An Artistic and Historical Odyssey with Ponant

Day 1 - Valencia

Valencia, Spain: Valencia, Spain's third-largest municipality, is a proud city with a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene, quality museums, and spectacular contemporary architecture, juxtaposed with a thoroughly charming historic quarter, making it a popular destination year in year out. During the Civil War, it was the last seat of the Republican Loyalist government (1935–36), holding out against Franco’s National forces until the country fell to 40 years of dictatorship. Today it represents the essence of contemporary Spain—daring design and architecture along with experimental cuisine—but remains deeply conservative and proud of its traditions. Though it faces the Mediterranean, Valencia's history and geography have been defined most significantly by the River Turia and the fertile huerta that surrounds it. The city has been fiercely contested ever since it was founded by the Greeks. El Cid captured Valencia from the Moors in 1094 and won his strangest victory here in 1099: he died in the battle, but his corpse was strapped into his saddle and so frightened the besieging Moors that it caused their complete defeat. In 1102 his widow, Jimena, was forced to return the city to Moorish rule; Jaume I finally drove them out in 1238. Modern Valencia was best known for its frequent disastrous floods until the River Turia was diverted to the south in the late 1950s. Since then, the city has been on a steady course of urban beautification. The lovely bridges that once spanned the Turia look equally graceful spanning a wandering municipal park, and the spectacularly futuristic Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences), most of which was designed by Valencia-born architect Santiago Calatrava, has at last created an exciting architectural link between this river town and the Mediterranean. If you're in Valencia, an excursion to Albufera Nature Park is a worthwhile day trip.

Day 2 - Cartagena

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.

Day 3 - Motril

Motril, Spain: Motril is located in the Spanish region of Andalucia on the Costa Tropical. It is the biggest town on the coast with a thriving commercial, fishing and leisure port. An hour and a half's drive east of Malaga and within easy reach of the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountain range, Motril makes an ideal base for exploring the many delights of the Andalucian coastline and its hinterland. Halfway between the resorts of Malaga to the west and Almeria to the east, nestling in the foothills of the Sierra Lujar mountains, Motril is at the heart of one of the most fertile and productive agricultural areas of Spain. The Costa Tropical takes its name from its sub-tropical climate, which enables the cultivation of exotic fruits and crops such as sugar cane, oranges, lemons, apples, avocados, mangoes, and bananas. One of the sights of Motril is the 17th-century church of Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza, dedicated to the town's patron saint.

Day 4 - Cádiz

Cádiz, Spain: Believed to be the oldest town on the Iberian Peninsula, the Andalusian port of Cádiz enjoys a stunning location at the edge of a six-mile promontory. The town itself, with 3,000 years of history, is characterised by pretty white houses with balconies often adorned with colourful flowers. As you wander around, be sure to take a stroll through the sizeable Plaza de España, with its large monument dedicated to the first Spanish constitution, which was signed here in 1812. Cádiz has two pleasant seafront promenades boasting fine views of the Atlantic Ocean, and a lovely park, the Parque Genoves, located close to the sea with an open-air theatre and attractive palm garden. Also notable is the neo-Classical cathedral, capped by a golden dome.

Day 5 - Huelva

Huelva, Spain: Huelva, a vital port city in southwestern Spain, is steeped in maritime history. Known for being the departure point of Christopher Columbus in 1492, it offers plenty of historical allure with landmarks like the Monument to the Discoverers. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you stroll through the city, discover local culinary delights, and explore archaeological sites that tell stories of its past.

Day 6 - Lagos

Lagos, Portugal: Lagos is a picturesque town located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. Known for its stunning cliffs and Atlantic beaches, it has long been a beacon for explorers, dating back to the Age of Discovery. This charming coastal town features medieval castle walls, cobbled streets lined with cafes and shops, and a vibrant marina. Visitors can explore the grottoes along the coast, or just relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Day 7 - Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal: 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 excellent shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides.

Day 8 - Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal: Continuing in beautiful Lisbon, further explore its myriad cultural and historic offerings. Discover neighbourhoods like Alfama, where fez-like chimneys and winding streets transport you back in time, or embrace the vibrant nightlife and music scene at the Bairro Alto. Lisbon's blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy ensures there's an adventure awaiting everyone.