Day 1
This afternoon you begin embarkation to prepare for an evening departure from Dover.
DayS 2 & 3
Full days cruising. Time to explore the ship and meet fellow passengers and crew members.
Day 4
Early morning arrival in Motril, Spain.
LAS ALPUJARRAS MOUNTAIN DRIVE - 6.5 hours - £90 to £100 per person
Before arriving at the village of Pampaneira, which lies approximately 1,500 metres above sea level, we will make a photo stop at Presa de Rules, a huge dam, and pass by the village of Orgiva. The unique village of Pampaneira has retained its traditional Berber architecture – terraced clusters of grey-white box-shaped houses with flat clay roofs – which are still commonly found in the Rif and Atlas mountains of Morocco.
Next we stop at a local hotel in Mecina, where lunch will be served. The hotel is amazingly integrated into the lovely rural landscape of the Alpujarra.
After lunch, we will drive to the village of Capileira, situated at the top of the valley. The name is an Arabic derivation of the Latin word for ‘head’ or ‘top’. Here we will see the rocky streets, overhanging passageways and sagging stone houses, which have not been remodelled or prettified for contemporary living.
We will then drive through the villages of Orgiva and Lanjarón en route to Motril and our awaiting ship.
GRANADA OF THE MOORS - 7 hours - £100 to £110 per person
Our journey to the beautiful city of Granada will take approximately two hours. We will pass by impressive mountain scenery and make a short comfort stop en route. Upon arrival in Granada, we proceed to the world-famous fortified Alhambra Palace.
All three areas of the Arabian Palace are magnificent examples of Arabian architecture. This is all surrounded by magnificent flora and innumerable fountains and terraces affording lovely views of the Alhambra and Albaicin.
Following our visit to Alhambra, we travel to a local restaurant, where we can enjoy lunch.
Day 5
Early evening arrival in Ibiza, Spain
IBIZA BEACH TRANSFER - 4 hours - £25 to £35 per person
Following a short drive of approximately 30 minutes, we arrive at Ibiza’s Playa D’en Bossa Beach. The longest stretch of beach on the island, Playa D’en Bossa is lined with bars and cafés offering a variety of settings. The clear waters are shallow near the shoreline, and the sea floor is almost entirely sand, making it an ideal location for a relaxing break. The beach also offers excellent views of Ibiza’s old town.
We will have approximately three hours here to enjoy the atmosphere and explore the surroundings, before returning to the quayside and our awaiting ship.
NORTH ISLAND TOUR - 4 hours - £31 to £40 per person
This tour will take us across fertile farmland, over hills, alongside cliffs and finally down to an unexpectedly placid sea. Covering the northern territory of the island, it offers several photo opportunities.
Leaving the pier, we proceed to the north of the island, where we will visit the typical Spanish village of San Miguel. Here we shall have time to stroll through the picturesque village at leisure.
Re-boarding our tour coach, our journey takes us to San Juan Bautista, situated 23 kilometres (14 miles) from the island’s capital. The village is largely unaffected by tourism, and life is very much as it was before tourism began.
The road running east to Santa Eulalia and San Vicente is particularly beautiful, winding through the woodlands before once again reaching the coastline and the town of San Carlos, a typical ‘Ibicenco’ village.
Upon arrival at Santa Eulalia – a favourite haunt of painters since the time of Sorolla – we can enjoy some time at leisure to stroll along the promenade, which is lined with open-air cafés and restaurants.
Following our free time, we re-board our tour coach for the return journey to the quayside and our awaiting ship.
UNKNOWN IBIZA - 4.5 hours - £50 to £60 per person
Departing the quayside, we drive towards Es Cubells, from where we can enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the neighbouring island of Formentera.
Continuing to Cala D’Hort, we shall have the opportunity to stretch our legs as well as our imaginations as we stroll from the roads to the cliffs to admire the majestic island of Es Vedra. Here our guide will explain the different features of plant life that can be found in the forest.
Next, we head to Cala Contra, where we can appreciate the changing hues of the blue Mediterranean Sea. Re-boarding the tour coach, we continue to Ca’n Costa, a 400-year-old country house. Our guided tour here will take in the special features of architecture in Ibiza, including thick walls, small windows, and wooden, usually juniper roofs, which fit together to provide a cool environment in summer and warmth in winter. At Ca’n Costa we will have an opportunity to sample typical products of the island including cheese, sausages, dried fruit and wine.
SOUTHERN IBIZA SIGHTSEEING - 4 hours - £35 to £45 per person
The area was originally a large lake, but has since been divided into 40 pools. Salt is one of the oldest industries on the island. During their occupation, the Romans realised the importance of this commodity and developed a commercial business in it, shipping much of it back to Rome. Today more than 100,000 tonnes of salt is produced here each year. Once the salt is extracted from the pans, it is loaded onto a train (the only one on the island) to be transported all over the world.
Next we proceed to San Jose. This small mountain village boasts an attractive 18th century church, located in picturesque surroundings. Following a visit to the church, we shall have some free time to explore the village, which is noted for its handicrafts.
Following our visit, we travel to San Antonio. Once a quiet fishing village, San Antonio is now a lively, bustling port. We shall have some time to browse at leisure, before re-boarding our tour coach for the return journey to the quayside.
Day 6
Early morning arrival in Barcelona, Spain
WALKING TOUR OF BARCELONA - Length of time varies - £20 per set per person
Barcelona bustles with Mediterranean life. Its vibrant and colourful history is apparent in its Gothic Quarter, its varied architecture and in the city’s magnificent art collections and museums. Today we can explore what the city has to offer independently on foot with the help of a pre-loaded audio player and map.
We begin our tour at the Christopher Columbus monument, just a short walk from the port. After walking up La Rambla, we can see the Gothic Quarter, where the original Roman and medieval city was located, and the Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia, built on the site of a Roman temple dedicated to Hercules.
No tour of Barcelona would be complete without Gaudí. One of the most famous of the Modernist architects, Gaudí made his mark on the city by designing Casa Battlò and La Pedrera, and of course his masterpiece, the Temple of the Sagrada Familia. The building of this church became an obsession for Gaudí, and for the last 15 years of his life he accepted no other commissions in order to focus on this project. He actually lived in a hut on the construction site, spending his free time soliciting funds to continue the work. Started in 1882 and still unfinished, the temple is a unique sight, and we can view this on our tour.
Other possible stops on this audio tour include the Church of Santa Maria del Mar, the Picasso Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Park Güell and El Poble Espagnol.
GAUDI - 4 hours - £31 to £40 per person
Gaudi's buildings form a most startling statement of Modernism, a Spanish and mainly Catalan offshoot of the Art Nouveau movement.
From the pier, we drive to Diagonal Avenue and enter the upper Eixample area, where the Sagrada Familia Temple is located. Designed by Gaudí in 1882, but never completed, this church stands witness to Gaudí’s creative (although controversial) genius. Construction began again in 1939 but faltered due to confusion over Gaudí’s plans. The final construction was meant to include 18 towers in total, based on 12 Apostles, four evangelists, the Virgin Mary and Christ.
Following our outside visit to the Sagrada Familia, we re-join our tour coach for a short drive to Park Güell. Designed by Gaudí in the early part of the 20th century, the park was originally intended as a hillside suburb of Barcelona, fashioned after the English model of a ‘Garden City’.
Our tour continues to Passeig de Gràcia, the widest avenue in the city, with plenty of Modernist houses designed by Gaudí and other important architects of the time. We will see the outside of one of the masterpieces of Gaudí architecture – the Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera House.
MONTSERRAT - 4.5 hours - £35 to £45 per person
Departing the quayside, we travel to Montserrat via the Matorell Highway. A splendid view of the Llobregat Valley will open up before us, with sights of Monistrol lingering in the background.
The rugged Montserrat mountain range is one of Spain’s most picturesque areas. Like jagged teeth, the mysterious peaks soar skywards. They have inspired many legends and motivated Wagner to write some of his most beautiful arias. Upon arrival, we can enjoy refreshments at a local restaurant, before continuing to the monastery.
Montserrat Monastery is located in the middle of the mountains, a unique work of art. It seems that around 20 to 25 million years ago, a small inland sea shaped the rock formations, which later became the mountainous relief known as Montserrat. The earth’s movements produced a progressive uplift, which caused the inland sea to disappear, leaving the rock formation exposed to a process of erosion. Situated approximately 725 metres (2,380 feet), Montserrat Monastery stands on a natural platform.
The construction of the Basilica began in the 16th century, when Father Garriga was Abbot of Montserrat. The large interior has a rather sober appearance, with the altar at the end of the nave, which is surrounded by the choir (we will not see the choir during our visit). On the vault are paintings by Llimona, depicting the adoration of Catalonia for ‘La Moreneta’ – the Black Madonna of Montserrat.
Following our visit here and after enjoying the spectacular views, we return to our awaiting ship.
PANORAMIC BARCELONA - 3 hours - £30 to £40 per person
This excursion is perfect for those of us who would like to visit the city of Barcelona, but are worried about the amount of walking involved in Tour A. We can relax on our coach as our guide introduces us to the city’s main attractions.
Departing from the quayside, we drive towards the Gothic area, passing by Via Laietana and Plaça de Catalunya (Catalunya Square). Our tour continues along Passeig de Gràcia, a wide boulevard that connects the Gothic Quarter to the village of Gràcia, and is lined with lovely modernist buildings. From here, we continue to the Sagrada Familia (we will view it from the outside only), where we can take photos. Gaudí’s magnificent nativity façade – complete with flamboyant spires, stained glass windows and sculpted figures – is an architectural masterpiece to behold. Despite the construction starting in 1882, the church is still unfinished today.
We continue our panoramic drive past Citadel Park, the Arch of Triumph, Espanya Square, Congress Palace and head to Montjuïc Mountain, where we will see the Spanish Village and the Olympic Stadium. A short stop will be made at the panoramic viewpoint of Mirador del Alcade, where we can enjoy a spectacular view of Barcelona, before we return to the quayside.
CITY TOUR OF BARCELONA - 4 hours - £30 to £40 per person
Barcelona is a large city, which has grown since the end of the Spanish War and the beginning of the modernisation of Spain, and is now a cosmopolitan city. The old Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter, where the original Roman and medieval city was located, remains comparatively undisturbed, and we will see both the old and new aspects of the city on this tour.
Following a drive through the commercial centre, we visit the 600-year-old Catalan Gothic Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia, built on the site of a Roman temple dedicated to Hercules. The Cathedral is dedicated to one of the city’s patron saints, Eulàlia, who was tortured and killed by the Roman rulers of Barcelona when she was 13. Although the façade is modern, the tall, slender columns and ancient stained-glass windows will take us back to the Middle Ages.
Next it’s on to Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia Church, a must-see in Barcelona. Started in 1882 and still unfinished, this temple, with its peculiar Expressionist style, profuse decoration and striking originality, is truly a unique sight. The building of this church became an obsession of Gaudí, and for the last 15 years of his life he didn’t accept any other commissions. He actually lived in a hut on the construction site, spending his free time soliciting funds to continue the work. Unfortunately Gaudí was hit by a tram and died shortly after, before he ever saw his work completed. He is buried in the crypt of the Sagrada Familia.
Continuing with our tour, we stop at the Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol de Montjuïc), where we have a chance to admire many interesting arts and crafts, together with different styles of Spanish architecture. Here, time permitting; we may have the chance to do some shopping. En route back to the quayside, we shall drive up to the panoramic viewpoint of Mirador del Alcalde for a splendid view of Barcelona, before passing Montjuïc Gardens and seeing the Olympic Stadium.
Day 7
Early morning arrival in Toulon, Spain
PORT GRIMAUD & ST TROPEZ - 7 hours - £40 to £50 per person
It was in the 1950s when the little port of St Tropez, originally a fishing village, really started becoming fashionable, attracting the literary set from St Germain-des-Près in Paris, then film stars including Brigitte Bardot. Undeniably one of the best-known resorts in Europe, it is still a meeting place for celebrities, writers, artists, photographers and journalists who gather here at the height of summer.
Departing Toulon, we drive along the wooded coastline before following the Corniche des Maures, a magnificent tourist road, which provides us with delightful views on the continually indented coast. Upon arrival in St Tropez, we will begin our guided walking tour from the waterfront down the neighbouring old streets full of pink and yellow houses that have been converted into cafés and pastry shops, luxurious boutiques, galleries and antique shops. Following our tour, we can enjoy some free time to explore independently, browse the shops or have lunch in one of the many cafés or restaurants (at our own expense).
Re-boarding our tour coach, we then travel to the charming town of Port Grimaud, also known as ‘Little Venice’. Designed by the famous architect François Spoerry, this unique resort looks like a Mediterranean fishing village but is, in fact, a modern complex with a fully-equipped marina and Roman-tiled houses linked by a network of canals, neat little bridges and narrow alleys. We will enjoy some free time here, before making our way back to the quayside.
LE CASTELLET & WINE TASTING - 4 hours - £40 to £50 per person
Our tour begins with a drive to Le Castellet, a lovely village perched above the plains of the Var. Le Castellet retains its fortified looks, with sections of the ancient ramparts still in place, along with two fortified gates, Le Portail and Le Portalet.
We will enjoy a walking tour through the narrow streets, up to the castle, which now houses the Town Hall. We will see the Romanesque St Sauveur Church with its displayed windows, before joining the Trou de Madame, from where we can enjoy an attractive view inland towards St Baume and the Paul Ricard Race Circuit. We shall then have some free time to explore independently or browse the local art and craft workshops.
Next, we re-board our tour coach and travel to a local vineyard in Domaine de Souviou, a beautiful Provençal bastide with its chapel surrounded by 32 hectares of vines and olive trees. Here we can taste wines from the region, before returning to Toulon and our awaiting ship.
BORMES LES MIMOSAS VILLAGE - 3.5 hours - £TBA per person
Departing the quayside, we drive through the Massif des Maures, which offer a breathtaking landscape, before arriving at the charming village of Bormes les Mimosas. Clinging to the side of a steep mountain slope, this medieval amphitheatre-shaped village spreads out in tiers over an exceptional landscape overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is well known throughout France for being the ‘flower village’, and is symbolised by the famous yellow mimosa trees.
Upon arrival, we shall enjoy a guided walking tour of the medieval village. The sign ‘Parcours Fleuri’ near to the church lead to a flower-lined walk around the castle, which has been partially restored to provide a dwelling. Beyond the castle, the terrace provides us with a fine view over Bormes, Cap Béat and the islands of Port Cros and Le Levant. The old houses of Bormes les Mimosas are covered with pink tiles and the streets are often lined with flowers (depending on the season). A stroll around the old narrow streets is sure to give us a taste of Provence.
We can then enjoy some free time in the village, where we may wish to visit the many workshops established by artists who were inspired by the exceptional beauty of the area. Following our free time, we re-board our tour coach for the return journey to Toulon.
PANORAMIC DRIVE TO LE LAVANDOU - 3.5 hours - £30 to £40 per person
Leaving the port of Toulon, we embark on our panoramic drive. We will soon discover the amazing views of the coastal road that stretches south east from Hyères to Le Lavandou. We shall see the Massif des Maures, which offers a breathtaking landscape, the coastline, the island of Porquerolles with its rugged shores and fine sandy beaches, and the lush vegetation of this area.
Le Lavandou used to be a small fishing port, but is today an international marina. Upon arrival here, we can enjoy approximately one hour of free time to explore the area, browse the shops or relax in a nearby café. Following our stop, we then drive back via the village of Bormes Les Mimosas, the so-called Provençal crib (no stop will be made), and through the Dom Forest, where vineyards melt into a rich patchwork of cork oak, pine and chestnut trees, the typical vegetation of the Maure range.
AIX EN PROVENCE - TOUR D - 4.5 hours - £TBA per person
Departing the quayside of Toulon, we drive to Aix en Provence, which was originally the capital of the Provence region.
Upon arrival, we shall begin a guided walking tour of the city, passing the Cours Mirabeau. This wide avenue, which is shaded by trees, is the hub of Aix. It was built in the 17th century on the site of the city’s medieval ramparts, and its verdant tunnel of foliage protects pedestrians from the heat of the Provençal sun. Lining the Cours are the aristocratic façades of the old hotels, with their finely carved doorways and wrought-iron balconies. During our walking tour, we will also pass a fountain that dates back to 1734. It is particularly noteworthy for its 34°C (93°F) water which, according to the Romans, had healing properties.
Next, we shall be able to admire the different architectural styles of Saint Sauveur Cathedral, which has a Romanesque nave and a Gothic section. These various styles date between the 5th and 17th centuries. We can then enjoy some free time to explore independently, before re-joining our tour coach for the return drive to Toulon.
Days 8
Full days cruising
Day 9
Early evening arrival in Gibraltar.
PANORAMIC GIBRALTAR - Approx 3 hours - £40 to £50 per person
Leaving our ship, we travel north, driving past Catalan Bay. From this vantage point, overlooking a Genoese fishing village, we can savour spectacular views of Spain and the Costa Del Sol (weather permitting).
Next we retrace our steps and proceed along the outskirts of town, passing the American War Memorial and the Trafalgar Cemetery before we arrive at Europa Point – the southernmost point of Gibraltar. Here we can see where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, and we can appreciate why this territory was and continues to be of such strategic importance to the British Navy.
We then continue to the main part of the tour, where we can enjoy tapas and a Flamenco performance. We travel to the El Barco restaurant, located in the beautiful natural area known as Princess Sofia Park, near to the British/Spanish border. Here we will see a performance by prestigious Flamenco dancer Lola Ponce and her dance group Cuadro Flamenco, whilst enjoying a tapas tasting, before returning to the quayside and our awaiting ship.
THE ROCK TOUR - TOUR A - 1.5 to 2 hours - £30 to £40 per person
The rock of Gibraltar, overlooking the entrance to the Mediterranean and standing nearly 425 metres (1,400 feet) above sea level, is reputed to be one of the legendary Pillars of Hercules. With its policemen, pillar-boxes and pubs, Gibraltar is still staunchly British.
Departing the quayside, we drive towards the airfield runway to reach the British Frontier with Spain. Continuing, we travel to Europa Point, the southernmost point of Gibraltar and the site of the only Trinity Lighthouse outside of the United Kingdom. We shall stop here briefly for panoramic views of the busiest shipping lane in the world and to see the mingling of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, and two continents.
We then proceed to the Upper Rock area and to St Michael’s Cave, where we can appreciate the mass of oddly shaped stalagmites and stalactites. The name of the cave is said to have originated from a similar cave in Italy, where St Michael is said to have appeared. The cave consists of the Upper Hall, with five connecting passages leading to a smaller hall. During World War II, the Upper Hall was prepared as an emergency hospital, but was never used.
Next we stop at the Apes Den, where we will have the opportunity to see the semi-wild primates at close proximity. The apes are a breed of tail-less monkeys called Barbary Macaques, and roam freely on the rocky slopes.
Continuing our tour, we travel via the Upper Rock area to exit the nature reserve, passing by the Moorish Castle and the Tower of Homage. The tower is an impressive sight – not only due to its striking construction but also because of its dominant and strategic position. The Moorish Castle played a prominent part in the Arab conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, which led to Arab domination over part of Europe for more than 700 years.
We then drive down the narrow winding roads to exit at Main Street. Here, those of us who wish can exit to visit the shops, or alternatively we return to the quayside and our awaiting ship.
DOLPHIN WATCHING - TOUR B - 1.75 hours - £30 to £40 per person
The local waters are home to three species of dolphin – Striped, Bottle-nosed and Common dolphins – along with seven species of whale, flying fish, turtles and sunfish.
Departing the quayside, we take a short coach ride to our Dolphin World Pleasure Cruiser, on which we will be able to combine seeing one of the most popular animals with a trip along a visually spectacular and historic bay.
Described as ‘the highlight of the Costa del Sol’, this tour will provide us with an entertaining commentary on the lives of dolphins. We shall also hear about the history of Gibraltar, including the Battle of Trafalgar, the Pillars of Hercules and its important role in World War II – a unique Rock tour by sea!
Our cruise onboard Dolphin World, lasting approximately 90 minutes, is ideal for viewing cetaceans in the bay and straits of Gibraltar, with the coast of Africa only a stone’s throw away. We can witness these fascinating creatures in their natural environment without disturbing them. Upon returning to our berth, we will be transferred back to our awaiting ship.
Day 10
Early morning arrival in Portimao, Portugal
PONTA DA PIEDADE COASTLINE & CARVOEIRO - 3.5 hours - £TBA per person
This leisurely tour provides us with a glimpse into historic Lagos, the magnificent Ponta da Piedade coastline and the resort hideaway of Carvoeiro.
We begin our tour with an approximate 30-minute drive to Lagos, which played an important role in the story of discovery. It was from this very harbour that Vasco de Gama sailed in 1499 on his epic voyage. Lagos was the capital of the Algarve from 1578 until 1756, and several ancient buildings remain that testify to its historic glory. Upon arrival, we will see the city’s central highlights, including the main square fronting the Town Hall and the new marina. We can also enjoy some free time to explore the city.
Our tour then continues to the rocky coastline of the Ponta da Piedade. The rugged cliffs overlooking the sea contain numerous grottoes and some of the most photogenic rock formations of the entire Algarve.
From Ponta Piedade, our coach will wind its way along the coastline to the exclusive Carvoeiro, perched dramatically on cliff tops. Once an intimate fishing village, it is now a fashionable resort town boasting expensive villas and holiday apartments, but still manages to retain its charm and character. We shall have some free time here to browse the small boutiques or admire the stunning ocean view and cliffs, prior to returning to the quayside.
LAGOS, CAPE ST VINCENT & SAGRES - 4.5 hours - £TBA per peson
Departing Portimão, we head to Cape St Vincent, the most south-westerly point of mainland Europe. It was here that Nelson defeated the French in 1797. With its coastline of rugged cliffs constantly beaten by the relentless breakers of the Atlantic, this is an awesome area. A lighthouse is situated on top of the cliffs, and provides the guiding beam that safely directs the hundreds of ships that pass the Cape every year from the inevitable destruction that would otherwise occur. We may be lucky enough to see local fishermen, wedged in dramatic perches on the cliff face, with the thundering sea many feet below.
Our tour continues to Sagres, a small port where Prince Henry is thought to have had his headquarters – his so-called ‘school of navigation’ – although the exact location is not known. Perhaps it was within the fortaleza, defended on the land side by mighty manmade ramparts, and on the seaward sides by towering cliffs. We will also see the old Hermitage, dating back to the 17th century, where the infant Dom Henrique occasionally prayed, and a giant compass, which has been laid out in stones – the Rosa dos Ventos.
From here we drive to Lagos, the departure port for the Caravels. Here we will see the statue dedicated to Prince Henry the Navigator, and the arcades where slaves were first auctioned in Europe. Lagos was the capital of the Algarve until 1756 – in 1755 an earthquake destroyed a large part of its infrastructure and architectural legacy, and so the capital was transferred to Faro. Today Lagos retains the atmosphere of its great cosmopolitan heritage, and there is a wealth of architecture and monuments to see here.
We shall have some free time to enjoy the beautiful town of Lagos, before our return to Portimão and our awaiting ship.
Day 11
Early morning arrival in Lisbon, Portugal
LISBON SEEN FROM THE RIVER - 3 hours - £55 to £65 per person
Our tour begins with a panoramic drive of Lisbon city centre. We shall make a brief stop at the top of King Edward VII Park, from where we can enjoy a spectacular view of the city and harbour. Continuing, we pass by Pombal Square, the famous Avenida da Liberdade (Avenue of Liberty), and of course Rossio – the meeting point and very heart of Lisbon. We shall also see the district of Baixa, an area entirely rebuilt following the disastrous earthquake of 1755. The final highlight of our panoramic coach journey will be the unique Comércio Square, located along the waterfront.
Upon disembarking our tour coach, we will have a short walk to the ferry station, where we board our boat to start the second and most exciting part of our tour – a one and a half hour trip along the estuary of the River Tagus. Here we shall discover the beauty and charm of Lisbon from the river. We first sail towards the medieval part of the city, where at the top of the hill stands the castle originally built by the Romans, and the 12th century cathedral in the centre of the Moorish district of Alfama. This area will make us feel as though we are taking a step back in time, and we will soon realise the importance of the harbour throughout the history of Lisbon.
As we continue along the river, our boat will pass under the spectacular suspension bridge, which was built in 1966, and will remind us of the Golden Gate in San Francisco (they were built by the same construction company). In the distance stands the monumental statue of Christ the King, built as a thanksgiving for Portugal’s neutrality during World War II.
We then sail along the banks of the Belem area, once a village around the 15th century new harbour. From here the caravels set sail for their great voyages of discoveries – no doubt the most glorious period of Portuguese history. Perhaps one of the most surprising monuments, and particularly beautiful when seen from the river, is the memorial to Prince Henry – the mastermind navigator behind Portugal’s voyages of exploration and subsequent wealth. Here we can also see the only two great buildings dating from the period of the discoveries and the rich reign of King Manuel I that survived the earthquake and show us the splendour of the city back then. These are the Royal Monastery of St Jerome, a masterpiece of ornate gothic style, and the unique Belem Tower, built as a fortress to defend the harbour of the rich 15th and 16th century capital of Portugal. Following our scenic river cruise, we shall return to our awaiting coach and drive back to the quayside.
LISBON CITY TOUR - 4 hours - £35 to £45 per person
A hilly city paved with cobblestones, Lisbon’s sights are best enjoyed from the comfort of a coach. This tour takes in many famous city sights. We can also enjoy the magnificent view of the city and harbour from Alto do Parque Belvedere. Rossio Square is the Piccadilly Circus of Lisbon, and here the mile-long Avenida da Liberdade leads to the statue of Pombal, who rebuilt the city following the devastating earthquake of 1755. We will drive by Lisbon’s oldest quarter ‘Alfama’, and continue on to the April 25th Suspension Bridge, which is one of the world’s longest suspension bridges, and connects the city of Lisbon to Almada. The bridge was built in 1966 and is often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, due to their similarities (they were actually built by the same construction company). Here we can enjoy a superb view of the city of Lisbon from the comfort of our tour coach. After re-crossing the bridge back into Lisbon, we continue with a visit to the Church of the Jeronimos Monastery – a 16th century architectural masterpiece designed in the Gothic-Manueline style. Following our visit, we will walk to the western section of the former monastery, which houses the Maritime Museum – an obligatory visit for those who love the sea. The museum illustrates the history of navigation, from the Middle Ages to the present day, with miniature boats and larger reproductions, original maps and nautical instruments on show. Nearby, we will see the lavishly decorated Belem Tower, where Portuguese explorers were given a rousing send-off, and the Monument to the Discoveries, which was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry, the mastermind navigator behind Portugal’s voyages of exploration and subsequent wealth. As we return to our ship via Avenida Brasilia, we will see once again, stretching across the River Tagus, the April 25th Suspension Bridge and the towering Christ the King statue on the far side.
PICTURESQUE SINTRA & CASCAIS - 4 hours - £TBA per person
Leaving Lisbon through Monsanto Park, we travel to Sintra, a popular old world village resort nestling in tree-clad hills north of Lisbon. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its 19th century Romantic architecture. Upon arrival, we will see the outside of the Royal Palace – the best preserved medieval palace in Portugal – with its two chimneys, resembling a giant oast house. The palace is Moorish in origin, and is one of the oldest buildings in Portugal.
Following a short stop in the square at Sintra, during which time we can explore at leisure or browse the shops, we continue our tour to Cascais. En route to the picturesque town, we shall make a photo-stop at the beautiful Praia do Guincho, a popular beach for surfing, to admire the scenery, which includes the most westerly point in Europe, Cape Roca.
Once in the centre of the lively resort of Cascais we can admire the attractive bay or sit in one of the fashionable outdoor cafés and watch the world go by. We then return to Lisbon along the River Tagus, passing by the village of Estoril en route.
LOVELY OBIDOS - A QUEEN'S GIFT - 4.5 hours - £40 to £50 per person
Following a scenic 75-minute drive through the beautiful Portuguese countryside, we arrive at the medieval town of Obidos for a unique experience to travel back in time. The origins of this quaint little town, rising majestically above the lovely Gaeiras vineyards, are obscured in history, but may date back as far as 308 BC. The town was conquered by force by the Portuguese in 1148. A century and a half later, King Diniz, passing through with his young bride, gave her the town as a present, because she had admired the ramparts twinkling like a ribbon around a bouquet of shining white houses. From then on, Obidos was given as a wedding gift to all of Portugal’s queens.
We begin our visit to Obidos with a short walking tour, exploring the most picturesque streets. We shall also visit the 17th century Parish Church of Santa Maria, which features magnificent decorations in the famous blue and white tiles inside. From Pillory Square, our guide will explain how to continue exploring the narrow lanes independently. We may like to follow their lead up to the castle (now converted into a ‘pousada’, or hotel), or explore the old lookout path on top of the wall encircling the city. Our free time in Obidos provides an excellent opportunity to explore further, or soak up the ambience in one of the charming outdoor cafés. Following our free time, we return to Lisbon, where we will have a brief drive through the main streets and avenues to cross the city before arriving at the pier.
LISBON PANORAMA - 2 hours - £30 to £40 per person
We depart the pier for a drive to the Belem area of Lisbon. Here we shall see the Presidential Palace, the Church of the Monastery of Jeronimos, one of the most prominent monasteries in Portugal, and the Tower of Belem, built to commemorate explorer Vasco de Gama’s expedition. We shall also view the Monument to the Discoveries, which was unveiled as part of the 500-year anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator. Next it’s onto the Restelo area, the most exclusive residential district of Lisbon, and the location of many foreign embassies. As we circle back to the centre through Monsanto Park and Duarte Pacheco Avenue, our scenic view will include the impressive 18th century stone aqueduct, which is 11 miles long, and until recently was used to bring fresh water into Lisbon.
Our drive continues to the lovely Edward VII Park, where we will stop at the Belvedere to admire a panoramic view of the city. From here we can see the Castle of St George, downtown Lisbon and the River Tagus.
Following our stop, we drive along the famous Avenida da Liberdade (Avenue of Liberty) to Rossio Square, to see the Santa Justa Elevator, designed by Eiffel, and Praça do Comercio (Black Horse Square), which is considered to be one of the most impressive squares in Lisbon. From here we return to the quayside and our awaiting ship.
OCEANARIUM, SHOPPING & SIGHTS - 4 hours - £45 to £55 per person
Our tour begins with a drive through the centre of Lisbon, a lively modern capital with many historic buildings, squares and picturesque quarters. Rossio is the main square in Lisbon, and the mile-long famous Avenida da Liberdade (Avenue of Liberty) leads to the statue of the Marquis of Pombal, who rebuilt the city following the disastrous earthquake of 1755.
Next we travel to the outside of the city, to the site of the EXPO 98 World Exhibition to visit the main attraction here, the spectacular Oceanarium. Designed by American architect Peter Chermayeff, it is the largest Oceanarium in Europe and features sea life found in the world’s greatest oceans. There are four environments recreating the coastal habitats of the Antarctic, Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans. The Oceanarium also houses an extensive collection of over 15,000 creatures representing more than 200 different species, including sharks, which hold a particular fascination for visitors. It is also one of the only aquariums in the world to house a sunfish, due to the unique requirements for its care. We will also see an immense decorative azulejo design, which consists of 54,000 hand-painted tiles portraying elements of marine fauna.
Following our visit to the Oceanarium, we can enjoy some free time to either remain at the Oceanarium, explore Parque das Nações, or the more adventurous of us may wish to walk to the Vasco da Gama shopping mall to browse for souvenirs or enjoy a relaxing drink on the terrace.
JEEP SAFARI IN THE SINTRA MOUNTAINS - 5 hours - £71 to £80 per person
Take a tour with a difference, around the inlands of Serra Sintra.
Following a short briefing at the quayside, we travel in our fully-equipped jeeps to Sintra, a popular old world village resort nestling in tree-clad hills, north of Lisbon. Upon arrival at Lagoa Azul, we then travel through dusty gravel roads before we enter the inlands of Serra Sintra, dotted with beautiful centenary trees.
Next we drive to Memória, where we shall see the endless landscape, an immense ocean and Palácio da Pena standing on top of a mountain peak in the distance. It was in this area that 20 Portuguese soldiers tragically lost their lives in a major fire, which devastated this part of the hills.
Our journey will take us along leafy lanes in the hills to Penedo, a typical country village, with its cottages and narrow, winding streets, and its 17th century church, which is considered to be a national monument.
Continuing, we head to Buraco do Fojo, an impressive deep hole that contains the seawater within its walls. In the nearby village of Almoçageme, we can enjoy a light Portuguese snack and mineral water.
Feeling refreshed, our tour continues to Sintra, passing through Monserrate and Colares. Upon arrival, we can enjoy some free time to wander through its picturesque streets independently, before re-joining our jeeps and returning to the quayside.
Days 12 & 13
Full days cruising and to take this last opportunity to enjoy the facilities on board the ship.
Day 14
Morning arrival into Dover.
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