Visit Spain and Portugal back in time as Ocean Adventurer takes you on a 16-day cruise where stunning architectural structures, mosaics, and impressive bas-reliefs can be found. Explore the bustling plazas lie around every corner of Old Town. Enjoy the Alhambra tour where it showcases some of the world’s finest examples of Moorish architecture. Admire the lace-like detailing of its stuccowork, stunning mosaics, and impressive bas-reliefs on a guided tour of the central complex and fountain-filled courtyard and explore the exquisite Mezquita a splendid example of Islamic architecture that dates back to the 8th century
Highlights
Explore the Iberian Peninsula's diverse history and architectural wonders
Tour the exquisite 14th century Moorish palace of Alhambra
Marvel at the incredible Sagrada Familia Church
Stroll the lovely Old Town of Porto to discover a mélange of architecture
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 the morning and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Spend the afternoon independently exploring this cosmopolitan city, perhaps visiting the Picasso Museum or famous “Discord Block” of Modernist architecture. Return to your hotel for a welcome dinner and overnight.
Barcelona’s Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, is the heart of the city, and a morning sightseeing tour reveals its most important monuments and main boulevard, La Rambla. View La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s influential, unfinished masterpiece, and enjoy lunch before embarking on the newly-renovated Ocean Adventurer.
Spain’s third-largest city is a popular beach resort and the birthplace of paella. Bustling plazas lie around every corner of Old Town (El Carmen); just off the iconic Plaza de la Reina stands Valencia’s 13th-century cathedral, a hybrid of architectural styles and home to the alleged Holy Grail from Jesus’ last supper. Circular Plaza Redonda is lined with quirky shops and lace stalls, while the Central Market is always abuzz with activity.
With its superb natural harbor, Cartagena emerged as a major trading center as early as 300 BC. Discover the city’s Roman heritage at the 2,000-year-old amphitheater and excavated acropolis showcased within the Municipal Archaeology Museum. Today’s guided tour also reveals the blue marble-lined Plaza de San Sebastián, stately Palacio Consistorial, and Castillo de la Concepción, a medieval fortress with sweeping views and peacocks strolling its inner gardens.
Set out from Motril for the medieval city of Granada and one of the most breathtaking structures in all of Europe, the Alhambra. This palace-fortress, built during the 14th century, stands amongst the world’s finest examples of Moorish architecture. Admire the lace-like detailing of its stuccowork, stunning mosaics, and impressive bas-reliefs on a guided tour of the central complex and fountain-filled courtyard.
Disembark in Málaga and venture inland to explore the exquisite Mezquita (the Great Mosque) of Cordoba, a splendid example of Islamic architecture that dates back to the 8th century. Then, discover the famed patios of the San Basilios neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A leisurely drive from Cadiz leads to legendary Seville, whose Old Quarter boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The world’s largest Gothic cathedral claims Christopher Columbus’ tomb and the 328-foot Giralda Tower; next door lies Alcazar Real or Royal Palace, recognized for its mix of Moorish and Christian architecture (and from season five of Game of Thrones). The Archivo General de Indias houses a mind-boggling 80 million documents pertaining to Spain’s New World empire.
Gateway to the Douro River Valley, Portugal’s second-largest city is famed for its many wine lodges serving the region’s revered fortified sweet wine, Port. Enjoy a tasting during a day of exploration, visiting Oporto’s landmark twin-towered cathedral, medieval Ribeira quay, and delightful Miragaia district with its colorful houses clinging to the hillside.
Day 11: Vilagarcia, Spain | Santiago de Compostela | La Coruna
Today make a pilgrimage to UNESCO-designated Santiago de Compostela, which once rivaled Rome and Jerusalem as a holy site. Visit the 11th-century cathedral, where Christian pilgrims payed homage at the tomb of the apostle James, Spain’s patron saint; its exquisitely carved Portico of Glory alone is worth the journey. Rejoin Ocean Adventurer in La Coruna for a live musical performance before dinner.
La Coruna allows access to yet another important Galician city—Lugo. Capital of its namesake province, the UNESCO-designated old town is the only one in the world encircled by totally intact Roman walls. Begun in the 12th century, Saint Mary’s Cathedral blends Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, and Neoclassic styles; just outside lies the ruins of a Roman temple and a house with ancient mosaics and murals.
Travel from coastal Gijon to Oviedo, capital of the Asturias province and an oft overlooked gem. The city exudes a lively, sophisticated vibe thanks to its university and pedestrian-only old quarter. The city was never invaded by the Moors, and its three 9th-century churches have retained their pre-Romanesque style. The magnificent Museo de Bellas Artes offers a window into 18th-century palace life.
Day 14: San Sebastian | Disembark | Bilbao
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Disembark this morning for a tour of San Sebastian, the Basque culinary capital that boasts more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else in the world. The narrow streets of Parte Vieja (Old Town) are lined with pintxos bars (the Basque version of tapas), leafy plazas, and filigree-balconied buildings. Or, head to Bilbao for a guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum, famed for its stunning contemporary architecture and large-scale, site-specific works. Both groups check in to our hotel in Bilbao for dinner and overnight.
Day 15: Bilbao
1 Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your independent homeward flight.
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.
$11,980
Select a Date
Cat 1
Two lower berths, two twin beds, shower, porthole window, 119-143 sq. ft
Select a Date
Cat 2
Two lower berths, two twin beds, shower, porthole window, 117-153 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Cat 3
Two twin beds, shower, two lower berths, double window, 115-142 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Cat 4
Two lower berths, two twin beds, shower, porthole window, 121-161 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Cat 5
Two lower berths, two twin beds, shower, double window, 121-161 sq.ft.
Select a Date
Cat 6
Two lower berths, two twin beds, bath or shower, two windows, 121-161 sq.ft.
Select a Date
Cat 7
Two lower berths, two twin beds, en suite bathroom, two windows, 160-165 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Suite
Suite, two lower twin beds, bath with shower, four windows, sitting area, 221 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Owner's Suite
Owner’s Suite, two lower berth twin beds, shower/ bathtub, four windows, sitting area, 273 sq ft.
Select a Date
Single Cat 2
Two lower berths, two twin beds, shower, porthole window, 117-153 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Single Cat 3
Two twin beds, shower, two lower berths, double window, 115-142 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Single Cat 4
Two lower berths, two twin beds, shower, porthole window, 121-161 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Single Cat 5
Two lower berths, two twin beds, shower, double window, 121-161 sq.ft.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, a roommate will be assigned to you whenever possible.
- Additional singles may be available at 1.6 times the share rate.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
