Delve into the delectable details throughout Spain on the way to Portugal during this 5-day cruise along storied ports and scenic coastlines. Swim and sunbathe amid the rich and reclusive on a remote Balearic beach near Palma de Mallorca. Explore one of the few remains of Carthaginian civilization at Cartagena’s 3^rd century B.C. archaeological site, Muralla Punica. Stay out late in Malaga among Museo Picasso Málaga masterpieces and fried chili tapas paired with bracing, Albariño white wines and fruity Tempranillo reds. This indulgent Iberian odyssey concludes among Lisbon’s terracotta-tiled architecture overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Ride a century-old funicular into the hills high above the city, spend an afternoon sipping Ports, or seek out one-of-a-kind ceramic souvenirs and tasty local fare in charming shops and boutiques tucked into the shadows of Lisbon’s memorable medieval cathedrals and weathered city walls.

The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you’re greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don’t miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky.

Mallorca is steep, green, and fringed with enticing coves and more than 200 lush beaches. But all that natural beauty is just the beginning. Stroll along the tree-shaded Paseo de Born in search of tapas. Shop for a Siurell; a traditional red, green, and white clay whistle dating back to the time of the Moors. Watch the street performers on the piazza around the church, or cross the island to beautiful Sóller. Not to be missed is the cultural landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The walled town of Cartagena is a popular seaport with a large naval shipyard. The seashore offers a wide range of activities from windsurfing to good snorkeling to sailing. From Cartagena you can easily explore the ancient city of Murcia, the coastal resorts of Mazarrón, Cala Cortina, and Cabo de Palos or a little further north, the world famous resort of Mar Menor.

Here, on the shores of Costa del Sol, the Andalusian spirit thrives. Be sure to include an optional visit to see the brilliant and comprehensive collection of Picasso’s work at Museo Picasso Málaga, a tribute to this artistic genius in the city of his birth. Or you may choose to opt for a visit to the beautiful village of Mijas, where picturesque Andalusian country life creates some of the world’s best wines. 

The rhythm of Lisbon invites you to join its captivating dance. This splendid capital city on the banks of the Rio Teja offers a warm welcome and an unparalleled blend of architectural styles. Elegant outdoor cafés line the cobbled sidewalks. Turn-of-the-century funiculars climb the scenic hills. Find the UNESCO sites of the Tower of Belem and the Monastery of the Hieronymites. And, everywhere, the city engages you with its easy style and remarkable charm.