Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
204 ft²
2
- Last staterooms
Cruising from Morocco to Spain’s Andalusian Coast – with Smithsonian Journeys
Casablanca - Lisbon
Dates:
13/04/2025
to
20/04/2025
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
This cruise from the Atlantic Coast of North Africa to the Spanish Mediterranean provides a relaxed and engaging experience of both the rich history and vibrant contemporary culture of the region.
From storied Casablanca, Morocco, sail first for Tangier. During two full days in Tangier, you can visit the American Legation, the oldest U.S. diplomatic mission in the world, and you may travel across the Rif Mountains to the showcase of Moroccan handicrafts at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tetouan.
Next you will spend a full day in and around Malaga, Spain, the gateway to Andalusia and to the legendary Costa del Sol. One highlight of your time here is sure to be your journey to Granada, including lunch and a tour of the incomparable Alhambra.
From Marbella, you may travel to the picturesque town of Ronda, a center of bullfighting, or you may stay in Marbella to stroll the Avenida del Mar, decorated with ten sculptures by Dali.
Next discover Cádiz, one of the country’s oldest cities. This call will allow for a visit to the superb palace of the Alcázar in Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or stay in town to attend a performance of flamenco at a local tavern.
Portimao is your gateway to Portugal’s Algarve and to the villages of Silves and Monchique. Silves is a typical Algarve village of cobblestoned streets lined with white houses of Moorish/Arab design. It is also home to Castillo de Silves, the best-preserved castle in the region, offering panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside. Like Silves, Monchique is a village of cobbled lanes lined with shops selling local handicrafts. It is best known for Caldas de Monchique, hot springs famous since antiquity for their healing waters.
Your voyage will end in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital. Lisbon boasts two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower. Choose to extend your stay and enjoy strolling through the streets of this city of seven hills, soaking up the local zest for life.
Ref : CL1645US - EE130425
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
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Your trip in detail
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Complete your trip
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
06/03/2025 to the 21/03/2025
LE LYRIAL
03/03/2025 to the 21/03/2025
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE BORÉAL
L'AUSTRAL
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
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Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Selection of Clarins top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including art historian Rafael Chacón and Alia Kate, a social innovator and an international relations expert with a focus on North Africa.
- An overnight in port in Tangier with a visit to UNESCO listed Tetouan.
- A full day in Malaga on the Costa del Sol.
- A tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Alhambra in Granada.
- A visit to the Reservatauro bull breeding farm in Ronda.
- Seville's Alcázar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Flamenco performances in either Marbella or Cadiz.
Ports of Call & Excursions
13 April 2025 - Casablanca
Embarkation 13/04/2025 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 13/04/2025 at 18:00
Situated along the Atlantic coast, Casablanca is the very image of contemporary Morocco: Westernised and cosmopolitan. Exploring the architectural heritage of the “White City” tells you all you need to know about its cultural and historical diversity. Breathtaking highlights include the majestic Hassan II Mosque, considered to be one of the greatest religious buildings in the world. You can explore the narrow alleys of the old Medina, which stand in sharp contrast to the surrounding modern architecture. To get the most from the seafront, the Ain Diab Corniche provides a pleasant place for strolling with easy access to the beach.
14 April 2025 15 April 2025 - Tangier
Arrival 14/04/2025 early morning
Departure 15/04/2025 early evening
Nestling in the Bay of Tangier, this bewitching Moroccan city lies at the northwestern tip of the country, along the famous Strait of Gibraltar. Following in the footsteps of the writers and artists inspired and seduced by the city’s climate and setting, you’ll love its rich landscapes and multicultural charm. You’ll instantly understand as soon as you set foot in the heart of the Medina. An architectural masterpiece, the Kasbah is your gateway to the Sultan’s Palace and its gardens. If you prefer beaches to museums, you can relax just a few minutes from the city on the beautiful sweep of sand bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.
16 April 2025 - Málaga
Arrival 16/04/2025 early morning
Departure 16/04/2025
A historical and festive town, Malaga 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.
17 April 2025 - Marbella
Arrival 17/04/2025 early morning
Departure 17/04/2025 late afternoon
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 Encarnación. Not far from here, you’ll be able to discover the magnificent viewpoints offered by Ronda, a picturesque town perched 700 metres (2,296 feet) high. Its Puente Nuevo bridge majestically crosses the gorges of the Guadalevin River that cuts the town in two.
18 April 2025 - Cadiz
Arrival 18/04/2025 early morning
Departure 18/04/2025 evening
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 colourful 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.
19 April 2025 - Portimão
Arrival 19/04/2025 early morning
Departure 19/04/2025 late afternoon
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.
20 April 2025 - Lisbon
Arrival 20/04/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 20/04/2025 at 08:00
Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbour, 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.
Tetouan and the Handicrafts of Morocco
The city of Tetouan, a scenic 35-mile drive through the Rif Mountains from Tangier, is an important center of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.
On arrival in Tetouan, your first visit is to Dar Sanaa, a former palace repurposed as a school to teach Morocco's traditional crafts. The elements of Moroccan heritage included in the training here range from plaster-carving and wood-painting to leatherwork and embroidery. Through the work on display at the school and hearing from the staff you can learn much about the country's culture and come to appreciate this initiative to preserve it.
Leaving Dar Sanaa, you begin a walking tour of Tetouan's ancient medina, much of which was built by 15th-century refugees fleeing the Spanish reconquest of Andalusia, and which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander along its narrow alleys and streets, browsing in the colorful souks, while vendors in traditional costume hawk their goat cheese, vegetables, and spices. Pass by the Jewish neighborhood whose inhabitants have coexisted with the Muslim majority for centuries. And arrive at the Museum of Moroccan Handicrafts, where a variety of crafts are on display, including embroidery, woodwork and woolen garments. Your guided tour comes to an end outside of the Royal Palace of Tetouan with its wide esplanade, Andalusian architecture, and magnificently decorated gate.
Before rejoining your motorcoach for the return to Tangier, stop to savor a Moroccan tea and fresh Moroccan pastries at a local riad at the edge of the medina.
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This is a moderately active excursion. Total walking is just under a mile over some uneven terrain and inclines. You should wear sturdy comfortable shoes and bring protection from the sun and rain.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Chefchaouen: The Blue City
The "Blue City" of Chefchaouen is nestled in the midst of the Rif Mountains some 60 miles south of Tangier, about two and a half hours by coach—a long drive, but well worth it.
Founded by Berber tribes in the mid-15th-century, it became a favored refuge for Sephardic Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition, and in one version of the story it was these refugees who first painted everything in the town blue because of the color's association with the sky and closeness to heaven. But whatever the original reason, Chefchaouen remains a city of blue—blue walls, blue doors, blue stairs—everywhere you look in every hue of the color imaginable.
Your guided tour of this charming town begins with a visit to the Old Kasbah in the center of the medina. Built in the early 18th century and surrounded by gardens, it houses an interesting ethnographic museum containing antique weapons, musical instruments, and photographs. As you explore the medina on foot, your guide will tell you the stories of the town and lead through the maze of streets and alleyways eventually to Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the main square, where you will find artisans and craftspeople selling a variety of wares, including beautiful hand-woven blankets and rugs, brass teapots, and colorful pottery.
Enjoy some free time to browse the shops, and perhaps visit the striking 15th-century Grand Mosque, before joining the group for a three-course Moroccan meal at a restaurant overlooking the city.
- This excursion is moderate to strenuous. Chefchaouen is a hill town, and most of the walking is up and down stairs and sometimes steep inclines. Participants should be in good physical health. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Treasures of Morocco's Atlantic Coast
Begin your excursion with a short drive to Cap Spartel on the northwest tip of Africa, overlooking the entrance to the Straits of Gibraltar. The fortifications and lighthouse here are built on cliffs 1,000 feet above sea level and offer extraordinary views over the point at which the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.
From this dramatic site, travel about 25 miles south of Tangier to the small city of Asilah, one of the most popular resort towns on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. First populated by Phoenicians about 3,500 years ago, it came under Portuguese rule in the 15th century, when the ramparts and gates that still encircle and protect the medina were built. Since then, Asilah was variously ruled by Spain and the Kingdom of Morocco until 1956, when Spain relinquished its claims.
Enjoy a walking tour through the Old Town of white and blue Mediterranean-style houses, many of which are decorated with murals, adding to the city's reputation as a center of art and culture. (Every summer Asilah hosts an international arts festival attended by thousands from around the world.) Enjoy a leisurely stroll through its narrow streets, browse its galleries, and check out its street artists.
After lunch at a Al Khaima Hotel, enjoy some free time in the market and medina before returning to Tangier and the ship.
- This is a moderate excursion, with about 1 mile of walking over mostly flat but some uneven terrain with a few inclines and steps. We recommend comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Discovering Tangier
Your discovery of Tangier begins with a short drive to Cap Spartel on the northwest tip of Africa overlooking the entrance to the Straits of Gibraltar. The fortifications and lighthouse built on cliffs 1,000 feet above sea level offer extraordinary views over the point at which the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.
Returning to Tangier, you devote the balance of your excursion to an exploration of the city's medina. Your guide will lead you on a walk through some of Tangier's most interesting architecture to the highest point in the medina, the Kasbah, traditional residence of the sultan and his harem and now one of the most fashionable residential areas of Tangier. Here you will have time to browse in the recently renovated Kasbah Museum and its gardens, displaying historic maps and beautiful mosaic artworks.
Your next stop is the old American Legation, the oldest United States diplomatic property abroad and the only National Historic Landmark outside the U.S. The Legation's museum traces the history of the relationship between the United States and Morocco, which was one of the first countries to recognize American independence (1786).
As you wind your way back down the hill, your guide will lead you into the Grand Socco (Souk). Once filled with traders, musicians, storytellers, and snake charmers, it remains a bustling hub of activity, especially when Riffian peasants come to market.
Before returning to the ship, enjoy a relaxing break with Moroccan mint tea and pastries at the Grand Hotel Villa de France.
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This excursion involves significant walking (a little less than a mile total), both uphill and down, over sometimes uneven terrain. You should wear sturdy comfortable shoes. Layered clothing and sun protection are also recommended.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Religions of Morocco
Morocco has long prided itself on being a society tolerant of religious diversity, a legacy from the Middle Ages, when Moorish Caliphs ruled North Africa and Southern Spain. This excursion through Tangier's medina focuses on the three monotheistic religions still practiced in the city.
Your walking tour of the medina begins as your guide leads you through some of Tangier's most interesting architecture to the highest point in the medina, the Kasbah, traditional residence of the sultan and his harem. This citadel dates from the 17th century, when Sultan Moulay Ismail rebuilt fortifications destroyed by the British, including a palace (now the Kasbah Museum), various government buildings, and a mosque. The Kasbah Mosque is the oldest, and perhaps most beautiful, in the city and is distinguished by its octagonal minaret.
A short walk from the Kasbah brings you to the Beni Idir quarter of Tangier and to the Moshe Nahon Synagogue. Renovated in 1994, the synagogue now functions as a museum, preserving the elaborate Andalusian decor of the prayer room, including typical floral and geometric motifs as well as calligraphy in both Hebrew and Arabic.
Your final visit is to Saint Andrew’s, a non-denominational church constructed by Great Britain on land donated by the Sultan in 1883. Built in authentic Moorish style as a mark of respect to its host country, it employed hundreds of Moroccan craftsmen from Fez to decorate its interior. In the true spirit of coexistence, an alcove in the nave features carved text from the Quran, and the Lord's Prayer is engraved in Arabic around the chancel arch.
Before returning to the ship, enjoy a relaxing break with Moroccan mint tea and pastries at the Grand Hotel Villa de France.
-
This excursion involves significant walking (a little less than a mile total), both uphill and down, over sometimes uneven terrain. You should wear sturdy comfortable shoes. Layered clothing and sun protection are also recommended.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Granada: The Moorish Legacy of Andalusia
This tour takes you to Granada to explore the incomparable Alhambra, built by caliphs of the Nasrid dynasty and recognized as the very pinnacle of Islamic architecture in the region.
Enjoy a drive through abundant olive orchards dotted with picturesque villages to the city of Granada, situated on a mesa in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. From its founding by the Umayyad dynasty in the 8th century until 1492, Granada was the center of a civilization in which the three great monotheistic faiths worked side by side to build a society of tolerance, dialogue, and coexistence.
On arrival in Granada, a stroll through the city center ends at the majestic Cathedral, a remarkable combination of Baroque façade, Renaissance dome and Gothic floor plan. Admire the Cathedral from the outside, before entering the Royal Chapel. In the Cathedral’s Royal Chapel are the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic Monarchs who brought an end to Islamic rule in Iberia.
A short drive brings you to lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to the Alhambra for an afternoon tour.
Although damaged and restored over the centuries, it is not difficult to picture the palace as it was 600 years ago. Enter the Alqala hamra ("red castle") and visit the Nazaries Palaces — a complex of buildings with intricately carved stucco walls, knotted ceilings, and charming courtyards. Discover the Serallo, the official residence of the Sultan and Harem, which surrounds the famous Patio de los Leones with its 12 lion fountains. Continue with a visit to the Generalife Palace and Gardens, built as a summer paradise for the Sultan.
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This excursion involves a total of approximately 4 miles of intermittent walking over mostly flat terrain. There are some unpaved and cobblestoned paths at the Alhambra. We recommend you wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Medieval Cordoba
A panoramic drive north from Malaga through the towns and villages of central Andalusia brings you to Cordoba, located on the north bank of the Guadalquivir River about 80 miles east of Seville. A prosperous city under Roman rule, it became something of a boom town in the early Middle Ages when the Umayyad family made it the capital of the Caliphate of Cordoba. By the end of the 10th century, it was probably the largest city in Europe, with a population nearing 100,000. It was also a leading center of scholarship, helping to preserve the legacy of Greece and Rome for future generations.
Your visit to Cordoba begins with a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Mezquita, an enormous 8th-century mosque that was converted to a Cathedral in the 13th century—a dazzling fusion of Islamic and Christian architecture that served as a model for much of the 'Moorish' architecture of southern Iberia and North Africa. From the Mosque-Cathedral it is a short walk to the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, home to Ferdinand and Isabella for eight years during the Reconquista, and the site of their first meeting with Christopher Columbus. Continue your tour with a stroll through the labyrinth of narrow streets adorned with colorful flowers cascading from whitewashed balconies that is Cordoba's vibrant Jewish quarter, and visit its 14th-century synagogue.
At the end of the tour, sit down to a lunch of Andalusian tapas at a local restaurant, followed by some time at leisure to explore on your own before returning to Malaga and your ship.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 2.5 hours of walking over flat and cobblestone surfaces with some steps. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility. Layered clothing and protection from the sun are a must.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Old Málaga & The Picasso Museum
During this walking tour of Old Málaga, explore the incredible art and architecture of the birthplace city of Picasso, and discover his work during a visit to the Picasso Museum.
From the pier, start your guided walking tour to the Picasso Museum. En route, take a stroll through Málaga’s Old Town. Your first stop is Calle Larios, the main shopping street of Málaga. Next, cross the Plaza de la Constitución, walk along Calle Granada to the Plaza de la Merced. Then proceed to the highlight of the tour, the Picasso Museum of Málaga, or "Museo Picasso Málaga".
The Picasso Museum is permanently housed in the Palacio de Buenavista, a 16th century historical building that is adorned with the Andalusian architecture of the day, along with a unique blend of Renaissance and Mudéjar elements. Following your guided museum visit, proceed to a local restaurant for a snack of local tapas and wine. Return to the ship with your guide or enjoy some free time to explore on your own.
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This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking over mostly even city surfaces. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
In the Heart of Costa del Sol
Marbella acquired its reputation as the place to be and be seen on the Costa del Sol in the late 1950s and 1960s when it was "discovered" by Europe’s rich and famous. It remains a center of tourism and also serves as a gateway to the riches of the entire region.
Your excursion begins with a walking tour of the maze of narrow streets of whitewashed houses with decorated balconies that is Old Town. Centered on the Patio de los Naranjos (Courtyard of Orange Trees), this is the section of town where you will find the fascinating shops and boutiques that have made Marbella famous. Here you will also find the town hall, the old governor's house, and the Chapel of Santiago. Wander through the garden of brightly colored flowers and orange trees surrounding a bust of King Juan Carlos 1, and stroll down the Avenida del Mar, adorned with fountains, trellises, and a collection of sculptures by Salvador Dalí.
A short drive inland brings you to the charming village of Mijas, built on a mountainside 1300 feet above sea level with panoramic views over the Costa del Sol. Follow your guide through narrow cobblestoned streets of tiny-whitewashed houses decorated with grill work and covered with bougainvillea and jasmine. Make your way to the upper terraces for the best views available, before sitting down to a typical Andalusian meal of meats, cheeses, gazpacho, and paella while being entertained with a performance of flamenco by local dancers and musicians.
After lunch, enjoy some time at leisure for independent exploration and browsing in the shops before returning to your ship.
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This is an active excursion, involving considerable walking (approximately 2.5 miles total) over sometimes uneven terrain and cobblestones, with inclines and some steps. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes and layered clothing, and be sure to bring protection from the sun.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ronda and the Traditions of Bullfighting
This full-day excursion begins with a scenic 90-minute drive through the Sierra de las Nieves to the mountaintop town of Ronda, among the most famous towns in Andalusia, in part because of its uncanny perch spanning El Tajo, a 350-foot-deep gorge that divides the town in two.
Your walking tour begins in El Ciudad, the old town that was once the capital of a Moorish kingdom, where you follow your guide through an intricate maze of streets and alleyways, passing by the town's major historic buildings, including the iconic Plaza de Toros bullring, birthplace of the modern Spanish bullfight. This elegant late 18th-century stadium, crowned by a sloping roof of Arabic tiles, is where Francisco Romero approached a bull for the first time on foot, rather than on horseback.
Your tour continues as you cross Ronda's emblematic Puente Nuevo, the 'new' bridge completed in 1793 after forty years of construction that cost 50 laborers their lives. The bridge itself is a remarkable achievement, built entirely from hewn rock from the bottom of the gorge, and the views from the bridge of houses literally clinging to the cliffs are spectacular.
Return to your motorcoach for a 15-minute drive to Reservatauro Ronda, a breeding farm for bulls and pure Andalusian horses. On arrival at the ranch, located among centuries-old oaks in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, you will be treated to a lunch of local specialties before joining a guided tour of the grounds. You will have the opportunity to see bulls in their natural environment, and you will experience a tentadero, the non-violent method of confrontation used by professional bullfighters to judge the suitability of bulls for the ring.
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This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over sometimes uneven, cobblestoned terrain with some steps. Not recommended for guests with limited mobility. You should wear sturdy, comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and protect yourself from the sun.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cadiz: Gateway to Southern Spain
Settled about 1100 BCE by Phoenicians, Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe. It remains to this day an important port and an opening to the history and culture of southernmost Spain.
Your excursion begins with a picturesque walking tour from the pier to San Juan de Dios square, where you will witness the historic architecture of the town hall against a modern background of pedestrian walkways and palm-tree-lined fountains.
Continue through the Barrio del Pópulo, the heartbeat of the city and Cadiz’s old town. Considered one of the oldest neighborhoods in Europe, Pópulo was once home to Phoenicians, Punics, Romans, and Arabs alike.
Proceed to the Catedral de Cadiz for an outside visit to view the gold dome and exquisite Baroque façade. Construction of the cathedral began in 1722, when Cadiz was at the height of its power and one of the wealthiest ports in Western Europe, with gold and silver from the New World. Continue your walk through winding streets to the Plaza de las Flores and enjoy some free time to explore on your own.
Meet back up with your guide and pass by the lively Plaza San Francisco, home to the Convent of San Francisco, house of the Franciscans in Cadiz, founded in 1566. Continue to Plaza de la Mina, one of the most popular residential squares in Cadiz, and one of the historic gardens of the city.
End at the Flamenco La Cava, one of the city's premiere tablao, where you will be treated to an exciting performance of flamenco, replete with rhythmically tapping heels, clicking castanets, and the traditional rascado flourishes of the guitar. During the show, a full tapas style lunch will be served, the perfect enhancement to a quintessentially Spanish experience.
After lunch and the show, transfer back to the ship.
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This moderate excursion involves a significant amount of walking (approximately 2.5 miles total). Most of the walking is over flat and even ground, but there are some uneven areas and cobblestones. We recommend sturdy yet comfortable shoes. Hats and sunblock are also recommended. Note that sites may be visited in a different order.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Andalusian Treasures: Seville & Cathedral
Seville was shaped by a succession of civilizations — Roman, Moorish, Jewish, Christian — that alternately clashed violently and then found ways to coexist. The rich multicultural legacy of this mixing of traditions is found everywhere in the city. On this tour, you will discover two of Seville’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and experience the vitality of everyday life in this vibrant community.
As you traverse the rolling countryside from Cadiz to Seville, you will see a landscape of olive and orange groves and vineyards that have long supplied the city of Seville and that now export fine wines and oils around the world. You will also pass farms where Spain’s finest bulls and horses are bred.
Upon arrival in Seville, you will disembark your coach and enjoy a stroll through the charming Murillo Gardens, which lead the way to the royal compound of the Real Alcazar. This UNESCO World Heritage site, built in the Mudéjar style in the 14th century, is today a sprawling complex incorporating architectural influences from the Renaissance, Baroque and 19th century. Here you will discover lavish gardens, sparkling ponds and fountains, and fascinating ornamental details at every turn.
A short walk from the Alcazar is the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral of Seville – the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb. The central nave rises 120 feet above the interior. La Giralda, built as a minaret for the city's chief mosque in the 12th century, now serves as the bell tower and a symbol of Seville.
After a tapas lunch featuring signature dishes, enjoy a walking tour and time at leisure exploring the Barrio de Santa Cruz. The city’s former Jewish quarter, the barrio is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets lined with orange trees and whitewashed buildings decorated with wrought-iron grilled windows.
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This moderate excursion involves a significant amount of walking (approximately 1.5 miles total) mostly over flat and even ground, but there are places with cobblestones. We recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is required when visiting the Cathedral. Hats and sunblock are recommended. Sites may be visited in a different order.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Historical Alvor and Portimão
Portimão is your gateway to the Algarve, the southwestern portion of Portugal that juts into the Atlantic Ocean—a region of beaches known for their surf, wetlands teeming with birdlife, and towns and villages with a rich history spanning from Phoenician settlement through Muslim Conquest and Spanish Reconquest to the present day. This excursion focuses on the long history of the region and on the importance of fishing to that history.
Begin with a short drive to the fishing village of Alvor, built along the banks of the Ria de Alvor. Stroll along the attractive boardwalk and get a sense of how Alvor's culture is still dominated by the rhythm of comings and goings of the local fishing fleet. Return to Portimão to visit the town's museum, housed in what used to be a canning factory. The exhibits here showcase the history of the area including sections on prehistory, the Roman era, and the period during which Portimão was center of boat-building. After the museum, enjoy time at leisure in Portimão before returning to the ship.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving approximately 2.5 miles of walking over uneven and cobblestone surfaces. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility. Layered clothing and protection from the sun are a must.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Seco and Benagil
Portimão is your gateway to the Algarve, the southwestern portion of Portugal that juts into the Atlantic Ocean—a region of beaches known for their surf, wetlands teeming with birdlife, and towns and villages with a rich history spanning from Phoenician settlement through Muslim Conquest and Spanish Reconquest to the present day. This excursion focuses on the natural history of the coastline east of Portimão and on the amazing formations of the Seco and Benagil Caves.
A short walk from your ship brings you to the pier where you board a local boat and set sail. Leaving Portimão, pass by the remains of a medieval fort on one shore and the fishing village of Ferragudo on the other, then relax and enjoy the scenery as you make your way past beautiful beaches to the town of Carvoeiro, where you pause to admire the remarkable rock formations of Algar Seco. Continuing eastward a few more miles, arrive at the famous grottoes of Benagil, mesmerizing structures carved from the sandstone by sea and wind. Weather and sea conditions permitting, your boat will enter the caves where you can see close up the fascinating results of centuries of erosion.
- This is an easy excursion, involving only the walk along the pier to the local boat and back. Layered clothing, including a windbreaker for the cruise, is recommended, as is protection from the sun.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Silves and Monchique
Portimão is your gateway to the Algarve, the southwestern portion of Portugal that juts into the Atlantic Ocean—a region of beaches known for their surf, wetlands teeming with birdlife, and towns and villages with a rich history spanning from Phoenician settlement through Muslim Conquest and Spanish Reconquest to the present day. This excursion takes you away from the coast to the mountain towns of Silves and Monique.
Silves is a typical Algarve village of cobblestoned streets lined with shops selling local handicrafts, many of them housed in buildings of Arab and Moorish design. Visit the Moorish Silves Castle, the best-preserved castle in the region, offering panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside, as well as a 13th-century Cathedral built by Afonso III on the site of a former Mosque.
From Silves, travel into the Serra de Monchique to reach the picturesque city of Monchique, where you walk through its cobbled streets where small shops house various artisanal trades. Visit a 17th-century Franciscan monastery overlooking the town and a 16th-century Parish Church decorated with hand-crafted blue ceramic tiles. Before returning to Portimão, stop to see Caldas de Monchique, hot springs famous since antiquity for their healing waters and among the most-visited places in the Algarve.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving approximately 2 miles of walking over uneven and cobblestone surfaces. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility. Layered clothing and protection from the sun are a must.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Historic Lagos and the Ponta da Piedade
Portimão is your gateway to the Algarve, the southwestern portion of Portugal that juts into the Atlantic Ocean—a region of beaches known for their surf, wetlands teeming with birdlife, and towns and villages with a rich history spanning from Phoenician settlement through Muslim Conquest and Spanish Reconquest to the present day. This excursion focuses on the nearby town of Lagos, its natural history, and its role in the Age of Discovery.
Depart Portimão for the short drive to Lagos, where your first stop is at Ponta da Piedade, a dramatic, windswept headland on Lagos's south coast. The views from the boardwalk along the cliffs of the dramatic rock formations—pillars, arches, and hidden grottos—are stunning and a reminder of the awesome power of the sea.
The town of Lagos served as an outpost and trading center for Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans, but its heyday was in the 15th and 16th centuries, when it played a major role in the Portuguese exploration of Africa and South America. It was here that Prince Henry the Navigator outfitted the caravels that began the Age of Discovery. A walking tour of the old town includes the Governor's Castle, the 16th-century walls, and Ponta da Bandeira Fort, which protected the town from invaders. You will also enjoy some time at leisure to explore on your own, as you stroll the charming streets of stonework houses.
- This is a relatively easy excursion, involving a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking. Surfaces are sometimes uneven, but the terrain is mostly flat. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection are recommended.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Le Bellot
Like the other ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Bellot has been designed to provide absolute comfort for its passengers, even at the heart of the world's most remote and isolated regions.
Racy lines, state-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of Le Bellot, a unique ship in the world of cruising.
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including art historian Rafael Chacón and Alia Kate, a social innovator and an international relations expert with a focus on North Africa
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Casablanca to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Bellot, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Lisbon at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
CENTRAL MOROCCO: MARRAKECH & THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS (3 NIGHTS)
With origins as a crossroads on the ancient caravan routes to and from Timbuktu, Marrakech has long been at the center of Moroccan commerce and culture. Part Berber, part Arab, part African, Marrakech is where the disparate elements of Morocco's past mingle with one another in a fascinating space where the exquisitely refined palaces of wealthy princes sit alongside the huts of snake charmers and musicians who ply their trades in the open air of the city's streets.
Day 1 – Marrakech, Morocco
Arrive at Marrakech Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa, your home for the next three nights. Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. The afternoon is yours to settle in and rest before you join fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception this evening. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.
Day 2 – Marrakech | Atlas Mountains
Today's excursion takes you through the countryside and into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, North Africa's greatest mountain range. Here you will encounter two very different worlds: the ancient villages of the Berbers and the post-modernist fantasia of André Heller's Anima Garden.
Set out from the hotel in 4X4 vehicles for the trip south, pausing briefly in the village of Asni for stunning views of snow-capped mountains before continuing the climb toward the village of Imlil at the base of Djebel Toubkal, the highest mountain in the Atlas range. Upon arrival in Imlil, you begin a moderate hike around this village and the neighboring village of Aroumd, where you are surrounded by the natural beauty of the valley and have the chance to discover Berber culture. Berbers, now Amazigh, are the original inhabitants of North Africa, comprising several tribes scattered throughout the region. Proud and hard-working, they have their own dialect, customs, and traditions. You will be welcomed into the home of one of the local families, who will share some of their customs and show you how they manage to live in largely traditional ways.
Enjoy lunch at Roche Armed, one of the small hotels in the village, overlooking the valley and village of Imlil, with the Atlas Mountains in the background.
After lunch, drive to Anima Garden, created by multimedia artist André Heller. Opened in 2016, his garden is a unique mixture of art and nature that combines paintings, sculptures, and other objets d'art that draw on motifs from around the world with carefully chosen and landscaped flora in ways that are meant both to provide inspiration for contemplation and to stimulate the senses. The experience of a visit here is notoriously difficult to describe, but a New York Times critic comes as close as anyone, calling it "a Wonderland of exotic gardens, gazebos, ponds and mystical artworks."
Return to the hotel in Marrakech and enjoy an evening at leisure to explore and enjoy dinner on your own.
Day 3 – Marrakech
After breakfast at the hotel, join a walking tour of Marrakech's Medina, the Old Town, where the city's traditions continue to thrive. Your first stop is the emblematic Koutoubia Mosque, which dominates the skyline. Built in the 12th century, Koutoubia’s minaret is considered one of the highlights of Islamic architecture in North Africa and the inspiration for the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.
A short walk from the mosque brings you to Bahia Palace. Built in the mid 19th century as the residence of the Grand Vizier, it was converted by the French in the early 20th century for use by the Resident General of the Protectorate. The sprawling palace covers two acres in the middle of the Medina and contains 150 rooms opening onto a large courtyard filled with fountains and gardens. The nearby Dar Si Said Museum exhibits a range of architectural styles and traditional crafts. Of particular interest are the collections of Berber jewelry, textiles, carpets, and musical instruments that provide a taste of everyday life in Morocco before the arrival of Islam.
Your tour of the Medina continues with a visit to the souks of Jemaa El Fna, the city's main square and home to a multitude of street-artists and food stalls. Over the years the square has become the beating heart of Marrakech, where fire-eaters, acrobats, snake-charmers, and street musicians perform at every turn. In the Souk Semmarine you will find a maze of colorful alleys and small squares housing a bewildering array of stalls and ateliers devoted to a seemingly endless variety of arts and crafts.
A short drive will bring you to a restaurant for a leisurely lunch before you return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. In the evening, gather with fellow travelers for your transfer to a local restaurant for a sumptuous Moroccan dinner with music and a show in the heart of the Old Medina.
Day 4 – Marrakech | Casablanca | Embarkation
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, enjoy a morning at leisure. Enjoy lunch on your own, then return to the hotel to board your motorcoach for the drive to Casablanca, where you will embark your ship in late afternoon.
Your hotel:
Located just a short walk from the Jemaa El Fna Square, near the heart of Marrakech, the Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa is a magnificent Moorish property set among manicured gardens and fountains. The bright rooms and suites feature balconies and terraces, which offer beautiful views over the mountains, pool, or gardens. The interior design combines French elegance with a dash of Moroccan art de vivre. The hotel has two restaurants, four pools, a fitness center, and a spa.
Your program includes:
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3 nights at the Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa (or similar
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Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
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Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day
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Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1
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Breakfast and lunch on Days 2, 3, and 4
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Dinner on Day 3
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Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
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Local English-speaking guide
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Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
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Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
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Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
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It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
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Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel advisor for further details.
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This is not a suitable program for guests with limited mobility.
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For excursions, guests are advised to wear appropriately discreet clothing, covering the upper body and legs below the knee.
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The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
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This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
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Program is offered on a space available basis.
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Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa
Rue Harroun Errachid
Quartier de l’Hivernage
40000 Marrakech
Morocco
Telephone: +212.524.425600
Total : £1,980
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Tetouan and the Handicrafts of Morocco
The city of Tetouan, a scenic 35-mile drive through the Rif Mountains from Tangier, is an important center of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.
On arrival in Tetouan, your first visit is to Dar Sanaa, a former palace repurposed as a school to teach Morocco's traditional crafts. The elements of Moroccan heritage included in the training here range from plaster-carving and wood-painting to leatherwork and embroidery. Through the work on display at the school and hearing from the staff you can learn much about the country's culture and come to appreciate this initiative to preserve it.
Leaving Dar Sanaa, you begin a walking tour of Tetouan's ancient medina, much of which was built by 15th-century refugees fleeing the Spanish reconquest of Andalusia, and which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander along its narrow alleys and streets, browsing in the colorful souks, while vendors in traditional costume hawk their goat cheese, vegetables, and spices. Pass by the Jewish neighborhood whose inhabitants have coexisted with the Muslim majority for centuries. And arrive at the Museum of Moroccan Handicrafts, where a variety of crafts are on display, including embroidery, woodwork and woolen garments. Your guided tour comes to an end outside of the Royal Palace of Tetouan with its wide esplanade, Andalusian architecture, and magnificently decorated gate.
Before rejoining your motorcoach for the return to Tangier, stop to savor a Moroccan tea and fresh Moroccan pastries at a local riad at the edge of the medina.
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This is a moderately active excursion. Total walking is just under a mile over some uneven terrain and inclines. You should wear sturdy comfortable shoes and bring protection from the sun and rain.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Chefchaouen: The Blue City
The "Blue City" of Chefchaouen is nestled in the midst of the Rif Mountains some 60 miles south of Tangier, about two and a half hours by coach—a long drive, but well worth it.
Founded by Berber tribes in the mid-15th-century, it became a favored refuge for Sephardic Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition, and in one version of the story it was these refugees who first painted everything in the town blue because of the color's association with the sky and closeness to heaven. But whatever the original reason, Chefchaouen remains a city of blue—blue walls, blue doors, blue stairs—everywhere you look in every hue of the color imaginable.
Your guided tour of this charming town begins with a visit to the Old Kasbah in the center of the medina. Built in the early 18th century and surrounded by gardens, it houses an interesting ethnographic museum containing antique weapons, musical instruments, and photographs. As you explore the medina on foot, your guide will tell you the stories of the town and lead through the maze of streets and alleyways eventually to Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the main square, where you will find artisans and craftspeople selling a variety of wares, including beautiful hand-woven blankets and rugs, brass teapots, and colorful pottery.
Enjoy some free time to browse the shops, and perhaps visit the striking 15th-century Grand Mosque, before joining the group for a three-course Moroccan meal at a restaurant overlooking the city.
- This excursion is moderate to strenuous. Chefchaouen is a hill town, and most of the walking is up and down stairs and sometimes steep inclines. Participants should be in good physical health. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Treasures of Morocco's Atlantic Coast
Begin your excursion with a short drive to Cap Spartel on the northwest tip of Africa, overlooking the entrance to the Straits of Gibraltar. The fortifications and lighthouse here are built on cliffs 1,000 feet above sea level and offer extraordinary views over the point at which the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.
From this dramatic site, travel about 25 miles south of Tangier to the small city of Asilah, one of the most popular resort towns on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. First populated by Phoenicians about 3,500 years ago, it came under Portuguese rule in the 15th century, when the ramparts and gates that still encircle and protect the medina were built. Since then, Asilah was variously ruled by Spain and the Kingdom of Morocco until 1956, when Spain relinquished its claims.
Enjoy a walking tour through the Old Town of white and blue Mediterranean-style houses, many of which are decorated with murals, adding to the city's reputation as a center of art and culture. (Every summer Asilah hosts an international arts festival attended by thousands from around the world.) Enjoy a leisurely stroll through its narrow streets, browse its galleries, and check out its street artists.
After lunch at a Al Khaima Hotel, enjoy some free time in the market and medina before returning to Tangier and the ship.
- This is a moderate excursion, with about 1 mile of walking over mostly flat but some uneven terrain with a few inclines and steps. We recommend comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Discovering Tangier
Your discovery of Tangier begins with a short drive to Cap Spartel on the northwest tip of Africa overlooking the entrance to the Straits of Gibraltar. The fortifications and lighthouse built on cliffs 1,000 feet above sea level offer extraordinary views over the point at which the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.
Returning to Tangier, you devote the balance of your excursion to an exploration of the city's medina. Your guide will lead you on a walk through some of Tangier's most interesting architecture to the highest point in the medina, the Kasbah, traditional residence of the sultan and his harem and now one of the most fashionable residential areas of Tangier. Here you will have time to browse in the recently renovated Kasbah Museum and its gardens, displaying historic maps and beautiful mosaic artworks.
Your next stop is the old American Legation, the oldest United States diplomatic property abroad and the only National Historic Landmark outside the U.S. The Legation's museum traces the history of the relationship between the United States and Morocco, which was one of the first countries to recognize American independence (1786).
As you wind your way back down the hill, your guide will lead you into the Grand Socco (Souk). Once filled with traders, musicians, storytellers, and snake charmers, it remains a bustling hub of activity, especially when Riffian peasants come to market.
Before returning to the ship, enjoy a relaxing break with Moroccan mint tea and pastries at the Grand Hotel Villa de France.
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This excursion involves significant walking (a little less than a mile total), both uphill and down, over sometimes uneven terrain. You should wear sturdy comfortable shoes. Layered clothing and sun protection are also recommended.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Religions of Morocco
Morocco has long prided itself on being a society tolerant of religious diversity, a legacy from the Middle Ages, when Moorish Caliphs ruled North Africa and Southern Spain. This excursion through Tangier's medina focuses on the three monotheistic religions still practiced in the city.
Your walking tour of the medina begins as your guide leads you through some of Tangier's most interesting architecture to the highest point in the medina, the Kasbah, traditional residence of the sultan and his harem. This citadel dates from the 17th century, when Sultan Moulay Ismail rebuilt fortifications destroyed by the British, including a palace (now the Kasbah Museum), various government buildings, and a mosque. The Kasbah Mosque is the oldest, and perhaps most beautiful, in the city and is distinguished by its octagonal minaret.
A short walk from the Kasbah brings you to the Beni Idir quarter of Tangier and to the Moshe Nahon Synagogue. Renovated in 1994, the synagogue now functions as a museum, preserving the elaborate Andalusian decor of the prayer room, including typical floral and geometric motifs as well as calligraphy in both Hebrew and Arabic.
Your final visit is to Saint Andrew’s, a non-denominational church constructed by Great Britain on land donated by the Sultan in 1883. Built in authentic Moorish style as a mark of respect to its host country, it employed hundreds of Moroccan craftsmen from Fez to decorate its interior. In the true spirit of coexistence, an alcove in the nave features carved text from the Quran, and the Lord's Prayer is engraved in Arabic around the chancel arch.
Before returning to the ship, enjoy a relaxing break with Moroccan mint tea and pastries at the Grand Hotel Villa de France.
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This excursion involves significant walking (a little less than a mile total), both uphill and down, over sometimes uneven terrain. You should wear sturdy comfortable shoes. Layered clothing and sun protection are also recommended.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Granada: The Moorish Legacy of Andalusia
This tour takes you to Granada to explore the incomparable Alhambra, built by caliphs of the Nasrid dynasty and recognized as the very pinnacle of Islamic architecture in the region.
Enjoy a drive through abundant olive orchards dotted with picturesque villages to the city of Granada, situated on a mesa in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. From its founding by the Umayyad dynasty in the 8th century until 1492, Granada was the center of a civilization in which the three great monotheistic faiths worked side by side to build a society of tolerance, dialogue, and coexistence.
On arrival in Granada, a stroll through the city center ends at the majestic Cathedral, a remarkable combination of Baroque façade, Renaissance dome and Gothic floor plan. Admire the Cathedral from the outside, before entering the Royal Chapel. In the Cathedral’s Royal Chapel are the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic Monarchs who brought an end to Islamic rule in Iberia.
A short drive brings you to lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to the Alhambra for an afternoon tour.
Although damaged and restored over the centuries, it is not difficult to picture the palace as it was 600 years ago. Enter the Alqala hamra ("red castle") and visit the Nazaries Palaces — a complex of buildings with intricately carved stucco walls, knotted ceilings, and charming courtyards. Discover the Serallo, the official residence of the Sultan and Harem, which surrounds the famous Patio de los Leones with its 12 lion fountains. Continue with a visit to the Generalife Palace and Gardens, built as a summer paradise for the Sultan.
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This excursion involves a total of approximately 4 miles of intermittent walking over mostly flat terrain. There are some unpaved and cobblestoned paths at the Alhambra. We recommend you wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Medieval Cordoba
A panoramic drive north from Malaga through the towns and villages of central Andalusia brings you to Cordoba, located on the north bank of the Guadalquivir River about 80 miles east of Seville. A prosperous city under Roman rule, it became something of a boom town in the early Middle Ages when the Umayyad family made it the capital of the Caliphate of Cordoba. By the end of the 10th century, it was probably the largest city in Europe, with a population nearing 100,000. It was also a leading center of scholarship, helping to preserve the legacy of Greece and Rome for future generations.
Your visit to Cordoba begins with a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Mezquita, an enormous 8th-century mosque that was converted to a Cathedral in the 13th century—a dazzling fusion of Islamic and Christian architecture that served as a model for much of the 'Moorish' architecture of southern Iberia and North Africa. From the Mosque-Cathedral it is a short walk to the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, home to Ferdinand and Isabella for eight years during the Reconquista, and the site of their first meeting with Christopher Columbus. Continue your tour with a stroll through the labyrinth of narrow streets adorned with colorful flowers cascading from whitewashed balconies that is Cordoba's vibrant Jewish quarter, and visit its 14th-century synagogue.
At the end of the tour, sit down to a lunch of Andalusian tapas at a local restaurant, followed by some time at leisure to explore on your own before returning to Malaga and your ship.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 2.5 hours of walking over flat and cobblestone surfaces with some steps. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility. Layered clothing and protection from the sun are a must.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Old Málaga & The Picasso Museum
During this walking tour of Old Málaga, explore the incredible art and architecture of the birthplace city of Picasso, and discover his work during a visit to the Picasso Museum.
From the pier, start your guided walking tour to the Picasso Museum. En route, take a stroll through Málaga’s Old Town. Your first stop is Calle Larios, the main shopping street of Málaga. Next, cross the Plaza de la Constitución, walk along Calle Granada to the Plaza de la Merced. Then proceed to the highlight of the tour, the Picasso Museum of Málaga, or "Museo Picasso Málaga".
The Picasso Museum is permanently housed in the Palacio de Buenavista, a 16th century historical building that is adorned with the Andalusian architecture of the day, along with a unique blend of Renaissance and Mudéjar elements. Following your guided museum visit, proceed to a local restaurant for a snack of local tapas and wine. Return to the ship with your guide or enjoy some free time to explore on your own.
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This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking over mostly even city surfaces. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
In the Heart of Costa del Sol
Marbella acquired its reputation as the place to be and be seen on the Costa del Sol in the late 1950s and 1960s when it was "discovered" by Europe’s rich and famous. It remains a center of tourism and also serves as a gateway to the riches of the entire region.
Your excursion begins with a walking tour of the maze of narrow streets of whitewashed houses with decorated balconies that is Old Town. Centered on the Patio de los Naranjos (Courtyard of Orange Trees), this is the section of town where you will find the fascinating shops and boutiques that have made Marbella famous. Here you will also find the town hall, the old governor's house, and the Chapel of Santiago. Wander through the garden of brightly colored flowers and orange trees surrounding a bust of King Juan Carlos 1, and stroll down the Avenida del Mar, adorned with fountains, trellises, and a collection of sculptures by Salvador Dalí.
A short drive inland brings you to the charming village of Mijas, built on a mountainside 1300 feet above sea level with panoramic views over the Costa del Sol. Follow your guide through narrow cobblestoned streets of tiny-whitewashed houses decorated with grill work and covered with bougainvillea and jasmine. Make your way to the upper terraces for the best views available, before sitting down to a typical Andalusian meal of meats, cheeses, gazpacho, and paella while being entertained with a performance of flamenco by local dancers and musicians.
After lunch, enjoy some time at leisure for independent exploration and browsing in the shops before returning to your ship.
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This is an active excursion, involving considerable walking (approximately 2.5 miles total) over sometimes uneven terrain and cobblestones, with inclines and some steps. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes and layered clothing, and be sure to bring protection from the sun.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ronda and the Traditions of Bullfighting
This full-day excursion begins with a scenic 90-minute drive through the Sierra de las Nieves to the mountaintop town of Ronda, among the most famous towns in Andalusia, in part because of its uncanny perch spanning El Tajo, a 350-foot-deep gorge that divides the town in two.
Your walking tour begins in El Ciudad, the old town that was once the capital of a Moorish kingdom, where you follow your guide through an intricate maze of streets and alleyways, passing by the town's major historic buildings, including the iconic Plaza de Toros bullring, birthplace of the modern Spanish bullfight. This elegant late 18th-century stadium, crowned by a sloping roof of Arabic tiles, is where Francisco Romero approached a bull for the first time on foot, rather than on horseback.
Your tour continues as you cross Ronda's emblematic Puente Nuevo, the 'new' bridge completed in 1793 after forty years of construction that cost 50 laborers their lives. The bridge itself is a remarkable achievement, built entirely from hewn rock from the bottom of the gorge, and the views from the bridge of houses literally clinging to the cliffs are spectacular.
Return to your motorcoach for a 15-minute drive to Reservatauro Ronda, a breeding farm for bulls and pure Andalusian horses. On arrival at the ranch, located among centuries-old oaks in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, you will be treated to a lunch of local specialties before joining a guided tour of the grounds. You will have the opportunity to see bulls in their natural environment, and you will experience a tentadero, the non-violent method of confrontation used by professional bullfighters to judge the suitability of bulls for the ring.
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This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over sometimes uneven, cobblestoned terrain with some steps. Not recommended for guests with limited mobility. You should wear sturdy, comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and protect yourself from the sun.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cadiz: Gateway to Southern Spain
Settled about 1100 BCE by Phoenicians, Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe. It remains to this day an important port and an opening to the history and culture of southernmost Spain.
Your excursion begins with a picturesque walking tour from the pier to San Juan de Dios square, where you will witness the historic architecture of the town hall against a modern background of pedestrian walkways and palm-tree-lined fountains.
Continue through the Barrio del Pópulo, the heartbeat of the city and Cadiz’s old town. Considered one of the oldest neighborhoods in Europe, Pópulo was once home to Phoenicians, Punics, Romans, and Arabs alike.
Proceed to the Catedral de Cadiz for an outside visit to view the gold dome and exquisite Baroque façade. Construction of the cathedral began in 1722, when Cadiz was at the height of its power and one of the wealthiest ports in Western Europe, with gold and silver from the New World. Continue your walk through winding streets to the Plaza de las Flores and enjoy some free time to explore on your own.
Meet back up with your guide and pass by the lively Plaza San Francisco, home to the Convent of San Francisco, house of the Franciscans in Cadiz, founded in 1566. Continue to Plaza de la Mina, one of the most popular residential squares in Cadiz, and one of the historic gardens of the city.
End at the Flamenco La Cava, one of the city's premiere tablao, where you will be treated to an exciting performance of flamenco, replete with rhythmically tapping heels, clicking castanets, and the traditional rascado flourishes of the guitar. During the show, a full tapas style lunch will be served, the perfect enhancement to a quintessentially Spanish experience.
After lunch and the show, transfer back to the ship.
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This moderate excursion involves a significant amount of walking (approximately 2.5 miles total). Most of the walking is over flat and even ground, but there are some uneven areas and cobblestones. We recommend sturdy yet comfortable shoes. Hats and sunblock are also recommended. Note that sites may be visited in a different order.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Andalusian Treasures: Seville & Cathedral
Seville was shaped by a succession of civilizations — Roman, Moorish, Jewish, Christian — that alternately clashed violently and then found ways to coexist. The rich multicultural legacy of this mixing of traditions is found everywhere in the city. On this tour, you will discover two of Seville’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and experience the vitality of everyday life in this vibrant community.
As you traverse the rolling countryside from Cadiz to Seville, you will see a landscape of olive and orange groves and vineyards that have long supplied the city of Seville and that now export fine wines and oils around the world. You will also pass farms where Spain’s finest bulls and horses are bred.
Upon arrival in Seville, you will disembark your coach and enjoy a stroll through the charming Murillo Gardens, which lead the way to the royal compound of the Real Alcazar. This UNESCO World Heritage site, built in the Mudéjar style in the 14th century, is today a sprawling complex incorporating architectural influences from the Renaissance, Baroque and 19th century. Here you will discover lavish gardens, sparkling ponds and fountains, and fascinating ornamental details at every turn.
A short walk from the Alcazar is the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral of Seville – the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb. The central nave rises 120 feet above the interior. La Giralda, built as a minaret for the city's chief mosque in the 12th century, now serves as the bell tower and a symbol of Seville.
After a tapas lunch featuring signature dishes, enjoy a walking tour and time at leisure exploring the Barrio de Santa Cruz. The city’s former Jewish quarter, the barrio is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets lined with orange trees and whitewashed buildings decorated with wrought-iron grilled windows.
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This moderate excursion involves a significant amount of walking (approximately 1.5 miles total) mostly over flat and even ground, but there are places with cobblestones. We recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is required when visiting the Cathedral. Hats and sunblock are recommended. Sites may be visited in a different order.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Historical Alvor and Portimão
Portimão is your gateway to the Algarve, the southwestern portion of Portugal that juts into the Atlantic Ocean—a region of beaches known for their surf, wetlands teeming with birdlife, and towns and villages with a rich history spanning from Phoenician settlement through Muslim Conquest and Spanish Reconquest to the present day. This excursion focuses on the long history of the region and on the importance of fishing to that history.
Begin with a short drive to the fishing village of Alvor, built along the banks of the Ria de Alvor. Stroll along the attractive boardwalk and get a sense of how Alvor's culture is still dominated by the rhythm of comings and goings of the local fishing fleet. Return to Portimão to visit the town's museum, housed in what used to be a canning factory. The exhibits here showcase the history of the area including sections on prehistory, the Roman era, and the period during which Portimão was center of boat-building. After the museum, enjoy time at leisure in Portimão before returning to the ship.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving approximately 2.5 miles of walking over uneven and cobblestone surfaces. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility. Layered clothing and protection from the sun are a must.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Seco and Benagil
Portimão is your gateway to the Algarve, the southwestern portion of Portugal that juts into the Atlantic Ocean—a region of beaches known for their surf, wetlands teeming with birdlife, and towns and villages with a rich history spanning from Phoenician settlement through Muslim Conquest and Spanish Reconquest to the present day. This excursion focuses on the natural history of the coastline east of Portimão and on the amazing formations of the Seco and Benagil Caves.
A short walk from your ship brings you to the pier where you board a local boat and set sail. Leaving Portimão, pass by the remains of a medieval fort on one shore and the fishing village of Ferragudo on the other, then relax and enjoy the scenery as you make your way past beautiful beaches to the town of Carvoeiro, where you pause to admire the remarkable rock formations of Algar Seco. Continuing eastward a few more miles, arrive at the famous grottoes of Benagil, mesmerizing structures carved from the sandstone by sea and wind. Weather and sea conditions permitting, your boat will enter the caves where you can see close up the fascinating results of centuries of erosion.
- This is an easy excursion, involving only the walk along the pier to the local boat and back. Layered clothing, including a windbreaker for the cruise, is recommended, as is protection from the sun.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Silves and Monchique
Portimão is your gateway to the Algarve, the southwestern portion of Portugal that juts into the Atlantic Ocean—a region of beaches known for their surf, wetlands teeming with birdlife, and towns and villages with a rich history spanning from Phoenician settlement through Muslim Conquest and Spanish Reconquest to the present day. This excursion takes you away from the coast to the mountain towns of Silves and Monique.
Silves is a typical Algarve village of cobblestoned streets lined with shops selling local handicrafts, many of them housed in buildings of Arab and Moorish design. Visit the Moorish Silves Castle, the best-preserved castle in the region, offering panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside, as well as a 13th-century Cathedral built by Afonso III on the site of a former Mosque.
From Silves, travel into the Serra de Monchique to reach the picturesque city of Monchique, where you walk through its cobbled streets where small shops house various artisanal trades. Visit a 17th-century Franciscan monastery overlooking the town and a 16th-century Parish Church decorated with hand-crafted blue ceramic tiles. Before returning to Portimão, stop to see Caldas de Monchique, hot springs famous since antiquity for their healing waters and among the most-visited places in the Algarve.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving approximately 2 miles of walking over uneven and cobblestone surfaces. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility. Layered clothing and protection from the sun are a must.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Historic Lagos and the Ponta da Piedade
Portimão is your gateway to the Algarve, the southwestern portion of Portugal that juts into the Atlantic Ocean—a region of beaches known for their surf, wetlands teeming with birdlife, and towns and villages with a rich history spanning from Phoenician settlement through Muslim Conquest and Spanish Reconquest to the present day. This excursion focuses on the nearby town of Lagos, its natural history, and its role in the Age of Discovery.
Depart Portimão for the short drive to Lagos, where your first stop is at Ponta da Piedade, a dramatic, windswept headland on Lagos's south coast. The views from the boardwalk along the cliffs of the dramatic rock formations—pillars, arches, and hidden grottos—are stunning and a reminder of the awesome power of the sea.
The town of Lagos served as an outpost and trading center for Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans, but its heyday was in the 15th and 16th centuries, when it played a major role in the Portuguese exploration of Africa and South America. It was here that Prince Henry the Navigator outfitted the caravels that began the Age of Discovery. A walking tour of the old town includes the Governor's Castle, the 16th-century walls, and Ponta da Bandeira Fort, which protected the town from invaders. You will also enjoy some time at leisure to explore on your own, as you stroll the charming streets of stonework houses.
- This is a relatively easy excursion, involving a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking. Surfaces are sometimes uneven, but the terrain is mostly flat. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection are recommended.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
HISTORIC LISBON (2 NIGHTS)
Portugal is most often introduced to students of history as the country that led the way in Europe's discovery of sub-Saharan Africa, India, and East Asia. But throughout much of the modern era, Portugal, like the rest of the Iberian Peninsula, was in the avant garde of developments in the fields of art and architecture. This specially designed program will introduce you to monuments that celebrate both of these aspects of Portugal's past.
Day 1 – Sintra
After breakfast, disembark your ship and set out on a full-day excursion to the nearby village of Sintra, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its role in the early development of European Romantic architecture. Explore Montserrate Palace, declared the ''first and foremost beautiful place'' in Portugal by the English poet, Lord Byron. Both the palace and its luscious gardens reflect the harmony and splendor of 19th century high society. The interior and exterior of this amazing palace reflects Moorish inspiration and displays detailed work in stucco, tiles, and other fine materials. After your visit to this fascinating place, drive to the center of Sintra for lunch at a local restaurant and time at leisure for browsing the many shops that offer handicrafts and Portuguese wines before reboarding your motorcoach for the return journey. Your route will take you through a nature preserve to Cabo da Roca on the Atlantic coast, the westernmost point of Europe. From there you will travel along the coastal road back to Lisbon. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.
Day 2 - Lisbon
After breakfast at the hotel, your panoramic tour of Lisbon begins with a stop at the imposing Jeronimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama spent his last night before embarking on his voyage to India, and the finest extant example of the Portuguese architectural style known as Manueline. Enjoy some time at leisure in the historic Belém Quarter. Stop for photos at the 16th-century Belém Tower, the point from which many Portuguese explorers, including da Gama, set sail. Continue to the Gulbenkian Museum and explore the unique private collection of art and objects from various cultures and historical periods. Enjoy a local lunch including cod fish—a staple of Portuguese cuisine—and perhaps sample the famous custard tart, Pasteis de Belém. The rest of your day is at leisure.
Day 3 - Lisbon | Homeward
After breakfast at the hotel and checking out of the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight homeward.
Your hotel:
The Hotel Altis Avenida is a charming boutique hotel, with an extraordinary location in the center of Lisbon, in Praça dos Restauradores. The architecture and decoration are inspired by the 1940s and draw on the concept of "urban chic," where the past and the future meet, creating an atmosphere of charm and glamor. The hotel has 123 rooms, a Lobby Bar, and a fine dining restaurant on the top floor of the hotel that features the cuisine of chef João Rodrigues.
Your program includes:
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2 nights at the Hotel Altis Avenida (or similar).
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Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on Day 1.
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Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3.
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Breakfast on Days 2 and 3.
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Lunch on Days 1 and 2.
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Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary.
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Local English-speaking guide.
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Gratuities for the drivers and local guides.
Your program does not include:
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Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day.
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Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program.
Please note:
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It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
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Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
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The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are largely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
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This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
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Program is offered on a space available basis.
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Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Hotel Altis Avenida
Rua 1° Dezembro, 120
1200-360 Lisbon
Portugal
Telephone: +351 210 440 000
Total : £800
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.