Magical Morocco with Douro Discovery

Be met at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Later this evening, meet your Travelmarvel Tour Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception followed by dinner.

Today, embark on a guided tour of Anfa Boulevard, United Nations Square and witness the magnificent exterior of the Hassan II Grand Mosque. Marvel at the minaret that stands at 210 metres, towering over the Atlantic Ocean. Bid farewell to enchanting Casablanca and head to Rabat where you will visit the outside of the Royal Palace, the Mohamed V Mausoleum and the Hassan Tower. Afterwards, continue to Fez.

Insider Experience – traditional Moroccan dinner

Visit the souks of Fez for a traditional Moroccan dinner with traditional entertainment including belly dancing.

Enjoy a morning city tour of Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Fez boasts one of its most striking landmarks: the magnificent royal palace, distinguished by its famous bronze doors. The Seven Gates of the Royal Palace, symbolising each day of the week, also feature imposing brass door knockers. You’ll visit the Jewish Quarters of Mellah and the stunning gate of Bab Bou Jeloud. Take a mesmerising walking tour of the ‘Medina' (Old City), declared a World Heritage Site. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before dinner at your hotel this evening.

Perched atop Northern Morocco's Jebel Zerhoun plateau, the Roman ruins of Volubilis offer a captivating glimpse into ancient history, renowned as one of the best-preserved sites in Northern Africa. Continue to the Imperial City of Meknes, home to the grand Walls of Bab el Mansour and the unique Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Fez.

Embark on a scenic journey through the serene landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Erfoud, on the edge of the vast Sahara Desert, and visit a date farm. Later, consider enhancing your experience with an optional 4WD excursion into the mesmerising sand dunes of the Sahara Desert.

Enhance Your Journey – 4WD Excursion

Feel the exhilaration of a thrilling 4WD excursion as you navigate this vast, ever-changing landscape, and take in the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.

Today, we'll encounter one of your journey's most stunning natural wonders, the Todra Gorges. Conclude the day in Ouarzazate with dinner at your hotel.

Travel to the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This picturesque city, crafted from adobe and nestled on a hillside, has starred in renowned films such as Gladiator (2000). Continue to Marrakesh, the Moroccan Southern Capital, set amid an expansive oasis amid the Atlas Mountains and the pre-desert region.

Insider Experience – Visit Tawesna Salon de Thé

Visit Tawesna Salon de Thé, a cooperative eatery led by local women preserving regional culinary heritage.

Embark on a city exploration, visiting landmarks like the Koutoubia Tower, reminiscent of Seville's Giralda. Discover Bay Palace and Dar Bacha Museum. Stroll through the lively medina, bustling souks, and vibrant Jamaa El Fna Square, an open-air theatre with fortune tellers, snake charmers, and acrobats. This evening, you may wish to join an optional tour of a nearby Berber Village for dinner, immersing yourself in local culture.

Today, relish a leisurely day in Marrakesh. Perhaps opt for an optional full-day tour to nearby Essaouira or an optional half-day visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Gather in the evening for a Farewell Dinner at a charming local restaurant.

Enhance Your Journey - Yves Saint Laurent Museum

Located next to the Jardin Majorelle, this museum is dedicated to the influential designer's life. Yves Saint Laurent was inspired by Marrakesh's colours and shapes, and often designed his collections there.

Enhance Your Journey - Essaouira

Head to the relaxed coastal city of Essaouira, which has retained its traditional culture and character. Discover the palm-fringed streets of the fortified medina, as well as lanes teeming with boutiques and art galleries, luring you in with a scent of exotic spices in the air.

This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Lisbon. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. This evening you will join your fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.

Explore the historic Alfama district and visit the impressive Castelo de São Jorge. Then, head to the Belém district to marvel at the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower.

Enjoy a full day at leisure. You might like to join an optional visit to nearby Sintra.

Enhance your Journey - Sintra

Journey to the Serra de Sintra mountain range. After a guided tour of the charming town of Sintra, visit the World Heritage-listed Pena Palace.

This morning after breakfast, you will travel by coach to Porto where you’ll board your river ship. Later this evening, meet your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception as you take in the sights along the Douro River on a sunset cruise.

Begin cruising along the spectacular Douro River. Flowing from the northern reaches of Spain, through Portugal and into the Atlantic, this river is bordered by countless vineyards. As you cruise this morning, you’ll take part in a Portuguese language lesson, during which you’ll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language. This afternoon you’ll visit the picturesque village of Lamego and the elaborately decorated baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. While in Lamego, visit one of Portugal’s best museums. You may also like to sample one of the town’s famous specialties, Bola de Lamego, a delicious smoked ham roll. On arrival in Pinhão, you will enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience — Portuguese Quinta Dinner

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local quinta, a Portuguese winery.

Today, cruise across the border into Vega de Terrón in Spain. Enjoy some time at leisure before joining an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo. This tiny village sits atop a hill overlooking both Spain and Portugal, and features a number of well-preserved ruins, an impressive castle and a magnificent stone statue of Santiago Matamoros. After exploring this charming little town, you’ll board a coach and return to your ship.

Today you’ll disembark and board a coach to set off for the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca. This gorgeous city is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain, and boasts sunlit sandstone buildings along with a majestic city square and an ancient university. After your Insider Experience, return by coach back over the border to Barca d’Alva, the last Portuguese village along the Douro, where your ship awaits. Back on board this evening, enjoy a traditional Portuguese barbeque dinner.

Insider Experience — Flamenco Show

Enjoy a flamenco show and lunch and be entranced by captivating flamenco dancers as they astound you with their stomping feet in a fiery performance. 

Join an excursion to the splendid Gardens and Palace of Mateus. Tour this living museum which is still owned by the Count of Vila Real. Discover the connection between this beautiful 18th-century palace and Mateus Rose wine for yourself. Rejoin your ship, which is now docked in Régua.

This morning, enjoy an Insider Experience. Afterwards, continue to the riverside town of Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this gorgeous, vibrant town as you please.

Insider Experience — Portuguese Quinta Port Tasting

Head to a local quinta, which boasts outstanding views over the Douro Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasting of local port wine, Portugal’s most famous tipple.

After breakfast, return to the charming city of Porto. Join a captivating guided tour, taking you past the city’s iconic sights, before visiting a local port winery for an informative tour and tasting. This afternoon, there’s ample time for you to step back out to explore Porto at leisure. You may like to visit a Portuguese boutique to buy authentic, local souvenirs. Or perhaps take a stroll through the city’s historic Bolhão food market. Alternatively, you can take an excursion to the nearby city of Guimarães. This evening back on board your ship, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends.

Enhance Your Journey — Visit Guimarães

Take an optional excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Guimarães, known as ‘the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality’. See Guimarães Castle and and other historic landmarks that highlight the city's rich heritage.

After enjoying a final breakfast on board, transfer to the airport in Porto for your onward flight.