arrow_back
Back to search results
Lisbon to Barcelona
10 nights | 13 April 2027 | Silver Spirit
The all-new Silver Spirit has never looked better, nor felt cosier. Fully refurbished for a superlative onboard adventure, she retains our world famous standards of service and home away from home feel.
With one of the highest space to guest ratios in the business and eight superlative luxury dining options, Silver Spirit offers its guests one of the most complete cruise experiences available. Spacious decks leave plenty of room for relaxation, yet the cosy niches make sure that there is something for everyone. Meet like-minded friends; enjoy first class dining and relax in what is possibly the best place between sea and sky.
Prices are per person including all taxes, based on 2 adults sharing one cabin on a twinshare basis.
Itinerary and port stops
Day 1
Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive 18:00
Depart 00:00
18:00
00:00
13/04/2027
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city open to the sea and carefully planned with 18th-century elegance. Its founder is said to be the legendary Ulysses, but the theory of an original Phoenician settlement is probably more realistic. Known in Portugal as Lisboa, the city was inhabited by the Romans, Visigoths and, beginning in the 8th century, the Moors. Much of the 16th century was a period of great prosperity and overseas expansion for Portugal. Tragedy struck on All Saints Day in 1755 with a devastating earthquake that killed about 40,000 people. The destruction of Lisbon shocked the continent. As a result, the Baixa (lower city) emerged in a single phase of building, carried out in less than a decade by the royal minister, the Marques de Pombal. His carefully planned layout of a perfect neo-classical grid survived to this day and remains the heart of the city. Evidence of pre-quake Lisbon can still be seen in the Bel233;m suburb and the old Moorish section of the Alfama that sprawls below the Castle of St. George.
Lisbon is a compact city on the banks of the Tagus River. Visitors find it easy to get around as many places of interest are in the vicinity of the central downtown area. There is a convenient bus and tram system and taxis are plentiful. Rossio Square, the heart of Lisbon since medieval times, is an ideal place to start exploring. After a fire destroyed parts of the historic neighborhood behind Rossio in 1988, many of the restored buildings emerged with modern interiors behind the original fa231;ades.
The city boasts a good many monuments and museums, such as the Jeronimos Monastery, Tower of Bel233;m, the Royal Coach Museum and the Gulbenkian Museum. High above the Baixa is the Bairro Alto (upper city) with its teeming nightlife. The easiest way to connect between the two areas is via the public elevator designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Cruising up the Tagus River to the ships berth, you can already spot three of Lisbons famous landmarks: the Monument to the Discoveries, the Tower of Bel233;m and the Statue of Christ, which welcomes visitors from its hilltop location high above Europes longest suspension bridge.
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city open to the sea and carefully planned with 18th-century elegance. Its founder is said to be the legendary Ulysses, but the theory of an original Phoenician settlement is probably more realistic. Known in Portugal as Lisboa, the city was inhabited by the Romans, Visigoths and, beginning in the 8th century, the Moors. Much of the 16th century was a period of great prosperity and overseas expansion for Portugal. Tragedy struck on All Saints Day in 1755 with a devastating earthquake that killed about 40,000 people. The destruction of Lisbon shocked the continent. As a result, the Baixa (lower city) emerged in a single phase of building, carried out in less than a decade by the royal minister, the Marques de Pombal. His carefully planned layout of a perfect neo-classical grid survived to this day and remains the heart of the city. Evidence of pre-quake Lisbon can still be seen in the Bel233;m suburb and the old Moorish section of the Alfama that sprawls below the Castle of St. George.
Lisbon is a compact city on the banks of the Tagus River. Visitors find it easy to get around as many places of interest are in the vicinity of the central downtown area. There is a convenient bus and tram system and taxis are plentiful. Rossio Square, the heart of Lisbon since medieval times, is an ideal place to start exploring. After a fire destroyed parts of the historic neighborhood behind Rossio in 1988, many of the restored buildings emerged with modern interiors behind the original fa231;ades.
The city boasts a good many monuments and museums, such as the Jeronimos Monastery, Tower of Bel233;m, the Royal Coach Museum and the Gulbenkian Museum. High above the Baixa is the Bairro Alto (upper city) with its teeming nightlife. The easiest way to connect between the two areas is via the public elevator designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Cruising up the Tagus River to the ships berth, you can already spot three of Lisbons famous landmarks: the Monument to the Discoveries, the Tower of Bel233;m and the Statue of Christ, which welcomes visitors from its hilltop location high above Europes longest suspension bridge.
Day 2
Porto (Leixoes), Portugal
Arrive 19:00
Depart 08:00
19:00
08:00
14/04/2027
Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the citys most famous product - port wine.
Oporto8217;s strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town8217;s importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the citys most famous product - port wine.
Oporto8217;s strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town8217;s importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Day 3
At Sea
Arrive 00:00
Depart 00:00
00:00
00:00
Day 4
Tangier, Morocco
Arrive 19:00
Depart 08:00
19:00
08:00
16/04/2027
Set on the Maghreb coast, Tangier is Africa8217;s outstretched hand to Europe. With its bustling markets and lively waterfront, this city on Morrocos north is an energetic and invigorating place and an exciting immersion into an incredible continent. The location, on the highly strategic narrowing of the Strait of Gibraltar, made Tangier a vital Phoenician trading town - and the resulting city is an invigorating mesh of cultures and curiosities. View less
Part of the fun of Tangier is the well-rehearsed dance, as you dodge good-natured hawkers, and this is certainly a place to stroll with confidence and purpose. Delve into the mayhem of the walled Medina of Tangier for a rush of stimulation, as bartering and bantering echoes along the tight alleys. Crowded, noisy and busy, you8217;ll be sold to with a smile as you wander between stands of colourful spices, dried fruits and fabrics in this authentic Moroccan marketplace. Refresh and escape the sun with a fresh orange juice - or a sip of mint tea. Close to the city, you can find the Caves of Hercules, a coastal hollow that opens at both ends. The Phoenicians cut a window in the shape of the African continent, which reveals views of the Atlantics waves, and legend says Hercules rested within its confines. From Tangier, you can also venture inland to the Rif Mountains, where gorgeous Chefchaouen - a village of bright blue alleyways - waits. Punctuated by blooming flowers, the entire town is a beautiful, moulded artwork of colour, spilling down the mountain like a waterfall.
Set on the Maghreb coast, Tangier is Africa8217;s outstretched hand to Europe. With its bustling markets and lively waterfront, this city on Morrocos north is an energetic and invigorating place and an exciting immersion into an incredible continent. The location, on the highly strategic narrowing of the Strait of Gibraltar, made Tangier a vital Phoenician trading town - and the resulting city is an invigorating mesh of cultures and curiosities. View less
Part of the fun of Tangier is the well-rehearsed dance, as you dodge good-natured hawkers, and this is certainly a place to stroll with confidence and purpose. Delve into the mayhem of the walled Medina of Tangier for a rush of stimulation, as bartering and bantering echoes along the tight alleys. Crowded, noisy and busy, you8217;ll be sold to with a smile as you wander between stands of colourful spices, dried fruits and fabrics in this authentic Moroccan marketplace. Refresh and escape the sun with a fresh orange juice - or a sip of mint tea. Close to the city, you can find the Caves of Hercules, a coastal hollow that opens at both ends. The Phoenicians cut a window in the shape of the African continent, which reveals views of the Atlantics waves, and legend says Hercules rested within its confines. From Tangier, you can also venture inland to the Rif Mountains, where gorgeous Chefchaouen - a village of bright blue alleyways - waits. Punctuated by blooming flowers, the entire town is a beautiful, moulded artwork of colour, spilling down the mountain like a waterfall.
Day 5
Cadiz, Spain
Arrive 19:00
Depart 08:00
19:00
08:00
17/04/2027
More than a hundred watchtowers gaze out across the waves surrounding this ancient Andalusian city. Sprinkled with evocative cobbled side streets, you8217;ll explore 3,000 years8217; worth of history, while stumbling across palm-tree lined plazas of shaded coffee sippers. Cadiz claims the mantle of Western Europe8217;s oldest city, and every piece of architecture - and every wrong turn - offers a chance to discover fascinating new tales. Founded by the Phoenicians in 1100BC, Christopher Columbus used the city as a base for his exploratory, map-defining voyages of 1493 and 1502.
The port grew in importance and wealth as Cadiz8217;s strategic location close to Africa8217;s northern tip helped it blossom into a centre for New World trade. Catedral de C225;diz, is a display of the city8217;s wealth and importance, looming spectacularly over the Atlantic8217;s waves, with cawing seagulls sweeping between its twin bell towers. Inside, treasures from the city8217;s trading exploits in the West Indies and beyond - which helped fuel the growth of this historically prosperous city 8211; are on display. Enveloped by ocean on almost every side, Cadiz has something of an island feel, and you can cool off from southern Spain8217;s unrelenting sunshine on the sweeping golden sand beach of Playa Victoria. The two towers of the new El Puente de la Constituci243;n de 1812 mark a contemporary landmark in this most ancient of cities, in the form of a spectacular new road bridge. Torre Tavira, meanwhile, is the most famous of Cadiz8217;s army of watchtowers, and the highest point in the city. Reach the top for a view of the ocean fringing the city8217;s expanse, and to learn about the towers - constructed so trading merchants could survey the harbour from their lavish homes. The Central Market is a chaotic place of bartering, where flashing knives dissect fresh fish. Stop in at the orbiting bars to enjoy tapas, freshly prepared with the market8217;s produce.
More than a hundred watchtowers gaze out across the waves surrounding this ancient Andalusian city. Sprinkled with evocative cobbled side streets, you8217;ll explore 3,000 years8217; worth of history, while stumbling across palm-tree lined plazas of shaded coffee sippers. Cadiz claims the mantle of Western Europe8217;s oldest city, and every piece of architecture - and every wrong turn - offers a chance to discover fascinating new tales. Founded by the Phoenicians in 1100BC, Christopher Columbus used the city as a base for his exploratory, map-defining voyages of 1493 and 1502.
The port grew in importance and wealth as Cadiz8217;s strategic location close to Africa8217;s northern tip helped it blossom into a centre for New World trade. Catedral de C225;diz, is a display of the city8217;s wealth and importance, looming spectacularly over the Atlantic8217;s waves, with cawing seagulls sweeping between its twin bell towers. Inside, treasures from the city8217;s trading exploits in the West Indies and beyond - which helped fuel the growth of this historically prosperous city 8211; are on display. Enveloped by ocean on almost every side, Cadiz has something of an island feel, and you can cool off from southern Spain8217;s unrelenting sunshine on the sweeping golden sand beach of Playa Victoria. The two towers of the new El Puente de la Constituci243;n de 1812 mark a contemporary landmark in this most ancient of cities, in the form of a spectacular new road bridge. Torre Tavira, meanwhile, is the most famous of Cadiz8217;s army of watchtowers, and the highest point in the city. Reach the top for a view of the ocean fringing the city8217;s expanse, and to learn about the towers - constructed so trading merchants could survey the harbour from their lavish homes. The Central Market is a chaotic place of bartering, where flashing knives dissect fresh fish. Stop in at the orbiting bars to enjoy tapas, freshly prepared with the market8217;s produce.
Day 6
Malaga, Spain
Arrive 00:00
Depart 08:00
00:00
08:00
18/04/2027
Bathing in the sunshine coast8217;s stunning subtropical climate, and laying out endless spectacular beaches, it8217;s no surprise that Malaga is one of Spain8217;s most popular cities. The already impressive cultural appeal of this holiday city has skyrocketed over recent years, and with a storied old town and Moorish fortifications, Malaga has a lot to offer. Nearby, you can recline on the renowned beaches of the Costa del Sol, or venture inland to discover the Moorish treasures of Granada and Cordoba. View less
La Malagueta beach is Malaga8217;s spacious urban beach, perfect for a sunbathe and a dip in the warm water, before enjoying seaside cocktails or seafood tapas in the restaurants nearby. Malaga and the Costa del Sol may be best known for glorious weather and beaches, but Malaga can now stake a genuine claim as an artistic powerhouse too. Visit the renowned Picasso museum 8211; housed in the artist8217;s birthplace 8211; before exploring the freshly opened outpost of the Pompidou Centre. The art also spills out onto the streets in the colourful Soho district 8211; splashed with vibrant street paintings. Known as La Manquita 8211; or the one-armed woman 8211; the city8217;s cathedral rises over the historic old town. Its huge bell tower stands tall, but an accompanying second tower was never completed - hence the nickname. The Alcazaba fortress palace looms over the waterfront and forms a spectacularly preserved remnant from the era when the Moors controlled the Andaluc237;a region. Discover more of the Arabic influence by visiting Granada8217;s Alhambra palace, or Cordoba8217;s La Mezquita mosque. Together with Seville8217;s converted cathedral, the cities form Andaluc237;a8217;s Golden Triangle of Moorish wonders.
Bathing in the sunshine coast8217;s stunning subtropical climate, and laying out endless spectacular beaches, it8217;s no surprise that Malaga is one of Spain8217;s most popular cities. The already impressive cultural appeal of this holiday city has skyrocketed over recent years, and with a storied old town and Moorish fortifications, Malaga has a lot to offer. Nearby, you can recline on the renowned beaches of the Costa del Sol, or venture inland to discover the Moorish treasures of Granada and Cordoba. View less
La Malagueta beach is Malaga8217;s spacious urban beach, perfect for a sunbathe and a dip in the warm water, before enjoying seaside cocktails or seafood tapas in the restaurants nearby. Malaga and the Costa del Sol may be best known for glorious weather and beaches, but Malaga can now stake a genuine claim as an artistic powerhouse too. Visit the renowned Picasso museum 8211; housed in the artist8217;s birthplace 8211; before exploring the freshly opened outpost of the Pompidou Centre. The art also spills out onto the streets in the colourful Soho district 8211; splashed with vibrant street paintings. Known as La Manquita 8211; or the one-armed woman 8211; the city8217;s cathedral rises over the historic old town. Its huge bell tower stands tall, but an accompanying second tower was never completed - hence the nickname. The Alcazaba fortress palace looms over the waterfront and forms a spectacularly preserved remnant from the era when the Moors controlled the Andaluc237;a region. Discover more of the Arabic influence by visiting Granada8217;s Alhambra palace, or Cordoba8217;s La Mezquita mosque. Together with Seville8217;s converted cathedral, the cities form Andaluc237;a8217;s Golden Triangle of Moorish wonders.
Day 7
Malaga, Spain
Arrive 17:00
Depart 00:00
17:00
00:00
19/04/2027
Bathing in the sunshine coast8217;s stunning subtropical climate, and laying out endless spectacular beaches, it8217;s no surprise that Malaga is one of Spain8217;s most popular cities. The already impressive cultural appeal of this holiday city has skyrocketed over recent years, and with a storied old town and Moorish fortifications, Malaga has a lot to offer. Nearby, you can recline on the renowned beaches of the Costa del Sol, or venture inland to discover the Moorish treasures of Granada and Cordoba. View less
La Malagueta beach is Malaga8217;s spacious urban beach, perfect for a sunbathe and a dip in the warm water, before enjoying seaside cocktails or seafood tapas in the restaurants nearby. Malaga and the Costa del Sol may be best known for glorious weather and beaches, but Malaga can now stake a genuine claim as an artistic powerhouse too. Visit the renowned Picasso museum 8211; housed in the artist8217;s birthplace 8211; before exploring the freshly opened outpost of the Pompidou Centre. The art also spills out onto the streets in the colourful Soho district 8211; splashed with vibrant street paintings. Known as La Manquita 8211; or the one-armed woman 8211; the city8217;s cathedral rises over the historic old town. Its huge bell tower stands tall, but an accompanying second tower was never completed - hence the nickname. The Alcazaba fortress palace looms over the waterfront and forms a spectacularly preserved remnant from the era when the Moors controlled the Andaluc237;a region. Discover more of the Arabic influence by visiting Granada8217;s Alhambra palace, or Cordoba8217;s La Mezquita mosque. Together with Seville8217;s converted cathedral, the cities form Andaluc237;a8217;s Golden Triangle of Moorish wonders.
Bathing in the sunshine coast8217;s stunning subtropical climate, and laying out endless spectacular beaches, it8217;s no surprise that Malaga is one of Spain8217;s most popular cities. The already impressive cultural appeal of this holiday city has skyrocketed over recent years, and with a storied old town and Moorish fortifications, Malaga has a lot to offer. Nearby, you can recline on the renowned beaches of the Costa del Sol, or venture inland to discover the Moorish treasures of Granada and Cordoba. View less
La Malagueta beach is Malaga8217;s spacious urban beach, perfect for a sunbathe and a dip in the warm water, before enjoying seaside cocktails or seafood tapas in the restaurants nearby. Malaga and the Costa del Sol may be best known for glorious weather and beaches, but Malaga can now stake a genuine claim as an artistic powerhouse too. Visit the renowned Picasso museum 8211; housed in the artist8217;s birthplace 8211; before exploring the freshly opened outpost of the Pompidou Centre. The art also spills out onto the streets in the colourful Soho district 8211; splashed with vibrant street paintings. Known as La Manquita 8211; or the one-armed woman 8211; the city8217;s cathedral rises over the historic old town. Its huge bell tower stands tall, but an accompanying second tower was never completed - hence the nickname. The Alcazaba fortress palace looms over the waterfront and forms a spectacularly preserved remnant from the era when the Moors controlled the Andaluc237;a region. Discover more of the Arabic influence by visiting Granada8217;s Alhambra palace, or Cordoba8217;s La Mezquita mosque. Together with Seville8217;s converted cathedral, the cities form Andaluc237;a8217;s Golden Triangle of Moorish wonders.
Day 8
Cartagena, Spain
Arrive 18:00
Depart 08:00
18:00
08:00
20/04/2027
On the crossroads of mighty cultures, this Murcian port has endless ancient stories to share. A valuable natural harbour attracted many civilisations to this sun-bathed, southeasterly setting - following its foundation by the Carthaginians in 227 BC. Blending the imprints left by countless cultures on this global junction, the presence of everyone from the Vandals to the Phoenicians and Moors can be felt as you explore, walking between ruins and celebrated modernist architecture along Calle Mayor. Cartagena is crowned by the soaring Castillo de la Concepcion - rise to the stout castle aboard a panoramic lift. Inside, look through reams of archaeological treasures, or admire the rolling views down over the port and across the waters. Watch out for the electric blue peacocks who strut flamboyantly. Cartagenas emergence as a visitor destination coincided with a stunning discovery in 1988 - the bowl of a gloriously preserved Roman Theatre. Enter to sit among the grandiose ancient venue, so evocative, you cant help but imagine the historic performances that have graced its stage. Wander the breezy waterfront, looking across the narrow strait towards Africas distant haze, and spotting gleaming warships. Cartagenas perfect harbour means it has been one of Spains oldest strategic navy positions since the 16th century. Settle to enjoy the joys of tapas in lively bars - sampling crisped paella, squid and honeyed-aubergine. Easters Semana Santa festivities are typically lively here, as hooded processions, lavish floats and sombre fiery displays roll through the streets.
On the crossroads of mighty cultures, this Murcian port has endless ancient stories to share. A valuable natural harbour attracted many civilisations to this sun-bathed, southeasterly setting - following its foundation by the Carthaginians in 227 BC. Blending the imprints left by countless cultures on this global junction, the presence of everyone from the Vandals to the Phoenicians and Moors can be felt as you explore, walking between ruins and celebrated modernist architecture along Calle Mayor. Cartagena is crowned by the soaring Castillo de la Concepcion - rise to the stout castle aboard a panoramic lift. Inside, look through reams of archaeological treasures, or admire the rolling views down over the port and across the waters. Watch out for the electric blue peacocks who strut flamboyantly. Cartagenas emergence as a visitor destination coincided with a stunning discovery in 1988 - the bowl of a gloriously preserved Roman Theatre. Enter to sit among the grandiose ancient venue, so evocative, you cant help but imagine the historic performances that have graced its stage. Wander the breezy waterfront, looking across the narrow strait towards Africas distant haze, and spotting gleaming warships. Cartagenas perfect harbour means it has been one of Spains oldest strategic navy positions since the 16th century. Settle to enjoy the joys of tapas in lively bars - sampling crisped paella, squid and honeyed-aubergine. Easters Semana Santa festivities are typically lively here, as hooded processions, lavish floats and sombre fiery displays roll through the streets.
Day 9
Valencia, Spain
Arrive 17:00
Depart 08:00
17:00
08:00
21/04/2027
Valencia is Spains third largest city and capital of the region. It was originally founded by the Romans on the banks of the river Turia in 138 BC. In 711 AD the Moors arrived and converted the area into a rich agricultural and industrial center, establishing ceramics, paper, silk and leather industries. Muslim rule was briefly interrupted in 1094 by the legendary Castillian knight, El Cid. Valencia boomed in the 15th and 16th centuries, becoming one of the strongest Mediterranean trading centers.
Valencia is a vibrant, friendly and chaotic city that boasts an outstanding fine arts museum and one of the most exciting nightlife scenes in Spain. The city center is about 3 miles inland from the coast. Plaza del Ayuntamiento marks the center of Valencia. Surrounded by flower stalls, it is also home to the town hall and the main post office. The cathedral was begun in the 13th century and finished in 1482. It has many architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque. The octagonal bell-tower, called Miguelete, is one of the citys landmarks. The small cathedral museum boasts a tabernacle made from 550 pounds of gold, silver, platinum, emeralds and sapphires. It also purports to be the home of the Holy Grail, the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper.
West of the cathedral is the oldest part of the city, known as El Carme. Situated across the river in the Jardines del Real is the Museo de Bellas Artes, the Fine Arts Museum. Works include those by El Greco, Goya and Vel225;zquez.
Valencia is Spains third largest city and capital of the region. It was originally founded by the Romans on the banks of the river Turia in 138 BC. In 711 AD the Moors arrived and converted the area into a rich agricultural and industrial center, establishing ceramics, paper, silk and leather industries. Muslim rule was briefly interrupted in 1094 by the legendary Castillian knight, El Cid. Valencia boomed in the 15th and 16th centuries, becoming one of the strongest Mediterranean trading centers.
Valencia is a vibrant, friendly and chaotic city that boasts an outstanding fine arts museum and one of the most exciting nightlife scenes in Spain. The city center is about 3 miles inland from the coast. Plaza del Ayuntamiento marks the center of Valencia. Surrounded by flower stalls, it is also home to the town hall and the main post office. The cathedral was begun in the 13th century and finished in 1482. It has many architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque. The octagonal bell-tower, called Miguelete, is one of the citys landmarks. The small cathedral museum boasts a tabernacle made from 550 pounds of gold, silver, platinum, emeralds and sapphires. It also purports to be the home of the Holy Grail, the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper.
West of the cathedral is the oldest part of the city, known as El Carme. Situated across the river in the Jardines del Real is the Museo de Bellas Artes, the Fine Arts Museum. Works include those by El Greco, Goya and Vel225;zquez.
Day 10
Mallorca, Spain
Arrive 17:00
Depart 08:00
17:00
08:00
22/04/2027
The Balearics are comprised of 16 islands; the three principal ones are Mallorca, Ibiza and Minorca. Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals and Arabs have invaded these islands over the centuries. Ruins show evidence of the prehistoric Talayot civilization, a megalithic culture that flourished here between 1500 BC and the Roman conquest. Today the islands are besieged by invaders of a different sort - hordes of tourists.
Lying 60 miles (97 km) off the Spanish mainland, the islands lush and rugged landscape combined with an extremely mild, sunny climate proves irresistible, especially to northern Europeans. As a result, the Balearics boast cosmopolitan resorts with lively nightlife and plenty of sports activities.
Mallorca (also spelled Majorca) is the largest of the islands, with an area of more than 1,400 square miles (3626 sq.km). The scenery is magnificent, with cliffs along indented shorelines jutting out of the sea and mountain ranges sheltering the plains from harsh sea breezes. The fertile plain in the centre is covered with almond and fig trees plus olive groves with some trees more than 1,000 years old. Tall pines, junipers and oaks line the mountain slopes.
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the archipelago. A cosmopolitan city with sophisticated shops and restaurants, it also offers buildings of spectacular Moorish and Gothic architecture.
In the western part of Mallorca, nestled into the mountains, lies the village of Valldemosa. It is known for its Carthusian Monastery where Fr233;d233;ric Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838-39.
The Balearics are comprised of 16 islands; the three principal ones are Mallorca, Ibiza and Minorca. Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals and Arabs have invaded these islands over the centuries. Ruins show evidence of the prehistoric Talayot civilization, a megalithic culture that flourished here between 1500 BC and the Roman conquest. Today the islands are besieged by invaders of a different sort - hordes of tourists.
Lying 60 miles (97 km) off the Spanish mainland, the islands lush and rugged landscape combined with an extremely mild, sunny climate proves irresistible, especially to northern Europeans. As a result, the Balearics boast cosmopolitan resorts with lively nightlife and plenty of sports activities.
Mallorca (also spelled Majorca) is the largest of the islands, with an area of more than 1,400 square miles (3626 sq.km). The scenery is magnificent, with cliffs along indented shorelines jutting out of the sea and mountain ranges sheltering the plains from harsh sea breezes. The fertile plain in the centre is covered with almond and fig trees plus olive groves with some trees more than 1,000 years old. Tall pines, junipers and oaks line the mountain slopes.
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the archipelago. A cosmopolitan city with sophisticated shops and restaurants, it also offers buildings of spectacular Moorish and Gothic architecture.
In the western part of Mallorca, nestled into the mountains, lies the village of Valldemosa. It is known for its Carthusian Monastery where Fr233;d233;ric Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838-39.
Day 11
Barcelona, Spain
Arrive 00:00
Depart 07:00
00:00
07:00
23/04/2027
The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri G242;tic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food)8212;one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting caf233;s and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches.
A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaud237;s majestic Sagrada Fam237;liaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spains second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelonas vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri G242;tic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food)8212;one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting caf233;s and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches.
A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaud237;s majestic Sagrada Fam237;liaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spains second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelonas vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
