Call 1-800-322-6677
4 DAYS FROM $1,199
3 DAYS FROM $799
Few things are as colorful as Antoni Gaudí’s distinctive architecture — except, perhaps, the cultural patchwork of European, Roman, Arabic, Jewish, and Phoenician traditions that make the Iberian Peninsula one of the most indelible regions to cruise. Discover all of these cultures, their mouthwatering cuisine, folk traditions, art, and the soaring buildings that, like Gaudí’s unforgettable monuments in Barcelona, have become icons of their respective cities.
Myriad other glittering UNESCO jewels await, too, from the Moorish palace of Alhambra, described by poets as "a pearl set in emeralds" to the Tower of Belém in Lisbon, where generations of sailors set off for unknown shores during the Age of Discoveries. You’ll make your own groundbreaking explorations with just 40 guests aboard the Deluxe m/y Harmony G, with 20 included features and Cultural Connections — as well as all meals included. Cruise through three unforgettable nations on this journey that also includes opportunities to enrich your experiences in Barcelona and Lisbon.
From its winding roads with colorful hand-painted tiles at every turn to the lure of fado music in the air, or some of Europe’s most lovely panoramas (thanks to its seven hills), Lisbon is filled with old-world charm and intrigue. Affordable and still one of Europe’s undiscovered gems, the people here are warm, gracious, and wonderfully laid-back. Spend more time in Portugal’s capital to soak in delicious dining — including mouthwatering seafood — and enjoy a full-day excursion to the city’s two most coveted getaway spots. You’ll visit historic Sintra, a royal hunting retreat famous for its fairy-tale castles; and Cascais, an idyllic fishing village whose picturesque lanes hide elegant townhomes and villas. Your centrally located hotel puts you right within reach of Lisbon’s best shopping, dining, museums, and more.
Board an overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal
Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal.
Arrive in the coastal capital city of Lisbon
If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, a Vantage representative will meet you and arrange transfer to your centrally located Lisbon hotel. This evening you’ll get better acquainted at a Welcome Briefing and Dinner at the hotel.
Included meals:
Take a tour of postcard-perfect Lisbon before embarking your ship
After breakfast, embark on a morning panoramic and walking tour that introduces you to Lisbon’s famed monuments, including the including UNESCO-listed Belém Tower, the Monument of the Discoveries, and the Monastery of Jerónimos, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your city tour, you’ll sample a classic Portuguese pastry: Pastéis de Belém. One taste of this creamy egg custard wrapped in buttery, flaky crust, and you’ll see why this is Portugal’s favorite treat! After lunch at a local restaurant, a scenic drive through Portugal’s Algarve region takes you to Portimão, where you’ll embark ship. Settle in to the Deluxe m/y Harmony G, relax, and enjoy an informative port talk followed by our Captain’s Welcome Dinner. Included Feature:
Sail up the Guadalquivir River to uncover Seville’s treasures
This morning we head for Seville, cruising along the historic Guadalquivir River through Doñana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important habitat for waterfowl. After lunch, you’ll tour Andalusia’s storied capital, including the Real Alcázar, a monumental complex of fortifications, palaces, and gardens spanning the Arabic period through the 19th century. Another stop is the old University of Seville, whose main building is housed in the former Royal Tobacco Factory where Bizet set the famous opening scene of his opera Carmen. At the Plaza de España, you’ll admire a series of tiled fountains, bridges, and arcades. You’ll also see the UNESCO-listed Seville Cathedral and have the opportunity to climb to the top of its soaring La Giralda Tower.
This evening, look forward to some homemade Spanish fare and eye-opening cultural exchange during your home-hosted dinner with a local family that owns a bull farm on the outskirts of the city. They’ll give you a tour and teach you a bit about this fascinating centuries-old tradition.
Explore Seville at leisure, then visit romantic Cádiz
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Seville to shop and explore, with money provided for lunch wherever you choose. After, return to the ship for an afternoon at leisure, or enjoy a drive to romantic Cádiz, one of Europe’s oldest ports with roots predating the Phoenician era. A walking tour introduces you to some of the city’s most important landmarks, including the old Puertas de Tierra, the city gates that date to the 16th century; the baroque cathedral; and the Plaza San Juan de Dios with its City Hall. Stroll the gardens of Alameda Apodaca and Genovés Park, then enjoy some free time to further explore the city’s atmospheric cobbled alleys before boarding our ship for dinner.
Step ashore on the Rock of Gibraltar
Step ashore on “The Rock,” 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 live here. British-flavored Gibraltar is a great spot for pub-hopping and duty-free shopping before we return to ship for dinner. Included Feature:
Arrive at Sotogrande for a bullfighting lesson in Ronda
Just before breakfast we drop anchor in Sotogrande, a luxury port on the Costa del Sol. From here, we head inland for an excursion to Ronda, set high in the sierras. Ronda was first settled by the Celts and has since seen a procession of Phoenicians, Arabs, Romans, Moors, Berbers, Visigoths, and other Europeans — all of whom have left their cultural mark in the town’s white stuccoed neighborhoods. You’ll see the old Roman Bridge spanning the deep El Tajo Gorge below, the stately Casa de Don Bosco, and Mondragon Palace before we visit the Plaza de Toros — the oldest bullring in Spain. Here, a docent will provide an informative talk on the history of Spanish bullfighting before you enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Return to ship for dinner and some musical entertainment on board as we set sail for Málaga. Included Feature:
Tour fabulous Málaga, one of Spain’s cultural hubs
This morning you’ll enjoy a city tour of Málaga, a provincial capital that recently remade itself into a popular cultural hub with a restored historic center. You’ll see the wide boulevards with their turn-of-the-century apartments, the Gothic Cathedral, and Gibralfaro Castle, an 11th century Moorish fortification. Back on board you’ll have the afternoon to relax or explore on your own. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner on board, followed by a flamboyant flamenco show in a local tablao. Included Feature:
Spend a day at leisure in Málaga
Today you have a day at leisure, with another scintillating onboard lecture to offer context to your discoveries. Cultural Connection:
Explore the fortified complexes of storied Granada
From our berth in Motril we travel inland for a full-day excursion to storied Granada, the last stronghold of the Spanish Moors. Set in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada boasts one of the world’s most spectacular fortified palace complexes, the legendary Alhambra. On a guided tour, you'll see its most famous attractions, including the renowned fountains and gardens of the adjacent Generalife. Enjoy lunch in a typical Spanish restaurant before returning to your ship. Included Feature:
Enjoy a city tour of historic Cartagena before an afternoon of scenic sailing
Around breakfast we arrive in Cartagena, then depart for a city tour. Cartagena is a major naval center that dates back to 227 BC, when it was founded by the Carthaginians. You’ll get acquainted with its history at La Concepción Castle, which overlooks the old Roman Theater. Walking down the Calle Mayor, you’ll also see some of the Cartagena’s noteworthy art nouveau buildings including the Cervantes House and Grand Hotel. After returning to ship for lunch we set sail for Valencia.
Included Feature:
Cultural Connection:
Discover the highlights of Valencia, including the UNESCO-named Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
Founded as a Roman colony, Spain’s third largest city now presides over the sparkling Mediterranean on what's called the Costa del Azahar or “Orange Blossom Coast.” After an onboard lecture in the morning and an early lunch on board, you’ll set off on a tour of Valencia. Visit important locations such as the Plaza de la Reina, Plaza de la Virgen, Plaza Redonda, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the cathedral, and the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas. A highlight will be our visit to the late-Gothic Lonja de la Seda de Valencia, the old Silk Exchange, which is a UNESCO Word Heritage Site. The balance of the day is yours to explore Valencia as you wish, before returning to the ship for dinner.
Amble along the streets of timelessly tranquil Tarragona
Enjoy a morning at leisure on your ship today as we arrive in Tarragona, known for its remarkably preserved Roman ruins, the Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco, which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll explore this complex on a walking tour and also stop by the Cathedral of Tarragona to admire its intriguing mix of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Set off on a tour of enchanting Barcelona, followed by leisure time
This morning we’ll bid adios to our ship and crew in one of Europe's most enchanting and historic cities: Barcelona. We'll set off on a panoramic city tour that spotlights highlights such as the port and Olympic Village, the beaches of Barceloneta, the Plaza de España, and the Gran Via. You’ll also see the exterior of the surreal Sagrada Família basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the modernist masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí, the visionary architect responsible for much of Barcelona’s design profile. After enjoying lunch in a local restaurant, we’ll continue to our hotel in Barcelona. This afternoon you’ll have time on your own to wander the shops and tapas bars of the famous Las Ramblas pedestrian thoroughfare on your own before returning to the hotel for dinner. Included Feature:
Board a return flight home
After breakfast you’ll transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S., or commence your Barcelona post-trip extension.
Important Notice: The above day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Vantage Cruise Director or regional expert.
Please Note: Port-of-call orientation walking tours are subject to change based on port time and weather conditions
