Delights of the Iberian Peninsula

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.

Welcome to Lisbon, the colourful capital of Portugal and a city with a proud seafaring history. Be immersed in its cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals.

This afternoon you’ll board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II. You’ll be warmly welcomed by the Captain and crew. Meet your butler and settle in your spacious suite. Join your fellow guests at the Observation Deck for a glass of Champagne to toast the start of your fascinating exploration of Western Europe.

Please book your flight to arrive into Lisbon prior to 02:00 PM.

Portimão is a major fishing port, and significant investment has been poured into transforming it into an attractive cruise port as well. The city itself is spacious and has several good shopping streets—though sadly many of the more traditional retailers have closed in the wake of the global economic crisis. There is also a lovely riverside area that just begs to be strolled (lots of the coastal cruises depart from here). Don’t leave without stopping for an alfresco lunch at the Doca da Sardinha ("sardine dock") between the old bridge and the railway bridge. You can sit at one of many inexpensive establishments, eating charcoal-grilled sardines (a local specialty) accompanied by chewy fresh bread, simple salads, and local wine.

On the western Algarve, Portimão is a small port with a bustling historic centre. Spend the day exploring this former fishing town, where architectural masterpieces from the 19th and 20th century seamlessly blend with colourful contemporary structures, fronted by a breathtaking promenade.

Portimão is a major fishing port, and significant investment has been poured into transforming it into an attractive cruise port as well. The city itself is spacious and has several good shopping streets—though sadly many of the more traditional retailers have closed in the wake of the global economic crisis. There is also a lovely riverside area that just begs to be strolled (lots of the coastal cruises depart from here). Don’t leave without stopping for an alfresco lunch at the Doca da Sardinha ("sardine dock") between the old bridge and the railway bridge. You can sit at one of many inexpensive establishments, eating charcoal-grilled sardines (a local specialty) accompanied by chewy fresh bread, simple salads, and local wine.

Continue to explore Portimão. Visit the shops selling traditional lace, ceramics and leather goods, and dine in one of the many fantastic restaurants. Admire the steep limestone cliffs that surround its sandy beach of Praia da Rocha and swim in its turquoise waters.

Whether you pronounce it Seville or Sevilla, this gorgeous Spanish town is most certainly the stuff of dreams. Over 2,200 years old, Seville has a mutli-layered personality; home to Flamenco, high temperatures and three UNESCO-World Heritage Sites, there is a noble ancestry to the southern Spanish town. Not forgetting that it is the birthplace of painter Diego Velazquez, the resting place of Christopher Columbus, the inspiration for Bizet’s Carmen and a location for Game of Thrones filming, Seville is truly more than just a sum of its parts. This city is a full on experience, a beguiling labyrinth of centuries old streets, tiny tapas restaurants serving possibly the best dishes you’ll taste south of Madrid and a paradise of Mudejar architecture and tranquil palm trees and fountain-filled gardens.

On the shores of the Guadalquivir River lies Seville, the elegant capital of Andalusia. Arrive in the afternoon to explore this historic city, an architect's dream with striking architectural styles, from the Gothic design of the Cathedral de Santa María de la Sede to the Baroque beauty of the Iglesia Colegial del Salvador.

Docking right in the heart of the city, simply step off Scenic Eclipse II to start your own discovery. The ship will be spending the night in Seville, giving you ample opportunity to sample the city’s famed culinary scene, small bars and flamenco dancing.

Whether you pronounce it Seville or Sevilla, this gorgeous Spanish town is most certainly the stuff of dreams. Over 2,200 years old, Seville has a mutli-layered personality; home to Flamenco, high temperatures and three UNESCO-World Heritage Sites, there is a noble ancestry to the southern Spanish town. Not forgetting that it is the birthplace of painter Diego Velazquez, the resting place of Christopher Columbus, the inspiration for Bizet’s Carmen and a location for Game of Thrones filming, Seville is truly more than just a sum of its parts. This city is a full on experience, a beguiling labyrinth of centuries old streets, tiny tapas restaurants serving possibly the best dishes you’ll taste south of Madrid and a paradise of Mudejar architecture and tranquil palm trees and fountain-filled gardens.

On your second day in Seville, make the most of Scenic Freechoice options to discover the city's breathtaking views, picturesque streets, and hidden treasures at your own pace, immersing yourself in its rich culture and charm.

Famed for its luxury cars, upscale boutiques, and impressive yachts, Puerto Banús is the epitome of exclusivity. Developed in the 1970s, this seaside town was designed to blend the charm of an Andalusian fishing village with the sophistication and elegance of a stylish port destination.

Set against a backdrop of immense mountains, wind your way through the town’s narrow streets lined with flower boxes. Or experience one of the excellent golf courses that dot the hills behind the town. You may also wish to visit the glitzy bars this evening before another late departure.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Almería, where the majestic La Alcazaba fortress stands as a powerful symbol of Spain's Moorish heritage. Built in the mid-10th century, it was once one of the country's mightiest fortresses, second only to the iconic Alhambra. With its perfect mix of culture, history, and stunning landscapes, Almería offers an unforgettable experience that will captivate you at every turn.

As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities.

Your journey ends in the city of Málaga, on Spain’s spectacular Costa del Sol. The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Málaga is one of the oldest cities in the world. After one final delicious breakfast on board Scenic Eclipse II, it’s time to disembark your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, taking with you a lifetime of memories of this truly unique journey in the Mediterranean.

Please book your flight to depart out of Malaga after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits.  Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.  ^Experiences on board our two helicopters are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, tide and ice conditions.

Submersible not operational in Europe.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.