Iberian Discovery: Spain and Portugal with Morrocco

Welcome to Spain and the vibrant city of Barcelona. Renowned for its stunning beaches, innovative cuisine, edgy art scene and buzzing nightlife, it attracts travellers from across the globe.

Your journey begins here as soon as you step on board Scenic Eclipse II. Be warmly welcomed by the crew before your butler shows you to your luxurious verandah suite. As the sun sets over Barcelona, join your fellow guests on the Sky Deck for a pre-dinner cocktail with stunning city views.

Please book your flight to arrive into Barcelona prior to 01:00 PM.

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. The vibrant city of Barcelona, with its lively culture and inviting outdoor spaces, preserves a rich history. Picturesque medieval lanes wind through the oldest part of the city, the Gothic Quarter, where remnants of the city’s Roman wall were uncovered. Its treasures include the neo-Gothic Barcelona Cathedral, the medieval Jewish district of El Call and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria del Pi. In the evenings, diners relax in the Royal Plaza at restaurants along the elegant square’s perimeter.

Palma, a popular resort city and capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca, is a place where history comes alive. Its rich cultural heritage has been inherited from the Romans, Moors and Catholics who lived here successively since 123BC. Wander the narrow, cobbled streets of Palma’s Casco Antiguo (Old Town) and admire its elegant archways, grand historic palacios, medieval churches and charming squares.

From Santa Maria Cathedral, a Gothic landmark, to La Almudaina, the Moorish-style Arab fortress converted into a royal residence, and Bellver Castle, a medieval fortress with a distinctive circular shape, Palma reveals a new chapter of history at every corner.

If you look north of the cathedral (La Seu, or the seat of the bishopric, to Mallorcans) on a map of the city of Palma, you can see around the Plaça Santa Eulàlia a jumble of tiny streets that made up the earliest settlement. Farther out, a ring of wide boulevards traces the fortifications built by the Moors to defend the larger city that emerged by the 12th century. The zigzags mark the bastions that jutted out at regular intervals. By the end of the 19th century, most of the walls had been demolished; the only place where you can still see the massive defenses is at Ses Voltes, along the seafront west of the cathedral.A torrent (streambed) used to run through the middle of the old city, dry for most of the year but often a raging flood in the rainy season. In the 17th century it was diverted to the east, along the moat that ran outside the city walls. Two of Palma's main arteries, La Rambla and the Passeig d'es Born, now follow the stream's natural course. The traditional evening paseo (promenade) takes place on the Born.If you come to Palma by car, park in the garage beneath the Parc de la Mar (the ramp is just off the highway from the airport, as you reach the cathedral) and stroll along the park. Beside it run the huge bastions guarding the Almudaina Palace; the cathedral, golden and massive, rises beyond. Where you exit the garage, there's a ceramic mural by the late Catalan artist and Mallorca resident Joan Miró, facing the cathedral across the pool that runs the length of the park.If you begin early enough, a walk along the ramparts at Ses Voltes from the mirador beside the cathedral is spectacular. The first rays of the sun turn the upper pinnacles of La Seu bright gold and then begin to work their way down the sandstone walls. From the Parc de la Mar, follow Avinguda Antoni Maura past the steps to the palace. Just below the Plaça de la Reina, where the Passeig d'es Born begins, turn left on Carrer de la Boteria into the Plaça de la Llotja (if the Llotja itself is open, don't miss a chance to visit—it's the Mediterranean's finest Gothic-style civic building). From there stroll through the Plaça Drassana to the Museu d'Es Baluard, at the end of Carrer Sant Pere. Retrace your steps to Avinguda Antoni Maura. Walk up the Passeig d'es Born to Plaça Joan Carles I, then right on Avenida de La Unió.

Whilst Ibiza is famous for its thriving party scene, there is more to this island than meets the eye. Home to beautiful nature and superb beaches, you will also discover archaeological sites and small villages almost untouched by modern life. Inland, the island is all limestone hills and lush pine forest, home to artisan producers who are creating one-of-a-kind local delights.

The island is known for its dazzling sunsets, so grab a seat and a drink at the Sky Bar or Yacht Club Terrace to watch the sky turn orange, red and pink as Scenic Eclipse II leaves port.

Hedonistic and historic, Eivissa (Ibiza, in Castilian) is a city jam-packed with cafés, nightspots, and trendy shops; looming over it are the massive stone walls of Dalt Vila —the medieval city declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999—and its Gothic cathedral. Squeezed between the north walls of the old city and the harbor is Sa Penya, a long labyrinth of stone-paved streets that offer some of the city's best offbeat shopping, snacking, and exploring. The tourist information office on Vara de Rey has a useful map of walks through the old city.

A prized location with one of the world’s greatest natural harbours at its doorstep and surrounded by rich mineral deposits, Cartagena surprises and delights. Once inhabited by the Romans, Cartagena is recognised for the wealth of ancient sites in and around the city. Roman murals and mosaics adorn historical villas while late 19th century architecture complements the picturesque Mediterranean coast.

Enjoy your morning in this beautiful port before returning to Scenic Eclipse II after lunch. Perhaps relax with an indulgent treatment# at the expansive Senses Spa before meeting new friends for dinner in one of the up to 10 world-class culinary experiences on board.

A Mediterranean city and naval station located in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain, Cartagena’s sheltered bay has attracted sailors for centuries. The Carthaginians founded the city in 223BC and named it Cartago Nova; it later became a prosperous Roman colony, and a Byzantine trading centre. The city has been the main Spanish Mediterranean naval base since the reign of King Philip II, and is still surrounded by walls built during this period. Cartagena’s importance grew with the arrival of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century, when the Navidad Fortress was constructed to protect the harbour. In recent years, traces of the city’s fascinating past have been brought to light: a well-preserved Roman Theatre was discovered in 1988, and this has now been restored and opened to the public. During your free time, you may like to take a mini-cruise around Cartagena's historic harbour: these operate several times a day, take approximately 40 minutes and do not need to be booked in advance. Full details will be available at the port.

Spend today exploring the city of Málaga on Spain’s Costa del Sol, a glamorous resort town with more than 3,000 years of history. A centre of trade in the 15th century, today this vibrant cosmopolitan city draws millions of visitors each year for its sunshine and artistic roots. Málaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and proudly pays homage to the virtuoso with a dedicated museum. Wander the streets filled with architectural delights from colourful baroque designs to a historic Roman theatre.

Scenic Eclipse II will be docked here overnight, so there’s time to sample gastronomic delights such as ‘tinto de verano’, a delicious, iced summer wine.

As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities.

Known for luxury cars, expensive shops and impressive yachts, Puerto Banús sets the standard in exclusivity – so you'll feel right at home on board Scenic Eclipse II. This small town was developed in the 1970s to be the perfect combination of Andalusian culture, reflecting the fishing villages of the area as well as a stylish port town with sophistication and elegance.

Set against a backdrop of immense mountains, wind your way through the town’s narrow streets lined with flower boxes. Or experience one of the excellent golf courses that dot the hills behind the town. You may also wish to visit one of the many glitzy bars this evening before another late departure.

Puerto Banús is not a cruise destination in itself but is a renowned luxury marina and shopping complex on the Costa del Sol in Southern Spain, serving as a primary shore excursion destination from the main cruise port of Málaga. It is frequently twinned with the nearby historic city of Marbella.

Tagged on to the end of Iberia, the intriguing British outpost of Gibraltar is dominated by a sandy peninsula and the stunning 1,400-feet-high limestone Rock. Although small, Gibraltar has always been seen as having great strategic importance on account of its advantageous position where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, just 12 miles from the coast of Africa. Ever popular with British holidaymakers, Gibraltar is very much a home from home, boasting excellent duty-free shopping in many familiar British high street shops. Please note: Gibraltar’s small size and narrow winding roads mean that excursions are operated by 22-seater mini-buses, accompanied by a driver/guide. Local health and safety regulations prohibit the carriage of walking aids and collapsible wheelchairs on these vehicles. If you do wish to bring a mobility aid, we can arrange the Rock Tour by taxi, which has extra space. If this suits your requirements, please advise the Tours and Travel office when you join the ship, as numbers are limited.

At the northwestern tip of the African continent lies Tangier, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Tangier's allure is timeless, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and vibrant present.

It’s known as the White City for the whitewashed houses strewn along winding streets, and many cultures and civilisations have left their mark here over centuries. A strong Spanish influence makes it an excellent showcase for Spanish-Moorish architecture and its celebrated café culture boasts over 1,000 establishments. Today, modernisation is in full swing and Tangier is the busiest port in the Mediterranean.

A pivotal port city linking Africa and Europe, Tangier lies just nineteen miles across the Strait of Gibraltar from the Iberian Peninsula. Long coveted for its strategic location where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, numerous empires called it their own throughout history. The city’s vibrancy and multicultural air attracted all manner of artists in the late 20th century, including Henri Matisse and Paul Bowles. Tangier’s ancient, walled medina brims with the pleasures of Morocco, from intricate carpets and finely made slippers to fresh dates.

The historic city of Seville is around 100 kilometres from the coast, yet its position on the banks of the Guadalquivir River means Scenic Eclipse II can sail inland and dock right in its heart. Dating back to the days of the Roman Empire, the elegant capital of Andalusia is an architect's dream with striking styles ranging from the Gothic design of Cathedral de Santa María de la Sede to the Baroque style Iglesia Colegial del Salvador and strong Moorish influences.

Your Discovery Yacht will be spending the night in Seville, giving you ample opportunity to sample the city’s famed culinary scene, small bars and flamenco dancing.

Cádiz lies on Spain’s breathtaking province of Andalusia and gained incredible wealth during the 18th century; riches from the Americas were unloaded here after the Guadalquivir River to Seville silted up. This scenic southern region is the home of the matador and world-class equestrian art. Seville, city of polyamorous suitor Don Juan, boasts plenty of its own glories. Its grand cathedral, Alcázar Palace and Tower of Gold were built from the coffers of Spanish kings, but its fiery flamenco defines its true spirit. It is best to ponder it all while sipping sherry at a bodega.

On the western Algarve, Portimão is a small port with a bustling historic centre. Spend the day exploring this former fishing town, where architectural masterpieces from the 19th and 20th century seamlessly blend with colourful contemporary structures, fronted by a breathtaking promenade. Visit the shops selling traditional lace, ceramics and leather goods, and dine in one of the many fantastic restaurants. Admire the steep limestone cliffs that surround its sandy beach of Praia da Rocha and swim in its turquoise waters.

Portimão is a major fishing port, and significant investment has been poured into transforming it into an attractive cruise port as well. The city itself is spacious and has several good shopping streets—though sadly many of the more traditional retailers have closed in the wake of the global economic crisis. There is also a lovely riverside area that just begs to be strolled (lots of the coastal cruises depart from here). Don’t leave without stopping for an alfresco lunch at the Doca da Sardinha ("sardine dock") between the old bridge and the railway bridge. You can sit at one of many inexpensive establishments, eating charcoal-grilled sardines (a local specialty) accompanied by chewy fresh bread, simple salads, and local wine.

Welcome to Lisbon, the colourful capital of Portugal and a city with a proud history of seafaring dating back more than 600 years. Your journey into wonder ends here after one last sumptuous breakfast on board the ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse II. Farewell the crew and your new friends as you depart, taking with you memories of an unforgettable journey.

Please book your flight to depart out of Lisbon after 12:00 PM.

+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. #Spa treatments at additional cost.

Please note the itinerary is a guide and may be subject to changes for operational reasons. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. The city prospered greatly from its trade. And today’s streets are lined with the legacies of wealthy builders, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture. Savoring local cuisine and port wine are favorite pastimes here. On any evening, the strains of fadospill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.