Our 5-star fleet offers an authentic sailing experience to make your journey unforgettable. While onboard, indulge in a relaxing massage at the spa, or try hot-rock cooking at the onboard restaurant. Then, disembark for an eye-opening visit to a local winery or a walking tour of some of the world’s most iconic cities and undiscovered gems. All the while, enjoy these world-class ship amenities:

• 77 cabins, including a landmark 15 solo cabins, most of which have full walk-out balconies, for the most flexible style of travel — plus, suites designed for comfortable triple-occupancy as well as adjoining room options
• A culinary program offering gourmet dining incorporating regional fare, with wine and beer included at dinner
• Spa, massage, and hair services available at the onboard spa
• Sauna
• Two hot tubs
• Fitness center
• Curated lectures, programs, musical performances, and cultural events
• Low passenger-to-crew ratio, plus onboard Destination Manager
• Knowledgeable staff by region
• Onboard medical doctor (travelers are responsible for medical fees associated with doctor visit and medications)
• Gift Shop
• Library with over 200 titles
• Separate, intimate dining space for groups or special events (available upon request)
• Complimentary unlimited WiFi (WiFi on certain segments of trips may not be available)
• Entertainment programming with 100 movie titles
• Environmentally friendly standards with reduced emissions into air and sea and lower energy consumption
• Dynamic positioning technology
• State-of-the-art safety technology, Polar Code 6 compliant, and fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements in expedition cruising
• Rolls-Royce stabilizer system; “Safe Return to Port” technology

A long and storied history of arts and culture await during this enriching itinerary.

• See the surreal architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí during your time in Barcelona, including his famous Sagrada Família basilica. His work as a whole is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit the Picasso Museum in Málaga, where the artist was born
• Learn about bullfighting during a visit to an arena in scenic Ronda
• Admire the intricately designed azulejo tiles that adorn cathedrals, castles, and many other buildings in Portugal
• Queluz Palace in Sintra
• Lecture by local Artist in Malaga

Discover some of the most significant cultural and historic treasures in the world throughout your cruise.

• Visit 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Works of Antoni Gaudí; the Alhambra and Generalife, in Granada; Seville’s Alcázar and Cathedral; Doñana National Park; Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower in Lisbon; and Cultural Landscape of Sintra
• Marvel at the massive La Seu Cathedral of Palma de Majorca
• See the historic Roman Theatre of Cartagena
• Explore the gorge-hugging city of Ronda, a Moorish and Spanish jewel beloved by Hemingway
• Visit Gibraltar, which has been a British territory longer than the United States has been in existence
• Learn about the castles and cathedrals of The Algarve during visits to Silves and Monchique
• See the monuments of Lisbon that honor its central role in the Age of Discovery

Few things reveal as much about a culture and its people as the food they eat. This journey takes you into the culinary heart of the Mediterranean. Here are some of the many ways you will indulge in its many flavors:

• Taste Lisbon’s traditional Portuguese pastéis de Belém, a flaky, buttery custard tart
• Enjoy dinner at the bull farm of a Seville family, featuring traditional favorites prepared by your hosts
• Enjoy many opportunities to savor Spanish tapas, fresh Mediterranean seafood, and other delicacies, both on your own and during included meals aboard ship and at local restaurants
• Local lunch in Granada

The soul-stirring beauty of the natural world greets you at every turn, from the sweeping beauty of Spain’s Costa del Sol to Portugal’s Algarve region.

• Drive through Portugal’s countryside to the western Algarve region
• Embark on a narrated cruise up the Guadalquivir River and through the beautiful wetlands of Doñana National Park, an important waterfowl habitat and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Step ashore on the Rock of Gibraltar and take in the expansive views of both Europe and Africa. Our tour includes a funicular ride to the Castle of Gibraltar — keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready in case you catch a glimpse of the famed Barbary apes (macaques) that reside here

You’ll enjoy a spectrum of picturesque sights and scenes on this expedition — from established cultural capitals such as Barcelona and Lisbon to off-the-beaten-path gems like the Guadalquivir River and the Portuguese village of Silves. Here are a few tips to help you photograph them along the way:

• Don’t be afraid of the dark! Exploring cities and landmarks at night offers different lighting and unique new perspectives — just make sure you have a tripod or your camera comes equipped with a night feature!
• Change your perspective. Try shooting from a different angle, for example. Climb a stairwell and shoot a landscape from up high or, alternately, get low and shoot a scene from the ground. Wherever you are, embrace this artistic challenge by getting out of your comfort zone!
• Take a selfie! You’ll be glad to have a few portraits of yourself at the distinctive landmarks you’ll find on this journey
• Look beyond the landmarks — sometimes everyday scenes are just as inspiring, and provide a lesson in embracing the unexpected and seizing the moment in front of you

The world’s religious sites often add a powerful spiritual and deeply personal meaning to any journey. Here are some soul-stirring places you’ll visit during your trip:

• See the Seville Cathedral and have the opportunity to climb to the top of its soaring La Giralda Tower
• See some of the Jerónimos Monastery during a tour of Lisbon
• Visit one of the largest fortresses in the Arab world in Andalusia
• Witness the glory of Gaudí’s La Sagrada Família with ticketed entrance and an outside visit in Barcelona

Music reveals the heart and soul of a place. You’ll have ample opportunity to celebrate culture, and even sing and dance along!

• Get into the rhythm of a flamenco performance during lunch in Barcelona
• Get up and dance to onboard entertainment!

On this small ship ocean cruise, independent travelers will enjoy solo-friendly features, such as:

• Onboard Destination Manager to personalize your expedition
• Water-sport opportunities, depending on the location
• A lively social media night and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Onboard entertainment, lectures, and cooking demonstrations
• Health and wellness options, including onboard spa, jacuzzis, and a gym

Prior to your expedition cruise, our complimentary Concierge service will be available to help you customize your journey. Here are just a few services your Concierge can provide:

• Do you have a special birthday, anniversary, family reunion or other important event you want to celebrate on board? Let your Concierge know and he or she can make all the special arrangements, whether it’s a private reception in your suite, a gathering in the lounge, and more
• Restaurant reservations. Just notify your Concierge of your interests, and he or she will be happy to make recommendations, and will call ahead to reserve your table
• Special excursions. Would you like a limo to take you for a special night in the city? Perhaps you’d like to look up long-lost relatives. Your Concierge is here to help!
• Extend your stay! Your Concierge can help modify your hotel reservations and flights if you decide to stay on
• Tickets to local concerts, exhibits, theater, sporting events, and more

Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. We are one of the only companies to offer this level of service! Call 1-888-982-6824 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log into My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.

During your journey, your onboard Destination Manager can assist with any special requests such as spa reservations, hotel reservations, and more.