Morocco Rail Adventure with Douro Discovery

Your discovery of Spain and Morocco begins in the vibrant city of Barcelona today. Be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Barcelona, Catalonia La Pedrera Hotel

With exquisite architecture at every turn, days of endless Mediterranean sun and a laid-back atmosphere, Barcelona's charm is irresistible. Today you will discover the city's highlights on a guided walking tour, starting at the picturesque tree-lined Las Ramblas, Barcelona's most famous street. Continue to Plaça de Catalunya, a lively square steeped in history.

Later, be inspired by the magical, twisted turrets of the Sagrada Familia before wandering through the Old Town and Gothic Quarter. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps visit Gaudi's famous Park Güell or go for a stroll along the waterfront. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B/D)

Board a high-speed train bound for Seville this morning. Home to beautiful baroque churches, winding medieval lanes and lavish palaces, this southern Spanish city will leave you in awe. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Stay Two Nights: Seville, Hotel Casa Romana or similar (B/D)

After your Insider Experiences, spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps head out to the Triana neighbourhood in search of the passionate Flamenco music that Seville is famous for. (B/L)

Insider Experience: Enjoy a guided walking tour of Seville, followed by a visit to the iconic Reales Alcazares. A local guide will show you around this magnificent Moorish royal palace, considered to be one of the most outstanding examples of mudejar art in existence. Savour a traditional tapas lunch experience.

Bid farewell to Spain today as you cross the Straits of Gibraltar and arrive in the Moroccan port of Tangier.  This city has long been regarded as the gateway to Africa. Later, travel by fast train to the thriving city of Casablanca. Stay: Casablanca, Radisson Blu Hotel (B/D)

This morning, discover the exotic wonders of Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, during a guided tour. This sprawling port city is an enticing blend of old and new, with the iconic Hassan II Mosque and its 210-metre minaret – the tallest in the world – as its centrepiece. You'll also visit the League of Arab States Park, a green oasis built in 1925, and the Mohammed V Square. Travel to the city of Rabat, Morocco's capital, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterwards, set off on an exploration of Rabat and visit the Old Medina, the Kasbah and the Oudaya Gate before boarding a train bound for the city of Fez. Stay Three Nights: Fez, Fes Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace (B/L/D)

Founded more than 1,200 years ago, Fez is one of the oldest continuously inhabited medieval settlements in the world. On a guided tour, you'll visit iconic sights including the Great Gateway of the Royal Palace and 17th century fortifications, as well as the city's ornate blue gate, the Bab Bou Jeloud. Wander through the twisting streets of Fez's World Heritage-listed old town, passing bustling spice markets and souks. This evening, enjoy a special dinner and show. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Spend the day discovering the historical city of Fez on a guided tour.

Today you will uncover the beauty of Meknes, an enchanting city in northern Morocco that is famed for its imperial past. See the lavish Bab el-Mansour and its exquisite mosaic tilework, the ruins of Agouda Busin, the Royal Gardens and the Royal Stables. Later, discover Volubilis, Morocco's best-preserved archaeological site, declared a World Heritage site in 1997. After lunch on the terrace of Volubilis Inn, explore the Roman ruins, the Baths of Gallienus, the Forum and the House of Venus before returning to Fez later this afternoon. (B/L)

Journey by train to Marrakesh today, a kaleidoscope of colours and spices that will delight your senses. Here you will discover bustling souks, sprawling palaces and winding medinas. On arrival, check in to your hotel before dinner tonight. Stay Four Nights: Marrakesh, Es Saadi Resort (B/D)

Enjoy an Insider Experience before an afternoon at leisure. (B/D)

Insider Experience: Embark on a tour of Marrakesh and discover its historic ramparts, secret tombs and colourful souks. Be treated to a dinner and Moroccan folklore show.

After a morning at leisure, visit a traditional riad, a Moroccan house built around a lush courtyard. Enjoy an expert talk about the history of the house and sample some local pastries. (B)

Today, venture into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the longest and highest mountain range in Africa, stopping en-route for an authentic cooking class. Guided by an experienced chef, try your hand at creating some of Morocco's best-loved dishes ahead of a delicious al fresco lunch.

Continue into Berber country, still occupied by tribes who have called the area home for thousands of years. See hamlets of traditional baked clay houses scattered throughout the Ourika Valley and visit a typical Berber home for a glass of traditional mint tea. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers at your hotel this evening. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Discover the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and take part in a traditional Moroccan cooking class.

After breakfast, fly from Marrakesh to Lisbon on your included flight. Upon arrival, be transferred to your centrally located hotel and enjoy free time. Stay Three Nights: Lisbon, Hotel Altis (B)

On a guided tour, explore the alleyways of the Alfama district and marvel at the Manueline-style Jeronimos Monastery. Then, visit World Heritage-listed Belem Tower and admire the beautiful Castelo de Sao Jorge. (B)

Today, enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this vibrant city. Perhaps enjoy an optional excursion to the Sintra Mountain range of Serra de Sintra. Visit the World Heritage-listed Pena National Palace and take a guided tour of Sintra. (B)

This morning after breakfast, you will travel by coach to Vila Nova de Gaia where you'll board your premium river ship. Later this evening, meet your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception as you take in the sights along the Douro River on a sunset cruise. Stay Seven Nights: MS Estrela (B/D)

Today you begin your cruise along the spectacular Douro River. As you cruise this morning, you'll take part in a Portuguese language lesson, during which you'll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language. Disembark your ship in Régua and join an excursion by coach to the splendid Gardens and Palace of Mateus. Tour this living museum which is still owned by the Count of Vila Real. Afterwards, travel by coach to Pinhão for a special dinner. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local quinta, a Portuguese winery.

Today, cruise across the border into Vega de Terrón in Spain. Enjoy some time at leisure before joining an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo. This tiny village sits atop a hill overlooking both Spain and Portugal, and features a number of well-preserved ruins, an impressive castle and a magnificent stone statue of Santiago Matamoros. After exploring this charming little town, you'll board a coach and return to your ship. (B/L/D)

Today you'll board a coach and set off for Salamanca, a glorious Spanish city that boasts sunlit sandstone buildings along with a majestic city square. Here you'll enjoy an Insider Experience. Afterwards, return by coach back over the border to Barca d'Alva, the last Portuguese village along the Douro, where your ship awaits. Back on board this evening, enjoy a traditional Portuguese barbecue dinner. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Enjoy a Flamenco show and lunch and be entranced by captivating Flamenco dancers as they astound you with their stomping feet in a fiery performance.

This morning after breakfast, enjoy a Portuguese cooking demonstration on board as your ship cruises past Pinhão to Régua. On arrival, head to a local quinta, which boasts outstanding views over the Douro Valley. Afterwards, board a coach and take a scenic drive past swathes of expansive vineyards, visiting the village of Lamego and the elaborately decorated baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, an important Portuguese place of pilgrimage. While in Lamego, visit one of Portugal's best museums, home to a vast collection of paintings, tapestries and jewellery. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Enjoy a tasting of local port wine, Portugal's most famous tipple.

This morning, enjoy free time to explore Regua — you may like to wander along the riverfront, or venture into the lovely Old Town.

Afterwards, continue on to the riverside town of Entre-os-Rios.

On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this gorgeous, vibrant town as you please.

Tonight, be treated to an energetic performance of traditional Portuguese folk music back on board at a special Captain's Dinner. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, cruise back to the enchanting city of Vila Nova de Gaia.

On arrival, join a fascinating tour of nearby Porto, which sits just across the river. Here you'll be led past a collection of the city's most famous attractions, and visit a local port winery for a tour and tasting.

This afternoon, there's ample time for you to step back out to explore Porto at leisure. You may choose to take an optional excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Guimarães.

This evening, back on board your ship, enjoy a Farewell Dinner. (B/D)

After enjoying a final breakfast on board, transfer to the airport in Porto for your onward flight. (B)