Our Sunset Group is sailing the Western Mediterranean in 2026! Get inspired with these all-inclusive excursions (Part 1)

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing the Western Mediterranean in six-star, all-inclusive luxury, now is your chance! You are cordially invited to join me and Tom on our 2026 Sunset Group journey, sailing from Lisbon, Portugal to Barcelona, Spain, September 13-23, 2026 celebrating my 70th birthday year.

This week we look to inspire you by highlighting some of the excursions you can choose from on our journey between Lisbon, Portugal to Seville, Spain. This is Part ONE of a continuing reveal, all the way to docking in Barcelona. This beautiful, culture-filled region, and our itinerary offers a curated selection of excursions that cater to any type of traveler. Here’s a sample of what you can experience:

Arrive early to explore Lisbon on your own.  Our journey begins in the colorful and hilly capital of Portugal. Lisbon offers a perfect blend of modern and historic charm, with unique, cobblestoned neighborhoods mixed with a vibrant culinary and live music scene. Top sites in Lisbon include the Jeronimos Monastery, opened in 1495 and a prime example of gothic Portuguese architecture. The Belem Tower is one of the city’s most iconic monuments, 30 meters tall and built in the 1500s to guard the nearby port. Lisbon is also home to Fado music, which is a soulful, longing genre often accompanied by the Portuguese guitar. If live music is your thing, consider taking one of the city’s historic yellow trams to a “Fado house” or tavern where professionals and amateurs alike play.

Our first stop is Portimao.  We’ll sail south along Portugal’s coastline to the western Algarve, known for its rugged landscapes and picturesque villages. If you’re looking for an active excursion, sign up for a bike tour through the historic fishing village of Portimao to the cliff-wrapped Praia da Rocha beach where you can take in the turquoise water views. This also offers a chance to see the city and its landscapes up close, perhaps for a stop at one of the shops selling traditional handmade lace, ceramics and leather goods, or to try the area’s unforgettably fresh seafood.

Sample Portuguese wine. Portugal has over 250 varieties of grapes with the wine made in this region offering award-winning, complex and unique flavors. On this tour, we’ll explore the historic village of Silves first, with its winding streets, red sandstone buildings, and the imposing Silves Castle, one of the best examples of Moorish architecture in Portugal. At the famous wine estate of Villa Alvor, relax at a wine tasting with expert oenologists as they walk you through the unique varieties, all while overlooking the scenic countryside. Or you can choose to take a boat tour to see Ponta da Piedade with its monumental cliffs, tunnels and caves or a fortress visit with dramatic ocean views.

While other large ships must dock 90 minutes away to visit the town of Seville, Spain, we will sail up the Guadalquivir River about 100 kilometers to dock right in the heart of Seville.  Dating back to the days of the Roman Empire, the elegant capital of Andalusia is an architect’s dream with striking styles ranging from the Gothic design of Cathedral de Santa María de la Sede to the Baroque style Iglesia Colegial del Salvador and strong Moorish influences. Our yacht will overnight in Seville giving you time to sample the city’s famed culinary scene, small bars, and flamenco dancing.

Tour of Seville, Spain. Most have heard of the Barber of Seville, but this excursion allows you to truly explore the rich culture, history, and architecture of the city. Seville is known for its grand architecture and especially palaces such as the Alcazar and Palacio de Duenas where you can see the stunning architecture, courtyards, and gardens. Complete the day sampling traditional Iberian ham and cheese, made from cured Iberian pork and a local sheep or goat cheese such as Manchego or Majorero. Rather tour by bike? You can do that too.

Olive Oil Journey. The Mediterranean has a rich food culture, and the Basilippo Olive Oil Mill isn’t to be missed if you’re a foodie. This excursion takes you on a scenic drive to the mill, where you’ll discover the art and process of creating some of the best virgin olive oil in the world. Of course, the tour wouldn’t be complete without a special tasting, but did you know that chocolate pairs surprisingly well with olive oil? Time is also allotted for exploring and shopping among the gastronomy products unique to this Andalusian region of Iberia.

Tour Charming Cordoba. Our full day lets you explore the blend of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian culture of this charming and walkable city. The Mezquita is a fascinating showcase of Islamic and Christian architecture; with a cathedral built within its original structure from the 16th century. The Jewish Quarter is incredibly charming with its ornate tiles and courtyards filled with flowers. Cordoba is also the spot to try authentic Spanish tapas; many open-air eateries are spread throughout the city and are open late after experiencing the nightlife.

In Part 2, we’ll explore some of the excursions for the remainder of the journey, including in Tangier, Morocco, Ibiza, Spain, and ending in Barcelona. With many options to choose from throughout the journey, each experience is crafted to match your interest and activity level. If you’re inspired to tour the Western Mediterranean with our Sunset Group in 2026, contact Denise today while suites are still available!