Treasures of North Africa to Britain

Morocco, Iberia & Western Europe

This new voyage explores from Morocco to Britain—quite a contrast of cultures. In North Africa, Morocco will offer you images of markets ablaze with brass, jewels and intricate, hand-woven carpets. Pungent spices tantalize the senses. An ancient culture richly blended with foreign influence —emphatically French.

Then you'll explore popular places in Iberia—the Algarve, Lisbon, the famed porthouses of Oporto, and the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela. In France discover St. Malo and the medieval abbey of Mont St. Michel, before winding down with a laid-back day on the Channel Islands.

In less than two weeks, you’ll have learned about the dramatically different cultures of Northwest Africa, Iberia and Western Europe. And, you’ll discover how their histories are inextricably linked. Absorb the beauty and culture of each stop on this rich voyage.

Itinerary

DAY 1 — U.S./Marrakech, Morocco
Depart U.S. and fly overnight to Marrakech, Morocco.

DAY 2 — Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is an oasis in the desert with broad, palm-lined avenues and fragrant orange trees and gardens, situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. We check into our excellent hotel, the Sofitel, and relax. The medina (old city), with its souks (markets), Kasbah and sprawling square, is where one wants to be, and our beautifully appointed hotel in Marrakech is ideally situated within walking distance of the legendary, bustling medina. In the late afternoon, we explore the city walls and stroll through the 12th-century Menara Gardens and the luxuriant Majorelle Gardens. (L,D)

DAY 3 — Marrakech
Today we begin at the famous souks. Winding our way through the labyrinthine streets, we observe jewelers, potters, carpet and leather merchants, and spice and perfume vendors. Next we head to world famous Djemaa El Fna Square, with its snake charmers, acrobats and story tellers. After lunch, our explorations continue at the 12th-century Koutoubia Minaret, the Saadian Tombs, built for former sultans, the beautiful Bahia Palace with its fountains, courtyards and gardens, and the Dar Si Sa’id Museum of Moroccan Arts, set in an exquisitely restored palace. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 — Among the Berbers: High Atlas Mountains / Marrakech
Today you'll take a dramatically scenic four-hour drive through the fertile plains of the Haouz to the Ourika Valley in the High Atlas Mountains. In your comfortable 4x4 Land Cruisers you'll follow wild tracks through the forest, with breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains. Explore several villages built into the local stone, where the Berbers cultivate their land the same way their ancient ancestors did. Continue to La Roseraie, a luxurious oasis of greenery and flowers set in the Ouirgane Valley and a stunning contrast to the stony hillsides of the High Atlas. Here you'll have a private luncheon by the pool amid fragrant roses. Return to Marrakech via a brief 45-minute ride. This evening you'll return to El Fna Square, when the ambience is spectacular, to have cocktails on the terrace overlooking the Square before dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant in the medina. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 — Marrakech / Safi / Embark Ship
After breakfast this morning, we will take a three-hour drive to the port of Safi where we will embark National Geographic Endeavour. After lunch on board, we will explore Safi, the pottery capital of Morocco, a charming old city with all shapes and patterns of pottery, with opportunities to observe people working their trade. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 — Kenitra
Today you may choose from two different options. (B,L,D)

Option # 1 - Full day tour of Fes Depart early this morning for a three-hour drive to Fes, oldest of the Imperial Cities, renowned for its spiritual and educational contribution to Moroccan culture. Visit the thousand-year-old medina, the medersas (Islamic schools), the Karaouyine Mosque with its distinctive green-tiled roof and the Nejjarine Fountain. Explore the souks (markets) where craftsmen continue to labor as they have for centuries. After lunch in a traditional restaurant of the Medina we visit the Ramparts, for splendid views over the old Medina prior to our drive back to Kenitra.

Option # 2 - Full day tour to Volubilis / Moulay Idriss and Meknes From Kenitra we drive to Volubilis, an ancient Roman capital, famed for its extensive ruins, public baths, Triumphal Arch and superb tile mosaics. Continue to the holy city of Moulay Idriss, the most important Islamic city in Morocco.

DAY 7 — Portimao, Portugal
We arrive in Portimao and visit Silves, one of the oldest and typical villages on the Algarve, the old capitol of the Algarve Province. We visit the Moorish castle and the XII century cathedral. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 — Lisbon
We enter one of Europe’s most colorful and exciting ports in Lisbon. Our morning focus will be the extraordinary architecture and history of Portugal’s 15th and 16th century Age of Exploration. Explorer’s like Vasco de Gama and Magellan opened up the world and brought back riches and exotic flora and fauna from the Spice Islands and the New World, and the wealth, adventure and global intrigue is reflected in Lisbon’s Manueline style of architecture. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 — Oporto
Through centuries of conflict, ships continued to ply the route from northern Portugal’s Douro River to satisfy England’s thirst for port wine. Spend the afternoon in Oporto along the steep banks of the Douro and have guided tour of a riverfront port house, concluded, of course, with a tasting. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 — Santiago de Compostella, Spain / La Coruna
We drive overland through the rugged Galician landscape for a highlight day at Santiago de Compostela. Since the Middle Ages, it has been Christendom’s third most important pilgrimage site, and still today millions of pilgrims flock here. (B,L,D)

DAY 11-12 — At Sea
These days are spent relaxing at sea, listening to talks from our expedition staff and aborbing all that we've seen and heard so far. (B,L,D)

DAY 13 — St. Malo, France/Mont-St.-Michel
We arrive at the finest historical and present-day sailing ports in Europe. In the morning we drive to nearby Mont St. Michel, one of the quintessential images of medieval Europe. Perched high on its offshore outcrop, the Abbey is one of Europe’s “must see” destinations.

Enjoy an afternoon walk within the walls of St. Malo on your own, or join a guided walking tour. It’s the perfect place to sit at a sidewalk café and sample the “fruits de mer” with a glass of muscadet.

DAY 14 — Sark, Channel Islands
We arrive in Sark where horse-drawn carriages take us for a two-hour tour of the island, including La Seigneurie Gardens. Stop for a typical Sark cream tea, before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

DAY 15 — Portsmouth, England/Heathrow Airport/Home (B)
After breakfast, proceed to London's Heathrow Airport and flights home, or on to other adventures.

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