Motown & Soul Cruise 2027
Itinerary & Information
Not only do you have the Music, Food, Drinks and bags of entertainment on this cruise, You will also visit some fantastic places to make your holiday very special with this lovely itinerary we have put together for you to enjoy and make memories.
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Vigo, Spain, 20th May - 8am - 5pm
Vigo is a vibrant port city in the Galicia region of northwestern Spain, known for its rich maritime history, stunning beaches, and delicious seafood. It's the largest city in Galicia and serves as a gateway to the beautiful Cíes Islands, often called the "Galician Caribbean".
Here's a more detailed look at what makes Vigo special:
Maritime Heritage:
Vigo boasts a strong connection to the sea, with Europe's largest fishing fleet and a thriving canning industry.
Beaches and Nature:
The city is surrounded by beautiful beaches, including those on the Cíes Islands, which are part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park.
Old Town Charm:
Vigo's Casco Vello (old town) offers a charming atmosphere with narrow streets, historic buildings, and lively squares.
Gastronomy:
The city is renowned for its fresh seafood and local cuisine.
Gateway to the Cíes Islands:
Visitors often use Vigo as a base for exploring the stunning Cíes Islands, known for their pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Walkable City:
Despite its size, Vigo is considered a very walkable city, with many attractions easily accessible from the port.
Things to do in Vigo:
Explore the old town: Wander through the narrow streets, visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria, and discover the many restaurants and bars.
Visit the Cíes Islands:
Take a ferry to the islands and enjoy the beaches, hiking trails, and natural beauty.
Enjoy the beaches:
Relax on Samil Beach or explore other beaches in the area.
Visit Parque de Castrelos:
This park offers a peaceful escape with gardens, a lake, and the Pazo de Quiñones de León museum.
Sample the seafood: Indulge in the fresh seafood that Vigo is famous for.
Visit the Fortaleza del Castro: Explore the historic fort for panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Cadiz, Spain, 22nd May - 7am - 5pm
Cadiz, Spain, is a captivating coastal city, renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches.
It's considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe, founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 BC.
Located in southwestern Spain, on the Andalusian Atlantic coast, Cadiz is a fascinating blend of ancient charm and modern allure.
Here's a more detailed look at what makes Cadiz special:
Historical Significance:
Oldest City:
Cadiz holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe.
Phoenician Origins:
Founded by the Phoenicians, it became a significant trading post.
Spanish Navy Base:
In the 16th century, Cadiz served as the home of the Spanish Navy and a major port for exploration and trade.
La Pepa Constitution:
Spain's first liberal constitution, known as "La Pepa," was signed in Cadiz in 1812.
Notable Events:
The city has weathered attacks from Sir Francis Drake, Anglo-Dutch forces, and French sieges.
Attractions and Activities:
Beaches:
Cadiz boasts beautiful beaches like La Caleta, Santa María del Mar, Victoria, and Cortadura, offering sunbathing, swimming, and watersports.
Historical Sites:
Explore the historic center with its narrow, winding streets, watchtowers, and the impressive Cadiz Cathedral.
Parks and Gardens:
Relax in the leafy Genovés Park, a green oasis with a waterfall and lake, or stroll through the Apodaca Poplar Grove.
Castles:
Visit the Santa Catalina Castle for panoramic views and the San Sebastián Castle, standing on a small island accessible by a breakwater.
Roman Theater:
Discover the remains of a large Roman theater, a testament to the city's ancient past.
Torre Tavira:
Ascend this iconic watchtower for city views and explore its camera obscura.
Mercado Central:
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the central market, where you can find fresh produce, seafood, and local goods.
Plazas:
Enjoy the lively plazas, like Plaza de las Flores and Plaza del Mentidero, with their charming atmosphere and local life.
Other Notable Features:
Surrounded by Water:
Cadiz is almost entirely surrounded by water, connected to the mainland by two roads and a narrow strip of land.
Fortifications:
The city features defensive walls with numerous watchtowers, a reminder of its historical role as a strategic port.
Local Cuisine:
Cadiz is known for its exquisite regional cuisine, particularly its seafood dishes.
Cadiz offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Spain.
Almeria, Spain, 23rd May - 10am - 6pm
Almería is a city and municipality located in southeastern Spain, within the Andalusia region. It is the capital of the province of Almería and is situated on the Mediterranean coast, specifically along the Gulf of Almería.
The city is known for its rich history, including its Moorish past, as well as its unique landscape, which includes the only desert in Europe.
History:
Almería was founded in 955 AD by Abd-ar-Rahman III and has a significant Moorish influence, visible in the Alcazaba fortress that dominates the city.
Geography:
The city lies between the Sierra de Gádor mountains and the Andarax river, extending along the coast.
Climate:
Almería is known for its dry climate, being the driest area in Europe, and its mild, sunny weather makes it a popular destination for tourists, especially in the shoulder seasons.
Tourism:
Almería offers a mix of historical sites like the Alcazaba and the Almería Cathedral, beautiful beaches, and unique landscapes like the Tabernas Desert, which has been the backdrop for many films.
Economy:
Besides tourism, Almería's economy includes agriculture, with vast areas dedicated to greenhouses ("plastic city"), and port activity, particularly for exporting agricultural products.
Culture:
The city has a vibrant culture with a mix of Moorish and Spanish influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Gibraltar, 24th May - 7am - 5pm
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain.
It's known for the Rock of Gibraltar, a large limestone ridge, and has a unique history as a strategic military location and a point of cultural exchange.
Location:
Gibraltar is a peninsula, not an island, situated on the southern coast of Spain, at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea.
History:
It was ceded to Britain by Spain in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht. The people of Gibraltar have expressed strong desires to remain British in referendums.
Governance:
Gibraltar has a parliamentary system and a constitutional monarchy, with the Governor acting as His Majesty's Representative.
The Rock:
The Rock of Gibraltar is a dominant geological feature, a 426-meter high limestone ridge.
Culture:
It has a diverse population with a mix of British, Spanish, Genoese, Jewish, Maltese, and Portuguese heritage. Llanito, a dialect incorporating English and Spanish with other languages, is spoken by Gibraltarians.
Economy:
The economy is based on financial services, maritime services, e-gaming, and tourism.
Recent Developments:
An agreement was reached to remove border checks between Spain and Gibraltar, establishing a customs union between Gibraltar and the EU.
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Portimao, Portugal, 25th May - 7am - 6pm
Portimão, located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, lively marina, and historical sites.
It's a popular tourist destination, offering a blend of traditional charm and modern attractions.
Beaches:
Praia da Rocha:
A famous beach known for its golden cliffs, lively atmosphere, and nightlife.
Other beaches:
Portimão also boasts other beaches like Praia Grande, known for its laid-back vibe and live music.
Activities:
Boat tours: Explore the stunning coastline, including the famous Benagil Caves, by boat from the marina.
Water sports:
Enjoy various water activities like sailing, kayaking, and more.
Historical sites:
Visit the Fort of Santa Catarina, the Portimão Museum, and the Igreja do Colégio dos Jesuítas.
Shopping:
Explore the city's shops, from traditional stores to modern malls.
Dining:
Indulge in fresh seafood, including the local specialty, grilled sardines.
Nightlife:
Experience the vibrant nightlife, especially around Praia da Rocha.
Events:
Portimão hosts events like the "Mundialito de Futebol de Praia," an international beach football tournament.
Other points of interest:
Alvor: A charming fishing village nearby, offering a different coastal experience.
Autódromo Internacional do Algarve:
A racecourse located near Portimão.
Silves: The ancient Moorish capital, located a short distance from Portimão.
Lagos:
A historic city, also within easy reach of Portimão.
Sagres and Cape St Vincent:
Known for surfing and stunning coastal scenery.
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Lisbon, Portugal, 26th May - 8am - 5pm
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, located on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, at the mouth of the Tagus River.
It is known for its historic neighborhoods, vibrant culture, and scenic hills. Lisbon is mainland Europe's westernmost capital city.
History and Culture:
Lisbon boasts a rich history, with influences from Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors.
The city is known for its iconic landmarks like São Jorge Castle, Belém Tower, and Jerónimos Monastery.
Lisbon is famous for its traditional music genre, fado, which often evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia.
The city is also renowned for its azulejos, decorative ceramic tiles that adorn buildings throughout Lisbon.
Things to Do:
Explore the historic Alfama district with its narrow streets and traditional fado houses.
Visit the Belém district to see the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.
Enjoy panoramic views of the city from São Jorge Castle.
Take a ride on the iconic yellow trams, especially the popular Tram 28.
Experience the modern side of Lisbon at LX Factory, a creative hub with shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Explore the vibrant nightlife in the Bairro Alto district.
Take a day trip to the beaches near Cascais and Estoril.
Practical Information:
The official language is Portuguese.
Lisbon is known for its hilly terrain, so be prepared for some uphill walking or consider using public transportation.
The city is relatively safe, but it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas.
Lisbon is a popular destination, so it's recommended to book accommodations and popular attractions in advance.
The city is well-connected by public transportation, including trams, buses, and a metro system.
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Honfleur, France, 29th May - 6am - 2.30pm
Honfleur is a charming, picturesque port town located in Normandy, France, known for its historic harbor, colorful buildings, and inspiring atmosphere for artists. It's a popular tourist destination, particularly for its well-preserved old harbor, the Vieux Bassin, and its proximity to other attractions in Normandy.
Key Features:
Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor):
This is the heart of Honfleur, a picturesque harbor surrounded by tall, narrow buildings, many of which date back to the 16th to 18th centuries.
Artistic Inspiration:
Honfleur has a rich history of attracting artists, including Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin, who were drawn to the town's unique light and atmosphere.
Saint Catherine's Church:
A large wooden church, unique in its construction by shipbuilders, is another highlight of the town.
Museums and Galleries:
Honfleur boasts several museums, including the Maritime Museum, the Museum of Culture and Folk Art, and the Town Museum.
Coastal Location:
Situated on the estuary where the Seine River meets the English Channel, Honfleur offers scenic views and coastal charm.
Walking Distance:
The town is known for its narrow, cobbled streets and walkable layout, making it easy to explore on foot.
Tourist Destination:
Honfleur is a popular tourist spot, drawing visitors with its beauty, historical sites, and artistic heritage.
Proximity to Paris:
It's a relatively easy drive (2.5-3 hours) from Paris, making it a convenient day trip or weekend getaway destination.
Traditional Normandy Architecture:
The town's architecture is characteristic of Normandy, with charming, colorful buildings that contribute to its picturesque appeal.
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