TREASURES OF SOUTHERN SPAIN AND MOROCCO
Based on the Windstar Cruise Fleet
Barcelona - Tarragona - Ibiza - Cartagena - Almeria - Málaga - Tangier - Lisbon
Embark in the City of Explorers, Lisbon, and dazzle your senses with Spanish treasure—golden Costa del Sol beaches, the Moorish magnificence of the Alhambra, the Roman ruins of Cartagena and Tarragona. Sit at a café in Tangier’s medina sipping mint tea and watching old men play backgammon. Nestle up to the other exclusive yachts in Ibiza’s harbour with some 80 blissful beaches calling your name. Celebrate a dream come true.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1 BARCELONA, SPAIN
Joan Miró, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Antoni Gaudí have shaped the city in their Modernism image, especially in the Gothic Quarter. Stroll Las Ramblas where street artists form human statues and perform acrobatic capoeira.
DAY 2 TARRAGONA, SPAIN
The beautiful, sunny port city of Tarragona has lovely beaches, a spectacular cathedral, and Spain’s second most important Roman ruins of Tarraco, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many other ruins around Tarragona as well including an amphitheatre by the sea. Also known as the city of human towers, Tarragona originated this deep-rooted tradition that has been recognized by UNESCO on their Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The city lives and breathes this tower building spirit which requires the commitment and bravery of many people.
DAY 3 IBIZA, SPAIN
Ibiza (translated “Party until you drop”) boasts more than 100 miles of coastline with over 50 beaches, and a myriad of restaurants. It has also become famous for the electronic music that originated there. Large portions of the island are UNESCO World Heritage Sites including “God’s Finger” in Benirras Bay, Ses Feixes Wetlands, Sa Caleta, site of the first Phoenician settlement, and Ibiza Town. Said to be the spot where Ulysses was lured by the sirens, there is also a magnetic field here that makes compasses useless.
DAY 4 CARTAGENA, SPAIN
Welcome to the sparkling city of Cartagena, where the gold and jewels of the Spanish Main awaited shipment across the Atlantic. No pirate could resist, nor will you be able to when you visit this historic city. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by 400-year-old walls and contains a plethora of churches, fortresses, and restored colonial mansions. Outside the walls are more treasures: Climb the massive Castillo de San Felipe to investigate its maze of hidden tunnels, or shop for the perfect emerald.
DAY 5 ALMERIA (GRANADA),SPAIN
Enjoy a walking tour of this ancient city (no vehicles are allowed within its walls). If you prefer, opt for a beautiful drive through the Andalusian countryside to Granada and the magnificent Alhambra Palace. Built in the 14th century, this breathtaking example of Moorish architecture combines intricate mosaics and stone-cast latticework in a tapestry of grace and sophistication unparalleled in western civilization.
DAY 6 MÁLAGA, SPAIN
Here, on the shores of Costa del Sol, the Andalusian spirit thrives. Be sure to include an optional visit to see the brilliant and comprehensive collection of Picasso’s work at Museo Picasso Málaga, a tribute to this artistic genius in the city of his birth. Or you may choose to opt for a visit to the beautiful village of Mijas, where picturesque Andalusian country life creates some of the world’s best wines.
DAY 7 TANGIER, MOROCCO
Fascinating Tangier is a traveller’s delight with beautiful vistas, lovely unspoiled beaches, intriguing history and friendly people. Separated from Spain by only 20 miles across the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier is considered by many to be the gateway to Africa. With its cosmopolitan mix of African and European influences, there are many interesting sites in Tangier. The two UNESCO sites of the Medina (the old-walled city) a bustling place, and the Kasbah which offers beautiful views and fine Moroccan art, and the Place de France in the heart of the new city is an entertaining place to sip mint tea and enjoy the view.
DAY 8 LISBON, PORTUGAL
Climb to St. George’s Castle for an unforgettable view of mosaic sidewalks, the bustling Alfama, the Tower of Belem, and a thousand diversions to fill your day.
