12-night Portuguese Passages & Spanish Shorelines Cruise/Land Package

The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you’re greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don’t miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky.

Mallorca is steep, green, and fringed with enticing coves and more than 200 lush beaches. But all that natural beauty is just the beginning. Stroll along the tree-shaded Paseo de Born in search of tapas. Shop for a Siurell; a traditional red, green, and white clay whistle dating back to the time of the Moors. Watch the street performers on the piazza around the church, or cross the island to beautiful Sóller. Not to be missed is the cultural landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The walled town of Cartagena is a popular seaport with a large naval shipyard. The seashore offers a wide range of activities from windsurfing to good snorkeling to sailing. From Cartagena you can easily explore the ancient city of Murcia, the coastal resorts of Mazarrón, Cala Cortina, and Cabo de Palos or a little further north, the world famous resort of Mar Menor.

Enjoy a walking tour of this ancient city. If you prefer, opt for a beautiful drive through the Andalusian countryside to Granada and the magnificent UNESCO site, the Alhambra Palace. Built in the 14th century, this breathtaking example of Moorish architecture combines intricate mosaics and stone-cast latticework in a tapestry of grace and sophistication unparalleled in western civilization. Or take an optional excursion into nature at one of three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

Here, on the shores of Costa del Sol, the Andalusian spirit thrives. Be sure to include an optional visit to see the brilliant and comprehensive collection of Picasso’s work at Museo Picasso Málaga, a tribute to this artistic genius in the city of his birth. Or you may choose to opt for a visit to the beautiful village of Mijas, where picturesque Andalusian country life creates some of the world’s best wines.

It’s an odd bit of Britain here at the toe of Spain, with Barbary apes and miles of tunnels as well as traditional red phone boxes. Legend says Gibraltar was one of the two pillars erected by Hercules to mark the edge of the world. Take the cable car to the top to see if you can see it from here. No, that’s not it. That’s just Africa. What a view.

Cádiz is the most southern province of the Iberian Peninsula. It is extremely rich in natural beauty and some of the most important Natural Parks of Spain and Europe are found here including Sierra de Grazalema and los Alcornocales. Both are rich in flora and fauna, including species under threat of extinction. Many birds find their resting and feeding place here just after or before making the jump from or to Africa.

The rhythm of Lisbon invites you to join its captivating dance. This splendid capital city on the banks of the Rio Teja offers a warm welcome and an unparalleled blend of architectural styles. Elegant outdoor cafés line the cobbled sidewalks. Turn-of-the-century funiculars climb the scenic hills. Find the UNESCO sites of the Tower of Belem and the Monastery of the Hieronymites. And, everywhere, the city engages you with its easy style and remarkable charm.

Following breakfast on the ship, disembark with luggage service, met by an English-speaking guide and a driver. Enjoy a sightseeing tour to Lisbon’s major highlights – take a tram ride passing the Old Quarter and walk through Alfama and a visit to the Belem monumental area and Jeronimos Monastery. Continue to Fatima in central Portugal for an included Portuguese lunch and then visit this important Europe pilgrimage center. Continue to Porto, the City of granite and the 2nd largest city of Portugal. Check in at the Windstar Hotel with time for a brief rest before an included early tapas dinner in a local tavern/restaurant. Free time on your own before the return to overnight at the Pestana Porto A Brasileira Hotel. (Includes overnight at the Pestana Palace of Freixos Hotel, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your sightseeing tour of Porto highlights –walk Aliados Avenue, see the S. Bento Train station and Porto Cathedral ending at Ribeira Quarter, with free time on your own and/or lunch (not included). Drive towards Pinhão, the heart of the Douro wine region. Stop at Viewpoint Casal de Loivos, considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the area. The Douro Valley, an 18th century demarcated wine region, encloses one of the most spectacular landscapes in Portugal. Board a traditional Douro River “Rabelo” boat and visit the local Quinta do Bonfim (or similar), where you will learn about Port wine history and its production methods and have a memorable wine tasting accompanied by some appetizers. Drive to Régua, check in to Quinta da Pacheca Wine Hotel, where dinner is included with your overnight. (Includes overnight at the Quinta da Pacheca Wine Hotel, breakfast, and dinner.)

Breakfast included at the hotel. Drive for about 2.5 hours to Coimbra, known as the student's city, located in central Portugal close to Mondego River. Visit the Coimbra Old University, UNESCO recognized as a heritage site since 2013.  Enjoy some time at your own leisure before heading to Sintra located 18 miles (30 km) from Lisbon in a protected forest area with narrow streets and stunning 19th century Romantic architecture. Overnight at Sintra Boutique Hotel, with free time to enjoy the known for its numerous historic palaces and castles. (Includes overnight at the Sintra Boutique Hotel and breakfast.)

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel and spend the day discovering the splendid Sintra Pena Palace. The fabulous and impressive Pena Palace sits immersed in a stretch of woody terrain in the park of the same name. Associated with Portuguese discoveries, the palace was built on the foundations of an old convent erected to celebrate the sighting of Vasco de Gama's returning fleet. Continue to the town of Cascais and enjoy some leisure time at the historical center. Drive to Lisbon, pass by the town center, charming Liberty Avenue and Rossio Square, and pause on the way for tasting the famous Custard Cream Cake before the arrival to your Grand Altis Hotel, a landmark 5-star hotel located in central Lisbon and serving as a stage for major media events. (Includes overnight at the Altis Avenida Hotel and breakfast)

Following breakfast at the hotel a private transfer whisks you away to the Lisbon Airport for a final goodbye. (Includes breakfast and transfer to the airport.)