Morocco and Spain with Douro Discovery

Be met at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Later this evening, meet your Travelmarvel Tour Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception followed by dinner.

Today, embark on a guided tour of Anfa Boulevard, United Nations Square and witness the magnificent exterior of the Hassan II Grand Mosque. Marvel at the minaret that stands at 210 metres, towering over the Atlantic Ocean. Bid farewell to enchanting Casablanca and head to Rabat where you will visit the outside of the Royal Palace, the Mohamed V Mausoleum and the Hassan Tower. Afterwards, continue to Fez.

Insider Experience – traditional Moroccan dinner

Visit the souks of Fez for a traditional Moroccan dinner with traditional entertainment including belly dancing.

Enjoy a morning city tour of Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Fez boasts one of its most striking landmarks: the magnificent royal palace, distinguished by its famous bronze doors. The Seven Gates of the Royal Palace, symbolising each day of the week, also feature imposing brass door knockers. You’ll visit the Jewish Quarters of Mellah and the stunning gate of Bab Bou Jeloud. Take a mesmerising walking tour of the ‘Medina' (Old City), declared a World Heritage Site. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before dinner at your hotel this evening.

Perched atop Northern Morocco's Jebel Zerhoun plateau, the Roman ruins of Volubilis offer a captivating glimpse into ancient history, renowned as one of the best-preserved sites in Northern Africa. Continue to the Imperial City of Meknes, home to the grand Walls of Bab el Mansour and the unique Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Fez.

Embark on a scenic journey through the serene landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Erfoud, on the edge of the vast Sahara Desert, and visit a date farm. Later, consider enhancing your experience with an optional 4WD excursion into the mesmerising sand dunes of the Sahara Desert.

Enhance Your Journey – 4WD Excursion

Feel the exhilaration of a thrilling 4WD excursion as you navigate this vast, ever-changing landscape, and take in the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.

Today, we'll encounter one of your journey's most stunning natural wonders, the Todra Gorges. Conclude the day in Ouarzazate with dinner at your hotel.

Travel to the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This picturesque city, crafted from adobe and nestled on a hillside, has starred in renowned films such as Gladiator (2000). Continue to Marrakesh, the Moroccan Southern Capital, set amid an expansive oasis amid 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.

Embark on a city exploration, visiting landmarks like the Koutoubia Tower, reminiscent of Seville's Giralda. Discover Bay Palace and Dar Bacha Museum. Stroll through the lively medina, bustling souks, and vibrant Jamaa El Fna Square, an open-air theatre with fortune tellers, snake charmers, and acrobats. This evening, you may wish to join an optional tour of a nearby Berber Village for dinner, immersing yourself in local culture.

Today, relish a leisurely day in Marrakesh. Perhaps opt for an optional full-day tour to nearby Essaouira or an optional half-day visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Gather in the evening for a Farewell Dinner at a charming local restaurant.

Enhance Your Journey - Yves Saint Laurent Museum

Located next to the Jardin Majorelle, this museum is dedicated to the influential designer's life. Yves Saint Laurent was inspired by Marrakesh's colours and shapes, and often designed his collections there.

Enhance Your Journey - Essaouira

Head to the relaxed coastal city of Essaouira, which has retained its traditional culture and character. Discover the palm-fringed streets of the fortified medina, as well as lanes teeming with boutiques and art galleries, luring you in with a scent of exotic spices in the air.

This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Barcelona. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. This evening you’ll meet your Spain and Portugal Tour Director at a Welcome Dinner.

Explore Barcelona’s famous landmarks on a city tour today. Drive to the famous Montjuïc Hill, visit the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, then admire the striking exterior of the iconic Sagrada Família (entrance not included). On foot, your guide will take you through the Old Town and show you the wonders of this beautiful city.

Today, travel by train to Madrid, Spain’s lively capital. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore before sitting down to a tapas dinner at a local restaurant.

On a guided tour this morning, visit Palacio Real, residence of the Spanish Royal Family, then see a selection of Madrid’s best-loved attractions. With the rest of your day at leisure, perhaps wander the lawns of Parque del Retiro or browse the Prado Museum.

Today, travel to Toledo for an escorted tour. Explore the Old Town’s winding cobbled streets and its majestic 13th-century cathedral before continuing to Córdoba.

Enjoy a guided tour of Córdoba, during which you’ll admire the Mezquita of Córdoba, a medieval mosque converted to a cathedral. Continue to Granada, where you’ll embark on a tour with an expert guide. Experience a revival of grand Spanish hospitality at Hotel Alhambra Palace.

This morning, pay a visit to the magnificent Alhambra Palace. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore Granada.

Travel to Ronda, stopping along the way for your authentic Insider Experience. Set off on a guided tour of Ronda and see the Puente Nuevo and the Plaza de Toros.

Insider Experience — Local Olive Oil Farm

Immerse yourself in the idyllic countryside surrounding a local olive oil farm. Learn about organic olive oil production and indulge in a tasting. Then, savour a homemade lunch of traditional flavours and regional ingredients. 

This morning after breakfast, travel to Jerez and visit the famous Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Then, continue to Seville.

Today, experience the beauty of Seville with a local guide. Then, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Enter Portugal and stop to admire the architecture of World Heritage-listed Evora, before arriving in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

Explore the old town and visit the iconic Castelo de São Jorge. Then, head to the Belém district to see the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery and the historic Belém Tower.

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps Enhance Your Journey with an optional visit to nearby Sintra.

Enhance your Journey — Sintra

Travel to the mountain range of Serra de Sintra. After a guided tour of the charming town of Sintra, visit the World Heritage-listed Pena National Palace. 

This morning after breakfast, you will travel by coach to Porto where you’ll board your river ship. Later this evening, meet your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception as you take in the sights along the Douro River on a sunset cruise.

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.