During your voyage, enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the world’s most fascinating destinations in small, private groups, with knowledgeable guides to help you discover off-the-beaten-path gems. On an Overland Program, you’ll disembark the ship for one night or more to enjoy a more authentic insider’s view, experiencing firsthand the colorful cultures, dramatic landscapes and exquisite landmarks before rejoining your ship.
Discover authentic Andalucía through a journey that presents the opportunity to see Spanish brave bull-farming, taste traditionally prepared Jabugo ham and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site ruins in Merida.
DAY 1
After disembarking the ship, you will meet the English-speaking guide and transfer to Hacienda la Calera, a rural ranch where bulls have been bred for bull fighting for centuries. The owner of the hacienda will show you around the property and elaborate on the details of the bulls’ lives and how the animals are managed. You will then proceed to the bullfighting stables and the Plaza de Toros bullfighting arena.
Continuing on to the town of Aracena, you will stop at Jamones Eiriz to see how Iberia’s famed hams are produced. After walking through the fields where the pigs freely roam and breed, you will visit other areas of the facility where the ham is salted, naturally dried and slowly matured. It is a fascinating process that you can discuss further over lunch.
Later in the afternoon, you will transfer to Merida and check into the Hotel Ilunion Merida Palace. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure, with dinner on your own.
DAY 2
Following a full English breakfast, you will meet with the guide for an enlightening exploration of the Roman theatre in Merida. General Agrippa ordered its construction in the 1st century BC and it is still used for performances. Considered Europe’s best-preserved theatre, it holds as many as 3,000 spectators and features outstanding acoustics.
On the drive to Lisbon, you will see another ancient landmark—the Roman temple of Evora. Lunch follows, after which you will continue on to Lisbon for a brief sightseeing tour before arriving at the pier.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program details and the times indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review the final itinerary carefully for amendments.
Day 1
9:00am Disembark the ship
9:30am Visit the Hacienda La Calera bull farm
12:15pm Drive to Aracena
1:30pm Lunch and explore the Spanish Ham Route
5:00pm Drive to Merida
7:00pm Check in at the hotel
Free time and dinner at leisure
Overnight at the Hotel Ilunion Merida Palace or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Full English breakfast
9:00am Visit the Roman theatre
11:00am Depart for Lisbon
1:00pm Stop in Evora for lunch and sightseeing
4:30pm Continue to Lisbon
6:00pm City tour of Lisbon
6:30pm Arrive at the pier
Expected Weather
31º Celsius, 87º Fahrenheit
What to Bring
Comfortable clothing and shoes for walks on uneven, unpaved ground. Cameras, medicines, umbrella, sunglasses, hats and sunscreen.
Local Currency
Euro
Electricity
220 volts. Bring your own travel adaptor for electronic devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
Passport to cross Spanish-Portuguese border.
Hotel address
Hotel Ilunion Merida Palace
Plaza de España, 19, 06800 Mérida, Badajoz
*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards. If you are not notified of changes before your sailing, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in the program.
Please Note
Long drives are involved.
Program Includes for guests
•1 overnight at Hotel Ilunion Merida Palace (standard double room)
•1 breakfast
•2 lunches
•Transfers throughout program
•English-speaking escort guide during the program
•La Calera Dehesa visit
•Ruta del Jabugo (Spanish Ham) Dehesa visit
•Merida theatre entrance tickets
Program Excludes for guests
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
•Personal expenses and hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Any meals or beverages not listed above
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs at times. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
