Back by popular demand this complete hosted vacation starts with 15 nights in Costa del Sol near the pedestrian promenade, enjoy the gorgeous beaches and landscapes, and explore the local culture. Then embark on a 9 night NCL cruise sailing to the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. End your tour with 2 nights in Barcelona with an artistic tour and a visit to the Sagrada Familia.
March 05, 2013 – Depart Toronto – Malaga, Spain (via Rome)
Board your overnight Alitalia flight to Malaga (via Rome). Alitalia flight 651 departs Toronto at 4:45 pm arrives Rome at 7:20 am. Connecting with Alitalia flight departs Rome at 10:25 am arrives Malaga at 1:00 pm.
Mar 06, 2013 – Arrival in Malaga, Costa del Sol
Arrive in Malaga and transfer to your accommodations in Costa Del Sol.
Accommodations: Hotel Amaragua
Hotel address: c/los Nidos, 23. E- 29620 Torremolinos, Malaga, Costa del Sol. Tel: (34) 952 38 47 00.
The Hotel Amaragua is situated near the beach in Torremolinos, at the Carihuela’s pedestrian seafront promenade and within walking distance from world famous leisure port La Marina de Benalmadena, 1 km walking access on the Paseo Maritimo the seafront promenade and 16 kms from the centre of Malaga. The hotel features air conditioned rooms most with seaviews, full bathroom and a balcony.
Hotel amenities: 2 outdoor swimming pools, a restaurant, and a bar/lounge. Breakfast and dinner included daily.
Mar 06 - Mar 20, 2013 – Costa del Sol
Enjoy the amenities at your resort, take a stroll on the beach, go shopping or just soak up the atmosphere. You will also have included in your vacation 4 cultural tours to really understand the local culture. Your tour host will be available for suggestions on local excursions. Breakfast and dinner included daily.
Full Day Cordoba Tour: Visit Cordoba, home to one of the most impressive mosques in Europe. This intriguing ancient city was the capital of Moorish Spain for three centuries and is thought to have been the largest city in Europe during the time of Islamic rule.
A tour of the impressive Arab Mosque will provide you with some insight into Cordoba's past. Followed by a visit of the ancient, narrow, winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, the Synagogue and the Roman bridge. Lunch included.
Full Day Granada Tour: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alhambra on this fascinating tour. You'll explore beyond the beautiful Moorish architecture to learn the history of one of the most visited attractions in the world. Your visit begins in the Alhambra, whose 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. You 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. Your tour then continues to the Palace of Charles V and the Generalife Gardens. Found next to the Alhambra, these gardens where place of leisure and recreation for the Moorish kings of Granada and from here you can enjoy wonderful views across the city. You'll enjoy lunch and then have some free time to explore Granada on your own before returning back to your hotel in Costa del Sol. Lunch included.
Full Day Gilbraltar Tour: Gilbraltar, a British Colony since 1713 is often described as the shopping centre of the Western Mediterranean with a large range of shops offering a vast selection of goods. With this tour you will see the most spectacular sights on the Rock.
Full Day St. Michael’s Cave $ the Ape’s Den Tour:
St. Michael’s Cave: Situated at a height of approximately 300m above sea level, this is one of Europe’s most dramatic natural grottoes, a remarkable example of natural architecture. The cave consists of an upper Hall connected with five passages with drops of between 12m and 45m to a smaller Hall decorated by stalactites and stalagmites.
The Ape’s Den: The Apes are tail-less monkeys properly known as Barbary Macaques. Roaming freely along the upper rock, these endearing creatures will enchant you with their antics. They are perhaps the best known of Gibraltar’s attractions. Lunch included.
Full Day Nerja & Frigiliana Tour: In the Eastern Coast of Malaga Province, Frigiliana shines with mosaic paved streets and immaculate white houses. This beautiful village maintains a Morisco-Mudejar centre which has received numerous awards for its excellent state of conservation. Taste the local sweet wine and enjoy free time for strolling around.
A few kilometres from Frigiliana, you will find Nerja, a village that still retains much of the character of its Moorish past. The historic centre was constructed around 1.487 of which the Balcon de Europa (Balcony of Europe) is part. Formerly a XI Century Castle, it is now a viewing point above the sea. To the side of the Balcon is the XVII Century El Salvador Church constructed in Barroque-Mudejar style. You will also visit the magnificent prehistoric Caves known as the “Underground Cathedral” a unique example of natural architecture, with stalactites and stalagmites that were formed over millions of years. Lunch included.
Mar 21, 2013 Malaga - Barcelona.
Arrive in Barcelona, collect your luggage and upon exiting customs meet your local representative and transfer to the pier to board your 9 nights NCL Cruise. The capital of Spain's Catalonia region is a classy, exciting, vibrant city. Cruise departs at 7 p.m. Dinner included.
Norwegian Spirit: Norwegian Spirit is all about travelling in style. While at sea, check out the Tivoli Pool, four outdoor hot tubs, you can also enjoy the 14 dining options, 10 bars and lounges, Maharajah’s Casino and the Roman Spa & Fitness Centre. From traditional fine dining to endless buffets with custom-order action stations, there is a host of delicious dining options included in your cruise fare. For an additional cover charge, you’ll have access to a world of possibilities including gourmet French, Japanese teppanyaki and an upscale steakhouse – 14 different dining options in all. Second City® comedy troupe, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a sports court, bars and lounges of all kinds, pools, hot tubs and more are all on board and included in your cruise fare. Wireless Internet access is available in all public areas, 24 hours a day. Fees apply.
Ship Specifications:
- Passenger Capacity: 2,018 (double occupancy)
- Gross Register Tonnage: 75,338
- Overall Length: 881 feet
- Max Beam: 105 feet
- Draft: 26 feet
- Engines: Diesel Electric
- Cruise Speed: 24 knots
- Crew: 962
Below is information on your cruise itinerary and ports of call you will be visiting. Shore excursions are not included.
Mar 21, 2013
Barcelona Spain. Departs 7 pm.
Mar 22, 2013
At Sea. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Mar 23, 2013
At Sea. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Mar 24, 2013
Funchal, Portugal 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Mar 25, 2013
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Mar 26, 2013
Arrecife 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Mar 27, 2013
At Sea. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Mar 28, 2013
Granada, Malaga Spain. 8:00 am - 7:00 pm. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Mar 29, 2013
At Sea. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Mar 30, 2013
Arrive Barcelona –Montserrat tour. Arrive Barcelona at 5 am. Disembark your cruise and enjoy a half day tour to Montserrat including lunch. Visit the Benedictine Monastery and the Royal Basilika one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain for hundreds of years. Then transfer to the H10 Casanova Hotel. Breakfast and lunch included.
Accommodations: The H10 Casanova Hotel
Hotel address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 559, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
This modern boutique hotel is situated 500 metres from Placa Catalunya, one of Barcelona's main squares, and 800 from the bustling stalls and cafés of Las Ramblas. The hotel offers 124 air-conditioned guestrooms located on eight floors, all of which have modern decor and furnishings and include televisions, minibars, high-speed Internet ports and wireless Internet (surcharge), safes and direct-dial telephones.
Mar 31, 2013
Barcelona artistic tour. This morning enjoy a half day guided artistic tour of Barcelona including entrance to the Sagrada Familia. Breakfast included.
April 01, 2013 Barcelona – Toronto (via Rome)
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight home. Alitalia Flight 75 departs Barcelona at 6:25 am arrives Rome, at 8:10 am. Connecting with Alitalia Flight 650 departs Rome at 10:45 am arrives Toronto at 2:40 pm.