The Mediterranean & Iberian Peninsula: Athens to Lisbon - 2022

Today you’ll board an overnight flight to Athens. Or, depart earlier for your pre-trip extension in Istanbul, Turkey.

Welcome to Athens, the fabled Cradle of Civilization. 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. You'll arrive this evening in time for a Welcome Briefing and Dinner at the hotel alongside your fellow travelers. 

This morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of Athens, the sophisticated capital of Greece where mythology and ancient history come alive. You’ll visit the iconic Acropolis, where it was said that Poseidon and Athena fought over who would be patron of the city. This was the architectural pinnacle of Athens, crowned by its breathtaking Parthenon. You’ll also visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Parliament House on Constitution Square, the Panathenaic Stadium, and the Presidential Palace. Along the famed Panepistimiou Avenue, pass the Catholic Cathedral, Academy of Athens, the University of Athens, and the National Library. Savor lunch on your own in the charming Plaka district, nestled at the foot of Acropolis Hill.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are on your own today, and you're in luck: Athens restaurants are world-class, but so is its street food — at a fraction of the cost. Don't miss souvlaki, fava purée and pita, a classic Greek salad, or anything involving whipped feta.

Included Feature:

• Half-day Athens city tour

You have the day at leisure to set out into the Cradle of Civilization to uncover some of its lesser known gems. If you’re looking for a deal, head over to the Monastiraki flea market, an atmospheric agora of secondhand Athenian treasures. While you’re there, seek out a traditional sandal-maker who is sure to have your size.

Later, continue to Piraeus to embark the new Ocean Odyssey. Get settled in your cabin, then take some time to explore its amenities, including the onboard boutique, spa, pool, and gym. Later, gather for the first of your daily port talks to hear about tomorrow’s exciting destination. You'll enjoy your first onboard meal tonight, just a taste of the curated dining we've prepared. Tonight the ship sets sail for Nafplion.

Your first morning on the Ocean Odyssey begins with a delicious breakfast as the ship arrives in Nafplion. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Arcadian Mountains, this ancient city enjoys a sheltered location below a rocky headland. Admire its impressive Venetian castle as you approach. Then, set out to discover two of Greece’s most renowned ancient sites. First, explore the ancient healing center of Epidaurus. UNESCO has described its Sanctuary of Asklepios as “one of the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture.” The sanctuary was dedicated to the god of medicine. You will also view its remarkably preserved amphitheater built into a mountain slope, still celebrated for its excellent acoustics. After, continue to the ruins of Mycenae, the Bronze Age capital of one of the first great empires of the ancient Mediterranean and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Look for the massive archway with the carved lions, the symbol of the ancient city-state.

After lunch on board, you’ll have the afternoon to explore Nafplion at your leisure. Our onboard lecture today provides insight into the ancient Greeks.

This evening, you'll have an indulgent choice of culinary experiences onboard the ship, in the main dining room, or more intimate spaces.

Included Feature:

•  Half-day excursion to Epidaurus and Mycenae

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

The small island of Monemvasia simply takes the breath away. The small size of our ship allows us to dock on its shores so you can explore this seldom-visited enclave. Called “The Rock" for its massive dominating rock, it is truly a unique and thrilling slice of the Aegean. Walk the charming narrow streets of its fortress, passing Byzantine churches and old houses with graceful archways. Visit the 13th-century Church of Christ Elkomenos, home to impressive old Byzantine icons. Continue to the Liotrivi Mansion, surrounded by vineyards whose grapes produce the famed Malvasia wine. The Byzantine-era setting provides the ideal atmosphere for a wine tasting. You are welcomed by the vintner, who leads you on a tour of the centuries-old property before popping open a bottle or two for your sampling. After lunch on board, you have the afternoon to stroll the atmospheric streets of Monemvasia on your own. 

Later today, a lecture illuminates more about this historic region. This evening, we welcome local entertainers on board for a lively cultural performance.

Included Feature:

•  Half-day tour of Monemvasia Castle and Liotrivi

Cultural Discoveries

• Wine tour and sampling at Liotrivi Mansion
• Onboard lecture
• Evening onboard entertainment: local cultural performance

Arrive this morning in Gythion, with ties to the legendary Trojan War. From here, head inland on the Peloponnese Peninsula to Mystras, the last stronghold of the Byzantines. This stunning site atop Mount Taygetos was a Byzantine center of culture in the 14th and 15th centuries. Stroll the narrow lanes of the once-invincible fortress, viewing the stone-carved facades of the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios, where Constantine XII was coronated, the Church of Agia Sophia, the sprawling Palace of the Despots, and the Monastery of Pantanassa, with its brilliant frescoes.

You have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy your ship’s amenities, perhaps swimming in the infinity pool. Explore more of Greece with a tour set up by your onboard Concierge. Learn more about the day’s experience during today’s onboard lecture before another evening of culinary delights.

Included Feature:

• Half-day historical tour of Mystras

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Uncover the rich Greek, Venetian and Ottoman past of the Peloponnese today during your visit to Pylos. A scenic drive takes you first to Methoni, an important port in the 13th century. Its stunning fortress, a shining example of Venetian, Ottoman and French military architecture, is surrounded on three sides by the sea and on the landward side by an old moat. Back in Pylos, explore the Ottoman castle of Neokastro, one of Greece’s best preserved. Continue to the newly restored Mycenaean Palace of Nestor, a compound of four buildings and 105 apartments.

After lunch on board, you may continue to explore Pylos at your leisure. Your onboard Concierge can provide recommendations on other fascinating sights and tours. Today’s onboard lecture reveals more about the sites of the storied Peloponnese Peninsula.

Included Features:

• Scenic tour of Methoni
• Tour of Neokastro and Palace of Nestor

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Relax with a day at sea as the Ocean Odyssey makes its way into the heart of the Mediterranean. Visit the spa, get in a workout at the gym, lounge in the swimming pool, relax on the sun deck catching up with a great book, and savor the fabulous cuisine our chefs create. You'll enjoy another scintillating lecture to enrich your understanding of Mediterranean history. 

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Arrive on the shores of Sicily today, the breathtaking island at the tip of Italy’s toe. Your discoveries begin in UNESCO-listed Syracuse, where ancient Greek ruins and antique Italian charm fuse into one splendid island called Ortigia.

On a walking tour, head to the Old Town with its narrow cobblestoned lanes and welcoming piazzas. You’ll visit an archaeological area to view the remains of the Temple of Apollo and the gorgeous Fountain of Arethusa, a natural fountain with roots in Greek mythology, before lunch calls us back to the ship. Your afternoon is at leisure to continue your explorations in Syracuse. Later, you'll have dinner onboard.

Included Feature:

• Half-day guided tour of Syracuse

From your anchor in Giardini Naxos, you head to Taormina, the historic city set on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. This chic resort town offers splendid views of Mount Etna in the distance and a charming medieval ambience. During your tour, admire the Moorish and Islamic influences in the exterior of the 15th-century Palazzo Carvaia. Continue to the fantastic Greek Theater, originally built in the 3rd century by Romans. You can marvel at its coastal vistas before heading to the Public Gardens, boasting some 200 species. Take time to sample a refreshing granita while here, then we provide you with the euros you’ll need to enjoy lunch at an inviting spot of your choosing.

This afternoon, continue to soak up Taormina’s refreshing views. Another onboard lecture deepens your understanding of the region. This evening, get into the rhythms of the Triskele Band, named for the three-legged triskelion symbol on the Sicilian flag.

Included Feature:

• Half-day tour of Taormina

Cultural Discovery:

• Evening onboard entertainment: performance by a Sicilian band

Scenic Sailing:

• As we depart, enjoy views of Taormina on the cliffs above — and get your camera ready to capture a postcard-perfect shot of the beach with Mount Etna in the background

It is only because of our small ship size that we can pause for a day to explore the Aeolian Islands, Italy’s archipelago northwest of Sicily. Beauty greets you at every turn on these soaring, majestic volcanic islands. You anchor off the shore of Lipari and tender to Marina Corta, walking with your guide along the via Garibaldi. At the Rock of the Castle, set high on a promontory, peer deep into the island’s past at an archaeological site and visit the Cathedral of Bartholomew, the island’s patron saint. Then, get a panoramic view of the island, visiting the villages of Quattrocchi and Quattropani. As you explore, enjoy splendid views of other Aeolian Islands, including Stromboli with its ever-active towering volcano. You will also stop to take in the vistas of Lipari Beach and observe the ubiquitous pumice stone deposited here by volcanic eruptions from millennia past. After lunch on board, enjoy leisure time in Lipari. 

This afternoon’s onboard lecture provides more fascinating context to this legendary part of the Mediterranean.

This evening, shipboard commentary accompanies our scenic cruising among the magnificent Aeolian Islands.

Included Features:

• Half-day walking tour of Lipari
• Panoramic coach tour around Lipari

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Cruise along the Aeolian Islands with shipboard commentary

Arrive this morning along the legendary Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where seaside villages and dizzying cliffs create a dreamy landscape. No visit here is complete without a tour of Pompeii, the ancient city buried by the ash of Vesuvius in 79 AD. A walking tour with a private guide helps you step back 2,000 years into a world of cobbled lanes worn by horse-drawn cart wheels, fascinating villas still adorned by colorful murals, Roman baths, the old forum, and more.

This afternoon, take part in something truly extraordinary — don't forget your camera! We've coordinated an afternoon lunch visit to a local farm, where you'll meet your hosts for a tour and a class in creating the perfect pizza, the famed cuisine of nearby Naples.

Back on board, learn more about local history and culture before another delectable dinner brings you even more flavors of this region.

Included Feature:

• Half-day tour of Pompeii

Inaugural Feature:

• Home-hosted lunch with pizza-making demonstration at a local farm

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• The Gulf of Naples is a sight to behold. Get an extraordinary sea view of Naples, fearsome Mount Vesuvius, and nearby Sorrento — a town that’s literally on another level, sitting atop sheer cliffs

This morning, enjoy breakfast and an early lunch as the Ocean Odyssey nears Corsica. This mountainous Mediterranean outpost offers a fascinating glimpse of France in the middle of the Mediterranean. With its chalk-white coastal cliffs and rugged vistas, it is one of the area’s most breathtaking islands — known to the French as “l’Île de Beauté.” Arriving midday, you set out to explore Bonifacio, its castle and pastel-hued Old Town perched on a cliff edge. Explore its Gothic church, the only one on the island, and climb if you wish the 189 steps of the Roy d’Aragon. Then, embark a small boat for a thrilling expedition to explore the Lavezzi Islands and their dramatic cliffs and sea caves carved by the surf over millennia. An onboard lecture this afternoon reveals more about this seldom-visited corner of the Mediterranean.

Included Feature:

• Half-day Bonifacio city tour

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Your first impression of Corsica comes from Porto Vecchio, where we’ll soon dock. Here, sailboats dot the coast and apricot-hued buildings crown the forested hills, giving this harbor its fairytale charm

Arrive this morning in Monte Carlo, capital of the tiny independent principality of Monaco. Playground to well-heeled Europeans, this sovereign nation has been ruled by the Grimaldis since the 13th century. You will arrive via the world-famous Grand Prix track of Formula One fame. Then, marvel at the world-renowned Belle Époque Grand Casino, a vision of extravagance and wealth. See the lush gardens, too, before viewing the Hôtel de Paris, a 19th-century grand dame. In the historic quarter of Le Rocher (“The Rock”), admire stunning sea views 200 feet below while strolling past the Prince’s Palace, just in time to see the Changing of the Guard. Nearby, the neo-Romanesque Monaco Cathedral is a vision in white; the Grimaldis, including Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, are entombed here. After seeing the Justice Palace, your tour ends at the Oceanographic Museum, another neo-classical gem.

After lunch on board, perhaps you’ll stroll the streets of Monte Carlo to take in its monumental architecture. An onboard lecture fills you in on more fascinating details about this glittering Mediterranean coastline.

Included Feature:

• Half-day Monte Carlo city tour

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Savor your dinner with a resplendent view of Monte Carlo’s waterfront as we sail out toward Marseille

Steeped in history and boasting a newly revived waterfront, Marseille provides a beguiling glimpse of a French medieval port. From here, you have two ways to delve into the celebrated south of France today: A full-day tour to romantic Provence, or a full-day safari in Camargue National Park.

The first included tour takes you deeper into the heart of Provence. Begin at the Gordes Castle in its namesake town, a picture-postcard hilltop village climbing a slope from the Vaucluse plateau. After, continue to the red cliffs and ochre quarries of Roussillon. The emerald pine trees and vivid blue Provençal sky create a stunning canvas. We provide you some euros to have lunch at a restaurant of your choosing, then it’s on to a walking tour of Aix-en-Provence’s Old Town, strolling under the lovely plane trees of Cours Mirabeau past elegant mansions. If you wish, you may visit Paul Cézanne’s atelier during your free time.

Your second tour option is decidedly wilder. Head into Camargue National Park to explore the vast Rhône River Delta, a pristine region of swamps, river tendrils and ponds teeming with numerous bird species, including the pink flamingo. Throughout your safari, you will pause as opportunities arise to view the region’s wild Camargue horses and bulls grazing as manades, or free-roaming herds. You will visit a working farm to learn more about the horses and bulls and stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

After dinner, we have invited local performers to entertain you with dances and songs of their country.

Included Feature:

• Full-day excursion to Provence or Camargue National Park

Cultural Discoveries:

• Onboard lecture
• Evening onboard entertainment: local song and dance performance

The seaside resort of Sète is your entrée to two historic treasures. Again today, you can select the tour that suits your interest: A full-day tour of Carcassonne, or a half-day tour to Montpellier and Château de Flaugergues.

If you choose the first option, you'll journey to UNESCO-listed Carcassonne, the largest and best preserved fortified medieval town in Europe. Step back in time within its massive walls, exploring narrow, cobbled streets, the breathtaking St. Nazaire Basilica, an 11th-century Romanesque church, the 12th-century Château Comtal and countless other treasures from the Middle Ages. After lunch at a local restaurant, tour the lovely Fontfroide Abbey, founded in 1093, with its hushed cloister and vaulted chapter house. 

Alternately, visit the historic and stylish city of Montpellier, capital of the Languedoc-Rousillon region. In the Old Town, admire elegant mansions and other stunning architecture that fuses the classical and the avant-garde. In the Place de la Comèdie, admire the Three Graces fountain. You will also see the fortress-like Cathedral St. Pierre and the Arc de Triomphe. Later, stop for a tour and wine-tasting at the 18th-century Château de Flaugergues. Romans were the first to cultivate grapes on these grounds 2,000 years ago. After the tasting, you'll be back on board the Ocean Odyssey for lunch and an afternoon at leisure in Sète.

Included Feature:

• Full-day tour of Carcassonne or Half-day tour of Montpellier and Château de Flaugergues

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Welcome to beautiful Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. This morning after breakfast onboard 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. The tour concludes at La Barceloneta Beach, where an included lunch awaits.

Afterward, we'll have an outside visit to La Sagrada Família cathedral, Antoni Gaudí’s famous masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you like, you'll be provided a ticket for an inside visit. 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. 

After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy an evening at leisure with dinner and a port talk back on the ship.

Included Feature:

• Full-day Barcelona city tour

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 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 during today’s onboard lecture as you set sail for Málaga late this evening.

Included Feature:

• Full-day excursion to Granada

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

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

Scenic Sailing:

• Bid farewell to Málaga and enjoy incredible views as you sail out of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) region of Andalusia

After breakfast we drop anchor in Puerto Banús, a luxury marina on the Costa del Sol. 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.

After lunch back on board, you might enjoy a dip off our ship’s swim deck, take a paddle in one of our kayaks, or roam the posh streets of Puerto Banús. We welcome some local entertainers on board for a lively cultural performance after dinner tonight!

Included Feature:

• Tour of Ronda

Cultural Discoveries:

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

Scenic Sailing:

• Arrive in Puerto Banús and admire its beautiful coastal marina

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. 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. 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.

Included Feature:

• Cruise along the Guadalquivir River, with commentary

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. Before dinner, don't miss another lecture that elucidates the history and culture of this captivating region.

Included Feature:

• Excursion to Silves and Monchique

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

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.