Time to explore

In November 2025, Borealis will embark on a unique sailing featuring extended time in each port of call. Join The Bridge as we uncover the best ways to enjoy this unhurried time ashore.

Day one

Few sights are as iconic as the Rock of Gibraltar. Towering above the port, it’s the ideal starting point for your adventure. Ride the scenic cable car to the summit, where panoramic views stretch across the Strait of Gibraltar – on a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Morocco on the horizon.

At the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, nature and history intertwine. Encounter Gibraltar’s most famous residents, the Barbary macaques, before venturing into the dramatic chambers of St Michael’s Cave, a vast network of limestone caverns adorned with intricate stalactites and stalagmites. Its cathedral-like main chamber now hosts concerts beneath a canopy of ancient stone.

In the evening, delve into the Rock’s storied past with a tour of the Great Siege Tunnels. A special performance by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Band brings the echoing passageways to life – a moving tribute to the soldiers who once defended these historic fortifications.

Day two

Begin your second day with a dolphin-watching tour. Gibraltar’s temperate waters are home to pods of common, striped and bottlenose dolphins, which you can often spot on a scenic cruise along the coastline. Alternatively, find a moment of peace among the shaded paths and exotic flora of the Alameda Botanical Gardens, home to rare plants and historic military relics.

Back in town, Main Street offers a blend of British heritage and Mediterranean flair, where red post boxes and tapas bars sit side by side. Pick up a few duty-free treasures and browse familiar names like Marks & Spencer before returning to your ship.

Day one

A great starting point for exploring Cartagena is the Panoramic Lift, offering a scenic and comfortable ascent from Gisbert Street to the summit of Concepción Hill. At the top, you’ll find Parque Torres, a peaceful green space ideal for leisurely strolls, and the medieval Concepción Castle, which offers some of the best views across the city and its natural harbour.

Nearby, Calle Mayor (Main Street) reveals elegant façades, boutique shops and shaded cafés – perfect for a relaxed coffee stop or picking up locally made souvenirs such as esparto grass crafts or hand-painted ceramics.

In the afternoon, head just outside the city to the Licor 43 Experience. This iconic Spanish liqueur is made from a closely guarded recipe of 43 natural ingredients, with sweet vanilla and citrus notes ideal for cocktails or sipping neat. Explore the museum to learn about its origins and production before enjoying a tasting session in the stylish on-site bar.

As evening falls, join an atmospheric tour to uncover the secret of authentic paella. With a glass of Spanish wine in hand, watch a local chef demonstrate how this beloved dish is made, sharing family traditions and regional variations along the way, before enjoying a dish of the finished meal for yourself.

Day two

Your second day offers the chance to delve into Cartagena’s Roman heritage. Begin at the Roman Forum District, a remarkably well-preserved archaeological site featuring paved streets, Roman baths, a temple and the Curia (senate house). Elevated walkways offer excellent views and help bring the layout of the ancient city to life.

Just a short walk away is the spectacular Roman Theatre, one of Cartagena’s most impressive landmarks. Built in the 1st century BC and hidden for centuries, it was rediscovered in 1988 and beautifully restored. The adjoining museum guides you through the site’s history before leading you into the grand open-air amphitheatre that once seated over 7,000 spectators.

Day one

With its compact old town and waterfront setting, Cádiz is a city best explored at a leisurely pace, whether on foot, by tram, tuk tuk or bike.

Start your day in the heart of the city with a wander through the Mercado Central, a bustling market with a maze of stalls offering everything from fresh seafood to Andalusian spices. From here, it’s a short walk to the Cádiz Cathedral, with its blend of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. Step inside to admire the grand Gothic interior, then climb the Poniente Tower for sweeping views across the rooftops to the glittering bay.

Continue through the atmospheric alleys of Barrio de la Viña, a lively neighbourhood known for its taverns and tapas bars, before strolling along La Caleta Beach, a picturesque stretch of golden sand flanked by historic forts.

In the evening, tour inland to Jerez de la Frontera, a city synonymous with sherry and flamenco. Here, in an authentic tabanco – a traditional sherry bar – you’ll enjoy a cultural feast. Sip sherry drawn straight from the barrel, sample tapas such as Jabugo ham, Spanish omelette and chicharrones, and be mesmerised by a live flamenco performance that captures the raw emotion and rhythm of Andalusian heritage.

Day two

On your second day, take the opportunity to explore Seville, one of Spain’s most enchanting cities, home to orange tree-lined avenues, elegant plazas and Moorish splendour.

Your tour will include visits to the beautiful Plaza de América and the vast Plaza de España, with its sweeping arches, tiled alcoves and grand canal. You’ll pass the Torre del Oro, a 13th-century watchtower on the Guadalquivir River, and stroll through the Santa Cruz quarter, one of Seville’s most charming neighbourhoods.

Enjoy a visit to the Gothic Seville Cathedral, the largest of its kind in the world and home to Christopher Columbus’ tomb, before relaxing over a traditional Andalusian lunch.

Day one

Start your Lisbon adventure by hopping aboard one of the city’s iconic yellow trams – a charming and practical way to reach the hilltop sights. Ride through the winding streets to Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest quarter, where a maze of cobbled lanes weaves past tiled façades and whitewashed houses. This atmospheric neighbourhood is the birthplace of Fado, Portugal’s soulful traditional music, which you may hear echoing from a nearby tavern or courtyard.

Continue uphill to the imposing São Jorge Castle, perched high above the city. Dating back to the 11th century, this Moorish stronghold offers panoramic views across Lisbon’s red rooftops and the Tagus River, as well as a glimpse into the city’s storied past through its towers, battlements and archaeological remains.

After a morning of exploration, refuel with some classic Lisbon flavours. Tuck into freshly grilled sardines or enjoy a pastel de nata, Portugal’s iconic custard tart. For a hands-on experience, consider a custard tart workshop, where you’ll uncover the secrets of the recipe and learn how to bake some for yourself.

In the afternoon, travel west along the river to the Belém district, Lisbon’s maritime heart. Here, Portugal’s Age of Discovery is celebrated through grand landmarks, including the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries, honouring the navigators who once set sail in search of new worlds.

Day two

With Lisbon’s main sights already explored, your second day invites you to venture further afield to Sintra, an enchanting town nestled in the Sintra Mountains, famed for its whimsical architecture and lush, green landscapes.

Begin at the ancient Moorish Castle, where stone ramparts provide sweeping views over the forests and Atlantic coast. Then descend to the National Palace of Sintra, with its distinctive twin chimneys and unique blend of Gothic, Moorish and Manueline styles.

Take time to wander the cobbled streets, lined by pastel-coloured villas and artisan shops, and pause for a coffee and a queijada – a sweet local pastry – while soaking in the timeless charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.