Start your 11-day cruise in Barcelona, Spain, and discover why it is considered Spain's cultural and artistic epicenter, inspiring artists such as Antonio Gaudi, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso. Port-Vendres is a great place to learn more about the European art scene. Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso and flamenco, is renowned for its Moorish-style architecture. Additionally, the city is renowned for its wine and tapas. Explore the breathtaking scenery, beaches, and historical sites of Gibraltar. The Moorish influence is evident in the architecture of Casablanca, as it is in the majority of the cruise's ports, including Tangier. Melilla's museums, churches, and monuments are accessible by foot. Explore the defenses constructed at Spain's premier naval base, Cartagena. Your trip concludes in Ibiza, where you can explore the island's whitewashed houses.
Highlights
Explore museums, churches, and memorials in Melila
Learn more about the art and culture of Spain
Marvel at the Moorish influenced architecture of Spain
Walk through the beaches and historical sights of Gibraltar
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians, and was once the rival of the powerful states of Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean trade. Today, it is Spain's second largest city and has long rivaled, even surpassed Madrid in industry and commerce. The medieval atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and the elegant boulevards combine to make the city one of Europe's most beautiful. Barcelona's active cultural life and heritage brought forth such greats as the architect Antonio Gaudi, the painter Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso, who spent his formative years here. Other famous native Catalan artists include cellist Pau Casals, surrealist Salvador Dali, and opera singers Montserrat Caballe and Josep Carreras. Barcelona accomplished a long-cherished goal with the opportunity to host the Olympics in 1992. This big event prompted a massive building program and created a focal point of the world's attention.
From this river-front harbor on the Côte Vermeille near Spain, travel to picturesque Collioure, whose fervent Catalan spirit, scenically-sited Notre-Dame-des-Anges church, romantic Chateau Royal and Fort Saint-Elme attracted the vigorous artists of the Fauvist movement including Derain, Matisse, Braque and Picasso. Collioure has an official wine appellation of its own, producing reds, a rosé and a few whites. The fruits of ancient vines arrayed behind the town also find their way in to the aperitifs and wines of the neighboring Banyuls appellation. Try a glass, along with a few grilled Collioure anchovies at a harborside boite.
Enjoy on board activities and amenities at the Sojourn. There is a wide selection of dining options, entertainment and enriching activities. Avail of the Card Room, Fitness Center or the Salon.
Often little more than a gateway to the Costa del Sol for sun-seeking vacationers, Malaga is a most interesting city in its own right. First settled by the Phoenicians, Malaga was held by virtually every ruling power in the Mediterranean at one time or another. Two Moorish fortresses, the 11th-century Alcazaba and the 14th-century Castillo de Gibralfaro still stand sentry above the harbor. Malaga was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso as well as the Malaguena style of flamenco. During your time here, you may wish to sample some of the sweet Malaga wine and excellent tapas for which the city is noted.
With Spain to the north and Morocco to the south, Gibraltar is the famous promontory dominating the narrow entrance to the Mediterranean. Its position led to its seizure by the Moors in 711 as a prelude to the conquest of Spain. The Moorish influence includes the name Gibraltar, a corruption of "Jebel Tariq" (Tariq's Mountain), named after the Moorish commander Tariq who built the first fortification. In ancient times Gibraltar was regarded as one of the two Pillars of Hercules, which marked the western limits of the known world. Known commonly as "The Rock," Gibraltar is full of natural caves and manmade tunnels. The Rock itself, composed of limestone and gray marble, is geographically part of the Iberian Peninsula. Politically, the British have controlled Gibraltar for over two centuries. This tiny self-governing British Colony welcomes you to enjoy its historical sites, magnificent views, beautiful beaches and duty free shops.
Casablanca, located on the Atlantic coast, is with 4 million inhabitants Morocco's largest city, and at the same time the largest port in Africa. Built on the site of ancient Phoenician Anfa, it remained a small fishing village for many centuries until the French arrived in 1912. Since then Casablanca has become a vast modern city, ever on the increase since Morocco's independence from France in 1956. A successful blend of oriental-style, white cubic dwellings with modern Moroccan quarters gives the city an interesting flair. Lovely beaches and attractive hotels make for a popular year-round holiday resort. To help understand Moroccan culture a visit to the Medina, the quaint old Moorish quarter, is a must for all visitors.
Situated just across the narrow Strait of Gibraltar from Europe, Tangier has long comprised a hybrid culture that is nearly as European as it is African. Standing atop Cap Spartel, one can gaze down on the place where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. The “Hollywood” district where the foreign embassies have traditionally been located reflects the European influence. But ascending the hill above the waterfront, one enters the narrow, winding alleys of the Kasbah, the city’s oldest, most Moroccan section. Down the coast, nearby Tetouan retains a nearly untouched walled medina, with sections originally occupied by Andalusian, Berber and Jewish populations. It is small enough that visitors can explore it without risking becoming lost, making it a perfect choice as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Melilla is one of Spain’s two enclaves on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, a remnant of the colonial past. As a pocket of Europe on the African continent, its border is rather heavily watched. But the town exists as a resort community and serves visitors well. Overlooking the harbor is Melilla La Vieja, a 15th century fortress converted to a holiday destination. Among its restored fortifications, the site hosts a number of museums, churches, memorials and a multi-storey complex of manmade caves that lead down to the beach. The town also holds the second largest trove of architecture in the modernist style, after only Barcelona, many by the prominent architect Enrique Nieto. It is a fascinating city much praised for its tradition of multiculturalism.
Founded by Carthaginians in the third century BC, this ancient Mediterranean port city exemplifies the region's tumultuous history. Romans, Visigoths, Castilians and Moors have all left their marks. Under King Philip II, Cartagena's naturally deep, sheltered harbor was developed into the nation's premier naval base, a position it still enjoys today. Ancient ramparts remain, as does a lighthouse erected in Moorish times.
Ibiza, the third largest of the Balearics, began to grow from a quiet, little-known island into a playground for the rich and an enclave for artists in the 1950s and 1960s. The island's brilliant, whitewashed houses reflect not only the summer sun, but 300 years of Moorish rule, earning it the nickname of 'Isla Blanca' or White Island. The town of Ibiza, also known as Eivissa, is a delightful combination of Medieval and 19th-century architecture. Visit the picturesque upper town (Dalt Vila), far removed from the sometimes hectic pace of the rest of the island. The ancient cathedral, enclosed by 16th-century walls which are a national monument in their own right, provides a stunning view of the Mediterranean below.
Day 11: Barcelona, Spain | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians and was once the rival of the powerful states of Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean trade. Today, it is Spain's second-largest city and has long rivaled, even surpassed Madrid in industry and commerce. The medieval atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and the elegant boulevards combine to make the city one of Europe's most beautiful. Barcelona's active cultural life and heritage brought forth such greats as the architect Antonio Gaudi, the painter Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso, who spent his formative years here. Other famous native Catalan artists include cellist Pau Casals, surrealist Salvador Dali, and opera singers Montserrat Caballe and Josep Carreras. Barcelona accomplished a long-cherished goal with the opportunity to host the Olympics in 1992. This big event prompted a massive building program and created a focal point of the world's attention.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Select a Date
Ocean View Suite (OS)
Located on Deck 4; Approximately 295 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space
Guaranteed Suite: For this option we select the location and specific suite for you, and notify you prior to departure. Guests are guaranteed to be assigned a suite in the category selected or higher.
All Ocean View Suites feature:
A large picture window
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Ocean View Suite (A)
Located on Deck 4; Approximately 295 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space
All Ocean View Suites feature:
A large picture window
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Ocean View Suite (A1)
Located on Deck 4; Approximately 295 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space
All Ocean View Suites feature:
A large picture window
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite(OB)
Total inside space of between 246 and 302 square feet (23 and 28 square meters) plus one veranda of between 68 and 83 square feet (6 and 7 square meters)
Guaranteed Suite: For this option we select the location and specific suite for you, and notify you prior to departure. Guests are guaranteed to be assigned a suite in the category selected or higher.
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite (V1)
Located on Deck 5 and 6; Approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 65 square feet (6 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*The veranda railings in categories V1 and V2 are part metal and part glass from floor to teak rail.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite (V2)
Located on Deck 7 and 8; Approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 65 square feet (6 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite (V3)
Located on Deck 5 and 6; Approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 65 square feet (6 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite (V4)
Located on Deck 7, 8, 9 and 10; Approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 65 square feet (6 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Penthouse Suite Guarantee (PG)
Located on Deck 7, 8, 9 and 10; Approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 65 square feet (6 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Penthouse Suite (PH)
Penthouse Suite (PH)
Approximately 436 square feet (41 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 98 square feet (9 square meters)
All Penthouse Suite feature
Dining table for two to four
Separate bedroom
Glass door to veranda
Two flat-screen TVs
Fully stocked bar
Spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity.
Select a Date
Penthouse Spa Suite (PS)
Penthouse Spa Suite (PS)
Approximately 536 to 539 square feet (50 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 167 to 200 square feet (16 to 19 square meters)
All Penthouse Spa Suite feature
Dining table for two to four
Separate bedroom
Glass door to veranda
Two flat-screen TVs
Fully stocked bar
Spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity
Select a Date
Owners Suite (O1)
Approximately 526 & 593 square feet (49 to 55 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 133 & 354 square feet (12 to 33 square meters)
Owner's Suites feature
Expansive ocean views
Forward-facing windows
Dining for four to six
Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Select a Date
Owners Suite (O2)
Approximately 526 & 593 square feet (49 to 55 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 133 & 354 square feet (12 to 33 square meters)
Owner's Suites feature
Expansive ocean views
Forward-facing windows
Dining for four to six
Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Select a Date
Signature Suite (SS)
Approximately 859 square feet (80 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 493 square feet (46 square meters)
Signature Suites feature:
Expansive ocean views
Forward-facing windows
Dining for four to six
Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Select a Date
Wintergarden Suite (WG)
Approximately 914 square feet (85 square meters) of inside space, one veranda of 183 sq. ft. (17 square meters.).
Wintergarden Suites feature:
Large windows
Dining for six
Whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Convertible sofa bed for one
Pantry with wet bar
Glass-enclosed solarium with tub and day bed
Two closets
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Select a Date
Grand Wintergarden Suite (GR)
Approximately 1189 square feet (110 square meters) of inside space, plus two verandas totaling 214 square feet (20 square meters)
Grand Wintergarden Suites feature
Large windows
Dining for six
Glass-enclosed solarium with tub and day bed
Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Two bedrooms
Convertible sofa bed for one
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Notes
The ship offers interactive, experiential and participatory excursions to the localities they will be going to, These are made possible by partnering with local suppliers to provide these side trips.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO VENTURE?
Ventures by Seabourn excursions are easy and fun — no experience is required.
We Venture in small groups — for a more personal experience.
All equipment is provided — we Venture rain or shine.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 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
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day 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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.