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Torre de Belem, Lisbon

Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal – with Smithsonian Journeys

Barcelona - Lisbon - Example 9 Day Cruise aboard Le Laperouse
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Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard Le Laperouse, exploring the vibrant coasts of Portugal and Spain, from Barcelona to Lisbon. Start in dynamic Barcelona, home to Antoni Gaudi's iconic architectural masterpieces, including the UNESCO-listed Sagrada Família.  Sail to Palma de Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, where you can visit the unique circular Bellver Castle or ride a vintage train through the island's breathtaking countryside of olive groves and pine-covered mountains. In Valencia, marvel at architectural gems like the UNESCO-listed La Lonja de la Seda and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences by Santiago Calatrava. Next, discover Malaga in Andalusia, offering access to the stunning Alhambra of Granada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history and beauty. From Marbella, explore the charming hilltop town of Ronda or enjoy the seaside elegance of Marbella itself, adorned with sculptures by Salvador Dali. In Cadiz, one of Europe's oldest cities, visit the Alcazar of Seville, a UNESCO treasure, or enjoy an intimate flamenco performance in a local tavern. Lagos, your gateway to Portugal's Algarve, invites you to explore its historic Old Town, the dramatic Ponta da Piedade rock formations, and local wine tastings, or visit nearby Sagres on Cape St. Vincent, a hub of maritime exploration. Conclude your voyage in Lisbon, a city of seven hills, home to the UNESCO-listed Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. Extend your stay to soak in Portugal's vibrant capital's lively streets and rich cultural heritage.
The towering cathedral of Palma de MallorcaThe seafront of CadizCathedral in CadizEscape the city for the nearby beachesExplore colorful ValenciaAdmire sun-soaked MalagaTorre de Belem, Lisbon
Highlights
  • Stroll Barcelona’s vibrant streets, blending tradition with modernist charm
  • Explore Palma’s idyllic coves and lush Mediterranean landscapes
  • Discover Valencia’s futuristic architecture alongside its historic silk market
  • Visit Ronda’s dramatic landscapes, featuring iconic bridges and deep gorges
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: Barcelona | Embark

Nestled between the Montjuic and Tibidabo mountains along the seashore, Barcelona seamlessly blends tradition with modernism. This “prodigious town” is a living open-air museum showcasing Roman ruins, medieval districts, and avant-garde masterpieces from the 20th century. Renowned artists like Picasso, Miro, and Gaudi have left an indelible mark here, with many of their works recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stroll along the vibrant Ramblas and embrace the Mediterranean charm of Catalonia’s captivating capital.

Day 2: Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands

Palma de Mallorca invites you to uncover its abundant treasures: serene coves, dramatic limestone cliffs plunging into crystal-clear turquoise waters, and sprawling plains dotted with almond groves, olive trees, and vineyards. As your ship docks in the vibrant capital of the Balearic Islands, explore its iconic landmarks, including the renowned cathedral, and wander through its charming historic streets. This picturesque setting, rich in history, provides a stunning backdrop to the lively, cosmopolitan spirit of the Mediterranean.

Day 3: Valencia

Valencia - the city of Art and Sciences. Two hearts beat in this Spanish city: one is modern, avant-garde, and almost futuristic; the other is more provincial, traditional, and nostalgic. Valencia has the temperament of a great Mediterranean city whose wide avenues form a border around the old town. The city has an abundance of architectural styles that coexist harmoniously, but above all, it resolutely embraces the 21st Century with the futuristic structures of its Agora Congress Center and City of Arts and Sciences, emerging from a crystal blue pool.

Day 4: At Sea

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, do some shopping in the boutique, or meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. It is an enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Day 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 from the cypresses and maritime pines. First, visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace in 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: Marbella

In the province of Malaga, Marbella is a renowned seaside resort on the Costa del Sol. The remains of early Christian and Roman sites around this former mining town, located at the foot of the Sierra Blanca mountains, bear witness to a rich history. With its white houses on flowery little streets, the old town is perfect for a pleasant stroll. The Plaza de los Naranjos, the former focal point of the city, is near the 10th-century Arabic castle and the Church of Santa Maria de la Encarnacion. Not far from here, discover the magnificent viewpoints offered by Ronda, a picturesque town perched 700 meters (2,296 feet) high. Its Puente Nuevo bridge majestically crosses the gorges of the Guadalevin River, which cuts the town in two.

Day 7: Cadiz

Andalusia's Cadiz is located on the Costa de la Luz, in the south-west 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 Populo district, stroll along covered passages in the narrow gaps between houses. You can also mosey around the lush Mina square. The show's star is the magnificent cathedral and its dome crowned with yellow porcelain, presiding above the Ocean.

Day 8: 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 historical center, surrounded by impressive Moorish ramparts and edged with traditional white houses with decorations sculpted in the stone. In particular, you can admire the Manuelian-style Governor's Castle, the 17th-century Ponta da Bandeira Fort, or the Church of Santo António in Baroque architecture.

Day 9: 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 Moorish streets, this district is the oldest 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

Le Laperouse

Le Laperouse Ship
Le Laperouse
Le Laperouse Ship

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Sep 16, 2025from $8,260
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Per person starting at
$8,260
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Cabin
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Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² Private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
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Deluxe Suite
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 6m² private balcony
Cabin
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
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Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m² Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin 8m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
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Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
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Owner's Suite
Area: 45 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds

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
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 8 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. 
  • A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts
  • 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
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

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
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