If you want to take a cruise ship holiday next year but are having difficulty deciding between the host of destinations on offer then you should turn your attention towards the Iberian peninsula in Spain and Portugal.

When setting out on Iberia cruises, you can look forward to visiting destinations such as Lisbon and the Capelinhos volcano in Portugal or the Roman town of Ferrol in Spain.

However, a day experiencing the sights and sounds of Seville is sure to be the highlight on any journey in this region, with the city home to some truly stunning attractions for you to discover.

Famous for its architecture, the city in Cadiz, southern Spain is home to several sites on the Unesco World Heritage list - including its cathedral and the Alcazar Palace.

The Alcazar Palace has a rich and varied history that is reflected in its architecture, with many monarchs making additions to the buildings and the grounds over the years.

After originally starting life as a fortress in 713, the site has developed and is now used as a royal residence due to its grandeur.

You will find that there are numerous gardens and courtyards to explore within the grounds, while the buildings themselves display fine examples of architectural styles from both Europe and the Middle East.

Another building that combines history in such a way is the Seville Cathedral and its bell tower - la Giralda.

Famous the world-over as one of the three remaining Almohad minarets, la Giralda is certainly worth taking the time to see.

The mosque that stood on the site of the cathedral was largely destroyed in the 13th century when construction started on the Christian place of worship. However, the minaret remains and is now used as a bell tower.

But you should not ignore the cathedral itself - indeed it would be difficult to do so as the structure is the third largest building of its kind in the Christian world.

After enjoying some of Seville's best-known sights, you are sure to want to take the time to relax before heading back to the cruise ship.

You will easily find a restaurant offering traditional Spanish fare where you can indulge in some tapas and possibly a glass of sangria before travelling on to your next destination.