Although the Strait of Gibraltar separates Spain and Morocco, they share a rich, common history. Our trip will focus on Mudéjar art, a mix of styles that appeared between the Moorish invasions and the Spanish Reconquista. Join us on a fascinating cruise under the golden sunshine in Andalusia to the lively atmosphere of the traditional Moroccan bazaars known as souks.
Passengers are welcome to board at 6:00 p.m. We'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner on board. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.
We'll spend the day cruising the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean stretching out beyond the horizon may seem a bit daunting at first, but it will soon become what makes the experience so wonderful, especially if we are able to observe marine life in action. Join us for a lecture in the lounge: Following the Footsteps of the Conquistadors. As we cruise towards the Canary Islands, take part in a tasting of local wine and cheese.
We'll leave for an optional day-long excursion to Marrakesh (lunch included). An Imperial City and the capital of the mid-southwestern region of Marrakesh-Safi, Marrakesh has a particularly dense history. The minaret of the emblematic Kutubiyya Mosque, the largest in the city, overlooks the busy metropolis. Our walk will take us to Jemaa el-Fnaa, a square located at the heart of the medina, which offers an intoxicating array of colors and smells at the souk. We'll enjoy an authentic Moroccan lunch at a restaurant. Afterwards, we'll visit Bahia Palace, whose architecture reflects both Andalusian and Moorish influences. A variety of lush vegetation—from rosemary shrubs to citrus trees surrounded by a range of delicate flowers—extends through the complex's center. The palace interiors are similarly awe-inspiring, with zellige-tile fireplaces and flooring and carved cedar in almost every room. We'll then discover the delightful Jardin Majorelle, one of the most phenomenal botanical gardens in Morocco. Enclosed by outer walls, the garden consists of a myriad of alleyways and buildings whose bold colors and architecture exhibit a mixture of Art Deco and Moorish influences. French painter Jacques Majorelle conceived this luxurious garden as both a sanctuary and a botanical laboratory, where exotic specimens from all over the world were first planted in 1922. Although initially destined to be destroyed in favor of the construction of brand new hotels, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé purchased the garden in 1980.
OR
We'll leave for an optional day-long excursion to Taroudant and Tiout in southern Morocco (lunch included). Discover authentic Morocco as we travel through the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Located at the heart of the Souss Valley and surrounded by the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountain ranges, Taroudant is one of the country's most fascinating tourist destinations. As we make our way to the center of Taroudant, we will cross the large fruit orchards surrounding the 16th-century ramparts, themselves encircling the authentic Taroudant medina. The city, known as the “Grandmother of Marrakesh,” abounds with souks offering treasures by local craftspeople—from silver jewelry to leather, wrought iron, wood, and ceramic items. We'll take a tour of the ramparts for an occasion to gaze at the impressive city gates. Bab Al-Kasbah, the main and oldest tower, offers a unique view over the nearby casbah and gardens. We'll continue our trip by heading to Tiout. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant (no alcohol served). Afterwards, you'll be free to take a stroll through the Tiout palm grove at the foot of the casbah. Also referred to as an oasis, it overflows with orange and pomegranate trees, date palms, and large carob shrubs. Lastly, we'll stop off at a cooperative where we'll learn all about the impressive properties of argan oil.
We'll spend the day cruising the Atlantic Ocean. Take advantage of this time to participate in some of the services and activities offered on board. You might try working out in our fitness room, indulging in a massage, or just catching some rays on our Sun Deck. Join us for a lecture in the lounge: Casablanca, Morocco's Young Economic capital. We'll enjoy Moroccan pastries with a cup of delicious mint tea.
In the morning, join us for an optional guided tour of Casablanca. This young and dynamic city is a must-see for anyone wanting to get a true feel for the country. Our tour emphasizes how Casablanca managed to retain its traditional Moroccan style while balancing the cityscape with more modern designs. Among the sites we'll visit are Mohammed V Square—a worthy representative of Moroccan Art Deco architecture—the Court House, Central Post Office, and the Wilaya Building. Afterwards, we'll visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and among the rare religious buildings in Morocco open to the public. The 700-feet tall (210 m) minaret is a landmark in the city and a hint of its opulence from afar. And as you get closer, you'll notice the extravagant details adorning the stone facades, where hand-carved floral designs meet intertwined curves and more geometric shapes—clearly Mudéjar inspiration. Inside the mosque, you'll see the intricate marble flooring, gilded cedar ceilings, and an impressive array of geometric mosaic tilework known as zellige. Our tour will then lead us to Habous Quarter, one of the older neighborhoods of the city. Otherwise known as New Medina, its narrow streets are lined with stalls from bazaars, conveying an authentic atmosphere. At the end of our tour, you'll be able to stroll freely along the scenic La Corniche oceanfront, offering beautiful panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
This afternoon, we'll set off on an optional visit to Rabat. The coastal town of Rabat is one of four Imperial Cities of Morocco. It features a charming combination of long golden beaches, endless avenues, and ancient city walls surrounding the bright white houses that make up the modern part of town. Its medina, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, contains awe-inspiring monuments such as the Chellah medieval fortified necropolis, Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum Mohammed V, which we'll visit.
Tonight is our festive gala evening.
The Strait of Gibraltar, one of the busiest waterways in the world, is the sole naturally formed connection between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It separates the Iberian Peninsula in Europe from the coast of Morocco in Africa. Sitting in the heart of the strait, the Bay of Tangier provides an exceptional panorama of these two not-so-separate worlds. Our ship will enter the strait and reach Tangier early in the morning.
We'll leave for an optional day-long excursion to Chefchaouen (lunch included). Nestled high up in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is unquestionably one of the most beautiful Moroccan towns. Enjoy a stroll through the narrow streets of its Medina—the old district bearing a clear Andalusian influence. The blue-wash facades of houses make for a picture-perfect Mediterranean-style village interspersed with historical monuments you'll discover, such as the Grand Mosque (exterior views only).
We'll return on board LA BELLE DES OCEANS. With a cocktail in hand, take advantage of the views from the Sun Deck as we leave the Strait of Gibraltar and head towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Tonight, a Moroccan evening complete with traditional couscous awaits you.
Join us for an optional excursion to Granada (including lunch). Sitting at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, Granada is famous for its majestic Renaissance architecture blended with its impressive Al-Andalus heritage. We will visit the Alhambra, whose translation from Arabic—The Red One—refers to the sun-dried bricks used to build the outer walls. Together with Córdoba's Mezquita, this true wonder of Moorish art stands as one of the most prestigious testimonies of the seven-century Muslim presence in Spain. From the delicate details and sculptures adorning the stunning palaces to the captivating gardens around them, the Alhambra, framed by the surrounding mountains, offers constant enchantment. Next, we'll visit the Palacio de Generalife, the former summer palace of the Nasrid rulers, located directly uphill from the Alhambra. Its gardens and courtyards surround narrow canals that are part of the palace complex's intricate water supply system.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a glass of sangria on the Sun Deck. Join us for a lecture in the lounge: The Strategic Challenges of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.
Or you can continue your vacation on board La Belle des Océans with a cruise along the Spanish coast from Malaga to Barcelona. Ask us about back-to-back cruises(3) and the detailed program for Ref. MGB.
Inclusion
Your cruise in the cabin category of your choice - all meals - drinks with your meals and at the bar (not including our special wine and drinks list) - emergency/repatriation insurance - all port fees.
Exclusion
Drinks from our special lists or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers - optional excursions (must be reserved and paid for on board or at travel agency) - transfers to/from departure/arrival points - cancellation and baggage insurance - personal expenses.
Note
*Price based on double occupancy
Ship available for this cruise is MV La Belle des Océans.
Accommodation available for Pre and Post Cruise on request.
For other amazing cruise itineraries and destinations, please contact our Destination specialists.
(Shore Excursions available on request) No shore excursion on the non listed days.
Child discount (2-10 years) : - 20% (On request).
Passport required. Non-EU nationals are advised to consult their embassy or consulate.
Additional Information:
INTERNET SATELLITE CONNECTIONS Our ship provides Internet connection via satellite while we cruise, which is different and slower than what we are used to through our regular home or office services. We cannot guarantee connection at all times. Please keep this in mind while you are enjoying your vacation with us.
TELEPHONE SERVICE DURING CRUISE: When we are at sea, you can connect your device(s) to the onboard GSM/3G network. Your service provider will automatically send you the terms and conditions of use for this service. You will be able to make calls, send messages, or use the Internet through this network’s roaming services. The GSM network will be turned off once the ship enters a port.
WHILE IN PORT: When the ship is in a port, you will be able to receive and make calls via your international calling/service plan according to the country you are visiting.
WATCH OUT FOR SERVICE FEES: We strongly recommend that you contact your service provider before your departure; international calls and data usage can be very costly and are almost never included in basic operator packages.
PLEASE CHECK THE SETTINGS FOR YOUR DEVICE: Once you are on board, but before you connect to the Internet, please check the settings for your device(s). We request that you limit the downloading of videos and large-volume files. Automatic updates to your PC, tablet, and smartphones will affect the speed and cost of your connection. You probably have automatic updates for apps on your devices that you are not aware of. We recommend that you deactivate these updates while you are staying with us.
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
- UNIQUE ITINERARY : CRUISE THROUGH THE LEGENDARY STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR and along the Moroccan coastlines
- Explore(1)
- MOROCCO
- Enchanting and colorful Marrakesh
- Southern Morocco: Authentic Taroudant and the Tiout palm grove
- The magical atmosphere of Casablanca
- Rabat, a coastal Imperial City
- Chefchaouen, a gorgeous blue-wash town nestled high up in the Rif Mountains
- SPAIN
- Granada and the Alhambra, the palace from the Nasrid dynasty and a marvelous example of Andalusian architecture
- Visit exceptional sites
- Opulent Hassan II Mosque, dominating the seaside landscape
- Delightful Jardin Majorelle, one of the most phenomenal botanical gardens in Morocco
- DELICIOUS, COLORFUL CUISINE
- Tastings of wine and cheese from the Canary Islands
- Tasting of Moroccan pastries and mint tea on board
- Typical Moroccan lunch at the heart of the Medina of Marrakesh
- Spanish cocktail hour on board with tapas and sangria
- Participation of Alain Loisin, lecturer(2)
- During the years I have spent traveling, I have given presentations on several CroisiEurope cruises—from the banks of the Red Sea to the Canary Islands, the Greek islands to the Bosporus, Russia at the time of the czars to the splendors of the Adriatic.
- Conference themes:
The Strategic Challenges of the Strait of Gibraltar
Casablanca, Morocco's Young Economic capital
Following the Footsteps of the Conquistadors.
THE GGTS DIFFERENCE
- All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
- Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
- Free Wi-Fi onboard
- Headsets are included for excursions
- Official welcome from the captain and crew
- Onboard activities
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees included
