Pearls of Southern Spain & Portugal

Summary

Your marvellous cruise begins in Lisbon, Portugal’s hilly coastal city and capital. Here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the start of a memorable journey exploring the Mediterranean coastlines. 

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

Summary

Situated at the mouth of the Arade River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean, Portimão harbours a long fishing tradition that developed predominately between the 19th and 20th centuries, because of the advent of the canning industry and tourism. Most of the buildings that you see in the streets and squares of the historic centre originate from this period. Portimão is known for its excellent sandy beaches lapped by warm, calm waters, making this quite the alluring holiday destination. 

Summary

Located in the valley of the Guadalquivir River, Seville is the stunning capital city of Andalusia and birthplace of Flamenco.

Summary

During the Spanish conquest of the American continent, Seville was an important harbour, but nowadays, this city is famous worldwide for its distinctive Andalusian culture, monuments, traditions and artistic heritage.

Summary

Guarding the slender Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier has been Europe's gateway to Africa for centuries, welcoming with an intoxicating blend of exotic cultures and influences unique to Morocco. Built on the slopes of a chalky limestone hill, the Old Town, filled with narrow winding streets and houses bearing eclectic styles, is dominated by the Kasbah, the Sultan's Palace, now a museum of Moroccan art, and the Great Mosque – all, must-see attractions. 

Summary

Málaga was founded by the Phoenicians and has been under the rule of various civilisations down the ages, including the Romans and Moors, each leaving their mark on the city's culture and architecture. Several historical sites and landmarks that are worth exploring in Málaga include the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress overlooking the city, and the nearby Roman Theatre. 

Summary

As a major naval station on the Mediterranean coast, Cartagena has been greatly influenced by various cultures over the centuries. This historical crossroads of civilisations is evident in the city's diverse architectural styles from the Roman era to Art Nouveau. A must-see landmark is the ancient Roman Theatre, unearthed in 1987 and restored for public viewing.

Summary

Ibiza's party scene is legendary, attracting thousands of visitors each year. This gorgeous Balearic Island just off the coast of Spain, has become synonymous with electronic dance music, a jetsetters lifestyle, and late-night revelry. Despite its hedonistic reputation however, Ibiza also promotes responsible tourism, with initiatives to ensure the island's natural beauty, including beautiful sandy coves backed by pine-clad hills, is preserved for future generations.

Summary

Set on the beautiful island of Mallorca, and the capital of Spain's Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, is a city steeped in history and brimming with remarkable architecture. One of Palma's most noteworthy landmarks is the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria, which overlooks the Bay of Palma. Dating back to the 13th century, this masterpiece of Gothic architecture boasts one of the largest rose windows — a decorated circular window with stained glass — in the world.

Summary

The historic port city of Mahón is the capital of Menorca, one of Spain’s stunning, though lesser known, Balearic Islands. Mahón’s uniquely shaped, naturally deep harbour is among the largest in the world. This compelling city is also well-known for its delightful Old Town, markets and cuisine, famous as the birthplace of mayonnaise (named after the city) and its local speciality, Mahón, a bold-flavoured, semi-firm cow’s milk cheese.

Summary

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your holiday.

Please book your flight to depart out of Barcelona after 11:00 AM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.