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Cruises with a Little Bridge

Traditions of Spain and Portugal

 2nd July 2023 | 17 Nights | RosythBalmoralL2316
L2316-banner-ticket

from: £2199pp

BMB Host on Board
All of our Little Bridge Bridge Cruises have a Bernard Magee Bridge host on board.
Bridge at Sea
Bridge is available on days at sea. All the bridge sessions are optional.
Partners
We have many single players on board and guarantee everybody a partner.
About this Cruise

The destinations on your cruise have been selected for their ability to showcase the cultural and culinary traditions of Spain and Portugal.

You will be able to taste authentic food and drink in its place of origin, including Pasteis de Nata in Lisbon; paella in Valencia; tapas and Jerez sherry in Cádiz; port wine in Oporto; and olive oil in Málaga.

Many cultural highlights await your discovery too, including chances to visit Pablo Picasso’s house in his birthplace, Málaga, and learn the art of flamenco with a local Bailaora (dancer) from Cádiz. You can also admire architectural delights such as Moorish buildings in Andalusia and decorative Azulejo tiles in Portugal.

Your Host
BMB Bridge Host

On cruises with a little bridge there is a BMB host on board but no team. Bridge is for days at sea only.

Itinerary
Rosyth - Jul 02
United Kingdon

Departure - late afternoon

 = Anchor Port
3 Days Sailing

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

Leixoes - Jul 06
Portugal

Arrival - early morning
Departure - late afternoon

A short journey from Leixões takes you into the heart of Oporto, with its fortress-like Cathedral – offering stunning views across the city, and the Baroque Church of Clérigos. Head to the historic Ribeira District, where the narrow, cobbled lanes wind their way down to the Douro River, or visit one of the many wine cellars for a taste of the rich and smooth fortified wine named after the city, Port.

1 Day Sailing
Malaga - Jul 06
Spain

Arrival - early morning
Departure - early evening

Malaga is a city that is rich in history and culture – located on the shores of the Mediterranean, it is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and his childhood spent here is reflected in many of the recurring themes of his paintings, including flamenco and bulls. Known as the olive capital of the world, the Andalusian region accounts for 35% of the olives produced in the EU and are closely monitored by officials from the regional government.

Cartagena - Jul 09
Spain

Arrival - early morning
Departure - late afternoon

Originally constructed in 223 BC by the Carthaginians, Cartagena is immersed in ancient history and has been through some incredibly turbulent times. Its heyday was during the Roman era, and there are several archaeological sites in the city, many only discovered when built over in recent years. The first of these sites to be discovered was the Roman Theatre, which held 6,000 spectators; and other sites including the Baths and the Augsteum.

Valencia - Jul 10
Spain

Arrival - early morning
Departure - late afternoon

Synonymous with Spain, the delicious paella rice dish originated in Valencia and was originally known as arroz a la Valencia, which takes its name from the pan it is cooked in, typically large, round and shallow. Believed to have been created in the 15th century for Valencian farmers working in the rice fields using ingredients local to their surroundings; nowadays it is popular with chicken or seafood. Close by is Albufera Natural Park – an important stopover for migratory birds.

Mahon - Jul 11
Spain

Arrival - early morning
Departure - early afternoon

Located on the east coast of Menorca, Mahón is the largest city on the island and has a maze of narrow streets lined with Georgian architecture, including buildings with sash windows and balconies. The city has a sheltered harbour, full of islets and coves, which are home to the protected Mediterranean pillow coral.

1 Day Sailing
Cadiz - Jul 13
Spain

Arrival - early morning
Departure - late afternoon

One of Europe’s oldest cities, Cádiz is known for its palm trees, ancient buildings and maritime history. The Old Town is home to the striking 18th century Cádiz Cathedral and over 100 watchtowers, as well as traditional Tapas bars. Tapa derives from ‘cover’, where one legend has it that bartenders would cover drinks with a saucer to keep out the dust created by the breeze in the city, and would add little treats of olives and ham to entice customers to visit again. Tapas are best served with a glass of Spanish wine from Jerez de la Frontera.

Cruise Mouth of River Tagus and Belem Tower - Jul 14
Portugal

Arrival - early morning
Departure - late morning

Where the Tagus – the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula – meets the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is spread along the shores of both river banks, connected by the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge. Belém Tower is a World Heritage Site tower that was originally built here to defend the city, before it was transformed into a lighthouse and customs house. Close by is the renowned Discovery Monument, representing the prow of a caravel – led by Prince Henry the Navigator and other prodigious Portuguese pioneers.

Lisbon - Jul 14
Portugal

Arrival - late morning
Departure - late afternoon

Overlooking the River Tagus, Portugal’s capital city offers an abundance of maritime highlights, including the iconic Ponte de Abril suspension bridge, and the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower, which served as an embarkation and disembarkation point for Vasco de Gama and other Portuguese explorers. The delicious pastéis de nata are also not to be missed when visiting Lisbon, particularly when sampled at the original bakery, which opened in 1837.

Vigo - Jul 15
Spain

Arrival - early afternoon
Departure - early evening

An important maritime city for centuries, Vigo is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and has one of the best natural ports in the world. The port area was heavily influenced by the sea, and has many old fishing houses and markets selling locally caught seafood. A neoclassical Cathedral, the Collegiate Church of Santa Marta is built on the site of a gothic church that was burnt down by Francis Drake; and there is an impressive statue dedicated to literary author Jules Verne.

3 Days Sailing
Rosyth - Jul 19
United Kingdon

Arrival - early morning

Accommodation
What's Included

What's included?

  • Comfortable, stylish cabins and suites equipped with a Smart TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and individually controlled air conditioning
  • A tempting choice of cuisine every day throughout your cruise – with five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets, late-night snacks and much more
  • Unlimited, self-service tea and coffee available 24hrs at selected venues, complimentary afternoon tea* with sandwiches and cakes, and in-room sandwiches and snacks
  • A full programme of evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music
  • Full use of on board leisure facilities, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gym
  • A wide choice of engaging on board activities and lectures throughout the day
  • All UK port taxes (where collectable in advance)
  • Luggage porterage between your cabin and the drop-off/pick-up point
  • Formal welcome and/or Captain’s Drinks Party and Gala Buffet

Chargeable extras
Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with optional Fred. Olsen Shore Tours. *Premium Traditional Afternoon Tea not included. Upgrade to All Inclusive Drinks Package is available as a chargeable optional extra and can be added to your booking up to six days prior to your cruise departing.

Great value offers
Great value offers on selected fares and cabin grades available on this cruise. Please contact our Reservations team for further details.

About Your Ship
Balmoral
Carrying up to 1,350 guests is small enough to navigate narrow waterways such as Kiel Canal and bring inspirational sights and experiences closer to you.

Like the rest of the fleet, Balmoral retains a warm, welcoming atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation and lounges, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.

Traditions of Spain and Portugal

 2nd July 2023 | 17 Nights | RosythBalmoralL2316
For more information and to book, please call: 01344 205 120
Fred. Olsen Terms & Conditions
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