DETAILS
Follow in the wake of the ancient Spanish and Portuguese mariners on this extraordinary cruise aboard the beautiful Sea Cloud II, soaking up the rich history of the Iberian Peninsula. Begin in Lisbon for a day and a half in port with a visit to charming Sintra. Then embark the Sea Cloud II for six nights aboard the Sea Cloud II, stopping for visits in Lagos, Seville and Gibraltar. The program finishes with a hotel night in Granada for an introduction to the region’s Moorish heritage and a spectacular farewell with a private visit to the incomparable Alhambra Palace.
- Pricing from
- $8,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 22, 2026
The iconic Sea Cloud II is perhaps the most luxurious three-masted sailing yacht on the seas today. Like Marjorie Merriweather Post’s legendary Sea Cloud, she combines the seafaring elegance of a bygone era with the highest modern standards of luxury. In the grand tradition of the world’s finest sailing vessels, guests can experience this marvelous ship under sail as the skilled crew hand-sets over 30,000 square feet of canvas.
The Sea Cloud II offers an intimate setting with just 47 beautifully appointed cabins, gracious common areas, world-class service, and five-star dining. Four spacious outdoor decks and al fresco dining on the Lido Deck provide ample space for relaxation. Indoors, enjoy inviting spaces such as the sizable lounge and dining room, as well as a library, gym, and spa featuring a sauna and massage therapy.
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John Meffert
John Meffert, consultant on Heritage Conservation Services, has a long tradition with the National Trust. He has served as the Director for our Southern Office and was the director of the Preservation Society of Charleston, the oldest nonprofit organization in the United States, responsible for preserving the historic resources of Charleston, S.C. John has delighted many study tour groups with his lectures and insights on preservation, and receives rave reviews as study leader.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust Tours. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation. After the payment deadline all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. NOTE: Neither the National Trust for Historic Preservation nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of nonrefundable tickets.”
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1 & 2
Depart Home City/ Lisbon, Portugal
Overnight flights to Lisbon, Portugal. Upon arrival, transfer to the Pestana Palace, a National Monument of Portugal and former residence of the marquesses. Enjoy an orientation and festive welcome reception, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers.
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day 3
Lisbon & Sintra, Portugal
Drive north along the Atlantic coast to Sintra, the summer residence of Portugal’s royalty for four centuries and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This serene town of palaces and parks is nestled among forested hills. At the medieval National Palace of Sintra, see a marvelous collection of azulejos, or traditional painted tiles, and step into the spacious kitchens, whose massive conical chimneys define Sintra’s skyline. Next, visit the Jerónimos Monastery, the Tower of Belém, and enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon. Embark the ship and settle into your cabin before dinner.
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day 4
At Sea
Enjoy the pleasures of smooth sailing with time to hear from our esteemed onboard experts, take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying an alfresco lunch on the Lido Deck, and, weather permitting, experience this marvelous ship under sail as the skilled crew hand-sets more than 30,000 square feet of canvas.
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day 5
Lagos, Portugal
Visit the historic seafaring town of Lagos, a key location in Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Explore St. Anthony’s Church, renowned for its intricate baroque architecture, and the old city walls, remnants of the town’s 16th-century fortifications. Visit the customs house, once a bustling hub of trade. Marvel at the striking high sandstone cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, a stunning natural landmark shaped by centuries of coastal erosion. Afterward, return to the ship for lunch and cruise toward Spain.
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day 6
Cádiz & Seville, Spain
The Sea Cloud II docks this morning in Cádiz for a full-day excursion to Seville. First established as a Roman provincial capital, Seville flourished under the Moors during the Middle Ages and reached new heights of prosperity during the Age of Discovery. Visit the Reales Alcázares, a Mudejar palace and gardens built on the site of a former Moorish fortress. Stroll through the charming Santa Cruz Quarter, once the Jewish Quarter in the Middle Ages, and visit the Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the burial site of Christopher Columbus. Enjoy a traditional tapas dinner followed by a private flamenco performance at a local tablao.
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day 7
Cádiz, Spain
Enjoy a morning walking tour of Cádiz, founded by the Phoenicians over 3,000 years ago. Explore the historic El Pópulo neighborhood, with its narrow streets and medieval architecture, and visit the Museo de Cádiz, home to impressive archaeological collections and artwork spanning centuries of history. Wander through the famous Central Market, a vibrant hub of local life and fresh produce, where you can savor the flavors of southern Spain. Return to the Sea Cloud II and depart for Gibraltar.
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day 8
at Sea/ Gibraltar
Enjoy a morning at sea and the continuation of the educational program. This afternoon, call at the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, named after Umayyad general Tariq ibn-Ziyad. (‘Gibraltar’ is the Spanish derivation of the Arabic name ‘Jebel Tariq.’) In the Gibraltar Nature Reserve atop the rock, enjoy panoramic views of the European and African coastlines, and observe the antics of the resident Barbary macaques, the only wild primate species in Europe. Also within the reserve, explore St. Michael’s Cave, a network of limestone caves more than 980 feet above sea level. Visit the 18th-century Great Siege Tunnels, dug by British soldiers during the attempt by France and Spain to capture Gibraltar during the American Revolution.
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day 9
Malaga, Spain
This morning, disembark in Málaga and choose between two distinctive experiences: 1) Visit the Picasso Museum, where 285 of the artist’s works, generously donated by his family, are on display, or 2) Visit the Dolmens in Antequera, often referred to as ‘Spain’s Stonehenge,’ before continuing to Granada. Upon arrival in Granada, settle into the magnificent Alhambra Palace Hotel and enjoy a guided walking tour of Old Granada. See the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel), an opulent mausoleum built by Ferdinand and Isabella to commemorate their victory over the Moors, as well as the grand Cathedral, one of only two Renaissance churches in Spain. The day concludes with a private evening visit to the Alhambra Palace, one of the most impressive fortresses ever built. Constructed by the Nasrid kings in the 14th century, the Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Spain’s most visited attraction. Stroll through the exquisite Generalife Gardens, one of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens, before savoring a festive farewell dinner.
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day 10
Malaga/Depart for the U.S.
Board return flights to the U.S.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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