Iberian & Moroccan Highlights - 10 nights, December 2013

Hailed by poets for the great beauty of its surrounding mountain range, Sintra Village is renowned for the view of the old Royal Palace, perched on the highest peak. One of Portugal’s oldest settlements, occupied by both Moors and monarchs, whose castles and palaces add charm to the village. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.

Make the most of a photography stop at the Praia do Guincho and capture the magnificent views and the most westerly point in Europe – Cabo da Roca.

Cascais, originally an old Portuguese fishing village, has now become a popular holiday resort. Set alongside the picturesque Bay of Cascais, lovely early 20th century homes mingle with modern buildings, creating a delightful atmosphere. You will have some free time to wander along the streets, enjoy the views or browse in the local shops.

The return drive will be along the Corniche bordering the River Tagus, passing by the well-known village of Estoril.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The streets of Sintra are steep and cobble-stoned, and care should be taken. Highlights may operate in reverse to that described above. Shops in Cascais are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

A guided walk will take you past the shaded Plaza de Azcarraga with its lovely stone fountain and graceful buildings. Another highlight is the beautiful Town Hall, located within the large Maria Pita Square dotted with many open-air cafés and restaurants. View the glass enclosed balconies of the Avenida de la Marina, built to protect against strong winds. Stroll in the peaceful San Carlos Gardens and see the tomb of Sir John Moore.

Capture on camera Europe’s oldest working lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, built by the Romans and rebuilt in the 18th century.

Located within the ancient stone fortress of St Anton is the Archaeological Museum. This museum displays Celtic jewellery, Roman pottery, a Viking leather boat, a typical 18th century kitchen, furniture and religious articles.

Be tempted by an array of traditional Spanish tapas and a glass of wine, which will be served during while you enjoy stunning panoramic views over the city and Atlantic Ocean.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately two hours’ walking involved on this tour including some steps, slight inclines and uneven, cobbled ground. The order of highlights may vary.

Once known as Mazagan, the fortified city of El Jadida was built on the shores of the Atlantic and founded in 1513 by the Portuguese. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a small, delightful coastal town with several twelve feet-thick bastions – L’Ange, Saint Sebastian, Saint Antoine and Saint Esprit.

Within its city walls are the former Portuguese residences, with pilasters and wrought iron balconies, and the minaret and mosque standing next to the deconsecrated Church of Our Lady of Assumption, built in the pentagonal watchtower.

During a stroll around the ramparts and from each of the five bastions you will have magnificent views across the town and sea gate, the moat and the clustered houses.

You will be amazed by an interior visit of the cistern, an underground reservoir. This immense square hall supported by 25 columns and lit only by a circular opening in the roof.

Built originally as an arsenal, in the 16th century the Portuguese transformed it into a cistern.

There is a mark on the wall that records the water level at that time; a setting often used by film-makers, in particular Orson Wells for his 'Othello'.

You will make a short visit of the Medina on foot before returning to Casablanca.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 45 minutes of total walking included on this tour and steps and uneven ground to negotiate at the cistern and the ramparts. The order of the sights may vary.

With its many monuments, squares and avenues, Lisbon is a spectacular city to explore. You will stop at one of the most important riverside monuments, The Tower of Belem. A 16th century masterpiece dedicated to the discoveries and the church of Jeronimos Monastery.

Sintra was described by Lord Byron as 'Glorious Eden' for its dense and subtropical vegetation. You will have free time to explore the main square and the 15th century Royal Palace. There are local craft shops surrounding the square or just relax in one of the many cafés that spill out onto the pavements. Luncheon will be served in a local restaurant.

Heading into Cascais, you will have an opportunity to photograph the wonderful views over the bay at Praia Do Guincho. Discover the small houses that surround the bay dating back to the 20th century. You will have free time to browse the small picturesque streets to pick up a local souvenir before heading back towards Lisbon along the beautiful coastal road passing through Estoril. This has become a favourite beach resort for many over the past few years and is at the mouth of the Tagus River.

An excellent tour enabling you to visit a number of spectacular and historical sites all in one day.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately two hours of walking in total on the tour. Streets in Sintra are steep and cobbled.

Your journey will take you through the beautiful New Forest National Park, where you will have the chance to see the famous New Forest ponies which graze on the wild heathland, before arriving at Exbury Gardens. Created in the 1920’s, Exbury Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre site, world famous for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and shrubs. So spectacular are the gardens that the Queen of England enjoys private visits every year.

The Gardens have been specially created to reflect the changing colours of nature throughout the different seasons. During the spring the magnolias, camellias, azaleas and wisteria burst into flower, whilst the Daffodil Meadow is a carpet of glorious gold. The spectacular collection of over ten thousand rhododendron specimens is at its best with its display of beautiful colours.

During the tour there will be the opportunity to take a delightful 20 minute ride on a small narrow gauge steam railway to see parts of the Gardens not accessible on foot.

The Gardens contain a quaint tearoom, which serves a delicious English cream tea (own expense), and an extensive gift shop selling an array of gifts and souvenirs.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach, mini steam train and on foot. There is up to three hours of walking, which is at guests' discretion. The railway and main paths of the Gardens are wheelchair accessible. There is a buggy tour available on the day for those with limited mobility (additional expense, payable direct).

Meet your guide at the pier for a walking tour of Cadiz, Cadiz is thought by some to be the oldest city in Europe, founded in 1100 BC by the Phoenicians who called it ‘Gadir’. As you stroll through the historical part of Cadiz, see the Town Hall, the impressive Cathedral and ‘Plaza de las Flores’ (Flower-Sellers Square). There will be time to enjoy a refreshing drink or browse the local souvenir shops.

Join your coach and make your way to city of Jerez de la Frontera - home of sherry wine, flamenco and Andalusia horses.

Upon arrival in Jerez you’ll see the most interesting buildings, squares and monuments from the comfort of your coach before continuing on foot to the Alcazar, an amazing 12th century Moorish Fortress. You’ll also have the chance to see the Cathedral of Jerez and the beautiful ‘Plaza de Arenal’ before some free time to rest your feet and sample a local sherry wine.



This tour will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 1½ hours’ walking during this tour. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Stonehenge is Britain's most remarkable and intriguing prehistoric monument. It is as old as the great temples and pyramids of Egypt and remains as compelling today as it was to the people who built the first phase over 5,000 years ago. This mighty symbol is a wonder of the world drawing thousands of visitors each year to witness its awesome majesty and mystery.

The stone circle of shaped stones, lintels, unique jointing and absolutely perfect geometry make it the most sophisticated stone circle in the world. The stones are fenced off for their preservation and protection, however your guide will accompany you along the encircling pathway for close up views and will describe what has been concluded from observations and archaeological evidence.

After a short drive from Stonehenge, you will arrive at the magnificent medieval city of Salisbury, with its historic streets and alleyways, charming half-timbered buildings, traditional eating houses and medieval Cathedral. Salisbury Cathedral is a beautiful masterpiece of early English Gothic architecture which also boasts the tallest spire in Britain, Europe's oldest working clock and the world's best-preserved original copy of the Magna Carta. Enjoy free time to explore this lovely city at your leisure.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The transfer time to Stonehenge is approximately one hour. There will be approximately 2½ hours of free time in Salisbury. Luncheon and the Cathedral entrance fee are not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling).

Perched proudly on the hill southeast of Sintra, the Palace of Queluz is a wonderful piece of architecture. Dating back to 1747, the Palace was once a country mansion built by the infant Dom Pedro, later to be known as Dom Pedro III, it was then re-named Queluz Palace.

The gardens have become a focal point of the Palace with Baroque fountains, statues and places of recreation. You will be able to walk around and enjoy these at your own leisure.

Before heading into Cascais, you will have an opportunity to stop and photograph the viewpoint of Praia Do Guncho and admire the views over the bay. Take time to explore the streets of this small picturesque town or just sit and relax in one of the local cafe's and treat yourself to a coffee.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. There is no flash photography allowed within the Palace.

A visit to Andalusia would not be complete without tapas and a flamenco performance.

First take a panoramic drive around Cadiz to view the Cathedral and the city's 18th-century walls.

A local tablao or tavern is the setting for an authentic flamenco display. Flamenco is the music of Spanish gypsies, influenced by both western and Moorish sources. Sit back and drink in a traditional performance of toccata, balletic dances, haunting ballads and its fiery guitar music. While enjoying the music and wine, you will also be serve local Spanish tapas - small plates of Serrano ham, cheese and Spanish omelette. You may even like to try some flamenco dancing for yourself.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. There is approximately 20 minutes total walking during this tour including cobblestones.

Head into the city of La Coruña where your guide will bring to life the many city highlights. From the comfort of your seat, enjoy views of the Archaeological Museum and San Carlos Gardens (where the tomb of Sir John Moore is located). View the typical Galician 19 century buildings with their unique glass-paned balconies during your leisurely drive along the Avenida de la Marina.

Enjoy a photography opportunity at Europe’s oldest working lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules and the city’s most important monument. The original lighthouse was built in the 2 century A.D. and rebuilt in its present form in the 18 century.

Your scenic drive will also pass the Domus, Museum of Mankind, the excellent beaches of Orzan and Riazor, the Millenium Monument and through the City Centre.

Be tempted by an array of traditional Spanish tapas and a glass of wine, which will be served during while you enjoy stunning panoramic views over the city and Atlantic Ocean.


This excursion will operate by coach. There is minimal walking on this tour.

A scenic drive along La Coruna’s waterfront will take you past the Mendez Nunez Gardens and Castillo de San Anton onto the Tower of Hercules. The Tower is a Roman lighthouse erected in 2nd century AD and is the city’s most emblematic monument.

Nearby, the Aquarium Finisterrae is an interactive centre for marine biology, oceanography and the creatures of the sea. Enjoy an independent visit of the pools and aquariums containing more than 600 species of marine life. The Nautilus Room is based on the study of Captain Nemo in the Nautilus and holds an observation tank filled with Atlantic fish in 4.4 million litres of water, the largest tank in Europe. Visit the Octopus Garden, jellyfish and seahorses and don’t forget to pop in on the two families of Atlantic seals! There are also exterior pools connected to the Atlantic Ocean and hands on experiences such as touching starfish and turbot. The Aquarium houses a gift shop and cafeteria as well as offering superb views of the Atlantic ocean.

Your drive back to the ship will continue along the coastline, viewing the beaches of Orzan and Riazor, the Millennium Monument and through the city centre.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The order of visits may vary. Please do not use flash photography in the Aquarium. The visit to the Aquarium will last approximately 1¾ hours and walking and standing will be required during your visit. There are some steps at the Aquarium. Signs at the Aquarium are mostly in Spanish only.

Board your coach, sit back and relax while a local guide enlightens you on the countryside that you’ll pass through during your transfer to Santiago de Compostela.

Santiago de Compostela is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. The old, world-famous centre of European pilgrimage, its Romanesque cathedral, with an impressive Baroque façade, is the centre of life in Santiago de Compostela. The city has many other interesting buildings, such as the Old University, the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Maria del Sar and the Gelmirez Palace to name but a few.

This is the perfect opportunity to plan a day which suits your needs and makes the very most of your time in this fascinating city. You'll have approximately 1½ hours to explore independently.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The transfer takes approximately 1¼ hours each way by coach. From the drop off point your guide will walk you (approximately 15 minutes) to the Obradoiro Square, the main square in front of the Cathedral. At a time specified by your guide, you’ll meet back at Obradoiro Square to walk back to the coach park for the transfer back to La Coruña. City maps will be provided on the coach. This is a transfer service only and no entrance fees or refreshments are included. Modest dress is required inside the Cathedral. During mass services, visits and photography are not permitted. Shops are generally closed on Sundays.

Casablanca, founded in 1515 by the Portuguese, is now an expanding dynamic metropolis, with wide avenues lined by modern buildings of European style.

Your tour will begin with an enjoyable drive along the coastal road known as the Corniche, bordered by an uninterrupted sweep of beaches and a tourist area hidden among the rocks. Spend approximately an hour at the imposing Hassan II Mosque, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture and is the third largest mosque in the Islamic world. This magnificent building has a two hundred and ten - high minaret and a capacity for twenty five thousand worshippers.

Afterwards, you will take a panoramic drive through the residential quarter of Anfa with its mansion houses, crossing of the Boulevard Zerktouni and the beautiful Arab league and Nations Square. Stop for a picture of the Palace of Justice, then visit the Church of Notre Dame de Lourdes and discover the Royal Palace Esplanade and the typical Moorish-style buildings of the Habous Quarter for an opportunity to purchase spices , leather goods and souvenirs before returning to the ship.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Shoes must be removed in the Mosque and shoulders and knees should be covered. To derive full enjoyment from this excursion some walking is necessary. Steps must be negotiated at the Mosque, church and Habous quarter. Only an exterior visit will be made to the Notre Dame Church on a Sunday.

Rabat is both the capital and the youngest of the four ‘Imperial Cities’. Deriving its name from ribat or monastic stronghold, it is the seat for the King’s residence, government buildings and foreign embassies.

An exterior visit of the Royal Palace will show you a magnificent example of Moroccan and Andalucian architecture, and you will continue with an overview of the Cellah Fortress, which used to be a part of the old town before it was abandoned in the 12th century.

Considered as the eighth wonder of the world, the Mohammed V Mausoleum is the final resting place of the famous king. King Hassan II built this highly ornate mausoleum in 1971 in honour of his father, Sultan Mohamed V, the liberator of the kingdom. Inside, you will see the exquisitely crafted burial chamber and white onyx tomb, which stands on a slab of granite.

In the same area you will find the Hassan Tower, an imposing four-sided minaret. This tower stands among the ruins of its 12th century mosque; so large, it was never completed and is the principal landmark of Rabat.

You will end your visit at the Andalusian gardens of the Kasbah of Oudayas, which dates back to the 17th century and displays a large variety of plant life and flowers.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There are approximately 30 steps to negotiate at the Mausoleum and the Oudayas Gardens. Shopping time is not included on this tour. A royal visit to Rabat could occur without any advance notice, which could result in the closure of the Mausoleum.

A short drive out of Southampton will bring you to the New Forest. The New Forest, originally created by William the Conqueror for deer hunting, is a mixture of open grazing, woodland and heath. The Forest has remained almost untouched for 1,000 years and is famous for its tiny villages with traditional thatched cottages and wild ponies which roam free on the land. Today it is managed by the Forestry Commission and in 2004 was designated a National Park.

Your scenic drive will take you through the heart of the New Forest, with its famous New Forest ponies, past a variety of beautiful landscapes to three of its prettiest villages; Hythe, Beaulieu and Lyndhurst.

The historic marina village of Hythe is located alongside Southampton Water and on a clear day you can see across to where your cruise ship is berthed. The village also boasts the world’s oldest operating pier train.

The picturesque village of Beaulieu dates back to the 13th century and is renowned for its Abbey, Motor Museum and Palace Manor House. Admire the lovely views across Beaulieu River as you pass through this quaint village.

The New Forest capital, Lyndhurst is a bustling village containing tea rooms, pubs, souvenir shops, local stores and ice cream vendors. You will have the chance to visit the New Forest Visitor Centre to view its exhibits, browse the local shops or relax in one of the tea rooms.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach. The sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach with a photograph stop at Hythe and Beaulieu. There will be approximately 45 minutes free time in Lyndhurst.