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 Lapérouse on an exceptional...read more 9-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. 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. 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.
Cruise Itinerary
Arrive
Depart
Day 1:Barcelona
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18:00
Day 2:Palma De Mallorca, Balearic Islands
12:00
18:00
Day 3:Valencia
07:30
19:00
Day 4: Cruising At Sea
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--
Day 5:Malaga
07:00
23:59
Day 6: Marbella
07:00
18:00
Day 7: Cadiz
08:00
22:30
Day 8: Lagos
08:30
17:00
Day 9:Lisbon
07:00
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Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Transfers to and/or from the ship port may be required.
Fantastic Kimberley 1Lee and David, QLD, Australia, Aug 2023
One of the best holidays we have ever done Expensive, yes but you get what you pay for in the end This was 6* cruising at its best. The daily and at times twice daily zodiac excursions were special and led by well informed guides all of whom had professional qualifications in a relevant field.
Food was of the highest standard an the open bar well ...read more stocked to meet all tastes. Don't worry too much about formal gear, a sports coat and a colourful dress are all that is required on the two gala nights. On the other nights, slacks and polo are fine.
We helicoptered to Mitchell Falls which again was expensive but well worth it. Forget about the Horizontal Falls boat ride. Those that went were very dissatisfied as the most exciting of the two Falls is now closed due to a boating accident. I've seen more challenging wave sets in Moreton Bay. Overall 11/10 from us and very highly recommended
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Note Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Ponant. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.