A Symphony at Sea Along the Coasts of Southern Spain and Portugal

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT themed voyages for travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks or performances aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

Join us aboard L’Austral for a musical celebration at sea as we sail along the Spanish and Portuguese coasts from Tarragona to Lisbon, discovering the landscapes, architecture, and rich cultural history of Southern Spain and Portugal through excursions ashore and musical performances aboard ship from a group of world-class musicians led by Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart. Your musicians include pianist Jihye Chang, cellist Alistair MacRae, soprano Allison Pohl, violist Scott Rawls, violinist Wendy Rawls, and violinist Benjamin Sung.

Sailing from Tarragona, your first port of call is the city of Valencia, perhaps most famous for its production of oranges, but also a showcase of architectural diversity, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Lonja de la Seda, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture, to native architect Santiago Calatrava's exuberant 21^st-century City of Arts and Sciences.

In Cartagena, your day begins with a tour of the city's emblematic Roman Theater, a remarkably well-preserved monument to the role of Cartagena in the defeat of Carthage in the second Punic War, and continues with a drive to Castillo de Concepcion for panoramic views over the city. Explore Calle Mayor, Cartagena's main street, where you will see the Gran Hotel and Cervantes House—and perhaps enjoy a liquored coffee, as locals do.

During the following two days, L'Austral will remain docked in Malaga, providing the opportunity to visit one of the most important centers of civic and cultural life during Andalusia's Golden Age. First, a full-day excursion brings you a choice to visit Cordoba. Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Mezquita, an enormous 8^th-century mosque converted to a Cathedral in the 13^th century and visit the vibrant Jewish quarter of the city. Alternatively, journey to Granada and explore the incomparable Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the incredible Generalife Palace and Gardens, summer paradise for the Sultan.

On your second full day in Malaga, explore the incredible art and architecture of the birthplace city of Picasso, and discover his work during a visit to the Picasso Museum.

Next discover Cádiz, one of the country’s oldest cities. This call will allow for a visit to the superb palace of the Alcázar in Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or stay in town and enjoy a walking tour of the Barrio del Pópulo, the heartbeat of the city and Cadiz’s old town, and attend a performance of flamenco at a local tavern.

Lagos, near the southwestern tip of Portugal, is your gateway to the natural beauty, history, and culture of the Algarve. Tour the Old Town, visit the stunning rock formations and caves of Ponta da Piedade, and enjoy a tasting of Algarve wines. Or, trace the coastline by speedboat and take in the amazing formations of the Seco and Benagil Caves. Your voyage ends the following day in Lisbon.