Do share your experiences when you go

Susan

Firstly, it's not really a river cruise. The boat cruises to Cadiz on day 2 (5 hours), and back on day 4. The rest of the time it's moored at Seville. Just a floating hotel, really.

Secondly. it's HOT!!!. 45 degrees every afternoon. Much too hot to sit on deck, and the excursions are something of a test of stamina. I'd recommend missing the trip to the bull farm on day 3, you're sitting in the blazing sun for ages while the host gives a long commentary in three languages. (By the way, it's a French boat, and we were the only Brits on board. Not a problem, except for having to sit through the commentaries three times).

On the positive side, I did enjoy it. We had a lovely crowd, got on so well. And most of the trips are great. Cordoba was the highlight for me, definitely not to be missed.

Take plenty of sunscreen, insect repellant, and a hat, and you'll be fine.

Enjoy! Let me know if you need any more info.

Thanks for this feedback. I'm doing this trip in October so hopefully the weather will be a bit more comfortable.

I didn't see any mention of a trip to a Bull farm - was it an extra when you got to the boat? (Doesn't sound that fascinating in any case).

What was the "dress code" for the boat - in particular, for the evenings? How posh?

Was there plenty of time to look round Seville - I am quite happy to wander round on my own during the day, and I do want to spend quite a bit of time in the city.

Did you take the trip to Granada - if so, how long was the coach journey? I may give this a miss, I have been to Granada before, a lovely city but no burning desire to go again. Cordoba, however - definitely on the list!!

Thanks, RosieMo.

The trip to the bull farm is on day 3. You have a walking tour of Cadiz in the morning (two and a half hours), the boat mpves to El Puerta Santa Maria (not far), then you have the visit to the farm. It's billed as bull-breerding, but in fact most of the time is spent watching a display of dressage on horseback, with, as I said, a long commentary in three languages by the owner. The horses are lovely, but there's a much better display the following day during the visit to the wine cellar in Sanlucar. That one's well worth seeing, lady dancing flamenco round the horse and rider - spectacular.

I didn't go on the Granada trip either, it's three hours each way, so I used that day to explore Seville. There's not a lot of free time at all if you do all the trips, that was one of the gripes. Definitely don't miss Cordoba though. It's one and three-quarters each way.

There's a free afternoon on day 6. The billed tour of the .national park didn't take place, instead we visited Carmona, a white village, and then an olive farm. Most of us didn't do anything that afternoon though, it was too hot.

It should certainly be cooler in October, so it will be much more pleasant for you.

Enjoy!

Must confess, I was a bit suspicious to start with, with every other cruise I've been on, everything was charged to the cabin card. But it did work, and there was no problem with getting a refund on the last day.

It's good to know about the drinks card as well - I suppose if you spend over 30 euros you can just top it up?

RM.

My trip is now only 3 weeks away, so I am getting excited!

Is ther anyone else out there travelling on 23rd August?

Susan

x

Is anyone else out there going on the 23rd August trip?

As for the real taste buds - they were treated to exceptionally good french cuisine. Yes the boat is Belgian registered, and a french company - but there were no language barriers!

The majority of the holiday makers were French too - but, again all was more than pleasant and enjoyable.

All cabins were comfortably well appointed and maintained. The Tv had one english channel - if you wanted to watch it at any time, and there was music in the cabins if you wanted it too

There is a souvenir shop on board - which is open for about an hour a day. It is on the expensive side - but the goods are quality stuff!

The use of 30euro cards for drinks outside of mealtimes has already been explained - so I won't go over that ground again

Your flight arrives in Seville at lunchtime, however boarding is not permitted until 5 o'clock in the afternoon. To fill the interim hours, Clair Mellor (our excellent JY guide) took us to the Jewish Quarter for a quick taste of the sights and cuisine. Even though it was siesta time, plenty of places were open.

Day one of our holiday began with a walking tour of Seville with a local guide. We Brits had our own guide, plus the use of the boats radio controlled audio guides which had sufficient range for you to hear the guides commentary without crowding in.

Do take great care of these audio guides throughout the holiday - as loss will result in replacement charges!

In the afternoon of day one - you sail down the Guadelcavir to Cadiz. There is an evening walking tour of Cadiz - but I chose to stay on board - knowing there was another walking tour the next morning.

During this walking tour, we had the opportunity of an hours "shopping"/exploring by ourselves.

After sailing to El Puerto Santa Maria, we visited a bull breeding ranch, where you are given an appreciation of the background and history of equestrianism and bull breeding/fighting in Spain.

That evening was SPANISH NIGHT on board, and after our paella based dinner, we were entertained by some flamenco dancers - very intense and passionate, but enjoyable.

Then came our visit to Jerez - and a sherry producing factory. Yet again we came across an inherrant pride in all things Spanish, and were treated to another entertainment which involved a mix of dressage and flamenco. The visit was inevitably concluded with a generous tasting session, followed by the purchases. I found that the prices for the sherry and brandy started at very reasonable prices.

It was now time to sail back to Seville (I spent most of the trip on the upper deck sunbathing and soaking in the "swimming pool"), and on arrival after dinner, we were entertained on the deck to a live Cuban music band.

The 6 o'clock departure on the following morning was a shock to the system - but oh so worth it - because we were on our way to Granade - and the Alhambra - a 3 hour coach journey away. What a magnificent place.

After the tour, we were driven into the centre of Granada for lunch, and then had an hour for shopping/exploring.

The next day saw us on a visit to Carmona. The brochure details a visit to a reserve - but because the animals slept in the hot noon day sun, tourists weren't getting to see anything.

The first stop of the trip is a archeological dig of a site from Roman times, followed by a walking tour of the walled city. We ended up visiting an olive oil farm - which I found was the only visit I didn't enjoy or get anything from - however I will say, I still appreciate the passion and pride of the locals!

Back on board - that evening the crew of the boat put on a very entertaining show for us! The crew are a mixture of nationalties including French, Portuguese, Spanish, Hungarian and Philipino.

Then came my favourite visit of the whole trip - Cordoba! Again we had lunch in the city, and again we had about an hour for shopping/exploring.

On the final day - we also had an opportunity for a final shop in Seville itself! The boat is very close to the centre of the city, and with maps (which are supplied for all of your visits throughout the tour) it was easy to find my way around.

The only pity was that there wasn't more time to shop - but that is a personal thing!

If you are buying souvenirs - think of the beautiful ceramics, the silver filigree and leather goods - and of course the fans and castanets!

The final evening saw us enjoying the farewell gala dinner, and we were off to the airport for our flight home the next morning. The airport has a small but decent shopping mall - with a decent selection of booze and cigarettes.

It is a busy and exhausting holiday - but well worth it