Follow in the footsteps of Roman conquerors, Phoenician traders & Moorish kings on this 8-day voyage on the National Geographic Orion. See the tangerine skies of a Rio Tejo sunset and the sparkling daybreak over Barcelona. Thrill to the juxtaposition of the exquisitely ornate interiors of Moorish fortresses (including a life-list visit to the Alhambra), with the gothic peaks of early Christian cathedrals. From the tranquil Algarve village of Alte to the splendors of Seville; experience flamenco, medronho, tapas and Picasso, the fossils of El Torcal and the Strait of Gibraltar.
Highlights
Encounter an array of architectural marvels
Explore the spectacular mountainous landscapes of Andalusia
Search for whales and dolphins along Spain’s Murcia coast
Sample local Iberian specialties including paella, tapas, and sherry
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Lisbon and embark the National Geographic Orion. This afternoon enjoy a performance of authentic fado music aboard the ship. Take in splendid sunset views of Portugal’s capital as the ship sets sail.
Portimão is the gateway to Portugal’s southernmost province, the Algarve, known for its whitewashed villages, lush farmlands, and remnants of Moorish culture. Travel north to Silves, home to a fortified sandstone castle built by the Moors, and learn about the tradition of harvesting cork oak. Alternatively, explore the sea caves of the Algarvian coast by small boat while savoring a glass of Medronho, a local fruit brandy. Your transport into the Portuguese countryside today is by off-road jeep, returning by way of small river boats along the Arade River. Keep an eye out for the large stork nests nestled atop cottage chimneys!
Arrive on the shores of Spain today. From Cádiz, travel to the graceful Andalusian capital of Seville, where contemporary culture is interwoven with layers of history. In the old city, see one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedrals and the Alcázar palace, where the king and queen of Spain greeted Columbus on his return from the New World. Delve into the art of flamenco during a private performance at the intimate Museo del Baile Flamenco, and perhaps try some classic zapateado (footwork) yourself. Opt to visit one stop on the famed sherry triangle. Visit a traditional sherry bodega, interesting not only for its extra-aged sherries (20 or more years old), but because it houses the Colección Joaquín Rivera, a private Spanish art collection that includes important works by Goya, Velázquez, and Zurbarán.
Stand on deck as you pass the tiny British colony of Gibraltar, which presides over the strait between Spain and Morocco. Enter the Mediterranean Sea on your way to Málaga, the birthplace of Picasso and a gem of a coastal city surrounded by charming Andalusian towns. Explore the city’s artistic treasures on guided visits to the Picasso Museum and Carmen Thyssen Museum; ride along the newly finished bike path hugging beaches and beautiful coastline; or explore the city at your leisure with suggestions from the Onboard Concierge. Gather for dinner at a special wine bar, featuring local Andalusian products. Feeling energetic? Grab a bike and cycle through the natural paradise surrounding Málaga, with a pre-mapped route in hand.
A variety of excursions await you today. For a deeply cultural experience, travel into Andalusian countryside past orange groves and olive trees for a specially prepared lunch in the homes of local women. Alternatively, take the full day to see enchanting Granada, set high in the Sierra Nevada, exploring magnificent Moorish architecture including the 13th-century Alhambra Palace and Genera life gardens. Or, set out for an early morning trek following Mr. Henderson’s Railway to the neighboring city of Ronda, famous for its dramatic escarpments and views, and for the deep El Tajo gorge.
Today look for whales and dolphins along the submerged volcanic mountains of the Mazarrón Escarpment with the naturalists. Later, arrive in the deep natural harbor of Cartagena—a historic naval base where Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors all left their mark. Set out on foot to explore the city’s medieval fortresses and modernist houses, or glide along the streets on an electric Segway scooter for a modern way to see this ancient city!
For a striking visual of the times, walk to the lookout at Parque Torres and look down on the ruins of the Roman amphitheater, now placed back-to-back with a modern-day one.
In sunny Valencia, old-world cafés mingle with Gothic cathedrals and futurist architecture. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences, an otherworldly cultural complex designed by native architect Santiago Calatrava. Explore the rich birdlife of Albufera Natural Park, one of the most important wetland areas on the Iberian Peninsula. Enjoy a lunch of traditional paella, Valencia’s signature dish. Later this afternoon hop aboard private fishermen’s boats along the marshy canals of the Albufera Lake ecosystem, where they cultivate rice and harvest shellfish for paella—and learn how to make a delicious paella in the city it was invented.
Day 8: Barcelona | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Wake up in Barcelona, and have breakfast on board. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight, or remain in Barcelona for an added stay.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
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Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
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Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 179 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 179 reviews on
20 hours ago
What made our Costa Rica experience great was the wonderful places we stayed and transportation to get to our different areas to visit was excellent! The white water rafting and the snorkeling & dolphin watching were really fun!
Michell Murphy
1 day ago
I received a quick and friendly response from my contact, Christina Mayo, both in email and phone calls. My request for information was provided in less than a day. She took a few minutes to chat about family and events. Dealing with her has always been a pleasure!
Mary Ann
2 days ago
First class all the way. Enjoyed our Guide, Karla, Driver Mark so much. Personalized tour of Antigua during Easter was like a National Geographic in person. Trip of the Lifetime. Such a spiritual and magical tour. Many Thanks.
Ben Shaver
Ben Shaver, Jr.
4 days ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
6 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!