From Monte Carlo to Lisbon calling on Marseille, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, Gibraltar, and Seville with 2 days at sea from $5,845

NOTE: You may choose this exclusive shore event, credit toward a customized Virtuoso on-shore event, credit toward a Virtuoso Discovery pre/post hotel stay or shipboard credit. Ask us for complete option details. Credit amount may vary based on stateroom category booked. Credit may not be offered in all categories.

Exclusive Shore Event: Cadiz | Jerez, Horses, Sherry and Lunch

Cadiz is a province of the Andalusia region in southern Spain, and also the southernmost part of continental Western Europe. It is bordered by the Spanish provinces of Huelva, Sevilla, and Mlaga, as well as the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar and the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. Cdiz is the oldest continuously-inhabited city in the Iberian Peninsula and perhaps all of southern Europe and it is the principal home port of the Spanish Navy since the accession of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century. Historically, its favorable geographic position made it a perfect stopping point for the Phoenicians who founded Gadir, as it was called back in 1100 BC, long before the upstart Romans discovered its charms.

We being our day with a drive to Jerez de la Frontera and transfer to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Local historians have found archeological remains which highlight the importance of the horse in this area of the Guadalquivir River during the times of the Iberians and the Tartesians. In the Renaissance a violent game known as "caas" envolved into an exhibition of equestrian skills. In the 20th Century, the Royal School purified and systemized the traditions maintained in the countryside and the bull rings, taking as inspiration the grand European schools such as the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.

We will start our visit at the Royal Equestrian School & Museum with a video of the horses to see the breed of horses, how they are trained and the choreography of their "dances". Next we will walk through the gardens of the Palace and visit the main salons of the Palace. Continue to the Horse Carriage Museum located in what used to be the old Pemartin Sherry ware house, over 60,000 square feet, inaugurated in 2002. Here we will see the different horse-drawn carriages with their tack and harnesses. There are multimedia systems to see the functions of each type of carriage.

Then most important carriages in the collection are an 18th Century Carretella and a Binder Hunting Break. The large plasma screens show these carriages in full activity and you will virtually ride in the Carretella with the Duke and Duchess of Lugo through the streets of Seville during their wedding celebration. After our visit to the Carriage Museum we will enjoy viewing the training sessions in the training ring.

Next we drive across town to the Sherry winery of Bodegas Tradicion where we will have a private visit to the winery with one of its winemakers who will explain the unique process used to make Sherries. Bodegas Tradicion is the only winery that holds the title of "Old and Rare" Sherry Wines. After the tour we will enjoy a tasting of their high quality sherries. The bodega also is home to one of the most important private collections of art in southern Spain, so don't miss their spectacular art gallery. Included are paintings by Goya, Piara, Velazquez, and Mascaras.

We will then transfer back to Cadiz to enjoy a lunch of regional specialties overlooking the beach at El Ventorrillo del Chato. This historic inn was founded in 1780 and it stands alone on the sandy isthmus outside of the city of Cadiz. Enjoy local cuisine in charming Andalusian surroundings. El Chato (Spanish term for snub-nosed) is part of local history, beginning with their refuge of local Spaniards who held out against French troops in the 1812 War of Independence. Also King Fernando VII "suffered" a light imprisonment sentence at this emblematic spot.

After lunch we will have a brief panoramic tour of the city of Cadiz before returning to the ship.

Approximate Length: Seven hours.

Suggested Attire: Casual wear with comfortable shoes. Moderate walking.