VCS has long experience in organising land excursions from cruise ships calling at ports around the Iberian Peninsula and offshore islands. These trips can be more creative than the usual visits to local monuments. For example, Barcelona is now a major port of call for cruise ships: let VCS organise a private cooking class and market visit for a small group of privileged travellers. Or from Lisbon, where ships moor on the inland sea of the Tagus River, we can organise a tour in a 4 x 4 to the Arrabida Mountains. From Santander, on Spain’s northern (Bay of Biscay) coast, we can take select groups to caves with prehistoric paintings, accompanied by knowledgeable guides, and including an excellent meal if time allows. In Seville, drinks can be arranged at the private home of an interior decorator. Special options are available for individuals through VCS, and for groups more private venues are available. And VCS has the best local experts on Spain and Portugal, to lecture on land or on board ship. Contact VCS to discuss creative shore excursions.