Treasures of Spain: Costa del Sol & The Balearic Islands

Welcome to Spain's famous Costa del Sol and the 3,000-year-old city of Malaga. Millions of visitors flock to the region each year for its namesake sunshine, rich history and artistic soul. The city is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and proudly pays homage to the virtuoso with a dedicated museum. Uncover gastronomic delights such as ‘tinto de verano', a refreshing iced summer wine, and wander the streets filled with architectural delights from colourful baroque designs to historic Roman theatre.

This afternoon, you'll board your 6-star, ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. With a maximum of just 228 guests on board and a staff-to-guest ratio close to 1:1, this is personalised travel unlike any other. You will be shown to your stylish suite, where you can enjoy a drink on your private verandah and toast the start of this luxurious voyage. (D)

This morning, you'll arrive in Gibraltar. Dominating the mouth of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar is a natural fortress and a little slice of Britain tucked within the borders of Spain. The skyline is dominated by the imposing Rock of Gibraltar, a 426-metre-high limestone promontory. Beneath it winds a network of more than 150 caves and curious troops of Barbary macaques have taken up residence on The Rock's upper reaches.

On the streets below, you can explore dozens of British stores and traditional pubs, and marvel that you're a stone's throw away from Spain. Listen out for the local accent, a sing-song mix of English and Spanish, with people often swapping between the two languages mid-sentence.

You'll depart Gibraltar just after lunch, so order a cocktail on the Yacht Club terrace or relax in the Vitality Pool on Deck 10 while you watch the sparkling waters of the Western Mediterranean slip by. (B/L/D)

Almería is one of Spain's hidden gems and you'll quickly be charmed by the handsome town centre, sunny plazas lined with palm trees, exquisite beaches and lively tapas bars. There are a number of interesting museums dotted throughout the town; the Museum of Almería is the archaeological museum and tracks the city's history through the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and the Moors. Look out for the impressive, fortified cathedral in the old town – it was originally built to provide a safe haven during attacks by pirates.

Scenic Eclipse departs Cartagena late this evening, giving you time to explore the city after dark. Wander the brightly lit waterfront and the pedestrian streets that lead off it to join the locals for a drink or a meal at the many welcoming bars and restaurants. (B/L/D)

Dock right in the heart of one of the world's greatest natural harbours at Cartagena. A prized location for thousands of years thanks to its water access and the rich mineral deposits that surround it, modern Cartagena surprises and delights. Once inhabited by the Romans, Cartagena is recognised for the wealth of ancient sites in and around the city. Roman murals and mosaics adorn historical villas while late 19th century architecture complements the picturesque Mediterranean coast.

Scenic Eclipse departs Cartagena late this evening, giving you time to explore the city after dark. Wander the brightly lit waterfront and the pedestrian streets that lead off it to join the locals for a drink or a meal at the many welcoming bars and restaurants. (B/L/D)

Wake this morning as you arrive in the city of Alicante, one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations and the unofficial capital of the Costa Blanca (White Coast). Set on the golden sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of Spain's east coast, this area is packed with stylish resorts and golf courses.

As with much of southern Spain, Alicante was ruled by the Moors for more than 500 years and their influence is still visible throughout the city. It is built around the base of the imposing Moorish fortress of Castillo de Santa Barbara, dating back to the 9th century; climb the hill or take the elevator to explore. El Barrio, the Old Town, also dates to the days of the Moors, and is made up of narrow lanes, colourful houses and cosy plazas, which are now bursting with cafes, bars and restaurants. Soak up the sun with a walk along the beautiful, palm-tree lined Explanada de España. (B/L/D)

Along with Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera, Ibiza is one of the four main Balearic Islands, a sun-kissed archipelago that sits off the east coast of Spain. It's known as one of the world's great party capitals, famed for its beach clubs, busy bars and pumping nightclubs. As you pull into port this morning, you'll see that there is more to this island than meets the eye. Its beaches are undeniably superb, but you will also discover archaeological sites and tiny, whitewashed villages almost untouched by modern life. Inland, the island is all limestone hills and lush pine forest, home to artisan producers who are creating one-of-a-kind local delights.

Ibiza is known for its dazzling sunsets, so grab a seat and a drink at the Sky Bar or Yacht Club Terrace to watch the sky turn orange, red and pink as the ship leaves port. (B/L/D)

Sailing back towards the mainland overnight, you'll arrive in Valencia this morning. Ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite so you can watch the ship pull into port from your private verandah.

Spain's third-largest city is an inspiring blend of old and new. It has one of the largest historic centres in Europe, with buildings dating back to the 13th century, sitting close to modern architectural gems like the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Running for more than nine kilometres through the centre of the town is the magnificent Turia Garden, a green space that was created by diverting a river in the 1980s. Join the locals riding bikes, playing sport, listening to live music or just relaxing in the sun. (B/L/D)

Disembark after breakfast as you farewell the crew and take away memories of a truly unforgettable cruise.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)