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Savour the wonders of southern Spain and Portugal with a taste of North Africa on this eight-day Adventure Cruising tour. Explore the historic sites of three vastly different countries linked by a shared Moorish history, from the Old Town houses of Ronda to the ancient fortifications of the Castle of Silves. In between daily excursions there will be time to stretch out on the deck of your comfortable small ship or indulge in the cafe cultures of iconic cities. This blend of cultural activities and sun-soaked leisure make this trip the perfect choice for travellers who want to experience the Iberian lifestyle with a dash of Morocco.
Theme
Adventure Cruising
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Highlights
- Explore the 14th-century Santa Clara Monastery, a beautiful complex with ties to Christopher Columbus, on an afternoon trip ashore to Moguer.
- Let a local, guide you through the labyrinthian medina in Tangier, pointing out the best stalls and guiding you to our favourite local cafe.
- Savour Andalusian wine varietals and sample local snacks in a tiny bodega (boutique grocer) on the outskirts of clifftop Ronda.
- Spend a full day exploring Seville, including a walking tour with a local guide and free time to discover this flamboyant city independently.
- Wander the ancient Moorish fortifications of the Castle of Silves and get stunning views of the surrounding countryside from the hilltop complex.
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What's Included
Meals
7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Transport
Small cruise ship , bus , small boat
Accommodation
Small cruise ship 7 nights
Included Activities
- Bodega - Wine Tasting & Lunch
- Chefchaouen - Walking Tour
- Lagos - Walking Tour
- Moguer - 1/2 Day Visit
- Ronda - Guided Walking Tour
- Santa Clara Monastery
- Seville - Full Day Visit
- Tangier - Medina Walking tour with local guide
- Tangier - Cap Spartel Visit
- Tangier - Hercules Cave
- Tangier - Mint Tea at Cafe Hafa
- Tour of Silves with Castle entry
- Welcome Dinner
- Wharf of the Caravels
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Pricing
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- Start Date
- End Date
- Price
- Availability
Please note: while prices are accurate at time of loading they are subject to change due to currency fluctuations and currency surcharges may apply. Please check price at time of booking -
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Itinerary
Day - 1
Location: Malaga - Welcome to Malaga! Embarkation begins at 3 pm, but there is plenty to explore in this energetic and creative city if you arrive with time to spare. The hillside Castle of Gibralfaro offers amazing views over the city and is a lovely place to while away a few idle hours. After boarding the vessel in the afternoon, settle in and listen to a safety and welcome briefing. Get to know your fellow travellers over an on-board dinner before setting sail for Sotogrande overnight.
Day - 2
Location: Sotogrande - Drive to Ronda in the morning, then set out on a guided walking tour of the Old and New Town. Set high above the deep El Tajo Gorge, Ronda is a spectacular town (and photographers dream) which has long been a magnet for artists and bohemians. Next, visit a family run Bodega just out of town for lunch and wine tasting. The food is all homemade and can consist of Spanish tapas with bread, olive oil, chorizo, cheese, Spanish potato omelette and often paella. Enjoy wine tastings seated outside amongst the beautiful winery. Return to your ship and sail overnight to Tangier, Morocco.
Day - 3
Location: Tangier - Today the group breaks up into smaller parties for a day tour of Tangier. Explore the medina with a local guide, sip mint tea at Cafe Hafa and perhaps lunch with the group during an optional meal of Moroccan favourites. After you’re all shopped out, continue to the Caves of Hercules, where the hero rested according to Roman and Greek legend. Overnight at port.
Day - 4
Location: Tangier - Chefchaouen - Rise and shine for an early drive in a private van (approximately 2.5 hours) to Chefchaouen, the famous blue-washed city that sits below the Rif Mountains. The blue buildings provide a dramatic juxtaposition to the surrounding countryside and it’s no wonder photographers flock to the city. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the beautiful cobbled laneways and buzzing squares before returning to the boat in Tangier. Cruise overnight to Seville.
Day - 5
Location: Seville - Spend the day in Seville on a walking tour with a local guide and learn a little of the history behind the awe-inspiring architecture. With both Christian and Moorish influences, Seville is an architectural haven. Do what you please with a free afternoon. Perhaps visit the eponymous gothic cathedral where Christopher Columbus is entombed. Or maybe you’d prefer to hit a flamenco club for a little dancing before returning to the ship tonight. Cruise towards Huelva overnight.
Day - 6
Location: Huelva - In the morning, disembark in Huelva and take a bus to Moguer (approximately 1 hour). Visit Santa Clara Monastery, a complex which includes a 14th-century gothic church and a functional 18th-century monastery. Continue to El Rabida where replicas of the boats Christopher Columbus' sailed on his colonial missions are on display. Spend some time exploring the site before returning to the boat for a free afternoon. If you want to visit a good swimming beach near by your leader will be able to provide some local recommendations. Sail overnight to Portimao.
Day - 7
Location: Portimao - Arrive in Portimao in the morning. Take a trip inland to Silves, a town largely destroyed by a 17th-century earthquake. Explore the centuries-old Moorish Castle of Silves complex, visit the 13th-century Silves Cathedral (built by Alfonso X of Castile) and admire the 15th-century Silves Bridge. Take a walking tour of Lagos' walled Old Town before returning to Portimao for dinner on board. Overnight at port.
Day - 8
Location: Lisbon - Disembark in Portimao after breakfast and transfer by bus to Lisbon. Your Adventure Cruising tour ends on arrival in central Lisbon at about midday.
