Transatlantic: New York to Barcelona

Day 1 Wednesday, April 8

NEW YORK CITY

7:00 am Welcome one and all to the Maple Leaf Lounge at the Kingston Shrine Club (3260 Princess Street at Collins Bay Road) at 7 am and meet your travelling companions, old and new! Check in with your Maple Leaf Tour Director as we prepare to journey to New York City where we will overnight in Times Square at the Marriott Marquis at Broadway and 46th Street, in the heart of Times Square! This evening, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner together before you enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure.(D)

Day 2 Thursday, April 9

NEW YORK CITY

This morning a lovely included breakfast at the Marriott Marquis awaits as we rise and shine in the Big Apple! ALL ABOARD! We transfer to the New York City pier to board the wonderful Norwegian GEM for the next 15 nights. Relax and enjoy the spring scenery as we set sail! You’ll have time to settle into your cabins and get a bite to eat. But you should be on deck at about 7:00 pm as we set sail down the Hudson. Cruising past the Island of Manhattan, One World Trade Centre, Wall Street and the Statue of Liberty, sites you won’t want to miss! These memories will last forever as we set sail for the Europe! (B) (L) (D)

Day 3 - 8 Friday, April 10 - Wednesday, April 15

AT SEA

Day 9 Thursday, April 16

FUNCHAL, PORTUGAL
The mountainous isle of Madeira has been a popular European destination for years. The idyllic island is perfect for exploring with its beautiful beaches, stunning lava formed landscapes and lush, green forests. But sampling the famed Madeira wines is also an absolute must. Explore more of Maderia on a European cruise!

Day 10 Friday, April 17

AT SEA

Day 11 Saturday, April 18

GIBRALTAR, UNITED KINGDOM

Go to Gibraltar to discover just how impressive rock can be. From the top of the Rock (over 400 metres up), you can admire the view across the Mediterranean and up the peninsula into Spain. Explore St. Michael’s Cave, a fascinating cavern once lived in by Neolithic peoples and visited by early Romans. Browse through shops filled with embroidered linens from Madeira or go see to the famed Barbary Apes. Then head to a local pub to grab some traditional fish and chips. If you really want to do as the locals do, order a beer (or two) with your meal.

Day 12 Sunday, April 19

SEVILLE (CADIZ), SPAIN

Indulge in the culture of Andalusia’s capital of Seville and visit its stunning Cathedral, one of the largest in the world. Stop and taste the tapas and smell the orange blossoms during a stroll down the winding Medieval lanes. But be sure you leave time to visit the breathtaking Plaza de Espana.

Day 13 Monday, April 20

MOTRIL, SPAIN

Motril is a magnificent Spanish gem on the Mediterranean coast. The relaxing sands of Playa de Torrenueva are a great place to spend a sunny day. For some inland exploring, head to the Cueva Del Capitan for a fantastic nature hike. There’s also plenty of history waiting to be experienced in the city. Stop by the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza to see a 17th-century church surrounded by incredible panoramic views. Then head to the Pre-industrial Sugar Cane Museum to learn all about the region’s staple crop.

Day 14 Tuesday, April 21

IBIZA, SPAIN

With its youthful spirit and natural beauty, the Balearic island of Ibiza (or “Eivissa,” as it’s known locally) is perfect for those who love the outdoors. The beach coastline is majestically rugged, and the hills are covered with olive and fig trees. Two of the most popular beaches are Talamanca and Ses Figueretes. The capital of Ciudad de Ibiza offers a variety of experiences to discover, especially in the historic Dalt Vila district. From the 16th century Castle of Ibiza to the Museum of Contemporary Art and scenic strolls along beautiful cobblestone streets, there’s something for everyone.

Day 15 Wednesday, April 22

PALMA DE MAJORCA, SPAIN

On the one hand, this city, founded by the Romans some 2,100 years ago, is replete with (literally) wall-to-wall history and architectural splendour. You can journey back in time and wander the mazes of alleyways and cobblestone paths that surround the Gothic cathedral. On the other hand, Palma is bustling with life, showcasing the island’s best restaurants, shops, nightlife and a vibrant art scene. Explore more of Palma on a European cruise!

Day 16 Thursday, April 23

PROVENCE (MARSEILLE), FRANCE

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Marseille is the oldest city in France and was founded in 600 BC. Among the many terracotta-roofed buildings lies many intriguing sights including the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. Other places well worth visiting are the city of Avignon and the quaint villages of Le Baux & Aix en Provence. Explore more of Marseille on a European cruise!

Day 17 Friday, April 24

BARCELONA, SPAIN

We’ll arrive in Barcelona for our 2 night post cruise stay where we’ll be greeted by our local guide for a tour of Barcelona! With mountains to the west and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea to the east, Barcelona possesses panoramic beauty. Among the most-visited sites in the Catalonia region’s capital are structures designed by Antoni Gaudi, including the colorful Casa Batllo, whimsical Park Guell and Barcelona’s most iconic building, the Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family, known locally as the Sagrada Familia. Walking tours are popular here, with plenty to admire in the Gothic Quarter and on La Rambla, a bustling pedestrian street lined with stalls and trees. This afternoon, we will enjoy an included dinner and Flamenco show at Tablao Cordobes. (D)

Day 18 Saturday, April 25

BARCELONA, SPAIN

After a buffet breakfast, at 9 am our day begins as our touring continues as we driving through picturesque little villages of the province, we reach the outstanding Montserrat. Montserrat is an impressive mountain, sanctuary and monastery. The Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat, founded in the 11th century, is located in a Natural Park 60 km to the west of Barcelona. 10:00am We will leave the bus at the foot of the mountain and will reach the monastery by mountain train (Cogwheel train). Once at the top, you can visit the basilica, the shops and an optional climb to the top of the hill on the rack railway (basilica and transfer to the top optional with extra charges) The landscapes are amazing, a 360º view of the area reaching from the city and beyond to the inland. 1:00 pm We’ll return back to Barcelona and there will be free time to discover the city on your own. Foodies find themselves on tours of tapas restaurants or exploring the sprawling Mercat de la Boqueria, a covered market with roots in the 13th century. We will return to our hotel to relax and get ready for our departure tomorrow. Dinner is included this afternoon. (B) (D)

Day 19 Sunday, April 26

HOME

After breakfast this morning, we will transfer to Barcelona International Airport and check in for our flight, and begin our journey home. We’ll arrive back into Toronto Pearson International Airport where our motor coach and driver will be waiting to return us home with plenty of souvenirs, fun and happy memories of our amazing transatlantic cruise vacation.

TAP Air Portugal: Sunday, April 26, Barcelona to Toronto
Depart Barcelona 11:25am | Arrive Lisbon 12:25pm
Depart Lisbon 17:45pm | Arrive Toronto 21:05pm