Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal – with Smithsonian Journeys

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, 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 National Coach Museum, a unique museum that boasts an exceptional collection of vehicles from the 16th - 19th centuries. 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 2 – Sintra

 

After breakfast at your hotel, 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 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

Catalonia enjoys one of the richest cultural heritages in Spain. This specially designed program introduces you to two very different elements of that heritage: the 12th-century Benedictine monastery on Montserrat and the modernist city of Barcelona.

Day 1 – Barcelona, Spain

 

Arrive in Barcelona, where you will be met and transferred to the Grand Hotel Central Barcelona. Check-in time is 3:00PM. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and to offer suggestions for dining and independent exploration. Join fellow travelers this evening for a welcome reception at the hotel. Dinner is on your own.

 

Day 2 – Barcelona | Montserrat

 

After breakfast, meet your guide for an excursion to the astonishing Monastery of Montserrat. A scenic drive through the countryside north of Barcelona brings you to a chain of serrated limestone mountains, where you board a cog railway for the steep climb up the mountain to the Benedictine monastery on a terrace near the summit. Your guided tour includes the ornate basilica, whose highlight is a wooden statue of the Virgin that has attracted pilgrims since the 12th century. You will also visit the museum, displaying pieces of art collected in the last century and containing important works of Monet, Rusiñol, Casas, and Picasso. Lunch will be served in the restaurant located in what were once the monastery's stables before you return to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure with time for independent exploration. Dinner is on your own.

 

Day 3 – Barcelona, Spain | Embark

 

After breakfast at the hotel, join an excursion to the monuments and neighborhoods that define the extraordinary personality and vitality of Barcelona. Delve into the heart of Barcelona’s history by exploring Barrio Gótico, the oldest part of the city. Wander through its narrow, winding streets and discover hidden gems like the great 14th-century Cathedral and Plaça Sant Jaume. After some free time and lunch, immerse yourself in the spiritual and architectural wonder of Antoni Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Familia. Begun in 1884 and still unfinished, this monument of spirituality awes and inspires visitors from around the world. Your guided tour will introduce you to Gaudí's vision and to the ongoing effort to achieve it. Then, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, a boulevard adorned with stunning modernist architecture. Admire the architectural marvels of Gaudí's Casa Batlló and Puig i Cadafalch's Casa Amatller, two iconic buildings that form part of the renowned "Block of Discord." End at the pier to embark your ship in the late afternoon.

Your hotel:

Your hotel, Grand Hotel Central, is a 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona’s old town. It is located on via Layetana, between the historic Gothic neighborhood and only a few steps from Passeig de Gràcia, where you can find stylish shopping, restaurants, bars, and museums. The hotel itself houses two restaurants and bars, a rooftop pool and terrace, and fitness center.

 

Your program includes:

·        2 nights at the Grand Hotel Central (or similar).

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day.

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

·        Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1.

·        Breakfast on Days 2 and 3.

·        Lunch on Days 2 and 3.

·        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 airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival 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 pre-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:

Via Laietana, 30, Ciutat Vella

08003 Barcelona

Spain

Telephone: +34 932 95 79 00