Lisbon to the Canary Islands by Sea: Spain, Morocco, & Atlantic Isles – with Smithsonian Journeys

This carefully curated post-cruise program offers the chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Gran Canaria—with excursions designed around the fascinating history of the island, its stunning landscapes and seascapes, and above all, its extraordinary food and wine—all while enjoying the amenities of your home base in the grand Santa Catalina Hotel.

Day 1 – Disembark | Las Palmas

After breakfast aboard, disembark for a day of exploration of the northern end of Gran Canaria. Begin with a walking tour of Vegueta, the historic center of Las Palmas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Christopher Columbus stopped here on his first voyage in 1492, setting a precedent for using the Canary Islands as a jumping off point for trade with the New World. Wander through Vegueta's cobblestone streets and admire the colonial architecture that spans the 15th to 18th centuries. Then board your motorcoach for a scenic drive along Gran Canaria's rugged northern coast to reach the seaside town of Agaete, renowned for its picturesque harbor and volcanic landscapes. At the nearby Bodegas Berrazales, an award-winning winery nestled in the hills outside Agaete, a tour of the vineyard and winery ends with a tasting of typical Canarian wines.

Continue your journey to Arucas, a city just west of Las Palmas, where you stop for a lunch of Canarian local specialties. Enjoy some time to explore this historic town, whose wealth comes from the surrounding sugar and banana plantations, before checking in to the luxurious 5-star Hotel Santa Catalina, your home for the next two nights. The balance of the day is at leisure. Dinner is independent.

Day 2 – Las Palmas

This morning's excursion focuses on the southern half of the island and on the culinary traditions of the Canaries. A 45-minute drive along the eastern coastline of Gran Canaria brings you to Las Salinas de Tenefé, a 250-year-old Saltworks still active today. A guided tour of the salt pans demonstrates the ancient process of producing salt from the sea and explains the importance of salt to the local economy. Before leaving Las Salinas, you will want to sample some of the flavored salts produced here—seasonings that contribute to the unique tastes of Canarian cuisine.

The Centro Ecologico Cultural Los Olivos is a working organic farm in the heart of the island, dedicated to practicing and teaching sustainable agriculture practices. Your tour includes the livestock pens, the greenhouses, and the bird sanctuary, as well as the olive groves, and ends with a tasting of some of the local produce. You will also take part in a "mojo" workshop, learning how this famous condiment is prepared and tasting the results. Return to your hotel, where the balance of the day is at leisure. Lunch and dinner are independent.

Day 3 – Las Palmas | Depart

After breakfast at the hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.

Your hotel:

Santa Catalina is a luxury Royal Hideaway Hotel Gran Lujo. Originally opened in 1890, this grand dame of the island's hotels hosted famous guests of the 20th century including Maria Callas, Ava Gardner, Gregory Peck, and Agatha Christie. In 2019, it was reopened after an extensive renovation by the Barceló Hotel Group, and now offers the highest standards of comfort and service and all of the amenities you would expect in a 5-star property. Located in the lush Doramas Park, close to Las Canteras Beach, it offers a home of warmth and beauty for your stay on Gran Canaria.

Your program includes:

·        2 nights at the Santa Catalina Hotel (or similar).

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on Day 1.

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3.

·        Breakfast on Days 2 and 3.

·        Lunch on Day 1.

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary.

·        Local English-speaking guide.

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides.

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day.

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program.

Please note:

·     It is imperative that your flight details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.

·     Late check-out is 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 program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.

·     Program is offered on a space available basis.

·     Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:

Santa Catalina Hotel

C. Leon Y Castillo 227

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Spain

Telephone: +34 9 284 3040

For centuries, Portugal has stood at the crossroads of discovery and design—ushering in the Age of Exploration while cultivating a rich artistic and architectural legacy. This specially curated program showcases Lisbon’s layered past through iconic monuments, elegant museums, and evocative neighborhoods that tell the story of a nation shaped by both sea and the soul.

Day 1 – Lisbon, Portugal

Arrive in Lisbon, where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Altis Avenida. 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 travelers this evening for a welcome reception at the hotel. Dinner is on your own.

Day 2 – Lisbon | Embarkation

After breakfast and check-out, your full-day exploration begins with a guided visit to the Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture where Vasco da Gama spent his final night before departing for India. Then, enjoy a panoramic drive through the Belém Quarter, including photo stops at the iconic Belém Tower, from which so many historic journeys began. After some free time enjoy a local lunch. Continue with a visit to the Gulbenkian Museum, renowned for its exceptional breadth, the museum showcases everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Monet, and Lalique. transfer to the pier to embark your ship in the late afternoon.

Your hotel:

Hotel Altis Avenida is a charming boutique hotel with an extraordinary location in the center 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 features 123 rooms, a Lobby Bar, and a fine dining restaurant on the top floor featuring the cuisine of chef João Rodrigues.

Your Program Includes: 

·        1 night at the Hotel Altis Avenida (or similar)

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day

·        Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1

·        Breakfast and lunch on Day 2

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary

·        Local English-speaking guide

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your Program Does Not Include:

·        Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please Note:

·        It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 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 advisor for further details

·        The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants

·        This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions

·        Program is offered on a space-available basis

·        Program 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