Board an overnight flight to Portugal today. Or, depart earlier for your pre-trip extension to Madeira.

Welcome to Lisbon! If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, a representative will meet you at the airport to assist with transfers to your hotel. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at your hotel.

You’ll have a full day at leisure to explore more of Lisbon on your own. 

Visit the Arco da Rua Augusta, a triumphal arch made entirely of stone, and walk up to the top for unparalleled views of Commerce Square. Standing over 100 feet tall, it was constructed in the late 18th century to commemorate Lisbon’s reconstruction after the entire city was demolished by an earthquake in 1755. Perhaps you’ll make time to visit the Abbey of Alcobaça. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in AD 1153 and is one of the greatest examples of early Portuguese Gothic architecture.

Lisbon is also a paradise for foodies. From traditional tascas to exceptional eateries, there is sure to be something to delight every palate. Fresh seafood is abundant here, from classic bacalhau (salted cod) — a Portuguese favorite — to octopus à lagareiro. Whether it’s a casual eatery or a Michelin-starred restaurant, there is no shortage of dining establishments in Lisbon. Your onboard Destination Manager can help with suggestions and reservations.

Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Enjoy a full-day tour of UNESCO-listed Sintra and the resort town of Cascais. Learn more

Today, you’ll proceed to the pier and step aboard the Ocean Odyssey to begin your small ship cruise. Along the way, enjoy an included panoramic and walking tour of the Portuguese capital. You’ll explore the city’s famed monuments, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. The latter is inextricably tied to the country’s history of exploration, and it’s said that Vasco da Gama spent his last night here before sailing to the Far East (his tomb is in the monastery). Your tour culminates in a stop at the towering Monument to the Discoveries: a massive white-stone tribute to some of the world’s most intrepid sailors and explorers. While on your tour, sample pastéis de Belém, a traditional Portuguese custard pastry.

Upon arrival at the pier, get settled into your cabin and take time to explore the onboard amenities, including the boutique, spa, and fitness center. Stop by the Destination Manager’s desk to make a spa appointment or organize a group dinner with your travel companions. Later, join the first of your daily port talks to learn about tomorrow’s exciting destination. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board.

Included Feature:

• Panoramic Lisbon sightseeing tour

Culture Discovery:

• Sample authentic pastéis de Belém custard pastries

Cruise along Portugal’s scenic Algarve region this morning before mooring in Portimão, a former center of fishing and shipbuilding. From here, you’ll head northeast to the medieval town of Silves, where you will enjoy a guided walking tour of this historic destination.

Situated along the banks of the Rio Arade, Silves is a charming destination full of winding streets, whitewashed buildings with red terracotta roofs, and groves of orange and lemon trees. Your first stop will be the Castelo de Silves, an impressive red-brick castle, believed to have been occupied by a Lithuanian castro until 201 BC, when the Romans conquered Silves, where they ruled over the next five centuries. The city was later conquered by the Umayyad Caliphate, who reinforced and expanded the structure, resulting in the castle seen today, and making it one of the most well-preserved Moorish fortifications in Portugal.

Next, you’ll visit the 13th-century Silves Cathedral, classified as a Portuguese national monument in 1922. Originally built as a mosque during Portugal’s Moorish occupation, it was converted into a Catholic cathedral during the Reconquista period of the Iberian Peninsula under the reign of King Afonso III. Although the style of the cathedral is mostly Gothic, it does contain some Baroque elements. You’ll also have time to peruse the fascinating exhibits of the Silves Municipal Archaeological Museum before continuing to the market town of Monchique. Set among the pine and eucalyptus forests of the Serra de Monchique mountain range, this delightful mountain enclave of cobbled streets and artisan workshops is a charming contrast to Algarve’s beach resorts. 

Included Feature:

• Walking excursion of Silves and Monchique

Today, you’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of Seville, the storied capital of Andalusia. Stop at the University of Seville, whose main building is housed in the former Royal Tobacco Factory where Bizet set the famous opening scene of his opera Carmen. Founded in 1551, the university is one of Spain’s leading institutions of higher learning.

Next, you’ll see the Plaza de España, inarguably the most well-known public square in Seville. Constructed for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, this is where you’ll find the famed Spanish Steps, as well as elegant fountains and tiled mosaics. Continuing on, you’ll view the exterior façade of the Plaza de Toros, Seville’s famed 18th-century bullring. You may also have an opportunity to step inside the Seville Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site most notable as the final resting place of King Ferdinand III of Castile and Christopher Columbus.

At the conclusion of your tour, you’ll have the remainder of the afternoon to continue exploring Seville at your leisure.

Included Feature:

• Half-day Seville sightseeing tour

Gibraltar, also known as The Rock of Gibraltar, is steeped in history dating back approximately 100,000 years when the earliest humans inhabited its limestone caves. However, it remained mostly unsettled until AD 711 when the first Moors of Ṭāriq ibn Ziyād arrived. In fact, “Gibraltar” is a Spanish derivation of the Arabic Jabal Ṭāriq, which translates to “mountain of Ṭāriq.” Gibraltar’s position at the entrance to the Mediterranean made it a prized sight, and its people were subjected to many sieges from France, Spain, and Britain throughout the centuries that followed. It was finally captured by the British in the early 18th century and ceded to them under the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht. Today, Gibraltar’s multicultural society makes it one of the most unique and interesting places to visit in the Mediterranean. During today’s walking tour not only will you be able to visit some of Gibraltar’s most interesting highlights, you’ll also enjoy sweeping views of both the Strait of Gibraltar over Africa and the Bay of Algeciras. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready in case you catch a glimpse of the famed Barbary apes that live on the rock.

Included Feature:

• Walking tour of Gibraltar

Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Join us this evening for a hosted Gibraltar pub crawl — a true British delight! Learn more

You’ll have a full day to explore more of Gibraltar at your own pace today. Perhaps you’ll head to Europa Point, where you’ll find the 19th-century Trinity Lighthouse, the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Europa Catholic chapel; and the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, also known as the Mosque of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Or maybe you’ll pay a visit to the stunning St. Michael's Cave, the largest of Gibraltar’s more than 150 caves. St. Michael's Cave is located almost 900 feet above sea level and is full of astounding stalactites and stalagmites. Another place worthy of a visit is the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, also known as La Alameda Gardens. Located at the end of Main Street, this public garden, was commissioned in 1816 for the enjoyment of soldiers stationed here.

Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Set off on a full day tour of Gibraltar’s significant sites, with refreshments included. Learn more

Situated at the entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar on the northernmost tip of Morocco, Tangier has been settled by the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Arabs, Portuguese, British, French, and Spanish over thousands of years. It’s no wonder its nickname is the “City of Strangers”! 

Today, you’ll set off on a walking tour of the medina, a maze of alleyways containing both businesses and private residences. Contained within the walls of Tangier’s 15th-century Portuguese fortress, the medina offers a glimpse into traditional daily life in this region. 

Included Feature:

• Guided walking tour of Tangier’s medina

Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Enjoy a two-hour guided tour of Tangier’s most notable sites, including the kasbah and the American Legation Museum. Learn more

You’ll venture to Casablanca today for a guided city tour, where you’ll visit the Hassan II Mosque. Built by over 6,000 Moroccan artisans, this is the largest functioning mosque in Africa and 7th largest in the world. Constructed of hand-carved stone and wood, intricate marble flooring, and mosaic tilework, it is a true testament to Moroccan artistry. 

Later, you’ll get a true taste of Morocco with an included lunch of traditional tagine. Typically comprised of a rich mixture of spiced meat, poultry, or fish combined with vegetables or fruit, this savory stew has been a staple of North African cuisine for hundreds of years.

Following your tour, the remainder of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. The Ocean Odyssey will remain in port overnight.

Included Features:

• Casablanca city tour
• Visit Hassan II Mosque

Cultural Discovery:

• Traditional Moroccan Tagine lunch

Following breakfast on board, you’ll enjoy another leisurely morning in Casablanca. Perhaps you’ll pop into one of the markets for unique last-minute souvenirs. Or simply relax on board and take in the views from the panoramic sundeck.

Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Choose from two exciting optional tours in Morocco. Join us for a morning tour of Casablanca, including a photo stop at the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, OR head out on a city tour of Marrakesh's highlights and enjoy an overnight stay at a local hotel. Learn more

Today we’ll arrive in Agadir. Located in the foothills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, along the southern Atlantic coast of Morocco, this resort destination is known as much for its seaside promenade and numerous golf courses as it is for its maze-like souks and traditional hammams. With over 300 sunny days per year, and countless cafés and restaurants offering both traditional and trendy specialties, Agadir is a favorite destination for sun-seekers and foodies alike. Following a leisurely morning and lunch on board, you’ll head out to explore this delightful seaside city for yourself during a guided tour.

Included Feature:

• Guided Agadir city tour

One of the true pleasures of a luxurious, small ship cruise is the onboard experience as you sail from one incredible destination to another. From indulgent spa treatments and soothing hot tubs to elegant dining and engaging onboard lectures, you’ll find everything you need to feel relaxed, pampered, and entertained today.

Onboard Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional onboard experience. Enhance your time on board with one of our Vantage-exclusive activities, including wine and whiskey tastings, a multicourse Chef’s Table Dinner, or an exclusive wine-pairing dinner. Learn more

Arrecife, the quiet capital of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, is a beautiful port city filled with historic buildings and interesting venues. On today’s guided tour, you’ll be able to visit a few of these sites for yourself. 

Your first stop will be Jameos del Agua. Originally conceived as a performance hall, this auditorium space is carved into the basalt rock of a volcanic tunnel. Completed in 1977, the auditorium offers fantastic acoustics with a stage set inside a section of the volcanic tunnel and terraced seating that follows the natural slope of the terrain. 

Next, you’ll visit Cueva de los Verdes, a lava tube found within the Monumento Natural del Malpaís de La Corona, a protected area of the Canary Islands. Created over 3 millennia ago from the lava flows of nearby Monte Corona, the cave system extends for over three-and-a-half miles above the sea, and almost one mile below sea level.

Your final stop will be the cliffs of La Graciosa, a volcanic Island located across the Strait of El Rio. Created by the Canarian hotspot — a volcanically active region of the Canary Islands, just off the coast of northwest Africa — and with a year-round population of just under 1,000 residents, this island is a popular travel destination due to its tempered climate and sandy beaches. 

Included Feature:

• Guided tour of Arrecife

Say goodbye to the Ocean Odyssey today as the cruise portion of your journey comes to a close. You will board a private transfer to your hotel in Las Palmas, with the remainder of the day at your leisure. Lunch and dinner today are on your own.

Founded in 1478 by Juan Rejón, an Aragonese captain serving in the Castilian navy, the Spanish city of Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria and the 9th-largest city in Spain. With its North African flavor and mixture of Modernist, Bauhaus, and Spanish colonial architecture, this underrated destination is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the Mediterranean. Its expansive beaches, boasting soft sand and calm waters, are perfect for those seeking a relaxing spot to soak up the sun. The blend of Modernist structures in the Triana district and the charming colonial architecture of Vegueta’s Old Quarter make this one of the most interesting places to photograph in Europe. Today’s guided walking tour will acquaint you with some of the unique and special sites to be found in this enchanting city.

Included Feature:

• Guided walking tour of Las Palmas

Today, you will head to the airport and board your return flight home.