Malaga to Barcelona Following the footsteps of 3 wondrous Spanish artists

( 5 Star )

Visit: Malaga - Cartagena - Tarragona - Palamos - Roses - Barcelona

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusion / Exclusion
Dates Pricing

We’ll discover Spain through the grand, imaginative works of these three geniuses on a voyage from sunny Malaga to Barcelona—Catalonia's bustling capital—.

Passengers are welcome to board at 6:00 p.m. We'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner on board. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.

Join us for an optional excursion to Granada (including lunch). Sitting at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, Granada is famous for its majestic Renaissance architecture blended with its impressive Al-Andalus heritage. We will visit the Alhambra, whose translation from Arabic—The Red One—refers to the sun-dried bricks used to build the outer walls. Together with Córdoba's Mezquita, this true wonder of Moorish art stands as one of the most prestigious testimonies of the seven-century Muslim presence in Spain. From the delicate details and sculptures adorning the stunning palaces to the captivating gardens around them, the Alhambra, framed by the surrounding mountains, offers constant enchantment. Next, we'll visit the Palacio de Generalife, the former summer palace of the Nasrid rulers, located directly uphill from the Alhambra. Its gardens and courtyards surround narrow canals that are part of the palace complex's intricate water supply system.

This morning, join us for an optional tour of the city where Pablo Picasso was born. Located at the mouth of the Guadalmedina River, Malaga is one of the oldest Mediterranean seaports. Dominated by its Moorish castle perched on the Mount of Gibralfaro, the city offers stunning scenery, tree-lined promenades, great weather, tiny boutiques, and excellent restaurants. We’ll visit the Picasso Museum, which houses many of his original works. The collection includes engravings, books, illustrations, drawings, and lithographs. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising. Join us for a lecture in the lounge: The Culture, Contrasts, and History of Andalusia. Join us on the Sun Deck for a cocktail party, some tapas, and Spanish music.

This morning, join us for an optional guided tour of Cartagena. Cartagena might seem like a small town, but in reality, it’s jam-packed with history and activities. We’ll tour the old part of town and see the exterior of the Roman theater discovered only in 1988. A panoramic elevator will bring you to the fortified Castillo de la Concepción, where you’ll be able to take in the wonderful views before visiting the fort. The site originated as a Roman temple, evolved into a Moorish fort, and subsequently turned into a medieval citadel. The castle was used up to the Spanish Civil war as a strategic lookout. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising along the Spanish coast. Take advantage of this time to participate in some of the services and activities offered on board. You might try working out in our fitness room, indulging in a massage, or just catching some rays on our Sun Deck. And don’t miss a tasting of Spanish pastries. We'll enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.

The morning will be spent cruising to Tarragona. Join us for a lecture in the lounge: Gaudi, Dali, and Picasso—Spain’s Three Contemporary Geniuses. This afternoon, we’ll set out on an optional guided tour of Tarragona. Tarragona is a lively port city with a rich, Roman-infused past. Other than the beach and bar scene, the city’s ruins from that era are the main attractions. We’ll visit the fascinating ruins that include an amphitheater and Roman circus. The Middle Ages also left their mark on Tarragona. Some striking examples include the Tarragona Cathedral, the Diocesan Museum, the Old Santa Tecla Hospital, and the Jewish Quarter. Enjoy a Spanish-themed evening on board. Tonight’s delight will be paella!

This morning, join us for an optional tour of the one-of-a-kind Palamos Fishing Museum (4). Learn about the past, present, and future of fishing and its significant impact on the Costa Brava. Afterwards, you will join a wine celler in the heart of the Catalonia. You will discover the landscape, culture and history of viticulture of the Costa Brava. Tasting wine from the region. We’ll begin to cruise to Roses. Join us for an optional excursion to Roses and the Dali Theater-Museum this afternoon (closed on Mondays). Roses was founded by Greek explorers back in the 8th century BC. We’ll enjoy a tour that includes a walk through the old town to see Santa Maria Church and then up to the citadel. The citadel seems like a history lesson all rolled up in one. Within its walls, we find the ruins of an 11th-century monastery, a Roman town, a Greek quarter, a Paleochristian necropolis, and several 16th-century military structures. Our last stop will be the Dali Theater-Museum, a wild Surrealist dream. Dali was an eccentric, meticulous artist who changed the way we look at the world. His style impacted not only surrealism, but modern art as a whole. The museum is an homage to all his works—from his first to final creations—and includes his key masterpieces. OR Join us for an optional visit to the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes. The Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes sits high on a peak in the Sierra de Rodes, overlooking the valley and sea below. The majestic, elegant monastery is a colossal Romanesque-style structure. It served as a cloister for over ten centuries. The last monks abandoned it in the 20th century and left it for ruin before the government carefully restored it. The monastery was once a holy place on the same level as Saint Peter’s in Rome that welcomed pilgrims and housed important relics. The place is full of legends, the most popular being the mystery of a golden goat hidden in the tunnels beneath. Our ship will begin to cruise to Barcelona. Join us for a lecture in the lounge: Barcelona, Capital of the Distinctive Autonomous Community of Catalonia.

This morning, we’ll set out on an optional guided tour of Barcelona. This seaside city contains historical treasures that span 2,000 years: Roman ruins, medieval districts, and Modernism masterpieces. We’ll visit the Gothic Quarter and its narrow streets filled with trendy bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. Along our way, we'll pass two Gaudi designs, the Casa Batllo and Casa Mila buildings. The next stop will be La Boqueria Market for a taste of some Spanish cold cuts. This afternoon, we'll enjoy an optional tour of La Sagrada Familia and the Park Güell. La Sagrada Familia is Antoni Gaudi’s magnum opus. The magnificent building has been under construction since 1882 and is an absolute must-see when in Barcelona. The church is expected to be finished in 2026, a century after Gaudi’s death. Although cranes and scaffolding surround the building, its fascinating and quirky beauty remains inside and out. Afterwards, we’ll take a stroll through Park Güell, another Gaudi urban masterpiece. The now-public park began as a private estate back in the 1800s. Eusebi Güell commissioned Gaudi to remodel the house and build a perimeter wall with gates. The renowned architect also helped design the estate’s gardens, building a pergola and two fountains. Enjoy a glass of Sangria on the Sun Deck as we depart. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Inclusion

Your cruise in the cabin category of your choice - all meals - drinks with your meals and at the bar (not including our special wine and drinks list) - emergency/repatriation insurance - all port fees.

Exclusion

Drinks from our special lists or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers - optional excursions (must be reserved and paid for on board or at travel agency) - transfers to/from departure/arrival points - cancellation and baggage insurance - personal expenses.

Note

*Price based on double occupancy

Ship available for this cruise is MV La Belle des Océans.

Accommodation available for Pre and Post Cruise on request.

For other amazing cruise itineraries and destinations, please contact our Destination specialists.

(Shore Excursions available on request) No shore excursion on the non listed days.

Child discount (2-10 years) : - 20% (On request)

Valid national identity card or passport required. Non-EU nationals are advised to consult their embassy or consulate.

Additional Information

INTERNET

SATELLITE CONNECTIONS

Our ship provides Internet connection via satellite while we cruise, which is different and slower than what we are used to through our regular home or office services. We cannot guarantee connection at all times. Please keep this in mind while you are enjoying your vacation with us.

TELEPHONE SERVICE

DURING CRUISE

When we are at sea, you can connect your device(s) to the onboard GSM/3G network. Your service provider will automatically send you the terms and conditions of use for this service. You will be able to make calls, send messages, or use the Internet through this network’s roaming services. The GSM network will be turned off once the ship enters a port.

WHILE IN PORT

When the ship is in a port, you will be able to receive and make calls via your international calling/service plan according to the country you are visiting.

WATCH OUT FOR SERVICE FEES

We strongly recommend that you contact your service provider before your departure; international calls and data usage can be very costly and are almost never included in basic operator packages.

PLEASE CHECK THE SETTINGS FOR YOUR DEVICE

Once you are on board, but before you connect to the Internet, please check the settings for your device(s). We request that you limit the downloading of videos and large-volume files. Automatic updates to your PC, tablet, and smartphones will affect the speed and cost of your connection. You probably have automatic updates for apps on your devices that you are not aware of. We recommend that you deactivate these updates while you are staying with us.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

UNIQUE ITINERARY : Port of calls in Roses and Palamos, little-known cities on the Costa Brava
Explore(1)
- Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso
- Granada and its Alhambra
- Cartagena, an old port city
- Historical Tarragona
- The Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes and its Catalan Romanesque architecture
- The Fishing Museum in Palamos and a tasting of wines in the Bodega Brugarol
- The Dali Theater-Museum, the world’s largest Surrealist work of art
- The best sites in Barcelona
- The Gaudi masterpieces La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell
DELICIOUS SPANISH CUISINE
- Tasting of Spanish cold cuts at La Boqueria Market in Barcelona
- Onboard Spanish cocktail party with Sangria and tapas
- Paella, one of Spain’s delicious dishes
- Tasting of Spanish pastries on board
Participation of Alain Loisin, lecturer(2)
- During the years I have spent traveling, I have given presentations on several CroisiEurope cruises—from the banks of the Red Sea to the Canary Islands, the Greek islands to the Bosporus, Russia at the time of the czars to the splendors of the Adriatic.
- Conference themes:
  Barcelona, Capital of the Distinctive Autonomous Community of Catalonia.
  Gaudi, Dali, and Picasso—Spain’s Three Contemporary Geniuses
  The Culture, Contrasts, and History of Andalusia

THE GGTS DIFFERENCE

All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
Free Wi-Fi onboard
Headsets are included for excursions
Official welcome from the captain and crew
Onboard activities
Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
All port fees included

Tour Category

Cruises

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