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17 Oct 26, from £4,340
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Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal – with Smithsonian Journeys

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys

Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal – with Smithsonian Journeys

  • Itinerary
    Barcelona to Lisbon
    Duration
    8 days
  • Dates
    17 Oct 26 to 24 Oct 26
    Prices from
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Come aboard Le Boréal for an unforgettable voyage.

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.

Set sail aboard Le Boréal on an exceptional 8-day itinerary that will take you along the Portuguese and Spanish coasts, from Barcelona to Lisbon.  

Your voyage begins in Barcelona, a city in perpetual movement, where you may choose to arrive early and fall under the spell of the famous architectural works of Antoni Gaudí, including the UNESCO World Heritage Basílica de la Sagrada Família.

Your ship will head first to Palma de Mallorca in the Balearic Islands. Stop at the Gothic-style Bellver Castle, one of only a handful of circular castles in Europe, or board a vintage train through the orange and olive groves, almond and locust-bean trees, lush villages, and pine-covered mountains that create the island landscape.

Your call in captivating Valencia offers the opportunity to view the city’s architectural wonders, from the UNESCO World Heritage La Lonja de la Seda, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture originally used for trading silk, to the City of Arts and Sciences, a complex designed by native architect Santiago Calatrava.

You will then sail to the rich cultural landscape of Andalusia, where you will discover enchanting Málaga. This call will allow for a visit to the magnificent Alhambra of Grenada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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.

Lagos, near the southwestern tip of Portugal, is your gateway to the natural beauty, history, and culture of the Algarve. Tour the Old Town, visit the stunning rock formations and caves of Ponta da Piedade, and enjoy a tasting of Algarve wines. Or travel the short distance to Sagres on Cape St. Vincent, from where Prince Henry the Navigator directed the expeditions that led to the discovery of Madeira and the Azores.

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.  

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

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Destination

Destination

Mediterranean

Barcelona to Lisbon

Duration

8 days, 7 nights on board

Smithsonian Journeys, Timeless

Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included

Offers

PONANT Bonus 25%

Ref: BL4145US - BO171026

Journey

Your daily 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 onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
  • A cruise to discover the landscapes, architecture, and rich cultural history of Southern Spain.
  • UNESCO World Heritage sites en route: the Alcázar in Seville from Cádiz, the Alhambra in Granada from Malaga, and La Lonja de la Seda in Valencia.
  • A discovery of the Balearic Islands with a stop in Palma de Mallorca, their capital.
  • A flamenco performance in Cadiz.
  • A tasting of Algarve wines in Lagos.
Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal – with Smithsonian Journeys null

Customize your journey:

Staterooms and suites

Elegance and refinement

*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.

Details

More information

What's Included

Important travel details

In your luggage

Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal – with Smithsonian Journeys

Itinerary

Embarkation 17/10/26 from 16:00 to 17:00 Departure 17/10/26 at 18:00

17 Oct 26 - Barcelona
17 Oct 26 - Barcelona

Arrival 18/10/26 midday Departure 18/10/26 late afternoon

18 Oct 26 - Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands
18 Oct 26 - Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands

Arrival 19/10/26 early morning Departure 19/10/26 early evening

19 Oct 26 - Valencia
19 Oct 26 - Valencia

Arrival 20/10/26 early morning Departure 20/10/26 late evening

20 Oct 26 - At sea
20 Oct 26 - At sea

Arrival 21/10/26 early morning Departure 21/10/26 late afternoon

21 Oct 26 - Málaga
21 Oct 26 - Málaga

Arrival 22/10/26 early morning Departure 22/10/26 evening

22 Oct 26 - Cadiz
22 Oct 26 - Cadiz

Arrival 23/10/26 early morning Departure 23/10/26 late afternoon

23 Oct 26 - Lagos
23 Oct 26 - Lagos

Arrival 24/10/26 early morning Disembarkation 24/10/26 at 8:00

24 Oct 26 - Lisbon
24 Oct 26 - Lisbon

Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal – with Smithsonian Journeys

Included package

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included

Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal – with Smithsonian Journeys

Customize your journey

Historic lisbon (2 nights)

HISTORIC LISBON (2 NIGHTS)
Details

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 – Lisbon

After breakfast on board, disembark your ship. 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, home to one of the world’s most impressive private art collections, featuring works from ancient Egypt to 20th-century Europe. Enjoy a local lunch then transfer to the Hotel Altis Avenida for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure, and dinner is on your own.

Day 2 – Sintra

After breakfast, 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 Sintra Palace, thought to have first been constructed in the 10th or 11th century when Sintra was under Moorish rule, with additions made by successive kings and queens. Since March 2025, ongoing restoration of the magnificent Hispano-Moorish tile panels in the Arab Room, D. Afonso?VI Chamber, and the Gruta dos Banhos has been underway, allowing visitors to view the intricate conservation efforts in progress. The Preta Garden, fully restored in recent years, continues to offer sweeping views over the Sintra Hills and historic town center.

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 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:

·        2 nights at the Hotel Altis Avenida (or similar).

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on Day 1.

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3.

·        Breakfast on Days 2 and 3.

·        Lunch on Days 1 and 2.

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary.

·        Local English-speaking guide.

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides.

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day.

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program.

Please note:

·        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.

·        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.

·        The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are largely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

·        This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.

·        Program is offered on a space available basis.

·        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

£980/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.