Olé, olé, olé we’re on our way with Columbus, The Great Explora and the Greater Spain.
And Cassidy Travel and Explora Journeys which whisper it, or on second thoughts, shout it, who are a better bet than Columbus.
History has been kinder than it ought to have been to Columbus.
Who sailed the ocean blue in 1492 though didn’t know where he was going, which was the wrong way to Asia.
And even mistook manatees for mermaids.
Columbus on a pedestal
All of which appeals to this accidental tourist who has turned the wrong corner more often than not, and found an oasis.
Columbus is still trusting to instinct rather than updated maps to this day from his plinth in Barcelona.
Where he points not to America, where let’s remember he never set foot in, but to Algeria.
The great Catalan city honours the Genovese on account of his reporting to the Spanish monarchs after returning from the Caribbean.
And erected his 60ft statue by Las Ramblas for the Exposición Universal de Barcelona in 1888 in honour of his Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas.
Which if you’re lucky enough to first witness Barcelona from opened curtains on a cruise ship is the first thing you’ll see.
Carry on cruising
Barcelona will be your first port of call and departure point.
On your Journey to Stars of Casablanca & The Coast of Granada.
The Explora II will leave Barcelona in October 16 for ten nights from €4195pp (€500pp deposit).
Cassidy and Explora will put you in an ocean terrace suite.
And treat you to all-inclusive wining and dining
You’ll sail from the Catalan capital, overnight in Casablanca ad visit Cadiz, Puerto Banus (Marbella) and Motril.
While you’ll also get return flights from Dublin.