Ultimate Spain, Morocco & France Cruise

Day 1 - Barcelona

Arrive: Wed 10 July 2024 / Depart: Wed 10 July 2024 at 17:00

It’s easy to see why Barcelona is the most-visited city in Spain. As the capital of the country’s Catalonia region, this cityscape’s cultural mosaic pieces together a 2,000-year-old hodge-podge of sun-drenched beaches, cutting edge architecture and a world-renowned dining and drinking scene. Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi left his modernist handprint all over the city, while medieval treasures linger in historic Gothic Quarter squares. Get lost in the whimsical gardens of Park Guell or savour a chef-led Catalan cooking class. Browse art collections dedicated to Picasso and Miro – or ride a cable car to the top of Montjuic Hill, relishing citywide views along the way.

Day 2 - Valencia

Arrive: Thu 11 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 11 July 2024 at 18:00

Spain's third largest city, Valencia offers a little bit of everything, from historic sites and bustling city squares to placid beaches. Soak up the sun at Malvarrosa Beach along the urban seafront, or head to El Saler for a more remote beach experience surrounded by white-sand dunes and pine trees. Cruise to Valencia and get your culture fix at Gothic Valencia Cathedral, and see the 15th-century renaissance paintings housed in its interior. Head to Plaza de la Reina in the city's old town and do some people-watching over a fresh glass of horchata, a classic Valencia beverage made from almond milk with cinnamon and spices, or take a picnic lunch of fresh pears and local cheese to the quiet Turia Gardens.

Day 3 - Cartagena, Spain

Arrive: Fri 12 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 12 July 2024 at 18:00

Cartagena greets you with its ancient Mediterranean port on Spain's southeastern coast. Originally governed by the Carthaginians and subsequently by the Romans, Arabs and Castilians, this pedestrian-friendly city is a history buff's dream port. Visit the 2,000-year-old Roman Theatre and the attached museum, where you'll find an ancient altar to Jupiter and a statue of Apollo. Then, check out the late 19th-century modernist architecture of Cartagena's historic center. Cruises to Cartagena, Spain allow you to stroll down blue-marble-tiled pedestrian-only Calle Mayor. Or take the 30-minute drive to the Batteria de Castillitos, a medieval-style fortress situated among the picturesque mountain landscape.

Day 4 - Malaga

Arrive: Sat 13 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 13 July 2024 at 17:00

Day 5 - Casablanca

Arrive: Sun 14 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 14 July 2024 at 17:00

Moroccan mystique envelops this cosmopolitan city, which is considered to be the economic capital of Morocco. Traits of ancient times co-exist with a modern metropolis, and the mix of European, Art-Deco and Art-Nouveau architecture brings colour and vibrancy to the city. Influenced by Arabia and Africa, it is culturally diverse, to say the least, and the exotic sights and smells omitted from the Souk markets are fascinating. Casablanca is awash with white buildings, striking a contrast to the blue Atlantic waters surrounding it, and boasts a thriving city centre and busy boulevards, making it a popular port of call.

Day 6 - Agadir

Arrive: Mon 15 July 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Mon 15 July 2024 at 20:00

Situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains along the Atlantic coast, Agadir is one of Morocco's most modern cities. The city was rebuilt after a major earthquake in the 1960s, but it still maintains a sense of its rich history. Agadir is also Morocco's premier destination for sun and sand — and with 300 sunny days a year, it only stands to reason. During your Morocco cruise, head to the popular beachfront promenade. When you've had enough of the sun, step into the colorful marketplace at Souk El Had, where Moroccan culture comes to life. Take in the scents of spices and fresh citrus, search for one-of-a-kind lamps and rugs, and walk the paths so many have before you. Built in 1992, La Medina d'Agadir is a recreation of the original medina that was wrecked in the 1960s earthquake. It was created using traditional Berber techniques — making it part museum and part artwork that you simply can't miss. Souss Massa National Park is over 80,000 acres of wetlands and Sahara-like sand dunes. The focal point is Oued Massa River, where you'll spot numerous exotic birds. It is also one of the few places in the world that you can see the northern bald ibis.

Day 7 - Cruising

Day 8 - Lisbon

Arrive: Wed 17 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 17 July 2024 at 18:00

Lisbon is a quintessential European city, full of natural beauty, historic architecture and culinary pleasures — not to mention one of the best climates anywhere on the planet. To get to know Portugal's capital, walk between the captivating miradouros — terrace viewpoints that are scattered on the hilltops, offering stunning vistas from the sea to the castles and beyond. Watch as the light peeks through the clouds and shines down on The City of Seven Hills during your cruise to Lisbon. If you're a history buff, head to Belem or nearby Sintra to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Jeronimos Monastery and Quinta da Regalaira.

Day 9 - Porto, Portugal

Arrive: Thu 18 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 18 July 2024 at 20:00

Portugal's vibrant city of Porto is a melting pot of culture waiting to be explored. Venture into the many wine cellars that dot the city or take a walk across the Dom Louis Bridge and absorb the sweeping views of Porto around you. Spend hours wandering around the colourful streets lined with tiled houses and buildings. And if relaxing is more your speed, head to one of the restaurants on the Cais de Ribeira, like A Bolina, for some Portuguese tapas paired with a glass of vinho verde. Cruise to Porto to sit back and soak up the ambience of the buzzing city.

Day 10 - Vigo

Arrive: Fri 19 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 19 July 2024 at 18:00

The sun will shine upon you as you enter the harbor of Vigo, the largest city in Spain's autonomous Galicia region. Start your adventure by ascending the Castro Fortress — you can take in views of the city and the lushly forested mountains around it from these granite-walled 17th-century fortifications. Then, learn up about the region at one of Vigo's excellent museums: Museo do Mar Galicia features exhibits on the local oceanography and ecosystems, while the Vigo Museum of Contemporary Art hosts a changing lineup of participatory workshops and installations by innovative artists working today. Later, stretch your legs on the GR-53, a 25-mile path along the coastline and low mountain peaks around the city, or relax by the blue waters of Cies Beach.

Day 11 - Cruising

Day 12 - Cork, Ireland

Arrive: Sun 21 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 21 July 2024 at 22:00

The real capital of Ireland – that's what the locals call Cork, a university city in the country's southwest. In the city centre, situated on an island in the River Lee, you'll find one of Ireland's best foodie scenes, with lanes and streets filled with local watering holes and high-level restaurants. Cruise to Ireland to check out the prison-turned-museum Cork City Gaol, visit Blarney Castle and kiss its eponymous stone and sample local culinary specialities in the English Market. Cork is just a 25-minute drive from Cobh, Ireland's only dedicated cruise terminal and the final port of call for the Titanic before it set sail for the United States.

Day 13 - Cruising

Day 14 - Cherbourg

Arrive: Tue 23 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 23 July 2024 at 18:00

Situated on a peninsula that juts into the English Channel, the French city of Cherbourg serves up bountiful ocean views and a deep history. Cherbourg-Normandy cruises give you access to the docks where the Titanic made one of its final stops before its fateful voyage. Ascend Roule Mountain, also called the Montee de Resistants — the summit offers a priceless panorama and a museum that pays homage to the liberation of the city and Europe during World War II. Later, walk to the waterfront for oysters or fresh-caught Demoiselles de Cherbourg, the local mini lobsters, and a glass of crisp white wine.

Day 15 - Paris

Arrive: Wed 24 July 2024 at 08:00

Day 16 - Paris

Depart: Thu 25 July 2024 at 18:00

Day 17 - Southampton

Arrive: Fri 26 July 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Fri 26 July 2024

Discover Southampton’s maritime history at the SeaCity Museum or see impressive works in the city’s art gallery. Jane Austen used to walk Southampton’s city walls and you can too, stopping at the Tudor House Museum along the way. Go all nostalgic over vintage cars at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu or see King Arthur’s fabled Round Table at nearby Winchester, the ancient capital of England.