A Maritime Fairy Tale from 1001 Nights

Arrive in Malaga and board the Sea Cloud II. Settle into your cabin and attend a welcome dinner as the ship sets sail.

This afternoon, Sea Cloud II docks in Cadiz, one of Europe’s oldest cities. Located on a narrow headland in southwestern Spain, Cadiz offers a scenic waterfront, whitewashed buildings, and views of Playa de la Caleta.

You have the option to explore Cadiz on foot or take an inland excursion to nearby Seville, the capital of Andalusia. In Seville, walk through centuries of history at the UNESCO-listed Alcazar Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Sede. Discover the city's deep Moorish influence and vibrant culture—this is the birthplace of Flamenco and a hub of Spanish maritime trade history.

Return to the ship in the evening and overnight in port.

With a population of around one million, Tangier is constantly on the move: The port city west of the Strait of Gibraltar, whose cosmopolitan charm has attracted many writers, has been experiencing an economic and cultural boom for years. Those who yearn for more traditional oriental magic will find what they are looking for nearby: Tetouan, the „white dove of the Mediterranean“ with its gleaming whitewashed houses, is not far away. The lively, authentic medina is hidden behind its thick city wall. Or would you prefer even more color? Then let’s go to Chefchaouen – the facades of this charming city shine in an extremely photogenic azure blue.

Enjoy this day offshore, relaxing and taking in the smell of the fresh ocean breeze up on deck.

Around 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Casablanca is Rabat, one of the country's four imperial cities. This modern capital with its historic center was accepted onto the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2012. Hassan Tower, Rabat's landmark, dates back to the time when the city was the Sultanate's capital. Close by, and yet built hundreds of years later, is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. You can find this regal residence in the elegant French-influenced residential quarter, Ville Nouvelle, with its boulevards and splendid Art Deco colonial buildings.

Enjoy fitness, cosmetic treatments, a massage or sun and sea with a good book in the deck chair, and think back on your eventful days.

With more than 5 miles of beach, a modern promenade, and countless restaurants and bars, Agadir, the "White City by the Sea," is a mecca for sun lovers – and a starting point for exciting excursions into the back country. Taroudant, about 50 miles to the east, was once the residence of a Berber prince, a rich caravan centre, and an important trading post. Through one of the five massive city gates in the mighty clay walls, you enter the lively medina with its numerous souks, where Berber handicrafts, leather goods, silver jewellery, and the famous argan oil are traded.

Under full sails: Experience the perfect way to escape everyday hustle and bustle..

The "Island of Fire", a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has been continually recreated by volcanic eruptions. A third of Lanzarote is a bizarre lunar landscape of barren, beige-grey lines of hills and "fire mountains". In sharp contrast to this are the snow white houses, golden beaches and sparse green vegetation. Its quaint wine-growing areas of La Geria have been declared an all-embracing art form by the Museum of Modern Art. The painter, sculptor and architect César Manrique understood art as the link between man and nature and made a vital contribution to the look of his island home through his artistic creations.

Disembark the ship after breakfast for your continued independent journeys.