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13 Night Morocco and Spain and Land Tour

From Barcelona to Marrakesh, Morocco
  • Douglas Mawson
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Douglas Mawson

Aurora Expeditions
4 Stars
  • Cruise #: 14118623
  • Departs: Wed, Oct 6, 2027
  • Returns: Tue, Oct 19, 2027
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    Itinerary Summary

    Day by Day Details

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Wednesday - Oct 6, 2027
    Day
    1
    Barcelona, Spain
    • Barcelona, Spain
    Welcome to Spain. On arrival at Barcelona Airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall, to meet 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 Barcelona. 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, enjoy drinks and canapes as we celebrate the start of our journey. Accommodation: Barcelona hotel ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Thursday - Oct 7, 2027
    Day
    2
    Barcelona, Spain
    • Barcelona, Spain

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Day 2 - Thursday - Oct 7, 2027
    Day
    2
    Cruise Begins
    • Cruise Begins
    • 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 locally guided panorama tour celebrates the artists and authors who have long revered Barcelona as a living masterpiece. Renowned for its vibrant arts scene, the city wears its creativity proudly, with works scattered across plazas and woven into its very architecture. Miro, Picasso, Vidal, and Montaner all called Barcelona home, but it's the visionary Antoni Gaudi who continues to draw art lovers from around the world. Among the highlights is a viewing of La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's breathtaking fusion of imagination and faith, where we'll hear tales of the cathedral's rich history, intricate symbolism, and the story behind its ongoing construction. We'll also take in sweeping views and cultural landmarks at Barcelona's hilltop lookout of Montjuic and pass through iconic areas such as Plaza de Espana and the elegant Gran Via. Before arriving at the port, there's time to stroll Barcelona's charming streets, whether you choose to browse local boutiques, linger at a cafe, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this captivating city. Late afternoon, we board the Douglas Mawson. This evening, we enjoy a Welcome Dinner onboard where we meet our Aurora Expeditions Team and crew. ...
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    Friday - Oct 8, 2027
    Day
    3
    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. 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 spend the morning on a 'Your Choice' experience, with a complimentary town to ship-shuttle for those wishing to linger in Palma longer, before sailing west to the Spanish coast mid-afternoon. ...
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    Saturday - Oct 9, 2027
    Day
    4
    Valencia, Spain
    • Valencia, Spain
    Sailing west, we reach the sun-drenched city of Valencia. Renowned for its abundant sunshine, delicious oranges, and Spain's iconic dish, paella, Valencia offers a broad range of adventures. The 'Your Choice' morning experiences return us to the Douglas Mawson, where we'll enjoy lunch onboard the ship. Join the complimentary port-to-town shuttle this afternoon to explore this fascinating city further, before we sail 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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    Sunday - Oct 10, 2027
    Day
    5
    At Sea
    • At Sea
    We follow the Spanish coastline south today towards Andalusia and the former Moorish stronghold of Granada. Enjoy a presentation from the master storyteller, relax over a good book in the extensive library, or mingle with your fellow travelers in one of the many social areas.
    Monday - Oct 11, 2027
    Day
    6
    Motril, Spain
    • Motril, Spain
    The port of Motril affords us access to the ultimate Moorish city and the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, the Alpujarra. We immerse ourselves in the past, with a choice to spend time with the descendants of those who have lived here for generations or to walk among the greatest architectural achievements of the Moorish Empire and Christian monarchal periods. ...
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    Tuesday - Oct 12, 2027
    Day
    7
    Malaga, Spain
    • Malaga, Spain
    Though very much a modern-day city, the apartment blocks and 'expat' clubs of Malaga and the Costa del Sol hide an undercurrent of ancient traditions. Long before beach bars and resorts, this coastline was part of Al-Andalus, ruled by the Moors for nearly eight centuries. Their legacy runs deep, visible in the arches of the Alcazaba, the layout of the old town, and the way the city still seems to hold something older beneath its surface, steady and enduring. The 'Your Choice' experiences today range from an introduction to Malaga, a visit to the Moorish enclave of Ronda, and of course, Malaga's favorite dance - flamenco. For those who prefer to explore independently or return to town after lunch on the ship, Malaga's port offers a convenient starting point with its entrance just a short walk from the heart of the city. ...
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    Wednesday - Oct 13, 2027
    Day
    8
    Gibraltar, United Kingdom
    • Gibraltar, United Kingdom
    In the wake of centuries of maritime vessels, we sail into the Port of Gibraltar in the morning. More than just an array of Royal Mail red pillar post boxes, fish and chip shops, and corner pubs, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and naval stronghold, strategically located at the base of the Iberian Peninsula. Caught up in the legacy of the War of the Spanish Succession, it became embroiled in European politics when the King of Spain died without an heir. Thirteen years later, Sir George Rooke, an English naval commander, captured it for England's King George I, and Gibraltar has remained a British territory ever since. Three hundred years of swashbuckling pirates, fierce naval battles, yellow fever outbreaks, and world wars tell a tale of this tiny slice of Britain, simply known by those who live here as 'The Rock'. We deep dive into the story of Gibraltar this morning, exploring the highlights of this British enclave before we sail for Spain in the early afternoon. Our quintessential British tour of Gibraltar showcases the Rock's rich history, iconic mascots, and breathtaking views across the Straits of Gibraltar. Enjoy a scenic drive along Winston Churchill Avenue, a tribute to the 1967 referendum when Gibraltar's residents overwhelmingly voted to remain British rather than join Spain. This historic choice remains a cornerstone of Gibraltar's identity. Stop for a photo opportunity at the island's most popular lookout where on a clear day you can glimpse the coast of the African continent across the famous Strait where Atlantic and Mediterranean waters meet. Continue to the top of the Rock where you will meet Gibraltar's famous macaques, also known as Barbary apes, the tail-less monkeys that proudly serve as the Rock's mascots. ...
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    Thursday - Oct 14, 2027
    Day
    9
    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. The 'Your Choice' experiences showcase Seville's Moorish architecture and Andalusian atmosphere today before our pilot joins us late 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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    Friday - Oct 15, 2027
    Day
    10
    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. The 'Your Choice' experiences showcase Andalusia today, with a variety of excursions available. There's time this afternoon to explore Cadiz independently with the ship moored 'in town', prior to our early evening sailing to the shores of northern Africa. ...
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    Saturday - Oct 16, 2027
    Day
    11
    Tangier, Morocco
    • Tangier, Morocco
    Unique amongst Moroccan cities, Tangier has a checkered past, affording us one of Europe's most captivating stories. Designated an 'International Zone' in the early 20th century, Tangier harbored no taxes, no banking restrictions, no censorship, morality, or drug 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. This morning, choose between two popular 'Your Choice' experiences, each offering a chance to immerse yourself in the highlights of Tangier before we set sail mid-afternoon for Casablanca. The city's historic medina and key landmarks are set across steep hills, with hand-carved steps and uneven pathways that add to its charm-but may require a bit of effort to explore. For a more relaxed option, take advantage of our complimentary shuttle service running throughout the day between the ship and a central square, where you can wander at your own pace, browse local stalls, and enjoy a mint tea and French pastry at one of the many cafes, before we sail south to Casablanca mid-afternoon. ...
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    Sunday - Oct 17, 2027
    Day
    12
    Casablanca, Morocco
    • Casablanca, Morocco
    • Cruise Ends

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Day 12 - Sunday - Oct 17, 2027
    Day
    12
    • Bus Travel
    • Marrakesh, Morocco, Morocco
    Wake up in the city 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. Our discovery of Casablanca begins as we visit 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. As we farewell Casablanca settle into your seat for the three-hour drive to Marrakech. 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 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. We arrive in time to enjoy lunch at a popular local restaurant, before joining a tour of Bahia Palace. This stunning example of 19th-century Moroccan design showcases Morocco's classic architecture. Its name means "brilliance", and you'll see why as you wander through colorful tiled courtyards, intricately carved wooden ceilings, and peaceful gardens. Once home to a powerful vizier, the palace now welcomes visitors to explore its rich history and classic story. After check-in at your hotel, your evening is at your leisure. Accommodation: Marrakech hotel ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Monday - Oct 18, 2027
    Day
    13
    Marrakesh, Morocco, Morocco
    • Marrakesh, Morocco, Morocco
    After breakfast, set out with your local guide to enjoy your choice of the city's key attractions, each offering a unique perspective on its culture and history. Whether you opt for a guided walk, a visit to the Majorelle Gardens, or prefer to explore at your own pace, the morning promises memorable discoveries filled with color, flavor, and charm. Relax around the hotels pool, try some retail therapy, or explore Marrakech further this afternoon, before we gather tonight for a farewell gathering, Moroccan style. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Tuesday - Oct 19, 2027
    Day
    14
    Marrakesh, Morocco, Morocco
    • Marrakesh, Morocco, Morocco
    After breakfast, say farewell to your fellow travelers and check out, before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
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