Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal – with Smithsonian Journeys

Portugal is most often introduced to students of history as the country that led the way in Europe's discovery of sub-Saharan Africa, India, and East Asia. But throughout much of the modern era, Portugal, like the rest of the Iberian Peninsula, was in the avant garde of developments in the fields of art and architecture. This specially designed program will introduce you to monuments that celebrate both of these aspects of Portugal's past.

Day 1 – Lisbon

After breakfast on board, disembark your ship. Your panoramic tour of Lisbon begins with a stop at the imposing Jeronimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama spent his last night before embarking on his voyage to India, and the finest extant example of the Portuguese architectural style known as Manueline. Enjoy some time at leisure in the historic Belém Quarter. Stop for photos at the 16th-century Belém Tower, the point from which many Portuguese explorers, including da Gama, set sail. Continue to the Gulbenkian Museum, home to one of the world’s most impressive private art collections, featuring works from ancient Egypt to 20th-century Europe. Enjoy a local lunch then transfer to the Hotel Altis Avenida for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure, and dinner is on your own.

Day 2 – Sintra

After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to the nearby village of Sintra, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its role in the early development of European Romantic architecture. Explore Sintra Palace, thought to have first been constructed in the 10th or 11th century when Sintra was under Moorish rule, with additions made by successive kings and queens. Since March 2025, ongoing restoration of the magnificent Hispano-Moorish tile panels in the Arab Room, D. Afonso?VI Chamber, and the Gruta dos Banhos has been underway, allowing visitors to view the intricate conservation efforts in progress. The Preta Garden, fully restored in recent years, continues to offer sweeping views over the Sintra Hills and historic town center.

After your visit to this fascinating place, drive to the center of Sintra for lunch at a local restaurant and time at leisure for browsing the many shops that offer handicrafts and Portuguese wines before reboarding your motorcoach for the return journey. Your route will take you through a nature preserve to Cabo da Roca on the Atlantic coast, the westernmost point of Europe. From there you will travel along the coastal road back to Lisbon. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.

Day 3 - Lisbon | Homeward

After breakfast at the hotel and checking out of the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight homeward.

Your hotel:

The Hotel Altis Avenida is a charming boutique hotel, with an extraordinary location in the center of Lisbon, in Praça dos Restauradores.?The architecture and decoration are inspired by the 1940s and draw on the concept of "urban chic," where the past and the future meet, creating an atmosphere of charm and glamor.?The hotel has 123 rooms, a Lobby Bar, and a fine dining restaurant on the top floor of the hotel that features the cuisine of chef João Rodrigues.

Your program includes:

·        2 nights at the Hotel Altis Avenida (or similar).

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on Day 1.

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3.

·        Breakfast on Days 2 and 3.

·        Lunch on Days 1 and 2.

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary.

·        Local English-speaking guide.

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides.

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day.

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.

·        Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.

·        The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are largely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

·        This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.

·        Program is offered on a space available basis.

·        Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:

Hotel Altis Avenida

Rua 1° Dezembro, 120

1200-360 Lisbon

Portugal

Telephone:?+351?210 440 000

Catalonia enjoys one of the richest cultural heritages in Spain. This specially designed program introduces you to two fascinating elements of that heritage: the 12th-century Benedictine monastery on Montserrat and the modernist marvels of Barcelona.

Day 1 - Barcelona, Spain

Arrive in Barcelona, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the next two nights. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and offer suggestions for dining and independent exploration.

This evening, join your fellow travelers for a cocktail reception at the hotel to kick off your journey. Dinner is on your own.

Day 2 - Barcelona | Montserrat

After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to the astonishing Monastery of Montserrat. A scenic drive north of Barcelona brings you to the charming town of Monistrol de Montserrat, where you’ll board a cog railway for the steep climb up the serrated limestone mountains to the monastery perched near the summit.

Your guided visit includes the ornate basilica, home to the beloved wooden statue of the Virgin that has drawn pilgrims since the 12th century, and the Montserrat Museum, which houses works by masters such as Monet, Picasso, Casas, and Rusiñol.

Enjoy a traditional Catalan lunch at the Abat Cisneros Restaurant, once the monastery’s stables, followed by free time to further explore this spiritual site on your own. Return to Barcelona in the afternoon, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 3 - Barcelona | Embark

After breakfast and check-out, set off on a guided tour showcasing Barcelona’s architectural treasures and historic heart. Begin with a leisurely walking tour through the Gothic Quarter, passing by the grand Cathedral, Plaça Reial, Plaça Sant Jaume, and Plaça del Rei. Continue to the Born district for a glimpse of the beautiful Santa Maria del Mar and some free time to explore.

Enjoy lunch at Brisa Restaurant, then board your coach for a panoramic drive passing the Arc de Triomf en route to La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece. Begun in 1884 and still unfinished, this extraordinary basilica continues to awe visitors from around the world. Your guided tour will bring Gaudí’s visionary architecture and the ongoing work to life.

Following the visit, transfer directly to the port to embark your ship in the late afternoon.

Your hotel:
The NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderón is a premium 4-star hotel, perfectly situated on Rambla Catalunya, just steps from top restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Guests can enjoy modern rooms, a rooftop pool with panoramic city views, a fitness center, and a welcoming lobby bar.

Your program includes:
2 nights at NH Calderón Hotel (or similar)
Transfers and luggage handling from the airport on Day 1
Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the pier on Day 3
Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1
Breakfast on Days 2 & 3
Lunch on Days 2 & 3
Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
Local English-speaking local guide
Gratuities for drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:
Transfers from the airport on days other than the scheduled program arrival day
Personal expenses and any services or meals not mentioned as included

Please note:
It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the program start to secure your transfer.
Early check-in and/or late check-out are available subject to availability and at a supplement. Extra nights can be arranged upon request.
The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted.
This pre-cruise program is sold as a package. No refunds will be made for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
Program is subject to change and offered on a space-available basis.

Hotel contact information:
NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderón
Rambla Catalunya, 26
Barcelona 08007, Spain
Telephone: +34 93 301 0000