Moor Than a Myth: Morocco & Spain Cruise

Socially, culturally and industrially, Barcelona shines as a beacon of difference in Spain. Proudly Catalonian first and Spanish second, its people are free-spirited, liberal thinkers with a passion for their freedom. In the last 30 years, Barcelonans have sculpted their city into one of Europe’s most venerated travel destinations. Its boulevard-style main street, Las Ramblas, is the name on every traveler’s lips, and Barcelona is as sought after as it was during the Spanish Empire’s monarchal peak. A palatial stronghold of the 15th century power couple, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, Barcelona greeted a jubilant Christopher Columbus upon his return to Spain and the rest as they say, is history. The city has never looked back.

Your locally guided panorama tour celebrates the artists and authors who have long revered Barcelona as a living masterpiece. Renowned for its vibrant arts scene, the city wears its creativity proudly, with works scattered across plazas and woven into its very architecture. Miró, Picasso, Vidal and Montaner all called Barcelona home, but it’s the visionary Antoni Gaudí who continues to draw art lovers from around the world.

Among the highlights is a viewing of La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s breathtaking fusion of imagination and faith, where you’ll hear tales of the cathedral’s rich history, intricate symbolism and the story behind its ongoing construction. You’ll also take in sweeping views and cultural landmarks at Barcelona’s hilltop lookout of Montjuïc and pass through iconic areas such as Plaza de España and the elegant Gran Via.

Before arriving at the port, there’s time to stroll Barcelona’s charming streets, whether you choose to browse local boutiques, linger at a café, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this captivating city. Late afternoon, board the ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner onboard where you’ll meet your guide team and crew.

An autonomous region of Spain, the Balearic Islands have seen in recent years an influx of tourists, and Europeans seeking an ‘expat’ lifestyle on a budget. But there is more to these islands than a suntan and a smile. Their history paints a portrait of brave islanders defending their lands from the threat of sizeable empires. The Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, British and Spanish have all left their mark, gifting this eclectic archipelago a story waiting to be told. Palma’s unique blend of cosmopolitan flair and Spanish island charm creates the perfect backdrop for a relaxed stroll. Sample locally produced wine at a cozy wine bar, browse the bustling port filled with fishing boats and yachts, take a refreshing swim at a nearby beach, or hunt for souvenirs.

Spend the morning on a ‘Your Choice’ experience, with a complimentary town to ship-shuttle for those wishing to linger in Palma longer, before sailing west to the Spanish coast mid-afternoon.

Personalize your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. You can choose from a selection of morning excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Choose Panoramic Palma for a locally guided tour to the hilltop fortress of Castell de Bellver, a scenic coastal drive, a photo stop at the Spanish royal family’s summer palace, and a short tour of the city’s historic center with optional free time after. Opt for The Moors of Mallorca to explore Palma’s majestic Moorish royal precinct on foot with a local guide, including stops at the Palacio Real de la Almudaina and the iconic Gothic Cathedral of La Seu, plus optional free time in town after. Or try the Liquid Gold tour to visit a local olive oil farm, learn about the production process and sample this cornerstone of Spanish cuisine.

The afternoon is yours to explore and savor this sun-drenched city at your own pace. Palma’s unique blend of cosmopolitan flair and Spanish island charm creates the perfect backdrop for a relaxed stroll. Sample locally produced wine at a cozy wine bar, browse the bustling port filled with fishing boats and yachts, take a refreshing swim at a nearby beach, or hunt for souvenirs. Set sail for the mainland in the late afternoon, wrapping up a day of Balearic experiences.

Sailing west, reach the sun-drenched city of Valencia by mid-morning. Renowned for its abundant sunshine, delicious oranges and Spain’s iconic dish, paella, Valencia offers a broad range of adventures. After experiencing a slice of Valencian life, Set sail eastward to the island of Mallorca in the early evening.

Valencia’s Islamic legacy extends beyond its architectural wonders. It remains entrenched in the soul of the city and its inhabitants. It is reflected in how Valencians live; in the jargon they use and in place names scattered throughout the region. The city’s story is one of conquest upon conquest. The home of the mythical El Cid, Valencia was a Moorish town having capitulated without bloodshed, but with the arrival of the Christian armies, its story changed, and it was heavily involved in La Reconquista.

Personalize your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. You can choose from a selection of morning or half-day excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Choose the morning’s Panoramic Valencia & Spain’s Favorite Collectables to visit Valenica and the nearby town of Tavernes Blanques, to visit a workshop and learn about the world-renowned Lladró porcelain. In Valencia, enjoy a scenic drive among the city center’s landmarks, concluding with a photo stop at the spectacular City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic architectural complex. Also in the morning, The Story of Valencia to explore Valencia’s history, from Islamic rule to Christian dominance. Visit key plazas, the Silk Exchange (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the Valencia Cathedral, which houses the Holy Grail. For a half-day experience, explore the City of Arts and Sciences on the Valencia’s Scientific Wonder excursion, for a self-guided journey complete with a planetarium and entrance to the property’s renowned Science Museum with hands-on exhibits on physics, space, biology and technology.

Follow the Spanish coastline south today towards Andalusia and the former Moorish stronghold of Granada. Enjoy a presentation from your master storyteller, relax over a good book in the ship’s extensive library, or mingle with your fellow travelers in one of the many social areas on board.

The port of Motril affords you access to the ultimate Moorish city, Granada, and the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada; the Alpujarra’s. Immerse yourselves in the past, with a choice to spend time with the rural descendants of those who have lived here for generations, or to walk among the greatest architectural achievements of the Moorish Empire and Christian monarchical periods.

Personalize your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. You can choose from a selection of full-day excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Choose Moorish Granada to explore Granada, dominated by the Alhambra, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture. Discover the intricate artistry and learn about the clash of cultures that shaped this iconic site. Or choose The Alpujarra to discover the Alpujarra region, known for its stunning scenery and delicious cuisine. Explore traditional villages like Pampaneira and Trevélez, learn about the region’s history, and enjoy a lunch at a local Alquería de Morayma.

Though very much a modern-day city, the apartment blocks and expat clubs of Málaga and the Costa del Sol hide an undercurrent of ancient traditions. Long before beach bars and resorts, this coastline was part of Al-Andalus, ruled by the Moors for nearly eight centuries. Their legacy runs deep, visible in the arches of the Alcazaba, the layout of the old town, and the way the city still seems to hold something older beneath its surface, steady and enduring.

Today’s ‘Your Choice’ experiences range from an introduction to Málaga, a visit to the Moorish enclave of Ronda and of course, Málaga’s favorite dance–flamenco. For those who prefer to explore independently or return to town after lunch on the ship, Málaga’s port offers a convenient starting point with its entrance just a short walk from the heart of the city.

Personalize your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. You can choose from a selection of morning, half-day and afternoon/early evening excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the morning Magical Málaga scenic drive (with photo stops and minimal walking), admire  the grand neo-Baroque Town Hall, views of the Castillo de Gibralfaro and the majestic Catedral de Málaga, followed by optional free time after. Choose the half-day The Moorish Enclave of Ronda to visit Andalusia’s whitewashed town and its former gateway, La Mina de Agua. For an afternoon/early evening option, choose The Art of Flamenco to experience the storytelling through music and dance that is flamenco, accompanied by some local fare.

In the wake of centuries of maritime vessels, sail into the Port of Gibraltar in the morning. More than just an array of Royal Mail red pillar post boxes, fish and chip shops and corner pubs, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and naval stronghold, strategically located at the base of the Iberian Peninsula. Caught up in the legacy of the War of the Spanish Succession, it became embroiled in European politics when the King of Spain died without an heir. Thirteen years later, Sir George Rooke, an English naval commander, captured it for England’s King George I, and Gibraltar has remained a British territory ever since. Three hundred years of swashbuckling pirates, fierce naval battles, yellow fever outbreaks and world wars tell a tale of this tiny slice of Britain, simply known by those who live here as The Rock.

Take a deep dive into the story of Gibraltar this morning, exploring the highlights of this British enclave before sailing for Spain in the early afternoon.

Your quintessential British tour of Gibraltar showcases The Rock’s rich history, iconic mascots and breathtaking views across the Straits of Gibraltar. Enjoy a scenic drive along Winston Churchill Avenue, a tribute to the 1967 referendum when Gibraltar’s residents overwhelmingly voted to remain British rather than join Spain. This historic choice remains a cornerstone of Gibraltar’s identity. Stop for a photo opportunity at the island’s most popular lookout where on a clear day you can glimpse the coast of the African continent across the famous Strait where Atlantic and Mediterranean waters meet. Continue to the top of The Rock where you will meet Gibraltar’s famous macaques, also known as Barbary apes, the tail-less monkeys that proudly serve as The Rock’s mascots.

Formed as a brotherhood of Islam, the conglomerate of Arabs, Berbers and North African’s known as the Moors arrived in the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century. Like a child leaving home, they matured and stayed away from their homelands for a further 700 years. Tolerant of other faiths, they lived in relative peace with the Christian and Jewish members of their communities, ruling the land as small Kingdoms dominated by castle-topped villages and fortified cities. Their legacy of mathematical expertise, astronomy and Moorish architecture changed the European world. Wake this morning on the banks of the Guadalquivir River in the Andalusian city of Seville. The southern lands of Andalusia became the Moors’ crowning glory; its jewel, Seville.

Today’s ‘Your Choice’ experiences showcase Seville’s Moorish architecture and Andalusian atmosphere today before your pilot joins in late afternoon to guide the ship down the Guadalquivir River to the coast. Relax and watch the world go by as you sail Spain’s only navigable river. The Guadalquivir has been a central part of Seville’s history and a launchpad for significant voyages. From its banks, explorers like Ferdinand Magellan embarked on their landmark journeys, including Magellan’s famous 1519 expedition to circumnavigate the globe. The river was also crucial for trade, linking Seville with distant lands and shaping global commerce.

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). Select Introducing Seville for a coach bus tour of Seville’s iconic sights, including the 13th-century Gold Tower, the lively neighborhood of Triana, the striking Alamillo Bridge and the beautiful Plaza de España, with optional free time after. Choose Walking the Heart of Seville to explore Seville, a city shaped by history and conquest. Visit the Alcázar Palace, a blend of Moorish and Christian architecture, and the magnificent Seville Cathedral, featuring the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Stroll through the charming Barrio Santa Cruz and admire the iconic Giralda tower. Or choose The Medieval Town of Carmona to explore Carmona, a town steeped in history with influences from Roman, Moorish and Christian cultures. Visit the impressive Alcazar and its iconic Gate of Seville, a testament to centuries of architectural innovation.

The proud city of Cádiz sits at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. As the gateway to the Mediterranean, Cádiz 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, Vinum Cderetensis. Moorish rule over the port, which was renamed Jazīrat Qādis, lasted for 500 years, with the capture of Cádiz by Alfonso X of Castile. Its renewed prosperity dated from the discovery of America in 1492, when it became the headquarters of the Spanish treasure fleets, and the port to nearby Jerez, which produced liquid gold.

Today’s ‘Your Choice’ experiences showcase modern Andalusia, with a variety of excursions available. There’s time this afternoon to explore Cádiz independently with the ship moored in town, prior to your early evening sailing to the shores of northern Africa.

Personalize your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. You can choose from a selection of morning and midday shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Choose the morning Jerez and the Story of Sherry excursion to explore Jerez, a city shaped by the production of sherry. Visit the Alcázar, a blend of Islamic and Christian architecture, and learn about the region’s winemaking history with a tasting session at a local bodega. Also in the morning, The Andalusian Enclave of Vejer de le Frontera offers an experience in an iconic whitewashed, hilltop town, with views of the ancient Moorish Castle, the majestic Church of the Divine Savior and the vibrant Plaza España, all while uncovering tales of Moorish conquerors, Castilian kings and feudal uprisings. For a midday option, experience Historic Cadiz on the Tapas Trail for a locally guided tapas tour with tavern after tavern of local delicacies among whitewashed lanes, sunny plazas, baroque churches and 18th-century merchant houses.

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.

This morning, choose between two popular ‘Your Choice’ experiences, each offering a chance to immerse yourself in the highlights of Tangier before you set sail mid-afternoon for Casablanca. The city’s historic medina and key landmarks are set across steep hills, with hand-carved steps and uneven pathways that add to its charm—but may require a bit of effort to explore. For a more relaxed option, take advantage of your complimentary shuttle service running throughout the day between the ship and a central square, where you can wander at your own pace, browse local stalls, and enjoy a mint tea and French pastry at one of the many cafés, before you sail south to Casablanca mid-afternoon.

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 Tangier Kasbah District & American Legation Museum to explore Tangier’s historic Kasbah, including the Grand Socco, once frequented by Beat Generation writers. Visit the American Legation, the first US public property abroad, and see a letter from George Washington to the Sultan. Or choose A Taste of Tangier t0 explore Tangier’s culinary history, blending Moorish, Spanish and French influences. Sample local delights like caliente and bissara while strolling through the historic M’sallah district.

Wake up in the city of Casablanca. Morocco’s largest coastal city, Casablanca’s fame hit new heights when Hollywood set the ultimate romantic motion picture amongst the city’s wartime streets. Your discovery of Casablanca begins as you visit the monumental Hassan II Mosque. The largest mosque in Africa, with a 60-story high minaret, it is the tallest religious structure in the world. This architectural masterpiece is the most ambitious structure ever built in Morocco, taking 35,000 workers seven years to complete. Savor the atmosphere of this venerated place, and learn about the mosque’s key architectural features, which beautifully blends modernism with traditional Islamic, Moorish and Moroccan elements. As you farewell Casablanca settle into your seat for the three-hour drive to Marrakech.

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 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.

Arrive in time to enjoy lunch at a popular local restaurant, before joining a tour of Bahia Palace. This stunning example of 19th-century Moroccan design showcases Morocco’s classic architecture. Its name means “brilliance,” and you’ll see why as you wander through colorful tiled courtyards, intricately carved wooden ceilings and peaceful gardens. Once home to a powerful vizier, the palace now welcomes visitors to explore its rich history and classic story.

After breakfast, set out with your local guide to enjoy your choice of the city’s key attractions, each offering a unique perspective on its culture and history. Whether you opt for a guided walk, a visit to the Majorelle Gardens, or prefer to explore at your own pace, the morning promises memorable discoveries filled with color, flavor and charm.

Relax around the hotel’s pool, try some retail therapy or explore Marrakech further this afternoon, before tonight’s Moroccan-style farewell gathering.

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 Introducing Marrakech for a brief walking tour of the famous medina and its shops with time to browse independently after. Opt for Meet You in the Medina for a locally guided, in-depth walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Koutoubia Mosque and Djemâa el Fna Square. Or select the Yves Saint Laurent and the Majorelle Gardens excursion to explore the Majorelle Gardens’ Berber Museum, for the designer’s private collection and the location of his scattered ashes, followed by time at the nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum.

After breakfast, say farewell to your fellow travelers and check-out, before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.