Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, bursts with a vibrant history evident in every corner. From Jeronimos Monastery, where the famous explorer Vasco de Gama rests, to the ancient São Jorge Castle with its impressive turrets dating back to the second century B.C.E., Lisbon offers a profound exploration of the past for inquisitive travelers. Despite boasting a wealth of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, as Western Europe's oldest city, Lisbon is far from stagnant. Its dynamic culture and lively atmosphere, found in its restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars, infuse the city with contagious energy. Exploring its hidden passages via a tuk-tuk ride offers a glimpse into Lisbon's local life.

Situated along the southwest coast of Portugal's Algarve region, Portimão is a dynamic port city blending rich history with a modern cosmopolitan vibe. The Megalithic Monuments of Alcalar offer glimpses into the prehistoric origins of the country, while Praia da Rocha (Rock Beach) epitomizes the idyllic beach scene, perfect for a tropical escape. Nearby, Praia dos Três Castelos boasts striking limestone rock formations, adding to its allure. Amidst the urban landscape of Portimão stands the medieval Fort of Santa Catarina, a stark contrast to its surroundings. Exploring its ancient paths evokes a sense of wonder and imagination, transporting you back in time.

With the only inland port in Spain - accessible only by small ship - and lying farther from the coastline than other port cities, Seville offers warmer temperatures that create a mild, Mediterranean climate perfect for sunny day explorations. And over 2,000 years of history make it an intriguing destination made for the curious mind.

Once the host grounds of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition World’s Fair, Maria Luisa park now stands as a lush paradise of verdant lawns, palm trees, and pristine ponds. From Lawrence of Arabia to the Star Wars franchise, Plaza de España has played a role in film history throughout the years and through many genres.

With the only inland port in Spain - accessible only by small ship - and lying farther from the coastline than other port cities, Seville offers warmer temperatures that create a mild, Mediterranean climate perfect for sunny day explorations. And over 2,000 years of history make it an intriguing destination made for the curious mind.

Once the host grounds of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition World’s Fair, Maria Luisa park now stands as a lush paradise of verdant lawns, palm trees, and pristine ponds. From Lawrence of Arabia to the Star Wars franchise, Plaza de España has played a role in film history throughout the years and through many genres.

Perched on the tip of the Iberian Peninsula between Europe and Africa lies the famous Rock of Gibraltar. The Mediterranean Steps, once a military path, now act as a pedestrian walkway for visitors that seek a challenging adventure that leads to rewarding panoramas. Atop the promontory the 300 Barbary macaques, Europe’s only wild-monkey population, greet you and await their feeding.

Down in the Neolithic limestone caves of Gibraltar, where Europe’s Neanderthal ancestors once lived, stalactites and stalagmites tell the story of thousands of years of history. Among this system lies St. Michael’s Cave, where the residents of Gibraltar turned the natural formations into an event auditorium where the staging’s lights cast an ethereal glow against the rocks for a truly magnificent show.

Iconic in its own right, the Moroccan city of Casablanca is a pillar of the local culture before French colonization. Marrakesh, meanwhile, offers an abundance of classical, Moorish architecture and the breathtaking gardens of the Bahia Palace dating back to the 12th century. The energy hums amid the Central Market of Casablanca and your senses are enthralled at Marrakesh’s Jemaa el-Fnaa. The monumental Hassan II mosque is a triumph of traditional, Moorish architecture combined with innovations of the 20th century. Known for having the largest minaret in the world and towering above the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a magnificent sight from afar, but a closer look inside provides an even grander sight, as its glass floor gives way to views of the Atlantic beneath its foundations

Located in Western Morocco along the Atlantic, Safi is a city that has been heavily influenced by Portuguese rule, as evidenced by a centuries-old fort that still stands today, Ksar El-Bahr. It’s also one of the oldest cities in the country, so it holds a great deal of rich history. But it is perhaps best known as a city of potters, as it is here you find colorful, delicate and artistic pieces of pottery that are part of a great Moroccan tradition. Le Plus Grand Tajine Du Monde stands as the largest tagine in the world, a feat crafted by 200 artisans. Wind your way through Safi’s medina, a lively atmosphere of vendors selling carpets, leather, pottery and lighting pieces. The Kechla ruins bring the past to life with its preserved architecture of ancient cannons, crenelated walls and spectacular towers..

Most famous for its seaside promenade, golf courses and crescent-shaped beach, Agadir invites you to revel in simple pleasures. Find the Vallée des Oiseaux, a lush public space with an aviary where you can delight in the colorful parrots and flamingos. You may even come across some lingering deer and kangaroos. Take a short drive to the Medina d’Agadir. This detailed replica gives you a glimpse of Adir before the earthquake and is also a work of art. Journey further into the city’s past with a hike up to the Agadir Oufella ruins. This hilltop fortress looks over the beach and fishing port, offering stunning vistas.
 

Located off the coast of West Africa, Lanzarote - among the smaller of the Canary Islands - is known for its lush, volcanic landscape amid tropical weather all year long. With a well-preserved folk culture entangled with natural wonders and rich history, Arrecife, the capital of the island, holds much for the inquisitive explorer to discover. Sweeping dunes among the rust red sands of the craters of Timanfaya National Park create the perfect backdrop to get lost in the environment and take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty. Arrecife is aptly named, as beaches like Playa del Reducto, surrounded by reef, keep the ocean here clear and pristine.
 

Formed off the coast of Morocco, the volcanic Canary Islands offer rugged and captivating landscapes with black and white sand beaches. The port city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a rich combination of historical architecture and modern design, leads the way to exploration of the islands, sometimes referred to as the Canaries.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, lies off the northwest coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. A walk along the Santa Cruz promenade comes with views of lush green flora and rocky mountain peaks against blue sky. Playa Jardin offers spectacular views of black sand dotted with verdant palm trees and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic lapping against the shore, creating a vibrant picture of paradise.

Mount Teide, the highest point of elevation in Spain, offers breathtaking views with a short cable car ride up near its summit. The active volcano offers fertile grounds that are home to over 150 plant species, making it a colorful landscape you will not want to miss. Its walking paths give you the chance to challenge your muscles to the ultimate hike.

The cuisine of the Canary Islands is a rich and savory mix of Spanish, African, and Latin-American foods. Even one of its staple foods, bananas, originated in Asia. This cultural combination of foods makes eating in the Canaries an adventure of its own. With flavors of fish, rice, meat, and locally grown fruits and vegetables, your taste buds will never be bored.

One of Spain’s Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa, Gran Canaria is best known for its black lava and white sand beaches. Its capital, Las Palmas, offers some of the best beaches on the island with shorelines bordered by coral barriers that shelter swimmers. Make the trek up to the neighborhoods of San Nicolas and San Juan for remarkable views of the homes below. Within the capital’s heart you can find the Pueblo Canario, a replica of a traditional Canarian village where you can learn about the island’s culture and how it has evolved.

Arrive at Las Palmas and disembark after breakfast.