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Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona

Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal – with Smithsonian Journeys

Barcelona - Lisbon - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Le Boreal
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From Barcelona to Lisbon, embark on Le Boreal for an unforgettable 8-day cruise around the Spanish and Portuguese shores. Discover Barcelona's architectural marvels, including Roman ruins and avant-garde creations. Stroll Palma de Mallorca’s historic streets and admire its famous cathedral set against Mediterranean vistas. In Valencia, explore the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences alongside charming old-town alleys. Cruise along the Costa del Sol to Mlaga, where cultural gems like the Alcazaba fortress and Picasso’s birthplace await. Marvel at Cadiz’s medieval charm and lively flamenco rhythms. Conclude in Lagos, Portugal, where limestone cliffs and Moorish ramparts captivate. Enjoy scenic sailing and rich cultural treasures.
Explore ValenciaLisbon, PortugalExplore Palma de MallorcaThe towering cathedral of Palma de MallorcaThe beautiful port city of Cadiz, SpainSagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona
Highlights
  • Visit Barcelona UNESCO-listed sites and iconic Gaudi architecture
  • Visit Valencia's modern landmarks and medieval charm
  • Discover Malaga historic sites and cultural highlights
  • Explore the Balearic Islands including Palma de Mallorca, their capital.
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, Spain | Embark

Located on the seashore between the mountains of Montjuïc and Tibidabo, Barcelona offers its many visitors a perfect blend of tradition and modernism. Truly an open-air museum, the “prodigious town” reveals an astonishing range of artistic treasures and museums, combining Roman ruins, medieval districts, and a number of avant-garde elements from the 20th Century. Over the years, it has been marked by some of the greatest artists, such as Picasso, Miró, or Gaudí, most of whose work has been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Take the time to stroll along the Ramblas and enjoy the gentle, typically Mediterranean lifestyle of the capital of Catalonia.

Day 2: Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands

Palma de Mallorca will reveal its many treasures: idyllic coves, majestic limestone cliffs that plunge into the clear sapphire- and turquoise-colored waters of the Mediterranean, and vast plains planted with almond trees, olive trees and vineyards. When your ship calls at the capital of the Balearic Islands, take a walk to discover its emblematic monuments, such as its famous cathedral, and amble through its old streets. Here, like a painting, the island’s historical heritage forms a backdrop to the lively and warm cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Mediterranean.  

Day 3: Valencia

Valencia - the city of Art and Sciences. Two hearts beat in this Spanish city: one is modern, avantgarde, and almost futuristic; the other is more provincial, more 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 a moment of 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, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to 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. A truly 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 out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will 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 south-west of Spain. From the beaches of Cortadura to the flamenco bars of Santa Maria, through the colorful streets of la Viña, you will be amazed by this city, which is both steeped in history and extremely festive. In the medieval El Pópulo district, you will stroll along covered passages in the narrow gaps between houses. You will also be able to 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, you will be able to admire the Manuelian-style Governor's Castle, the 17th-century Ponta da Bandeira Fort, or the Church of Santo António 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

Le Boreal

Enjoy the pool on the sun deck.
Enjoy the view from the bar.
Enjoy a gourmet meal at the Gastronomic Restaurant.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,680 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.
Prestige or 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
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
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
Deck 6, 200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suites
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
1 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. 
  • A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts
  • 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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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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