Embark Day – Lisbon

Your journey begins in Lisbon, one of Europe’s most captivating capitals and a natural starting point for our adventure. Long known as a gateway to the world, the city pairs maritime history with vibrant street life, striking architecture, and unforgettable views from its many hills.

Lisbon is lively without being hurried, offering endless moments to explore, wander, taste, and take it all in.

Our optional 2- or 3-night Lisbon PreTour allows participants to experience the city before embark. It’s a rewarding prelude to the cycling cruise ahead.

Day 2 – Algarve to Portimão

Portugal’s Riviera is the Algarve, a south-facing region with delightful beaches and small towns.

Those content with a short day can depart from our Portimão tie-up for a coastal boardwalk and bike path that has dozens of places to stop, shop or relax.

The medium ride passes through the former slaving port of Lagos, with its infamous auction house, to turn around at the beachfront village of Luz—a favorite hangout of Rick Steves.

Those who really want to stretch their legs will continue to the lighthouse and cliffside fortress on the Cape of Sagres, where you can take in a spectacular view of the Portuguese coast as you stand side by side with 500 year old cannons. This is the famous jumping-off spot where Prince Henry founded his university of navigation that opened the Age of Exploration.

After one of the school’s Italian-born instructors was passed over for opportunities provided to Portuguese, Professor Columbus and his Portuguese wife moved to Spain, where Chris convinced King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to bankroll his exploits.

Day 3 – Cádiz & Andalusia

After our overnight crossing into Spain, we’ll arrive in the port city of Cádiz.

At this UNESCO Heritage City our ship will tie up within the same small harbor where the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria departed for their famous voyage of discovery.

A circuit of the old city finds a delightful shoreline exit for an easy ride to the similarly-historic town of Jerez.

Our interlude to Jerez enjoys a mid-ride lunch and tasting at a classic Bodega that has produced one of the world’s finest sherries for nearly 200 years.

In Jerez, we’ll witness a dramatic demonstration of Andalusian horses and horsemanship at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. After watching the dancing horses, a shorter return uses a ferry to cross the broad bay.

Day 4 – Gibraltar to Old Tangier

Docking in Gibraltar before dawn, we’ll board a fleet of sure-footed minibuses. Shifting into their lowest gear, they’ll enter a national park an hour before the normal opening time. Gibraltar’s resident apes, curious about the earlier arrival of multiple buses, will be eager to join us atop “The Rock,” where our buses stop for amazing views.

After a tour of a World War II fortress, guns and underground hospital, we return to the ship for a ride that can’t be duplicated anywhere on earth.

Just two miles from the ship is an international airport (and fighter squadron airfield) that stretches across the isthmus separating two proud nations. The only way for cyclists to reach Spain is to wait for a break between arriving and departing jets. When the gates lift up, you’ll follow the painted bike lane across the wide runway to reach the Spanish border.

Have you ever ridden a bike through three countries in one day? How about a bike ride that links two continents? Two of today’s ride choices allow Santana’s participants to achieve this amazing accomplishment. From Gibraltar, today’s medium and long rides continue along the Spanish Coast for 12 miles to reach a ferry port.

The long ride uses a fast hydrofoil to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, a little-known portion of Spain that, for over 350 years, has clung to the coast of Africa. Directly opposite Gibraltar, Ceuta’s tall peak is the other half of the fabled Pillars of Hercules—an ancient landmark that warned sailors of the point of no return.

Too small for an airport, Ceuta is a fascinating destination for any worldly traveler. Two miles from the ferry port is one of our planet’s most tightly-regulated border crossings. In a setting that’s incredibly foreign, Santana’s special emissary will meet riders to guide them through a clearance process that allows them to cycle into Morocco. After a fabulous twenty-mile segment through the Rif Mountains, the ride returns to the coast at Tangier Med, the ferry port used by medium riders (which flattens, shortens, and simplifies a transcontinental ride linking 3-countries).

Both routes share a stretch of coastline to reach the harbor at Old Tangier, where less-energetic cyclists will enter Morocco after transiting the Strait of Gibraltar aboard our chartered cruise ship. The short ride will be hosted by the expert guide who stars in the Rick Steves’ episode that also features Gibraltar and Cadiz.

Our favorite local ambassador will again hop on the back of one of our tandems to provide a multi-stop “highlights tour” of modern Tangier. At an oasis shared by all of today’s riders, don’t remove your helmet before climbing aboard a camel caravan for a short jaunt through coastal dunes.

On a day filled with never-to-be-forgotten sights and activities we’ve saved the best for last—a guided small-group walking tour that explores Tangier’s exotic walled casbah before climbing to a rooftop as the sun sets to sip tea and savor a fresh-baked Moroccan delicacy.

Day 5 – Málaga, Costa del Sol, & Granada

On a day our ship remains in Malaga, the largest and trendiest of Spain’s seaside resort towns along Spain’s Costa del Sol, many will choose to take a break from cycling.

While exploring a town famous for museums, galleries, and shopping is entirely free, our reasonably-priced option is a coach shuttle that will allow you to reach Granada and explore the Alhambra.

With over 7,000 years of history, Granada is a fascinating conglomeration of Spanish and Moorish architecture and culture. Between the Alhambra, Royal Chapel, Cathedral, market district, and sidewalk cafes — there is no shortage of fun to be had in Granada.

Avid cyclists will skip the optional shuttle to Granada to instead climb into Andalusia on Malaga’s beautifully-graded truck route built nearly a century ago. Bypassed by a highway fifty years later, this beautifully maintained old road is a favorite training ride for local roadies. This route includes amazing views, and a legendary pair of corkscrew turns.

Instead of retracing the same route for a pre-noon return to Malaga, those who prefer a full-day of epic pedaling will continue through badlands to find lunch at a remote cantina. From there, a third segment of low-traffic pavement returns to the coast by way of a deep gorge.

Day 6 – Garrucha to Cartagena

Another difference of Santana’s offerings is our ability to satisfy the desires of a wider range of cyclists. On this day, for example, we’ll support a century ride for high-achieving cyclists who want to celebrate a time of year when most will reach peak fitness.

The less energetic among us will enjoy a morning bus-and-truck shuttle to an intermediate high-point. The easiest option, less than 40 miles long, warms up with a gradual ascent before a much longer descent to rejoin our ship in Cartagena.

On the final of four days that cycle Andalusia, one of today’s highlights for long riders is Mojácar, a whitewashed Moorish village perched atop a rocky outcropping to protect it from pirates.

A second highlight is a detour to Batería de Castillitos, a pre-WWII fortress built to protect the port of Cartagena. While this fort’s objective is made clear by the massive guns that could sink ships at a range of 21-miles, the Spanish military designed the facade of the fort like a medieval castle.

Day 7 – Valencia to Castellón de la Plana

One of the reasons we hadn’t returned to our favorite region until 2023, was the shortage of petite cruise ships that can comfortably manage Santana’s expansive itinerary in a comfortable manner.

Following a six-year search, the launch of an ultra-capable new ship finally made Santana’s return visits possible. To reach Valencia from Cartagena, for instance, our yacht will travel 150 miles while we relax, dine, and sleep.

Additionally, this is yet another day where the ship drops us off in the morning before racing along the coast to retrieve us at a second port that afternoon. In both cases, the port at one end of the ride has berths too small for a normal cruise ship.

On all five of Santana’s previous cycling cruises linking Lisbon and Barcelona, a favorite day again includes a team of young local guides (who are also cyclists) to who will lead small groups on guided rides that pause to reveal and explain the innovative aspects of the city’s famous collection of avant-garde architecture.

Departing Valencia, a remarkably flat ride traces the idyllic coastline to Castellón de la Plana. This day’s ride features an eclectic mix of white sand beaches, small villages, rice paddies, and a rail trail.

Day 8 – The Majestic Island of Mallorca

Every year millions of European tourists flock to Spain’s Balearic Islands, a place that’s largely unvisited by Americans. For over 25 years, the #1 destination of European cyclists who fly to a bicycling holiday is the island of Mallorca, where our small ship will make port in the city of Alcudia.

If there’s a day perfectly built for cycling enthusiasts, this is it. The rollout from Alcúdia is smooth and social, the perfect warm-up before you hit the gears for the climb to Mirador Es Colomer.

The switchbacks here reward every effort with views that get bigger and bolder the higher you go. From the top, the Dragon’s Tail delivers classic Mallorca riding—rollers, ridgelines, tunnels, sweeping corners—and before long you’re standing at the Formentor Lighthouse, grinning at what you’ve just accomplished. The descent is pure joy, dropping you neatly toward Formentor Beach, where a cold drink and a salty breeze reset the legs.

The final spin back to Alcudia is relaxed, with the bay stretching wide beside you and everyone sharing their favorite moments of the day. And though the route rises and falls through the cliffs, our 2025 participants rated it their favorite ride of the year.

Disembark Day – Barcelona Old Town

Your voyage concludes in Barcelona, a city renowned for its creativity, warmth, and magnetic energy. From centuries-old streets to sun-soaked modern boulevards, Barcelona blends history with a love of life that’s impossible to resist. Gaudi’s masterpieces, seaside promenades, and lively neighborhoods invite you to linger a day or two longer.

For cyclists eager to keep exploring, this cruise connects seamlessly with our Barcelona to Florence Cycling Cruise. Book the same stateroom category and there’s no need to switch rooms—just stay aboard and continue your adventure. If you opt for both cruises, you’ll have a fun-filled intermission day that includes many of Barcelona’s highlights, especially La Sagrada Familia.

The world of cruising has changed. After decades of ever-larger ships, the newest and most innovative ships are distinctly smaller, and designed for travelers instead of tourists. By design, these yacht-size cruise ships are able to reach niche destinations that larger ships can’t enter. Perfect for a hand-tailored cycling experience.

In late 2020 we heard about a new cruise line being launched by a wizened group of cruise veterans from around the world. Synthesizing decades of experience on cruise ships with countless stays at stylish hotels, these worldly travelers created something entirely their own. Atlas Ocean Voyages has developed a new concept for cruise travel. They’ve taken the sophistication and luxury of a boutique resort hotel and transformed it into a marriage of modern and vintage in their new fleet of “luxe-adventure” cruise ships.

We are proud to announce that we have chartered Atlas’ World Traveller for our 2027 Lisbon to Barcelona Cycling Cruise!

Each of the 95 staterooms and suites are tastefully finished with the finest materials. Mahogany trim and modern bathrooms are softened with elegant carpets and luxurious bedding.

All of the staterooms are comfortably spacious, and most have room to socialize. Nearly two thirds of the staterooms have a private balcony with table and chairs—a perfect place to relax and watch the port sink into the horizon while enjoying the champagne and a snack delivered by room service. The small collection of super-suites are especially large, and most include the service of a butler.

The lounge is a great place to relax and recount the day’s ride while getting to know your fellow adventurers.

The largest of the six dining options is Porto, a beautiful salon where you can savor the inspiration of Atlas’ Portuguese heritage as you experience regionally inspired favorites of our journey from Lisbon to Barcelona.

Prefer to dine al fresco? Porto’s refined-dining menu is also available on the ship’s aft view-deck. Start with a savory appetizer, move onto a mouthwatering main course and finish with a delicious dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. Relish it all with a fresh ocean breeze

and expansive horizon views.

7-Aft, a New York style BBQ grill chophouse specializes in jospering, a grilling method originated in Barcelona and now considered a legendary form of gourmet charcoal cuisine. Satiate your hunger with choice burgers, ribs, lamb and many more.

The Dome has a delightful array of snacks, teas, cookies, and finger sandwiches alongside an open bar or opt for a late, light lunch. Complete with 270-degree and overhead views, it’s a feast for all the senses.

The Pantry is where you can grab a fresh-pressed juice or hot cup of Milano coffee on your way to exploring. Go for a quick breakfast or snack, be it a tasty specialty sandwich or delightful cupcake, for a satisfying and refreshing meal on the go.

Or, for a more intimate dining experience, the ship has a room service menu and provides 24-hour service.

The Zephyr Lounge is one of the best places to sit with friends while watching the port get smaller and smaller as you sail towards the next day of your cycling adventure. Other great spots are the ship’s pool and pair of hot tubs, L’Occitane Spa, and open bridge.

Unless you’d rather “attend” by watching from your stateroom’s TV, the ship’s Forum is where you’ll learn about the next day’s choice of routes and activities. On those days you elect to cycle, it’s also the place for our morning route talks.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is leading the way with some of the smallest luxury-expedition ships at sea. Combining a style defined as simple elegance with invigorating immersions, they provide a luxe-adventure travel experience made for seasoned explorers like you.