FROM SEVILLA TO TENERIFFA

The colourful hustle and bustle of life in Seville is all about sunshine, light and happiness. Enjoy the charm of Andalusia with all your senses in this Moorish city, where history and passion fill the streets with life. Discover the exceptional diversity of the city’s impressive architecture, such as Santa Maria de la Sede Cathedral with its five naves, the Giralda view point or the Moorish Alcazar royal palace, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The old town is a treat for the eyes, while the scent of jasmine fills the narrow streets. The Triana district is the heartbeat of flamenco life drifts along on the riverbanks of the Guadalquivir. The city also has plenty of culinary treats on offer: the tapas bars are a great place to try jamon, tortilla and Manzanillo olives. Seville is not just a city, it’s also a feeling – warm, lively and timeless.

An experience that’s only possible on a small expedition ship like with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: a cruise on the Guadalquivir.. Just like Colombus, who set off along the river from Seville on his journey of discovery to America, you will follow this lifeline. This is pioneering spirit at its most relaxing, as you watch the beautiful scenery go by, accompanied by the knowledgeable commentary of our experts. Enjoy the views of the fertile riverbanks, with meadows, forests and vast olive groves. Not only is the Guadalquivir a wonder of nature, it also has major historical significance, from the Moorish heritage of Andalusia to the Romans who used the river.

The white buildings of Cadiz appear on the horizon, while the golden domes of the cathedral reflect the bright blue sky. The screeches of seagulls and the sound of the waves are carried on the wind. Cadiz, with its history dating back over 3,000 years, was once a lively trading centre. Today, the city retains its pride in its majestic palaces, the Miradores, which offer a breathtaking view over the endless sea. In the old town, narrow streets wind their way through the historic quarter, where the tempting aroma of freshly prepared tapas wafts from street cafes and the colourful hustle and bustle of life seduces the senses. On the long sandy beach, you can unwind and use the time to relax.

Built in the 1970s as an exclusive marina with Andalusian-inspired architecture, Puerto Banus combines traditional white facades, wrought-iron balconies and narrow cobbled streets with international luxury. The design did not follow a faceless jet-set style, but was deliberately intended to resemble an Andalusian village – a concept that remains unique to this day. Marbella is just under 7 km (4.3 mi.) away: originally founded by the Phoenicians, in the mid-1950s the city started to become a meeting point for the international jet set. Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe made the Marbella Club the place to be and in the 1970s Arab aristocrats like the Saudi King and the Emirs of Abu Dhabi and Qatar arrived in town. Today, the newly renovated seafront promenade and the charming little streets around the Plaza de los Naranjos are a great place for a stroll. Numerous bars, restaurants and luxury boutiques add to the special atmosphere of Marbella – which you can enjoy until late in the evening.

Almeria is nestled in a wide bay, framed by the mountain ranges of the Sierra de Gador, the Sierra Alhamilla and the majestic Sierra Nevada with peaks over 3,000 m (9,842 ft) high. The impressive Moorish Alcazaba towers over lively, narrow streets and whitewashed houses. The city also delights visitors with its historic harbour, the modern Museum of Almeria and the baroque cathedral, which also served as a fortress. Numerous squares, small cafes and bustling markets lend the old town its authentic charm.

Melilla, the Spanish enclave on the North African coast, is an exciting European-African melting pot. Shaped by the Phoenicians, Romans and Moors, and belonging to Spain since 1497, the city looks back on an eventful past. The old town of Melilla la Vieja is one of the most impressive fortifications on the Mediterranean, with massive walls and winding streets that tell the story of centuries past. Architecture enthusiasts will also discover a little-known art nouveau gem: numerous magnificent buildings designed by Gaudi’s pupil Enrique Nieto give Melilla its distinctive cityscape.

At the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula, the striking Rock of Gibraltar greets all seafarers from afar. Right at the foot of the monolithic limestone rock lies a fascinating piece of Great Britain: Gibraltar. Red telephone boxes, teatime and double-decker buses give the city its typical English charm. The lighthouse in the south offers breathtaking views across the sea to Africa. The free-roaming Barbary macaques, which can be found here, are unique in Europe – according to legend, Gibraltar will remain British as long as they are there. But be careful, as it’s better not to feed the cheeky animals. Gibraltar combines history, nature and British flair, offering visitors a unique experience.

Tangier is a Moroccan port city on the Strait of Gibraltar. The city, whose origins date back to the fifth century BC, is captivating with its lively medina and busy markets offering traditional handicrafts. The kasbah with its impressive Bab el Kasbah gate rises up over the city and offers fascinating insights into the past. You get a sense of a wide variety of influences in the narrow streets – from the Carthaginians to the Romans and the Moors, all have left the marks of their different cultures.

Modern life and historic charm go hand in hand in Casablanca. The lively metropolis is Morocco’s economic centre and offers an exciting mix of Arab or Muslim heritage and remnants from the French colonial period. The old town, also known as the medina, is inviting with its winding streets and numerous bazaars to wander around, while the art deco district and the Corniche promenade show the city’s modern side. At the end of the Corniche, you will see the majestic Hassan II Mosque and its minaret rising about 210 m (689 ft) into the blue sky: one of the largest mosques in the world, its architectural beauty and the glorious marble of the huge prayer hall are impressive.

Lanzarote, the most north-easterly of the Canary Islands, is a real gem for explorers. In the 18th century, huge lava flows covered large areas of land and transformed the fertile earth into a bizarre black desert The black volcanic landscape in the Timanfaya National Park reveals the magic of active volcanoes with its bizarre crater formations. Semi-circular stone walls made of lava rock surround the vineyards, revealing how the vines thrive here despite the wind and arid soils. The dramatic volcanic landscape, the whitewashed houses of the inhabitants and the breathtaking coastlines and sandy beaches create a wonderful contrast. Away from the main tourist tracks, charming fishing villages invite you to experience the authentic character of the island. Immerse yourself in a world of colour on Lanzarote, which has provided the inspiration for a number of artists.

The colour of La Gomera is green – in all its beautiful shades. The second smallest island in the Canaries is a world full of unspoilt nature and wild beauty. The densely forested Garonjay National Park*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly impressive. In this mysterious cloud forest of ancient laurel trees, time seems to stand still, while waterfalls and moss-covered paths invite you on some magical hikes. The coastline features steep cliffs, black beaches and hidden bays. The colonial centre of the small town of San Sebastian is ideal for an independent stroll to visit the Casa de Colon: the site of a previous house where Colombus once stayed, it is now a museum devoted to the nautical history of La Gomera. Another special feature of the island is its unique language: in the past, the people of La Gomera used the El Silbo language, a system consisting of whistling sounds, to communicate over large distances.