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SOUTHERN SPAIN & PORTUGAL – SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS

from $6,180

DATES: 2025 – APR 19-26 / SEP 16-24*

DURATION: 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS
*9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS

EMBARK: LISBON, PORTUGAL
DISEMBARK: BARCELONA, SPAIN
*Reverse itinerary

SHIP: LE BOUGAINVILLE / * LE LAPÉROUSE

FROM: $6,180*
All Inclusive – Port Charges, Open Bar, Gratuities to ship crew, Shore Excursions
*After 30% Early Booking Savings

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All about the SOUTHERN SPAIN & PORTUGAL – SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

Set sail aboard LE BOUGAINVILLE  or LE LAPÉROUSE on an exceptional 8- or 9-day itinerary that will take you along the Portuguese and Spanish coasts, from Lisbon to Barcelona.

Your voyage begins in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital. Lisbon boasts two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower. Enjoy strolling through the streets of this city of seven hills, soaking up the local zest for life.

You head first to the rich cultural landscape of Andalusia, where you will discover Cádiz, one of the country’s oldest cities, and enchanting Málaga. These calls will allow for visits to the superb palace of the Alcázar in Seville and to the magnificent Alhambra of Grenada, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Your ship will then sail to Palma de Mallorca in the Balearic Islands. Stop at the Gothic-style Bellver Castle, one of only a handful of circular castles in Europe, or board a vintage train through the orange and olive groves, almond and locust-bean trees, lush villages, and pine-covered mountains that create the island landscape.

Your call in captivating Valencia offers the opportunity to view the city’s architectural wonders, from the UNESCO World Heritage La Lonja de la Seda, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture originally used for trading silk, to the City of Arts and Sciences, a complex designed by native architect Santiago Calatrava.

Your voyage will end in Barcelona, a city in perpetual movement, where you will fall under the spell of the famous architectural works of Antoni Gaudí, including the UNESCO World Heritage Basílica de la Sagrada Família.

Expedition Highlights –

  • A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
  • Engaging discussions onboard with Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including architectural historian Gail Cornell.
  • A cruise to discover the landscapes, architecture, and rich cultural history of Portugal and Spain.
  • UNESCO World Heritage sites en route: the Alcázar in Seville from Cádiz, the Alhambra in Granada from Malaga, and La Lonja de la Seda in Valencia.
  • An exclusive, night-time, private tour of the Alhambra in Granada.
  • A discovery of the Balearic Islands with a stop in Palma de Mallorca, their capital.

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The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

Included features:

  • Special Smithsonian Journeys guest speakers and programs geared to the English-speaking market
  • All accommodations, meals, and excursions described above
  • Shore excursions in each port
  • Gratuities to crew, guides and drivers on included excursions
  • Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe LE BOUGAINVILLE and  LE LAPÉROUSE, with all the amenities for which Ponant ships are famous.
  • All meals while on board the ship (from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation)
  • Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands… list available upon request)
  • Evening entertainment and events
  • Room service 24h (special selection)
  • Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite
  • Park entry fees into protected areas

Whats not included in this tour.Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
  • Airfare
  • Optional excursions
  • Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, Internet, etc.)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Pre- and Post-cruise programs

  1. Day 1 LISBON, PORTUGAL - EMBARKATION

    Embarkation from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
    Departure at 6:00 PM

    Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometers from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbor, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos monastery and Belem tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting: known for its fado bars and its Moorish streets, this district is the oldest one of the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to big fashion labels and are an invitation to a bit of luxury shopping.

  2. Day 2 DAY AT SEA

    During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

  3. Day 3 CADIZ, SPAIN

    Andalusia’s Cadiz is located on the Costa de la Luz, in the south-west of Spain. From the beaches of Cortadura, to the flamenco bars of Santa Maria, through the colorful streets of la Viña, you will be amazed by this city, which is both steeped in history and extremely festive. In the medieval El Pópulo district, you will stroll along covered passages in the narrow gaps between houses. You will also be able to stroll around the lush Mina square. The star of the show is the magnificent cathedral and its dome crowned with yellow porcelain, presiding above the Ocean.

  4. Day 4 MÁLAGA, SPAIN

    A historical and festive town, Malaga is in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will go first to the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, in the Buenavista palace.

  5. Day 5 AT SEA

    During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

  6. Day 6 PALMA DE MALLORCA, BALEARIC ISLANDS

    Palma de Mallorca will reveal its many treasures: idyllic coves, majestic limestone cliffs that plunge into the clear sapphire- and turquoise-colored waters of the Mediterranean, and vast plains planted with almond trees, olive trees and vineyards. When your ship calls at the capital of the Balearic Islands, take a walk to discover its emblematic monuments, such as its famous cathedral, and amble through its old streets. Here, like a painting, the island’s historical heritage forms a backdrop to the lively and warm cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Mediterranean.

  7. Day 7 VALENCIA, SPAIN

    Valencia – the city of Art and Sciences. Two hearts beat in this Spanish city: one is modern, avantgarde and almost futuristic; the other is more provincial, more traditional, and nostalgic. Valencia has the temperament of a great Mediterranean city whose wide avenues form a border around the old town. The city has an abundance of architectural styles that coexist harmoniously, but above all it resolutely embraces the 21st Century with the futuristic structures of its Agora congress center and City of Arts and Sciences, emerging from a crystal blue pool.

     

  8. Day 8 BARCELONA, SPAIN

    Arrival early morning – Disembarkation at 8:30 AM

    Located on the seashore between the mountains of Montjuïc and Tibidabo, Barcelona offers its many visitors a perfect blend of tradition and modernism. Truly an open-air museum, the “prodigious town” reveals an astonishing range of artistic treasures and museums, combining Roman ruins, medieval districts and a number of avant-garde elements from the 20th Century. Over the years, it has been marked by some of the greatest artists, such as Picasso, Miró or Gaudí, most of whose work has been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Take the time to stroll along the Ramblas and enjoy the gentle, typically Mediterranean lifestyle of the capital of Catalonia.

  9. DAY 9 OCTOBER 24, 2022 - CAP-AUX-MEULES, MAGDALEN ISLANDS

    The village of Cap-aux-Meules remains a peaceful location and is ideal for exploring preserved nature. It offers privileged access to many sites renowned for their natural and historic heritage, such as the village of Havre-Aubert which is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec.

  10. DAY 10 OCTOBER 25, 2022 - BADDECK

    Discover the charming village of Baddeck in the heart of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Located on the banks of Bras d’Or Lake, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this community of several hundred inhabitants is renowned as the point of departure and arrival of the famous Cabot Trail.

  11. DAY 11 OCTOBER 26, 2022 - LOUISBOURG

    Louisbourg, the former capital from when it was named Ile Royale, is home to one of the country’s most significant historical sites: the symbolic and beautifully restored Fortress of Louisbourg.

  12. DAY 12 OCTOBER 27, 2022 - LUNENBURG

    The picturesque port of Lunenburg will leave an indelible impression. You can admire the colonial architecture of this fishing village while strolling along the streets studded with brightly colored houses. The enchanting charm of the old town has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.

  13. DAY 13 OCTOBER 28, 2022 - AT SEA

    During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

  14. DAY 14 OCTOBER 29, 2022 - BAR HARBOR, ME

    Bar Harbor is a seaside resort for aristocrats of another era, this former fishing port, founded in the early 18th Century reveals an atmosphere that is both chic and refined, and over time has become the ideal destination for romantics and lovers of open spaces.

  15. DAY 15 OCTOBER 30, 2022 – GLOUCESTER - DISEMBARK

    Disembarkation 10/30/2022 at 07h00

    Gloucester is a coastal town in Massachusetts, founded on the site named “Le Beau port” by Samuel de Champlain in 1604. The oldest fishing port on America’s Eastern seaboard enjoyed a prosperous economy.

    Pre- and post-cruise arrangements are available.

Le Dumont-d’Urville

LE BOUGAINVILLE  and LE LAPÉROUSE

Like the other ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, each has been designed to provide absolute comfort for their passengers, even at the heart of the world’s most remote and isolated regions.

Racy lines, state-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of these unique ships in the world of cruising.

You will encounter unique itineraries, calls inaccessible to large ships, chic and elegant yacht-like ambiance, refined and personalized service as well as gastronomic cuisine.

 

Fast Facts:

  • Length: 430 ft
  • Beam: 59 ft
  • Draft: 15 ft
  • Cruising speed: 12.5 knots
  • Guest decks:  5
  • Guest capacity (double occupancy): Up to 184 PAX
  • Normal crew size: 118
  • Gross tonnage: 9976 UMS

 

RESTAURANTS

Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark.

The Le Nautilus gastronomic restaurant
Towards the rear of deck 4 you’ll find a panoramic restaurant large enough to accommodate all our passengers at one sitting. Offering a different concept than on our other ships, this space is open to the exterior and serves buffets of salads, desserts and cheeses. Our discreet and attentive staff provide a table service for hot meals.

Grill Restaurant
An exterior grill restaurant on deck 3 offering a relaxed ambiance and atmosphere:

PUBLIC AREAS

Main Lounge

Able to accommodate all our passengers at once for moments of shared conviviality, and as a venue for both daytime and evening shows and entertainment.

Panoramic Lounge

Library, internet desk, cocktail bar, live entertainment on selected evenings. Direct access to the panoramic terrace.

Wellness Area

Spa treatments, L’oreal Paris hair salon, free access sauna and open gym

Pool deck

A swimming pool offering panoramic views and equipped with a counter-current system.  A pleasant, attractive sun deck.  An exterior bar and lounge equipped with armchairs and sofas

The Theater 
188-seat capacity, cutting edge audio and lighting technology and LED stage background wall enabling the projection of ultra-high resolution media

ACCOMMODATIONS ABOARD
All the 92 staterooms and suites onboard are equipped with private balconies or terraces. Like the rest of the ship’s spaces, they have been designed to be exceptionally open to the exterior. Brightness and radiance, discreet luxury, ethnic touches, contemporary design and unparalleled levels of comfort add the finishing touches to the all-round voyage experience.

  • Individually-controlled air-conditioning
  • Cabin layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, adjoining cabins available (children welcome)
  • Minibar
  • Flat screen satellite TV
  • Video on demand
  • Bose™ Bluetooth speaker
  • Desk with stationery
  • Electronic safe
  • Hermès® bath products
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Bath robes
  • Direct line telephone
  • 110/220 volt outlets
  • 24hr room service
  • Inclusive Internet access Wifi

DELUXE STATEROOM

  • Area : 19 m²
  • Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin

DELUXE SUITE DECKS 3-6

  • Area : 27 m²
  • Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin (Deck 4 & 6; 3 passengers per cabin)

GRAND DELUXE SUITE DECK 6

  • Area : 45 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECKS 4-5

  • Area : 19 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECK 6

  • Area : 19 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECKS 5-6 SUITE

  • Area : 38 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin

PRIVILEGE SUITE DECKS 5-6

  • Area : 32 m²
  • Capacity: up to 3 passengers per cabin

OWNER’S SUITE

  • Area : 45 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin