From Moors to Rome
From the vibrant history of Morocco, through the Mediterranean shores of Spain and France and onwards to Rome explore some of the most intriguing and historic locations.
- DURATION 17 DAYS
- TYPE LUXURY CRUISE JOURNEY
- OPERATES 17 APR 2018
- DEPARTS Casablanca
ITINERARY
DAY 1 Arrive Casablanca
Fly into Casablanca and transfer to your hotel. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Sofitel Casablanca(D)
Stay:aboard the MS Island Sky
DAY 2 Rabat, Marrakesh
After breakfast visit the imperial Moroccan city of Rabat and see Moorish architecture at the impressive King’s Palace. Continue to the Great Mosque and Hassan Tower, which has stood unfinished overlooking the city for eight centuries. Visit Kasbah des Oudayas, and enjoy lunch before heading to Marrakesh.(BL)
Stay:Sofitel Marrakesh
DAY 3 Marrakesh
Start today with a visit to Majorelle Gardens, then continue to Koutoubia Mosque to see its 12th-century Minaret, before enjoying a typical Moroccan lunch. This afternoon explore Marrakesh’s many museums and visit the lively Jemaa El Fna Square. Experience this vibrant city by night as you ride in a horse-drawn carriage.(BLD)
Stay:Sofitel Marrakesh
DAY 4 Marrakesh, Casablanca, Embark Ship
Drive back to Casablanca after lunch and discover the city’s main sites including the Hassan II Mosque. Later embark your ship.(BLD)
Stay:MS Island Sky
DAY 5 Gibraltar
After sailing overnight from Africa to Europe, make landfall in Gibraltar and choose between a panoramic coach tour featuring an English afternoon tea, or a tour of ‘the rock’ and important historic military sites.(BLD)
Stay:MS Island Sky
DAY 6 Motril, Granada
Travel to Granada, located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. See the world renowned 9th-century palace and fortress complex, Alhambra. After a tapas lunch, explore the palace of the Generalife.(BLD)
Stay:MS Island Sky
DAY 7 Cartagena
Explore Cartagena with your Expedition Team and visit the Roman Theatre Museum. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.(BLD)
Stay:MS Island Sky
DAY 8 Valencia
Explore Albufera Natural Park by canoe, then learn to cook the classic Valencian dish, paella. Alternatively go bird-watching through the park, which is known for its richness in bird diversity.(BLD)
Stay:MS Island Sky
DAY 9 Port de Soller
Anchor off Soller, from where you will choose your activity. Perhaps take a vintage tram ride to Palma, or embark on a hike to the Mirador de ses Barques.(BLD)
Stay:MS Island Sky
DAY 10 Mahon
Choose from a guided snorkelling excursion in Fornells Bay, alternatively, enjoy a tour of Monte Toro and the stunning whitewashed buildings of Binibeca.(BLD)
Stay:MS Island Sky
DAY 11 Alghero
Travel to Neptune’s Grotto by private boat. From here, explore the fascinating grotto with a tour of the caves that date back to prehistoric times, or join an excursion to Bosa at the mouth of the River Temo.(BLD)
Stay:MS Island Sky
DAY 12 Bonifacio
This morning, arrive at the fashionable French island of Corsica. Enjoy a guided tour of the fascinating Old Town in Bonifacio, where picturesque medieval houses are perched on limestone cliffs.(BLD)
Stay:MS Island Sky
DAY 13 Elba
Elba is best known as the island of exile for Napoleon Bonaparte and today you will visit his island home. Afterwards choose between enjoying a private wine tasting at a family winery or taking a panoramic tour.(BLD)
Stay:MS Island Sky
DAY 14 Rome
Choose between a tour to see the iconic monuments of Rome including Caracalla Baths, Circus Maximum, the Coliseum and Imperial Forum, or set your own pace on a self guided walking tour.(BLD)
Stay:MS Island Sky
DAY 15 Naples, Disembark ship
Disembark in Naples. Cruise only guests (NOBIMN12) transfer to the airport while remaining guests enjoy a farm visit to Galatea for a lesson in pizza making, followed by a Prosecco tasting. Later travel to Sorrento.(BLD)
Stay: Hilton Sorrento
DAY 16 Sorrento, Amalfi Coast
Enjoy a drive along the Amalfi Coast stopping in Positano then either enjoy coastal views from the highest vantage point or explore downtown. Continue along the stunning coast to see the mosaic façade of St Andrew’s Cathedral in Amalfi.(BLD)
Stay: Hilton Sorrento
DAY 17 Pompeii, Depart Rome
This morning after breakfast visit Pompeii to explore the ruins before transferring to Rome airport for your departure.(B)
