Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is a city that beautifully blends tradition and modernity. Nestled on the banks of the Tagus River, it is renowned for its stunning hills, colorful neighborhoods, and rich cultural heritage.
The ports we visited on the cruise are listed below. Click on the Photo Album links to view the photos .
Lisbon Photo Album
Portimão, Portugal
Portimão, located in the Algarve region of Portugal, is a charming coastal city known for its stunning beaches, vibrant marina, and rich maritime heritage. Once a bustling fishing port, it has transformed into a popular tourist destination while retaining its authentic charm.
We took an excursion to the Western Algarve, visiting the cliffs of Ponta da Pierdade and the historical town of Lagos.
Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and economic hub, is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends modernity with rich cultural heritage. Known for its stunning architecture and bustling atmosphere, Casablanca is a gateway to the country's diverse offerings.
Hassan II Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. This architectural marvel features a stunning minaret that rises 210 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can admire its intricate design and breathtaking ocean views.
In Casablanca, we took a private tour of the city and the spectacular Hassan II Mosque.
Cádiz, Spain
Cádiz, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, is a captivating coastal city located in southwestern Spain. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, it boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Our walking tour took us through the narrow, winding streets of Cádiz's Old Town and its charming plazas, colorful buildings, and centuries-old churches, including the iconic Cádiz Cathedral with its striking golden dome.
We had been in Cádiz on a previous cruise, but didn't have the opportunity to explore the city, so this time we enjoyed an informative walking tour.
Gibraltar, UK
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. It is a unique blend of cultural influences and stunning natural beauty. Famous for its iconic limestone rock, Gibraltar offers breathtaking views and a rich tapestry of history. This towering monolith stands 426 meters high and is home to diverse wildlife, including the famous Barbary macaque.
Our tour included a visit to St. Michael’s Cave: This impressive natural cavern is adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The cave also hosts concerts and events due to its remarkable acoustics.
Málaga, Spain
Málaga, a vibrant city on Spain's Costa del Sol, is renowned for its rich history, stunning beaches, and lively cultural scene. As the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, this coastal gem beautifully blends tradition and modernity.
The ship was docked in Málaga for two days. On the first day we took an full day tour to the "Cave Village" of Setenil de las Bodegas and the "White Village" of Ronda. On the second day, Jamey stayed aboard the ship and Ken walked around town, taking some photos.
Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain
Setenil de las Bodegas is a picturesque village located in the province of Cádiz, Spain. Renowned for its unique architecture, many of the town's houses are built into and under massive rock overhangs, creating a striking visual contrast between the natural landscape and human habitation. This charming Andalusian town is characterized by its narrow, winding streets and whitewashed buildings, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Spanish life.
Setenil de las Bodegas Photo Album
Ronda, Spain
Ronda is a captivating city in the province of Málaga, Spain, perched atop a dramatic cliff overlooking the El Tajo gorge. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, Ronda is one of the oldest towns in Spain, with roots dating back to Roman and Moorish times.
Ronda has inspired many artists and writers over the centuries, including Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles. Its blend of history, culture, and stunning scenery makes it a popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic Andalusian experience.
Ronda Photo Album
Cartagena, Spain
Cartagena is a vibrant port city located in the southeastern region of Spain, within the autonomous community of Murcia. With a rich history that spans over 2,000 years, Cartagena has been a significant naval base and trading hub since its founding by the Carthaginians in 227 BC.
We didn't plan any excursions in Cartagena and enjoyed strolling around the town on our own.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia in Spain, is a dynamic city known for its unique blend of art, architecture, and Mediterranean charm. Renowned for its stunning landmarks, lively atmosphere, and rich history, Barcelona attracts millions of visitors each year.
We visited Barcelona in 2015 before departing on a trans-Atlantic cruise so this time we chose to walk around town. It was a good distance from the port to town, but we eventually made it. We revisited Las Ramblas (A tree-lined pedestrian street) and Mercat de la Boqueria (Famous indoor public market). We took a taxi back to the ship!
Unbeknownst to us, the Louie Vuitton America's Cup was being held there and we enjoyed walking through the marina and race village, looking at the beautiful boats!
Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
Cagliari, the vibrant capital of Sardinia, Italy, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. Nestled along the southern coast, this city boasts picturesque beaches, such as Poetto, and a charming old town characterized by narrow streets and historic architecture.
We met our tour guide just outside the port and walked all over this picturesque town From a viewpoint high above the harbor we could see our ship at dock. A visit to a recommended gelato cafe completed our tour.
Trapani, Sicily, Italy
Trapani, located on the western coast of Sicily, Italy, is a picturesque coastal town known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. With its charming old town, characterized by narrow streets and baroque architecture, Trapani offers visitors a glimpse into its storied past as a significant port city.
We joined a Windstar walking tour to see the sights of this interesting city. Included in the tour was a delicious cannoli and coffee at a street side cafe. After the tour, we set out on our own, and walked to Spiaggia Torre di Ligny, built in 1671 on the extreme tip of Trapani to better protect the coast.
Taormina, Sicily, Italy
Nestled high above the picturesque town of Taormina, Castelmola is a charming hilltop village in Sicily, Italy. Known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, this quaint destination is steeped in history and offers a unique blend of ancient architecture and natural beauty.
Taormina is a stunning coastal town located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina offers visitors a perfect blend of ancient ruins and modern charm.
Taormina was exceptionally crowded, almost to the point of being uncomfortable. On the way back to the bus we stopped at a restaurant for a wood-fired pizza and local beer.
Argostoli, Greece
Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia, one of the largest islands in Greece. Nestled along a picturesque bay, this charming town is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere.
We strolled along the waterfront promenade lined with cafes and shops. At a bakery, we bought a box of loukoumades, small, round balls of fried dough, covered with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. Yes, I ate too many!
The harbor of Argostoli is an important foraging area for the region’s sea turtles. We were fortunate to spot a couple and enjoyed watching them.
Corfu, Greece
Corfu, a lush and enchanting island in the Ionian Sea, is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. With its picturesque villages, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery, Corfu offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
We booked a walking and food tour of Corfu, but weren't prepared for the amount of food that was offered. Having had breakfast before leaving the ship, we were too full to take advantage of all the tasty dishes, and more loukoumades!
Itea, Greece
Itea is a charming seaside town located on the Gulf of Corinth, near the ancient site of Delphi. Known for its picturesque waterfront and stunning mountain backdrop, Itea offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and rich history.
Itea is the port for tours to the ancient ruins of Delphi—once considered the center of the world in Greek mythology. We didn't opt to visit Delphi, so Jamey stayed aboard the ship and Ken strolled the waterfront. The ship was only in port for five hours.
Corinth Canal, Greece
The Corinth Canal is a stunning artificial waterway in Greece that connects the Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea, effectively separating the Peloponnese peninsula from mainland Greece. Completed in 1893, this remarkable feat of engineering is approximately 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) long and only 21.3 meters (70 feet) wide at its narrowest point.
