On most river cruises, the ship will stick to just a single waterway, either sailing from one port and finishing in another or completing a neat loop back to where it started. On the odd occasion, two rivers will be enjoyed during your cruise, like when sailing from the Rhine into the Main to enjoy the beautiful sights of wonderful Wurzburg or brilliant Bamberg. But, very rarely does a river cruise involve two rivers and a short foray into the ocean.

That is the case though for anyone who has experienced or is looking to take a Guadalquivir and Guadiana river cruise. Both of these waterways can be found in the south of Spain, with the latter forming the border with neighbouring Portugal. It may not be the most obvious region when it comes to river cruising but this part of the world is home to a unique journey that is filled with history and local traditions.

The adventure starts in either Seville or Lisbon and can be taken aboard CroisiEurope’s MS La Belle de Cadix. Between the two rivers, the ship hugs the Spanish coastline as it ventures into the Atlantic Ocean. Sure, there’s slightly more movement felt on board than there is during the river sections of the trip, but the vessel is built to be able to cope with this effortlessly and so guests experience little more than a gentle rocking.

With few other ships sailing these lesser-known waters, it will come as no surprise that a river cruise like this offers plenty of opportunities to gaze at the bucolic scenery and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Visits to Alcoutim, Cadiz and the aforementioned Seville are punctuated by rolling hills, green pastures and one of the last homes of the Iberian lynx – the Doñana National Park. The port calls invite you to discover Moorish castles, resplendent palaces, charming churches, delicious food and the passion of Flamenco, as you choose between the excursions on offer.

The land sections of the trip, between the Guadiana and Lisbon for example, are taken in a coach, giving you the chance to explore further afield than the river’s banks and enjoy a relaxing stay before or after your cruise. The fact that the ship joins these two rivers together by gliding into the sea means that you get to see so much in one holiday and soak up plenty of Iberian culture both on board and on shore.

It really is a unique journey and one that is perfect for anyone who has already seen the delights of other European waterways and is now looking for something different. So when is a river cruise not just a river cruise? When you take to the seas as well.

If you would like to know more about our Guadiana and Guadalquivir River cruises, we have some interesting itineraries available. Speak to our experts now to book this one-of-a-kind adventure.