Embark on a journey across seas and centuries, sailing from the artistic heart of Barcelona to the volcanic islands of the Azores. Along the way, encounter the ancient legacies of the Mediterranean, the Moorish traditions that shaped North Africa and Iberia, the coastal charms of Portugal and the Azores’ otherworldly beauty. Explore storied kasbahs, idyllic villages and rugged coastlines—sometimes with expert guides, other times at your own pace—and discover how centuries of history, cuisine and culture have left their mark on these storied shores. 


Highlights


• Sail the famed Strait of Gibraltar, the gateway between Africa and Europe, taking in the view from the open deck of National Geographic Orion

• Stroll Cartagena’s magnificent Roman Theatre, then set out on a tapas tour to sample traditional local dishes

• Experience Lisbon’s charm as you marvel at its architectural masterpieces and listen to the soulful sounds of Fado music in the Alfama, the city’s oldest neighborhood

• Wander Tangier’s labyrinthine medina and climb to the legendary kasbah

• In São Miguel, sample traditional Azorean cozido, cooked underground by volcanic heat, and spot whales on a catamaran cruise (weather permitting)

Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to a shared hospitality space. This afternoon, explore the city at your own pace, enjoying its architectural masterpieces, the lively street rhythms of Las Ramblas or the beautiful views atop Montjuic. Embark the ship in the late afternoon and set off on your journey. 

Meals Included: Dinner

The ship anchors near the city of Castellón on mainland Spain. From here, enjoy water activities in the Columbretes Islands, an archipelago 30 miles off the coast. The islands are a haven for wildlife, offering opportunities to observe endemic species such as Andouin's gull, Eleonora's falcon and Scopoli's shearwater.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your journey through Valencia with a visit to its majestic cathedral, home to the revered Holy Chalice—believed by many to be the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. Savor an authentic paella, the city’s signature dish, before exploring the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex where science, culture and architecture converge. Later, set out independently to wander the winding streets of the old quarter, browse the bustling Mercado Central or take in world-class art at the Palau de les Arts. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Uncover Cartagena’s remarkable history, from its Roman foundations to its role as a Mediterranean stronghold. Stand before the magnificent Roman Theatre, admire the remains of the Augustus Temple and see the imposing city walls—a UNESCO World Heritage site.  

Later, set out on a tapas tour of the city, weaving your way through narrow lanes and bustling terraces as you taste local delicacies like caldero del mar menor, a traditional fisherman’s rice dish.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Málaga is one of Spain’s oldest cities—a vibrant coastal hub where layers of ancient history blend with contemporary culture. Explore the Alcazaba, a remarkably well-preserved Moorish fortress overlooking the sea, and climb to the Castillo de Gibralfaro, the 14th-century stronghold that once guarded both the Alcazaba and the city below. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tangier lies just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain and has long been a gateway between Africa and Europe—a true cultural crossroads. Stroll the winding streets of its medina, ascend to the city’s legendary kasbah or visit the American Legation Museum, a symbol of centuries-old diplomacy, and the only U.S. National Historic Landmark located outside the country. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enter Portugal in the Algarve, the sun-drenched southern coast renowned for its dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and whitewashed villages. Choose from a variety of activities: kayak in tranquil waters, spot dolphins along the coast, set out on a scenic afternoon hike or wander the cobblestoned streets of a coastal town that embodies the Algarve’s timeless charm. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal’s captivating capital, where historic architecture, timeless traditions and scenic beauty converge. Visit the iconic Belém Tower and the ornate Jerónimos Monastery, then wander the winding lanes of Alfama—the city’s oldest quarter—where the soulful sound of Fado drifts through the air. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As you sail toward the Azores, enjoy the ship’s premium amenities and onboard experiences. Step onto the Bridge to watch for wildlife and observe the captain navigate the ship, unwind with a massage from the wellness specialist or attend naturalist talks on your destination.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Venture into the lush Furnas Valley and enjoy a traditional Azorean specialty for lunch: cozido, a hearty stew of meats and vegetables slow-cooked underground by volcanic steam. Weather permitting, set out with local spotters on a catamaran in search of cetaceans.    

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark in Ponta Delgada and transfer to the airport for flights home. 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Category 1S

Category 1S
#301, 322, 323 — These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, coffee table, two bedside tables, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.

Category 3S

Category 3S
#512 — This solo cabin features two single beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and a small table, reading lamps, coffee table a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Category 01

$19,286 AUD pp
Category 01
#316, 318-321 — Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds that can be converted to a queen. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, two bedside tables, coffee table, desk, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Category 02

$21,407 AUD pp
Category 02
#302-312, 314, 315, 317 — Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds that can be converted to a queen. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, bedside table, coffee table, desk, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.

Category 03

$28,071 AUD pp
Category 03
#401-412, 414-419 — These spacious cabins feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa—except slightly smaller #401 & #402—an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, coffee table, flat screen TV, bedside table, and climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Ideal Upper Deck location provides easy access to Bar/Lounge and outdoor dining.

Category 04

$30,857 AUD pp
Category 04
#511, 515 — These suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, a chair, armchair, coffee table, and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, espresso maker, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Beds are configurable (call for details). Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Category 05

$32,393 AUD pp
Category 05
#501, 503-506, 508 — These spacious suites feature open living areas with sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. A separate sitting area with armchairs, sofa, writing/laptop desk, coffee table, well-placed reading lamps, flat screen TV, espresso maker and climate controls complete the decor. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Beds are configurable (call for details). Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Category 06

$35,321 AUD pp
Category 06
#502, 507, 509*, 510 — These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, except for #509 which has double windows. There is a living area with a sofa, two armchairs, coffee table, well-placed reading lamps, flat screen TV, espresso maker and climate controls complete the decor. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door, except for #502, which uniquely offers a ‘soaking tub with a view’ in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity. Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition

Length: 103 metres

Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins)

Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014

With just 53 cabins, National Geographic Orion offers an intimate and refined platform for exploring some of the world’s most remote and culturally rich regions—from the Pacific Islands and Asia to Antarctica and the Mediterranean. Purpose-built for expedition travel, she boasts an ice-class hull for navigating polar waters and exceptional manoeuvrability that enables access to secluded bays, narrow inlets and winding rivers—places far beyond the reach of larger cruise ships.

Life aboard Orion is designed to immerse guests in the natural world, with panoramic deck spaces, a whirlpool hot tub, and ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Her public areas include two relaxed dining venues, a lounge with bar, an observation library, fitness centre and spa, as well as the OM System Photo Gear Locker to support photography at all levels. Open-Bridge access allows guests to connect with the ship’s officers and learn about navigation first-hand. Whether sailing through polar pack ice or anchoring off a tropical atoll, Orion delivers a seamless blend of adventure and comfort.

Cabin layout for National Geographic Orion

Inclusions


• All accommodations, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ships
• Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
• Services of our expert expedition team and guest speakers
• Services of a ship physician on most voyages
• Certain hotels and meals ashore as indicated in the itinerary
• Round-trip transfers based on group flights
• Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
• Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion)
________

Exclusions


• Air transportation (except when we indicated in the itinerary, as included) Extensions
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Travel Protection Plan
• Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
• Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
• Items of personal nature
• Phone and Internet Service
• Laundry
• Gratuity for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships)
13 Days from
$1,484 AUD per day

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NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

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