Spain & the Portuguese Coast: A Cruise Around Iberia - 2022

Today you’ll board an overnight flight to Barcelona.   

Please note: If you're taking advantage of the pre-trip extension to Madrid, you will follow the pre-trip itinerary until Day 4, and join your fellow base travelers for the rest of the journey. All activities and inclusions will be covered; please see the pre-trip extension itinerary for details.

Arrive  in Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, a representative will meet you at the airport and assist with the transfer or transport to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the hotel with your fellow travelers, including those on the Madrid pre-trip extension.

This morning you'll get to know the sophisticated capital of Catalonia on a panoramic tour that includes the hugely successful revitalization project of Port Vell, the Olympic Village that hosted the 1992 Games. Then, ascend Montjuic for spectacular city views. Continue to the Plaza de España, adorned with Venetian towers and a towering fountain, and to La Sagrada Família cathedral, Antoni Gaudí’s famous masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you'll be able to visit on your own. After seeing the architectural treasures along the tree-lined Passieg de Gràcia — including surreal buildings by Gaudí — there’ll be plenty of time to shop the city’s famous pedestrian-only Las Ramblas. The tour concludes at La Barceloneta Beach, where an included lunch awaits.

Then, enjoy an evening at leisure with dinner on your own. And after that, prepare yourself for a passionate flamenco performance at a local tablao. This is an experience you won't soon forget!

Included Feature:

• Full-day Barcelona city tour

Cultural Discovery:

• Flamenco performance at a local tablao

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy your day at leisure in Barcelona. You'll have lunch on your own, then you'll be welcomed aboard the luxurious new Ocean Odyssey. Get settled in your cabin, then explore the many amenities, including the sun deck, swimming pool, and fitness center. See your Concierge to reserve an appointment at the onboard spa. After, gather for the first of your daily port talks to hear about tomorrow’s exciting destination. In the dining room, savor a special Welcome Dinner. We get underway later in the evening.

Scenic Sailing:

• Bid adios to Barcelona, enjoying sublime views of the city skyline, including Montjuïc

The ship arrives in Palma de Mallorca this morning. Perhaps you'll catch the sunrise from the Ocean Odyssey's observation deck, or get in an early workout at the gym before a delicious breakfast.

Ringed by pristine crescent beaches and cloaked in lush green forest, Mallorca is an island paradise for the Spanish and visitors alike. On a panoramic city tour, you'll explore the stunning circular Bellver Castle, built in the 14th century for the Kings of Mallorca. Later, step inside the massive, Gothic La Seu Cathedral. This honey-colored masterpiece boasts a cavernous interior designed by Antoni Gaudí and a 144-foot-high nave. Return to the ship for lunch before an afternoon at leisure in Palma de Mallorca.

Before dinner this evening, you'll hear the first in a lecture series that will highlight the historic and fascinating destinations visited on your journey.

Included Feature:

• Tour of Palma de Mallorca

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Behold more breathtaking sights of the renowned beach destination as you sail out of Palma Bay by Ibiza and venture toward your next destination

After breakfast on board the ship arrives in the natural harbor of Cartagena, in use since the city was established as a major naval center by the Carthaginians in 227 BC. You’ll get acquainted with its history at La Concepción Castle, which overlooks the old Roman Theatre, the second largest in Iberia. Walking down the Calle Mayor, you’ll also see some of the Cartagena’s noteworthy art nouveau buildings, including the gleaming white façade of the Cervantes House and the elegant Grand Hotel, where you have time to explore on your own.

After returning to ship for lunch, your afternoon is free. Perhaps you’ll relax by the infinity pool or take in some Spanish sunshine on deck. Before another gourmet dinner on the Ocean Odyssey, yet another lecture illuminates more about this historic region.

Included Feature:

• Walking tour of Cartagena

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Arrive in Cartagena, a strategically important harbor for centuries, and witness a diverse blend of architectural styles, such as art nouveau, and even remains from the Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, and Moorish eras

From our berth in Almería you set out on a full-day excursion to fabled Granada, the last stronghold of the Spanish Moors. Set in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada boasts one of the world’s most spectacular fortified palace complexes, the legendary Alhambra. On a guided tour, you'll see its most famous attractions, including the renowned fountains and gardens of the adjacent Generalife. 

Enjoy lunch in a typical Spanish restaurant. You'll learn more about Andalusia as you set sail for Málaga late this evening.

Included Feature:

• Full-day excursion to Granada

Scenic Sailing:

• Cruise into Málaga, where two Moorish citadels crest over the hilltop

Wake up in Málaga, the provincial capital and birthplace of Pablo Picasso that recently remade itself into a popular cultural hub with a restored historic center. Your city tour reveals Málaga's wide boulevards lined with turn-of-the-century apartments; the Gothic Cathedral and Gibralfaro Castle (an 11th-century Moorish fortification), the adjacent Alcazaba, (the old Moorish palace). You will also visit the Picasso Museum, home to almost 300 of the artist’s works. 

After lunch on board you’ll have the afternoon to relax on the spacious sun deck or explore Málaga on your own.

This evening, enjoy another informative lecture before another sumptuous dinner on the Ocean Odyssey.

Included Feature:

• Half-day Malaga sightseeing tour

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

After breakfast we drop anchor in Sotogrande, a flashy residential enclave in historic Andalusia. Head inland to the heights of the sierras and Ronda, first settled by the Celts. A procession of Phoenicians, Arabs, Romans, Moors, Berbers, Visigoths, and other Europeans have since left their cultural mark in the town’s distinctive white stucco neighborhoods. You’ll see the old Roman Bridge spanning the deep El Tajo Gorge below, the stately Casa de Don Bosco, and Mondragon Palace. Then visit the Plaza de Toros — the oldest bullring in Spain. Here, a docent will provide an informative talk on the history of Spanish bullfighting.

While in Ronda, we’ll have lunch in a local restaurant and enjoy free time in the city. After dinner onboard we welcome some local entertainers on our ship for a lively cultural performance.

Included Feature:

• Tour of Ronda

Cultural Discoveries:

• Visit the Plaza de Toros, with a talk on Spanish bullfighting
• Evening onboard entertainment: local cultural performance

Step ashore in Gibraltar, known as “The Rock” for its most famous and dominant geographic feature. Throughout the day, you will have expansive views of both Europe and Africa. Our tour includes a funicular ride to the Castle of Gibraltar. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready in case you catch a glimpse of the famed Barbary apes (macaques) that live on the rock. British-flavored Gibraltar is a great spot for pub-hopping and duty-free shopping before we return to ship for lunch. You have the afternoon free to wander Gibraltar’s streets, perhaps coming up on a red Victorian post box or a fish-and-chips shop. Our afternoon lecture sheds light on your discoveries and you have the evening to admire the imposing Rock of Gibraltar as you sip a cocktail on the sun deck.

Included Feature:

• Excursion to Gibraltar

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Captivating moments are yours as you cruise out of Gibraltar, with the Rock of Gibraltar behind you, and through the Strait of Gibraltar between Europe and Africa

After breakfast you’ll tour Andalusia’s storied capital, Seville, including the Real Alcázar, a monumental complex of fortifications, palaces, and gardens spanning the Arabic period through the 19th century. Stop at the old University of Seville, whose main building is housed in the former Royal Tobacco Factory where Bizet set the famous opening scene of his opera Carmen. 

At the Plaza de España, constructed for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, admire an elegant canvas of tiled fountains, bridges, and arcades. Another UNESCO site featured today is the Archivo General de Indias, a Renaissance building housing priceless historic records of the Spanish Empire. You may also step inside the Seville Cathedral — where Ferdinand, Isabella, and Christopher Columbus are entombed — and have the opportunity to climb to the top of its soaring La Giralda Tower.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Seville to shop and explore; your onboard Concierge can point you to the best spots. Later, you'll set out into the countryside to a local family’s bull farm, where you will enjoy a tour, a delicious home-hosted dinner of Spanish fare, and a rich cultural exchange.

Included Feature:

• Half-day Seville city tour

Inaugural Feature:

• Home-hosted meal at a local family’s bull farm

Start the day after breakfast with a lecture about the riches of Andalusia. Then, today is full of possibilities as you have the day at leisure to explore the Andalusian capital on your own.

If you remain in Seville, our included shuttle service will whisk you into town. Take in city views from atop the Metropol Parasol, a remarkable wooden structure of 100-foot pillars topped by a wavy roof traversed by a winding walkway. Or visit the excellent Fine Arts Museum.

This afternoon, we depart Seville and cruise along the historic Guadalquivir River through Doñana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important habitat for waterfowl. Commentary from the bridge gives you insight into this pristine wilderness, and birders should take advantage of this opportunity to get a good look at some of the birds, including Thekla's lark and the western olivaceous warbler. If you've brought a telephoto lens for your camera, try to get some images from the deck.

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Set sail on the iconic Guadalquivir River, forever synonymous with Ferdinand Magellan who sailed this river as he began his historic voyage around the world

Cruise along Portugal’s scenic Algarve region this morning before mooring in Portimão, a former center of fishing and shipbuilding. Journey to the historic town of Silves, surrounded by orange and lemon groves, to visit its red sandstone Moorish Castle and 13th-century cathedral constructed by Alfonso X of Castile. There’ll be time to peruse the fascinating exhibits of the Archaeological Museum before continuing to the market town of Monchique, a delightful mountain enclave of cobbled streets where small decorative doorways lead into artisan workshops where folding wooden chairs are still handmade as they were in Roman times. You will see the 17th-century Franciscan monastery for splendid views of the Old Town and admire the traditional azulejo tiles adorning the 16th-century parish church.

We'll head back to the Ocean Odyssey for a late lunch with an evening at leisure.

Included Feature:

• Excursion to Silves and Monchique

Scenic Sailing:

• Sail out of Portimão and enjoy panoramic views around Cape St. Vincent, the southwesternmost point of Portugal and mainland Europe

Arrive in Lisbon this morning, center of the Age of Discovery and a living history of Portugal’s past. You'll disembark the Ocean Odyssey — we hope you enjoyed your journey on Vantage's newest small ship ocean vessel!

On a panoramic and walking tour of Lisbon, you'll visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Belém Tower, the city’s iconic gateway at the mouth of the Tagus River. Nearby, marvel at the ornate Jerónimos Monastery, an exquisite example of Portugal’s superb Manueline architecture. While here you’ll also enjoy a taste of pastéis de Belém, a buttery custard confection based on an old recipe from the monks and still Portugal’s favorite pastry. After a panoramic tour of this remarkable city, check into your hotel and have the rest of the day free. 

Included Feature:

• Half-day Lisbon city tour

Cultural Discovery:

• Local pastry tasting during Lisbon walking tour

Scenic Sailing:

• When cruising into Lisbon, find overwhelmingly gorgeous views of one of the most celebrated cities in the world

You have the entire day at your leisure to immerse in the history and culture of Portugal’s atmospheric capital. Prepare for your day with a pastéis de nata, the custard tart for which the city is known. Or, if you haven’t visited Lisbon museums, now is the time: The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian houses the private collection of an oil magnate, including works by Rembrandt and Monet. This evening, raise a glass to your expedition during a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers.

After breakfast, transfer to the Lisbon airport for your return flight home, or enjoy a longer stay in the city with our optional post-trip extension.