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Visit the historic Belem tower near Lisbon

A Confluence of Cultures: Discovering Southern Spain and Portugal

Tarragona - Lisbon - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard L'Austral
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Embark on an 8-day adventure through Spain and Portugal, to explore a fascinating mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Start in Tarragona, a UNESCO World Heritage city, known for its Roman ruins by the sea. In Valencia, immerse yourself in the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences before moving to Cartagena, home to some of Spain’s most significant Roman structures. Continue your trip to Malaga, where you can stroll along the marina and visit the Picasso Museum. In Cadiz, enjoy the lively streets and stunning cathedral. Lagos, Portugal, offers a blend of Moorish architecture and dramatic cliffs, while Lisbon, the vibrant capital, boasts two UNESCO landmarks: Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. This journey is a perfect blend of historical exploration, coastal beauty, and lively city life.
Unexpected stop in TarragonaGet stunning views of historic CartagenaExplore colorful ValenciaExplore colorful ValenciaAdmire sun-soaked MalagaThe beautiful port city of Cadiz, SpainCathedral in CadizExplore beautiful LisbonVisit the historic Belem tower near Lisbon
Highlights
  • Explore Tarragona’s ancient Roman ruins by the Mediterranean Sea
  • Discover Valencia’s futuristic City of Arts and Sciences architecture
  • Visit Cartagena’s well-preserved Roman theatre and historical landmarks
  • Enjoy Malaga’s marina, bullring, and the beautiful Gibralfaro castle
  • Experience Cadiz’s festive atmosphere and impressive cathedral by the ocean
  • Wander through Lagos’ historic center and scenic limestone cliffs
  • Visit Lisbon’s Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower UNESCO sites
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Tarragona | Embark

Embark in Tarragona, your starting point, located on Spain’s Costa Dorada in the southern Catalonia region. Once called Tarraco in Roman times, this city is full of history with well-preserved archaeological and architectural sites that earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000. Visit the Roman amphitheater by the sea, as it is in great condition and offers a glimpse into ancient life. Then, walk through the streets of the medieval old town and finish at the 14th-century cathedral to complete your visit.

Day 2: Valencia

Explore Valencia, the City of Arts and Sciences, where modern innovation meets traditional charm. This Spanish city combines futuristic architecture with a nostalgic old town, connected by wide Mediterranean-style avenues. Key highlights include the City of Arts and Sciences and the Agora congress center, both iconic 21st-century structures set against striking blue pools.

Day 3: Cartagena

Surrounded by hills, the natural site of the Bay of Carthagena presided over the fate of this former fortress, which has been home to the greatest European civilizations. Today, these Phoenician, Roman, Carthaginian, Moorish, and Christian influences form a rich architectural heritage. Its Roman theater is one of the most significant and best conserved in Spain. You can also be able to cross the landscapes of vines and citrus groves stretching endlessly towards Murcia to visit this dynamic regional capital.

Day 4-5: Malaga

A historical and festive town, Malaga is located in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you can go first to the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist in the Buenavista palace.

Day 6: Cadiz

Andalusia’s Cadiz is located on the Costa de la Luz, in the southwest of Spain. From the beaches of Cortadura to the flamenco bars of Santa Maria, through the colorful streets of la Viña, be amazed by this city, which is both steeped in history and extremely festive. In the medieval El Pópulo district, stroll along covered passages in the narrow gaps between houses. You can also move around the lush Mina Square. The star of the show is the magnificent cathedral and its dome crowned with yellow porcelain, presiding above the ocean.

Day 7: Lagos

There stands a natural paradise called Lagos, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. With its picturesque and age-old town center and the Ponta da Piedade natural site sheltering paradisiacal beaches protected by captivating limestone cliffs in hues of ochre, Lagos enthralls, fascinates, and enchants. In this interesting blend between nature and culture, do not miss the chance to stroll along the small paved streets of its historic center, surrounded by impressive Moorish ramparts and edged with traditional white houses with decorations sculpted in the stone. In particular, admire the Manuelian-style Governor's Castle, the 17th-century Ponta da Bandeira Fort, and the Church of Santo Antonio in Baroque architecture.

Day 8: Lisbon | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Portugal’s capital city, located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometers from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbor are two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting; known for its fado bars and its Moorish streets, this district is the oldest one in the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to big fashion labels and are an invitation to a bit of luxury shopping.

Ship/Hotel

L'Austral

Enjoy a gourmet meal at the Gastronomic Restaurant.
Stunning views from the bar and lounge
Relax on the sun deck.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Holiday Offers 26562
Book by January 3, 2025, and save 10% off on select 2024, 2025 and 2026 sailings. Applicable on new bookings only, booked and deposited between November 25, 2024, and January 3, 2025. Subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to Oct 10, 2025 departure

Per person starting at
$7,190 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Superior Stateroom
Superior Stateroom
8 cabins, 226 sq ft, located on Le Champollion Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area and private bath.
Deluxe Stateroom
Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq ft with private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suite
3 suites, 290 sq ft with 54 sq ft private balcony, located on the Le France Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, desk, minibar, private bath.
Prestige Suite
Prestige Suite - Deck 5
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
Prestige Suite
Prestige Suite - Deck 6
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
Owner's Suite
Owners Suite
484 sq ft with 97 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living, dining areas, private bath with large tub and shower, minibar, 2 flat screen TVs, DVD, CD, and IPOD, Video on demand, Satellite phone

Notes

Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
  • 24h Room Service (special selection)
  • English-Speaking Lecturer 
  • Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
  • Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
  • Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite. 
  • One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
  • Transfer from the ship to the airport in Lisbon at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
  • Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Barcelona to the ship on the day of embarkation
  • A program of onboard enrichment provided by three experts: Peacebuilder Aziz Abu Sarah, writer Yuval Ben Ami, and an expert on the cultural history of the Iberian Peninsula
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Visa Fees
  • Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
  • Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
  • Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions 
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
  • CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
  • Independent meals and beverages ashore

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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