Maritime Traditions of Spain, Portugal & Gibraltar - 4 April 2025

From £1769pp
13 Nights
Cruise Offers
Ocean

Highlights:

  • Join a flamenco lesson with a local bailaora in Cádiz
  • Explore the tunnels carved into the Rock of Gibraltar
  • Learn to make pasteis de nata in Lisbon

Our Journey Planners have designed this cruise with a focus on the cultural traditions and history of Gibraltar, Spain and Portugal. Gibraltar guards the entrance to the Mediterranean; its eponymous rock is riddled with tunnels carved during the Great Siege in the 18th century, which make for fascinating exploration. In Cádiz, the birthplace of tapas, you can join a flamenco lesson with a local bailaora (flamenco dancer) while Lisbon is ideal for uncovering Portugal’s maritime history or learning how to make pastéis de nata with a local pastry chef. You can view historic sites from Borealis such as the Belém Tower and the Tower of Hercules, said to be the only Roman lighthouse in existence.

Price Includes:

DINING & LOUNGES

  • À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Daily buffet dining options
  • Late night Supper Club
  • Afternoon tea
  • Self-service tea & coffee
  • In-cabin dining & snacks

TREATS & PASTIMES

  • Evening shows
  • Live music & dancing
  • Dance classes
  • Lectures & talks
  • Cookery demonstrations
  • Traditional deck games
  • Daily games & quizzes

RELAXATION & FITNESS

  • Swimming Pools
  • Jacuzzis
  • Fitness Centre
  • Fitness Classes

Itinerary

  • 4 April 2025 Departing Newcastle

  • 9 April 2025 Gibraltar

    The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar is dominated by The Rock, a 426m-high limestone ridge, home to the mischievous Barbary apes, which are hugely entertaining but must be remembered that they are still wild animals. Elsewhere, the town is resolutely British, with red pillar boxes, helmeted police officers, traditional pubs and even Marks & Spencer. The waters surrounding Gibraltar are also a haven for various cetaceans, including three species of dolphin.

  • 10 April 2025 Malaga, Spain

    Malaga is a city that is rich in history and culture – located on the shores of the Mediterranean, it is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and his childhood spent here is reflected in many of the recurring themes of his paintings, including flamenco and bulls. Known as the olive capital of the world, the Andalusian region accounts for 35% of the olives produced in the EU and are closely monitored by officials from the regional government.

  • 11 April 2025 Cadiz, Spain

    One of Europe’s oldest cities, Cádiz is known for its palm trees, ancient buildings and maritime history. The Old Town is home to the striking 18th century Cádiz Cathedral and over 100 watchtowers, as well as traditional Tapas bars. Tapa derives from ‘cover’, where one legend has it that bartenders would cover drinks with a saucer to keep out the dust created by the breeze in the city, and would add little treats of olives and ham to entice customers to visit again. Tapas are best served with a glass of Spanish wine from Jerez de la Frontera.

  • 12 April 2025 Lisbon, Portugal

    Overlooking the River Tagus, Portugal’s capital city offers an abundance of maritime highlights, including the iconic Ponte de Abril Suspension Bridge, and the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower, which served as an embarkation and disembarkation point for Vasco de Gama and other Portuguese explorers. The delicious pastéis de nata are also not to be missed when visiting Lisbon, particularly when sampled at the original bakery, which opened in 1837.

  • 13 April 2025 Leixões, Portugal

    A short journey from Leixões takes you into the heart of Oporto, with its fortress-like Cathedral – offering stunning views across the city, and the Baroque Church of Clérigos. Head to the historic Ribeira District, where the narrow, cobbled lanes wind their way down to the Douro River, or visit one of the many wine cellars for a taste of the rich and smooth fortified wine named after the city, Port.

  • 14 April 2025 La Coruña, Spain

    The vibrant 9th-century port town of La Coruña, on the Iberian Peninsula, is a delicate combination of old and new architecture, with the shimmering glass of modern buildings prompting the local's to nickname it ‘The Crystal City’ juxtaposed against the deeply historical medieval district; rich in Galician culture, history, gastronomy and natural beauty. The centrepiece of this region is the Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where it is said the Relics of James the Apostle are buried – an incentive for the pilgrims who make the journey along the Camino de Santiago each year. From climbing up the world’s oldest working lighthouse to exploring the small collection of immaculate bays, La Coruña’s many treasures make this a town worth discovering.

  • 17 April 2025 Return to Newcastle

Customers Say

From £1769pp
13 Nights
Cruise Offers
Ocean

Highlights:

  • Join a flamenco lesson with a local bailaora in Cádiz
  • Explore the tunnels carved into the Rock of Gibraltar
  • Learn to make pasteis de nata in Lisbon

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