Lisbon to the Canary Islands by Sea: Spain, Morocco, and the Atlantic Isles

Arrive in historic Lisbon, set on seven hills at the mouth of the Tagus River, and embark the ship in the afternoon. Enjoy dinner on board as the ship stays docked in the city this evening. (D) 

Spend a day exploring Lisbon and its environs on guided tours. See the Tower of Bélem and the Monument to the Discoveries, both monuments to Portugal’s seafaring heyday during the Age of Exploration. Return to the ship for a late afternoon departure. (B,L,D)

Sail south to the Algarve, the region that lines Portugal’s stunning southern coast. Dock in Portimão, and enjoy an afternoon to explore the area on your choice of excursions. Venture to the walled old town of Lagos to explore its the cobbled streets and charming squares, visit the dramatic rock formations and caves of Ponta da Piedade, and enjoy a tasting of local wines. Or travel to Sagres on Cape St. Vincent, to take in spectacular scenery and learn about the legacy of Prince Henry the Navigator. (B,L,D)

Anchor in Cadiz, founded by the Phoenicians in 1,100 BC. From here, travel through olive and orange groves to Seville, the capital of Andalusia. Stroll through the Murillo Gardens  to the World Heritage site of 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. See La Giralda, built as a minaret for the city's chief mosque in the 12th century. 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, stay in Cadiz and take a walking tour through the Barrio del Pópulo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Europe. Enjoy free time to explore before meeting up for a captivating flamenco performance and a tapas lunch. (B,L,D)

Sail west to 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. Then drive into the hills to the charming village of Mijas to take in sweeping views of the Costa del Sol and enjoy a delicious Andalusian lunch featuring traditional flamenco music and dance. 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. Enjoy a lunch of local specialties at a breeding farm for Andalusian horses and bulls. (B,L,D)

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. 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 Cathedral's Royal Chapel, final resting place of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic monarchs who brought an end to Islamic rule in Iberia. Enjoy lunch in a beautiful setting before heading 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)

Sail south to Tangier, an ancient city whose strategic location on the Strait of Gibraltar has led to a tumultuous history under many different rulers—and for several decades, none at all. Today, Tangier is an exciting hub of culture, home to great museums and revitalized neighborhoods. Take in views of the legendary strait from a hilltop fortress. Visit the Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures and tour the Tangier American Legation Museum, a tribute to the long relationship between the U.S. and Morocco—the first country to recognize American independence in 1786. Alternatively, delve in Morocco’s tradition of religious tolerance on a walking tour to three historic houses of worship: Kasbah Mosque, Moshe Nahon Synagogue, and Saint Andrew’s Church. Instead of staying in Tangier, choose an excursion to Tetouan, set at the foot of the dramatic Rif mountains. Visit Dar Sanaa, a former palace where traditional Moroccan crafts are now taught, and explore Tetouan’s World Heritage-listed medina. Transit the Strait of Gibraltar this evening. (B,L,D)

Set out to explore the sites of Casablanca, a relatively new city that has evolved into Morocco’s economic capital. Visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world—and one of the few that allow non-Muslims to enter. Built in the 1990s, the mosque is a stunning tribute to traditional Moorish architecture, with exquisite mosaics and carved stucco as well as remarkable technological innovations. See the work of a world-renowned stained-glass artist at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church and explore the “new medina,” or Habous district, built by the French in the early 20th century. Drive along the seaside Corniche to Rick’s Café, inspired by the film Casablanca, and sit down to a leisurely lunch. Alternatively, spend the day in the World Heritage site of Rabat. Take a guided tour of this coastal capital city, including the Royal Palace, the Chellah Necropolis, the Mohamed V Mausoleum, and Hassan Tower. Venture into the picturesque Kasbah of the Oudayas and meander its maze of narrow lanes and whitewashed houses. (B,L,D)

Take to the open sea, setting a course for the island of Madeira and enjoy a relaxing day on board. Opt for a treatment in the spa or a work out at the fitness center. If the weather permits, go for a swim in the pool or read a book on the sundeck. Your Smithsonian Journeys Experts will present lectures on the regions you are visiting, and PONANT photographers will be on hand to share photo editing techniques. (B,L,D)

After a morning at sea, dock in Funchal, the lovely capital of Madeira, and take a walk through town, admiring its azulejos, or intricately painted tiles. Visit the cathedral, built out of volcanic rock, and stroll among stalls of colorful produce at the art deco Mercado dos Lavradores. Ride a cable car to the hillside village of Monte, and admire exotic species at the world-renowned Botanical Gardens. Or set off on a drive along to view Madeira’s most iconic landscapes and visit the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. (2B,2L,2D)

Arrive in the capital of La Palma island. Founded in 1493, Santa Cruz de la Palma was an important stop on trade routes between Europe and the New World. On a stroll through its historic heart, discover palm-lined squares and houses with typical carved wooden balconies, each painted in a bright hue. Tour the island’s dramatic volcanic craters and peaks, ascend nearly 8,000 feet to the highest point on the island to learn about astronomy and local culture. Alternatively, hike across lava landscapes transformed by the 2021 volcanic eruption or travel through a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and visit a rum distillery. (B,L,D)

On the island of Tenerife, explore the natural treasures hidden within the island’s soaring mountains, or tour three towns, including the World Heritage site of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, remarkable for its urban planning and Mudéjar architecture. Then learn about local wine-making traditions with a tasting and a visit to a wine museum set within a 17th-century farmhouse. (B,L,D)

Disembark in Las Palmas, on the island of Gran Canaria, and extend your stay on the island or transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Arrive in historic Lisbon, set on seven hills at the mouth of the Tagus River, and embark the ship in the afternoon. Enjoy dinner on board as the ship stays docked in the city this evening. (D) 

Spend a day exploring Lisbon and its environs on guided tours. See the Tower of Bélem and the Monument to the Discoveries, both monuments to Portugal’s seafaring heyday during the Age of Exploration. Return to the ship for a late afternoon departure. (B,L,D)

Sail south to the Algarve, the region that lines Portugal’s stunning southern coast. Dock in Portimão, and enjoy an afternoon to explore the area on your choice of excursions. Venture to the walled old town of Lagos to explore its the cobbled streets and charming squares, visit the dramatic rock formations and caves of Ponta da Piedade, and enjoy a tasting of local wines. Or travel to Sagres on Cape St. Vincent, to take in spectacular scenery and learn about the legacy of Prince Henry the Navigator. (B,L,D)

Anchor in Cadiz, founded by the Phoenicians in 1,100 BC. From here, travel through olive and orange groves to Seville, the capital of Andalusia. Stroll through the Murillo Gardens  to the World Heritage site of 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. See La Giralda, built as a minaret for the city's chief mosque in the 12th century. 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, stay in Cadiz and take a walking tour through the Barrio del Pópulo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Europe. Enjoy free time to explore before meeting up for a captivating flamenco performance and a tapas lunch. (B,L,D)

Sail west to 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. Then drive into the hills to the charming village of Mijas to take in sweeping views of the Costa del Sol and enjoy a delicious Andalusian lunch featuring traditional flamenco music and dance. 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. Enjoy a lunch of local specialties at a breeding farm for Andalusian horses and bulls. (B,L,D)

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. 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 Cathedral's Royal Chapel, final resting place of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic monarchs who brought an end to Islamic rule in Iberia. Enjoy lunch in a beautiful setting before heading 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)

Sail south to Tangier, an ancient city whose strategic location on the Strait of Gibraltar has led to a tumultuous history under many different rulers—and for several decades, none at all. Today, Tangier is an exciting hub of culture, home to great museums and revitalized neighborhoods. Take in views of the legendary strait from a hilltop fortress. Visit the Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures and tour the Tangier American Legation Museum, a tribute to the long relationship between the U.S. and Morocco—the first country to recognize American independence in 1786. Alternatively, delve in Morocco’s tradition of religious tolerance on a walking tour to three historic houses of worship: Kasbah Mosque, Moshe Nahon Synagogue, and Saint Andrew’s Church. Instead of staying in Tangier, choose an excursion to Tetouan, set at the foot of the dramatic Rif mountains. Visit Dar Sanaa, a former palace where traditional Moroccan crafts are now taught, and explore Tetouan’s World Heritage-listed medina. Transit the Strait of Gibraltar this evening. (B,L,D)

Take to the open sea, setting a course for the island of Madeira and enjoy a relaxing day on board. Opt for a treatment in the spa or a work out at the fitness center. If the weather permits, go for a swim in the pool or read a book on the sundeck. Your Smithsonian Journeys Experts will present lectures on the regions you are visiting, and PONANT photographers will be on hand to share photo editing techniques. (B,L,D)

After a morning at sea, dock in Funchal, the lovely capital of Madeira, and take a walk through town, admiring its azulejos, or intricately painted tiles. Visit the cathedral, built out of volcanic rock, and stroll among stalls of colorful produce at the art deco Mercado dos Lavradores. Ride a cable car to the hillside village of Monte, and admire exotic species at the world-renowned Botanical Gardens. Or set off on a drive along to view Madeira’s most iconic landscapes and visit the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. (2B,2L,2D)

Arrive in the capital of La Palma island. Founded in 1493, Santa Cruz de la Palma was an important stop on trade routes between Europe and the New World. On a stroll through its historic heart, discover palm-lined squares and houses with typical carved wooden balconies, each painted in a bright hue. Tour the island’s dramatic volcanic craters and peaks, ascend nearly 8,000 feet to the highest point on the island to learn about astronomy and local culture. Alternatively, hike across lava landscapes transformed by the 2021 volcanic eruption or travel through a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and visit a rum distillery. (B,L,D)

On the island of Tenerife, explore the natural treasures hidden within the island’s soaring mountains, or tour three towns, including the World Heritage site of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, remarkable for its urban planning and Mudéjar architecture. Then learn about local wine-making traditions with a tasting and a visit to a wine museum set within a 17th-century farmhouse. (B,L,D)

Disembark in Las Palmas, on the island of Gran Canaria, and extend your stay on the island or transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)