Sunlit Shores of Spain Cruise

Day 1 - Newcastle, UK

Arrive: Thu 08 April 2027 / Depart: Thu 08 April 2027

The cruise terminal in Newcastle offers fast and efficient check-in areas, a spacious departure lounge with seating areas, a café-bar and smart washrooms all resulting in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, no pre-booking is required.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - St Malo, France

Arrive: Sat 10 April 2027 / Depart: Sat 10 April 2027

Originally a fortified island, the walled city of St Malo at the mouth of the River Rance on France’s Brittany coast, is now connected to the mainland by a 'Sillon' causeway. Visiting this atmospheric port, once a stronghold for privateers (pirates approved by the king), is like stepping back in time. The walls of St Malo, largely destroyed in World War II, have been painstakingly reconstructed. A magnificent grey granite citadel protects the old city, the cobbled streets of which are packed with interesting shops, restaurants, bars and cafés. The main gate is Porte St-Vincent, home to the castle and town museum, and an eclectic mix of exhibits including maps and local artefacts. Saint-Malo Cathedral, built in Romanesque and Gothic styles, makes an impressive centrepiece. From the beach outside the citadel it’s possible to walk at low tide to the small island of Grand-Bé, to see the tomb of the 19th century politician and writer, Chateaubriand. To the south is where the original inhabitants lived. They were converted to Christianity by St Malou, after whom they named the impregnable island when they moved there in the 12th century.

Day 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - Lisbon

Arrive: Tue 13 April 2027 / Depart: Tue 13 April 2027

It was from historic Lisbon, built on seven low hills beside the wide Tagus estuary, that some of Europe's greatest explorers set sail in pursuit of the riches that built Portugal's former global empire in the New World, Africa and the Indies. Memories of that glorious past linger amid the grand avenues and elegant squares of the attractive capital's 18th century lower town - a vivid contrast with the colourful honeycomb of cobbled streets in the old Moorish Alfama quarter and the bohemian mood of the hilly Bairro Alto.

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Motril, Granada

Arrive: Thu 15 April 2027 / Depart: Thu 15 April 2027

At the heart of the Costa Tropical, situated in the foothills of the imposing Sierra Lujar Mountains, Motril is a true Andalusian gem. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, fronted by glorious coastal scenes and inviting beaches, and benefitting from a mild, sub-tropical climate all year round, it is the perfect location for some soothing rest, relaxation and sunshine. But it’s not all sun, sea and sand in Motril, there is plenty for those looking for a taste of authentic local culture too. While the city is not quite as well known, or as well trodden as others on the Andalusian coast, such as Malaga and Almeria, Motril boasts artistic, historical and architectural treasures that are well worth taking the time to discover. Highlights include the 16th century cultural hub of Casa de la Palmas, 17th century Town Hall – a fine example of mudéjar architecture, and the baroque-style Sanctuary of Ntra Sra de la Cabeza. Meanwhile, as one might expect from an Andalusian city, Motril offers an array of tempting traditional cuisine and locally produced drinks, from authentic tapas – served in restaurants around the city – to ‘ron de Motril’ rum.

Day 9 - Alicante

Arrive: Fri 16 April 2027 / Depart: Fri 16 April 2027

Alicante's splendid Paeso Maritimo stretches northeast from the harbour, bristling with pleasure boats, to the expansive beach of Playa del Postiguet. The Rambla de Mendez Nunez leads to a lively market, while the Cathedral de San Nicolas de Bar is dedicated to the patron saint of Alicante. Most famous city landmark, the 3rd century Castillo de Santa Barbara, perched above the city on Mount Benecantil, affords marvellous city panoramas.

Day 10 - Barcelona

Arrive: Sat 17 April 2027 / Depart: Sat 17 April 2027

One of the Western Mediterranean's most colourful metropolises, Spain's cosmopolitan second city overflows with interest, it's mood infused with a vibrant Catalan spirit and heritage. You'll catch the pulse of Barcelona when you stroll the mosaic paved Ramblas, the city's social hub, with open-air cafes, street entertainers and flower displays - and meet its unique cultural heritage in the ancient Gothic Quarter, the surrealistic architecture of Antonio Gaudi, and some outstanding museums and parks.

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - Gibraltar

Arrive: Mon 19 April 2027 / Depart: Mon 19 April 2027

Dominated by ‘the Rock', a towering 1, 396 ft sentinel that guards the Straits, the Arabs' Gebel el Tarik or Tarik's Rock is today simply ‘Gib'. Resolutely British for nearly 300 years, its unique setting unites the oddly familiar - from the helmeted policemen to Marks & Spencer - with an extrovert Mediterranean mood. Test the shops and pubs in Main Street and Irish Town, take a cable-car ride to enjoy the grandstand views to a nearby Africa, and of course make a call on those Barbary apes!

Day 13 - Cadiz

Arrive: Tue 20 April 2027 / Depart: Tue 20 April 2027

One of Western Europe's most ancient cities, founded 3,000 years ago by Phoenician merchants, Cadiz hugs Andalucia's sunlit Atlantic coast. It's a historic and intriguing seaport-from which Spain's galleons once sailed in quest of New World treasure - characterised by palm trees, look out towers and weathered old buildings. From here you can visit Jerez de la Frontera, centre of Spain's sherry production, and put to the test the creations of its many bodegas!

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - La Coruna, Spain

Arrive: Thu 22 April 2027 / Depart: Thu 22 April 2027

At the north western tip of Spain, La Coruna is Galicia's largest city - from where in 1588 the Spanish Armada sailed to its fate. It's the port of call for nearby Santiago de Compostela, in whose ornate 11th century cathedral rests the body of St James. With Jerusalem and Rome, it remains one of Christendom's most holy places - to which in the middle ages up to two million pilgrims came each year.

Day 16 - At Sea

Day 17 - At Sea

Day 18 - Newcastle, UK

Arrive: Sun 25 April 2027 / Depart: Sun 25 April 2027

The cruise terminal in Newcastle offers fast and efficient check-in areas, a spacious departure lounge with seating areas, a café-bar and smart washrooms all resulting in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, no pre-booking is required.