Casablanca to Porto & Andalusia

From Northern Africa to the Iberian Peninsula

10 Days | 9 Nights

Join MHC faculty member Marianna Dixon Williams in retracing ancient trade routes across two continents and four countries on an eight-night cruise from Casablanca, Morocco, to Porto, Portugal, aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe World Voyager small ship. Visit spectacular port cities along the northeast African coast and the Iberian Peninsula — Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier, Morocco; Málaga and Seville, Spain; Gibraltar, United Kingdom; and Portimão and Lagos, Portugal. Visit Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, dramatically situated on a promontory overlooking the ocean, to admire its intricate Moroccan details. Stroll through Tangier’s sensorial-rich, exotic souks, explore the narrow alleyways of the Petit Socco and visit the Niaba Gardens. Stand on the legendary Rock of Gibraltar, referred to by ancient Greeks and Romans as the Pillars of Hercules, step inside stalactite-filled St. Michael’s Cave and marvel at the world-famous Barbary Apes. Explore the Royal Alcázar of Seville and discover Lagos's ancient, walled maritime port city with secrets to share. Enhance your adventure with the Marrakech Pre-Tour Extension or the Lisbon Post-Tour Extension.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Depart Home City

Day 2: Casablanca, Morocco/Embark World Voyager

Day 3: Casablanca/Rabat

Day 4: Tangier

Day 5: Málaga, Spain/ Granada

Day 6: Gibraltar, United Kingdom

Day 7: Seville, Spain

Day 8: Portimão, Portugal/Lagos

Day 9: Day at Sea

Day 10: Porto/Disembark ship/Return to Home City

Highlights:

• Journey to 4 countries from the Iberian Peninsula to northern Africa on an 8-night cruise aboard World Voyager, an exclusively chartered, deluxe small ship.
• Specially arranged excursion in Casablanca and Rabat, featuring a visit to Hassan II Mosque, Morocco's largest mosque, and the opulent Mohammed V Mausoleum.
• Four UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Royal Alcázar and Cathedral, Seville; the Alhambra Palace in Granada; and Rabat, a modern capital and historic city.
• Included meals | 2 receptions, 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners.
• Marrakech Pre-Tour Extension. (Available at additional cost.)

Program Features:

Your Travel Program

• Eight-night cruise from Casablanca, Morocco to Porto, Portugal.
• Elegantly appointed, deluxe accommodations.
• Deluxe motor coach transfers during the Cruise Program.
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions.
• Complimentary non-premium liquor, house wine, beer, nonalcoholic beverages,  and minibar service throughout the cruise; complimentary house wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages at meals during excursions. Nonalcoholic drinks will be served during your lunch in Tangier.
• Included meals | 2 receptions, 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access (conditions permitting).
• Visit Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, dramatically situated on a promontory overlooking the ocean. Admire its intricate marble flooring and Moroccan details, including gilded cedar ceilings. One of the largest mosques in Africa, it is one of only two that is open to non-Muslim visitors.
• Explore Tangier and stroll through its legendary souks to interact with local artisans and hear captivating stories as they create their crafts by hand. You will also wander through the narrow alleyways of the Petit Socco and visit the Niaba Gardens.
• Stand on "The Rock," officially known as Gibraltar. On your panoramic drive through the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, stop to step inside stunning St. Michael's Cave, marvel at the world-famous Barbary Apes and visit the siege tunnels.
• Discover the walled city of Lagos in the Algarve, Portugal’s southern coastal region. Once the center of trade between Moorish Portugal and Africa, this ancient maritime port was founded more than 2,000 years ago.

UNESCO:

• Ancient Rabat with King Mohammed VI's royal palace grounds, the Mohammed V Mausoleum and the 12th-century Hassan Tower.
• The Alhambra, Granada's imposing 13th-century fortress palace, and the magnificent Generalife gardens.
• Seville's Royal Alcázar, an exquisite Moorish palace.
• Cathedral of Seville, the largest Gothic building in the world.

always included:

• Transfers and luggage handling abroad for passengers who book their air through Gohagan & Company.
• Experienced, English-speaking local guides for included excursions.
• Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers.
• Complimentary water in your room and on excursions.
• Hospitality desk.
• Experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Directors at your service.
• Complimentary audio headset during guided excursions.
• Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Gohagan & Company.

accommodations:

World Voyager

Designed with a 1940s aesthetic inspired by the new millennium, World Voyager is a modern classic. Complete with sumptuous accommodations, attentive service, globally inspired gourmet cuisine and unlimited premium cocktails, this small ship was designed for you to explore the world in relaxed, unhurried luxury. The yacht features three decks of spacious and elevated accommodations, multiple onboard dining options, spa and sauna amenities, social spaces for gathering with fellow travelers and more.

Marrakech Pre-tour Extension

4 Days | 3 Nights

Explore the cultural riches and historical legacy of Marrakech on this exceptional three-night extension! Be immersed in the age-old traditions and treasures of ancient Morocco, from its towering minarets to surreal scenery and humming markets. Explore vibrant souks and a centuries-old square filled with storytellers and musicians. Visit the dazzling Bahia Palace and see Koutoubia Mosque, towering above the medina. Plus, enjoy an evening at a tented camp in the desert, including a camel ride and a four-course traditional dinner! Accommodations are at the Sofitel Marrakech.

Lisbon Post-tour Extension

3 Days | 2 Nights

Cap off your journey with two nights in Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal. En route to Lisbon from Porto, enjoy a tour of Coimbra, home to Portugal’s oldest university. In Lisbon, stroll around the former royal residence of Queluz, otherwise known as the Portuguese Versailles, and its elegant lounges and beautiful gardens. Later, visit the charming village of Sintra — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at Sintra’s Old Royal Palace, which houses the oldest glazed tiles in Portugal and the biggest conical chimneys of medieval times. Accommodations are in the deluxe Dom Pedro Lisboa.

Contact

To register for this trip, please call 1-800-922-3088.