Treasures of Spain and Portugal - Eastbound

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, InterContinental Lisbon. A transfer is included from Lisbon Airport or Santa Apolonia Train Station to the InterContinental Lisbon, located in the heart of the city overlooking the Tagus River. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner tonight at the hotel.

Lisbon, Portugal's hilly and coastal capital, is a vision of carefully planned and elegant streets steeped in history. Your introduction to Lisbon begins with a day of sightseeing, showcasing the Baixa area, Praça do Comércio, and Parque Eduardo VII – named in honor of the king of England who visited here in 1902. As exploration continues, learn about Portugal's involvement in trade and navigation at sea with a visit to the Maritime Navy Museum, taste pastries, and view the impressive architecture of the Jerónimos Monastery for insight into Portugal's Age of Discovery – commissioned in 1501 after Vasco da Gama's return from his voyage around the Cape of Good Hope. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the park and the many restaurants near your hotel. 

You'll drive to Sintra early this morning for a tour of the eclectic Sintra National Palace. Considered Portugal's best preserved medieval Royal Palace, it was continuously inhabited by Portuguese royalty from roughly the early 15th to late 19th centuries, and is part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drive to seaside Cascais, where you'll enjoy lunch on your own before heading back to Lisbon to board your Windstar yacht for the start of your cruise; Dinner will be served aboard the ship tonight.

Today, you're free to enjoy all the amenities of Windstar's 5-masted flagship Wind Surf – the world's largest sailing yacht, and a sight to see with her tall sails billowing – fresh from a recent renovation, as you spend an entire day at sea, bound for Cádiz, Spain.

Disembark for a choice of excursions in Seville following a visit to the postcard-worthy Plaza España, a tapas lunch, and a passionate flamenco performance at the Flamenco Museum. One choice is a visit to the 15th-century Seville Cathedral – the largest Gothic church in the world – where you'll see Christopher Columbus' tomb. Alternatively, visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville – Europe's oldest royal palace and former Muslim fortress. Enjoy some time in Seville as you please before charting a course toward Gibraltar.

Connecting the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, Gibraltar – a British territory on Spain's south coast – is only 2¼ square miles in size, but is an essential piece of land and base for the Royal Navy, as it is the "Gateway to the Mediterranean." Today, visit the massive Rock of Gibraltar and enjoy sweeping sea views – on a clear day, you can see the shores of Africa. Wander into one of the 150 caves here with a visit to St. Michael's Cave, and visit Apes' Den, named after the Barbary macaques that reside here – normally found only in Northern Africa. Choose to stay in town or return to the ship this afternoon, before she sets sail for Málaga.

The land of dancing Andalusian horses, Picasso, and sherry welcomes you ashore in Málaga, where a typical manor opens its doors for a tapas tasting and a private Andalusian horse show. This afternoon, discover Málaga's vibrant market district and stroll through Plaza de la Merced – the birthplace of Pablo Picasso – culminating in a visit to the renowned Picasso Museum. Here, view a collection of works spanning the artist's career, donated by members of his family. Enjoy time to explore Málaga as you wish.

Your ship arrives in Almeria this morning for a scenic drive to Granada, created to reflect the Moors' vision of paradise on Earth. Explore this wondrous town on a walking tour followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Guitarist Andres Segovia described Granada, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, as a "place of dreams." Return to your ship late afternoon and enjoy dinner at leisure onboard.

Arrive in Cartagena early this morning, walk to the city's Roman Forum for a private visit to the 1st-century thermal baths, atrium, and a temple dedicated to Isis and Serapis; then enjoy a wine tasting inside the Forum and a demonstration of the art of slicing jamón. Set off again for more time at sea, bound for Palma de Mallorca. 

Disembark this morning in Palma de Mallorca, for a guided walking tour of the beautiful city of Palma, located on an island exceedingly rich in cultural treasures. Visit Gothic-style Bellver Castle as well as the Gothic Cathedral, La Seu, built of golden limestone and standing in a dramatic location near the waterfront; its interior was remodeled by Antoni Gaudí and it's considered to be one of the most breathtaking buildings in all of Spain. This afternoon you have an opportunity to explore more of Palma as you please. Dine at leisure tonight aboard your Windstar ship as you sail to Barcelona.

Disembark in Barcelona – Catalonia's capital – where a parade of historic monuments stands alongside outstanding examples of Modernisme art and architecture. Sightseeing today includes visits to Gaudí's whimsical Parc Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of colorful buildings embellished with glass and ceramic mosaics, sculpted animals, and imaginative furnishings, all set within a 50-acre garden overlooking the city and the sea, and to Gaudí's unconventional, unfinished La Sagrada Família, begun by the architect in 1882, where sunlight paints the soaring interior in rainbow hues. Settle into your ideally located hotel after lunch, near landmark sites, and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Your day starts with a private visit to the Palau de la Música Catalana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which truly is a palace of music. The only concert hall in Europe lit by natural light, it is a Modernisme celebration of tile work, sculpture, and stained glass which you will have an opportunity to view without crowds. A choice of sightseeing excursions includes a visit to the medieval quarter of Barri Gòtic, the historic heart of the city, or a walking tour of Passeig de Gràcia that includes a visit inside Gaudí's whimsical Casa Milà (La Pedrera). Spend the rest of the day as you wish, before joining us tonight for a reception and dinner at the privately opened La Casa de la Seda, "house of silk," with a private tour.

Tour ends: Barcelona. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included to Barcelona International Airport from Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona. Allow three hours for flight check-in.