Guest Speaker 
No single supplement 
Deluxe Stateroom
25% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
- New
Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal – with Smithsonian Journeys
Barcelona - Lisbon
Dates:
8/10/2022
to
15/10/2022
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
Set sail aboard Le Champlain on an exceptional 8-day itinerary that will take you along the Spanish and Portuguese coasts, from Barcelona to Lisbon.
Your voyage begins 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.
Your ship will then head 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.
You will then head to the rich cultural landscape of Andalusia, where you will discover enchanting Málaga and Cádiz, one of the country’s oldest cities. These calls will allow for visits to the magnificent Alhambra of Grenada and to the superb palace of the Alcázar in Seville, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Your voyage will end 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.
Ref : BL2845US - C081022
Your itinerary
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...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE JACQUES-CARTIER
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
L'AUSTRAL
4/11/2022 to the 20/11/2022
- New
LE LAPEROUSE
9/11/2022 to the 23/11/2022
LE LYRIAL
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s suite, Grand de Luxe Suite, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suite Deck 6
- Inclusive Internet access Wifi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Selection of Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Gail Cornell
Gail Cornell is an architectural historian, whose research and lectures on the history of architecture have taken her to Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, and North Africa numerous times. A graduate of Harvard University's graduate School of Design, Gail has led many tours to Europe for Smithsonian Journeys over the past 20 years. She is an Adjunct Faculty member of New York University and a lecturer on architecture, design and art at NYC's Museum of Modern Art. As a resident of New York City, Gail volunteers her time as an architectural historian at New York City's historic City Hall.
Language spoken: English
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel programme of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
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.
Ports of Call & Excursions
8 October 2022 - Barcelona
Embarkation 8/10/2022 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 8/10/2022 at 6:00 pm
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 October 2022 - Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands
Arrival 9/10/2022 midday
Departure 9/10/2022 late afternoon
Palma de Mallorca will reveal its many treasures: idyllic coves, majestic limestone cliffs that plunge into the clear sapphire- and turquoise-coloured 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.
10 October 2022 - Valencia
Arrival 10/10/2022 early morning
Departure 10/10/2022 late afternoon
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 centre and City of Arts and Sciences, emerging from a crystal blue pool.
11 October 2022 - At sea
Arrival 11/10/2022
Departure 11/10/2022
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 centre. 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.
12 October 2022 - Málaga
Arrival 12/10/2022 early morning
Departure 12/10/2022 late evening
A historical and festive town, Malaga is located 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.
13 October 2022 - Cadiz
Arrival 13/10/2022 early afternoon
Departure 13/10/2022 late evening
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 colourful 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 mosey 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.
14 October 2022 - At sea
Arrival 14/10/2022
Departure 14/10/2022
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 centre. 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.
15 October 2022 - Lisbon
Arrival 15/10/2022 early morning
Disembarkation 15/10/2022 at 7:00 am
Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbour, 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 of luxury shopping.
Fundacio Miro Mallorca & Palma City
A short drive from the pier is the Fundació Miró Mallorca, a museum dedicated to the work of Joan Miró. In 1981, two years before the artist's death, he and his wife, Pilar, established the foundation to showcase Miró's work and to promote contemporary art in general. It is their gift to the city that served as their home after Miró's self-imposed exile from the mainland of Franco's Spain. The museum includes a main building that houses thousands of the artist's works, a library, a sculpture garden and Miró's studio, which fulfills his wish that everything be left behind "as it is the moment I disappear." Your visit will allow you to view works spanning the entire length of Miró's career, from 1908 to 1983.
After visiting the foundation, embark on a panoramic tour of the city of Palma, stopping briefly at the 14th-century Bellver Castle, which has towered over the city for over 700 years, serving variously as a royal residence, a Mint, and a prison. It is the only circular castle in Spain complete with round towers.
Arriving at the waterfront historic district, you stop at La Seu, Mallorca's cathedral and the second largest in Spain (after the one in Seville). The edifice took nearly four centuries to complete and boasts the magnificent Portal del Mirador, one of the finest examples of Gothic portals to be found anywhere. Your tour continues on foot as you discover the old town of Palma, whose narrow streets are home to fascinating buildings and interesting shops and cafés, where you will have time to browse and perhaps make a purchase.
The return drive to the pier is along the city ramparts, where you can see the fishing harbor, the former Merchandise Exchange of La Lonja and the Consulado del Mar, the seat of the Balearic Government.
- This excursion involves approximately a mile of walking, sometimes on cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Mallorca by Vintage Train
From the pier in Palma, drive to Sóller, a picturesque town in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains. It has long been a popular summer retreat for writers and artists who are attracted by its tranquil setting, favorable light, and laid-back way of life. A guided tour will introduce you to the center of the town and its major attractions, after which you will have time at leisure to explore on your own or do some shopping.
The highpoint of the day, however, is your return trip to Palma via the vintage, narrow gauge Tren de Sóller. The carriages are made of wood, meticulously maintained by skilled craftsmen, and the scenery along the way is absolutely lovely. Originally built to transport the fruits of the orange and olive groves through which you pass, the train is now used by locals and tourists alike to get from the island's north coast to the capital city.
In addition to its scenic route, the Sóller railway also stands out for its engineering. To overcome the natural barrier of the Sierra de Alfàbia, the railway bed runs through thirteen tunnels ranging in length from 110 feet to 1.75 miles, crosses over several bridges, including the “cinc-ponts” viaduct which has five arches, and accomplishes a series of remarkably sharp turns.
You will disembark the train in Son Reus, where you rejoin your coach for the short transfer back to the pier.
- This excursion involves a total of approximately 1.75 miles of walking, including a 20-minute walk from the coach to the center of Sóller. There are steps to board the train, and it is not wheelchair accessible. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and protection from the sun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Marivent Gardens and Palma's Old Town
A short drive from the ship brings you to Marivent Gardens, on an estate used by the Spanish royal family in the summer. Opened to the public only in 2017, the gardens are beautifully designed and maintained, featuring a delightful variety of trees, shrubs and flowers and offering an opportunity to enjoy a leisurely stroll amid the tranquility. Dotted throughout the gardens are a dozen sculptures by Joan Miró donated to the park by the artist.
After visiting the gardens, you embark on a panoramic tour of the city of Palma, passing by the 14th-century Bellver Castle, which has towered over the city for over 700 years, serving variously as a royal residence, a Mint, and a prison, and the only circular castle in Spain complete with round towers. Arriving at the waterfront historic, you stop at La Seu, Mallorca's cathedral and the second largest in Spain (after the one in Seville). The edifice took nearly four centuries to complete and boasts the magnificent Portal del Mirador, one of the finest examples of Gothic portals to be found anywhere.
Your tour continues on foot as you discover the old town of Palma, whose narrow streets are home to fascinating buildings and interesting shops and cafés. Here you will have time to browse and perhaps make a purchase, before stopping at a local pastry shop to enjoy Mallorca's signature ensaïmada, a spiral shaped sweet bread, traditionally served plain with generous amounts of powdered sugar, but also available with a variety of fillings.
The return drive to the pier is along the city ramparts, where you can see the fishing harbor, the former Merchandise Exchange of La Lonja and the Consulado del Mar, the seat of the Balearic Government.
- This excursion involves approximately 2.5 miles of walking, over gravel and sandy paths in the gardens and sometimes on cobblestone streets in the old town. We recommend you wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Valencia, Old and New
Begin in the heart of Valencia's Old Town at La Plaza de la Reina, the city's historic center. Your walking tour will visit the 13th-century Cathedral, built after the Reconquista on the site of a Roman temple that had been converted to an Arab mosque. This Gothic structure is home to what is said to be the Holy Grail, as well as paintings by Goya and Maella. Its bell tower, El Miguelete, is one of Valencia's most emblematic monuments.
Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage La Lonja de la Seda, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture. Built from 1482-1533, this group of buildings was originally used for silk trading. The grandiose Sala de Contratación displays the power and wealth of a major Mediterranean mercantile city in the 15th-16th centuries.
End at the Mercado Central, a vast modernist structure of iron, crystal, and ceramic tiles built in 1928 as a market to feature Valencia's world-famous fruits and vegetables. Today the Mercado is a gastronome's delight of stalls selling seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, meats, cheeses, baked goods, olives, and wines.
Drive to Valencia Beach for a lunch of paella at a restaurant on the seafront.
After lunch, visit Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences, the largest cultural-educational complex in Europe. Designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, it comprises five buildings surrounded by landscaped gardens and waterworks, covering nearly 500 acres at the eastern end of the Turia Gardens. Tour the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, one of the five buildings. This impressive monument combines the architect's style with complex engineering and state of the art technology to enhance performances while bringing them closer to the public. This stunning building features four distinct specially-designed venues, one each for opera, dance, recitals, and theater.
- This moderate excursion involves approximately 2.2 total miles of walking, including stairs and uneven ground. We advise you to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and to protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is required when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees should be covered).
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Granada: The Moorish Legacy of Andalusia
This tour takes you to Granada to explore the incomparable Alhambra, built by caliphs of the Nasrid dynasty and recognized as the very pinnacle of Islamic architecture in the region. You will also discover the Cathedral and Royal Chapel, final resting place of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic Monarchs who brought an end to Islamic rule in Iberia.
Enjoy a drive through abundant olive orchards dotted with picturesque villages to the city of Granada, situated on a mesa in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. From its founding by the Umayyad dynasty in the 8th century until 1492, Granada was the center of a civilization in which the three great monotheistic faiths worked side by side to build a society of tolerance, dialogue, and coexistence.
On arrival in Granada, a stroll through the city center ends at the majestic Cathedral, a remarkable combination of Baroque façade, Renaissance dome and Gothic floor plan. This intriguing amalgam of architectural styles boasts stunning stained-glass windows and exquisite paintings and sculptures. In the Cathedral’s Royal Chapel are the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella.
A short drive brings you to the Alhambra for a private evening tour. Although damaged and restored over the centuries, it is not difficult to picture the palace as it was 600 years ago. Enter the Alqala hamra ("red castle") and visit the Nazaries Palaces — a complex of buildings with intricately carved stucco walls, knotted ceilings, and charming courtyards. Discover the Serallo, the official residence of the Sultan and Harem, which surrounds the famous Patio de los Leones with its 12 lion fountains. Continue with a visit to the Generalife Palace and Gardens, built as a summer paradise for the Sultan.
At the luxurious Alhambra Palace Hotel, you will enjoy dinner in beautiful surroundings before returning to the ship.
- This excursion involves a total of approximately 2.5 miles of walking over mostly flat terrain. There are some cobblestoned paths at the Cathedral and the Alhambra. We recommend you wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tour of the Alhambra is exclusive to PONANT's guests.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Andalusian Treasures: Seville & Cathedral
Seville was shaped by a succession of civilizations — Roman, Moorish, Jewish, Christian — that alternately clashed violently and then found ways to coexist. The rich multicultural legacy of this mixing of traditions is found everywhere in the city. On this tour, you will discover two of Seville’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and experience the vitality of everyday life in this vibrant community.
As you traverse the rolling countryside from Cadiz to Seville, you will see a landscape of olive and orange groves and vineyards that have long supplied the city of Seville and that now export fine wines and oils around the world. You will also pass farms where Spain’s finest bulls and horses are bred.
Upon arrival in Seville, you will disembark your coach and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral of Seville – the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb. The central nave rises 120 feet above the interior. La Giralda, built as a minaret for the city's chief mosque in the 12th century, now serves as the bell tower and a symbol of Seville.
Enjoy a walking tour exploring the Barrio de Santa Cruz. The city’s former Jewish quarter, the barrio is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets lined with orange trees and whitewashed buildings decorated with wrought-iron grilled windows.
After a dinner featuring signature dishes, enjoy a stroll through the charming Murillo Gardens, which lead the way to the royal compound of the Real Alcazar. This UNESCO World Heritage site, built in the Mudéjar style in the 14th century, is today a sprawling complex incorporating architectural influences from the Renaissance, Baroque and 19th century. Here you will discover lavish gardens, sparkling ponds and fountains, and fascinating ornamental details at every turn.
- This moderate excursion involves a significant amount of walking (approximately 1.5 miles total) mostly over flat and even ground, but there are places with cobblestones. We recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is required when visiting the Cathedral. Hats and sunblock are recommended. Sites may be visited in a different order.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Cadiz: Gateway to Southern Spain
Settled about 1100 BCE by Phoenicians, Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe. It remains to this day an important port and an opening to the history and culture of southernmost Spain.
Your excursion begins with a drive south from Cadiz to the village of Vejer de la Frontera, perched high above a steep gorge cut by the River Barbate. Declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1976, it is one of the pueblos blancos ("white villages") found throughout Andalusia, so named because of the whitewashed buildings that help protect them from the fierce sun. Your walking tour of this charming, small town meanders over cobblestoned streets, where secluded patios are tucked around hidden corners, and leads you at the end of your stroll to the Plaza de España, one of the prettiest village squares in all of Spain. You will have some time at leisure to enjoy the tranquil beauty of this special spot.
On your return to Cadiz, enjoy a guided walking tour. End at the Flamenco La Cava, one of the city's premiere tablao, where you will be treated to an exciting performance of flamenco, replete with rhythmically tapping heels, clicking castanets, and the traditional rascado flourishes of the guitar. During the show, a full tapas style dinner will be served, the perfect enhancement to a quintessentially Spanish experience.
After dinner and the show, transfer back to the ship.
- This moderate excursion involves a significant amount of walking (approximately 1.8 miles total). Most of the walking is over flat and even ground, but there are some hilly areas and cobblestones. We recommend sturdy yet comfortable shoes. Hats and sunblock are also recommended. Note that sites may be visited in a different order.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Champlain
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship.
To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys have organised the following included programme for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including architectural historian Gail Cornell.
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Barcelona to the ship on the day of embarkation.
- Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Champlain, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous.
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable).
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Lisbon at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation.
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Programme is subject to change without notice
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
TREASURES OF CATALONIA: BARCELONA AND MONTSERRAT (2 NIGHTS)
Catalonia enjoys one of the richest cultural heritages in Spain. This specially designed programme introduces you to two very different elements of that heritage: the 12th-century Benedictine monastery on Montserrat and the modernist city of Barcelona.
Day 1 – Barcelona, Spain
Arrive in Barcelona, where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Almanac Barcelona. Check-in time is 3:00PM. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and to offer suggestions for dining and independent exploration. Join fellow travellers this evening for a welcome reception at the hotel. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 – Barcelona | Montserrat
After breakfast, meet your guide for an excursion to the astonishing Monastery of Montserrat. A scenic drive through the countryside north of Barcelona brings you to a chain of serrated limestone mountains, where you board a cog railway for the steep climb up the mountain to the Benedictine monastery on a terrace near the summit. Your guided tour includes the ornate basilica, whose highlight is a wooden statue of the Virgin that has attracted pilgrims since the 12th century. You will also visit the museum, displaying pieces of art collected in the last century and containing important works of Monet, Rusiñol, Casas, and Picasso. Lunch will be served in the restaurant located in what were once the monastery's stables before you return to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure with time for independent exploration. Dinner is on your own.
Day 3 – Barcelona, Spain | Embark
After breakfast at the hotel, join an excursion to the monuments and neighborhoods that define the extraordinary personality and vitality of Barcelona. Begin in the heart of the city with a visit to Antoni Gaudí's iconic Sagrada Familia. Begun in 1884 and still unfinished, this monument of spirituality awes and inspires visitors from around the world. Your guided tour will introduce you to Gaudí's vision and to the ongoing effort to achieve it. A short drive brings you to the Block of Discord to view Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Puig i Cadafalch’s Casa Amatller, icons of modernist Barcelona. After enjoying lunch, a leisurely stroll along elegant Passeig de Gràcia brings you to Barrio Gótico, the oldest part of the city. Explore this enchanting neighbourhood of narrow streets, home to Barcelona's great 14th-century Cathedral and Plaça Sant Jaume. End at the pier to embark your ship in the late afternoon.
Your hotel:
Hotel Almanac Barcelona, located on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, is a new (opened in 2018) boutique hotel in Barcelona’s city centre, featuring 91 rooms and suites. It is only a few steps from Passeig de Gràcia, where you can find stylish shopping, restaurants, bars, and museums. The hotel itself houses a restaurant and a rooftop bar, a wellness and fitness centre, and a rooftop pool.
Your programme includes:
- 2 nights at the Hotel Almanac Barcelona (or similar).
- Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled programme arrival day.
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on Day 3.
- Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1.
- Breakfast on Days 2 and 3.
- Lunch on Days 2 and 3.
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary.
- Local English-speaking guide.
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides.
Your programme does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled programme arrival day.
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the programme.
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are largely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This pre-cruise programme is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Programme is offered on a space available basis.
- Programme is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Hotel Almanac Barcelona
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 619-621
08007 Barcelona
Spain
Telephone: +34 93 018 7000
Total : €930
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
Fundacio Miro Mallorca & Palma City
A short drive from the pier is the Fundació Miró Mallorca, a museum dedicated to the work of Joan Miró. In 1981, two years before the artist's death, he and his wife, Pilar, established the foundation to showcase Miró's work and to promote contemporary art in general. It is their gift to the city that served as their home after Miró's self-imposed exile from the mainland of Franco's Spain. The museum includes a main building that houses thousands of the artist's works, a library, a sculpture garden and Miró's studio, which fulfills his wish that everything be left behind "as it is the moment I disappear." Your visit will allow you to view works spanning the entire length of Miró's career, from 1908 to 1983.
After visiting the foundation, embark on a panoramic tour of the city of Palma, stopping briefly at the 14th-century Bellver Castle, which has towered over the city for over 700 years, serving variously as a royal residence, a Mint, and a prison. It is the only circular castle in Spain complete with round towers.
Arriving at the waterfront historic district, you stop at La Seu, Mallorca's cathedral and the second largest in Spain (after the one in Seville). The edifice took nearly four centuries to complete and boasts the magnificent Portal del Mirador, one of the finest examples of Gothic portals to be found anywhere. Your tour continues on foot as you discover the old town of Palma, whose narrow streets are home to fascinating buildings and interesting shops and cafés, where you will have time to browse and perhaps make a purchase.
The return drive to the pier is along the city ramparts, where you can see the fishing harbor, the former Merchandise Exchange of La Lonja and the Consulado del Mar, the seat of the Balearic Government.
- This excursion involves approximately a mile of walking, sometimes on cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Mallorca by Vintage Train
From the pier in Palma, drive to Sóller, a picturesque town in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains. It has long been a popular summer retreat for writers and artists who are attracted by its tranquil setting, favorable light, and laid-back way of life. A guided tour will introduce you to the center of the town and its major attractions, after which you will have time at leisure to explore on your own or do some shopping.
The highpoint of the day, however, is your return trip to Palma via the vintage, narrow gauge Tren de Sóller. The carriages are made of wood, meticulously maintained by skilled craftsmen, and the scenery along the way is absolutely lovely. Originally built to transport the fruits of the orange and olive groves through which you pass, the train is now used by locals and tourists alike to get from the island's north coast to the capital city.
In addition to its scenic route, the Sóller railway also stands out for its engineering. To overcome the natural barrier of the Sierra de Alfàbia, the railway bed runs through thirteen tunnels ranging in length from 110 feet to 1.75 miles, crosses over several bridges, including the “cinc-ponts” viaduct which has five arches, and accomplishes a series of remarkably sharp turns.
You will disembark the train in Son Reus, where you rejoin your coach for the short transfer back to the pier.
- This excursion involves a total of approximately 1.75 miles of walking, including a 20-minute walk from the coach to the center of Sóller. There are steps to board the train, and it is not wheelchair accessible. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and protection from the sun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Marivent Gardens and Palma's Old Town
A short drive from the ship brings you to Marivent Gardens, on an estate used by the Spanish royal family in the summer. Opened to the public only in 2017, the gardens are beautifully designed and maintained, featuring a delightful variety of trees, shrubs and flowers and offering an opportunity to enjoy a leisurely stroll amid the tranquility. Dotted throughout the gardens are a dozen sculptures by Joan Miró donated to the park by the artist.
After visiting the gardens, you embark on a panoramic tour of the city of Palma, passing by the 14th-century Bellver Castle, which has towered over the city for over 700 years, serving variously as a royal residence, a Mint, and a prison, and the only circular castle in Spain complete with round towers. Arriving at the waterfront historic, you stop at La Seu, Mallorca's cathedral and the second largest in Spain (after the one in Seville). The edifice took nearly four centuries to complete and boasts the magnificent Portal del Mirador, one of the finest examples of Gothic portals to be found anywhere.
Your tour continues on foot as you discover the old town of Palma, whose narrow streets are home to fascinating buildings and interesting shops and cafés. Here you will have time to browse and perhaps make a purchase, before stopping at a local pastry shop to enjoy Mallorca's signature ensaïmada, a spiral shaped sweet bread, traditionally served plain with generous amounts of powdered sugar, but also available with a variety of fillings.
The return drive to the pier is along the city ramparts, where you can see the fishing harbor, the former Merchandise Exchange of La Lonja and the Consulado del Mar, the seat of the Balearic Government.
- This excursion involves approximately 2.5 miles of walking, over gravel and sandy paths in the gardens and sometimes on cobblestone streets in the old town. We recommend you wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Valencia, Old and New
Begin in the heart of Valencia's Old Town at La Plaza de la Reina, the city's historic center. Your walking tour will visit the 13th-century Cathedral, built after the Reconquista on the site of a Roman temple that had been converted to an Arab mosque. This Gothic structure is home to what is said to be the Holy Grail, as well as paintings by Goya and Maella. Its bell tower, El Miguelete, is one of Valencia's most emblematic monuments.
Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage La Lonja de la Seda, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture. Built from 1482-1533, this group of buildings was originally used for silk trading. The grandiose Sala de Contratación displays the power and wealth of a major Mediterranean mercantile city in the 15th-16th centuries.
End at the Mercado Central, a vast modernist structure of iron, crystal, and ceramic tiles built in 1928 as a market to feature Valencia's world-famous fruits and vegetables. Today the Mercado is a gastronome's delight of stalls selling seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, meats, cheeses, baked goods, olives, and wines.
Drive to Valencia Beach for a lunch of paella at a restaurant on the seafront.
After lunch, visit Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences, the largest cultural-educational complex in Europe. Designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, it comprises five buildings surrounded by landscaped gardens and waterworks, covering nearly 500 acres at the eastern end of the Turia Gardens. Tour the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, one of the five buildings. This impressive monument combines the architect's style with complex engineering and state of the art technology to enhance performances while bringing them closer to the public. This stunning building features four distinct specially-designed venues, one each for opera, dance, recitals, and theater.
- This moderate excursion involves approximately 2.2 total miles of walking, including stairs and uneven ground. We advise you to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and to protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is required when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees should be covered).
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Granada: The Moorish Legacy of Andalusia
This tour takes you to Granada to explore the incomparable Alhambra, built by caliphs of the Nasrid dynasty and recognized as the very pinnacle of Islamic architecture in the region. You will also discover the Cathedral and Royal Chapel, final resting place of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic Monarchs who brought an end to Islamic rule in Iberia.
Enjoy a drive through abundant olive orchards dotted with picturesque villages to the city of Granada, situated on a mesa in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. From its founding by the Umayyad dynasty in the 8th century until 1492, Granada was the center of a civilization in which the three great monotheistic faiths worked side by side to build a society of tolerance, dialogue, and coexistence.
On arrival in Granada, a stroll through the city center ends at the majestic Cathedral, a remarkable combination of Baroque façade, Renaissance dome and Gothic floor plan. This intriguing amalgam of architectural styles boasts stunning stained-glass windows and exquisite paintings and sculptures. In the Cathedral’s Royal Chapel are the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella.
A short drive brings you to the Alhambra for a private evening tour. Although damaged and restored over the centuries, it is not difficult to picture the palace as it was 600 years ago. Enter the Alqala hamra ("red castle") and visit the Nazaries Palaces — a complex of buildings with intricately carved stucco walls, knotted ceilings, and charming courtyards. Discover the Serallo, the official residence of the Sultan and Harem, which surrounds the famous Patio de los Leones with its 12 lion fountains. Continue with a visit to the Generalife Palace and Gardens, built as a summer paradise for the Sultan.
At the luxurious Alhambra Palace Hotel, you will enjoy dinner in beautiful surroundings before returning to the ship.
- This excursion involves a total of approximately 2.5 miles of walking over mostly flat terrain. There are some cobblestoned paths at the Cathedral and the Alhambra. We recommend you wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tour of the Alhambra is exclusive to PONANT's guests.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Andalusian Treasures: Seville & Cathedral
Seville was shaped by a succession of civilizations — Roman, Moorish, Jewish, Christian — that alternately clashed violently and then found ways to coexist. The rich multicultural legacy of this mixing of traditions is found everywhere in the city. On this tour, you will discover two of Seville’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and experience the vitality of everyday life in this vibrant community.
As you traverse the rolling countryside from Cadiz to Seville, you will see a landscape of olive and orange groves and vineyards that have long supplied the city of Seville and that now export fine wines and oils around the world. You will also pass farms where Spain’s finest bulls and horses are bred.
Upon arrival in Seville, you will disembark your coach and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral of Seville – the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb. The central nave rises 120 feet above the interior. La Giralda, built as a minaret for the city's chief mosque in the 12th century, now serves as the bell tower and a symbol of Seville.
Enjoy a walking tour exploring the Barrio de Santa Cruz. The city’s former Jewish quarter, the barrio is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets lined with orange trees and whitewashed buildings decorated with wrought-iron grilled windows.
After a dinner featuring signature dishes, enjoy a stroll through the charming Murillo Gardens, which lead the way to the royal compound of the Real Alcazar. This UNESCO World Heritage site, built in the Mudéjar style in the 14th century, is today a sprawling complex incorporating architectural influences from the Renaissance, Baroque and 19th century. Here you will discover lavish gardens, sparkling ponds and fountains, and fascinating ornamental details at every turn.
- This moderate excursion involves a significant amount of walking (approximately 1.5 miles total) mostly over flat and even ground, but there are places with cobblestones. We recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is required when visiting the Cathedral. Hats and sunblock are recommended. Sites may be visited in a different order.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Cadiz: Gateway to Southern Spain
Settled about 1100 BCE by Phoenicians, Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe. It remains to this day an important port and an opening to the history and culture of southernmost Spain.
Your excursion begins with a drive south from Cadiz to the village of Vejer de la Frontera, perched high above a steep gorge cut by the River Barbate. Declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1976, it is one of the pueblos blancos ("white villages") found throughout Andalusia, so named because of the whitewashed buildings that help protect them from the fierce sun. Your walking tour of this charming, small town meanders over cobblestoned streets, where secluded patios are tucked around hidden corners, and leads you at the end of your stroll to the Plaza de España, one of the prettiest village squares in all of Spain. You will have some time at leisure to enjoy the tranquil beauty of this special spot.
On your return to Cadiz, enjoy a guided walking tour. End at the Flamenco La Cava, one of the city's premiere tablao, where you will be treated to an exciting performance of flamenco, replete with rhythmically tapping heels, clicking castanets, and the traditional rascado flourishes of the guitar. During the show, a full tapas style dinner will be served, the perfect enhancement to a quintessentially Spanish experience.
After dinner and the show, transfer back to the ship.
- This moderate excursion involves a significant amount of walking (approximately 1.8 miles total). Most of the walking is over flat and even ground, but there are some hilly areas and cobblestones. We recommend sturdy yet comfortable shoes. Hats and sunblock are also recommended. Note that sites may be visited in a different order.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
HISTORIC LISBON (1 NIGHT)
Lisbon, which in the 15th- and 16th-centuries led the way in Europe's discovery of sub-Saharan Africa, India, and East Asia, remains an important European capital and a fascinating place to visit. This specially designed program will introduce you to the cultural monuments that celebrate Portugal's glorious past.
Day 1 – Disembark | Lisbon, Portugal
After breakfast aboard and disembarkation, your tour of Lisbon begins with a visit to the Gulbenkian Museum, housing a unique private collection of art and objects from various cultures and historical periods. Enjoy a lunch including cod fish—a staple of Portuguese cuisine—and perhaps sample the famous custard tart, Pasteis de Belém. Following lunch, you will visit the imposing Jeronimos Monastery, where da Gama spent his last night before embarking on his voyage to India, and the finest extant example of the Portuguese architectural style known as Manueline. Enjoy some time at leisure in the Belém Quarter before a panoramic overview of the city, including the Monument of Discoveries, commemorating Portugal's crucial role in the Age of Discovery, and historic Belém Tower, the point from which many Portuguese explorers, including Vasco da Gama, set sail. End at your home for the tonight, the Hotel Altis Avenida. The balance of the day is at leisure with dinner on your own.
Day 2 – Lisbon
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
The Hotel Altis Avenida is a charming boutique hotel, with an extraordinary location in the centre of Lisbon, in Praça dos Restauradores. The architecture and decoration are inspired by the 1940s and draw on the concept of "urban chic," where the past and the future meet, creating an atmosphere of charm and glamour. The hotel has 123 rooms, a Lobby Bar, and a fine dining restaurant on the top floor of the hotel that features the cuisine of chef João Rodrigues.
Your programme includes:
- 1 night at the Hotel Altis Avenida (or similar).
- Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on the scheduled programme arrival day.
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 2.
- Lunch on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2.
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary.
- Local English-speaking guide.
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides.
Your programme does not include:
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled programme departure day.
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the programme.
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This post-cruise programme is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Programme is offered on a space available basis.
- Programme is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Hotel Altis Avenida
Rua 1° Dezembro, 120
1200-360 Lisbon
Portugal
Telephone: +351 210 440 000
Total : €380
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.