Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)
Photos are examples only. Actual cabin colors and features may vary.
This cruise has already sailed
12 Night Barcelona to Basque Country Tracing History and Culture on the Iberian Peninsula Cruise from Barcelona
Ship: National Geographic Explorer
Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions
Sailed: Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from Barcelona, Spain
Ended: Monday, May 20, 2024
The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Wednesday, May 8, 2024
departure of the National Geographic Explorer. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing
, the modified schedule would not be reflected here.
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Arrive in Barcelona and explore the iconic architectural masterpieces of this city, the energetic street rhythms coming from Las Ramblas, and the beautiful views atop Montjuic. Embark National Geographic Explorer in the late afternoon and set a course west for Valencia.
Day 2 - Thursday - May 9, 2024
Valencia, Spain
In sunny Valencia, old-world cafes mingle with Gothic cathedrals and futuristic architecture. Explore the rich birdlife of Albufera National Park-Thekla's lark, the wood sandpiper, and more-by hopping aboard private fishermen's boats along the canals of the lake, where they cultivate rice and harvest shellfish. Enjoy a traditional paella, Valencia's signature dish.
Day 3 - Friday - May 10, 2024
Cartagena, Spain
Today, we explore Cartagena, where Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors all left their mark. Walk amid the city's medieval fortress and visit the lookout at Parque Torres to view the ruins of the Roman amphitheater side by side with a modern-day one.
Day 4 - Saturday - May 11, 2024
Motril, Spain
Bus Travel
Granada, Spain
Bus Travel
Malaga, Spain
Nestled at the foot of Spain's Sierra Nevada range, Granada is a city rich in history and culture. Its legacy as the last stronghold of the Moors lives on in the architecture, cuisine, and culture of the modern-day city. Spend the day exploring Granada's vibrant center, or choose to explore the Alhambra on a private tour, a fortified palace complex boasting exquisite Moorish architecture and decor, as well as meticulously landscaped gardens. This evening, we enjoy the Alhambra by night, watching as it magically twinkles into the distant valleys below.
Day 5 - Sunday - May 12, 2024
Malaga, Spain
Bus Travel
Ronda, Spain, Spain
Bus Travel
Malaga, Spain
Choose to dedicate your day to discovering Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso and a gem of a coastal city surrounded by charming Andalusian towns. Or spend the day in Ronda, where bullfighting originated. Discover the town's iconic Puente Nuevo, a stone bridge spanning the gorge and separating the new and old towns, or set for a hike in the countryside.
Day 6 - Monday - May 13, 2024
At Sea
After having navigated through the Strait of Gibraltar overnight, enjoy National Geographic Explorer's amenities during this day at sea. Listen to talks by the onboard experts, get photo tips from a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor, or spend some time on the Bridge with the officers, who are happy to answer questions. A massage from a wellness specialist is an inviting option, or relax with a book on the observation deck.
Day 7 - Tuesday - May 14, 2024
Portimao, Portugal
Bus Travel
Silves, Portugal
Bus Travel
Portimao, Portugal
Portimao is our gateway to Portugal's southernmost province, the Algarve, known for its picturesque beaches, whitewashed villages, lush farmlands, and remnants of Moorish culture. Travel north to Silves, home to a fortified sandstone castle built by the Moors and learn about the tradition of harvesting cork from cork oak trees. Or, spend the afternoon exploring the sea caves of the Algarve coast by small boat while savoring a glass of medronho, a local fruit brandy.
Day 8 - Wednesday - May 15, 2024
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, the second-oldest European capital, maintains a reputation as one of the continent's most vibrant and charismatic cities. Explore the historic city's stunning 18th-century downtown area, including Terreiro do Paco, "the palace's square". Or, visit the Restelo neighborhood-home to the Gothic-style Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site-and its 16th-century Belem Tower that served as a start and end point for numerous Portuguese explorers. More active travelers can opt for a stroll along Lisbon's hillside streets: take in colorful street art, panoramic overlooks, and the wonderful smells of Portugal's culinary traditions. Alternatively, spend the day in Sintra, a charming town hidden in the pine-covered hills of the Serra de Sintra. Home to the whimsical Palacio Nacional da Pena, the medieval Palacio Nacional de Sintra, the Moorish Castelo dos Mouros, and the Arabian-inspired Monserrate Palace, Sintra was the first European site listed by UNESCO as a Cultural Landscape.
Day 9 - Thursday - May 16, 2024
Porto (Oporto), Portugal
Take a panoramic drive from the port into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Porto in the early morning. The birthplace of Port wine, Porto straddles a gorge on the Douro River linked by numerous bridges and filled with medieval architecture. Throughout the day, pick out your favorite azulejo tiles covering the facades of the old town and take in the views from the iron masterpiece Ponte de Dom Luis. Take a tour of the Bolsa Palace Stock Exchange and the Monument Church of Saint Francis, or opt to discover the Clerigos Church and Bell Tower and the surrounding hilltop neighborhood of Clerigos. This afternoon, explore the iconic Ribeira along the waterfront at your leisure. Reconvene for a special dinner this evening at one of the historic port houses along the Douro river, during which you will learn the secrets of Port-making and enjoy a tasting.
Day 10 - Friday - May 17, 2024
Villagarcia, Spain
Bus Travel
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Bus Travel
Villagarcia, Spain
Anchor in Villagarcia de Arousa and take a day trip to the Galician countryside, where you'll visit a winery, watch fishermen as they collect mussels, and enjoy the verdant Galician landscapes from the river. Alternatively, travel to Santiago de Compostela, and visit the cathedral that has welcomed millions of pilgrims over the centuries. Enjoy a typical Galician musical performance and a tapas lunch at the adjacent Hostal dos Reis Catolicos. Take the opportunity to hike a portion of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, offering beautiful views of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela through meadows and forests, before heading back to the ship.
Day 11 - Saturday - May 18, 2024
At Sea
Navigating around Cape Finisterre and into the Bay of Biscay, we are greeted by one of the most active bodies of water in Europe. The Bay of Biscay has over 30 rivers that empty into its basin and currents running through it from the North Atlantic. Spend time on the Bridge today and learn from the officers about the sailing history in this region, while we navigate along the Spanish coast.
Day 12 - Sunday - May 19, 2024
San Sebastian de la Gomera, Spain
Explore Spain's Basque capital of San Sebastian today. Discover the connection to the Celts and hear the bouncing rhythms of a trikitixa, a traditional accordion. Learn some of the regional language that pre-dates Romance languages, and delve deeper into the gastronomic traditions of this gem along the Bay of Biscay.
Day 13 - Monday - May 20, 2024
Bordeaux, France
From the stunning symmetrical architecture of Place de la Bourse to charming side streets brimming with cafes, Bordeaux has no shortage of nooks and crannies worth discovering. Arrive in the picturesque riverside city this morning. After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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