Mallorca - Leixoes (Porto) Spain, Morocco and Portugal: The sunny sides of the South

Forests, vineyards, rolling hills and unspoilt bays for bathing: the natural beauty of Mahon, the capital of Menorca, is captivating. White houses cling to the hillsides above the deep-blue natural harbour – one of the biggest in the world. The scent of tapas wafts through the narrow streets of the old town and people’s laughter rings out from the little bars and marketplaces. The fortress of La Mola stands guard over the harbour like a silent witness to the past. The coastline is inviting with its crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkelling, while the millennia-old caves at Cales Coves will enchant you with their fascinating prehistoric history of the island.

The Catalan capital Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city after Madrid, impresses with its unique blend of history, culture and modern life. At its centre is the Plaza de Cataluna, from where Roman ruins, the medieval old town and famous modern architecture including Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Mila and Casa Batllo can be reached on foot. The Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, has been drawing visitors under its spell since 1882. One of the most famous streets in the city is Las Ramblas, an avenue stretching 1.3 km (0.8 mi.) from the port into the city centre and forming the heart of Barcelona with its flower sellers, newspaper kiosks, street musicians and cafes.

Valencia impresses with its age-old buildings and modern architecture. The heart of the old town is the Plaza de la Reina with its impressive cathedral, with a bell tower offering fantastic views over the city. It’s well worth taking a walk through the Mercado Central, where local specialities await culinary enthusiasts. Futuristic charm comes from the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciencies, an impressive complex of buildings and parkland designed by Santiago Calatrava and Felix Candela and incorporating an opera, science museum and aquarium.

Ibiza, the third-largest of the Balearic Islands, is known for its blend of peaceful bays and lively party beaches. The island’s capital, Ibiza Town, combines modern flair with historical elements: founded by the Phoenicians in the seventh century BC, the mighty Moorish fortified walls of Dalt Vila still dominate the townscape today and in 1999 the old town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as its famous nightlife, Ibiza also offers beautiful scenery like the Ses Salines Natural Park in the south of the island, which is famous for its plants and bird life that thrive in saline conditions and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The vibrant city of Cartagena is an example of how historical identity can become the foundation for a contemporary future. The heart of this over 3,000-year-old city is surrounded by five hills. The Phoenicians and Romans already appreciated the natural harbour, which once benefited from the wealth of the surrounding silver and ore mines. However, over time and due to the decline of mining in the 20th century, Cartagena lost its economic foundation. Finally, in 1988, a chance discovery revitalised the city when the mighty Teatro Romano, with seating for 7,000 spectators, was rediscovered. By returning to its historical heritage, Cartagena has transformed itself into a cultural centre and living history book – and is now Spain’s most important naval base on the Mediterranean. To see Cartagena is to experience the passage of time first-hand.

Andalusia’s second-largest city exudes the scent of orange groves and the heat of the sun, which shines over the Bay of Malaga. The majestic Montes de Malaga mountain range is just a few kilometres north of the city, whereas the 130 m (426 ft) high Gibralfaro rises up in the city centre: from the walls of the Castillo de Gibralfaro, you can see Malaga in all its beauty – with the old town dominated by the elegant towers of the cathedral, one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Beneath the castle are the romantic gardens of the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, a great place to while away some time. Wine lovers will appreciate the fertile soils of the Vega, which produce wines like Pedro Ximenez. Malaga is a feast for all the senses.

Tangier is a Moroccan port city on the Strait of Gibraltar. Its origins going back to the fifth century BC, the city is captivating with its lively medina and busy markets offering traditional handicrafts. The kasbah with its impressive Tor Bab el Kasbah rises up over the city and offers fascinating insights into the past. You get a sense of a wide variety of influences in the narrow streets – from the Carthaginians to the Romans and the Moors, all have left the marks of their different cultures.

An experience that’s only possible on a small expedition ship like with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: a cruise on the Guadalquivir. Just like Columbus, who set off along the river from Seville on his journey of discovery to America, you will follow this lifeline. This is pioneering spirit at its most relaxing, as you watch the beautiful scenery go by, accompanied by the knowledgeable commentary of our experts. Enjoy the views of the fertile riverbanks, with meadows, forests and vast olive groves. Not only is the Guadalquivir a wonder of nature, it also has major historical significance, from the Moorish heritage of Andalusia to the Romans who used the river. The Spanish lust for life will fill your senses on board, perhaps with some culinary surprises. The region is too beautiful to be leaving it again too soon – but there are other exciting places to visit.

The colourful hustle and bustle of life in Seville is all about sunshine, light and happiness. Enjoy the charm of Andalusia with all your senses in this Moorish city, where history and passion fill the streets with life. Discover the exceptional diversity of the city’s impressive architecture, such as Santa Maria de la Sede Cathedral with its five naves, the Giralda viewpoint or the Moorish Alcazar royal palace, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The old town is a treat for the eyes, while the scent of jasmine fills the narrow streets. The Triana district is the heartbeat of flamenco life drifts along on the riverbanks of the Guadalquivir. The city also has plenty of culinary treats on offer: the tapas bars are a great place to try jamon, tortilla and Manzanillo olives. Seville is not just a city, it’s also a feeling – warm, lively and timeless. Take your time to soak up the atmosphere, as the ship will stay overnight.

The white buildings of Cadiz appear on the horizon, while the golden domes of the cathedral reflect the bright blue sky. The screeches of seagulls and the sound of the waves are carried on the wind. Cadiz, with its history dating back over 3,000 years, was once a lively trading centre. Today, the city retains its pride in its majestic palaces, the Miradores, which offer a breathtaking view over the endless sea. And as you approach the long sandy beach, you almost expect Halle Berry to emerge from the waves – as she did in the famous James Bond scene filmed here.

After the cruise on the Tagus, its wide estuary opens up and takes you into the port of Lisbon, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. In view of the monument to Henry the Navigator, the foray with your experts on board into the history of Portugal as a former naval power is particularly apt. The famous seafarer Vasco da Gama also found his final resting place here. Lisbon is as colourful as its history, with its blue tiles, pink walls and yellow trams. On a walk around the city centre, you can explore the pretty Arabic streets in the medieval Alfama district. In the museum of the Presidential Palace in Belem, learn about the role of the head of state and the history of the national symbols. Perhaps you will also follow in the footsteps of Fernando Pessoa, the most famous Portuguese poet of the 20th century, as you wander through the picturesque streets or fall in love with the city over and over again on excursions*.

The sunshine bathes the scenery along the longest river on the Iberian peninsula in a warm light. On a cruise on the Tagus, you will once again have the best seats on the deck tour at the bow or on the ship’s many open deck areas. In Lisbon, keep an eye out for the Portuguese fisherman who collect clams in baskets from the riverbed. Your varied experiences on your river cruise also take in the architecture: the red Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge will remind you of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. You will be even more surprised by the Ponte Vasco da Gama, the biggest bridge over the Tagus and one of the longest in Europe.