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Cruise Spain, Portugal and Morocco

Program Overview

Unlock the secrets of one of the most storied civilizations of the Middle Ages on this deluxe, eight-night cruise through the Strait of Gibraltar, featuring Portugal’s breathtaking Algarve coast and the Iberian Peninsula. Visit six spectacular port cities — Lisbon; Portimão; Seville; Tangier; Malaga; and Valencia. Cross two continents, visit iconic Moorish landmarks, see world-renowned architecture and savor the flavors of this remarkable region. Highlights include a guided tour of the walled port town of Lagos, a visit to the fortified, 11th century Royal Alcázar of Seville palace and a choice of excursions in the ancient port city of Tangier. Explore the sprawling, UNESCO-designated Alhambra palace and its Generalife gardens and opt to taste paella in the sun-kissed Valencia. Visit Antoni Gaudí’s UNESCO-designated Basílica de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona and enjoy a panoramic tour of this legendary metropolis.

Program Details

April 26 to May 5, 2025 (World Navigator)
From approximately $5,995* plus air View Terms & Conditions
  • Exclusive journey from Lisbon, Portugal, to Tarragona, Spain.
  • Created in our tradition of innovative programming and educational travel.
  • Access to ports unavailable to larger vessels and an included excursion in each port.
  • Specially arranged cruise along the Guadalquivir River as your small ship whisks you inland for a visit to the vibrant city of Seville.
  • Visits to four UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Alcázar and Cathedral, Seville; the Alhambra, Granada; and La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona.
  • Lisbon Pre-Tour Extension and Barcelona Post‑Tour Extension.

Day 1 - Depart Home City

Day 2 - Lisbon/Embark World Navigator

Day 3 - Portimão/Lagos

Day 4 - Seville

Day 5 - Tangier

Day 6 - Málaga/Granada

Day 7 - Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

Day 8 - Valencia

Day 9 - Tarragona for Barcelona

Day 10 - Tarragona/Disembark ship/Return to home city

World Navigator

This newly constructed small ship, an intimate yacht appointed in retro‑chic elegance, is able to dock in smaller ports inaccessible to larger ships. Each of the 95 suites and staterooms (up to 465 square feet) features a stunning ocean view, and most include a private balcony. All accommodations in your private haven at sea offer a queen-sized bed that can be separated into 2 twin beds, a private bathroom with spa shower, and luxury hotel‑style amenities—including bath products from L’Occitane. Complimentary alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages and Wi-Fi access are available throughout the cruise. All meals aboard ship are included, featuring culinary adventures that rival your discoveries ashore.

Lisbon Pre-Tour Extension

Begin your journey with two nights in Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal. Stroll through the former royal residence of Queluz, known as the Portuguese Versailles, and visit the UNESCO-designated village of Sintra — famous for its mountain range, climate, countryside palaces and cottages. Accommodations are in the ideally located Tivoli Avenida Liberdade hotel.

Barcelona Post-Tour Extension

Extend your time in Barcelona with two nights in the lively capital city of Catalonia. Explore the Barri Gòtic on a walking tour and see Pablo Picasso’s defining cubist artwork at the Picasso Museum. Discover the UNESCO‑inscribed modern marvels of Antoni Gaudí throughout the tour, including an excursion to his Park Güell masterpiece. Accommodations are in the deluxe Majestic Hotel & Spa.

The optional extensions are available at additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.

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Program Itinerary

Day 1 Depart Home City

Depart your home city for Lisbon, Portugal.

Day 2 Lisbon/Embark World Navigator

Arrive in Lisbon and embark the deluxe World Navigator, which departs Lisbon later this afternoon. A light lunch will be served on board.

Welcome Reception: Join your fellow passengers for the Captain’s Welcome Reception this evening, followed by dinner on board the ship as we cruise the coast of Portugal.

Day 3 Portimão/Lagos

Enjoy a relaxing morning at leisure as the ship arrives in Portimão. This afternoon you will disembark for a guided tour of the walled port town of Lagos.

Once the center of trade between Moorish Portugal and Africa, the ancient maritime port of Lagos was founded more than 2,000 years ago. Your afternoon excursion includes a visit to the statue of Infante Dom Henrique — a monument to Prince Henry the Navigator — and the intricately carved Church of San Antonio. Built in 1707 and re-built after an earthquake in 1755, the church is a fine example of Baroque architecture. You will also learn more about the disturbing history of slavery in Lagos during the 15th century with a visit the Mercado de Escravos, site of the first slave market in Europe. This sobering landmark, now a museum, tells the story of the African men and women who were brought to Portugal against their will.

Day 4 Seville, Spain

This ancient Andalucian town on the Guadalquivir River has a history that dates to the
9th century B.C. From the Romans to the Vandals and Visigoths, it was ruled by many civilizations before it fell to the Moors in 711 — who retained control through the 13th century, when they were conquered by Spanish Christians. By the early 1500s, the colonial-era Age of Exploration established Seville as the gateway to Spanish trade with the Americas.

Begin your tour of this storied city with a visit to the Royal Alcázar of Seville, a fortified 11th century Moorish palace and gardens that represents both the Islamic and Christian cultures that have ruled the city over the centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage site, its architecture is an evolving tapestry of Mudéjar style and a blend of Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Romantic influences. Today, it is one of the official residences of the Spanish royal family and the oldest royal palace in Europe that’s still in use.

From there, you will visit the magnificent Cathedral of Seville. The largest Gothic building in the world, the cathedral replaced a mosque that had been located at that site. The Giralda, or bell tower, was the mosque’s minaret. It is a splendid example of the Almohad architecture that the Moors brought to the Iberian Peninsula. Since the 16th century, the top of the minaret has featured a Renaissance belfry.

Savor an authentic lunch at a local restaurant and an afternoon at leisure to continue exploring at your own pace.

Day 5 Tangier

This morning the ship arrives in the ancient port city of Tangier.

After its origins as a Phoenician trading post and five centuries under Roman rule, Tangier fell to the Vandals and ultimately became part of the Byzantine empire — origins that created a vibrant ancient metropolis at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The northern African city was then conquered and claimed multiple times in the centuries that followed by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. By the early 20th century, Tangier caught the attention of such renowned artists as Matisse and Eugène Delacroix, establishing a new age of cosmopolitan creativity.

A walking tour takes you to Tangier’s kasbah, an 18th century fortress. See weavers and artisans creating their handmade crafts in the souks and learn about the flavors of Moroccan cuisine. Continue through the narrow alleys of Petit Socco, where produce vendors, butchers and flower sellers set up shop, to Grand Socco Square. Conclude with a walk through the jewelry district, passing by the Tangier-American Legation Museum.

Visit a local restaurant for a Moroccan cooking demonstration and then enjoy the food that is created for your lunch.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose one of the following included excursions.

Caves of Hercules. Delve into the myth of Hercules at the Caves of Hercules, where the son of Zeus rested as he traveled to perform the eleventh of the 12 tasks assigned to him by Eurystheus, king of the great ancient Greek city of Tiryns on the Argolid Plain of the Peloponnese. Travel west of Tangier to this cave complex. After visiting the caves, continue to Cap Spartel to see its 19th century lighthouse and have a cup of mint tea while enjoying the view.

Medina Visit. Explore the souks of Tangier’s labyrinthine medina in depth and immerse yourself in the history of the ancient walled city. Peruse local wares, interact with vendors and hear captivating stories with some time to shop on this comprehensive guided tour.

Later this evening, ws we sail through the Strait of Gibraltar.

Day 6 Málaga/Granada

Enjoy spectacular views as the ship arrives in Málaga, considered one of the oldest cities in the world.

Disembark for a scenic drive to Granada to visit the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Originally designed as a military area, the sprawling Alhambra palace became the residence of Moorish monarchs and of the court of Granada in the middle of the 13th century, and later a citadel with high ramparts and defensive towers. It remains the only preserved palatine city of the Islamic period and its Generalife garden vegetable farms are noted for their medieval irrigation innovations.

Explore the spectacular, sprawling medieval fortress of the Nasrid dynasty on an excursion that includes a visit to the palace’s magnificent Generalife gardens. Admire the exquisite detail that made this citadel an artistic treasure as well as a hilltop stronghold. Inside many of the buildings you may look up to see the honeycomb pattern of the muqarnas, or decorative vaulting.

Day 7 Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

Today we sail the vibrant blue waters along the coast of Spain. Enjoy a luxurious day at sea admiring the spectacular views and enjoying all the ship’s luxury amenities. Whether you choose to relax on one of the sun decks, spend time unwinding at the spa or socializing with the group at one of the lounges, you will have an entire day to indulge in every luxury amenity the World Navigator has to offer.

Day 8 Valencia

This morning, we arrive at the sun-kissed city of Valencia for a day of touring.

Founded as a Roman colony in 138 B.C. amidst a fertile plain of orange groves — a popular staple in the city’s foodie culture — Valencia is best known today for its beaches, unique art, stunning architecture and historic old town. It is also the birthplace of paella, a flavorful rice dish that’s become a signature of Spanish cuisine.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose one of the following included excursions.

Market Visit & Paella Cooking Class. Visit the Central Market and get the ingredients you need to participate in a chef-led paella cooking class. Enjoy appetizers as you prepare your paella and then relax while the chef finishes your dish. Paellas will then be presented to the judges, after which you will be able to savor the creations for lunch, along with dessert, coffee and spirits.

History & Architecture. This walking tour of Valencia features visits to Parroquia de San Nicolas, the Valencia Cathedral and the UNESCO-designated La Lonja de Seda, or Silk Exchange—a remarkable example of a secular Gothic structure. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and a glass of horchata, a refreshing cold drink that is a Valencian specialty.

Captain’s Farewell Reception: Join your fellow passengers for the Captain’s Farewell Reception this evening, followed by dinner on board.

Day 9 Tarragona for Barcelona

Enjoy breakfast on board as the ship arrives in Tarragona, a beautiful port city filled with Roman ruins and sandy beaches.

After an early lunch on the ship, disembark for an excursion to Barcelona.

Located on the coast of Spain, Barcelona is famous for its stunning architecture — particularly the UNESCO‑inscribed marvels of Gaudí. This ancient Roman trading port now serves as the cosmopolitan capital city of Catalonia.

See the highlights o Barcelona on a panoramic driving tour, stopping at the legendary La Sagrada Familia for a visit.

Basílica de la Sagrada Família. Construction of Antoni Gaudí’s UNESCO-designated Basílica de la Sagrada Família began in 1882 and it is still unfinished to this day. The basilica is known for its flying buttresses and other unique architectural elements, including soaring towers and columns within the church that are said to symbolize the four evangelists.

Return to the ship for dinner on board.

Day 10 Tarragona/Disembark ship/Barcelona/Return to home city

Following breakfast, disembark at the port in Tarragona and transfer to Barcelona-El Prat Airport for your flight back to your home city.