Continental Crossroads: Spain, Morocco and the Canary Islands
Sail a storied route between the Canary Islands, Morocco and Spain, where volcanic landscapes meet vibrant coastal cities and timeless medinas echo with centuries of trade and tradition. Along the way, uncover a mosaic of histories—Roman theatres, Moorish fortresses, Andalusian palaces and bustling souks—each revealing the layers of empire and exchange that have shaped these shores. From windswept Atlantic ramparts to sunlit Mediterranean plazas, step into the living history of two continents while savoring the food, music and customs that bring their cultures vibrantly to life.
Highlights
Venture into bustling Moroccan medinas and impressive kasbahs that showcase a cultural tapestry of Arab, Berber, Jewish and European influences
Discover Cartagena’s rich history at the ancient Roman Theatre and Augustus Temple, then immerse yourself in modern life during a city tapas tour
Uncover the pirate history of the Canary Islands at Castillo de San Gabriel, and travel through the volcanic landscapes and lunar-like peaks of nearby Timanfaya National Park
Explore Málaga’s Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro, two remarkable Moorish strongholds that safeguarded the city against invaders for centuries
Experience the Columbretes Islands, a haven for endemic bird species, such as Audouin’s gull, Eleonora’s falcon and Scopoli’s shearwater
National Geographic Photographer
Join Sisse Brimberg on the Mar. 27, 2027 departure
From
$14,300
/ per person
Does not include any flights
View our brochure for more details
Explorations
Itinerary
Multiple routes available
Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.
Northbound
Download ItineraryStarts atLas Palmas, Canary Islands, SpainEnds atBarcelona, Spain
Day 1
Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain / Embark Ship
Arrive in the vibrant city of Las Palmas and transfer to the centrally located hospitality space. This afternoon, explore the city at your own pace, learning about its colonial past or enjoying traditional Canarian meals and local wines. Embark the ship in the late afternoon and enjoy your first evening in the Canary Islands.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1
Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain / Embark ShipArrive in the vibrant city of Las Palmas and transfer to the centrally located hospitality space. This afternoon, explore the city at your own pace, learning about its colonial past or enjoying traditional Canarian meals and local wines. Embark the ship in the late afternoon and enjoy your first evening in the Canary Islands.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Arrecife
Go ashore in Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, and venture into Timanfaya National Park to witness volcanic peaks and craters shaped by eruptions as recently as 300 years ago. Explore the Castillo de San Gabriel, a 16th-century fortress set on a small island in Arrecife’s harbor and built to defend against pirate attacks. Explore the Museo de Historia de Arrecife inside the castle walls to uncover the city’s pre-Hispanic past and the unique natural history of the island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
ArrecifeGo ashore in Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, and venture into Timanfaya National Park to witness volcanic peaks and craters shaped by eruptions as recently as 300 years ago. Explore the Castillo de San Gabriel, a 16th-century fortress set on a small island in Arrecife’s harbor and built to defend against pirate attacks. Explore the Museo de Historia de Arrecife inside the castle walls to uncover the city’s pre-Hispanic past and the unique natural history of the island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
At Sea
Spend a relaxing day at sea en route to Morocco. Join the officers on the Bridge to learn about navigating the western coast of Africa, attend an engaging talk with one of the naturalists or take advantage of the ship’s amenities, such as a rejuvenating spa treatment with the wellness specialist.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
At SeaSpend a relaxing day at sea en route to Morocco. Join the officers on the Bridge to learn about navigating the western coast of Africa, attend an engaging talk with one of the naturalists or take advantage of the ship’s amenities, such as a rejuvenating spa treatment with the wellness specialist.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Agadir, Morocco
Nestled between the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Agadir is one of Morocco’s most modern cities. Destroyed by a major earthquake in 1960, the city has been rebuilt to its current vitality while still retaining its rich history. A beautiful example of this is La Medina d’Agadir, which was recreated in the 1990s using traditional Berber methods. Overlooking the city, the kasbah is one of the few structures that survived the quake. Hike to the top to take in stunning views and the medieval architecture of this impressive fortress.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Agadir, MoroccoNestled between the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Agadir is one of Morocco’s most modern cities. Destroyed by a major earthquake in 1960, the city has been rebuilt to its current vitality while still retaining its rich history. A beautiful example of this is La Medina d’Agadir, which was recreated in the 1990s using traditional Berber methods. Overlooking the city, the kasbah is one of the few structures that survived the quake. Hike to the top to take in stunning views and the medieval architecture of this impressive fortress.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Essaouira
Essaouira, a coastal gem on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, is known for its windswept beaches, whitewashed medina, dramatic sea walls and blend of Berber, Arab, Jewish and European influences. Step into the fortified 18th-century medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site where African and European architecture converge. Later, unwind in a traditional Moroccan hammam, or explore the city’s graceful Andalusian-inspired buildings on a guided tour.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
EssaouiraEssaouira, a coastal gem on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, is known for its windswept beaches, whitewashed medina, dramatic sea walls and blend of Berber, Arab, Jewish and European influences. Step into the fortified 18th-century medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site where African and European architecture converge. Later, unwind in a traditional Moroccan hammam, or explore the city’s graceful Andalusian-inspired buildings on a guided tour.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Casablanca
Meaning ‘White House’ in Spanish, Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and a hub of industry on Africa’s west coast. The architecture is an eclectic blend of influences, from Moorish design to the French Art Deco era and more. Explore the bustling old medina, where the twisting cobbled streets are lined with whitewashed buildings and alive with activity. Stroll along the Corniche, the popular boardwalk by the sea. Witness the vast beauty of Hassan II Mosque, built on an outcrop jutting out over the ocean.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
CasablancaMeaning ‘White House’ in Spanish, Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and a hub of industry on Africa’s west coast. The architecture is an eclectic blend of influences, from Moorish design to the French Art Deco era and more. Explore the bustling old medina, where the twisting cobbled streets are lined with whitewashed buildings and alive with activity. Stroll along the Corniche, the popular boardwalk by the sea. Witness the vast beauty of Hassan II Mosque, built on an outcrop jutting out over the ocean.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Tangier
Tangier lies just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain and has long been a gateway between Africa and Europe—a true cultural crossroads. Stroll the winding streets of its medina, ascend to the city’s legendary kasbah or visit the American Legation Museum, a symbol of centuries-old diplomacy, and the only U.S. National Historic Landmark located outside the country.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
TangierTangier lies just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain and has long been a gateway between Africa and Europe—a true cultural crossroads. Stroll the winding streets of its medina, ascend to the city’s legendary kasbah or visit the American Legation Museum, a symbol of centuries-old diplomacy, and the only U.S. National Historic Landmark located outside the country.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Málaga, Spain
Málaga is one of Spain’s oldest cities—a vibrant coastal hub where layers of ancient history blend with contemporary culture. Explore the Alcazaba, a remarkably well-preserved Moorish fortress overlooking the sea, and climb to the Castillo de Gibralfaro, the 14th-century stronghold that once guarded both the Alcazaba and the city below.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Málaga, SpainMálaga is one of Spain’s oldest cities—a vibrant coastal hub where layers of ancient history blend with contemporary culture. Explore the Alcazaba, a remarkably well-preserved Moorish fortress overlooking the sea, and climb to the Castillo de Gibralfaro, the 14th-century stronghold that once guarded both the Alcazaba and the city below.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Cartagena
Uncover Cartagena’s remarkable history, from its Roman foundations to its role as a Mediterranean stronghold. Stand before the magnificent Roman Theatre, admire the remains of the Augustus Temple and see the imposing city walls—a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, set out on a tapas tour of the city, weaving your way through narrow lanes and bustling terraces as you taste local delicacies like caldero del mar menor, a traditional fisherman’s rice dish.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
CartagenaUncover Cartagena’s remarkable history, from its Roman foundations to its role as a Mediterranean stronghold. Stand before the magnificent Roman Theatre, admire the remains of the Augustus Temple and see the imposing city walls—a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, set out on a tapas tour of the city, weaving your way through narrow lanes and bustling terraces as you taste local delicacies like caldero del mar menor, a traditional fisherman’s rice dish.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Valencia
Begin your exploration of Valencia with a visit to its majestic cathedral, home to the revered Holy Chalice—believed by many to be the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. Savor an authentic paella, the city’s signature dish, before exploring the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex where science, culture and architecture converge. Later, set out independently to wander the winding streets of the old quarter, browse the bustling Mercado Central or take in world-class art at the Palau de les Arts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
ValenciaBegin your exploration of Valencia with a visit to its majestic cathedral, home to the revered Holy Chalice—believed by many to be the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. Savor an authentic paella, the city’s signature dish, before exploring the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex where science, culture and architecture converge. Later, set out independently to wander the winding streets of the old quarter, browse the bustling Mercado Central or take in world-class art at the Palau de les Arts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
Columbretes Islands
The ship anchors near the city of Castellón on mainland Spain. From here, enjoy water activities in the Columbretes Islands, an archipelago 30 miles off the coast. The islands are a haven for wildlife, offering opportunities to observe endemic species such as Andouin's gull, Eleonora's falcon and Scopoli's shearwater.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
Columbretes IslandsThe ship anchors near the city of Castellón on mainland Spain. From here, enjoy water activities in the Columbretes Islands, an archipelago 30 miles off the coast. The islands are a haven for wildlife, offering opportunities to observe endemic species such as Andouin's gull, Eleonora's falcon and Scopoli's shearwater.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
Barcelona / Disembark Ship
Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and proceeding to the airport for onward flights.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 12
Barcelona / Disembark ShipEnjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and proceeding to the airport for onward flights.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ships
National Geographic Orion
GUESTS 102
CABINS 53
DECKS 6
An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific, Asia, the Mediterranean, and beyond.
Expedition Team
Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.
Special Offers
10% OFF BACK-TO-BACK VOYAGES
PAY BY DEBIT: EARN A $100 ONBOARD CREDIT
COMBINING OFFERS
BRINGING THE KIDS
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
View our brochure for more details
Explorations