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Highlights
Take in the natural beauty of the Algarve coast, with its jagged coastline cut with caves and grottoes. Slow the pace down a notch with some bird watching in the Ria Formosa National Park, looking out for flamingos, herons and kingfishers. Spice things up in Seville, the home of flamenco and a melting pot of Moorish and Christian influences. Immerse yourself in the blue-washed buildings of Chefchaouen
Overview
Portugal and Spain’s less-travelled southern reaches are full of surprises, and this trip takes the adventure even further – to Morocco. Join us on the stylish Harmony V and discover the wonders of this coast, starting in Lisbon and continuing to Portimao for a day exploring the coastal caves. Learn Columbus’ history in Huelva then voyage to Seville to take in the world’s largest gothic cathedral. Onwards to Morocco for a tour of Tangier’s medina and a taste of mint tea before visiting famous Chefchaouen, the blue-washed city below the rocky Rif Mountains. Drop anchor in Puerto Banas to explore Ronda – dramatically set on top of a deep gorge – and dock finally in Malaga. With the flexibility to choose between cultural activities and sun-soaked leisure, this is a great choice for those wanting to experience the Iberian lifestyle and a dash of Morocco.
Breakfast Included: 7 Lunches Included: 3 Dinner Included: 4
Lisbon
Meet your shipmates at the Santa Apolonia Train Station in Lisbon at 12pm before transferring to Portimao by bus. Attend a welcome meeting and safety briefing on the ship before sitting down for dinner with your fellow travellers. Overnight in Portimao.
Portimao
Travel by bus to Carvoeiro, then board a small boat and cruise along the rocky coast exploring the Algarve’s sandstone caves. Continue on to Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of Portugal's seven natural wonders, and embark on a boat trip around the wetlands enjoying some birdwatching along the way. Return to Portimao in the evening and re-join the ship. Sail overnight to Huelva.
Huelva
Cool off with a morning swim at a beach en route to Huelva. After lunch, disembark and take a bus to Moguer, a small Andalusian city, to visit the Santa Clara Monastery before travelling on to El Rabida. There are replicas here of the boats Christopher Columbus used to sail to the New World on (Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria). Spend some time exploring the site before returning to your own ship, with a free evening to be spent in Huelva before sailing overnight upriver to Seville.
Seville
Spend the day in Seville on a walking tour with a local guide. Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is presided over by an immense gothic cathedral (the world’s largest) in which you’ll find the tomb of Christopher Columbus. With both Christian and Moorish influences, Seville is an architectural haven and the UNESCO-listed palace, Real Alcazar, is just one awe-inspiring example. Tonight we sail to Tangier.
Tangier
Today the group breaks up into smaller parties for a day tour of Tangier. Start by exploring Caves of Hercules, where Hercules supposedly rested between his labours, before heading to Cap Spartel, the most north-westerly point in Africa. Then tour the medina with a local guide, sip mint tea at Cafe Hafa and perhaps opt for a group lunch at a local restaurant to sample some of Morocco's finest. Spend the afternoon discovering more of this Moroccan city, taking the opportunity for some souvenir shopping. Stay overnight in Tangier port.
Puerto Banus
Depart early and drive to Chefchaouen, the famous blue-washed city sitting below the Rif Mountains. The blue buildings provide a dramatic juxtaposition to the surrounding countryside and you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of the city. Take some free time to explore the beautiful cobbled laneways and buzzing squares before returning to the boat in Tangier and cruising overnight to Puerto Banus.
Puerto Banus
Drive to Ronda in the morning for a guided walking tour of Old and New Town. Set high above the deep El Tajo gorge, Ronda is a spectacular town and was frequently visited by Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles, both of whom fell in love with the dramatic setting. Visit a bodega just out of town for lunch and wine tasting before returning to the boat and sailing overnight to Malaga.
Malaga
Located on the Costa del Sol, Malaga is Spain’s sixth-largest city and your final destination. Say goodbye to your shipmates and disembark after breakfast.