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12 Night Morocco and Spain Moor than a Myth and Land Tour

From Marrakesh to Barcelona
  • Douglas Mawson
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Douglas Mawson

Aurora Expeditions
4 Stars
  • Cruise #: 13951304
  • Departs: Sat, Jun 20, 2026
  • Returns: Thu, Jul 2, 2026
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    Rates

    Includes

    Other Dates

    Oceanview $10,876
    Balcony $11,836
    Suite $18,876
    *Prices are per person based on double occupancy
    Includes taxes & fees
    Tap the "Send Quote" button to get a quote include unadvertised prices including Senior, Military and Resident promotions.
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    Itinerary Summary

    Day by Day Details

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Saturday - Jun 20, 2026
    Day
    1
    Marrakesh, Morocco
    • Marrakesh, Morocco
    Welcome to Morocco. On arrival at Marrakech Airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall, to meet an Aurora Expeditions representative, followed by a transfer to your group hotel. At the hotel, visit the hospitality desk in the lobby to meet the team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Marrakech. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship. This evening offers time to relax in preparation for our big day tomorrow. Our group hotel has several restaurants and is close to Marrakech's popular restaurants should you wish to explore the city and try some local cuisine. Accommodation: Movenpick Marrakech (or similar) ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Sunday - Jun 21, 2026
    Day
    2
    Marrakesh, Morocco
    • Marrakesh, Morocco
    Waking to our first adhan, the Islamic call to prayer, the muezzin's emotive call conjures visions of magic carpets and spice-scented medinas. Located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is an eclectic mix of centuries-old architectural styles. The fabled ochre city was founded over 1,000 years ago during the Almoravid dynasty, and still beats to an age-old rhythm. Famed for its outstanding artisanship, the city has boomed as one of Africa's key hubs for contemporary art, architecture, and design. After breakfast, we meet our born-and-bred Moroccan guides whose passion for their homeland is infectious. This morning, we explore the city's main attractions, including the Almohad wonders of the Koutoubia Mosque, the geometric zellij (mosaics), and intricate cedarwood of the former Koranic college, Ben Youssef Medersa, and one of Marrakech's oldest surviving buildings - the mausoleum of Almoravid Koubba. We discover bustling souks (Arabic for market or stall), walk through a maze of laneways and covered markets bursting with energy, and stop by the Spice Square, where everything from herbs, spices, snakeskins, and chameleons have been sold for centuries. Our morning is completed by our first taste of Morocco as we lunch at the popular Ksar El Hamra restaurant, before continuing to Le Jardin Secret. This eclectic space dates to the Saadi dynasty, for which Marrakech was its capital more than 400 years ago. Rebuilt in the 19th century at the behest of an influential kaid from the Atlas Mountains who came into possession of the land, Le Jardin Secret has been the home of some of Morocco's and Marrakech's most important political figures. We discover its gardens and stately buildings, which are outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture, before returning to our hotel for you to enjoy some free time. No day in Marrakech is complete without a visit to the fabled Djema el-Fna Square. Here, we are immersed in the captivating energy of this mythical square, one of the world's great spectacles, where for centuries locals have gathered to watch storytellers, magicians, and performers. The city's residents spill out to eat at its street food stalls and revel in the entertainment on offer. If you want to meet an authentic snake charmer, feel the pulse of the Gnawa drums or be mesmerized by circus-style entertainers, Djema el-Fna is the place to be. Our evening continues when we indulge in a Moroccan feast, while belly dancers and traditional troops entertain us, introducing us to 'Moor than a Myth'. Accommodation: Movenpick Marrakech (or similar) ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Monday - Jun 22, 2026
    Day
    3
    Marrakesh, Morocco
    • Marrakesh, Morocco
    • Bus Travel

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Day 3 - Monday - Jun 22, 2026
    Day
    3
    Cruise Begins
    • Cruise Begins
    • Casablanca, Morocco
    This morning, we leave the old Imperial city of Marrakech for the coastal shores of the Atlantic Ocean, as we travel to the modern-day mecca of Casablanca. Morocco's largest coastal city, Casablanca's fame hit new heights when Hollywood set the ultimate romantic motion picture amongst the city's wartime streets. Where else would one dine in Casablanca other than Rick's mythical saloon - Rick's Cafe. This rundown 1930s riad has been transformed into an iconic Casablanca landmark. The restaurant's current manager Issam, who also doubles as the Cafe's resident piano player, will share with us the story of how the legendary 'gin joint' of cinematic fame was brought to life by Bill Willis, a renowned Marrakech-based American designer who first discovered the delights of Morocco with Talitha and John Paul Getty Junior. As we farewell Rick and Ilsa, we step into modern-day Casablanca at the monumental Hassan II Mosque. The largest mosque in Africa, with a 60-story-high minaret, it is the tallest religious structure in the world. This architectural masterpiece is the most ambitious structure ever built in Morocco, taking 35,000 workers seven years to complete. We savor the atmosphere of this venerated place, and learn about the mosque's key architectural features, which beautifully blends modernism with traditional Islamic, Moorish, and Moroccan elements. In the late afternoon, our voyage begins as we embark Douglas Mawson. We enjoy a Welcome Dinner where we will meet our Aurora Expedition Team, as we sail north to the tip of Africa. ...
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    Tuesday - Jun 23, 2026
    Day
    4
    Tangier, Morocco
    • Tangier, Morocco
    Unique amongst Moroccan cities, Tangier has a checkered past, affording us one of Europe's most egocentric stories. Designated an 'International Zone' in the early 20th century, Tangier harbored no drug laws, no taxes, no banking restrictions, no censorship laws and no morality laws. Attracting a worldly mix of expat residents, it played house to everyone from eccentric British nobility to American authors, Franco's civil war army to Nazi spies, while it awaited its inclusion in the post-war nation of Morocco. Stories of elicit affairs, underworld deals, and espionage abound in this city which remains as colorful as its history suggests. The morning offers two popular options, immersing you in the city's highlights, before we sail early afternoon for the Spanish coast. Personalize your exploration with the included 'Your Choice' experiences. ...
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    Wednesday - Jun 24, 2026
    Day
    5
    Seville, Spain
    • Seville, Spain
    Formed as a brotherhood of Islam, the conglomerate of Arabs, Berbers, and North Africans known as the Moors arrived in the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century. Like a child leaving home, they matured and stayed away from their homelands for a further 700 years. Tolerant of other faiths they lived in relative peace with the Christian and Jewish members of their communities, ruling the land as small Kingdoms dominated by castle-topped villages and fortified cities. Their legacy of mathematical expertise, astronomy, and Moorish architecture changed the European world. We wake this morning, on the banks of the Guadalquivir River in the Andalusian city of Seville. The southern lands of Andalusia became the Moors crowning glory. Its jewel - Seville. On our excursion, we navigate the narrow Guadalquivir River to moor at Seville, where we absorb its spirited vibe by day and night. Much of Seville's sensuality and charm derives from the legacy of the Moors. The blend of Moorish and Christian architecture, known as Mudejar, built between the 13th and 16th centuries is on display in abundance throughout its streets, squares, and palatial buildings. Choose to spend your day in Seville, or combine time spent in the city independently with a visit to the nearby medieval city of Carmona. Our pilot joins us mid-afternoon to guide us down the Guadalquivir River to the coast. Relax and watch the world go by as we sail Spain's only navigable river. The Guadalquivir has been a central part of Seville's history and a launchpad for significant voyages. From its banks, explorers like Ferdinand Magellan embarked on their landmark journeys, including Magellan's famous 1519 expedition to circumnavigate the globe. The river was also crucial for trade, linking Seville with distant lands and shaping global commerce. ...
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    Thursday - Jun 25, 2026
    Day
    6
    Cadiz (Seville), Spain
    • Cadiz (Seville), Spain
    The proud city of Cadiz sits at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. As the gateway to the Mediterranean, Cadiz is touted as the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, with its dominant families claiming ancestry dating back to Roman times, when the city was called Ceret, and the wine, vinum ceretensis. Moorish rule over the port, which was renamed Jazirat Qadis, lasted for 500 years, with the capture of Cadiz by Alfonso X of Castile. Its renewed prosperity dated from the discovery of America in 1492, when it became the headquarters of the Spanish treasure fleets, and the port to nearby Jerez, which produced liquid gold. ...
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    Friday - Jun 26, 2026
    Day
    7
    Gibraltar, United Kingdom
    • Gibraltar, United Kingdom
    • Bus Travel
    • Ronda, Spain, Spain
    • Bus Travel
    • Malaga, Spain
    Gibraltar and Malaga): In the wake of centuries of maritime vessels, we sail into the Port of Gibraltar at sunrise. Choose to join a full-day experience highlighting the story of Gibraltar, before traveling inland to the Andalusian town of Ronda and the city of Malaga, where we meet the ship, or remain onboard for a relaxing day 'at sea'. ...
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    Saturday - Jun 27, 2026
    Day
    8
    Motril, Spain
    • Motril, Spain
    • Bus Travel
    • Granada, Spain
    • Bus Travel
    • Motril, Spain
    The port of Motril affords us access to the ultimate Moorish city, Granada, and the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada; the Alpujarras. We immerse ourselves in the past, with a choice to spend time with the rural descendants of those who have lived here for generations or to walk among the greatest architectural achievements of the Moorish Empire and Christian monarchical periods. ...
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    Sunday - Jun 28, 2026
    Day
    9
    Cartagena, Spain
    • Cartagena, Spain
    • Cartagena, Spain
    The naval city of Cartagena hosts us this afternoon, after a morning at sea. Fought over by Carthage and Rome, its nearby silver mines gifted it wealth, and a natural harbor etched its name into history as a port of importance. Standing on the sprawling battlements of the hilltop castle, you can all but see layer upon layer of history spread beneath you. The wharf - once home to Phoenician traders. The city streets - once marched by Roman legionaries. The plaza - once a mosque where Islamic Spain prayed to Allah. The surrounding hills - once a stronghold for armies of the Christian Reconquista who arrived in force. Our locally guided tour takes us through 2,500 years of history as we discover firsthand the city's significant landmarks. We visit the Roman Theatre built between 5 and 1 BCE which, in 3rd century, crumbled, as did the Roman Empire, and became a marketplace. This region of Spain bears the influence of the Moors who ruled for centuries before being driven out in the Christian reconquest. The Moors left many fine monuments, including the foundations of the castle that gazes down over the old city. We visit the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which displays treasure retrieved over 50 years from wrecks found along the nearby coastline. This includes 14 tons of treasure salvaged from the 19th-century Spanish frigate Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes, which caused an international feud when over 500,000 silver and gold coins were discovered in the wreck. ...
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    Monday - Jun 29, 2026
    Day
    10
    Valencia, Spain
    • Valencia, Spain
    Sailing north, we reach the sun-drenched city of Valencia by mid-morning. Renowned for its abundant sunshine, delicious oranges, and Spain's iconic dish, paella, Valencia offers a broad range of adventures. After experiencing a slice of Valencian life, we set sail eastward to the island of Mallorca in the early evening. Valencia's Islamic legacy extends beyond its architectural wonders. It remains entrenched in the soul of the city and its inhabitants. It is reflected in how Valencians live, in the jargon they use, and in place names scattered throughout the region. The city's story is one of conquest upon conquest. The home of the mythical El Cid, Valencia was a Moorish town having capitulated without bloodshed, but with the arrival of the Christian armies, its story changed, and it was heavily involved in La Reconquista. ...
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    Tuesday - Jun 30, 2026
    Day
    11
    Palma de Mallorca, Spain
    • Palma de Mallorca, Spain
    An autonomous region of Spain, the Balearic Islands have seen in recent years an influx of tourists, and Europeans seeking an 'expat' lifestyle on a budget. But there is more to these islands than a suntan and a smile. Their history paints a portrait of brave islanders defending their lands from the threat of sizeable empires. The Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, British, and Spanish have all left their mark, gifting this eclectic archipelago a story waiting to be told. Our morning experiences conclude at Palma's port, where we'll enjoy a leisurely lunch onboard the ship. The afternoon is yours to explore and savor this sun-drenched city at your own pace. Palma's unique blend of cosmopolitan flair and Spanish island charm creates the perfect backdrop for a relaxed stroll. Sample locally produced wine at a cozy wine bar, browse the bustling port filled with fishing boats and yachts, take a refreshing swim at a nearby beach, or hunt for souvenirs. We'll set sail for the mainland in the late afternoon, wrapping up a day of Balearic experiences. ...
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    Wednesday - Jul 1, 2026
    Day
    12
    Barcelona, Spain
    • Barcelona, Spain
    • Cruise Ends

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Day 12 - Wednesday - Jul 1, 2026
    Day
    12
    Barcelona, Spain
    • Barcelona, Spain
    Socially, culturally, and industrially, Barcelona shines as a beacon of difference in Spain. Proudly Catalonian first and Spanish second, its people are free-spirited, liberal thinkers with a passion for their freedom. In the last 30 years, Barcelonans have sculpted their city into one of Europe's most venerated travel destinations. Its boulevard-style main street, Las Ramblas, is the name on every traveler's lips, and Barcelona's vibrant is as sought after as it was during the Spanish Empire's monarchal peak. A palatial stronghold of the 15th-century power couple, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, Barcelona greeted a jubilant Christopher Columbus upon his return to Spain and the rest as they say, is history. The city has never looked back. Our tour today celebrates the capital of Catalunya. Famed for its vibrant arts scene, Barcelona shows off its style with works scattered along its plazas and throughout its parks. Miro, Picasso, Vidal, and Montaner all called Barcelona home. But it is the name Antoni Gaudi, which attracts 21st-century art aficionados worldwide. We start our day in Barcelona at his masterpiece of modernist architecture - La Sagrada Familia. We explore its intricate interior and exterior with our specialist guide and learn about the history and symbolism of this ongoing construction project, before descending to Plaza de Espana, Gran Via, and the surrounding streets. Next, is the elegant avenue of Paseo de Gracia, home to Barcelona's most inspired modernist architecture. Having familiarized yourself with the city, your afternoon is free to explore Barcelona's many attractions. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, stroll along Las Ramblas, visit one of the city's renowned galleries, or shop to your heart's content. Later in the afternoon, we transfer to our hotel, with time to freshen up before we celebrate the end of our journey with some Spanish flare - flamenco style. The artform of flamenco combines song, guitar, and dance as it weaves its story, rousing an emotional reaction from its audience. Originally performed by the Roma peoples of Andalusia, flamenco creates a state of mind that is difficult to ignore. Its musical style, where the lyrics often express loneliness and heartbreak, can be compared to the US blues scene with the intensity of the performance stirring deep sentiment. Tonight, we immerse ourselves in tales of the past, told by Barcelona's master storytellers in the form of music and dance as we embrace the fervor of flamenco. Accommodation: Barcelona Hotel ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Thursday - Jul 2, 2026
    Day
    13
    Barcelona, Spain
    • Barcelona, Spain
    After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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