Iberian Penninsula Cruise

We've never taken a cruise so I'm unfamiliar with logistic issues, although I understand ship organised tours can be pricey but do guarantee the ship won't leave without you.

I can comment on each city you're docking at, but for now will just mention Cartagena, as that might be the one least familiar/visited amongst others on here.

I suspect a ship offered tour will be to the Alhambra. That is one of the highlights of Spain and if you've not been and don't think you'll visit in the future certainly worth considering. The downside is it's about 3 hrs. each way by bus so your time there might not be very long. If you do want to see the Alhambra then doing it by yourself using public transport is not practical so a ship excursion might be best whatever the premium price.

However, reluctant as I am to suggest anyone skips the Alhambra, six hours makes it a long day-trip so instead I'd suggest you stay in Murcia Region as there is plenty to see, though nothing quite so "wow". Personally, if staying in Murcia Region, then I'd choose Cartagena for the day. Alternatives easy to get to by public transport would be Murcia city, the regional capital, Lorca or Elche (actually in Valencian Community, but quite close). However, I think Cartagena has more to see and, perhaps more variety including Punic, Roman, medieval, early modern and modern (including a Civil War bunker/museum).

I don't want to oversell Cartagena - it's not some second Rome, York or Seville. Again, it's not by any means an equal of Barcelona in terms of sights, but there is enough to fill a day or two. I'm not sure what a cruise ship organised tour would add as you can easily visit the city on your own. It's c.10-15 mins. walk from the dock to the principal Plaza Del Ayuntamiento and from there most sights are a short further walk. The top sight, a pretty brilliant Roman theatre, only rediscovered last century, is accessed from the plaza itself.

If you decide to stick to Cartagena (or indeed visit one of the other murcian cities), I'd be happy to give more suggestions. Food is even better in Murcia than most of Spain, by the way.

There is a lot to see in Bilbao: Guggenheim Museum, Fine Arts Museum, very nice historic district (Casco Viejo) that is not particularly touristy, and an attractive city center with some early-20th century architecture. A bit over an hour away bus (train is scenic but much slower) is San Sebastian, a pretty city, considerably smaller, which has a magnificent beach and an historic district which is now mostly tapas bars. And tourists. Many tourists. SS is very popular with foodies.

Although I much preferred Bilbao, with your obvious interest in wine, San Sebastian might be your sort of place.

Not knowing what is included in the ship or private tours, It’s hard to say which you should do. What I can say is, if a ship sponsored tour is going to be late returning to the ship, the ship will wait. It you’re on a private tour or doing it on your own, the ship will leave without you.

Bruges is very much worth visiting. It’s good for a couple days visit. I’m not a fan of either Lisbon or Bilbao. Sevilla is worth a few days. As Nick said, Cartagena is the least known of the places you mentioned. I enjoyed it for the short time I was there, years ago. Nick mentioned Murcia city and Lorca. Visited them in 2014. I was underwhelmed with Murcia city. Lorca has a large castle that is ok. it has been made fairly touristy during certain times of the year. During those periods, it’s probably fine. When we went in September, none of the extra events, re-enactments, etc. we’re going on, so we felt the entrance price was too expensive for simply walking around a castle.

Lisbon is a compact city, easy to see yourselves.

If travelling from Cadiz to Seville by train, you need to allow 2 hours in each direction, which won’t give you much time for sightseeing. Seville deserves three full days, as there is plenty to see. Closer is Jerez, where you could visit a sherry bodega if time permits or you could explore Cadiz itself and take the regular ferry to El Puerto de Santa Maria and visit a bodega and explore the old town.

Cartagena to Granada is over 3 hours by road in each direction and over 4 hours by train and is therefore not practical for a day trip.