From Barcelona to Lisbon: Laureates of the Queen Elisabeth Competition

Description

PONANT invites you on a musical cruise with the exceptional presence of Alain Duault.

Discover the wonders of Spain’s east coast, sailing on to Lisbon, during an exceptional 8-day cruise, aboard Le Lyrial.

Your voyage will begin in Barcelona, a city in perpetual movement, where you will set out on the traces of Gaudí, and fall under the spell of his famous architectural works, such as the Sagrada Familia cathedral.

Then, you will discover the remarkable heritage and ancient sites of Tarragona and Cartagena. In Valencia, a lively city brimming with culture, do not miss the Silk Exchange, a flamboyant Gothic masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, illustrating how powerful this mercantile city was in the 15th and 16th centuries.

You will then head to Andalusia, where you will discover Málaga and Cadiz, one of the country’s oldest cities, built on a rock and surrounded by the sea. These calls will allow those who wish to visit the superb Alhambra of Grenada, and the cathedral and the palace of the Alcázar of Seville, UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Your journey will conclude with a visit to Lisbon. This city with its nostalgic charm has a unique personality, a blend of tramways, museums and listed buildings.

Trip Name

From Barcelona to Lisbon: Laureates of the Queen Elisabeth Competition

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 224 Launched: 2015 A sleek silhouette, a welcoming intimate atmosphere, discover aboard this new ship the philosophy that has made our sisterships such a success: the spirit of Yacht Cruises. Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 122 staterooms and Suites, with balconies, will join our fleet in April 2015. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the our destinations and the blue light of the Vega star in the Lyra constellation. The result is a subtle variation around a palette of blues, ranging from the luminous delicate grey-blue of the Polar ice to splashes of the vivid turquoise blue found in Mediterranean coves A refined ambiance is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat’s hull, while the central sculpture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea. In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonymous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 BARCELONA

Located on the seashore between the mountains of Montjuïc and Tibidabo, Barcelona offers its many visitors a perfect blend of tradition and modernism. Truly an open-air museum, the “prodigious town” reveals an astonishing range of artistic treasures and museums, combining Roman ruins, medieval districts and a number of avant-garde elements from the 20th Century. Over the years, it has been marked by some of the greatest artists, such as Picasso, Miró or Gaudí, most of whose work has been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Take the time to stroll along the Ramblas and enjoy the gentle, typically Mediterranean lifestyle of the capital of Catalonia.

Day 2 - Day 2 TARRAGONA

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. You can round off this visit by discovering the archaeological museum, where some beautiful mosaics are on display, including the enigmatic Medusa. A stroll through the streets of the old medieval town to the cathedral, which was completed in the 14th century, is a wonderful way to end your visit to this welcoming city.

Day 3 - Day 3 VALENCIA

Valencia - the city of Art and Sciences. Two hearts beat in this Spanish city: one is modern, avantgarde and almost futuristic; the other is more provincial, more traditional and nostalgic. Valencia has the temperament of a great Mediterranean city whose wide avenues form a border around the old town. The city has an abundance of architectural styles that coexist harmoniously, but above all it resolutely embraces the 21st Century with the futuristic structures of its Agora congress centre and City of Arts and Sciences, emerging from a crystal blue pool.

Day 4 - Day 4 CARTAGENA

Surrounded by hills, the natural site of the Bay of Carthagena presided over the fate of this former fortress which has been home to the greatest European civilisations. Today, these Phoenician, Roman, Carthaginian, Moorish and Christian influences form a rich architectural heritage. Its Roman theatre is one of the most significant and best conserved in Spain. You will also be able to cross the landscapes of vines and citrus groves stretching endlessly towards Murcia, to visit this dynamic regional capital.

Day 5 - Day 5 MÁLAGA

A historical and festive town, Malaga 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.

Day 6 - Day 6 CADIZ

Andalusia’s Cadiz is located on the Costa de la Luz, in the south-west of Spain. From the beaches of Cortadura, to the flamenco bars of Santa Maria, through the colourful streets of la Viña, you will be amazed by this city, which is both steeped in history and extremely festive. In the medieval El Pópulo district, you will stroll along covered passages in the narrow gaps between houses. You will also be able to mosey around the lush Mina square. The star of the show is the magnificent cathedral and its dome crowned with yellow porcelain, presiding above the Ocean.

Day 7 - Days 7 - 8 LISBON

Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbour, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos monastery and Belem tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting: known for its fado bars and its Moorish streets, this district is the oldest one of the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to big fashion labels and are an invitation to a bit of of luxury shopping.

Day 8 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

A musical cruise in the presence of Alain Duault and with an exceptional selection of performers.
A cruise to discover the landscapes, architecture and history of Spain and Portugal.
Numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Antoni Gaudí's creations, the Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall and the Hospital of the Holy Cross and St Paul in Barcelona (embarkation port), the archeological sites of Tarragona, the Llotja de la Seda in Valencia, the Alhambra of Granada from Málaga, the Alcázar of Seville from Cadix, the tower of Belem and the monastery of Jeronimos in Lisbon.
Opportunity of a private tour by night at the Alhambra in Granada (prereservation and prepayment mandatory, limited availabilities).
The antique heritage of Tarragona and Cartagena.
The Andalusian city of Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in the Western Mediterranean.
Overnight in Lisbon.