SHORE EXCURSIONS

Settle in for a panoramic driving tour through Porto as a prelude to dining on dishes made to pair with the city’s namesake port wine. While traveling through the city’s historic district, which is so architecturally important that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site, you will pass landmarks such as the Casa da Música concert hall and the cathedral where famed Portuguese explorer Henry the Navigator was baptized in the late 1300s. This immersion into Porto will also provide insight into the production of port, the fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley. Taylor’s Port Lodge in nearby Gaia offers the ideal setting for an exquisite tasting of appetizers created especially to pair with these wines. Tour the famous cellars at Vila Nova de Gaia while learning the history of Port wine. The family run company was founded hundreds of years ago in 1692, and has since been the best known and well respected winery in the area.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle in for a panoramic driving tour through Porto as a prelude to dining on dishes made to pair with the city’s namesake port wine.
• Pass landmarks such as the Casa da Música concert hall and the cathedral where famed Portuguese explorer Henry the Navigator was baptized in the late 1300s.
• Tour the famous cellars at Vila Nova de Gaia while learning the history of Port wine.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Gaze at spectacular vistas from the hilltop ruins of Agadir’s Old Quarter. Travel along a splendidly scenic route to the enchanting earthen remains of the ancient Kasbah, which offers a sweeping panorama of the city’s beautifully broad avenues and sandy beaches. You’ll appreciate ample time to explore and photograph the amazing sights of the verdant Souss River Valley, the rolling Anti-Atlas Mountains and the intriguingly stark Tichka Plateau. Return to bustling Agadir, once a conglomeration of Berber and Jewish hamlets, and stop at Medina Coco Polizzi; a village built to commemorate the old city of Agadir which was destroyed during the earthquake in 1961. Designed by master craftsman Coco Polizzi, this medina impresses with its architecture. Inspired by ancient Moroccan constructions as well as superb buildings from around the world, it was erected in accordance with nature and the traditions of the kingdom. Relish a guided tour of the colorful Souk El Had, also known as the Sunday Market. You’ll be afforded the opportunity to seek out one-of-a-kind souvenirs, such as a thuya wood box, painstakingly crafted from the native cypress tree mentioned by Saint John in the Book of Revelation.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Embark on a scenic drive and explore the incredible ruins of Agadir’s ancient Kasbah.
• Discover stunning views of the Souss River Valley, the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the Tichka Plateau.
• Explore the Coco Polizzi Medina where you will find a spectacular place, respecting the ancestral architecture of Souss Massa.
• Take an illuminating guided tour of the bustling Souk El Had marketplace.
• Shop for wonderful souvenirs including rare thuya wood boxes made from the mountain cypress tree.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and a world-renowned center for trade. Visit the central market, home to hundreds of stalls brimming with locally grown vegetables, meats, seafood, as well as handicrafts. Continue to the new Medina of Casablanca and the Habous quarter with its Arab-Islamic architecture. You’ll see the facade of the Royal Palace and cross the quarter and the colorful olive market on foot. Drive through the residential quarter of Anfa and your guide will point out the location of the Casablanca Conference held during World War II. The main highlight of Casablanca is the famous Hassan II Mosque; stop here for an inside visit of this great architectural masterpiece. This is the world's largest religious monument after Mecca and its minaret is the tallest. You'll have some free time at United Nations Square for more photo opportunities or even some shopping.

Stroll through the atmospheric streets of the Old Quarter on the way to a flamenco venue, where you will watch a mesmerizing flamenco performance that tells a passionate story. After walking from the pier, you will continue at a leisurely pace toward the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Quarter, which the Phoenicians founded in the 12th century. Being the oldest continuously occupied city in Western Europe, Cadiz exudes history, as you will soon discover in the Plaza of San Juan de Dios, a square that originated in medieval times.

As you meander the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter, you will pass one architectural treasure after another. Highlights may include the Neoclassical-style Cadiz Cathedral, which boasts a tile dome that appears Moorish, and Calle Ancha, a wide boulevard that is considered the heart of the city. In time, you will arrive at Taberna Flamenco La Cava, a flamenco venue that showcases the art of flamenco. Before taking your seat, be sure to notice the photos on the wall of some of the most acclaimed flamenco performers in the past 50 years. UNESCO honored flamenco by recognizing it on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Andalusia, especially Cadiz, is the heartland of flamenco, an electrifying art form that fuses expressive songs, passionate dancing and emotional music. To enhance your immersion into the local culture, you will be served traditional tapas that may include Serrano ham and Manchego cheese.

Spend hours of free time in Granada, exploring the attractions you find most intriguing, whether landmarks such as the Alhambra or lesser-known areas for shopping and dining. After departing from the pier, you will drive inland, past the majestic Sierra Nevada National Park and on to Granada. The Moors’ last stronghold before falling to Spain’s Catholic monarchs in 1492, Granada still bears a Moorish influence.

For starters, there is the Alhambra, the fortress-palace of the Nasrid sultans. Walking through the seemingly endless rooms and courtyards is an unforgettable experience, as the Alhambra complex is adorned with richly colored mosaics, ornamental columns and romantic archways. The adjoining Generalife gardens are just as magnificent.

You might also wander the labyrinthine streets in the historical Albaicin neighborhood, a World Heritage site where the Moors once resided. During Granada’s modernization, the Albaicin was almost destroyed, but preservationists prevailed. While wandering about, you may see the remains of an Arab bath complex and some original Moorish homes. Another highlight is where the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand lie in the Royal Chapel.

As an alternative to sightseeing, you might spend time browsing the shops for hand-painted ceramics, designer fashions and leather goods, all of which are extraordinary in Granada. If you choose to dine, try regional favorites such gazpacho or garlic and almond soup, and a hearty dish of paella for the main course.

A drive to the southern part of the Lanzarote will take you past the picturesque villages of Macher and Uga and cross black lava streams before arriving at the Timanfaya National Park, a natural museum of unique beauty. Bizarre craters, streams of lava, and fields of ashes are mixed here with a nearly unrealistic lunar landscape, all formed during the last eruption in the 18th century. Upon arrival to Islote de Hilario, a crater with the highest surface temperatures in the region, you’ll experience still-existing activity not far underground as you gather around for the fun demonstrations. The geothermal energy is so strong that water gushes up and dry weed catches fire within seconds. At the restaurant El Diablo, food is cooked on a natural grill powered by the heat within the earth below.

Board a coach to embark on a tour of the Fire Mountains called "Lunar Route" which goes deep inside the heart of the National Park and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Through a recorded narration, you’ll learn about the history of the volcanic eruptions and see how slowly life conquers the inhospitable landscape with very few endemic plants. From here you’ll drive to the wine-growing area of La Geria where the locals have modified grape-growing through the centuries in order to preserve the vines from the harsh natural elements and provide a special cultivation for the grapes that produce the famous Malvasia wine. These vines are grown inside dimple-like craters and surrounded by volcanic stone semi-circles (called Zocos), built for each individual vine to provide much needed protection from the fierce winds. After this photo stop you’ll return to your ship.

Dine on traditional Portuguese dishes at a family-owned restaurant followed by a panoramic tour of the city’s most historical district. The venue for this gastronomical experience will be Postigo do Carvão, a restaurant that opened nearly four decades ago. The latter is such a signature dish in Porto that residents are nicknamed “tripeiros” for their love of tripe. Portuguese white wines from the Dão region and reds from the Douro region will be served to complement the dishes. The restaurant lies in the heart of the Clérigos district, home to the Clérigos Tower, once the highest building in Portugal. You can also expect to see the rococo-style Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, an 18th-century landmark that is especially revered for the blue and white azulejo tiles that adorn its exterior walls.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal in a family-owned restaurant in the Clérigos district.
• Sample a selection of Portuguese white and red whites that pair well with the dishes.
• See what was once Portugal’s highest building while driving through the Clérigos district.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore the most enlightening attractions on the Rock of Gibraltar, the iconic strategically important limestone monolith at the western entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. Although now a British Oversea Territory, the famed rock has been occupied by countless invaders since ancient times. You will follow in their footsteps inside St. Michael’s Cave, which was believed to be bottomless in Roman times. As you stroll the voluminous main chamber, you will see eerily illuminated rock formations and learn about the history of the cave, which was first inhabited in the Neolithic period. You will also wander through the labyrinthine Great Siege Tunnels, which the British carved out of the solid limestone for military purposes in the late 18th century. Free-roaming macaque monkeys inhabit the exterior of the Upper Rock as you will discover at Apes Den. From this elevated perch, you will enjoy a sweeping view of the limestone cliffs and sea below.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View the teeny British Oversea Territory of Gibraltar from several perspectives.
• Walk through the main chamber of St. Michael’s Cave, whose interior is dramatically illuminated.
• Discover how the hand-carved Great Siege Tunnels were used during wartime in the 18th century.
• Watch Gibraltar’s famed, free-roaming macaque monkeys at the Apes Den.

HELPFUL HINTS

&bull Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Head towards Camara de Lobos to a well-known fishing village used by Sir Winston Churchill to create beautiful island paintings. At Pico da Torre viewpoint, you’ll see its lovely, quaint setting of red-tile-roofed houses clustered on the rocky point and the brightly painted fishing boats anchored in the harbor. Passing by Estreito de Camara de Lobos, known for its vineyards, you’ll reach Quinta do Estreito which is found among vineyards on the southern slopes of the main wine producing area of Madeira, offering a wonderful close contact with nature and a marvelous view over the south coast of Madeira Island. Then proceed to Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world. Soaring 1,900 feet (579 meters), its etched face tells the tale of its volcanic origins.

From this impressive promontory, you’ll have breathtaking views along the island’s southern coast. Before reaching Cabo Girao, you’ll have the opportunity to taste Poncha, a famous local drink made out of rum and honey. Continue in the old street towards Ribeira Brava (wild stream), a small town on the southwest coast of the island. The town boasts many street cafes and shops and is certainly a place to spend some time taking in the sights and sounds. Ribeira Brava was one of the first parishes of the island and was inhabited early in the island’s history.

An orientation tour of some of the city highlights, with free time to explore on your own, grab a bite or shop gives you the perfect combination of a guided tour and at-will exploration. Always a favorite, Seville offers a wide variety of compelling and famous sights. Enjoy a panoramic drive with a brief photo stop at Plaza de España.

Follow your guide on a stroll through the old Jewish Santa Cruz Quarter with its labyrinth of narrow streets, wrought iron-grilled windows, whitewashed buildings and tiled patios. Renowned as the largest place of worship in Spain and one of the largest in the world, the Cathedral of Seville boasts an impressive exterior, together with La Giralda, an imposing 322-foot tower, formerly a Moorish-style minaret from a mosque that once stood on this site.

Enjoy approximately 3 hours of free time to explore on your own. Lunch is not included, to allow you maximum flexibility. Be tempted by one of the many cafes and restaurants within the area.

OVERVIEW

Exult in astonishing views from the hilltop ruins of Agadir’s Old Quarter, delight in signature folkloric entertainment at a famed restaurant and stroll through a diverse marketplace where you’ll enjoy time to shop. Travel along a splendidly scenic route to the enchanting earthen remains of the ancient Kasbah, which offers a sweeping panorama of the city’s beautifully broad avenues and sandy beaches. Appreciate ample time to explore and photograph the amazing sights of the verdant Souss River Valley, the rolling Anti-Atlas Mountains and the intriguingly stark Tichka Plateau. At the renowned Agadir Fantasia restaurant, relish a drink under the shelter of a unique caidal tent as you watch a thrilling performance featuring Moroccan dancers, acrobats and magnificent horses. Revel in a guided tour of the colorful Souk El Had, also known as the Sunday Market. You’ll be afforded the opportunity to seek out one-of-a-kind souvenirs such as a thuya wood box, painstakingly crafted from the native cypress tree mentioned by Saint John in the Book of Revelation. As you roam the pleasant alleyways of the souk, reflect on the unforgettable cultural experiences of your day.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Embark on a scenic drive and explore the incredible ruins of Agadir’s ancient Kasbah.
• Discover stunning views of the Souss River Valley, the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the Tichka Plateau.
• Take in a celebrated show of traditional dance and majestic horses at the Agadir Fantasia restaurant.
• Savor an illuminating guided tour of the bustling Souk El Had marketplace.
• Shop for wonderful souvenirs including rare thuya wood boxes made from the mountain cypress tree.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy a brief look at the fabled city of Granada and visit the notable landmark, Capilla Real de Granada. It's a 45-minute drive inland to the Moorish city of Granada, nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As you travel down a modern highway that was once ancient Arab pathways, you will enjoy wonderful views of both the Alpujarras Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, as well as groves of olive and fruit trees. Upon arrival, your first stop will be in the Albaicin quarter. This is the old Arab quarter and was the residential region of the Moors, even after the city was reclaimed by Spain. This narrow labyrinth of crooked streets escaped the fate of much of Granada, which was torn down in the name of progress. Fortunately it has been preserved, as have its cisterns, fountains, plazas, whitewashed houses, villas, and the decaying remnants of the old city gate. From a viewpoint here, you'll be able to capture photos of the renowned Alhambra Palace. Continuing on, you will drive to Capilla Real and the Cathedral of Granada which is located next door. The close relationship between both gives rise to a curious formal detail seen in the ambulatory that surrounds the circular gallery. The Capilla Real's gothic gateway becomes just another part of the Cathedral's walls, as if it were in reality one of the other many chapels when, in fact it represents the entrance to another building. In the Royal Chapel here, the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand are kept. It was their wish to be buried in recaptured Granada, not Castile or Aragón. The coffins are remarkably tiny-a reminder of how short they must have been. In the sacristy you can view Isabella's personal art collection, including works by Rogier Van der Weyden and various Spanish and Italian masters, such as Botticelli. Next, you will make the short walk to the richly ornate Renaissance Cathedral. With its spectacular altar, it is considered one of Spain's architectural highlights and is renowned for its beautiful facade and gold-and-white interior. Construction of the Cathedral began in 1521 in a gothic style and came to completion in 1714 as an example of Baroque architecture. Another outstanding feature is the facade by Alonso Cano, a truly marvelous example of Baroque interiors, culminating in the bell tower which holds more than a secret within. The ground plan incorporated a five-nave basilica and another in the center to be surrounded by an enormous aisle, in which a high altar would be inserted. This design led Rosenthal to believe that the model was based on the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. Following your visit, you'll walk back to your awaiting coach and make the drive back to the pier in Motril where your tour concludes.