by the King of Spain. Also see the Christian Cathedral, reputed to be the largest Gothic style church in the world. Here we will find the 138 ft high central nave and fine gothic carvings in the altar. This afternoon will be at leisure for individual exploration. You may wish to explore the maze of cobble streets which was once the Jewish Quarter of the city, taking in the atmosphere of this historic town. This evening we will enjoy an exclusive Flamenco performance at the Museo del Baile Flamenco and a visit of the museum before dinner in a local restaurant. Day 3 Cordoba. We will leave the vessel this morning for our full day tour of Cordoba, a beautiful city that

3 Ronda Valley Plaza de Espana, Seville demonstrates a past where Jewish, Christian and Muslims peacefully coexisted and left a beautiful legacy of architecture to be appreciated for centuries to come. It was the Romans who founded Cordoba, due to its strategic importance as the highest navigable point on the river however Cordoba s heyday occurred when it became the capital of the Moorish kingdom of Al-Andalus. They began the construction of the Grand Mosque, or Mezquita, which became one of the largest in the world. When the city was reconquered by the Christians they were so impressed by the beauty of the mosque that, rather than demolish it they simply built a cathedral inside it. We will also visit the Jewish Quarter including time at the Mudejar Synagogue before lunch in a local restaurant. Before returning to the MS Serenissima we will visit the Royal Stables, created in 1570 by King Philip II and where they bred the Andalusian horses. Return to Seville in the late afternoon when we will cruise down the Guadalquivir River and towards the coast. Day 4 Malaga. Enjoy a relaxing morning at sea as we pass through the straits of Gibraltar and along the coast to Malaga, arriving during lunch. Malaga is the major coastal city of Andalucia and many ancient civilisations have left their mark. On an afternoon tour we will discover Malaga s rich archaeological remains and fascinating monuments. Visit the Alcazaba, the historic palace that was built in the 11th century to be the residence of the Arabian Caliphs. It is connected by a steep path to the Gibralfaro Castle, an ancient Moorish fortress which commands breathtaking views of the city and the bay. Continue to the Renaissance-style cathedral which was built between the 16th and 18th centuries and is now a national monument which boasts a Baroque choir by Pedro de Mena, as well as other fine examples of Spanish Renaissance sculptures. We will also see the ruins of the Roman theatre, as well as the 19th-century bull ring and city hall. We return to the vessel for dinner and moor overnight. Day 5 Malaga & El Torcal. This morning is free to return to Malaga and explore independently. After lunch onboard we will take a trip to the El Torcal Nature Reserve, which is the most geologically stunning of all of Andalucia s natural parks. Over millions of years the wind and rain have weathered its rocks into incredible shapes. Renowned for its unique limestone formations, it has a surreal, almost eerie feel to it and offers some of the most spectacular countryside in Andalucia. Some 200,000,000 years ago, this part of the country was under the sea, and the fossils of many marine creatures have been found here. We will enjoy a guided walk in the park, home to almost 700 recorded plant species before continuing to the Astronomical Observatory. Due to the lack of light pollution and the high altitude (1200 metres), El Torcal provides access to some unbeatable night skies. If weather permits we will stay after dark and use the telescopes to observe the stars and planets. Day 6 Motril for Alhambra. From Motril, we will drive inland to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Alhambra and Generalife gardens. Alhambra s construction began in the 11th century on the red hill known as Assabika which overlooks Granada. The Alcazaba fortress was the first structure to be built, followed by the royal palace and residence of members of the court. We will visit the most important halls and courtyards of the Alhambra, including the Alcazaba fortress, the Serrallo, the Patio of los Arrayanes (Myrtle Courtyard), the Hall of la Barca, the Salon of the Embajadores (Ambassadors Hall), the Patio de los Leones (Lions Courtyard), the Hall of the Abencerrajes, the Royal Baths and the Palace of Charles V. Next to the Alhambra, we will also visit the sumptuous Generalife Gardens, the luxurious summer retreat of the Moorish kings of Granada. The beautiful gardens feature abundant and varied flora and stunning water features. Day 7 Ronda Valley. Departing Gibraltar, we will cross the border into Spain for the short transfer to the Estacion de San Roque, where we board the scenic railway to the spectacular city of Ronda. The line was originally built between by the Algeciras (Gibraltar) Railway Company Ltd to enable British garrison officers and their families to escape the claustrophobic atmosphere of Gibraltar and enjoy the surrounding countryside. Perched on the top of a rocky outcrop and divided by El Tajo gorge, Ronda is home to the Puente Nuevo, an 18th-century viaduct-like bridge which connects the old and

4 El Torcal National Park Malaga Alcazaba, Malaga Cable car, Gibraltar Join us as we discover the beauty and wonders of Andalucia, a captivating region and one of the most attractive areas within the Mediterranean due to its climate, history and culture. new parts of the city. We will start our visit at the city museum located at the Maquis of Villasierra where you can learn about the history of the city, the region s natural parks and the local industries of cork and cheese production and saddlery. Next visit the church of Santa Maria la Mayor. Built on the foundations of an earlier mosque, this landmark church was started in 1485 and not finished until the end of the 17th century. Admire the Gothic and Baroque decoration and magnificent altar before visiting Ronda s bullring. After lunch a scenic coach journey brings us back to Gibraltar where we moor overnight. Day 8 Gibraltar. We have the day to explore this strategic British outpost of the Mediterranean. We will use the cable car to climb the 426 metre Rock of Gibraltar offering breathtaking views of the Costa del Sol, the city below and out towards the African coastline. At the top we enjoy a private lecture which will bring the history of Gibraltar to life. We will visit the Great Siege Tunnels, a labyrinth of tunnels built to defend Gibraltar from Spanish and French attacks between 1779 and 1783 and revered as one of the finest defensive systems. Also visit the Gibraltar Museum where we can learn more about the Great Siege, the geological origins of the rock and also the natural history including bird migrations and the marine life along the shore. Enjoy lunch onboard followed by some free time for independent exploration before ending our day Prices per person Based on double occupancy with a private concert at St Michael s Cave, situated within the rock itself and providing wonderful acoustics. Day 9 Gibraltar to London Heathrow. Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our return scheduled flight. SPECIAL OFFER SAVE 400 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY Cat Cabin Description Brochure Price Special Offer Price 1 Inside Twin/Double Standard Stateroom Standard Stateroom Plus Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Junior Suite Executive Suite Owner s Suite Inside Single Standard Single Standard Stateroom for sole use Standard Stateroom Plus for sole use Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 8 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis with house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard, Noble Caledonia onboard team including guest speaker, shore excursions, gratuities, transfers, port taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance. +44 (0)

5 MS Serenissima After a thorough renovation and upgrading, the charming, 100-passenger MS Serenissima commenced cruise operations in April 2013 and we have chartered her for the majority of each year since knowing her to be perfect for small ship cruising. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising. Your Space The facilities onboard include two lounges the larger Andrea Lounge is comfortable and spacious and the smaller Harald Lounge is more intimate. There is also a small library with a computer for internet access. The outside areas are something special with a spacious observation deck allowing for 360 degree views of the passing scenery. From here, step down to the lido area with fitness room, Jacuzzi and outside bar. The covered seating area at the back of deck 6 is ideal for relaxing with a drink in hand. Cabins & Suites Accommodating no more than 100 passengers, the cabins are attractively designed for comfort and convenience. All cabins are fully air conditioned with an ensuite bathroom with shower, sink, toilet, a selection of toiletries including shower gel, soaps, shampoo and conditioner, hairdryer, robes and slippers. All cabins come equipped with telephone, flat screen television, safety deposit box and other thoughtful appointments. Bottles of still and sparkling water are replenished daily. There are ten different grades of cabin arranged over five decks, and with the exception of the three inside cabins, all staterooms feature either windows or portholes. Because of the very nature of the ship, the cabins do vary in shape and size, adding to the vessel s overall charm. Choose from the cosy inside cabins of approx 10 square metres, to the sumptuous newly built executive suites of 25 square metres boasting private balconies and minibar. Your Dining The free seating Venice Restaurant accommodates all guests in one sitting. Being on deck 5, it has great views from all tables. The picture windows mean the restaurant is light and airy. Breakfast is served buffet-style with cooked dishes available and eggs to order by the ship s accomplished chef. Lunch is also served buffetstyle with hot and cold dishes available. Dinner is served a la carte and is four courses, except for at the Captain s Dinner, which is a six course affair. In addition, there are al fresco dining facilities available in good weather. A choice of red or white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included at lunch and dinner. Tea and coffee are served around the clock in the Andrea Lounge. Restaurant Harald Lounge

6 DECK BRIDGE DECK 6 COVERED SEATING AREA TENDER ZODIAC TENDER ZODIAC PRIVATE WALKWAY Owner s Suite (approx. 22 square metres) DECK 5 RECEPTION ANDREA LOUNGE VENICE RESTAURANT HARALD LOUNGE JACUZZI BAR FITNESS ROOM DECK DECK H Executive Suite (approx. 25 square metres) INSIDE TWIN/DOUBLE STANDARD STATEROOM STANDARD STATEROOM PLUS SUPERIOR STATEROOM DELUXE STATEROOM JUNIOR SUITE EXECUTIVE SUITE OWNER S SUITE INSIDE SINGLE STANDARD SINGLE Junior Suite (approx. 21 square metres) Deluxe Stateroom (approx. 15 to 25 square metres) Superior Stateroom (approx to 18 square metres) STANDARD Stateroom PLUS (approx. 14 to 19 square metres) STANDARD Stateroom (approx. 10 to 11.5 square metres) INSIDE TWIN/DOUBLE (approx. 10 square metres) STANDARD SINGLE (approx. 7 to 12.5 square metres) 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0) info@noble-caledonia.co.uk All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Cordoba _S