Madrid to Marrakech: An Atlantic Adventure

Our guided tour provides a uniquely local perspective on Spain’s capital. As we explore, you will encounter statues and monuments throughout the city commemorating explorers and naval heroes. The tour uncovers some of the city’s impressive plazas, historical buildings and intriguing stories, culminating in a visit to one of its royal landmarks.

One of the few official residences of heads of state open to the public, the Royal Palace of Madrid, or Patrimonio Nacional, is not only home to King Felipe VI, but it is also the largest palace in Western Europe, spanning more than 135,000 square metres (about half the area of the Vatican) and featuring an incredible 3,418 rooms. The palace, inaugurated in 1751, sits on the site of the old Alcázar of Madrid, a medieval fortress converted into a royal residence. The original Alcázar, decorated with Spanish Golden Age art, was destroyed by fire on Christmas Eve 1734, leading to the construction of the current palace, with its Italian design, opulent rococo and neoclassical interiors, including impressive frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo and Anton Raphael Mengs. The palace also boasts a Royal Armoury, one of Europe’s finest collections, and the Campo del Moro gardens, designed by Juan de Villanueva, making it the perfect place to conclude our visit of this grand city. Explore the grounds further or return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

Our guided tour paints a uniquely local perspective on Spain’s capital. As we explore, you will encounter statues and monuments throughout the city commemorating explorers and naval heroes. The tour introduces us to the city’s popular plazas and grand cultural icons, culminating in a visit to the inspiring Prado.

Closely linked to the Spanish psyche, the Prado is a must-see for art enthusiasts visiting Madrid. Since its inauguration in 1819, the Museo Nacional del Prado has been dedicated to conserving, exhibiting and enriching its collection, which not only reflects Spain’s rich history, but also displays many of the world’s most renowned works of art. With over 1,000 paintings spanning four centuries, the museum can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Our guide will take us to key works and share the captivating stories behind them, including masterpieces by Bosch, El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, and Rubens. Choose to linger longer at the Prado or return to our hotel, with your afternoon free to explore the city independently.

A 45-minute drive south of Gijón brings us to Oviedo, the current capital of the Asturias region. This historical city has been crucial in preserving Christianity in the Iberian Peninsula since the 9th century. During this time, Oviedo became a hub of pre-Romanesque architecture, showcasing a distinctive style that influenced religious buildings throughout Spain. But Oviedo’s significance goes beyond its architecture; it was also the seat of the early Asturian Kingdom and remained an important religious and cultural centre throughout the Middle Ages.

Our local guide will lead a walking tour of Oviedo’s downtown core, highlighting the stunning San Salvador Gothic Cathedral and the restored Old Town. After the tour, you will have time to explore this picturesque city on your own. With its rich historical heritage and modern charm, Oviedo is a favourite destination for visitors to the Asturian coast.

The coastal towns of Asturias’ ‘cider region’ are brimming with cider houses, beloved by locals and visitors alike. Gijón’s cider houses, called sidrerías, are found all over the city, but the best ones are on the edge of Cimadevilla (the old town), where you can enjoy the show of the waiter pouring your drink while listening to the rumbling of the Atlantic Ocean crashing below. Naturally, a visit to a cider farm is a must. Just half an hour from Gijón, this experience is a true delight. Here, cider is more than just a drink; it’s a central part of the local culture. Festivals celebrate its significance, and there’s a strong emphasis on sustainability in brewing practices. During your visit, you will sample a variety of traditionally crafted ciders and learn the unique pouring technique that enhances its flavour. The farms traditional craftsmanship, combined with the deep-rooted cider culture and commitment to sustainability, ensures a fun and immersive experience. From here we head to a local restaurant where we savour some local fare for lunch, before returning to the ship early afternoon.

Experience the vibrant flavours and heritage of A Coruña on this engaging morning excursion. Begin with a drive along Europe’s longest coastal promenade, soaking in the historical charm of the city, including the Castle of San Antón and the Tower of Hercules - an ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site that has served as a lighthouse and landmark at the entrance of La Coruña harbour since the late 1st century CE, when the Romans named it the Farum Brigantium.

After immersing ourselves in the city’s rich history, we shift focus to a local favourite: Estrella Galicia. For over a century, this iconic brew has been the beer of choice for Galicians. Our journey continues at the MEGA Museum and Estrella Galicia Beer Factory, a city landmark since 1906. Enjoy a guided tour of the brewery, where you’ll learn about the brewing process and delve into the brewery’s storied past. Then, indulge in a tasting session where you can sample a variety of Estrella Galicia beers, roll your own brew, and savour a selection of five different brews.

The unique city of Lugo offers a captivating glimpse into the past, with its perfectly intact UNESCO-listed Roman walls, heralded as the most complete and best-preserved example of Roman military architecture in the Western Roman Empire. Constructed in the late 3rd century to defend the Roman town of Lucus, these fortifications stretch over a kilometre and rise more than 7 metres high. With 71 of the original 85 towers and 10 entrance gates still standing, Lugo’s walls are a testament to the city’s historical importance during the Roman Empire, when it was a key hub in the province of Gallaecia, known for its strategic and economic significance.

As you step inside these ancient walls, you will discover St Mary’s Cathedral, with its chapel dedicated to San Froilán, Lugo’s patron saint. But Lugo is not just an old city; it also boasts impressive graffiti, murals and modern artworks. A must-see is the image of Julius Caesar by graffiti artist Diego As. This piece, a nod to the city’s Roman history, is especially impressive when viewed from the city wall and even won an award for best mural in the world in 2022. Declared the oldest city in Galicia, Lugo offers travellers a city with a medieval heart, with a modern-day twist, making it an intriguing place to visit.

With a spring in our step we tour the famed French‑style gardens of Pazo de Castrelos with our hostess, the current Marchioness of Valladares. As we wander the formal gardens, she shares stories of her forebearer María de los Milagros Elduayen, the VIII Marchioness of Valladares, who had the gardens created in the late 19th century to reflect contemporary European tastes and the famiy’s social standing. The extensive terraces, fountains, and symmetry were designed to frame their 17th century palace to create a welcoming space for walks and gatherings, a trait they still honour today.

Our journey then continues to Pazo Señoráns, a stunning example of a 16th-century Galician ancestral home, now converted into a winery. Nestled in the Galician countryside, the estate retains all the charm of its historic origins. Here, we are invited to tour the winery before enjoying a wine tasting featuring the winery's celebrated Albariño wines, paired with local tapas and Galician snacks, before we return to Vigo mid-afternoon.

A one-hour drive takes us to Santiago de Compostela, Europe's most renowned pilgrimage city. Once a pivotal site during the Spanish Reconquista, Santiago faced significant damage from Moorish invaders in the 10th century. This destruction fuelled a renewed Christian fervour across Iberia, centred around the city's veneration of St. James. Today, Santiago's Old Town, with its blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, is celebrated as the final destination of the 495-mile Camino Francés pilgrimage route. For centuries, the Camino de Santiago has offered a profound spiritual journey, allowing pilgrims to seek personal transformation, fulfill vows, or discover a sense of purpose. People undertake this pilgrimage for various reasons, including religious devotion, self-discovery, or the thrill of adventure.

Upon arrival, embark on a guided walking tour, passing notable landmarks such as the Town Hall, the Pazo de Raxoi (‘the Pazo’), and the Palace of Saint Jerome as you head toward Obradoiro Square. The tour’s highlight is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, dating back to 1122. Take in its diverse architectural styles and enter through the Holy Door to explore the intriguing history of St. James and the belief that his remains are housed within the cathedral. To enhance your visit, extended free time is included to enjoy the destination. While a boxed lunch is available from the ship, you may prefer to sample the region’s renowned cuisine, particularly at the designated ‘pilgrimage paradors,’ known for their local flavours and excellent value.

Visiting a port cave in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro River from Porto, is a quintessential experience when visiting Porto. Here, the famous port wine produced in the Douro Valley is aged and stored in what the Portuguese call ‘caves’. As you wander through the narrow streets it is easy to realise you are in the heart of port wine country. The process of making port involves fortifying wine with a grape spirit, stopping fermentation early to retain natural sweetness. This creates a rich, flavourful wine that’s perfect for both sipping and pairing with a variety of dishes.

On a port cave tour, you learn about the different types of port, including ruby, tawny, white and vintage. Each type has specific rules governing its production and ageing. For instance, ruby port is aged for a shorter time in large barrels, preserving its fruity character, while tawny port ages longer in smaller barrels, developing complex, nutty flavours. Of course, our guided tour includes tastings, giving you a chance to savour the unique qualities of each port. The cool, dimly lit cellars provide an atmospheric backdrop as you explore the history and craftsmanship behind this iconic Portuguese wine.

Explore the heart of Porto as we join a locally guided tour through the historical Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its architectural significance. Ribeira’s vibrant cobblestone streets and colourful facades tell the story of a district that thrived in the 18th century as a key player in global trade. It was here that merchants handled a range of goods, from spices and textiles to the prized port wine, shaping Porto’s economic landscape, resulting in grand merchant houses and public buildings funded by the city’s newfound wealth. From here we take a scenic boat cruise along the Douro River aboard a traditional Rabelo boat, navigating and gliding beneath the city’s six iconic bridges, including the stunning Dom Luís I Bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, and take in panoramic views of Porto’s riverside residences. This journey offers a unique perspective of Porto’s bustling waterfront, making for an unforgettable exploration of this historical city.

Join a locally guided tour of Lisbon for a morning stacked full of highlights. The city’s story unfolds as we visit the suburb of Belém, with its Monastery of Jerónimos to hear more of Vasco da Gamas’ adventures; the waterfront memorial of Monumento das Descobrimentos, honouring Prince Henry 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, colonisation and devastation wrapped together by the history of a city whose influence has shaped much of our 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 our tour, we 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. Our local guide introduces us to a variety of Portuguese specialties, such as Pastéis de Nata – the Portuguese custard tart that is a national specialty. Choose to return to the ship for lunch or extend your time exploring the markets, where you can sample a variety of Portuguese specialties (own expense).

Join a locally guided tour of Lisbon with a maritime twist. The city’s story unfolds as we visit the waterfront memorial of Monumento das Descobrimentos, honouring Prince Henry the Navigator and his fellow explorers; and the Torre de Belém – the 16th-century fortification that acted as the gateway to Lisbon for all seafarers.

A highlight of our tour is a visit to the Museu de Marinha. Our visit affords us an engaging view of Lisbon’s maritime focus, from military and commercial vessels to fishing and leisure. While it features artefacts from various periods, including Roman times, the museum’s central focus is on Portugal’s golden Age of Discovery. We will be captivated by a diverse collection, including life-size models of ships and original vessels from Portugal’s era of exploration and colonial expansion. With exhibits including paintings, navigation charts, and historical instruments, the museum brings Portugal’s maritime legacy to life in a hands-on and immersive way. We return to the ship for lunch, with time to enjoy the city this afternoon before we sail late –afternoon.

Sailing south, we encounter the famed Algarve, where the coastline is adorned with beach resorts, charming seaside towns, and endless stretches of golden-sand beaches.

The former Algarve capital of Silves hosts us this morning with a locally guided tour and confectionery focused workshop. Arriving at Silves, we enjoy time in the historic centre of town, dominated by the 11th-century red sandstone Castelo de Silves, whose square turrets and impenetrable ramparts loom over the town from an immense orange grove. Occupying much of the arable land surrounding the city, the Almond tree has been a regional symbol for centuries. Its fruit is one of the main ingredients in the beloved Portuguese confectionery, marzipan, sculpted into shapes known locally as Doce Fino. This millennial art form plays a significant role in the culinary culture of Portugal. We visit a confectionery studio to explore how everyday life and festive traditions have shaped the evolution of Doce Fino, while observing the delicate artistry of a master confectioner at work and taste some of their treats, before returning to the ship for lunch, with time this afternoon to self-explore Portimão.

The historical, coastal town of Lagos hosts you today, beginning with a locally guided walk through its charming, tiled boulevards and whitewashed villas, where layers of history unfold around every corner. Among the most poignant sites is the former slave market. Established in 1444 it is thought to be one of the earliest in Europe. The town’s strategic location made it a hub for explorers, traders, and unfortunately, the transatlantic slave trade. Today, the building houses a small museum that honours the lives affected and lost, offering a moment of reflection. From here, you are free to explore Lagos at your own pace, whether browsing local shops, enjoying the waterfront cafés, or taking in views of the Atlantic, before returning to the ship mid-afternoon. To enhance your visit, extended free time is included to enjoy the destination. While a boxed lunch is available from the ship, you may prefer to sample the region’s renowned freshly caught seafood or everyone's favourite, its charcoal grilled Portuguese piri-piri chicken.

The municipality of Lagos’s coastline is characterised by the jagged and laced appearance of a continuous line of cliffs. Their abrupt nature mesmerises those who watch the ocean from their viewpoint. The Caminho dos Promontórios, or ‘Path of the Headlands’ Walk follows the coastline for six kilometres, between Praia do Molhe, near the mouth of the Arade River, and Praia do Paraíso, near the village of Carvoeiro. From the Ponta do Altar headland to the east, a succession of small headlands alternate with recessed beaches and coves resulting from ancient landslides, making this region of the Algarve unique. We follow a portion of the clifftop path to learn the geology, lithology and geomorphology, marine ecosystems and coastal vegetation that makes this coastline so scenic. Having worked up a thirst, we drive inland to a traditional Algarve winery. The demarcated region of the Algarve produces red, white, rosé and liqueur wines. The white and red wines are characterised by their ripe, fruity aromas and warm, velvety taste. We enjoy a handcrafted picnic lunch among the vines with a variety of local products to taste, along with wines from the producer, of course.

The port city of Cádiz has long been the stage for seafaring legends whose destinies were shaped by its ship-lined shores. Christopher Columbus, driven by the audacity of his patrons, embarked from this very port on voyages that would redefine the world. Centuries later, Sir Francis Drake, the relentless privateer, unleashed fire, and fury upon Cádiz, delaying the Spanish Armada and leaving the city smouldering in his wake. Then came Admiral Nelson, whose disciplined daring secured victory near Cádiz, though at the cost of his life. The legacies of these men, and those who sailed with them, are now woven into the very fabric of Cádiz. As the waves lap against its ancient docks, they carry the echoes of those who once navigated these waters. It is a story that fills our morning in Cádiz, as we join our local guide for a walking tour of the fascinating old town of this maritime icon.

We journey inland to the hills of Andalusia. The whitewashed town of Arcos de la Frontera was an important border post, dating from the time when this land was the ‘frontier’ between the Muslim territories and the encroaching Catholic lands. Hemmed in on three sides by the Guadalete River, Arcos is one of the most beautiful of the Pueblos Blancos, which are traditionally painted white to ward off the summer’s intense heat. Expelled by King Alfonso X in 1250, the Moors fled south, and the city became a Christian stronghold dominated by a Gothic cathedral that sits perched on the town’s highest ridge. Famed for its ten bells, which tolled throughout the war with the Moors, the cathedral displays several Moorish banners taken in the battle of Zahara as loot. Returning to the ship for lunch, there is time this afternoon for you to explore Cádiz independently.

Driving 1.5 hours north from Cadiz we find Andalusia’s colourful capital of Seville. Our local guide tells a tale of Seville on this extensive walking tour, with stories of history’s famed conquerors, stories of the ‘New World,’ and a clash of cultures as compelling as the buildings we visit. This walking tour of Seville’s UNESCO World Heritage sites begins with the Alcázar. Built in the 14th century in Mudejar style, the Alcázar is the oldest royal residence in Europe still in use. Islam and Christianity vied for power here, with Christianity asserting dominance by constructing Europe’s third-largest cathedral directly over a 12th-century mosque. The largest Gothic structure in the world, the cathedral houses many notable figures. In 1899, 400 years after his death, the renowned explorer Christopher Columbus was finally laid to rest in Seville Cathedral, where our guide introduces us to this magnificent structure with time to pull up a pew. While a boxed lunch is available from the ship, you may prefer to sample the region’s renowned cuisine, particularly at the numerous tapas bars scattered around the city which offer local flavours and excellent value.

We begin our journey at Tangier’s fabled Kasbah. Largely unchanged since Roman times, the Kasbah was the traditional residence of the Sultan and his harem and is now one of the most fashionable residential areas of Tangier. During a guided stroll we discover the Grand Socco. This café filled plaza serves as the gateway to Tangier´s medina and was once the haunt of Paul Bowles, William Burroughs and their Beatnik friends who gathered here to discuss life and literature while mingling among double agents and expats during the notorious time of international rule. Our next stop is at the American Legation. The first American public property outside the United States, the American Legation is now a museum that traces the history of the two countries relationship. As one of the first countries to recognize America’s independence, Morocco permitted the new United States government to establish a legation in Tangier in 1821. It is the only historical monument to have remained in American possession since the birth of the American nation. Amongst several displays here is a letter from George Washington to the Sultan - Moulay Abdellah. Returning to the ship for lunch, our afternoon is free in Tangier to explore further, search for souvenirs at its souk, or simply relax onboard.

Little more than an hour’s drive east of Tangier lies the coastal enclave of Tétouan. This authentic whitewashed town sits at the foot of the Rif Mountains. Once the capital of the Spanish protectorate of Morocco Tétouan blends Arabic and Spanish culture and architecture. Our morning is spent exploring the UNESCO World Heritage listed medina and a visit the Dar Oddi Museum, offering insight into the city’s history, traditional architecture, and refined artistic legacy. We walk the meandering lanes of the souk, discover the Jewish and Spanish quarters and . Tétouan’s numerous artisan schools have produced some of Morocco’s best painters over the past half century. They proudly encourage traditional art forms which may otherwise be lost to the modern world. Lunch is taken at a local Riad before we return to the ship. (Note: The Bab Akla School of Traditional Arts and Crafts is closed for an event this day and is replaced by Dar Oddi Museum)

At the Berber Museum, the story of North Africa’s oldest civilisation – the Berber – offers an insight into the roots of the Moorish Empire. The private collection of Yves Saint Laurent and his companion, Pierre Berge, this museum is the centrepiece of the Majorelle Gardens. Saint Laurent, on whom Morocco had a profound influence, bought a house nine days after arriving in Marrakech and held residences here until his passing. According to the man himself, it was in Morocco he discovered the colourful palettes he would use in his creative work. We stop by the memorial in the rose garden, marking the spot where the ashes of Saint Laurent were scattered, before visiting the nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which is dedicated to the work of the master couturier and houses displays of thousands of pieces of clothing, haute couture accessories and sketches.

This guided tour is a feast for the senses as we further explore the delights of the Marrakech medina. We start our visit at the palatial building of dar Si Said Museum. We discover traditional Berber culture, giving us an insight into everyday life in the Morocco of the past. Another highlight is the Orientalist Museum, set in the heart of the medina of Marrakech. Located in a magnificent 17th-century riad, and opposite the Saadian Al Ousta Mosque, we retrace the history of Morocco through artisanal heritage and in particular, the works of orientalist painters who crisscrossed the country in search of exoticism, discoveries and travel.

The famed cuisine of Morocco is in our hands as our culinary skills are put to the test. Discover the secrets of Moroccan gastronomy in a hands-on cooking class in the refined surrounds of the Museum of Moroccan Culinary Art. Built in the 18th century, this remarkable, ancient mud-brick mansion, reminiscent of a sultan’s palace, echoes of Moorish architectural design. From various spices to signature dishes, start your tour with a deep immersion into Moroccan culinary arts before jumping into the kitchen to learn from expert chefs how to make delicious salads and a mouth-watering tagine. We savour the fruits of our labour with an impromptu meal and hone new skills to recreate the authentic flavours of Morocco.