fbpx

Iberian Peninsula

Iberian Peninsula

From USD $11,980

Description

Join this brand-new itinerary highlighting the very best of the Iberian Peninsula’s diverse history, cultural traditions, and architectural wonders. Tour the Alhambra, visit the Sagrada Familia Church, stroll through the old town of Porto, and follow in the footsteps of ancient Christian pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela.

Trip Name
Iberian Peninsula
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Comfortable Expedition Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 118 Built / refurbished: 1975 / 1998 / 2017 - re-named to the Ocean Adventurer in June 2017 The new and improved Ocean Adventurer is designed to carry 132 travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world. Originally built in Yugoslavia in 1976, this nimble, ice-strengthened ship has become a passenger favourite over the years and underwent refurbishments in 1999 and 2002 with the most significant being in 2017. With the latest rounds of refurbishments guests will enjoy: • A refreshed, contemporary new look and feel throughout the ship. • The addition of six new twin cabins and three new suites. • All existing cabins will be furnished with all new soft furnishings and brand new bathrooms. • Main common areas such as the Lounge and Dining Room will be remodeled as well as the Bar. • Major technical enhancements – include two new Rolls Royce engines, which will significantly increase fuel efficiency and minimized carbon footprint.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Barcelona, Spain
Arrive in the morning and transfer to our centrally located hotel. Spend the afternoon independently exploring this cosmopolitan city, perhaps visiting the Picasso Museum or famous “Discord Block” of Modernist architecture. Return to our hotel for a welcome dinner and overnight.
Day 2 - Day 2 Barcelona / Embark Ocean Adventurer
Barcelona’s Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, is the heart of the city, and a morning sightseeing tour reveals its most important monuments and main boulevard, La Rambla. View La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s influential, unfinished masterpiece, and enjoy lunch before embarking the newly-renovated Ocean Adventurer.
Day 3 - Day 3 Valencia
Spain’s third-largest city is a popular beach resort and the birthplace of paella. Bustling plazas lie around every corner of Old Town (El Carmen); just off the iconic Plaza de la Reina stands Valencia’s 13th-century cathedral, a hybrid of architectural styles and home to the alleged Holy Grail from Jesus’ last supper. Circular Plaza Redonda is lined with quirky shops and lace stalls, while the Central Market is always abuzz with activity.
Day 4 - Day 4 Cartagena
With its superb natural harbor, Cartagena emerged as a major trading center as early as 300 BC. Discover the city’s Roman heritage at the 2,000-year-old amphitheater and excavated acropolis showcased within the Municipal Archaeology Museum. Today’s guided tour also reveals the blue marble-lined Plaza de San Sebastián, stately Palacio Consistorial, and Castillo de la Concepción, a medieval fortress with sweeping views and peacocks strolling its inner gardens.
Day 5 - Day 5 Motril / Granada
Set out from Motril for the medieval city of Granada and one of the most breathtaking structures in all of Europe, the Alhambra. This palace-fortress, built during the 14th century, stands amongst the world’s finest examples of Moorish architecture. Admire the lace-like detailing of its stuccowork, stunning mosaics, and impressive bas-reliefs on a guided tour of the central complex and fountain-filled courtyard.
Day 6 - Day 6 Málaga / Córdoba
Disembark in Málaga and venture inland to explore the exquisite Mezquita (the Great Mosque) of Cordoba, a splendid example of Islamic architecture that dates back to the 8th century. Then, discover the famed patios of the San Basilios neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 7 - Days 7 & 8 Cadiz / Seville
A leisurely drive from Cadiz leads to legendary Seville, whose Old Quarter boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The world’s largest Gothic cathedral claims Christopher Columbus’ tomb and the 328-foot Giralda Tower; next door lies Alcazar Real or Royal Palace, recognized for its mix of Moorish and Christian architecture (and from season five of Game of Thrones). The Archivo General de Indias houses a mind-boggling 80 million documents pertaining to Spain’s New World empire.
Day 8 - Day 9 At Sea
Attend lectures on the region’s culture and history during an informative day at sea.
Day 9 - Day 10 Porto, Portugal
Gateway to the Douro River Valley, Portugal’s second-largest city is famed for its many wine lodges serving the region’s revered fortified sweet wine, Port. Enjoy a tasting during a day of exploration, visiting Oporto’s landmark twin-towered cathedral, medieval Ribeira quay, and delightful Miragaia district with its colorful houses clinging to the hillside.
Day 10 - Day 11 Vilagarcia, Spain / Santiago de Compostela / La Coruna
Today make a pilgrimage to UNESCO-designated Santiago de Compostela, which once rivaled Rome and Jerusalem as a holy site. Visit the 11th-century cathedral, where Christian pilgrims payed homage at the tomb of the apostle James, Spain’s patron saint; its exquisitely carved Portico of Glory alone is worth the journey. Rejoin Ocean Adventurer in La Coruna for a live musical performance before dinner.
Day 11 - Day 12 La Coruna / Lugo
La Coruna allows access to yet another important Galician city—Lugo. Capital of its namesake province, the UNESCO-designated old town is the only one in the world encircled by totally intact Roman walls. Begun in the 12th century, Saint Mary’s Cathedral blends Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, and Neoclassic styles; just outside lies the ruins of a Roman temple and a house with ancient mosaics and murals.
Day 12 - Day 13 Gijon / Oviedo
Travel from coastal Gijon to Oviedo, capital of the Asturias province and an oft overlooked gem. The city exudes a lively, sophisticated vibe thanks to its university and pedestrian-only old quarter. The city was never invaded by the Moors, and its three 9th-century churches have retained their pre-Romanesque style. The magnificent Museo de Bellas Artes offers a window into 18th-century palace life.
Day 13 - Day 14 San Sebastian / Disembark / Bilbao
Disembark this morning for tour of San Sebastian, the Basque culinary capital that boasts more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else in the world. The narrow streets of Parte Vieja (Old Town) are lined with pintxos bars (the Basque version of tapas), leafy plazas, and filigree-balconied buildings. Or, head to Bilbao for a guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum, famed for its stunning contemporary architecture and large-scale, site-specific works. Both groups will check in to our hotel in Bilbao for dinner and overnight.
Day 14 - Day 15 Bilbao
Transfer to the airport for your independent homeward flight.
Day 15 - Please Note:
Based on the expeditionary nature of our trips, there may be ongoing enhancements to this itinerary.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-04-201903-05-2019USD $0Category 1
19-04-201903-05-2019USD $0Category 2
19-04-201903-05-2019USD $0Suite
19-04-201903-05-2019USD $0Owner's Suite
19-04-201903-05-2019USD $0Category 2 Special Single Rate (Limited)
19-04-201903-05-2019USD $0Category 3
19-04-201903-05-2019USD $0Category 3 Special Single Rate (Limited)
19-04-201903-05-2019USD $0Category 4
19-04-201903-05-2019USD $0Category 5 Special Single Rate (Limited)
19-04-201903-05-2019USD $0Category 5
19-04-201903-05-2019USD $0Category 6
19-04-201903-05-2019USD $0Category 7

Inclusions

    • Join this brand-new itinerary highlighting the very best of the Iberian Peninsula’s diverse history, cultural traditions, and architectural wonders.
    • Tour the exquisite Alhambra: this 14th-century Moorish palace boasts elaborate carvings and lavishly decorated interiors.
    • Marvel at the incredible Sagrada Familia Church, Barcelona’s most famous landmark.
    • Stroll through the lovely Old Town of Porto to discover a mélange of architecture, and sample port in its birthplace.
    • Follow in the footsteps of ancient Christian pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela, the final resting place of the apostle James.

Map