Have questions? We're here.
A hiker overlooks the cliffs on the ocean.

The Azores to Morocco

Example 9 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Portugal trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Sail to the heart of the Atlantic Ocean and discover the lush, mountainous archipelagos which combine the breathtaking landscapes of Hawaii with the charm and culture of old-world Europe. Historically significant for their part in discovering the New World of the Americas, the islands are fascinating to behold. As you sail, keep your eyes out for whales, as the location is one of the world's top destinations for whale watching. Sail for the coast of Morocco to discover the visually stunning and culturally rich Safi and Casablanca.
A view off the beautiful coast of Madeira.The Hassan II Mosque, CasablancaThe beautiful interior of the Hassan II MosqueSunset view from Hassan II Mosque in CasablancaA hiker overlooks the cliffs on the ocean.
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Sao Miguel / Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in Sao Miguel and take some time to relax, then set out to explore the Furnas Valley and its famed hot springs. Hike the beautiful trails which surround the area, or visit the garden of Terra Nostra. Enjoy a traditional Azorean lunch - cozido, which is naturally cooked from the underground volcanic activity. Board the ship and settle into your cabin before attending a welcome dinner to meet your captain and his crew.

Day 2: Horta / Faial

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Set out on a search for whales in the morning! On the island of Faial, admire the changing scenery and learn about how drastically the landscape was altered when its volcano erupted in 1957. Stroll along the marina, visit the excellent scrimshaw museum, and raise a glass at the legendary Peter's Café Sport, where sea adventurers historically dropped off their mail. Scuba diving may also be arranged.

Day 3: Santa Maria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, go ashore at Santa Maria, historically significant as the first landfall of Christopher Columbus on his return from the Americas. Hike the trails with your guides, then join local whale experts, like the Maasai trackers of East Africa, who have centuries of ties to their surroundings and an instinct for scouting its wild inhabitants. (B,L,D)

Day 4: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
En route to Madeira, relax on board and keep a constant lookout for seabirds and marine creatures. Head to the bridge to scan the horizon with a pair of binoculars, or catch up on some reading in the glass-enclosed library.

Day 5: Madeira

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy the beautiful island of Madeira. Walk in the endemic laurisilva (laurel forest), a UNESCO site, wander along the tranquil levadas (former irrigation channels), and visit the botanical gardens and the new Whale Museum. Sample Madeira’s flavorful seafood, enjoy a tasting of the famed Madeira wines, and hear a performance of authentic Fado singing. You may want to take a ride on the famous wicker toboggans down the steep streets of Monte, or take a long leg-stretching hike along the beautiful Ponta São Lourenço.

Day 6: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Relax on board as you sail for Morocco.

Day 7: Safi, Morocco

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in Morocco and travel from Safi to the stunning town of Essaouira, which offers white buildings accented by deep blue shutters and Portuguese-style doors. The medina (old town) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an exceptional example of a late-18th-century fortified town. Enjoy the views of the coast and fortifications from the scalas, (defense platforms), which were left by Spanish and Portuguese pirates.

Day 8: Casablanca

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Casablanca personifies modern Morocco, living in harmony with the rich heritage it has acquired over the centuries. Travel along the attractive waterfront boulevard, known as Ain Diab Corniche, lined with beaches, seaside resorts, and terraced restaurants. Visit the extraordinary Hassan II Mosque, boasting the world’s tallest minaret at 689 feet, topped by lasers that beam out towards Mecca once the sun has set. Additionally, stroll through the city's Habous district and the mechouar, the ceremonial meeting place outside the Royal Palace, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.

Day 9: Casablanca / Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy one last breakfast on board before transferring back to the airport for your independent onward journeys.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer's dining room.
Relax in the luxurious sauna aboard the National Geographic Explorer.
Relax in the National Geographic Explorer's lounge.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
National Geographic Explorer's Category 1 Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
National Geographic Explorer's Category 2 Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 3 Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 4 Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 5 Upper Deck Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 5
Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 6 Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 6
Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213.
Luxurious Catagory 8 Suite
Select a Date
Cat 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230.
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
Select a Date
Cat SA
C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window.
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
Select a Date
Cat SB
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208.

Notes

Travelers under the age of 18 save $500 per person.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By