Secrets of the Iberian Peninsula with Ponant

Description

Set sail for an exceptional 8-day cruise to discover the cultural jewels of the Iberian peninsula. Aboard Le Bougainville, between Spain and Portugal, let the historic cities and sumptuous landscapes of this journey cast their spell over you.

From Malaga, the lively cultural capital of the Costa del Sol, Le Bougainville will reach Marbella. From the Paleochristian and Roman remains, in the area around this famous seaside resort, to the heart of the old town, its history can be read in its buildings, in particular the 10th century castle built by the Moors. You will also have the possibility of strolling through the picturesque town of Ronda and discovering its famous Puente Nuevo.

After sailing through the legendary Gibraltar Strait, you will sail up the Guadalquivir River to call at Seville. Among the treasures of the Andalusian capital, you will discover the cathedral and the Alcazar, both listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. You will also call in Cadiz, one of the country’s oldest cities, built on a rock and surrounded by the sea.

Your ship will then call at Huelva, on the Andalusian coast. From this beautiful city with white-washed houses, you will be able to visit Doñana National Park, whose varied ecosystems play host to a rich avifauna, including pink flamingos and Spanish imperial eagles. You will also have the opportunity to discover the astonishing town of El Rocío whose sandy streets, reminiscent of the Far West, lead to a magnificent sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of El Rocío.

Your journey around the Atlantic will conclude with a visit to Lisbon. This city with its nostalgic charm has a unique personality, a blend of tramways, museums and listed buildings.

Trip Name

Secrets of the Iberian Peninsula with Ponant

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bougainville will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Bougainville will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Bougainville has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 MÁLAGA

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 2 - Day 2 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, former focal point of the city, is near the 10th-century Arabic castle and the Church of Santa María de la Encarnación. Not far from here, you’ll be able to discover the magnificent viewpoints offered by Ronda, a picturesque town perched 700 metres (2,296 feet) high. Its Puente Nuevo bridge majestically crosses the gorges of the Guadalevin River that cuts the town in two.

Day 3 - Days 3 - 4 SEVILLA

Standing on the banks of the Guadalquivir, Seville is a colourful city with a cosmopolitan charm you’ll love. This Spanish city welcomes you with open arms while you stay long enough to explore its traditions and rich heritage passed down from its Arabic history. Strolling around the Andalusian capital, you will be awestruck by magnificent architectural treasures like the Cathedral, the Giralda and the Alcazar. You’ll also love the festive Sevillan atmosphere and the delicious tapas served in the city’s many bars.

Day 4 - Days 5 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 colourful 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 mosey 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 5 - Day 6 HUELVA

The Andalusian city of Huelva is located on a peninsula at the confluence of the Odiel and Tinto rivers forming an estuary with the Atlantic. From Huelva, you’ll be able to discover the Doñana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park’s different ecosystems ̶ such as marshes, lagoons, pine forests, banks, shifting dunes, cliffs ̶ are home to rich wildlife among which are several protected species, including the Iberian lynx. Near the park, the village of El Rocío has a Wild West feel to it. Every year, at Pentecost, its sandy streets welcome the Romería, Spain’s biggest pilgrimage.

Day 6 - Days 7 - 8 LISBON

Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbour, impose 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 of 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 of luxury shopping.

Day 7 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

A cruise to discover the natural and historical heritage of the Iberian Peninsula from Andalusia to the banks of the Tagus.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alcázar of Seville, Doñana National Park, the tower of Belem and the monastery of Jeronimos in Lisbon (disembarkation port).
The opportunity to discover the Puente Nuevo de Ronda from Marbella.
The Andalusian city of Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in the Western Mediterranean.
Crossing the Gibraltar Strait.
Overnights in Sevilla and Lisbon.