16 Day Alluring Spain & Western Mediterranean

Welcome to Spain! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Madrid is full of energy. Make like a Madrileño and take a paseo por la noche, a cherished evening stroll. Puerta del Sol, the heart of the city, is a busy plaza where you can find street performers, loads of restaurants and shops and the iconic statue ‘The Bear and the Strawberry Tree’.

Gran Vía, also known as the street that never sleeps, is the main shopping and tourist artery in the centre of the capital. On this lively strip you’ll find great restaurants, theatre, shopping and more. Look up – the buildings are exquisite. Calle Cava Baja is the city’s famed tapas street. Patatas bravas, anyone?

Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.

Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.

We’ll leave Madrid this morning and drive along La Mancha, land of Don Quixote. We’ll make a brief stop at a typical site in Puerto Lápice to admire these landscapes immortalised in the world’s first modern novel.

We’ll cross through the natural border of Despeñaperros and head into sunny, enchanting Andalusia. This is a region of enormous history and heritage, being occupied by the Romans, the Moors and finally Christians. It’s the home of passionate flamenco, not just a famous dance, but a genuine Spanish art form. It’s known for bullfighting, beautiful beaches, great food and dreamy landscapes, with charming whitewashed villages. Think Mediterranean coastline, bright sun and perfect blue skies.

We’ll stop in Córdoba for an impressive tour of its mosque, the Mezquita, a magnificent piece of Islamic architecture. Over 850 columns with decorated arches crisscross the ceiling of this ancient structure. We’ll see other sites and stroll through the narrow winding streets of the Jewish Quarter.

In the afternoon, it’s about a two hour journey to reach dynamic, charming Seville. Enjoy dinner at your hotel.

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour this morning. You’ll see the exterior of the majestic Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic building in Europe. See the Santa Cruz quarter – the perfect scene for the masterpiece Carmen, as well as precisely where the myth of libertine Don Juan developed. You’ll also see Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España, on the edge of the park.

The afternoon is free for you to explore the sounds and flavours of this enigmatic city. The Giralda Tower stands 104 metres above the city – you can climb to the top for sweeping views over the red-tiled roofs of Seville. The Moorish influence here is undeniable, as you’ll see if you visit the Alcázar of Seville, an elaborate fortress and palace with beautiful formal gardens. It’s one of the oldest palaces still in use in the world.

The food of Seville won’t disappoint. All your favourites are here; paella, gazpacho, churros. Seville is home to traditional favourites like carrillada (pork cheek), cazón en adobo ( shark in a Moorish marinade) and espinacas con garbanzos (spinach and chickpeas) – the name might sound unimaginative but the dish is certainly not!

Enjoy dinner at your hotel.

This morning we’ll drive east through the Route of the Caliphate to the heart of Andalusia. Take in the endless olive groves on the way to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms up to 1492. The scenery really is amazing – rolling hills and the peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

We’ll visit the world-famous, opulent Alhambra complex and Generalife Gardens that have inspired several authors with their sights and moods, such as the Tales of the Alhambra by W. Irving.

The Alhambra is contemporary history of Granada’s Arab past. Its buildings, towers, palaces, patios and gardens make this palace and fortress complex one of the most visited monuments in Spain. It towers over Granada’s historic Arabic quarter. Within the fortress you’ll find exquisite palaces, serene pathways weaving through amazing gardens and courtyards. The detail is next level – sumptuous interiors, beautiful Islamic geometric patterns, exquisitely carved wood, incredible ornamental features.

You’ll have dinner at the hotel.

We’ll head for the Mediterranean coast this morning. We’ll pass Murcia, capital of the fertile garden of the Segura river and continue north via Alicante, the second largest city in the València region.

We’ll reach València, a laid-back port city along the Mediterranean. The old capital of the kingdom of València is home to beautiful churches, beaches and it has the important distinction of being home to paella, surely the most famous Spanish dish!

It harmoniously blends remnants of its ancient past with modern design and innovation. The futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences) is an architectural and cultural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava. It stands out for the modern architecture of all these gargantuan buildings, especially the Hemisfèric which resembles a giant eye.

This cutting-edge complex contains six main areas: Hemisfèric IMAC cinema, the beautiful landscaped area L’Umbracle, an interactive science museum, the Oceanogràfic aquarium, Palau de les Arts, the opera house and performing arts centre and L'Àgora, a covered plaza for concerns and sporting events.

We’ll have a morning city tour, including a drive through the charming Old Town to see the most prominent buildings. We’ll then be driven past the old riverbed of the Turia – now a lush urban park – to the most avant-garde complex, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, to see the distinctive exteriors of the six buildings.

An early afternoon departure sees us head north along the Mediterranean coast to Catalonia, via Tarragona, the oldest Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula. We’ll stop at the Roman ruins of Tárraco to discover these ancient treasures. This huge open-air museum was a major city of the Roman Empire and its fascinating sites, statues, stones and buildings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We’ll reach Barcelona, the Catalan capital known for its art and architecture. It was the home of celebrated architect Antoni Gaudi, an icon of Catalan Modernism who revolutionised Spanish architecture. Modernist landmarks, like his grand Sagrada Familia church, are dotted around the city.

Enjoy a city tour this morning of this cosmopolitan, Mediterranean city. We’ll drive along the main avenues with impressive buildings by Gaudi, such as Casa Milà (La Pedrera). Seven of Gaudi’s properties, including this one, are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

We’ll see Montjuïc Park with spectacular views of the city and harbour, the Olympic Ring, the Columbus Monument and the Port Olimpic (Olympic Port).

The afternoon is free for you to keep discovering this attractive city and its exquisite and varied gastronomy. Enjoy a steamy cortado in a sidewalk cafe. Of course, tapas are a must – nibble on these bite-sized appetisers around the bar like a local.

Visit renowned museums, like the Barcelona City History Museum where you can see ancient excavated relics. Gaudi’s celebrated, grand La Sagrada Familia cathedral is a must-visit, with its intricate mosaics inside and distinctive sky-piercing spires. You can climb to the top of these spires for panoramic views over the city.

Stroll the pedestrian-friendly boulevard of Las Ramblas, ideal for people watching. It’s home to souvenir shops, street artists, cafes and folk Sardana dancers. In the Gothic Quarter, you’ll find family-owned shops selling textiles, decorative ceramic tiles and earthenware kitchenware.

You’ll check out this morning and can leave your luggage at the hotel while you continue exploring this vibrant city.

This afternoon you’ll be transferred to the port to embark on your western Mediterranean cruise.

Welcome aboard to the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas, your home for the next seven nights. This ship is epic – it was the world’s largest cruise ship for awhile. The ship is divided into seven distinct neighbourhoods, with 18 decks of entertainment. From rock climbing walls and ice skating to a carousel, even stage shows straight off Broadway. Take the zip line, a thrilling ride that descends nine decks. Don’t look down!

There’s even a lush garden and public space called Central Park, covered in some 12,000 plants. You’ll find loads of retail favourites when shopping on the Royal Promenade – it’s the length of a football field.

We’ll dock in Spain’s isle of palms today, Palma de Mallorca, where beauty and history collide.

This resort city has a unique Arab influence thanks to the 10th-century Moorish conquest. The Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths) date back between the 10th and 12th centuries, and are virtually all that remain of the Arab city of Medina Mayurqa (now known as Palma).

You may choose to visit the 14th-century Bellver Castle, a medieval fortress with a distinctive circular shape. Wander through the courtyard and admire the Arab arches and Roman-inspired fortification.

A world-renowned beach destination, you have to see how blue the water is at Cala Llombards, a dreamy, small cove beach that feels tucked away, surrounded by steep cliffs and rocky areas. The four ancient limestone caves at Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves) on the east side of the island are worth a visit, to admire the magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations.

You must try cocarrois, a local spin on empanadas. Coca mallorquina is a crunchy flatbread pizza with an olive oil-rich crust, topped with roasted red peppers.

For unique shopping, head to Jaume III and Sant Miquel streets – here you’ll find world-famous Mallorcan pearls, handmade Menorquina sandals and handicrafts like colourful pottery and straw bags.

Discover the gateway to France’s dreamy Provence region as we dock at Marseilles today. This busy port city has loads of character and a rich history.

Explore the Old Port, the soul of Marseilles. The promenades are lined with cafes, bars and restaurants – of course there are a number of seafood restaurants, so you can easily sit down for some bouillabaisse, the famous seafood stew. The fish market Quai des Belges is impossible to miss and you’ll find locals shopping here, too.

You might take the tourist train at the Old Port up to the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde, or walk up the steep hill. This beautiful 19th-century hilltop basilica sits 150 metres above the water, with its huge gold statue of Madonna and Child atop the grand bell tower visible from afar. The views up here are spectacular!

Take a stroll along the Corniche, the waterfront promenade that follows the coast for several kilometres from the Old Port. It weaves through beaches and charming little neighbourhoods – you can even see the towers of the Château d’If, the imposing island fortress and former prison.

This historic castle is built on a small island that was completely uninhabited until the 16th century, when the fort was built and later converted into a prison. Of course, it was made famous by Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Montecristo. You can get to Château d’If by boat, it’s about a 20 minute ride from the Old Port.

Explore the breathtaking calanques, rough white limestone cliffs that rise sharply above the sea. The Calanques National Park, a rugged stretch of coast, stretches from Marseille to La Ciotat. These narrow, steep-walled inlets are pristine and tranquil, a natural wonder.

Time for la dolce vita! We’ll dock at La Spezia, where you can make your own way to Florence or Pisa. This is the celebrated Tuscan countryside – rolling hills, olives and cypress trees and medieval villages – yes, it’s everything you imagined.

Of course, the first thing on your list in Pisa is likely the world’s most famous tower. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a startling sight. You can climb up the 251 steps but access is limited so we recommend you book online – it’s a popular tourist spot! There are other interesting monuments in the piazza, like the Pisa Cathedral and the Pisa Baptistery. When in Pisa, you must try cecina, a very thin gluten-free bread made with chickpea flour.

Florence, capital of the beautiful Tuscan region, is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. It’s a great city to explore on foot to admire the sights.

Try to see the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi, the bell tower by Giotto and the 12th-century baptistery. Piazza della Signoria is a favourite meeting place for locals and tourists alike. Florence icon Ponte Vecchio is a must-visit, the oldest bridge in Florence, home to high-end jewelry shops.

You may choose to visit the Uffizi Gallery and admire artworks by Raffaello, Botticelli, Giotto and others. You’ll be amazed at the range and depth of works on display.

You’ll see copies all over Florence, but to see Michelangelo’s David sculpture, head to the Galleria dell’Accademia, which also houses many other sculptures by this great Renaissance artist. If you have time, try to see the vast, varied art collection housed in Pitti Palace. You can tour the large 15th-century palace, or stroll through the Boboli Gardens behind the palace. These royal gardens are stunning, home to a large number of statues and fountains.

Piazzale Michelangelo is a terrace above the city that offers gorgeous sweeping city views. You’ll be able to appreciate how the dome of the cathedral dominates the landscape. You can walk here or take the bus. If you continue up to the church of San Miniato al Monte, the oldest church in Florence, you’ll discover a breathtaking view of Florence’s terracotta rooftops.

The Mercato Centrale (covered market) is where locals shop for food, so it’s a great place to people watch or pick up some items for a picnic. You’ll also find some great items to take home, like Tuscan olive oils, nougat and olives. Don’t forget to head up to the first floor for lunch!

We’ll dock at Civitavecchia, where you can take the train (at extra cost) to wonderful Rome. The train ride between the port of Civitavecchia and Rome is about 80 minutes each way.

Wander the cobblestone piazzas and streets of the Eternal City. There is a lot to discover in Rome – start with the food. Culinary delights abound here. Authentic pizza, hearty bowls of fresh pasta, excellent cheeses, wines, seafood and delightful desserts like tiramisu and gelato.

Discover the enormous wealth of culture and history in this city, a cultural mecca. Only a few cities in the world can boast such a well-preserved level of architecture, art and religious iconography.

See iconic symbols of Imperial Rome; the ancient 50,000-seat Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Visit the large sunny square Piazza Venezia, the central hub of Rome, and Capitoline Hill, the smallest of the seven hills of ancient Rome.

In Vatican City, you may choose to visit the Vatican Museums and gaze upon the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Of course, you shouldn’t miss St Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church.

There are so many grand sights, like Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo. The Pantheon, easily the best-preserved building from ancient Rome, is an architectural wonder. Don’t forget to toss your coin in the Trevi Fountain!

Framed by Mount Vesuvius along a dramatic skyline, the 2,800 year-old port city of Naples is full of historical sites, churches, and museums that make it a fascinating place for you to explore.

Naples, with its historic city centre deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has several important archeological sites and landmarks. Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli for a world-class collection of Greek and Roman artifacts.

If you’d like to venture a little deeper, then exploring Naples from below the ground is a must. Start with a trip into the basement of the San Lorenzo Maggiore church where you’ll find a partially excavated Roman market and a little deeper, just below the Roman ruins, you’ll find remnants from the Greeks to discover.

In the region where pizza was first invented, you know the food is going to be incredible. Whether you’re looking for a thin, wood-fired Margherita pie, spaghetti alle vongole or a zeppole dusted with icing sugar, the bountiful edible treasures of Naples are sure to please.

Only 35 miles down the coast, Salerno offers you a rich history, but also boasts a marvellous collection of parks, natural wonders, and unique vantage points to take in the beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Two cities. One incredible stretch of Italian coastline.

A cruising day is a great chance to recharge before your adventure comes to an end. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues onboard, until we arrive at port early the next morning to disembark.

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast onboard this morning, before your Mediterranean adventure comes to an end. We’ll dock at Barcelona and you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.

Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!