Embark on a passage through history that also happens to touch on some of the most beautiful port cities on the Iberian peninsula. Launch in Motril, arguably one of the oldest cities in Europe, where Christopher Columbus twice set sail for the New World. Experience Spain’s Moorish history in Motril, before sailing on to sunny Málaga, birthplace of artist Pablo Picasso. Touch on British soil at the famous Rock of Gibraltar before crossing the border of Portugal. Delight in the whitewashed villages and almond groves of Portimão, in the heart of the Algarve region, and spend a day in the fishing-village-turned-resort-town of Cascais, where beautiful beaches abound. End in Lisbon, the city that launched the Age of Discovery—cherishing memories of the discoveries you have made along the way.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Situated in the Spanish province of Andalucía and surrounded almost entirely by water, Cádiz is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Spain and arguably the oldest in Europe. Embark the Tere Moana here today, and enjoy time to settle into your suite or stateroom.
Day 2: Cádiz, Spain
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Settled as early as 1100 BC, Cádiz served as the launchpoint for two of Christopher Columbus’s four voyages to the New World, and its urban plan served as a model for many fortified colonial cities in the New World. Take the day to explore the city’s fascinating past — perhaps at the Old Town with its historic fortress, the Castillo San Sebastian, and famous cathedrals, including Santa Cruz, San Felipe Neri, and Oratorio de la Santa Cueva, where three paintings by Goya are hung. Or spend time in the newer part of the city, with its elegant boulevards, modern buildings, and parks with exotic plants rumored to be descended from species brought back to Spain by Columbus.
Day 3: Motril, Spain
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
A pretty seaside resort in the Andalucian province of Granada, on the Costa Tropical, Motril features a historic quarter known as a fine example of Arab-Spanish urban development, as well as excellent shopping and dining. The city’s Museum of Sugar celebrates what was the city’s main industry for centuries. Enjoy diving in the warm waters off its many beaches, which include three nude beaches.
Day 4: Málaga, Spain
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located on the southern coast of Spain, Málaga is one of the world’s oldest cities, as well as the capital city of the Costa del Sol and the gateway to beautiful Andalucía. Have a full day to enjoy its wonders. Perhaps visit the Museo Picasso (Picasso Museum) to view masterpieces by artist Pablo Picasso, who was born here. Admire La Manquita (literally, “little one-armed lady”) Cathedral, or explore the Alcazaba, a 15th-century Moorish fortress. Málaga also boasts the ruins of a fine Roman theater and a famous bull ring. Or perhaps simply relax and enjoy something else the city is famous for - a pleasant climate that averages 320 sunny days a year.
Day 5: Gibraltar, U.K.
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Encompassing only about 2.25 square miles and rising to a height of roughly 1,400 feet, Gibraltar is one of the world’s most famous landmarks. It is sometimes called the “Meeting Place of the Continents” for its location in the western Mediterranean, less than eight nautical miles off the northern coast of Africa. The most famous residents of the Rock are not people, but rather its Barbary apes — tailless monkeys that are the only free-ranging primates in Europe. Legend has it that when the apes leave Gibraltar, the Rock will cease to be British.
Day 6: Portimão, Portugal
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located on the sun-splashed southern coast of Portugal, the Algarve region boasts an average of more than 300 sunny days a year and more than 100 of the finest golden beaches in Europe. Amid this charming landscape of whitewashed villages and almond groves lies Portimão, the largest town in the western Algarve. Set on the banks of the Arade River, Portimão features colorful architecture, as well as excellent shopping and an abundance of restaurants and cafés. Perhaps relax on one of the many beaches here, which include the Praia da Rocha, just around the corner from the marina.
Day 7: Cascais, Portugal
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
With its sunny climate and beautiful beaches, Cascais is one of the most popular resort towns in Portugal and a favored retreat for royalty since 1870. A prosperous fishing village since the Middle Ages, Cascais boasts a 16th-century fortress that served as a defense of Lisbon, located about 15 miles away. View the artillery museum at the citadel, or experience the city’s maritime history at the Museum of the Sea. Perhaps visit the Assunção Church, revered for its beautiful artwork, or the octagonal Igreja dos Navegantes (Church of the Navigators). The Parque Municipal da Gandarinha (Municipal Park) invites a stroll. Or enjoy the beaches, with their delightful vistas of fishing boats bobbing on the waves.
Day 8: Disembark in Lisbon, Portugal
1 Breakfast
One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and its largest city. It is also the westernmost capital in Europe — and one of the most beautiful capitals on the continent. Disembark the Moana after breakfast.
Dates & Prices
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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 164 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 164 reviews on
9 hours ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
1 day ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner
Fiona Lonsdale
2 days ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
2 days ago
Adventure Life took care of everything! All we had to do was show up when we were supposed to, which made our first trip to Costa Rica largely stress-free and incredibly fun. Our trip reps, Hannah and Mariethony, were helpful and responsive, getting back to us by email usually within a few hours. Our accommodations were all great, and we got incredibly blessed with some absolutely stellar guides and drivers.
Our Jungle & Beach trip was an excellent balance of adventure and rest. We got to try out a lot of different activities, including snorkeling, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking, while also partaking of some rest around the pool or by the ocean. We enjoyed seeing and exploring the beautiful Caribbean side of the country.
Joy Knowles
2 days ago
This was a life changing trip of a lifetime and exceeded my expectations. No details were left out during the planning of this trip by Adventure Life. The entire crew on the ship could not have been more helpful and kind. Everyone went out of their way to make this trip as pleasurable as possible.
