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Galicia to Casablanca – A Voyage around the Iberia Peninsula to Morocco

Galicia to Casablanca – A Voyage around the Iberia Peninsula to Morocco

From GBP £4,995

Description

Our late summer voyage aboard the all-suite MS Island Sky from Vigo to Casablanca offers the opportunity to gain an insight into the region’s splendid architecture, captivating culture and fascinating history. It is difficult to imagine a better time than late September for our journey, just about everything is as perfect as it can be, from the comfortable temperatures to the relatively crowd free sites and our itinerary has been planned to ensure that the balance is just right between exploring ashore, relaxing on board and time at leisure for individual exploration.
During our guided tours, we will witness the legacy of many civilisations and kingdoms as we visit the coastal regions and towns steeped in history combined with the city of Oporto with its vibrant Ribeira district, Coimbra the Medieval capital of Portugal contrasting with the magnificent architecture of Lisbon, the modern capital, the splendid Moorish and Christian treasures of Seville and the wonderfully atmospheric port of Tangier, Europe’s gateway to Africa. Exploring in the company of just 100 or so like-minded travel companions, and with the aid of our knowledgeable local guides and excellent Guest Speaker, makes for an endlessly fascinating cultural experience. For those wishing to spend more time in Morocco, we have arranged for a three night post-cruise extension to the enchanting city of Marrakech.

Trip Name
Galicia to Casablanca - A Voyage around the Iberia Peninsula to Morocco
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 116  Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2010 / 2017 Sister ship to Hebridean Sky. Island Sky and Hebridean Sky are truly sisters. Built in the same Italian Shipyard, both boast spacious, well-appointed suites, stylish common areas, and redundant core technology that allows them to operate smoothly, even under the most challenging of conditions. Both ships are all-suite, all-inclusive small expedition vessels with touches of elegance throughout. The Island Sky is scheduled for additional upgrades in 2017, including the addition of tinted sliding glass doors to all cabins on the Promenade Deck. Services: World-Class Cuisine Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner Live Entertainment Complimentary Coffee/Tea station Voyage Photographer On-board MD and Facilities Dedicated Passenger Service Manager Pre-voyage hotel night Complimentary Expedition Jacket Facilities: Elevator serving all passenger decks Upgraded WIFI Internet Library with computers Panoramic Top Deck Observation Platform Bar/Lounge with Live Entertainment Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities DVD Movie Library Tinted sliding glass doors in all cabins on the Promenade Deck World-Class Cuisine: Great expeditions require great food! Our team of world-class chefs offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that change daily. They have boat-loads of creativity, so you are sure to experience a variety of remarkable cuisine throughout your voyage. Accommodations: All Suites Feature: Exterior views Your choice of queen-sized or two twin-sized beds Sitting area with sofa and side chair Flat Screen TV with DVD/CD player Telephone Independent temperature controls Mini-Bar Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries Hair dryer 220 square feet or more Sofa can be converted to bed for third person PLEASE NOTE - DECK PLANS CAN VARY.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to Vigo, Spain.
Fly by scheduled flight to Oporto. On arrival transfer to the MS Island Sky moored in Vigo. Sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 Leixoes for Oporto or Guimaraes, Portugal.
This morning we will have a choice of tours. You can choose to explore Oporto seeing the impressive St Francis Church and the Ribeira before continuing to a local port wine cellar. Here we will be able to learn all about these wines and how they are produced before we enjoy a tasting. Alternatively you can join the tour to Guimaraes, often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal, it is one of the country’s most historic cities being where the first king of Portugal was born and where the reconquest of the country from the Moors began. During the tour we will view the 10th century castle and visit the Palace of the Dukes. After a walking tour along the charming cobblestone streets and past the wonderful Medieval buildings we will return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon relax on board or explore Oporto independently.
Day 3 - Day 3 Figueira da Foz for Coimbra.
Located at the mouth of the Modego River, Figueira da Foz is one of central Portugal’s prime beach resorts. However, the reason for our call is to visit the nearby city of Coimbra, the Medieval capital of Portugal for over 100 years. During our walking tour we will view the stunning buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries before we head to the University which was recently appointed UNESCO status. Founded in the 13th century we will see the Chapel of Sao Miguel and the Joanine Library which houses over 300,000 works dating back to the 16th century. After a local lunch, you can choose to return to Figueira da Foz or stay in Coimbra and explore further independently.
Day 4 - Day 4 Lisbon.
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, the city was rebuilt by the Marquis de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square. During our morning panoramic tour we will see the Monument to the Discoveries and Belem Tower and visit the famous Jeronimos Monastery. Alternatively, a full day tour will visit the Alentejo region. We will drive to Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where a walking tour will explore the sights and Medieval history of this enchanting city. Evora is one of the oldest cities in the Alentejo region and we will see the well preserved Roman Temple, St Francisco Church and the Chapel of Bones before exploring the charming squares. Alentejo is a highly respected wine region traditionally growing red wines from the Tempranillo and Trincadeira grapes. We will enjoy lunch in a vineyard including a tasting before we return to the MS Island Sky.
Day 5 - Day 5 At Sea.
Join our Guest Speaker in the lounge or find a spot on deck as we spend a relaxing day at sea sailing to Seville.
Day 6 - Day 6 Seville, Spain.
Having sailed up the lower reaches of the Guadalquivir River in the early morning, we will dock this morning in the centre of vibrant Seville and enjoy a morning walking tour to explore the city’s greatest monuments. Enter the Alcazar Palace with its ornate Moorish interiors and exotic terraced garden. Built by Pedro the Cruel in the 14th century with the help of Moorish craftsmen, it is still used as a residence by the King of Spain. We also visit the imposing La Giralda, Seville’s cathedral, reputed to be the largest Gothic style church in the world with its distinctive Moorish  tower. We return to the MS Island Sky for lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure to continue exploring Seville independently. Alternatively there will be the opportunity to visit the city of Cordoba on a full day tour. This beautiful city demonstrates a past where Jews, Christians and Muslims peacefully coexisted and left a beautiful legacy of architecture to be appreciated for centuries to come. Visit the Mosque and the Synagogue, and enjoy a typical lunch and some free time for further exploration before returning to the ship. We will sail down the Guadalquivir River this evening.
Day 7 - Day 7 Tangier, Morocco.
Having passed the Strait of Gibraltar we arrive in North Africa and the port of Tangier. A short drive will bring us to the Donabo Gardens located on the coast with wonderful sea views. Divided into ten sections we can explore the Moroccan garden that celebrates the tradition of tea, the mint maze where multiple varieties blend their fragrances along the alleys, a rose garden thriving in the cool shade and a pollinators garden purposely designed to attract bees. Later we can explore the city where on a walking tour we will visit the Medina, enjoy the views from the Kasbah situated at the highest point of Tangier, and wander through the Grand Souk.
Day 8 - Day 8 Casablanca to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 
Day 10 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-09-202526-09-2025GBP £4,995Magellan Deck Standard Suite
19-09-202526-09-2025GBP £5,295Columbus Deck Superior Suite
19-09-202526-09-2025GBP £5,795Magellan Deck Standard Single
19-09-202526-09-2025GBP £5,795Marco Polo Deck Premium Suite
19-09-202526-09-2025GBP £5,995Columbus Deck Superior Single
19-09-202526-09-2025GBP £5,995Marco Polo Deck Corner Suite
19-09-202526-09-2025GBP £6,595Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
19-09-202526-09-2025GBP £6,795Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
19-09-202526-09-2025GBP £6,995Explorer Deck Island Suite

Inclusions

    • Explore the historic charm of Seville, including the Alcazar Palace and La Giralda Cathedral.
    • Discover Portugal's cultural gems, from Oporto's port wine cellars to Coimbra's UNESCO-listed university.
    • Experience Tangier's vibrant Medina and serene Donabo Gardens in North Africa.

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