Iberian Interlude Luxury Small Ship Cruise

Tarragona is situated on the Costa Dorada, in the south of Spain’s Catalonia region. Known as Tarraco in Roman times, the city boasts very important archaeological and architectural vestiges that are magnificently well preserved. These earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000. Do not miss this opportunity to visit the Roman amphitheatre, which is located on a beautiful natural site by the sea and is exceptionally well preserved. A stroll through the streets of the old medieval town to the cathedral, which was completed in the 14^th century, is a wonderful way to end your visit to this welcoming city.

You will be welcomed by the colourful houses of Mahon, its narrow streets and pretty squares that appear as you stroll around this richly contrasting city. Mahon reveals its different neighbourhoods, alternating between monuments, villas and white buildings. Discover the Santa Maria church, a building of neo-gothic inspiration, rebuilt in the 18th Century. It is worth a visit to see its monumental organ with more than 3,000 pipes and four keyboards. Around the Carmen church you will find a local market, full of stands selling avarcas, typical Menorcan sandals originally made by peasants. Let yourself fall under the spell of this Mediterranean treasure.

Considered one of Spain’s most beautiful villages, Peñíscola overlooks the turquoise sea, charming visitors with its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. But it is above all the imposing castle perched on its rocky promontory that commands attention. Built by the Templars, and later converted into a papal residence under Benedict XIII, it overlooks the medieval old town and its shaded squares, craft shops, and traditional restaurants. The latter perfectly capture the richness of the culinary tradition in the Castellón region, renowned for its local products such as wine and olive oil.

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 centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. 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.

Just twenty kilometres from the Moroccan coast sits Gibraltar, stretching to the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula. You’ll be impressed by the main attraction of this British Overseas Territory, the limestone monolith Rock of Gibraltar which covers most of the area. The top of the rock, served by a funicular railway, offers an amazing view over the Strait. Classified as a nature reserve, the rock is home to a colony of Barbary apes, the only wild monkeys in Europe. In the centre of Gibraltar, you’ll be surprised by the British feel that infuses the city and blends with the Moorish influences.

A historical and festive town, Málaga 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.

Itineraries are subject to change.