Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal – with Smithsonian Journeys

<p>In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. <p></p>This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture. <p></p>Set sail aboard? L’Austral ?on an exceptional 8-day itinerary that will take you along the Portuguese and Spanish coasts, from?Barcelona?to?Lisbon.?? <p></p>Your voyage begins in?Barcelona, a city in perpetual movement, where you may choose to arrive early and fall under the spell of the famous architectural works of Antoni Gaudí, including the UNESCO World Heritage Basílica de la Sagrada Família. <p></p>Your ship will head first to?Palma de Mallorca?in the?Balearic Islands. Stop at the Gothic-style?Bellver Castle, one of only a handful of circular castles in Europe, or board a?vintage train?through the orange and olive groves, almond and locust-bean trees, lush villages, and pine-covered mountains that create the island landscape.<p></p>Your call in captivating Valencia offers the opportunity to view the city’s architectural wonders, from the UNESCO World Heritage La Lonja de la Seda, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture originally used for trading silk, to the City of Arts and Sciences, a complex designed by native architect Santiago Calatrava.<p></p>You will then sail to the rich cultural landscape of Andalusia, where you will discover enchanting Málaga. This call will allow for a visit to the magnificent Alhambra of Grenada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<p></p>Next discover Cádiz, one of the country’s oldest cities. This call will allow for a visit to the superb palace of the?Alcázar?in?Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or stay in town to attend a performance of flamenco at a local tavern. <p></p>Portimão, in southern Portugal, is your gateway to the natural beauty, history, and culture of the Algarve. Tour the Old Town of Lagos, visit the stunning rock formations and caves of Ponta da Piedade, and enjoy a tasting of Algarve wines. Or travel the short distance to Sagres on Cape St. Vincent, from where Prince Henry the Navigator directed the expeditions that led to the discovery of Madeira and the Azores.<p></p>Your voyage will end in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital. Lisbon boasts two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Jerónimos Monastery?and the?Belém Tower. Choose to extend your stay and enjoy strolling through the streets of this city of seven hills, soaking up the local zest for life.<p></p></p>