| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 11th11 | AprApr | 202121 | 1 night accommodation before your cruise, staying in Lisbon | | |
| 12th12 | AprApr | 202121 | Lisbon, Portugal, embark on the Scenic Eclipse | | |
| 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, where your journey into wonder begins with a warm greeting from your crew as you step on board Scenic Eclipse. Raise a glass this evening and toast to the start of your luxurious cruise. |
| 13th13 | AprApr | 202121 | Portimão, Portugal | | |
| 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, Portimatildeo is a small port with a bustling historic centre. The architecture is a blend of 19th and 20th century mixed with colourful modern constructions. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice: Visit Cabo San Vincente and Sagres Fort or explore the unique sandstone formations of Ponte de Piedade. Alternatively, uncover the ancient capital of Silves. Discovery: Take a Scenic Discovery excursion by bike to the beaches of Praia da Rocha, or go kayaking and see ancient rock formations of the Algarve. |
| 14th14 | AprApr | 202121 | Seville, Spain | | |
| 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 is Seville, the elegant capital of Andalusia. Docking right in the heart of the city, simply step off Scenic Eclipse to start your own discovery. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice: Explore the monuments including the UNESCO-listed Alcázar Palace or visit the sherry capital, Jerez for a tasting. Alternatively, choose to visit nearby historic Córdoba. Discovery: Take a Scenic Discovery excursion by bike. Enrich Visit one of the oldest bullrings for an exclusive equestrian flamenco show that will lavish all your senses. |
| 15th15 | AprApr | 202121 | Tangier, Morocco | | |
| Tangier can trace its origins back to the Phoenicians and ancient Greeks. It was named after Tinge, the mother of Hercules’ son, and its beginnings are embedded in mythology. It was subsequently a Roman province, and after Vandal and Byzantine influences, was occupied by the Arabs with Spain, Portugal, France and England also playing a part in the city’s history. With such a diverse past it is perhaps not surprising that Tangier is such an individual city. Overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, the city lies on a bay between two promontories. With its old Kasbah, panoramic views, elegant buildings, squares and places of interest, there is much to discover in both the new and old parts of the city. At the southern tip of the Mediterranean Sea lies Tangier. Guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, Tangier is Europe's gateway to Africa. Influenced over its history by many cultures and civilisation Tangier is today a city undergoing significant development and modernisation. Freechoice: Explore Tangier on a panoramic tour including a camel ride, or learn how the locals live during a visit to a local village for coffee and cake. |
| 16th16 | AprApr | 202121 | Málaga, Spain | | |
| 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. Explore the city of Málaga on Spain's Costa del Sol, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and one of the oldest cities in the world. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice: Delve into the art and architecture of Málaga with a visit to Picasso Museum and a gleaming white-stone cathedral, or uncover the secrets of the historic city and visit Gibralfaro Castle. Alternatively, discover the village of Mijas. Discovery: Manoeuvre through narrow Arabic streets and learn the history and culture of Málaga on a bike tour. |
| 17th17 | AprApr | 202121 | Cartagena, Spain | | |
| A Mediterranean city and naval station located in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain, Cartagena’s sheltered bay has attracted sailors for centuries. The Carthaginians founded the city in 223BC and named it Cartago Nova; it later became a prosperous Roman colony, and a Byzantine trading centre. The city has been the main Spanish Mediterranean naval base since the reign of King Philip II, and is still surrounded by walls built during this period. Cartagena’s importance grew with the arrival of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century, when the Navidad Fortress was constructed to protect the harbour. In recent years, traces of the city’s fascinating past have been brought to light: a well-preserved Roman Theatre was discovered in 1988, and this has now been restored and opened to the public. During your free time, you may like to take a mini-cruise around Cartagena's historic harbour: these operate several times a day, take approximately 40 minutes and do not need to be booked in advance. Full details will be available at the port. A prized location with one of the world's great natural harbours and surrounded by rich mineral deposits, Cartagena was founded by the Carthaginians and conquered by the Romans, leaving a wealth of ancient sites in and around the city. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice: Explore Cartagena on a walking tour learning the history, or visit the historic city of Murcia dating back to the 9th century. Alternatively, explore La Unión mining museum. Discovery: Choose to cycle through the Natural Park of Calblanque with magnificent views of the Mediterranean sea. |
| 18th18 | AprApr | 202121 | Port de Sóller, Palma, Spain | | |
| The township of Soller sits in a valley of oranges of "valley of gold'. Made up of narrow streets lined with traditional Mediterranean townhouses, Soller is a beautiful old town well worth exploring. Freechoice: Discover the beauty of the Serra de Tramuntana as you tour the region, or explore Soller village on a walking tour. Choose to visit Valldemossa, a village steeped with old world charm, and see original music sheets from Chopin, or drive to Palma de Mallorca and visit BelIever Castle and Spain's second largest Gothic Cathedral. |
| 19th19 | AprApr | 202121 | Barcelona, Spain, disembark the Scenic Eclipse | | |
| The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars. Disembark after breakfast as you farewell the crew and take away memories of a truly unforgettable cruise. Transfer to Barcelona airport for your flight back to the UK. |
