- Spain River Cruises
- Andalusian Navidad and Markets
Discover Spain’s rich Christmas traditions on this enchanting festive journey through Andalusia. Admire centuries old Nativity scenes, browse bustling Christmas markets, and soak up the warmth of shared seasonal treats. From Seville’s architectural splendour to the shimmering coastline of Cádiz, this Christmas River Cruise combines culture, gastronomy, and heritage in one unforgettable holiday.
Dinner
Arrive in captivating Seville, the heart of Andalusia, where your festive cruise ship awaits. After settling into your cabin, meet the crew and raise a glass at a welcome cocktail reception. Enjoy your first evening onboard with time to relax before your inspiring seasonal journey.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Awake in vibrant Seville, a city shaped by Christian, Jewish and Muslim influences and brimming with architectural treasures. This morning, join a guided tour of Seville and the Alcazar, a UNESCO-listed royal palace and the oldest in Europe still in use today. Begin at the magnificent Plaza de España, adorned with colourful mosaics representing each of Spain’s provinces. Continue through the charming lanes of the Santa Cruz district — once the Jewish quarter — before exploring the stunning Alcazar, where generations of monarchs have left their mark on a series of medieval Islamic palaces and lush gardens. Back onboard your ship, enjoy an engaging talk on Spanish Nativity traditions, exploring the local rituals and customs that make this season so special. As daylight fades, take an evening tour of Seville’s iconic Nativity scenes and Christmas illuminations: discover the intricately crafted Belenes - exquisite artistic representations of the Nativity - and wander the famous Feria del Belén, a market overflowing with artisan creations. Enjoy a free evening in Seville to savour the festive atmosphere at your own pace.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sail towards Cádiz this morning while enjoying a slice of “roscón de reyes”, Spain’s traditional King’s Cake. According to custom, the finder of a bean hidden in the cake is crowned king or queen for the day! This afternoon, explore Cádiz on a guided walking tour, discovering its whitewashed old town, winding medieval streets, and elegant Baroque boulevards. Visit the lively Christmas market, filled with festive aromas, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal treats. As night falls, Cádiz becomes a spectacle of shimmering lights and colourful Christmas décor. Return to your ship for dinner, followed by an evening of Andalusian traditions: enjoy a performance of Christmas carols, including the beloved Feliz Navidad, accompanied by the rhythmic zambomba, a typical instrument used during seasonal celebrations. Cruise onwards toward El Puerto de Santa María.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, step ashore for a guided visit to a local winery, including tastings of three regional wines paired with delicious tapas. The Jerez region has produced exceptional wines for centuries, and this visit offers a fascinating insight into its long standing heritage. Back onboard, continue cruising toward Seville. This afternoon, enjoy a convivial moment sampling anis del toro, a festive anise flavoured drink, followed by a tasting of Mantecados, Andalusia’s traditional Christmas pastries.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, visit Estepa on a guided tour of a Mantecados factory, discovering how these soft, crumbly Christmas treats have been lovingly crafted since the 16th century. Once made in family homes, they remain a treasured symbol of shared celebration during the festive season.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Palacio de las Dueñas, a captivating palace blending Mudejar, Gothic, and Renaissance styles: stroll through tranquil courtyards, including the lemon tree courtyard where poet Antonio Machado was born, and admire rooms celebrating Andalusian culture, from bullfighting to flamenco. Return to your ship in the evening for a memorable gala dinner onboard.
Breakfast
After a final breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK, taking home warm memories of Andalusia’s festive spirit, centuries-old traditions, and sparkling Christmas charm.
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The Captain and CroisiEurope reserve the right to alter/modify an itinerary at any time, should safety or external circumstances make this necessary, changes are also subject to tides. This also means that included excursions will alter/modify to match the cruise itinerary.
Some of the highlights may only be seen on optional excursions at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
A visa is not required for British nationals travelling to Spain. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
It is your responsibility to check your passport validity. To enter Spain your passport must: have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive and have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. Sources of information include; https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Your flight is to Seville airport with easyJet (EZY) departing from London Gatwick North Terminal. Each passenger is entitled to 20kg of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding in size and 1 personal item such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop case. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-In should be at least 2 hours before departure. IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. You will not receive an E-ticket, all you need to do is present your passport and online check-in boarding pass to the staff at the desk.
If you wish to arrange Airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extra Tel. 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313. Your final documentation will include transfer vouchers for your pre-organised return airport transfers and your river cruise boarding passes.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This river cruise is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves getting on and off the cruise vessel managed by gangways and climbing stairs on all decks on board the vessel. On moderate days the level terrain on walking excursions are cobbled streets. This cruise is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The currency in Spain, as well as onboard, is the Euro (EUR). We recommend that you exchange currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in most towns and cities to withdraw money in the local currency. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country.
Credit cards are accepted on board ship and throughout all major cities.
This cruise is on an All-Inclusive, so you will only need to take a little extra money with you to cover any premium drinks on board and souvenirs, drinks and snacks purchased when off the ship, as well as any optional excursions you wish to book.
Tipping is at your discretion. There is an envelope in your cabin for this purpose that can be handed to the reception at the end of your cruise. Credit cards are accepted on board ship and throughout Spain.
Your cruise and excursions are not exclusive to Mercury Holidays and will be shared with other international travellers.
An English-speaking Cruise Director will be on board your cruise to help with any queries that you may have. While on excursions included in your itinerary, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking local tour guide. When exploring locally during your leisure time you will not be accompanied by a tour guide.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort, or character. Cruise accommodation is generally rated as a local 4- or 5-star rating, to please note differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and Europe destinations.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily are taken onboard the ship. Tables seat 4 and 6 people, so you’ll be able to converse and socialise with new friends, whilst never feeling crowded together. Tea and coffee are available on-board the cruise vessel as well as unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, including a variety of wines and beer, both during meals and at the bar. (Premium brands are available at an extra cost).
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information
You will receive excursion vouchers with your ticket package. In the unlikely event that your cruise does not operate, then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available, should the alternative dates offered be unsuitable.
On your arrival in Seville you will be met by a representative from our local agent, CroisiEurope, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays/CroisiEurope”. The Mercury Holidays/CroisiEurope representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. On embarking the ship, you will be greeted by the captain, crew and staff and treated to welcome cocktails.
Embarkation Time: 6pm.
If your arrival is before this time, you will be transferred to the docking area where you will be able to leave your luggage. You are then free to explore the city at your own pace until it is time to board your ship.
Disembarkation Time: 9am
If your return flight is after 9am you will be able to leave your luggage onboard the ship (until 14:00pm) and spend your time exploring the city until your return airport transfer.
Please note - from 9:00 am on day of disembarkation drinks will not be available in the lounge bar and there will be no other cruise services on board.
If you need to contact your representative during your cruise the details are as follows:
Phone number (for emergencies only): - MS Belle de Cadix: (0034) 955.124.597. Representative in Spain: Eric - Mobile phone: (0034) 635.670.552 - Office: (0034) 951.923.314.
