Morocco, Spain and Douro Discovery

Arrive in Casablanca and be transferred to your hotel. This evening, get to know your Tour Director and fellow travellers during a Welcome Reception, followed by dinner.

Begin your day with a tour of Casablanca, taking in all the must-see sights including Anfa Boulevard, United Nations Square and Hassan II Grand Mosque. The mosque is a highlight of your Casablanca city tour: with a minaret standing at 210 metres tall, it’s considered to be the highest religious building in the world. Afterwards, continue to Rabat and visit the Royal Palace to admire its striking facade made up of intricate mosaics, carved plasterwork, and eye-catching golden doors. You’ll also have time to visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Hassan Tower, both significant structures in Rabat. Your journey continues to Fez where a memorable Insider Experience awaits.

Insider Experience – Fez Souks and Dining Experience

Venture within the city’s high medina walls to the souks, where a tangle of narrow streets reveals rug-lined alleyways and stalls selling everything from bright, fragrant spices to delicate glassware, vials of argan oil, and handmade pottery. Cap off your experience with a traditional dinner of tagine and couscous at a local restaurant, accompanied by Moroccan entertainment, including belly dancing.

Fez is Morocco’s oldest imperial city, dating back to the ninth century. It was once a hub for scholars, philosophers, mathematicians and astronomers, and this morning you can delve into the city’s history on a guided tour. Visit the magnificent Royal Palace and admire its seven golden gates, which symbolise each day of the week. Continue to the Jewish Quarter of Mellah and see the striking gate of Bab Bou Jeloud before spending time exploring the World Heritage-listed Medina of Fez. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, before dinner at your hotel this evening.

Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis this morning. Sprawled across the Jebel Zerhoun plateau, this 40-hectare archaeological site is renowned as the best-preserved in Northern Africa and offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient history. Afterwards, journey to the imperial city of Meknes, home to the grand walls of Bab el Mansour and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Fez.

Set off on a picturesque journey across the Middle Atlas range, through landscapes covered in thick forest and past towering peaks towards the Sahara Desert. It’s here, among the vast expanse of terracotta-coloured sands, that you'll enjoy a luxury overnight camp stay. As the sun sets, savour traditional flavours at dinner before being entertained with local music and performances. Don’t forget to take a moment to look up and soak in the star-filled desert night sky.

Discover the striking scenery of Todra Gorge today as you bid farewell to the desert and retreat to the Atlas Mountains. Todra Gorge is a natural oasis carved by the River Todra, with limestone walls reaching up to 400 metres. A haven for photography enthusiasts, the gorge is a superb spot to capture captivating shots, so be sure to bring your camera. Continue to Ouarzazate, a city often referred to as the ‘doorway to the desert’. Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner here this evening.

Travel to the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This picturesque city, built from adobe and nestled into the hillside, has appeared in acclaimed films including Gladiator (2000). Continue to Marrakesh, the Moroccan Southern Capital, set amid an expansive oasis between the Atlas Mountains and the pre-desert region.

Insider Experience – Visit Tawesna Salon de Thé

Visit Tawesna Salon de Thé, a cooperative eatery led by local women preserving regional culinary heritage.

Spend the day exploring Marrakesh in depth, beginning with a city tour to Koutoubia Tower, the Saadian Tombs, and Bahia Palace (also known as "Bay Palace"). Afterwards, stroll through the lively medina and maze-like souks, where you’ll find colourful Moroccan slippers, pyramids of spices, terracotta tagine pots, and more. Be sure to visit the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, a bustling hub that has hosted street performers, snake charmers, fortune tellers, and musicians since the 11th century.

This morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Madrid. Upon arrival in Madrid, you’ll be transferred to your hotel before spending the remainder of the day exploring the city at your leisure.

Start your day with a guided discovery of Madrid. Packed full of art museums, fabulous restaurants and leafy green spaces – not to mention Europe’s largest palace – Madrid offers locals and visitors alike plenty of things to do. See major sites including the Museo del Prado, the Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza Mayor and El Retiro Park. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. This evening, join your fellow travellers for an authentic Welcome Dinner.

Enhance Your Journey – Toledo Day Trip

You may like to join an optional excursion to Toledo, an ancient city built atop a gorge and home to one of Spain's top 10 cathedrals (own expense).

En route to Granada this morning, pause in Úbeda, a World Heritage-listed town set within a lush olive-growing region. Enjoy time here to stroll among the Gothic and early Renaissance Spanish architecture. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste locally grown and produced extra virgin olive oil. Your journey continues to Granada. On arrival, check in to your hotel and prepare for an evening to remember, with an exciting Insider Experience in store.

Insider Experience – Behind-the-Scenes Flamenco Performance

Meet the family working behind the scenes of a powerful flamenco show, before sitting down to watch the performance unfold. Be regaled by the music, dancing, and costumes while you indulge in local specialties for dinner.

No visit to Granada is complete without experiencing the Alhambra, a Moorish palace and fortress complex established in 1238. Marvel at its architecture and take in the breathtaking views – the palace was built on a hilltop overlooking the city and the River Darro. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.

Enhance Your Journey – Albaicín Neighbourhood Guided Walk

You may like to join an optional guided walk through the Albaicín neighbourhood, the oldest in Granada, set in the shadows of the Alhambra. Explore narrow streets lined with whitewashed buildings and one of the best-preserved public Arab hammams in Spain.

Your journey takes you to Córdoba today, a stunning city characterised by its distinctive Moorish architecture. Spend the day exploring its many sights, including time wandering through the Jewish Quarter and the colourful Calleja de las Flores (Flower Alley) — a narrow lane popular with photography enthusiasts thanks to the dozens of flowerpots adorning its whitewashed walls. This evening, revisit the impressive Mezquita to see it in a new light, where carefully placed lighting and atmospheric sound add an extra layer of fascination to this remarkable building.

Begin your morning with breakfast before heading to Seville. After checking in to your hotel, spend time exploring Seville at your own pace. Renowned for its Moorish architecture, flamenco clubs, lush green parks, and mouth-watering tapas, Seville has plenty to offer. This evening, prepare for a delicious immersion into local culture and cuisine with an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Authentic Seville Tapas Experience

Explore Seville’s old town tabernas for some of the best tapas in the city. Popular dishes include solomillo al whisky (pork loin with whisky sauce), espinacas con garbanzos (spinach and chickpeas), and jamón ibérico de bellota (acorn-fed Iberian ham). Look out for these dishes on menus. As you wander the streets, learn about the city’s rich history and locally loved hidden gems.

Today is all yours to explore Seville. You may like to visit the city’s must-see sights, including Plaza de España, the Royal Alcázar of Seville, and Parque de María Luisa.

Enhance Your Journey – Visit the Home of Flamenco

You might like to join an optional tour to Jerez de la Frontera, considered the home of flamenco and renowned for its world-famous Jerez wines.

This next part of the journey takes you into Portugal. Your first stop is Monsaraz, a medieval village encircled by ancient walls and surrounded by countryside and olive groves. After time to wander the cobblestone streets, continue to Évora, where you’ll enjoy a special Insider Experience. The capital of Portugal is next. Lisbon, with the Atlantic Ocean lapping at its heels, is the perfect blend of city and coastal living. Take time this evening to explore the hilly capital for yourself.

Insider Experience – Southern Portugal Wine Tasting

In Évora, delight in a pre-lunch wine tasting at the historic Pousada Convento Évora. This carefully restored 15th-century convent is considered one of the city’s most impressive historic buildings. Sip local wines before enjoying a sumptuous lunch in this significant setting.

Discover the wonders of Lisbon as you explore its hilly streets, hop aboard an iconic tram for a scenic ride, and finish at Belém Tower — a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries — for a picturesque insight into the city’s maritime history. Belém is also renowned as the birthplace of the Portuguese tart, baked and sold at the famous Pastéis de Belém since 1837. It’s here that you’ll enjoy your special Insider Experience. This evening, savour the rich flavours of Lisbon during a Fado Farewell Dinner, where a delicious meal is paired with a powerful performance of fado — traditional folk music born in the city’s historic neighbourhoods.

Insider Experience – Portuguese Tart Making Class

At a local bakery, discover the art of making the world-famous pastel de nata (Portuguese tart). Master the culinary skills needed to create this beloved pastry during a hands-on lesson led by a local baker. As you bake, learn about the rich history behind the pastel de nata — before enjoying the best part: tasting your delicious creation.

Set off on a full-day tour to the charming towns of Sintra and Cascais today. Begin in the World Heritage-listed town of Sintra, which looks as if it were stolen from the pages of a fairytale. Set in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, this was once the summer retreat for Lisbon’s nobility and royalty. Today, visitors and locals alike make the journey to Sintra to visit the famous Pena Palace, perched atop a hill and boasting stunning panoramas of the surrounding landscape. Admire the palace’s vivid colours, decorative terraces, and Romanticist architecture before exploring its renowned gardens.

Continue to Cascais, a coastal resort town flaunting golden sandy beaches, a popular marina, and preserved medieval buildings. Enjoy time to explore at your leisure. You might like to sprawl out on one of Cascais’ postcard-perfect beaches, peruse a museum, or enjoy a bite to eat at a local restaurant.

Spend the day further exploring Portugal’s picturesque towns and cities. In Óbidos, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval villages, step back in time to an era of knights and folklore as you explore the medieval walls and castle. Continue to Nazaré, renowned worldwide for its big-wave surfing. Stroll through the cobblestone lanes, enjoy people-watching at a local café, or relax on the beach. Conclude your day in Coimbra, a historic riverfront city home to Portugal’s oldest university, founded in 1290. Check in to your hotel before enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure.

Explore Portugal’s version of Venice when you visit Aveiro this morning. Board a traditional Moliceiro boat and set off on a canal cruise along the city’s historic waterways. Afterwards, explore the vibrant Beira Mar neighbourhood, the oldest area in Aveiro, and discover colourful houses adorned with azulejos tiles, as well as the city’s bustling fish market. Your journey continues to the riverside city of Porto.

Fly into Porto today — your perfect introduction to sunny Portugal. As Spain’s smaller yet equally captivating neighbour, Portugal offers a vibrant blend of art, music, wine, and cuisine, all wrapped in a warm Mediterranean climate. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your river ship. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and Travelmarvel Cruise Director at a Welcome Reception, as you take in the sights along the Douro River during a sunset cruise.

Begin your day with a walking tour of Porto, learning about the city’s rich history and architecture as you navigate its hilly terrain. Prepare for an exciting Insider Experience before spending the remainder of your day at leisure.

Insider Experience – Exclusive Wine Tasting at a Local Quinta

Immerse yourself in local cuisine, wine, and culture during an exclusive wine tasting experience at a private quinta. Accompanying the delicious local wines is a memorable Farewell Lunch, hosted by the quinta owners to celebrate your time here.

Begin cruising along the spectacular Douro River. Flowing from the northern reaches of Spain, through Portugal and into the Atlantic, this river is bordered by countless vineyards. As you cruise this morning, take part in a Portuguese language lesson, where you’ll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language. This afternoon, visit the picturesque village of Lamego and the elaborately decorated Baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. While in Lamego, visit one of Portugal’s best museums. You may also like to sample one of the town’s famous specialties, Bola de Lamego – a delicious smoked ham roll. On arrival in Pinhão, you’ll enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Portuguese Quinta Dinner

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.

Today, you’ll disembark and board a coach bound for the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca. This gorgeous city is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain, boasting sunlit sandstone buildings, a majestic city square, and an ancient university. After your Insider Experience, return by coach across 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.

Insider Experience – Flamenco Show

Enjoy a flamenco show and lunch, and be entranced by captivating dancers as they astound you with their stomping feet in a fiery performance.

Join an excursion to Mateus Palace and its gardens. Tour this living museum and discover the connection between the beautiful 18th-century palace and Mateus rosé wine for yourself. Rejoin your ship, now docked in Régua.

This morning, enjoy an Insider Experience. Afterwards, continue to the riverside town of Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this gorgeous, vibrant town at your leisure.

Insider Experience – Portuguese Quinta Port Tasting

Head to a local quinta, which boasts outstanding views over the Douro Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasting of local port wine – Portugal’s most famous tipple.

After breakfast, return to the charming city of Porto. Join a captivating guided tour, taking you past the city’s iconic sights, before visiting a local port winery for an informative tour and tasting. This afternoon, there’s ample time to step back out and explore Porto at leisure. You may like to visit a Portuguese boutique to buy authentic, local souvenirs, or take a stroll through the city’s historic Bolhão food market. Alternatively, you can join an excursion to the nearby city of Guimarães. This evening, back on board your ship, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends.

Enhance Your Journey – Visit Guimarães

Take an optional excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Guimarães, known as ‘the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality’. See Guimarães Castle and other historic landmarks that highlight the city's rich heritage.

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