An Atlantic Adventure: Madrid to Marrakech Cruise

Spain’s colorful capital lives up to its reputation, with a vibrant atmosphere and more than just a workaday lifestyle. Cheerful and lively at all hours, Madrid pulses with a distinctive Latino spirit that adds to its dynamic character. This is a city where restaurant shutters don’t rise until most people’s bedtime, and artwork lines the streets.

In addition to its renowned museums and galleries, and life-size statues of famed explorer Christopher Columbus, to a string of handsome kings astride their stallions, Madrid also boasts busy streets filled with all kinds of shops, restaurants offering world-class cuisine, and an unbeatable nightlife. Yet, it also surprises with tranquil historical spots that charm everyone passing by. You will find traditional, family-run, century-old bars where friends gather for a drink; diverse neighborhoods; and cultural centers offering a traditional type of tourism. Madrid’s authenticity, infused with its unique Latino spirit, is hard to beat.

‘Your Choice’ Experiences showcase the two faces of Madrid, with time this afternoon to continue your exploration of Spain’s capital independently. This evening, enjoy a Spanish-style welcome event as you kick off your Atlantic Adventure.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Choose a Royal Morning in Madrid for a guided tour, exploring historical sites and culminating in a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace. Discover the palace’s opulent interiors, the Royal Armory, and the beautiful Campo del Moro gardens before enjoying free time at your leisure. Or choose A Portrait of Madrid for a guided tour, exploring key plazas and cultural icons, culminating with a visit to the renowned Prado Museum. Your guide will highlight masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya and other renowned artists.

Hit the road for a morning’s drive to the coast, making a memorable stop in the ancient city of Burgos.

Here, discover one of Spain’s most striking churches and most memorable character. The Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rises majestically, with its Gothic spires making a bold statement on the city skyline.  Burgos Cathedral is also home to the final resting place of one of Spain’s most beloved heroes: Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, better known as El Çid. Born in the nearby village of Vivar, El Çid was a legendary knight who fought for both Christian and Muslim causes. He earned the Arabic honorific as-Sayyid, which would evolve into El Çid, accompanied by the Spanish honorific El Campeador.

Continue to the port of Bilbao to board the ship and sail south towards Gijón. This evening, enjoy a welcome aboard dinner when you meet the guide team and crew.

Once a Roman port known as Gigia, Gijón’s maritime legacy dates back centuries, with remnants of ancient docks and Roman baths still visible today. Its strategic coastal location has shaped its identity as a bustling port city, a heritage celebrated through its maritime museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits detailing the city’s seafaring past. Gijón also served as a crucial point of departure for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, a medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, drawing travelers from across Europe. Local explorers and adventurers, inspired by Gijón’s seafaring traditions, have embarked on voyages that shaped global exploration. Notably, the city was a significant hub for Asturian emigrants who left for the Americas in the 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing to its international ties.

Today, Gijón’s waterfront promenades, bustling marina, and events such as the Semana Negra literary festival continue to celebrate its maritime heritage and cultural significance.

Personalize your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Choose Asturia’s Capital–Oviedo to visit Oviedo, the historical capital of Asturias, renowned for its pre-Romanesque architecture and its role in preserving Christianity in Spain. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city center, including the San Salvador Cathedral, followed by free time for independent exploration. Or choose Gijón’s Favorite Brew to experience Asturian cider culture with a visit to a local cider farm. Learn about traditional cider-making, enjoy tastings and witness the unique pouring technique. Afterwards, savor the local atmosphere at a Gijón sidrería.

Spain’s ‘secret garden’ is the verdant region of Galicia. This less-visited section of the country is a true gem, away from the tourist crowds and beloved by Spanish visitors. Locals still speak Galician, and the blond, blue-eyed inhabitants proudly hold onto their Celtic heritage. Bring your umbrella, as it may rain, but it’s all worth it. This region is a lush, green enclave amid Spain’s dry and arid interior.

The coastal city of A Coruña is steeped in maritime heritage, celebrated through its iconic Tower of Hercules, the only working Roman lighthouse and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of Spain’s major port cities, A Coruña has been a hub of maritime trade and exploration since ancient times, with various naval battles played out off its shores. Its strategic location on the Atlantic coast has made it a pivotal point for voyages across the seas, including journeys to the Americas during the Age of Exploration, when A Coruña served as a departure point for explorers such as Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, who founded St Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States.

Today, A Coruña continues to embrace its maritime past, while evolving as a modern city with vibrant cultural festivals. Its picturesque waterfront invites both locals and visitors to stroll, enjoy local wines, indulge in abundant Atlantic seafood and soak in the charm of this historical coastal city.

Join a tour to the city’s popular brewery, walk a section of the pilgrimage trail or hear tales of maritime champions, before setting sail early evening for your second Galician port of call at Vigo.

Personalize your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. You can choose from a selection of morning or full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Choose A Coruña and Galicia’s Favorite Beer to experience A Coruña with a coastal drive, a visit to the Tower of Hercules, and a guided tour of the Estrella Galicia brewery. Learn about the brewing process, sample their beers and even roll your own brew. Or choose Ferrol–A Maritime Champion to discover Ferrol, a town with a rich maritime past. Visit the shipbuilding museum, explore the historic Barrio da Magdalena and enjoy panoramic views from the Mirador de los Jardines de Herrera. For a full-day experience, select Santiago de Compostela–Walking the Pilgrimage Trail to experience the Camino de Santiago with a short walk along the historic trail. Explore Santiago de Compostela, including the iconic Cathedral, and discover the city’s rich history and significance as a pilgrimage destination.

As one of Spain’s leading fishing ports, Vigo’s bustling harbor is a testament to centuries of seafaring tradition. The city’s history is also intertwined with the Camino de Santiago, with pilgrims traditionally arriving by sea before embarking on their journey to Santiago de Compostela. Visitors can enjoy the scenic waterfront, savoring fresh seafood at local restaurants, or explore the historical shipyards that echo with tales of old. With its lively festivals, lengthy beaches and welcoming atmosphere, Vigo provides a glimpse into Galicia’s coastal heritage.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Choose Santiago de Compostela to experience Santiago de Compostela, the renowned pilgrimage city. Walk a portion of the Camino Francés, explore the historic Old Town and visit the magnificent 12th-century Cathedral. Discover the city’s significance as a spiritual destination. Or choose The Roman Enclave of Lugo to explore Lugo, home to the best-preserved Roman walls in the Western Roman Empire. Walk the city walls, admire the impressive graffiti and murals, and discover the city’s rich history. Or choose Soutomaior Castle and Winery Visit to explore the imposing Soutomaior Castle, renowned for its turbulent history. Afterwards, visit a local winery, tour the vineyards and enjoy a tasting of Albariño wines.

Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto entices visitors with its storied past, vibrant culture and architectural splendor. It was in Porto that the Portuguese Age of Discovery began, when the indomitable Prince Henry the Navigator set sail to the western coast of Africa in the early 15th century. Porto has never looked back.

The city lends its name to the fortified wine produced in nearby valleys, framing the Douro River with picturesque streets, iconic iron bridges and renowned wine cellars. In the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ‘old town’ of Ribeira, a colorful blend of Romanesque, gothic and baroque architecture adds to the lively atmosphere, while Porto’s historical Rabelo boats, once vital for transporting port wine barrels, grace the riverbanks. This blend of tradition and modernity makes Porto an unforgettable destination, captivating visitors with its timeless charm and dynamic spirit.

Choose from two popular ‘Your Choice’ experiences this morning. Return to the ship for lunch or stay in town to explore the city independently with the sailing set for late afternoon.

Berth today at the port of Leixões, located around 5.5 miles (9km) from Porto center. A shuttle bus will be provided this afternoon, which can be pre-booked with your concierge on board.

Personalize your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). The Port of Porto explores the port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. Learn about the port wine production process, sample different types of port, including ruby and tawny, and experience the unique atmosphere of these historic cellars. Or choose Porto’s Ribeira District and Traditional Rabelo Boat Cruise to explore the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Douro River. Admire the city’s architecture, including the Dom Luís I Bridge, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this historic waterfront.

Set sail in the wake of explorers and adventurers, heading south to Portugal’s capital. A day at sea offers a chance to enjoy the ship’s amenities at your leisure. Attend a presentation by the resident storyteller, gather tips on capturing the perfect photograph from your onboard photographer, or simply unwind with a refreshing drink and a good book–perhaps a tale about Christopher Columbus?

Lisbon sits on the river Tagus, gifting it access to the coast that made Portugal one of world’s most successful trading nations. Explorers including Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Bartholomeu Dias sailed on behalf of their monarch, discovering new lands and establishing new trade routes. The city prospered, with much of the proceeds from their colonies spent on opulent architecture. On the morning of All Saints Day 1755, Lisbon’s faithful were huddled in church when a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck, followed by a series of tsunamis that devastated the city. Candles lit for the religious ceremonies began a firestorm. By the end of the day, more than 75% of the population had perished. Current-day Lisbon reflects this tragedy, with few buildings pre-dating the 18th century, but money spent to rebuild the city was spent doggedly, creating a city of wide boulevards, sensible facades and parklands, all backed by opulent baroque interiors and paved by unique black and white-tiled pavements. With a relatively small population, Lisbon is an easy city to navigate. Its hillside suburbs are accessed by trams and funiculars while its waterfront remains a busy harbor, ready to continue the trading prowess that made the city famous.

Personalize your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.  You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Choose Highlights of Lisbon to explore Lisbon with a guided tour, visiting the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower and the Monumento das Descobrimentos. End your tour at the Mercado da Ribeira and sample delicious Portuguese specialties like Pastéis de Nata. Or choose Lisbon’s Maritime Heritage to explore Lisbon with a guided tour, visiting the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and the Museu de Marinha.

Discover Portugal’s maritime history and enjoy stunning coastal views as you sail south towards the Algarve.

Set on the estuary of the Rio Arade, Portimão was a flourishing fishing village until only 30 years ago. Greeks, Phoenicians and Carthaginians all plied their trade but in the 11th century the Moors arrived, and Burj Munt as it became known, never looked back. A gateway to the fortified town of Silves and neighbor to a coast of classic, caved beaches, Portimão fishes for a different catch these days, with its marina home to a flotilla of gently bobbing yachts, and riverfront promenade host to casual cafes and bars.

Your options today allow to indulge your creative side with a visit to medieval Silves’ artisan workshops, exercise your legs on a clifftop walk followed by a winery picnic or visit the southwestern-most point of mainland Europe.

Personalize your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. You can choose from a selection of morning or full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Choose Silves Castle and Portuguese Pottery Workshop to experience Portuguese ceramics with a local artisan. Learn pottery techniques and tour the historic Castelo de Silves. Enjoy free time to explore Portimão. Or choose Cabo de São Vicente and Fortaleza de Sagres to explore Cabo de São Vicente, the southwestern most point of Europe, and visit the historic Fortaleza de Sagres. Discover the region’s maritime history and explore the town of Lagos, including the former slave market. For a full-day experience, choose Caminho dos Promontórios Clifftop Walk with a Winery Picnic Lunch to hike the Caminho dos Promontórios, a scenic coastal path with stunning views. Learn about the region’s geology and ecosystems. Enjoy a picnic lunch with local wines at an Algarve winery.

The proud city of Cádiz sits at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. As the gateway to the Mediterranean, it is touted as the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, with its dominant families claiming ancestry dating back to Roman times, when the city was called Ceret, and the wine produced was Vinum Ceretensis. From Phoenicians to Iberians, Romans to Moors, Cádiz had its fair share of invaders. It is no wonder its skyline is dotted with 120 watchtowers, including the 150-foot-tall Torre Tavira, used for spotting sails as they appeared on the horizon–often the first sign of the return of long-lost explorers. A Spanish naval base even today, it was off the coast of Cádiz at Cape Trafalgar where the British won the battle of the same name over Napoleon’s fleet, with the loss of Horatio Nelson. It was from Cádiz where Christopher Columbus set sail to discover the ‘new world.’ And it was in Cádiz harbor where Sir Francis Drake sacked and burned so many ships that he delayed Spain’s attempt at invading England’s by at least a year and changed the course of world history.

Personalize your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. You can choose from a selection of morning or full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). In the morning choose the Captains of Cádiz to explore Cádiz, a city steeped in maritime history. Discover the legacies of Columbus, Drake and Nelson, whose adventures shaped the course of history. Or choose Arcos de la Frontera to explore the historic town of Arcos de la Frontera, a former border post between Muslim and Christian territories. Visit the Gothic cathedral and admire the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For a full day, choose Walking the Heart of Seville to explore Seville, including the Alcázar Palace, the Seville Cathedral and the Giralda Tower. Discover the city’s rich history and enjoy the charming Barrio Santa Cruz and the Plaza de España.

Few countries seem to captivate the imagination of travelers quite like Morocco. Situated in North Africa and separated from Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco is an intoxicating blend of African, Arab, Moorish and Berber influences. With coasts on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, an arid desert interior and the evocatively named Atlas Mountains nearby, Morocco’s location beckons travelers with promises of adventure. In the 1960s and 1970s, Morocco became a refuge for writers, musicians, artists and ‘bohemian types’ from abroad, looking for inspiration and escape in equal measure. It is no wonder that every year more than 10 million tourists around the globe choose it as their top destination.

Arrive this morning at a city located at the crossroads of Africa and Europe: Tangier. Unique amongst Moroccan cities, Tangier has a checkered past, affording you one of Europe’s most egocentric stories. Designated an International Zone in the early 20th century, Tangier harbored no drug laws, no taxes, no banking restrictions, no censorship laws and no morality laws. Attracting a worldly mix of expat residents, it played house to everyone from eccentric British nobility to American authors, Franco’s civil war army to Nazi spies, while it awaited its inclusion in the post-war nation of Morocco. Stories of elicit affairs, underworld deals and espionage abound in this city which remains as colorful as its history suggests.

Personalize your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. You can choose from a selection of morning or full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). In the morning choose Tangier Kasbah district, Kasbah Museum and American Legation Museum to explore Tangier’s Kasbah, the Grand Socco, and the American Legation, the first US public property abroad. After lunch, enjoy free time to explore the medina and vibrant souks. For a full day choose The Artisan Enclave of Tétouan tour to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina of Tétouan, a blend of Arabic and Spanish cultures. Discover the souks, the Jewish and Spanish quarters, and observe traditional crafts at the Bab Akla School. Enjoy lunch at a local Riad before returning to the ship.

As you set sail in the late afternoon, savior a farewell dinner, with the Moroccan coastline shimmering on the horizon.

Sail south to Morocco’s economic powerhouse, Casablanca. As a bustling 21st-century port city, Casablanca’s role in Morocco’s success is bolstered by its numerous light-industry businesses. After breakfast, disembark the ship and embark on a three-hour journey to the legendary city of Marrakech. There, you will meet your enthusiastic Moroccan guides, whose deep-rooted passion for their homeland is truly infectious.

On arrival, enjoy a taste of Morocco as you lunch at the popular Ksar El Hamra restaurant, before joining your guides to explore the city’s main attractions, including the Almohad wonders of the Koutoubia Mosque, the geometric zellij (mosaics) and intricate cedarwood of the former Koranic school Ben Youssef Medersa. Your walking tour arrives at one of Marrakech’s oldest surviving buildings–the mausoleum of Almoravid Koubba. You’ll discover bustling souks, walk through a maze of laneways and covered markets bursting with energy, and stop by the Spice Square, where everything from herbs, spices, snakeskins and chameleons have been sold for centuries. No day in Marrakech is complete without a visit to fabled Djemâa el Fna. Immerse yourselves in the captivating energy of this mythical square, one of the world’s great spectacles, where for centuries locals have gathered to watch storytellers, magicians and performers.

This evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Your hotel features two excellent restaurants, perfect for a relaxing dinner in. Alternatively, explore Marrakech’s vibrant dining scene and discover a range of restaurants that promise to delight your taste buds, or return to Djemâa el Fna after dark when the city’s residents come out to celebrate the end of their day.

Waking to your first adhan, the Islamic call to prayer, the muezzin’s emotive call conjures visions of magic carpets and spice-scented medinas. Located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is an eclectic mix of centuries-old architectural styles. The fabled ochre city was founded over 1,000 years ago during the Almoravid dynasty, and still beats to an age-old rhythm. Famed for its outstanding artisanship, the city has boomed as one of Africa’s key hubs for contemporary art, architecture and design. Choose from a selection of ‘Your Choice’ experiences this morning, with your afternoon free to relax poolside, or explore the city further independently. This evening enjoy a farewell event Moroccan style.

Personalize your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Choose Yves Saint Laurent and the Majorelle Gardens to explore the Berber Museum, showcasing North Africa’s oldest civilization, housed within the Majorelle Gardens. Visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, dedicated to the work of the renowned couturier, and pay respects at his memorial within the gardens. Or choose Art and Artisan Tour of the Marrakech Medina for a guided tour exploring the delights of the Marrakech medina, including the dar Si Said Museum showcasing Berber culture and the Orientalist Museum, showcasing the works of artists who captured Morocco’s exotic beauty. Or choose The art of Moroccan cooking to learn to cook delicious Moroccan dishes, including salads and tagine, in a hands-on class at the Museum of Moroccan Culinary Art. This 18th-century mansion provides a unique setting for this culinary adventure.

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.