8 Night Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal with Smithsonian Journeys Cruise from Barcelona

Located on the seashore between the mountains of Montjuic 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, Miro, or Gaudi, 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.

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.

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.

During your journey 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. 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.

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.

In the province of Malaga, Marbella is a renowned seaside resort on the Costa del Sol. The remains of early Christian and Roman sites around this former mining town, located at the foot of the Sierra Blanca mountains, bear witness to a rich history. With its white houses on flowery little streets, the old town is perfect for a pleasant stroll. The Plaza de los Naranjos, former focal point of the city, is near the 10th-century walls of ruined Arabic castle and the Church of Santa Maria de la Encarnacion. Not far from here, you'll be able to discover the magnificent viewpoints offered by Ronda, a picturesque town perched 700 meters (2,296 feet) high. Its Puente Nuevo bridge majestically crosses the gorges of the Guadalevin River that cuts the town in two.

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 Vina, you will be amazed by this city, which is both steeped in history and extremely festive. In the medieval El Populo 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.

There stands a natural paradise called Lagos, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. With its picturesque and age-old town center, and the Ponta da Piedade natural site sheltering paradisiacal beaches protected by captivating limestone cliffs in hues of ochre, Lagos enthralls, fascinates, and enchants. In this interesting blend between nature and culture, do not miss the chance to stroll along the small paved streets of its historic center, surrounded by impressive Moorish ramparts and edged with traditional white houses, with decorations sculpted in the stone. In particular, you will be able to admire the Manueline-style Governors' Castle, the 17th-century Ponta da Bandeira Fort, or the Baroque Church of Santo Antonio.

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, two UNESCO World Heritage monuments stand proud, 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.