Moroccan Sights and Spanish Cities

Embark Spirit of Adventure.

Depart 1700.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.

Casablanca’s seafront is dominated by Hassan II Mosque with its 600-feet-tall minaret. From its 7th-century Berber origins to days under French colonial rule, Casablanca is a blend of European, North African and Arab influences. The lanes of the 19th-century medina are enclosed by whitewashed Moorish buildings that lead to the colonial downtown and the exotic spice and fruit stalls of the Central Market.

Included excursion

See some of the city’s highlights on an included excursion.

Optional excursions

Travel to the capital of Morocco and one of the country’s four imperial cities, Rabat, visit Rick’s cafe, or browse the stalls of Casablanca’s markets in the company of a guide for an authentic local experience.

Arrive 0800. Depart 2000.

The history of this Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar, just 20 miles from the Spanish coast, goes back to the ancient Greeks and its beginnings are embedded in mythology. It is believed to have taken its name from Tingis, the daughter of Atlas, the mythical supporter of the Heavens. It was later ruled by the Romans and Arabs while Spain, Portugal, France and England also played important parts in the city’s diverse history.

The city lies on a bay between two promontories and you can enjoy superb panoramic views if you head up to the ancient Kasbah, a former military fortress now full of elegant buildings and architecture while the Medina – the oldest part of town – is a warren of cobbled streets boasting a chronology of architectural styles charting the city’s colonial history. Perhaps sip a mint tea at a pavement cafe and watch the bustle of everyday life unfold around you.

Included excursion

Enjoy an included excursion in Tangier.

Optional excursions

Visit Tétouan, which lies at the foot of the Rif Mountains, and wander through the winding streets of its walled medina, A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arrive 0800. Depart 2100.

Visit Cádiz when our sister ships Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure are both in port. 3,000-year-old Cádiz is Western Europe’s oldest continually inhabited city since its founding by the ancient seafaring Phoenicians. It is strung along a peninsula, and was refortified in the 17th-century after the British attacked twice, nearly destroying the city. Key landmarks include the Baroque and neoclassical cathedral with its yellow dome and the adjoining El Sagarario, the Roman amphitheatre, Castillo de Santa Catalaina and the Torre Tavira – one of 129 watchtowers dotted throughout the city.

Included excursion

See some of the city’s attractions, both old and new, during an included excursion.

Optional excursions

Enjoy a day trip to Seville or explore Cádiz on foot with a local guide.

Arrive 0900. Depart 1800.

The ancient port of Valencia was founded by the Romans and features a wealth of magnificent architecture in its old town. Highlights include the 13th-century cathedral with its iconic El Miguelete bell tower and the Gothic La Lonja Silk Stock Exchange, a testament to the city’s immense wealth during the 14th to 15th centuries. Turia Gardens, an urban oasis that was once a river, flows from Cabecera Park to the City of Arts and Science, a futuristic complex that encompasses Europe’s largest aquarium, Oceanografic.

Included excursion

A choice of included excursion will reveal some of the city’s highlights.

Optional excursion

Explore the wetlands surrounding the coastal lagoon at Albufera Nature reserve, see the highlights of the city by Tuk Tuk or try your hand at Paella making.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.

Set on the coast of Spain’s Catalonia region, Tarragona has evolved from the Roman colony of Tarraco, the earliest settlement on the Iberian Peninsula. The city features numerous remains from this era, including a seaside amphitheatre, which have earned it a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The medieval heart of Tarragona with its maze of attractive alleys is crowned by a cathedral with Gothic and Romanesque influences.

Included excursion

Look forward to an included excursion in Tarragona.

Optional excursions

Capture the highlights of Tarragona on a city tour, venture to Barcelona or join a Catalonia wine tasting experience.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Watching over the entrance to the Mediterranean, stands the unmistakable limestone Rock of Gibraltar. At its base lies Gibraltar which is connected to the end of the Iberian Peninsula by a sandy isthmus and offers an intriguing blend of British and Spanish culture. Discover Gibraltar’s Palladian architecture and typically British sights, such as red pillar boxes and familiar highstreet chains. Alternatively, visit the military museum or ascend the limestone monolith by cable car for panoramic views and to meet the mischievous Barbary macaques. From the top of the Rock you can look out over two continents: Africa lies just 13 miles to the south, whilst Europe stretches to the north.

Included excursion

Uncover Gibraltar’s quirky British charm on an included excursion.

Optional excursion

Go in search of dolphins and other marine life in Gibraltar’s bay.

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Adventure after breakfast.