Glories of Spain & Portugal

MÁLAGA / EMBARKATION*

Board the ship in the late afternoon in the culturally and historically rich port city of Málaga, Spain. Settle into your cabin and enjoy dinner on board the ship, which moors in port for the night.

MOTRIL / GRANADA

Arrive in Motril in the morning, where you have the option to set off on an optional full-day excursion to Granada, one of the most culturally distinct cities in Europe. Granada was the Iberian Peninsula’s last Moorish stronghold, and fell to the Christians in 1492, but numerous reminders of Granada’s former rulers—including the lavish, UNESCO-listed Alhambra Palace—remain. The palace and medieval fortress complex, which dates back to the 14th century, features a series of ornate structures amidst trickling fountains and lush gardens,

PUERTO JOSÉ BANÚS / RONDA / GIBRALTAR

After arriving in Puerto José Banús, you may choose to join a full-day excursion to Ronda, located a short distance inland. Here, discover the incredible 18th-century Puente Nuevo, a bridge spanning the 120-metre deep canyon over the Guadalevín River. Ronda is also renowned as the birthplace of modern bullfighting, a tradition which is honoured in the Plaza de Toros arena and museum.

PUERTO JOSÉ BANÚS / GIBRALTAR

Today, set off on an optional half-day excursion to the famous Rock of Gibraltar, a 426-metre high limestone ridge. Here, take in breathtaking 360-degree views as you make your way to the summit on a cable car. At the Top Station, learn more about this British colony’s incredible geography from an experienced guide. At the Middle Station, see some of Gibraltar’s oldest inhabitants—the Barbary macaques, who have been given free roam here. Next, drive to Princess Caroline’s Battery and enter the Great Siege Tunnels, a series of tunnels carved out of solid limestone. Finally, tour the Gibraltar Museum, which is home to a vast array of artifacts. The afternoon is at your leisure to return to the ship or explore the town. The ship sails through the night to Cádiz.

CÁDIZ / SEVILLE

Leave port this morning for an optional full-day excursion to Seville, an Iberian Peninsula gem. In this charismatic and vibrant city, Moorish and Spanish influences collide, and a rich history awaits your discovery. See the incredible Catedral and Giralda, a Christian church that stands on the site of a 12th-century mosque whose minaret is still intact. In Seville, you’ll also discover Alcázar, a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring vast gardens. Before rejoining to the ship in the late evening, visit the Parque de María Luisa on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, and tour Seville’s elegant Santa Cruz district. The ship moors in Cádiz for the night.

CÁDIZ / JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA

Today, join an optional excursion to Jerez de la Frontera, an inland municipality famous for wine, flamenco, and horse breeding. Here, see Alcázar, an 11th- to 12th-century fortress, along with the Catedral de San Salvador and a local ganadería, where bulls are raised for the emblematic Spanish tradition of bullfighting.

PORTIMÃO / SILVES

Today, set off on an optional half-day excursion to Silves, Portugal, a city that was largely destroyed by the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. Here, marvel at the centuries-old Moorish castle complex with its underground water reservoir, visit a 13th-century cathedral built on the site of a former mosque by King Alfonso X of Castile, and see the bridge over the Rio Arade which dates back to the 15th century. You’ll also have time to browse the historic exhibitions at the Museu Arqueológico.

LISBON / DISEMBARKATION

Enjoy breakfast on board the ship before debarking in Lisbon, where you’ll prepare for your onward journey.