Well, we've arrived at the last stop and end of the cruise.
Cadiz, Spain. Another city we've never heard of - a lot of firsts on this cruise. Many cruise passengers who stop here try to get to Seville, a very historical city and large (about 700,000 in the city itself and 1.4 million metro area) about 90 minutes away. Seville is Spain's 4th largest city Seville has a lot of things to see and do and many travelers visit Seville and stay for several days.
We could have stayed in Cadiz and explored the city there, but we opted to try and make it to Seville, knowing we wouldn't have much time. We rented a car and made the drive which was very easy.
 |
| These carriages are everywhere and the "must do" is to have an hour ride around the city in them. As we were told many times by our tour guide, don't get in front of them because the "driver will not stop" We only had a few hours in the city, so we will do this next time |
Our first stop was the Royal Alcazar of Seville which means the Royal Palace. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was first built in the 10th Century and added on over the years by different royalty who lived here. The upstairs of the palace is still used by royalty when they visit Seville. The palace has a huge garden area as well, and the buildings have Christianity, Gothic, Roman and Islamic features as different palaces and areas were built depending on who had control at the time.
The palace is known for extreme intricate details and every corner and inch is decorated with hand painted, carved and plastered one of a kind details and made with the finest of materials. The palace is known for exquisite tile work not duplicated anywhere else.
 |
| These tapestries were HUGE! |
After visiting the palace, we went across the street to the Seville Cathedral, not really knowing what it was like, but it was included on our tour. Sure, let's go.
Well, the cathedral is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, completed in the 16th century, and the 3rd largest cathedral in the world and the largest Gothic church in the world. When we walked through the doors, it was extremely awe inspiring and took your breath away - it did not seem that big from the outside.
VIDEO:
VIDEO:
 |
| One of the organs in the church |
 |
| Oh, and they have Christopher Columbus' tomb and ashes inside....well, 20% of them - they were split up among different countries |
 |
| When the Royal Family comes to Seville, this is the area where they go to worship. So. Much. Gold. |
Our tour include access to go up in the bell tower, but we didn't think we had time, as we had to get back and allow time in case we got lost, couldn't get a taxi from the car rental place, had a flat tire, etc and we were cutting it close.
We did make it back with 30 minutes to spare. We would definitely go back to Seville and stay there a few days as there is so much to see and do and it's a beautiful city.
We headed to the airport and said goodbye to Spain (mostly) and headed home for the next 11 hours.
 |
| We even had real silverware with a salad fork and entree fork |
 |
| And a very tasty dinner |
We had a great trip and loved sharing with the Jacob and Aubrie and Shauna and Don. Maybe next time you will share a trip with us?
Luggage update: It arrived in Salt Lake today - July 11 - 26 days later!
Hotels - $1,327 - our cost - $0 and 30,000 points
Flights - $4,900 - our cost - $402 and 155,000 points
Cruise - $3,218 - our cost - $0
No comments:
Post a Comment