Day 1

Cascais, Portugal - Tour Begins

Ancient castles and Roman ruins, groves of lemon and almond trees, quiet whitewashed villages, and welcoming locals – Portugal is waiting for you. Say hello to the Portuguese Riviera, your home for the next three nights. With mansions scattered about Cascais and Monte Estoril – all hinting at its history as a haven for exiled European royals and nobility – embrace the feeling of luxury. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Day 2

Cascais - Lisbon - Cascais

Embark on a panoramic Lisbon city tour and uncover the city’s most famous sights. You’ll see the Alfama District – Lisbon's oldest quarter – along with the Belem Tower (UNESCO World Heritage site), and the Monument to the Discoveries. Step into the past at the 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO) and Lisbon’s Maritime Museum, which offers a glimpse into the country’s naval achievements. Enjoy some time to discover the narrow cobblestone streets, meandering past seaside cafés or pausing to shop for ceramics, lace, and hand-woven works. You’re on your own for the remainder of the day. You may choose to join an optional experience to savour Portuguese cuisine and wine whilst local artists perform traditional Fado (UNESCO).

Day 3

Cascais - Obidos - Sintra - Cascais

Explore the picture-perfect city of Obidos, where white-washed houses sit snug within medieval city walls. Continue on to Sintra (UNESCO), a breathtaking coastal hub that served as the summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Then, it’s your choice! Explore this quaint hilltop village independently and wander through the winding streets lined with cork products and pastries -OR- venture into the National Palace of Sintra.

Day 4

Cascais - Arraiolos - Evora

Make your way through Portugal’s charming countryside. Visit Arraiolos, known as the “village of rugs,” and delve into the history and art of Portuguese tapestries. Visit a local cork factory, where you’ll learn about the product’s importance to the local economy and why Portugal is the world’s top cork producer. Your journey then takes you to Evora (UNESCO) – the “Museum City of Portugal.” In addition to Evora’s 2nd-century Roman temple to Diana, this medieval walled city is also the home to the mysterious 16th-century Chapel of Bones. Indulge in full-bodied wines from the Alentejo region during a winery tour and tasting.

Day 5

Evora - Monsaraz - Lagos

Journey to the stunning coasts of the Algarve – the southernmost region of Portugal. On the way, pause to take in the dramatic vistas from the village of Monsaraz. Then, explore the historic resort town of Lagos, where Moorish and Renaissance influences meet towering seaside cliffs. From this bustling port city, many celebrated voyagers began their explorations and it was the home to the first school of the navigators. Stroll through the fortress and historic buildings as you take in the surrounding views of the Atlantic.

Day 6

Lagos

The entire day is yours to experience the incomparable Algarve on your own. Geraniums, camellias, and oleanders grow alongside fig, orange, and almond trees, whilst brightly coloured fishing boats bob on the seas. Protected by hills to the north and warmed by the sea, the Algarve’s mild climate and beautiful beaches attract visitors from all over the world.

Day 7

Lagos - Faro - Tavira - Lagos

Journey to Faro, the gateway to the Ria Formosa lagoon landscape. Explore the city’s historic centre and see the 9th-century Roman walls and its sought-after golden coastline. During lunch, discover the flavours of the region as a local chef highlights Algarve gastronomy during a cooking demonstration. Enjoy a tasting menu featuring iconic dishes of the region complete with local liquors and pastries. Continue to Tavira, an ancient Moorish city that blends traditional architecture with sandy beaches and a modern atmosphere. Return to Lagos for an evening at leisure.

Day 8

Lagos - Sagres - Lisbon

Discover the secrets of the 16th-century fortress at Sagres, home of Prince Henry’s School of Navigation and the “compass rose.” Stand in awe before the stunning Cape St. Vincent, where 200-foot cliffs plunge into the Atlantic at the most southwesterly point of Europe. Bid Portugal goodbye during a dinner in Lisbon and celebrate the end of your unforgettable journey.

Day 9

Lisbon - Tour Ends

Your tour ends today.

07 Aug 21

Lisbon

Meet your shipmates at the Santa Apolonia Train Station in Lisbon at 12pm before transferring to Portimao by bus. Attend a welcome meeting and safety briefing on the ship before sitting down for dinner with your fellow travellers. Overnight in Portimao.

08 Aug 21

Portimao

Travel by bus to Carvoeiro, then board a small boat and cruise along the rocky coast exploring the Algarve’s sandstone caves. Continue on to Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of Portugal's seven natural wonders, and embark on a boat trip around the wetlands enjoying some birdwatching along the way. Return to Portimao in the evening and re-join the ship. Sail overnight to Huelva.

09 Aug 21

Huelva

Cool off with a morning swim at a beach en route to Huelva. After lunch, disembark and take a bus to Moguer, a small Andalusian city, to visit the Santa Clara Monastery before travelling on to El Rabida. There are replicas here of the boats Christopher Columbus used to sail to the New World on (Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria). Spend some time exploring the site before returning to your own ship, with a free evening to be spent in Huelva before sailing overnight upriver to Seville.

10 Aug 21

Seville
Spend the day in Seville on a walking tour with a local guide. Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is presided over by an immense gothic cathedral (the world’s largest) in which you’ll find the tomb of Christopher Columbus. With both Christian and Moorish influences, Seville is an architectural haven and the UNESCO-listed palace, Real Alcazar, is just one awe-inspiring example. Tonight we sail to Tangier.

11 Aug 21

Tangier

Today the group breaks up into smaller parties for a day tour of Tangier. Start by exploring Caves of Hercules, where Hercules supposedly rested between his labours, before heading to Cap Spartel, the most north-westerly point in Africa. Then tour the medina with a local guide, sip mint tea at Cafe Hafa and perhaps opt for a group lunch at a local restaurant to sample some of Morocco's finest. Spend the afternoon discovering more of this Moroccan city, taking the opportunity for some souvenir shopping. Stay overnight in Tangier port.

12 Aug 21

Puerto Banus

Depart early and drive to Chefchaouen, the famous blue-washed city sitting below the Rif Mountains. The blue buildings provide a dramatic juxtaposition to the surrounding countryside and you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of the city. Take some free time to explore the beautiful cobbled laneways and buzzing squares before returning to the boat in Tangier and cruising overnight to Puerto Banus.

13 Aug 21

Puerto Banus

Drive to Ronda in the morning for a guided walking tour of Old and New Town. Set high above the deep El Tajo gorge, Ronda is a spectacular town and was frequently visited by Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles, both of whom fell in love with the dramatic setting. Visit a bodega just out of town for lunch and wine tasting before returning to the boat and sailing overnight to Malaga.

14 Aug 21

Malaga

Located on the Costa del Sol, Malaga is Spain’s sixth-largest city and your final destination. Say goodbye to your shipmates and disembark after breakfast.