Day 1: Southampton, England

Day 2: At Sea - Cruising

Day 3: At Sea - Cruising

Day 4: Gibraltar, United Kingdom

The great Rock of Gibraltar is a sight to behold. Made of limestone, it towers 1,400 feet above the mouth of the majestic Mediterranean Sea and is surrounded by beautiful countryside and a nature reserve.

Day 5: Cartagena, Spain

During the 16th and 17th centuries, when Spain held sway over the rest of Europe and the New World, much of its naval power was concentrated in the port of Cartagena. Many of the coastal fortifications from that era still exist, although instead of guarding the city, they provide splendid views of the harbor. Cartagena is one of the world’s great natural harbors and over the ages has known its fair share of conflict, conquest, and riches. Brimming with a fascinating history, this is the wharf where Phoenician traders unloaded exotic treasures and where Roman citizens crowded into a grand theatre. Explore the archeological ruins, castle battlements, artillery, museums, historic churches, and architectural wonders on your Cartagena cruise. For a casual stroll complete with a little sightseeing and a coffee, put on those comfortable shoes and head on a guided tour through the heart of the city. Or, visit a family-owned wine cellar that produces traditional wine. Cartagena is a cosmopolitan city filled with tapas bars, art galleries, fine restaurants and world-renowned shopping. It’s a charming coastal city that utterly captivates all visitors.

Day 6: Barcelona, Spain

Formerly a sleepy Spanish city, Barcelona has recently been reborn as an eclectic fusion of the modern and medieval. This coastal city exudes European charm and welcomes multitudes of travelers every year. It’s a major destination with must-see architectural gems that date back some 2,000 years. You’ll encounter fascinating examples from the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, the Modern masters like Gaudî, and many Cataluñian greats. Outstanding art museums can be found throughout the city, proudly displaying the works of world-renowned artists and countrymen, including Goya, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalî, and Joan Miró. For a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city center, venture to the awaiting Mediterranean Sea and all the seaside has to offer. Maybe a brisk hike in the nearby forest covered Collserola Hills or the hilltop in Montjuïc with its botanical gardens is the perfect recharge for a rollicking evening in one of the premier party capitals of the world. Round out your cruise to Barcelona dining at a tapas bar and savor a variety of delicious small dishes to share—from traditional Spanish to the more innovative.

Day 7: Valencia, Spain

Best known as the birthplace of paella, Valencia has steadily moved onto the radar of savvy travelers. It's a vibrant, friendly, mildly chaotic place with two outstanding fine-arts museums, an accessible old quarter, Europe's newest cultural and scientific complex – and one of Spain's most exciting nightlife scenes. Whole sections of the old city, for example the Carmen Quarter, have been extensively renovated. One of the best spots for exploring Valencia's history is at the museum L'Almoina, which opened three years ago in the Carmen on the site where Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 B.C. Here, you can walk over glass floors, looking down at a stunning assemblage of ruins excavated in the area. The exhibition includes Roman baths, tombs and a medieval Moorish ward for plague victims.

Discover a slice of Spain not found in Barcelona or Madrid on your Valencia cruise. This city has quietly built up a great reputation of its own, namely with innovative engineering and ultra-modern architecture. A few of its notable projects include Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias (city of art and sciences); a futuristic complex that houses the family-friendly arts and science museums and the extraordinary futuristic buildings designed by local legend, Santiago Calatrava.

Day 8: At Sea - Cruising

Day 9: Seville (Cadiz), Spain

From Cádiz you can easily get to Seville, exploring the old town with its quaint Moorish feel as well as its impressive monuments, pretty parks and lovely architecture. Along the way, restore your energy at any of the mouth-watering tapas bars offering some of the country’s finest seafood and typical Andalusian cuisine.

Day 10: Lisbon, Portugal

See why this city stands out above all others as you stroll along elaborate mosaic sidewalks and pass by the Monument to the Discoveries. A quick trolley ride transports you to the cobblestone district of Baixa. Or be lured away and pampered in the resort cities of Cascais and Estoril.

This storied capital with a history that extends back before the Roman Empire is only 1 of 2 cities in Portugal designated as a global city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) Study Group. Once one of the world’s great naval and shipping powers, modern day Lisbon is an important hub of finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education, and tourism.

Take a wonderful tour through Lisbon and you’ll discover Graca, the beautifully restored old area of the city, filled with old tiled buildings and mansions and Chiado, Lisbon’s arts district, for a different air of sophistication with its many boutiques, galleries and theaters. And, of course, a cruise to Lisbon is not complete without sampling a nice bottle of Port wine; the fortified red wine that can be found throughout the country.

Day 11: At Sea - Cruising

Day 12: At Sea - Cruising

Day 13: Southampton, England