Barcelona to Lisbon Ultra Luxury Voyage

Barcelona is a true global city of breathtaking architecture, countless world-class museums, bustling markets, colorful parks and high-end fashion. This town is big but perfectly discoverable on foot. Imposing Montjuic Castle is a good starting point for a stunning panorama of the city, and the renowned Joan Miro museum and Catalonian national art museum are also in the area. One might fill an entire day strolling amidst the 12th and 13th century architecture of the Gothic Quarter and then checking out the extensive collection of the Museu Picasso. But Barcelona may be most renowned for the unmistakable imprint made on the city by architect Antoni Gaudi, from the spectacular unfinished church of La Sagrada Familia to the whimsical Park Guell. More of his work can be found along tree-lined La Rambla, one of the worlds most famous promenades and the perfect place to experience the striking architecture, designer shopping and delicious tapas of the city.

The distinctive cityscape of Valencia harmoniously blends centuries of architecture. The first stone of Valencia Cathedral was laid in 1262, and one of the chapels holds a chalice purported to be the true Holy Grail. Meanwhile, the Plaza del Mercado provides a delightful contrast between the art nouveau Mercado Central and the Gothic architecture of Lonja de la Seda, a former silk exchange and UNESCO World Heritage site. Moving into the 21st century, the City of Arts and Sciences was designed by renowned Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava and opened in 2005. The soaring arches and gleaming glass of the modern structures host the largest aquarium in Europe, the tallest opera house in the world and other museums. Additional treasures can be found north of town in the Lladro Porcelain Museum. Valencia also has a lovely beachfront promenade, a great place to sample paella in the city where the dish was invented.

Founded by Carthaginians circa 220 BC, Cartagena has one of the world's oldest naval bases and a wealth of Roman archaeology. The 1st century Roman theater was only unearthed a few decades ago, and discoveries are ongoing, including an entire town block dating to Roman times called the Barrio del Foro Romano. Likewise of interest are the Casa de la Fortuna, a house with Roman murals, mosaics and excavated objects and the Punic Wall Interpretation Center displaying remains of a 3rd century defensive wall. Archaeology doesn't stop at the shoreline in this city, as the ARQUA Museum contains artifacts found off Murcia's coast. A lift takes visitors to a castle overlooking it all, Castillo de la Concepcion, for panoramic views. Cartagena is not all history, however. There are rocky coves and sandy beaches to explore, fine dining with regional wines to taste and many opportunities for divers, hikers, golfers and windsurfers.

Tall hotels rise up from the golden beaches in Malaga, the historic enclave on the Costa del Sol. While the Mediterranean bathes its coastline, Malaga's mountains back the city to form a cocoon that ensures mild weather. Malaga is among the world's oldest cities, founded 2,800 years ago and settled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Visigoths and Christians. Looming over the skyline are the citadels Alcazaba and Castle of Gibralfaro, remnants of Moorish rule. Malaga was revitalized in recent years, now featuring some 30 museums and an edgy urban art community. Picasso's hometown naturally has a museum dedicated to him, as well as the Centre Pompidou and Museo Carmen Thyssen. Malaga also boasts a chic cuisine scene, but a simple bowl of traditional porra antequerana soup is never hard to find. A must-see in the hills surrounding Mlaga are the pueblos blancos, white villages bursting with Andalusian charm.

This British Overseas Territory on Spain's southern coast is dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, fondly called The Rock. For spectacular views, take a six-minute cable car ride to the top, where you can see two continents, two bodies of water and three countries. A short walk brings you to the Gibraltar Nature Reserve and the cheeky Barbary macaques, the famous monkeys that roam freely here. Other highlights include the illuminated stalagmites of St. Michael's Cave and the Great Siege Tunnels, a maze of defensive fortifications carved into the rock in the 18th century and extended to an underground city during World War II, housing the garrison, canons, artillery and food. Another cave adventure is the Gorham's Cave Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site where rock carvings provide evidence of Neanderthal man dating back 120,000 years.

With a day at sea, enjoy the unique opportunity to unplug and relax into the unhurried life on board. Enjoy a workout with a view at the gym, indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, watch the sky transform at sunset from The Observation Lounge, or find an intimate alcove in The Living Room and lose yourself in a favorite book.

Portugal's capital on the Atlantic Ocean is comprised of several key districts built on seven hills. A good place to begin is the historic Alfama district, a maze of medieval streets and alleyways leading to a hilltop on which you will find the Castelo de Sao Jorge. One of Lisbon's most popular attractions, the castle provides sweeping views over the city. Descend to the riverfront Baixa district to enjoy its shopping, restaurants and neoclassical architecture. The Belem district is home to a pair of UNESCO World Heritage sites: Belem Tower, celebrating the Age of Discovery, and Jeronimos Monastery, a prime example of ornate Manueline architecture. If time permits, the charming villages of Sintra and Cascais are only a short distance away, and many choose to make the pilgrimage from Lisbon to Fatima, where apparitions of the Virgin Mary appeared in 1917.