The Art of Living, Iberian Style: A Gastronomic Voyage from Lisbon to Seville and Spain’s Historic Mediterranean Cities aboard Ponant’s Le Boréal

25 April – 2 May 2027 | Seven nights from Lisbon to Tarragona | Exclusive CountryClubuk Members’ rates from £4,770 per person

Fine wines, exquisite French cuisine and the romance of Iberia await on a captivating voyage through some of Portugal and Spain’s most fascinating historic cities. Sail along the Guadalquivir at sunset to magnificent Seville, discover Cádiz and the celebrated sherry country of Jerez, explore Picasso’s Málaga, Cartagena’s Roman treasures and Valencia’s architectural wonders — all aboard Ponant’s elegant French luxury yacht, Le Boréal.

The romance of arriving in Seville by river

There is something wonderfully theatrical about arriving in Seville by river. As the light fades over the Andalusian countryside, the Guadalquivir carries us towards a city whose fortunes were once built on the riches of the New World. The same waterway that brought merchant ships laden with silver, spices and other treasures now offers a rather more leisurely passage into one of Europe’s most beguiling cities.

It is an unusual beginning to a voyage named Gastronomic Journey Through Iberian Coasts, devoted to the pleasures of good living. But then, the Iberian Peninsula has never lacked for ways to delight the senses.

For seven nights in spring 2027, the French luxury cruise company Ponant is bringing together two of Europe’s great cultural traditions: the art, architecture and gastronomy of Portugal and Spain, and the refined culinary sensibility of France.

Departing Lisbon on 25 April 2027, the voyage follows the Atlantic coast of Iberia before entering the Mediterranean, calling at Seville, Cádiz, Málaga, Cartagena and Valencia, and concluding in Tarragona on 2 May.

It is an appealing progression through the layers of European civilisation, from Phoenician trading settlements and Roman theatres to Moorish palaces, Gothic cathedrals and the audacious architecture of contemporary Spain.

And throughout, there is food. Very good food.

A French accent on Iberian gastronomy

There is a certain logic to exploring the culinary traditions of Spain and Portugal aboard a French yacht. The three countries share a profound respect for regional ingredients, traditional methods and the pleasures of a well-composed meal, although their approaches can be wonderfully different.

Ponant’s special gastronomic programme, presented in association with Ducasse Paris and Ducasse sur Seine, brings guest chefs Jean-Philippe Berens and Pere Venturós aboard Le Boréal for special dinners and culinary demonstrations.

The Ducasse name carries considerable weight in the world of gastronomy. Alain Ducasse has long championed the primacy of exceptional ingredients, the integrity of regional traditions and the importance of allowing great produce to speak for itself.

Here, the French culinary programme provides a sophisticated counterpoint to the flavours encountered ashore.

In Lisbon, it might be the simplicity of beautifully grilled Atlantic fish. In Andalusia, the extraordinary range of tapas, from delicate seafood to the finest jamón ibérico. Further east, the rice dishes of Valencia remind us that some of the world’s most satisfying food emerges from remarkably humble ingredients.

Wine, naturally, has an important place in this story.

Portugal possesses one of Europe’s most fascinating collections of indigenous grape varieties, while Spain’s winemaking heritage extends from the great reds of Rioja and Ribera del Duero to the distinctive wines of the Mediterranean coast.

But it is Andalusia that offers perhaps the most intriguing oenological connection with this itinerary.

The extraordinary wines of Jerez

The port of Cádiz lies close to the famous sherry triangle, the region bounded by Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa María.

Here, in cathedral-like bodegas filled with rows of ancient oak barrels, some of the world’s most distinctive wines are created through a combination of climate, tradition and the remarkable ageing system known as the solera.

A fine manzanilla, with its delicate saline character, is a natural companion to seafood. A mature amontillado, with its complex notes of nuts and dried fruit, offers an entirely different experience. And an old oloroso can possess a depth and richness that rewards the most contemplative tasting.

These are wines with centuries of history behind them, yet they remain among Europe’s most underrated gastronomic treasures.

Cádiz itself is a delight: a sunlit city of narrow streets, elegant squares and Atlantic breezes, its history stretching back to the Phoenicians. It is a place where the maritime and culinary traditions of southern Spain seem inseparable.

For wine enthusiasts, the proximity of Jerez adds a particular attraction to the voyage, although specific bodega visits and tastings will depend on the excursions available.

Where civilisations meet

Seville, however, is the architectural jewel of the voyage.

The Royal Alcázar is one of Europe’s great palatial complexes, its intricate plasterwork, colourful tiles and tranquil courtyards reflecting the extraordinary artistic synthesis of Moorish and Christian Spain.

Nearby, the immense Gothic Cathedral and its Giralda tower offer another expression of the city’s layered history.

There are few greater pleasures than wandering through Seville’s old quarters, pausing in a shaded courtyard or discovering a small tapas bar where the menu has changed little in generations.

Málaga offers a different kind of cultural encounter. Picasso was born here in 1881, and the museum devoted to his work occupies the handsome Palacio de Buenavista. Above the old town rise the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, reminders of the city’s Moorish past.

Then comes Cartagena, whose magnificent Roman theatre, rediscovered beneath the modern city, is among the finest surviving examples in Spain.

It is a remarkable experience to move from the world of Picasso to that of Emperor Augustus in little more than a day.

Valencia provides another contrast. Its medieval Silk Exchange, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture, belongs to an age when the city was a great Mediterranean trading centre. The futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, by contrast, belongs emphatically to the twenty-first century.

And, of course, Valencia is the spiritual home of paella — another reminder of how intimately the history of a place is bound up with its food.

The voyage concludes in Tarragona, ancient Tarraco, where the Romans built an amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean. Few ancient monuments enjoy a more spectacular setting.

The pleasures of travelling slowly aboard Le Boréal

The setting for this journey is Le Boréal, one of Ponant’s elegant French luxury yachts.

Accommodating a maximum of approximately 264 passengers, she belongs to a generation of smaller ships designed to offer a more intimate and personal experience than the vast floating resorts that dominate much of contemporary cruising.

A sister ship to Le Lyrial, Le Boréal combines contemporary French design with attentive service and a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere.

Her interiors are understated, with comfortable lounges, elegant dining venues, attractive outdoor decks and staterooms designed in a restrained, contemporary style. The ship also offers a swimming pool, spa and fitness facilities.

The balcony staterooms and suites provide a particularly agreeable private retreat, with the opportunity to enjoy the changing coastal scenery in comfort.

There is something especially appealing about returning to such surroundings after a day exploring ancient streets and historic monuments.

An aperitif on deck as the coastline slips past. Dinner prepared as part of a special gastronomic programme. A glass of wine and the prospect of another fascinating city in the morning.

Luxury, at its most enjoyable, need not be complicated.

And perhaps that is the real attraction of this voyage. It is not simply about visiting a succession of beautiful places, or enjoying excellent food. It is about the pleasure of combining the two, allowing history, art, architecture, landscape and gastronomy to become part of a single experience.

The voyage at a glance: 25 April – 2 May 2027

25 April — Lisbon, Portugal
Embark aboard Le Boréal in the Portuguese capital, with its grand maritime heritage, historic neighbourhoods and celebrated culinary traditions.

26 April — At sea and the Guadalquivir River
A leisurely day aboard, followed by a memorable sunset passage along the Guadalquivir towards Seville.

27 April — Seville, Spain
Discover the Royal Alcázar, magnificent Cathedral, Giralda tower and the atmospheric streets of Andalusia’s great historic city.

28 April — Cádiz, Spain
Explore one of Europe’s oldest cities, close to the celebrated sherry-producing region of Jerez.

29 April — Málaga, Spain
A city of Picasso, handsome historic streets, the Moorish Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle.

30 April — Cartagena, Spain
Discover the extraordinary Roman theatre and a city shaped by Phoenician, Carthaginian, Roman and Moorish influences.

1 May — Valencia, Spain
From the medieval Silk Exchange to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, with the culinary traditions of Valencia adding further appeal.

2 May — Tarragona, Spain
Disembark in historic Tarragona, once the important Roman city of Tarraco.

 

An exclusive invitation for CountryClubuk Members

CountryClubuk Members are invited to enjoy this exceptional seven-night gastronomic voyage at exclusive Members’ rates from £4,770 per person, representing savings of up to £2,674 per suite for two sharing, compared with Ponant’s quoted fares.

The cruise is also particularly attractive to Members travelling independently. Ponant offers a 0% solo traveller supplement on eligible staterooms, subject to availability and booking conditions. This may also appeal to two friends wishing to enjoy the voyage together while retaining the privacy of their own accommodation.

 

Exclusive Members’ cruise fares

All fares are per person, based on two sharing, and are subject to availability. To secure the 0% solo traveller supplement, call Member Services on 020 7399 2960.

 

Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom (193 sq ft)

Ponant current rate from £5,420 pp

CountryClubuk Members’ rate from £4,770 pp

 

Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom (193 sq ft)

Ponant current rate from £5,690 pp

CountryClubuk Members’ rate from £5,007 pp

 

Deluxe Suite (290 sq ft)

Ponant current rate from £10,040 pp

CountryClubuk Members’ rate from £8,835 pp

 

Prestige Suite (398 sq ft)

Ponant current rate from £11,140 pp

CountryClubuk Members’ rate from £9,803 pp

 

Not yet a CountryClubuk Member?

Membership opens the door to a world of exclusive travel privileges, exceptional experiences and specially negotiated rates. If you would like to enjoy this voyage at our Members’ rates, we invite you to discover the benefits of joining CountryClubuk.

 

Optional flights and transfers

For Members who would prefer us to arrange their travel, economy flights from London to Lisbon, returning from Barcelona, together with transfers between the airports and the ship, can be arranged from an additional £520 per person.

Flights from other UK airports and upgrades to Business Class can also be arranged on request. All arrangements are subject to availability and confirmation of prevailing fares at the time of booking.

Reservations and further information

To register your interest or request an option at your exclusive CountryClubuk Members’ rate, please email members@countryclubuk.com, stating your preferred stateroom or suite, or contact CountryClubuk Member Services on 020 7399 2960.

For further information about the ship and voyage, visit Ponant’s official itinerary.

Please note: PONANT operates dynamic pricing, and all fares, accommodation and offers are subject to availability and applicable booking conditions until confirmed. The exclusive CountryClubuk Members’ rates quoted above are available through CountryClubuk and not through direct bookings with Ponant or other travel agents. Eligibility for the 0% solo traveller supplement, and its combination with the Members’ discount, must be confirmed at the time of reservation.