Total Solar Eclipse between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic

Discover Lisbon, Portugal's capital, along the Tagus River near the Atlantic coast. Visit the UNESCO-listed Jeronimos Monastery and Belém Tower, two of the city's best-known landmarks. Walk through Alfama, Lisbon's oldest neighborhood, where narrow Moorish streets and traditional fado venues reflect the city's heritage. Continue to Chiado to browse designer boutiques, historic streets, and popular shopping areas.

Spend your time at sea enjoying the ship's facilities and activities. Unwind in the spa, work out in the fitness center, swim in the pool, or relax on deck. Attend onboard talks and live entertainment, browse the boutique, or visit the PONANT photographers. Head to the upper deck for ocean views and keep an eye out for marine wildlife along the way.

At sea, facing completely unobstructed skies, the Captain will take you, weather conditions permitting, in search of the best place to observe the total eclipse. On board, admire the horizon plunge suddenly into darkness and enjoy this unique spectacle, during which the Moon will obscure the Sun.

A historical and festive town, Málaga is located in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will go first to the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, in the Buenavista palace.

In the province of Malaga, Marbella is a renowned seaside resort on the Costa del Sol. The remains of early Christian and Roman sites around this former mining town, located at the foot of the Sierra Blanca mountains, bear witness to a rich history. With its white houses on flowery little streets, the old town is perfect for a pleasant stroll. The Plaza de los Naranjos, former focal point of the city, is near the 10th-century Arabic castle and the Church of Santa María de la Encarnacion. Not far from here, you’ll be able to discover the magnificent viewpoints offered by Ronda, a picturesque town perched 700 meters (2,296 feet) high. Its Puente Nuevo bridge majestically crosses the gorges of the Guadalevin River that cuts the town in two.

Included Excursions
Mijas, paintings and wine
Duration : 4h00
Depart from the pier by coach for a 45-minute ride to Mijas, considered one of the most beautiful villages of the Costa del Sol.
This white, immaculate jewel, nestles comfortably against the mountainside at 428 meters (1,400 feet) above sea level. Its nickname "Mirador of the Costa del Sol", is very fitting. The beautiful narrow streets lined with adorable white houses with terracotta roofs are the main attraction in Mijas. The tiny-whitewashed houses decorated with fences and covered with bougainvillea and jasmine give the village a special charm.  Flowers in typical blue pots make them even more attractive and photogenic.

Follow your guide through the narrow, cobbled streets and head to the upper terraces to enjoy magnificent views of the town and its surroundings.
Next, your guide will lead you to the CAC Mijas, to visit this Contemporary Art Center housed in a 19th-century building given to Mijas Council, and then renovated to create an art museum. It is managed by Fundación Remedios Medina. The gallery opened in November 2013 with its impressive Pablo Picasso collection. Four years later, the center inaugurated its Dalí exhibition. Among many other works, you will be able to admire 43 engravings, sculptures, ceramics, lithographs, and linocuts by the Malaga-born artist. The center also boasts more than 700 works of art by famous artists including Georges Braque, Miró, Foujita, and many others. There are three rooms dedicated to the Picasso exhibition, temporary exhibitions and the Dalí exhibition.

You will have some free time to stroll along the charming streets before meeting your guide to enjoy some tapas and two local wines at the enchanting and cosy La Bodega del Pintor, a popular spot where you can relax while tasting some local specialties. After this excursion, you will be taken back to your ship.

This tour includes approximatively 3,5 km (2 miles) of walking over cobblestoned and inclined streets. There will also be some steps to negotiate. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

Malaga's emblematic sites and flamenco
Embark on a fascinating journey from the port of Puerto Banus along a scenic route through the captivating Andalusian coastal city of Málaga.
Admire the splendid structures of Mudejar and Gothic architecture, lush parks and gardens and iconic landmarks such as the city's bullring and Plaza Merced, the birthplace of the famous artist Pablo Picasso, which today stands as a vibrant urban tribute to his life and artistic legacy.

Your next stop is the famous Gibralfaro Castle, a historic gem built in the 14th century under the reign of Yusif I, Caliph of Granada. Perched atop a hill, the castle offers breathtaking views of the city, the picturesque bay, and the majestic mountains.

Then, it's on to one of the finest flamencos "tablaos", where the essence of this captivating dance and the strong Andalusian spirit are fully felt. The origins of flamenco go back centuries and are rooted in the expressive art of the persecuted gypsies of southern Spain. The dance's unique blend of influences and musical subtleties can be traced back to the consequences of the 1492 decree by Spain's Catholic monarchs, King Fernando V and Queen Isabel, requiring the conversion to Catholicism of all individuals residing under their reign.

Prepare to be captivated by a traditional flamenco show, masterfully performed by skilled dancers and musicians, accompanied by a refreshing drink.

At the end of this captivating show, you will return to your bus and then to the port of Puerto Banus, with unforgettable memories of a day filled with history, culture, and the magic of flamenco.

This tour involves 2 km of walking on uneven, cobbled surfaces. There are steps to negotiate. We advise you to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, a hat, and sunglasses.

Andalusia’s Cadiz is located on the Costa de la Luz, in the south-west of Spain. From the beaches of Cortadura, to the flamenco bars of Santa Maria, through the colorful streets of la Viña, you will be amazed by this city, which is both steeped in history and extremely festive. In the medieval El Pópulo district, you will stroll along covered passages in the narrow gaps between houses. You will also be able to mosey around the lush Mina square. The star of the show is the magnificent cathedral and its dome crowned with yellow porcelain, presiding above the Ocean.

Included Excursions
Walking tour of Cadiz and local market
Duration : 4h00
Follow your guide to discover the most beautiful sights during the stroll through the old city of Cádiz, and visit the most emblematic squares and sights. Among the main sites, you will see the very old part of Cádiz called Barrio Pópulo.

This guided walking tour will lead you to the Cathedral and the Cathedral Square, the town hall (exterior) and the Plaza de San Juan Dios, the shopping area Calle Ancha, Plaza Mina, Plaza San Francisco, Plaza San Antonio, Plaza España, Plaza de las Flores and, last but not least : the local food market.

You will have the opportunity to enjoy the lively Central Market, it was once the site of a farmers’ market dating from the 19th century, designed by the architect Torcuato Benjumeda. The space was conceived as an open quadrangle surrounded by classical-style Doric columns, making use of the space freed up by the disentailment of the Convento de Los Descalzos.  A visit to the Central Market of Cádiz is a delightful must-do for foodies, as well as those who want to get a glimpse of daily life in the historic quarter of Cádiz. Taste some local cheeses accompanied by a lovely glass of wine inside the market. Finally, enjoy some free time before returning to your ship.

This excursion involves approximately 1.5 mile (2 km) of walking. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.

Cadiz and flamenco show
Duration : 3h00
Leaving the harbor by coach your guide will show you during a panoramic drive the most beautiful sights. Get to know the Castillo of Santa Catalina, which is formed by the remains of the old canal that once crossed Cadiz.
 
Your next stop will be at the tablao Flamenco La Cava, where you will be treated to an exciting performance of this powerful and energetic typical Spanish dance. Electrifying and hypnotic, there is nothing quite like Flamenco. Rhythmically tapping heels, clicking castanets, the traditional rascado flourishes of the guitar and the emotional voices of the singers blend to create a truly mesmerizing experience. To further enhance this wonderful cultural event, tapas and beverages will be served during the show.

After the show take a leisurely walk back to your ship.

This excursion involves approximately 1,2 miles (1 km) of walking on mostly flat streets. The flamenco show lasts about 1 hour. Recording videos is prohibited in the flamenco tavern.

At the entrance of the River Arade, Portimão is a former sardine port that has become a famous seaside city. From this pleasant town, you can explore Silves, the former capital of the Algarve. The town is dominated by a Moorish castle, one of the best preserved in Portugal. You can also admire the incredible cathedral with its baroque façade, built on the site of an old mosque. Then you will go to Monchique, a small mountain town surrounded by a forest lush eucalyptus and cork oaks. In the maze of narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, you will discover here a wilder and more authentic Algarve.

Situated at the mouth of the Mondego River, 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Coimbra, Figueira da Foz is known for its beautiful, vast beaches of white sand. A major fishing and trading port in the region, the city has been a popular destination with the Portuguese since the 19th century, a golden age during which the aristocracy made it their seaside resort of choice. Beautiful villas and casinos have sprung up along the immaculate beaches, giving the town an eternal holiday atmosphere. Its proximity to Coimbra makes it an ideal stopover for many travelers wishing to discover one of the jewels of Portugal and its rich history.

Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometers from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbor, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos monastery and Belem tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting: known for its fado bars and its Moorish streets, this district is the oldest one of the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to big fashion labels and are an invitation to a bit of of luxury shopping.