The Sands of Time: Canary Islands to Lisbon Cruise

While the Canary Islands are famed for their resorts and sun-soaked beaches, they offer much more than typical package holidays. These eight volcanic islands, under Spanish jurisdiction but historically linked to Africa, have a complex history that includes the early slave trade. Today, the islands stand as a testament to resilience and cultural diversity, blending influences from Spanish settlers and indigenous Guanches. The Canaries are also among the world’s most biodiverse places. Here, imposing volcanoes and enigmatic lava fields coexist with lush forests. Stark, rolling landscapes alternate with deep ravines teeming with flora, and fertile valleys end in abrupt cliffs. The islands boast a thousand colors and a blue sea, home to species unique to the Canaries.

Your day is spent on a scenic tour of Tenerife’s northeastern region, exploring spectacular mountains and historical villages, and savoring local culinary delights. Departing from Santa Cruz, journey to the pristine Anaga Mountains, known for their rich biodiversity and lush vegetation. The region’s unique microclimates and high humidity support ancient laurel forests and flora unique to Tenerife. Your drive takes you to the remote village of Taganana, one of Tenerife’s oldest. Here, you will enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant, highlighting the region’s flavors.

Your final stop is San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tenerife’s historic gem. The capital of the Canary Islands until 1723, this charming city is famed for its well-preserved colonial architecture and 16th-century grid layout. Stroll through its narrow streets, admire the historic buildings and immerse yourself in the city’s rich heritage. Mid-afternoon return to Santa Cruz de Tenerife where Douglas Mawson awaits.

For those who prefer a relaxing day in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, check-out is at 11:00am. A transfer from the hotel to the port will be provided mid-afternoon.

After boarding, set sail to continue your exploration of the Canary Islands. This evening, enjoy a captain’s welcome dinner where you will have the chance to meet the guide team and crew.

Known as the ‘miniature continent’, Gran Canaria is celebrated for its striking contrasts. The island offers a variety of landscapes, from beaches framed by dunes to peaks covered in Canary Island pine forests, whose greenery stands out against the dark volcanic earth. Las Palmas, the capital, combines historical architecture with modern attractions, featuring bustling markets and urban beaches. ‘Your Choice’ experiences offer you the opportunity to hit the beach, try local wines and explore villages among the island’s prettiest towns.

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 Maspalomas Beach and Dune Experience to experience the dramatic Maspalomas sand dunes, a protected natural area. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing and strolling along the golden sands before exploring the vibrant city of Las Palmas. Or choose Arucas and Agaete Valley Winery Visit to discover the unique terroir of the Agaete Valley at Berrazales Winery. Learn about the production of Listán Negro wines and enjoy a tasting session before exploring the charming town of Arucas. Or choose Gran Canaria’s Little Venice and Puerto Rico Beach and visit the charming ‘Little Venice of Gran Canaria’ – Puerto de Mogán, with its canals and colorful cottages. Then, relax on the beautiful beach of Puerto Rico before returning to Las Palmas.

Today, explore Lanzarote, the northernmost Canary Island, known as ‘Volcano Island’ for its dramatic volcanic terrain. Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape includes expansive lava fields and uniquely shaped rocks, set against a backdrop of black and red soil that vividly contrasts with traditional whitewashed houses. ‘Your Choice’ experiences offer a chance to discover this diverse landscape, from dramatic mountains and golden beaches to lush palm groves, highlighting the island’s exceptional natural beauty.

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 Timanfaya National Park to experience the otherworldly landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, shaped by volcanic eruptions. Witness geothermal demonstrations and explore the park’s vibrant colors and unique formations. Or choose a Day at the Beach – Puerto del Carmen to experience the vibrant Puerto del Carmen, a former fishing village transformed into a top beach resort. Relax on Playa Grande, swim in the calm waters, and enjoy the amenities offered at this popular destination. Or choose Haria, the Valley of 1,000 Palm Trees and Le Geria Wine Tasting to experience Lanzarote’s winemaking heritage with a wine tasting in La Geria, featuring local varieties. Explore the charming town of Haría and enjoy panoramic views from the Mirador de Haría.

Your voyage from Arrecife to the Moroccan coast offers a relaxing interlude during which the host will introduce you to the fascinating cultures and histories of the destinations ahead, through engaging presentations. A day at sea affords you the opportunity to explore the ship’s amenities. Whether you choose to invigorate yourself in the gym, relax in the library, delight in a dip in the pool, or enjoy panoramic views from the observation lounge, there is something for everyone to enjoy. As you approach the Moroccan coast, the scenery transforms as the vibrant hues of the Moroccan landscape come into view, promising an array of experiences that blend the exotic with the familiar.

After breakfast on board, disembark the ship at the seaside town of Agadir and begin the 3-hour journey to Marrakech, where you meet the born-and-bred Moroccan guides whose passion for their homeland is infectious. 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.

On arrival enjoy a taste of Morocco as you lunch at the popular 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 introduces you to one of Marrakech’s oldest surviving buildings–the mausoleum of Almoravid Koubba. Discover the historical medina, 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 visit to Marrakech is complete without a visit to fabled Djemâa el Fna Square. Covering an area of around 4.5 acres, this bustling space is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, traditional storytellers, musicians, food stalls and market activity. Immerse yourself into the captivating energy of this mythical square, where for centuries locals have gathered to end their day among a plethora of street food stalls, craft stands and popular cafes. Dinner features a mezze of popular Moroccan fare, providing a delightful culinary experience before an overnight at your hotel. The next morning, you will drive to the famed city of Casablanca, where you will reboard the ship in the afternoon.

Waking to your first adhan, an Islamic call to prayer, the Muezzin’s emotive call conjures visions of magic carpets and spice-scented medinas. Today, leave the old Imperial city of Marrakech and continue your journey to the Atlantic Ocean, where you’ll find the modern-day mecca 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.

Where else would one dine in Casablanca other than Rick’s mythical saloon–Rick’s Café. This rundown 1930s riad has been transformed into an iconic Casablanca landmark. The restaurant’s current manager, Issam, who also doubles as the Café’s resident piano player, will share with you the story of how the legendary ‘gin joint’ of cinematic fame was brought to life by Bill Willis, a renowned Marrakech-based American designer who first discovered the delights of Morocco with Talitha and John Paul Getty Junior.

As you farewell Rick and Ilsa, step into modern-day Casablanca at the monumental Hassan II Mosque. The largest mosque in Africa, with a 60-storey 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. Mid-afternoon reboard the ship and sail north to Tangier.

Arrive this morning at a city located at the crossroads of Africa and Europe: Tangier. Spend the day in Tangier or head east to the emerging artisan enclave of Tétouan. 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 visit the Tangier Kasbah District, Kasbah Museum and American Legation Museum and explore the historic Kasbah of Tangier, including the Grand Socco, a legendary gathering place for artists and intellectuals. Visit the American Legation, the first American public property outside the United States. For a full-day experience visit the Artisan Enclave of Tétouan to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina of Tétouan, blending Arabic and Spanish influences. Visit the Bab Akla School of Traditional Arts and Crafts and discover the city’s rich artistic heritage.

In the early afternoon, sail north, crossing the Straits of Gibraltar en route to their namesake.

In the wake of centuries of maritime vessels, you sail into the Port of Gibraltar early 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.’

‘Your Choice’ experiences offer a deep dive into the story of Gibraltar this morning, giving you the opportunity to further explore this British enclave independently, or enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board with stunning views of Gibraltar from the deck. At the end of your tour, return to the ship or stay in town to immerse yourself in quintessential British life. Shop at Marks & Spencer, relax with a pint at a corner pub or send a postcard home from one of Gibraltar’s iconic red pillar boxes‒each activity offering a delightful touch of British charm.

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). In the morning, choose the Great Siege of Gibraltar to experience the dramatic story of the Great Siege of Gibraltar, where British forces heroically defended the fortress against Spanish and French forces for years. Explore the Great Siege Tunnels and learn about the challenges faced by the defenders. Or choose Highlights of ‘The Rock’ to experience a captivating blend of nature and technology with a modern twist on a natural wonder.

In the early hours of the morning, navigate the waters of the Guadalquivir River, arriving at Spain’s most famous southern city, Seville, mid-morning*. 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.

In the 8th century, the Moors—a diverse brotherhood of Arabs, Berbers and North Africans—arrived on the Iberian Peninsula and, like a child leaving home, remained away from their homelands for nearly 700 years. They brought with them a spirit of tolerance, coexisting peacefully with Christian and Jewish communities while ruling over the land through small kingdoms characterized by castle-topped villages and fortified cities. Their remarkable contributions in mathematics, astronomy and Moorish architecture left a lasting mark on Europe.

The southern region of Andalusia was their crowning achievement, with Seville standing out as its jewel. On your excursion, you’ll navigate the narrow Guadalquivir River to reach Seville, immersing yourselves in its vibrant atmosphere both day and night. Much of the city’s allure comes from its Moorish legacy, with the unique Mudejar style—blending Moorish and Christian architecture—visible throughout its streets, squares and majestic buildings, showcasing its rich history. Moor at the city port, which is within walking distance of the city center.

Choose to spend your time in Seville, combine time spent in the city independently with a visit to the nearby medieval city of Carmona, or join an unforgettable experience as you attend a Flamenco show, immersing yourselves in one of Spain’s most iconic traditions. Sail mid-evening, returning to the river and following its path to the coast, where it meets the sea at Cadiz.

(*As Seville is a piloted port, your arrival time will not be confirmed until closer to your date of arrival, therefore the times of the excursions may need to be adjusted.)

Personalize your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. You can choose from a selection of afternoon or half-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). In the afternoon choose Walking the Heart of Seville to explore Seville’s rich history, visiting the Alcázar palace, the Seville Cathedral with Christopher Columbus’s tomb, and the iconic Giralda tower. Wander through the charming Barrio Santa Cruz and admire the city’s stunning architecture. Or choose The Medieval Town of Carmona to explore the medieval town of Carmona, a historic gem with Roman, Moorish and Baroque influences. Discover its rich history and admire the stunning architecture. Or choose the Art Flamenco and immerse yourself in the music, dance and storytelling of this captivating art form, which combines song, guitar and dance to evoke deep emotion. For a half-day experience Tapas Hopping Seville – Experience the true spirit of Seville as you enjoy a delightful lunch of tapas. Feel like a local as you savor acorn-fed Iberian ham, freshly grilled tapas and other local specialties. This culinary adventure offers a delicious glimpse into Seville’s vibrant food culture and traditions, rounding off your exploration with authentic local flavor. (Due to logistical constraints, this tour cannot be combined with your afternoon experiences.)

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 Ceretensis. 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.

Personalize your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. You can choose from a selection of morning or midday shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Choose Jerez–Spain’s Sherry Obsession to explore Jerez, a city with a rich history shaped by wine production. Visit the Alcázar and learn about the region’s past. Enjoy a wine tasting with a local expert. Or choose Arcos de la Frontera to visit Arcos de la Frontera, a historic town with a Moorish past. Explore the Gothic cathedral and admire the stunning views. Enjoy free time to explore Cádiz independently. For a midday experience choose the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art Foundation to witness the grace of Andalusian horses at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Enjoy a performance showcasing classical dressage and traditional Spanish music.

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.

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 Silves Castle and Portuguese Pastry Workshop to explore the historic Castelo de Silves and learn about the town’s Moorish past. Join a workshop on making Doce Fino, traditional Portuguese confectionery. Enjoy free time to explore Portimão. Or 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. For a full-day 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.

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.

Disembark the ship and take a locally guided tour of Lisbon. The city’s story unfolds as you visit the suburb of Belem, with its Monastery of Jerónimos to hear more of Vasco de Gamas’ adventures; the waterfront memorial of Monumento das Descobrimentos, honoring Prince Henri the Navigator and his fellow explorers; and the Torre de Belém-the 16th century fortification which acted as the gateway to Lisbon for all seafarers. This insightful tour tells tales of exploration, colonization and devastation wrapped together by the history of a city whose influence has shaped much of the modern-day world.

Near the famed Cais do Sodre train station, the beautiful building of the Mercado da Ribeira sits topped with a Moorish-style dome. To end your tour, visit this famous market and its popular ‘Time Out’ food complex. Lisbon’s populace has shopped for fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat here since 1882, with the market’s latest offerings including 30 ‘pop-ups’ offering petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and traditional products such as cheeses, cured hams, smoked sausages, fish conserves, wines and more. Your local guide introduces you to a variety of Portuguese specialties, such as Pastéis de Nata–the Portuguese custard tart with a rich egg custard nestled in shatteringly crisp pastry that is a national specialty. Take time to explore and enjoy lunch (own expense), before transferring to your hotel mid-afternoon.

This evening, gather to celebrate your journey at a traditional Portuguese farewell event.

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