Day 1 — Lisbon, Portugal

Arrive in historic Lisbon, set on seven hills at the mouth of the Tagus River. Embark the ship this afternoon, and set sail past the Tower of Bélem and the Monument to the Discoveries, both reminders of Portugal’s power during the Age of Discovery. (D) 

Day 2 — At Sea

As we make our way along the southern coast of Portugal, enjoy a day to relax at sea, taking advantage of the ship’s superb amenities. Opt for a treatment in the spa or get a workout at the fitness center. If the weather permits, go for a swim in the pool or read a book on the sundeck. Our Smithsonian Journeys experts will present lectures on the region. Visit the ship’s upper deck to take in views of the open sea and perhaps spot seabirds or marine species. (B,L,D) 

Day 3 — Cadiz and Seville, Spain

Our first port of call in Spain is Cadiz, founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC and one of the oldest cities in Europe. From here, we’ll travel through olive and orange groves to Seville, the captivating capital of Andalusia.  Shaped by a succession of often-clashing civilizations—Roman, Moorish, Jewish, Christian—Seville is a vibrant melting pot of cultures with a fascinating history. Take a stroll through the charming Murillo Gardens on your way to the Real Alcazar, the former residence of Seville’s Moorish and Spanish rulers. 

Continue to the World Heritage-listed Cathedral of Seville, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the site of Christopher Columbus's tomb. The central nave rises 120 feet above the interior and the carved, gold-plated altarpiece is the largest in the world.  La Giralda, built as a minaret for the city's chief mosque in the 12th century, now serves as the bell tower and a symbol of Seville. After a lunch of Andalusian tapas, enjoy a walking tour and time at leisure in the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the city’s former Jewish quarter. Alternatively, set out on a walking tour through the Barrio del Pópulo, the heartbeat of Cadiz and one of the oldest neighborhoods in Europe. Enjoy some free time for shopping before meeting up with your group to visit the Flamenco La Cava for a thrilling performance of flamenco and a tapas lunch. (B,L,D) 

Day 4 — Málaga and Granada

Dock in Málaga, birthplace of Picasso, and spend the day in Granada, scenically located atop three hills and framed by the snow-clad Sierra Nevada mountains. For centuries, Granada was the center of a civilization in which the three great monotheistic faiths worked side by side to build a society of tolerance, dialogue, and coexistence. From here, the monarchs of the Nasrid Dynasty ruled for 250 years over the last Moorish kingdom in Spain, leaving a priceless architectural legacy—the magnificent Alhambra, a World Heritage site. Our visit begins with a walk through city center to the Royal Chapel, final resting place of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic monarchs who brought an end to Islamic rule in Iberia. After lunch in a local restaurant, head to the Alhambra for an afternoon tour. Admire the exquisite architectural details of its palaces and courtyards, and continue with a visit to the beautifully landscaped Generalife Palace and Gardens, built as a summer residence for the Sultan.  (B,L,D) 

Day 5 — Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

Enjoy lectures by our experts and time at leisure as we round the coast of Spain and cross the sparkling seas toward the Balearic Islands. (B,L,D) 

Day 6 — Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Mallorca, where idyllic coves scallop the coast, soaring limestone cliffs plunge into turquoise waters, and almond orchards and vineyards blanket the plains. Step into history on a tour of Palma de Mallorca, the cosmopolitan capital of the Balearic Islands, discovering its emblematic monuments and centuries-old streets. Admire the Catalan Gothic architecture of the magnificent sandstone Palma Cathedral, constructed over 300 years beginning in 1230. (B,L,D) 

Day 7 — Valencia

A hub of contemporary architecture, Valencia is an avant-garde city with history and tradition at its heart. Our walking tour here begins in the heart of the Old Town at La Plaza de la Reina. Visit the 13th-century Cathedral, built on the site of a Roman temple that had been converted to a mosque. This Gothic structure is home to what is said to be the Holy Grail, as well as paintings by Goya and Maella. Continue to the World Heritage-listed La Lonja de la Seda, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture that was originally used for silk trading.  End at the modernist Mercado Central, a gastronomic hub of seasonal produce, fresh fish, meats, cheeses, baked goods, olives, and wines. After a paella lunch, set off on a tour of the City of Arts and Sciences, a vast cultural complex designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava. Visit the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia to see how architecture, engineering, and state-of-the-art technology combine to make an unparalleled performance spaces.  

Day 8 — Barcelona / Return Home

Arrive in Barcelona, a city filled with the artistic treasures of Antoni Gaudí, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí. Disembark the ship and extend your stay in this effervescent port city or transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B) 

Day 1 — Barcelona, Spain

Arrive in Barcelona, a city filled with the artistic treasures of Antoni Gaudí, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí. Embark the ship and enjoy dinner onboard this evening. (D) 

Day 2 — Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Mallorca, where idyllic coves scallop the coast, soaring limestone cliffs plunge into turquoise waters, and almond orchards and vineyards blanket the plains. Step into history on a tour of Palma de Mallorca, the cosmopolitan capital of the Balearic Islands, discovering its emblematic monuments and centuries-old streets. Admire the Catalan Gothic architecture of the magnificent sandstone Palma Cathedral, constructed over 300 years beginning in 1230. (B,L,D) 

Day 3 — Valencia

A hub of contemporary architecture, Valencia is an avant-garde city with history and tradition at its heart. Our walking tour here begins in the heart of the Old Town at La Plaza de la Reina. Visit the 13th-century Cathedral, built on the site of a Roman temple that had been converted to a mosque. This Gothic structure is home to what is said to be the Holy Grail, as well as paintings by Goya and Maella. Continue to the World Heritage-listed La Lonja de la Seda, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture that was originally used for silk trading.  End at the modernist Mercado Central, a gastronomic hub of seasonal produce, fresh fish, meats, cheeses, baked goods, olives, and wines. After a paella lunch, set off on a tour of the City of Arts and Sciences, a vast cultural complex designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava. Visit the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia to see how architecture, engineering, and state-of-the-art technology combine to make an unparalleled performance spaces.    (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

As we make our way along the southern coast of Spain, enjoy a day to relax at sea, taking advantage of the ship’s superb amenities. Opt for a treatment in the spa or get a workout at the fitness center. If the weather permits, go for a swim in the pool or read a book on the sundeck. Our Smithsonian Journeys experts will present lectures on the region. Visit the ship’s upper deck to take in views of the open sea and perhaps spot seabirds or marine species. (B,L,D) 

Day 5 — Málaga and Granada

Dock in Málaga, birthplace of Picasso, and spend the day in Granada, scenically located atop three hills and framed by the snow-clad Sierra Nevada mountains. For centuries, Granada was the center of a civilization in which the three great monotheistic faiths worked side by side to build a society of tolerance, dialogue, and coexistence. From here, the monarchs of the Nasrid Dynasty ruled for 250 years over the last Moorish kingdom in Spain, leaving a priceless architectural legacy—the magnificent Alhambra, a World Heritage site. Our visit begins with a walk through city center to the Royal Chapel, final resting place of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic monarchs who brought an end to Islamic rule in Iberia. After lunch in a local restaurant, head to the Alhambra for an afternoon tour. Admire the exquisite architectural details of its palaces and courtyards, and continue with a visit to the beautifully landscaped Generalife Palace and Gardens, built as a summer residence for the Sultan.  (B,L,D) 

Day 6 — Marbella and Ronda, Spain

Arrive in Marbella, and venture into its whitewashed old town on a walking tour. Discover the leafy squares and charming, boutique-lined lanes that made the town an elegant retreat in the 1950s and 1960s. Stroll the Patio de los Naranjos and see a collection of sculptures by Salvador Dalí on Avenida del Mar. Or travel overland to Ronda, an ancient town built above deep gorges. Examine layers of history as you tour the twisting streets of its Moorish-influenced center and learn about its Roman occupation. Visit the Plaza de Toros, Spain’s oldest bullfighting ring and one of its most architecturally beautiful, and tour the onsite museum. Later, visit a breeding farm for Andalusian horses and bulls.  (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Cadiz and Seville

Founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC, Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Europe. From here, we’ll travel through olive and orange groves to Seville, the captivating capital of Andalusia.  Shaped by a succession of often-clashing civilizations—Roman, Moorish, Jewish, Christian—Seville is a vibrant melting pot of cultures with a fascinating history. Take a stroll through the charming Murillo Gardens on your way to the Real Alcazar, the former residence of Seville’s Moorish and Spanish rulers. 

Continue to the World Heritage-listed Cathedral of Seville, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the site of Christopher Columbus's tomb. The central nave rises 120 feet above the interior and the carved, gold-plated altarpiece is the largest in the world.  La Giralda, built as a minaret for the city's chief mosque in the 12th century, now serves as the bell tower and a symbol of Seville. After a lunch of Andalusian tapas, enjoy a walking tour and time at leisure in the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the city’s former Jewish quarter. Alternatively, set out on a walking tour through the Barrio del Pópulo, the heartbeat of Cadiz and one of the oldest neighborhoods in Europe. Enjoy some free time for shopping before meeting up with your group to visit the Flamenco La Cava for a thrilling performance of flamenco and a tapas lunch. (B,L,D) 

Day 8 — Lagos, Portugual

Arrive in the port town of Lagos, set on Portugal's stunning Algarve coast. Tour the cobbled streets and charming squares of the walled Old Town, visit the stunning rock formations and caves of Ponta da Piedade, and enjoy a tasting of local wines. Or travel to Sagres on Cape St. Vincent, to learn about the legacy of Prince Henry the Navigator (B,L,D) 

Day 9 — Lisbon, Portugal/Return Home

Arrive in historic Lisbon, Portugal, set on seven hills at the mouth of the Tagus River. Sail past the Tower of Bélem and the Monument to the Discoveries, both reminders of Portugal’s power during the Age of Discovery. Disembark the ship and extend your stay in this effervescent port city or transfer to the airport for your flight home.  (B)