Spanish Shores to Lisbon

Arrive in Barcelona where you have 2 nights pre cruise to explore the city.

Dynamic Barcelona is all about architecture, from the magnificent medieval buildings of the Gothic Quarter to the Modernist movement typified by the work of Antoni Gaudi. Though his materials were stone and metal, his forms were organic, awash in curves, swirls, and colors. His masterpiece is the amazing Church of the Sagrada Familia, colossal and as yet unfinished, though construction began in 1882. A contemporary contribution to the scene is Ricardo Bofill’s post modernist National Theater of Catalonia, an imaginative combination of classical and modern design, with a greenhouse-like lobby.

Today you join your small ship cruise from Barcelona to Lisbon

One of the country’s biggest and bustling cities was defended against the Moors by the legendary Spaniard “El Cid.” Work up an appetite taking in la Calle de Los Caballeros and La Lonja, Valencia’s old stock-exchange building of 1483, and reward your curiosities with a Paella Valenciana, Spain’s most famous contribution to the world’s tables.

The original city of Palma dates back to Roman times, and modern day residents of the old quarter are still digging up artifacts in their gardens. Balanced on a seawall above the marina is the amazing gothic Cathedral, icon of the city, with some of the world’s largest stained glass windows. Also high on the artistic scale is the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Art featuring works by masters including Picasso, Miró, Gris, and Dali. Mother Nature’s aesthetic achievements can be found in the Caves of Drach – mystical caverns where the play of shadow and light on the rock formations stimulates the imagination.

Located halfway between Valencia and Cartagena on the eastern coast of Spain, Alicante is one of the most famous towns along the Costa Blanca. Renowned for its miles of pristine beaches and excellent weather, it’s a sun lover’s dream destination and a popular port for intrepid sailors, since Alicante is both the headquarters and the starting point of the Volvo Ocean Race, a yacht race around the world that’s held every three years.

Renowned for its multicultural history, flamenco dancing and free tapas bars, Granada’s glory is embodied in the magnificent Alhambra, a compound of palaces and gardens that is a masterpiece of Moorish style.

Málaga is the lively capital of the Costa del Sol, famed for its beaches and mild climate, and gateway to Andalusia, with its Moorish architectural heritage. The city’s Alcazaba is a fine example, an 11th century citadel sitting in majestic splendor overlooking the African coast. It contains three magnificent palaces and graceful gardens with ornate fountains. In addition to their rich cultural heritage, Malagueños are also very proud of their most famous citizens – Picasso, for whom there is a museum commemorating his birth here, and actor Antonio Banderas, so far without a monument.

Located in northern Africa, directly across from the Rock of Gibraltar, the autonomous city of Ceuta, Spain is a beguiling blend of cultures and continents. With its mix of international influences, Ceuta is home to historic sites, beautiful beaches, and eclectic architecture.

The charming old quarter in Cadiz makes it easy to see why the small town is frequented by Spaniards on holiday. Its intriguing ancient streets, delightful plazas and flower-filled balconies make exploring a must. Along the way, restore your energy at any of the mouth-watering tapas bars offering some of the country’s finest seafood and typical Andalucian cuisine.

The charming old quarter in Cadiz makes it easy to see why the small town is frequented by Spaniards on holiday. Its intriguing ancient streets, delightful plazas and flower-filled balconies make exploring a must. Along the way, restore your energy at any of the mouth-watering tapas bars offering some of the country’s finest seafood and typical Andalucian cuisine.

The charming old quarter in Cadiz makes it easy to see why the small town is frequented by Spaniards on holiday. Its intriguing ancient streets, delightful plazas and flower-filled balconies make exploring a must. Along the way, restore your energy at any of the mouth-watering tapas bars offering some of the country’s finest seafood and typical Andalucian cuisine.

Your cruise comes to an end today. You have 2 nights post cruise to explore the city of Lisbon.

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its magnificent harbour made it a logical trading port as far back as the Phoenicians, as well as a departure point for 15th century voyages sponsored by Prince Henry the Navigator, patron of Portuguese explorers. The city is rich in architecture, from Romanesque and Gothic to Post Modern, and criss-crossed by monument-studded grand boulevards. Today it is seeking a place on the world stage by hosting, in addition to its own active cultural calendar, film festivals, art, fashion, and design shows, book fairs, marathons, and rock concerts.

Your holiday comes to an end today. Interested in extending? Ask us about our amazing range of rail, touring, ocean and river packages.