Iberian Peninsula

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.     

Attend lectures on the region’s culture and history during an informative day at sea.     

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.

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.

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.  

Transfer to the airport for your independent homeward flight.