Iberia & Moroccan Discovery - 12 nights, November 2013

The United Kingdom's premier passenger ship port, Southampton was home to the great transatlantic liners of yesteryear. The port serves as your gateway to Southern England’s magnificent historic sites, national landmarks, charming villages as well as the great metropolis of London. Southampton is the ideal starting or ending point for a memorable voyage.

Portugal’s capital spreads its ancient sites on seven steep hillsides that overlook the Tagus River. Feast your eyes on St. George’s Castle which overlooks the city atop the highest hill, or the countless balconies ablaze with geraniums and wrought iron lamps that light up the medieval Alfama quarter. Wonder up to the Bairro Alto where you may hear the sorrowful fado singers ring out from cafés.

Situated between the Atlantic and Atlas Mountains, this is one scenic beach resort. Tear yourself away from the views and you’ll find Moroccan traditions just as pleasing. Dating from the 9th century this merchant town is set within photogenic ramparts. Known for its jewellers and carpet vendors it makes a charming spot for authentic mint tea.

Explore inside the ancient city walls where a beguiling honeycomb of plazas, promenades, enchanting ruins and churches cluster around the gold-domed baroque cathedral. Saunter beneath sweeping palms, soak up astonishing sea views or simply watch the world go by in this busy, buzzing port. Alternatively head to Seville and soak up the atmosphere of the flamenco.

Grab a cable car to carry you up the ancient Pillar of Hercules for views that will leave you breathless. For the wildlife enthusiast in you there’s a stop to appreciate the diverse birdlife and to meet those famous Barbary Apes, of course! Beneath Gibraltar’s white cliffs grow a profusion of palm, pine, and cypress. No fewer than 600 varieties of flowers grow here, some found nowhere else on Earth.

Christened the ‘Crystal City’ and home to the shrine of St. James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela, La Coruna is a gem on Spain’s north western coast. Tantalise your taste buds as you sample Galicia’s mouth-watering seafood with octopus, oysters and scallops on the menu. If your taste is for history, feast on the vista from the world’s only working Roman lighthouse.

The United Kingdom's premier passenger ship port, Southampton was home to the great transatlantic liners of yesteryear. The port serves as your gateway to Southern England’s magnificent historic sites, national landmarks, charming villages as well as the great metropolis of London. Southampton is the ideal starting or ending point for a memorable voyage.