Spain, Portugal and Morocco: Atlantic Horizons
Embark on a journey across seas and centuries, sailing from the artistic heart of Barcelona to the volcanic islands of the Azores. Along the way, encounter the ancient legacies of the Mediterranean, the Moorish traditions that shaped North Africa and Iberia, the coastal charms of Portugal and the Azores’ otherworldly beauty. Explore storied kasbahs, idyllic villages and rugged coastlines—sometimes with expert guides, other times at your own pace—and discover how centuries of history, cuisine and culture have left their mark on these storied shores.
Highlights
Sail the famed Strait of Gibraltar, the gateway between Africa and Europe, taking in the view from the open deck of National Geographic Orion
Stroll Cartagena’s magnificent Roman Theatre, then set out on a tapas tour to sample traditional local dishes
Experience Lisbon’s charm as you marvel at its architectural masterpieces and listen to the soulful sounds of Fado music in the Alfama, the city’s oldest neighborhood
Wander Tangier’s labyrinthine medina and climb to the legendary kasbah
In São Miguel, sample traditional Azorean cozido, cooked underground by volcanic heat, and spot cetaceans on a catamaran cruise (weather permitting)
From
$14,040
/ per person
Was $15,600Save $1,560
Does not include any flights
SPECIAL SAVINGS
View our brochure for more details
Mediterranean
From
$14,040
/ per person
Was $15,600Save $1,560
View our brochure for more details
Mediterranean
From
$14,040
/ per person
Was $15,600Save $1,560
SPECIAL SAVINGS
View our brochure for more details
Mediterranean
Itinerary
Expedition
Download ItineraryStarts atBarcelona, SpainEnds atPonta Delgada, Azores
Day 1
Barcelona, Spain / Embark Ship
Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to a shared hospitality space. This afternoon, explore the city at your own pace, enjoying its architectural masterpieces, the lively street rhythms of Las Ramblas or the beautiful views atop Montjuic. Embark the ship in the late afternoon and set off on your journey.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1
Barcelona, Spain / Embark ShipArrive in Barcelona and transfer to a shared hospitality space. This afternoon, explore the city at your own pace, enjoying its architectural masterpieces, the lively street rhythms of Las Ramblas or the beautiful views atop Montjuic. Embark the ship in the late afternoon and set off on your journey.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Columbretes Islands
The ship anchors near the city of Castellón on mainland Spain. From here, enjoy water activities in the Columbretes Islands, an archipelago 30 miles off the coast. The islands are a haven for wildlife, offering opportunities to observe endemic species such as Andouin's gull, Eleonora's falcon and Scopoli's shearwater.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Columbretes IslandsThe ship anchors near the city of Castellón on mainland Spain. From here, enjoy water activities in the Columbretes Islands, an archipelago 30 miles off the coast. The islands are a haven for wildlife, offering opportunities to observe endemic species such as Andouin's gull, Eleonora's falcon and Scopoli's shearwater.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Valencia
Begin your journey through Valencia with a visit to its majestic cathedral, home to the revered Holy Chalice—believed by many to be the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. Savor an authentic paella, the city’s signature dish, before exploring the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex where science, culture and architecture converge. Later, set out independently to wander the winding streets of the old quarter, browse the bustling Mercado Central or take in world-class art at the Palau de les Arts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
ValenciaBegin your journey through Valencia with a visit to its majestic cathedral, home to the revered Holy Chalice—believed by many to be the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. Savor an authentic paella, the city’s signature dish, before exploring the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex where science, culture and architecture converge. Later, set out independently to wander the winding streets of the old quarter, browse the bustling Mercado Central or take in world-class art at the Palau de les Arts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Cartagena
Uncover Cartagena’s remarkable history, from its Roman foundations to its role as a Mediterranean stronghold. Stand before the magnificent Roman Theatre, admire the remains of the Augustus Temple and see the imposing city walls—a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Later, set out on a tapas tour of the city, weaving your way through narrow lanes and bustling terraces as you taste local delicacies like caldero del mar menor, a traditional fisherman’s rice dish.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
CartagenaUncover Cartagena’s remarkable history, from its Roman foundations to its role as a Mediterranean stronghold. Stand before the magnificent Roman Theatre, admire the remains of the Augustus Temple and see the imposing city walls—a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Later, set out on a tapas tour of the city, weaving your way through narrow lanes and bustling terraces as you taste local delicacies like caldero del mar menor, a traditional fisherman’s rice dish.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Málaga
Málaga is one of Spain’s oldest cities—a vibrant coastal hub where layers of ancient history blend with contemporary culture. Explore the Alcazaba, a remarkably well-preserved Moorish fortress overlooking the sea, and climb to the Castillo de Gibralfaro, the 14th-century stronghold that once guarded both the Alcazaba and the city below.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
MálagaMálaga is one of Spain’s oldest cities—a vibrant coastal hub where layers of ancient history blend with contemporary culture. Explore the Alcazaba, a remarkably well-preserved Moorish fortress overlooking the sea, and climb to the Castillo de Gibralfaro, the 14th-century stronghold that once guarded both the Alcazaba and the city below.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Tangier, Morocco
Tangier lies just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain and has long been a gateway between Africa and Europe—a true cultural crossroads. Stroll the winding streets of its medina, ascend to the city’s legendary kasbah or visit the American Legation Museum, a symbol of centuries-old diplomacy, and the only U.S. National Historic Landmark located outside the country.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Tangier, MoroccoTangier lies just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain and has long been a gateway between Africa and Europe—a true cultural crossroads. Stroll the winding streets of its medina, ascend to the city’s legendary kasbah or visit the American Legation Museum, a symbol of centuries-old diplomacy, and the only U.S. National Historic Landmark located outside the country.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Algarve Region, Portugal
Enter Portugal in the Algarve, the sun-drenched southern coast renowned for its dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and whitewashed villages. Choose from a variety of activities: kayak in tranquil waters, spot dolphins along the coast, set out on a scenic afternoon hike or wander the cobblestoned streets of a coastal town that embodies the Algarve’s timeless charm.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Algarve Region, PortugalEnter Portugal in the Algarve, the sun-drenched southern coast renowned for its dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and whitewashed villages. Choose from a variety of activities: kayak in tranquil waters, spot dolphins along the coast, set out on a scenic afternoon hike or wander the cobblestoned streets of a coastal town that embodies the Algarve’s timeless charm.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Lisbon
Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal’s captivating capital, where historic architecture, timeless traditions and scenic beauty converge. Visit the iconic Belém Tower and the ornate Jerónimos Monastery, then wander the winding lanes of Alfama—the city’s oldest quarter—where the soulful sound of Fado drifts through the air.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
LisbonArrive in Lisbon, Portugal’s captivating capital, where historic architecture, timeless traditions and scenic beauty converge. Visit the iconic Belém Tower and the ornate Jerónimos Monastery, then wander the winding lanes of Alfama—the city’s oldest quarter—where the soulful sound of Fado drifts through the air.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9-11
At Sea
As you sail toward the Azores, enjoy the ship’s premium amenities and onboard experiences. Step onto the Bridge to watch for wildlife and observe the captain navigate the ship, unwind with a massage from the wellness specialist or attend naturalist talks on your destination.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9-11
At SeaAs you sail toward the Azores, enjoy the ship’s premium amenities and onboard experiences. Step onto the Bridge to watch for wildlife and observe the captain navigate the ship, unwind with a massage from the wellness specialist or attend naturalist talks on your destination.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores
Venture into the lush Furnas Valley and enjoy a traditional Azorean specialty for lunch: cozido, a hearty stew of meats and vegetables slow-cooked underground by volcanic steam. Weather permitting, set out with local spotters on a catamaran in search of cetaceans.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, AzoresVenture into the lush Furnas Valley and enjoy a traditional Azorean specialty for lunch: cozido, a hearty stew of meats and vegetables slow-cooked underground by volcanic steam. Weather permitting, set out with local spotters on a catamaran in search of cetaceans.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
Ponta Delgada / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Ponta Delgada and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 13
Ponta Delgada / Disembark ShipDisembark in Ponta Delgada and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ships
National Geographic Orion
GUESTS 102
CABINS 53
DECKS 6
An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific, Asia, the Mediterranean, and beyond.
Expedition Team
Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.
Special Offers
SPECIAL SAVINGS
Take advantage of our additional offers
10% OFF BACK-TO-BACK VOYAGES
PAY BY DEBIT: EARN A $100 ONBOARD CREDIT
COMBINING OFFERS
BRINGING THE KIDS
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
View our brochure for more details
Mediterranean