Moor Than a Myth: Morocco & Spain Cruise

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.

After breakfast, meet your born-and-bred Moroccan guides whose passion for their homeland is infectious.

This morning, 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 college, Ben Youssef Medersa, and one of Marrakech’s oldest surviving buildings–the mausoleum of Almoravid Koubba. Discover bustling souks (Arabic for market or stall), 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.

Your morning is completed by your first taste of Morocco with lunch at the popular Ksar El Hamra restaurant, before continuing to Le Jardin Secret. This eclectic space dates to the Saadi dynasty, for which Marrakech was its capital more than 400 years ago. Rebuilt in the 19th century at the behest of an influential kaid from the Atlas Mountains who came into possession of the land, Le Jardin Secret has been the home of some of Morocco’s and Marrakech’s most important political figures. Discover its gardens and stately buildings, which are outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture, before returning to your hotel for you to enjoy some free time.

No day in Marrakech is complete without a visit to the fabled Djemâa el Fna Square. Here, you are immersed 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. The city’s residents spill out to eat at its street food stalls and revel in the entertainment on offer. If you want to meet an authentic snake charmer, feel the pulse of the Gnawa drums or be mesmerized by circus-style entertainers, Djemâa el Fna is the place to be.

Your evening continues when you indulge in a Moroccan feast, while belly dancers and traditional troops entertain you.

This morning, leave the old Imperial city of Marrakech for the coastal shores of the Atlantic Ocean, as you travel to 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 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-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.

In the late afternoon, your voyage begins as you embark the ship. Enjoy a welcome dinner where you will meet the guide team, as you sail north to the tip of Africa.

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.

Your morning offers two popular options, immersing you in the city’s highlights, before you sail early afternoon for the Spanish coast.

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, Kasbah Museum and 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.

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. On your excursion, navigate the narrow Guadalquivir River to moor at Seville, where you can absorb its spirited vibe by day and night. Much of Seville’s sensuality and charm derives from the legacy of the Moors. The blend of Moorish and Christian architecture, known as Mudejar, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, is on display in abundance throughout its streets, squares and palatial buildings.

Choose to spend your day in Seville, or combine time spent in the city independently with a visit to the nearby medieval city of Carmona. Your pilot joins mid-afternoon to guide you 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). 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.

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 Jerez and the Story of Sherry 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. Or 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 Vejer de la Frontera to explore the charming hilltop town of Vejer de la Frontera, a Pueblo Blanco with stunning coastal views. Discover its Moorish heritage, visit the Church of the Divine Savior, and stroll through the historic streets.

In the wake of centuries of maritime vessels, sail into the Port of Gibraltar at sunrise. Choose to join a full-day experience highlighting the story of Gibraltar, before travelling inland to the Andalusian town of Ronda and the city of Málaga, where you meet the ship, or remain onboard for a relaxing day at sea.

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 The Rock and Ronda to explore Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory with a rich history of naval battles and sieges. Then, journey to Ronda, a historic town renowned for its bullfighting heritage and stunning views over the El Tajo gorge. Conclude your day in Málaga, where the mountains meet the sea. Or choose Sail the coastline if you would prefer to remain on board. The ship will be sailing the coastline, departing Gibraltar as soon as the shore excursion ‘The Rock and Ronda’ has departed. You will arrive in the city of Málaga late afternoon, affording you a relaxing day at sea.

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.

The naval city of Cartagena hosts you this afternoon, after a morning at sea. Fought over by Carthage and Rome, its nearby silver mines gifted it wealth, and a natural harbor etched its name into history as a port of importance. Standing on the sprawling battlements of the hilltop castle, you can all but see layer upon layer of history spread beneath you. The wharf–once home to Phoenician traders. The city streets–once marched by Roman legionaries. The plaza–once a mosque where Islamic Spain prayed to Allah. The surrounding hills–once a stronghold for armies of the Christian Reconquista who arrived in force.

Your locally guided tour takes you through 2,500 years of history as you discover firsthand the city’s significant landmarks. Visit the Roman Theatre built between 5 and 1 BCE which crumbled in 3CE (as did the Roman Empire) and became a marketplace. This region of Spain bears the influence of the Moors who ruled for centuries before being driven out in the Christian reconquest. The Moors left many fine monuments, including the foundations of the castle that gazes down over the old city. Visit the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which displays treasure retrieved over 50 years from wrecks found along the nearby coastline. This includes 14 tons of treasure salvaged from the 19th-century Spanish frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, which caused an international feud when over 500,000 silver and gold coins were discovered in the wreck.

Sailing north, 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 afternoon or half-day excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). For the afternoon, choose 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 choose Albufera to cruise the Albufera lagoon, a haven for birdlife, and learn about its importance to Valencia’s history. Enjoy a delicious paella lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of this iconic Spanish dish.

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.

Your morning experiences conclude at Palma’s port, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch on board the ship.

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 Palma de Mallorca to explore Palma de Mallorca, including its iconic cathedral, the Almudaina Palace, and the circular Bellver Castle. Discover the city’s rich history and enjoy panoramic views from the castle. Or choose Mallorca’s Famous Olive Oil to discover the world of Mallorcan olive oil, from its production to its tasting. Learn about the history and significance of this ‘liquid gold’ in the island’s culture and cuisine. Or choose The Cartoixa de Valldemossa to explore the Cartoixa de Valldemossa, a former royal palace and Carthusian monastery. Learn about its fascinating history, including its connection to Chopin and George Sand, and admire the beautiful architecture.

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.

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 tour today celebrates the capital of Catalunya. Famed for its vibrant arts scene, Barcelona shows off its style with works scattered along its plazas and throughout its parks. Miró, Picasso, Vidal and Montaner all called Barcelona home. But it is the name Antoni Gaudi which attracts 21st-century art aficionados worldwide. Start your day in Barcelona at his masterpiece of modernist architecture–La Sagrada Familia. Explore its intricate interior and exterior with your specialist guide and learn about the history and symbolism of this ongoing construction project, before descending to Plaza de España, Gran Via and the surrounding streets. Next is the elegant avenue of Paseo de Gracia, home to Barcelona’s most inspired modernist architecture.

Having familiarized yourself with the city, your afternoon is free to explore Barcelona’s many attractions. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, stroll along Las Ramblas, visit one of the city’s renowned galleries, or shop to your heart’s content. Later in the afternoon, transfer to your hotel, with time to freshen up before you celebrate the end of your journey with some Spanish flare–Flamenco style.

The artform of flamenco combines song, guitar and dance as it weaves its story, rousing an emotional reaction from its audience. Originally performed by the Roma peoples of Andalusia, flamenco creates a state of mind that is difficult to ignore. Its musical style, where the lyrics often express loneliness and heartbreak, can be compared to the US blues scene with the intensity of the performance stirring deep sentiment. Tonight, immerse yourself in tales of the past, told by Barcelona’s master storytellers in the form of music and dance as you embrace the fervor of flamenco.

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