SEABOURN VENTURE 13-Day Spanish Nights & Storied Coasts : LUXURY CRUISES

ITINERARY:

Day 0 Barcelona, Spain

Departs 05:00 pm

VISA REQUIRED FOR SOME

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians, and was once the rival of the powerful states of Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean trade. Today, it is Spain's second largest city and has long rivaled, even surpassed Madrid in industry and commerce. The medieval atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and the elegant boulevards combine to make the city one of Europe's most beautiful. Barcelona's active cultural life and heritage brought forth such greats as the architect Antonio Gaudi, the painter Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso, who spent his formative years here. Other famous native Catalan artists include cellist Pau Casals, surrealist Salvador Dali, and opera singers Montserrat Caballe and Josep Carreras. Barcelona accomplished a long-cherished goal with the opportunity to host the Olympics in 1992. This big event prompted a massive building program and created a focal point of the world's attention.

Day 1 Days At Sea

Arrives 12:00 pm | Departs 11:59 am

Day 2 Malaga, Spain

Arrives 07:00 am | Departs 08:00 pm

VISA REQUIRED FOR SOME

Often little more than a gateway to the Costa del Sol for sun-seeking vacationers, Malaga is a most interesting city in its own right. First settled by the Phoenicians, Malaga was held by virtually every ruling power in the Mediterranean at one time or another. Two Moorish fortresses, the 11th-century Alcazaba and the 14th-century Castillo de Gibralfaro still stand sentry above the harbor. Malaga was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso as well as the Malaguena style of flamenco. During your time here, you may wish to sample some of the sweet Malaga wine and excellent tapas for which the city is noted.

Days 3 4 & 5 Port

Arrives 7:30 pm | Departs 7:00 pm

Days 6 & 7 At Sea

Arrives 12:00 pm | Departs 11:59 am

Day 8 Gijon, Spain

Arrives 12:00 pm | Departs 10:00 pm

VISA REQUIRED FOR SOME

This ancient port city on the green Atlantic coast of Spain has a history of some 3,000 years. From its humble beginnings the city has grown to become an important port city in Spain. Its old historic fishing village Cimadevilla with its picturesque cobble stoned streets and old-world architecture remains today its main tourist attraction.

Day 9 At Sea

Arrives 12:00 pm | Departs 11:59 am

Day10 St Malo (Le Mont Saint Michel), France

Arrives 09:30 am | Departs 08:30 pm

TENDER REQUIRED; WHEELCHAIR ACCESS AT CAPTAIN'S DISCRETION

VISA REQUIRED FOR SOME

The towering monastery of Mont Saint Michel rises from the tidal flats, cut off twice a day by the sea. Ascend the spiral street to see the spare monastic chambers.

Day 11 Port

Arrives 8:00 am | Departs 5:00 pm

VISA REQUIRED FOR SOME

Day 12 Dunkirk (Lille), France

Arrives 07:00 am | Departs 05:00 pm

Subject to tidal conditions.

VISA REQUIRED FOR SOME

Dunkirk is France’s third-largest port. Located on the low-lying area of French Flanders near the Belgian border. It is perhaps most famous as the site of the “Dunkirk Miracle” evacuation of nearly 400,000 troops from under the guns of the German forces during WWII in May of 1940. By order of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and fleet of over 900 ships and boats was dispatched across the English Channel and retrieved the British and French troops trapped there to safety in England. Less well-known, the free-standing Dunkirk Belfry played an important role as one pole of a scientific measurement at the end of the 18th century that resulted in the creation of the standard meter length measure. Nearby Lille, France possesses one of the most gracious city centers in Europe, the Grand Place, graced with beautiful and elaborate civic buildings and churches.

Day 13 Greenwich (London), England, United Kingdom

Arrives 08:30 am

TENDER REQUIRED; WHEELCHAIR ACCESS AT CAPTAIN'S DISCRETION

VISA REQUIRED FOR SOME

Mooring near the Greenwich Naval Observatory provides a perfect location on a broad meander of the River Thames south-east of central London. There is easy access to both Greenwich and the city of London, one of the world's premier cities. The Royal Borough of Greenwich is part of Greater London, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its maritime history as well as its connection to the Royal Family. The Palace of Placentia has stood on a hill here since the 15th Century. It was the birthplace of both Henry VIII and his daughter Elizabeth I. The buildings were later incorporated into the Old Royal Naval College. Visitors can explore the College, the Royal Observatory (site of the Prime Meridian) and the National Maritime Museum. On the riverfront, the 19th century clipper Cutty Sark, Sir Francis Chichester’s yacht Gypsy Moth IV and a Royal Navy destroyer HMS Defender are museum ships. The modern structures of the O2 entertainment complex stand on the peninsula nearby.

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