Magnificent Mudéjar Art From the Andalusian Flatlands to Morocco's Imperial Cities (port-to-port package)

As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities.

Passengers are welcome to board at 6:00 p.m. We'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner on board. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.

As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities.

Join us for an excursion to Granada (including lunch - Travel time ~2 hours one way and ~2 hours return). We'll visit a true wonder of Moorish art: the Alhambra, whose stunning palaces and captivating gardens are framed by the surrounding mountains. We'll cruise towards Tangier. Enjoy a drink on the Sun Deck before a lecture in the lounge.

The original settlement formed on the site of Casablanca by the Berbers became the kingdom of Anfa, and during the 15th century harboured pirates who raided the Portuguese coast. In retaliation for the attacks, the Portuguese destroyed Anfa and founded the town they called Casa Branca (white house). They remained here until an earthquake in 1755 and the town was subsequently rebuilt by Mohammed ben Abdallah, whose legacy of mosques and houses can still be seen in the old Medina. Casablanca acquired its present-day name when the Spanish obtained special port privileges in 1781. The French landed here in 1907, later establishing a protectorate and modelling the town on the port of Marseilles. Today Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city, its most significant port and the centre of commerce and industry. The city is a vibrant fusion of European, African and Arabian influences and its French colonial architecture and art deco buildings seamlessly blend in with the busy, colourful markets. Please note that vendors in the souks can be very persistent and eager to make a sale.

In the morning, join us for a guided tour of Casablanca. This young and dynamic city is a must-see for anyone wanting to get a true feel for the country.This afternoon, we'll set off on a visit to Rabat (Travel time ~1 hour 30 minutes one way and ~1 hour 30 minutes return). This coastal town, one of four Imperial Cities of Morocco, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shaped by the Atlas Mountains on one side, Agadir is framed on the other by a magnificent crescent-shaped beach. While little is known of the city’s origins, the Portuguese created a fortress here at the end of the 15th century, naming it Santa Cruz de Ghir. Freed from Portugal’s occupation by the Saadians in 1540, Agadir grew into a colourful and prosperous port and became newsworthy in 1911 when a German gunboat, the Panther, sailed into the bay as a protest against the division of North Africa between the Spanish and French. Morocco gained independence from the French in 1956, an event which was closely followed in Agadir by the tragic earthquake of 1960. The city, which has been rebuilt to represent the ‘new nation’, is blessed by fine sandy beaches overlooked by luxurious hotels and a great selection of cafés and restaurants. Please note that vendors in the souks can be very persistent and eager to make a sale.

We'll leave for a day-long excursion to Marrakesh (lunch included - Travel time ~3 hours 30 minutes one way and ~3 hours 30 minutes return). An Imperial City and the capital of the mid-southwestern region of Marrakesh-Safi, Marrakesh has a particularly dense history.ORWe'll leave for a day-long excursion to Taroudant and Tiout in southern Morocco (lunch included - Travel time ~2 hours 30 minutes one way and ~2 hours 30 minutes return). Discover authentic Morocco as we travel through the Anti-Atlas Mountains. We'll visit Taroudant, one of the most fascinating destinations in the country, and stroll through the Tiout palm grove.