Morocco and Spain: Moor Than A Myth

Welcome to Morocco. Upon arrival at Marrakech Airport, proceed to the Arrivals Hall, meet an Aurora Expeditions representative, and transfer you to your designated group hotel. Once checked in, please visit the hospitality desk located in the hotel lobby to meet the team. They will provide key information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and your stay in Marrakech. Cabin tags will also be distributed at this time—please ensure they are clearly labeled with your full name and assigned ship cabin number.

This evening is yours to relax and unwind ahead of tomorrow’s journey. The group hotel offers a variety of dining options and is conveniently situated near many of Marrakech’s renowned restaurants, should you wish to explore and enjoy authentic local cuisine.

Accommodation: Movenpick Marrakech (or similar) 

You awaken to the evocative sound of the adhan, the Islamic call to prayer—a melodic summons from the muezzin that stirs the imagination with images of spice-laden medinas and ancient tales. Nestled at the base of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is a compelling fusion of timeworn architectural forms and vibrant contemporary culture. Founded over a millennium ago during the Almoravid dynasty, this fabled ochre-hued city pulses with the rhythms of its storied past. Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, Marrakech has emerged as a leading African center for modern art, design, and architecture.

Following breakfast, you meet your local Moroccan guides, whose deep-rooted knowledge and enthusiasm for their homeland set the tone for an engaging day.
Your morning begins with an exploration of Marrakech's architectural and cultural highlights. You visit the Almohad-era Koutoubia Mosque, admired for its soaring minaret, and the exquisite Ben Youssef Medersa, once a prominent Islamic college adorned with finely carved cedarwood and traditional zellij mosaics. You also explore the Almoravid Koubba—one of the city's oldest surviving monuments. From there, you dive into the city's bustling souks, navigating a vibrant maze of alleyways filled with local trade sights, sounds, and aromas. At Spice Square, where merchants have gathered for generations, you encounter stalls brimming with herbs, spices, and curiosities such as snakeskins and chameleons.

You break for lunch at the celebrated Ksar El Hamra restaurant, offering a delicious introduction to Moroccan cuisine. The afternoon continues with a guided visit to Le Jardin Secret, a historical site originally built during the Saadian dynasty, when Marrakech was its imperial capital.

Reconstructed in the 19th century by a powerful kaid from the Atlas Mountains, the complex has hosted some of Morocco's most notable political figures. You explore its tranquil gardens and restored palatial structures, each exemplifying the sophistication of Islamic art and design, before returning to the hotel for some leisure time.

As evening descends, venture to the legendary Djemâa el Fna Square—an open-air stage like no other. For centuries, this UNESCO-recognized site has been the heart of Marrakech's social life, where storytellers, street performers, musicians, and magicians captivate audiences under the desert sky. Locals and visitors gather to enjoy traditional street food and the vibrant spectacle.

Your day concludes with a festive Moroccan dinner accompanied by spirited performances from belly dancers and folkloric musicians—a fitting welcome to Moor than a Myth.

Accommodation: Movenpick Marrakech (or similar)

This morning, leave the old Imperial city of Marrakech for the coastal shores of the Atlantic Ocean, as you travel to the modern-day mecca of Casablanca. Morocco's largest coastal city, Casablanca, hit new heights when Hollywood set the ultimate romantic motion picture amongst the city's wartime streets. 

Where else would one dine in Casablanca besides Rick's mythical saloon – Rick's Cafe. This rundown 1930s riad has been transformed into an iconic Casablanca landmark. The restaurant's current manager Issam, who also doubles as the Cafe's resident piano player, will share with you the story of how the legendary 'gin joint' of cinematic fame was brought to life by Bill Willis, a renowned Marrakech-based American designer who first discovered the delights of Morocco with Talitha and John Paul Getty Junior. 

As you farewell Rick and Ilsa, step into modern-day Casablanca at the monumental Hassan II Mosque. The largest mosque in Africa, with a 60-storey high minaret, is the world's tallest religious structure. This architectural masterpiece is the most ambitious structure ever built in Morocco, taking 35,000 workers seven years to complete. You savor the atmosphere of this venerated place and learn about the mosque's key architectural features, which beautifully blend modernism with traditional Islamic, Moorish, and Moroccan elements. 

In the late afternoon, your voyage begins as you embark on Douglas Mawson. You enjoy a Welcome Dinner where you meet your Aurora Expedition Team as you sail north to the tip of Africa.

Tangier has a chequered past, unique amongst Moroccan cities, affording you one of Europe's most egocentric stories. Designated as an 'International Zone' in the early 20th century, Tangier harbored no drug laws, taxes, banking restrictions, censorship laws, or morality laws. Attracting a worldly mix of expat residents, it played house to everyone from eccentric British nobility to American authors, Franco's civil war army to Nazi spies. At the same time, it awaited its inclusion in the post-war nation of Morocco. Stories of illicit affairs, underworld deals, and espionage abound in this city, which remains as colorful as its history suggests. 

Your morning offers two popular options, immersing you in the city's highlights, before you sail in the early afternoon for the Spanish coast. 

Personalize your exploration with the included 'Your Choice' experiences. 

Option 1 - Morning experience: Tangier Kasbah district, Kasbah Museum, and American Legation Museum

You begin your journey at Tangier's fabled Kasbah. Largely unchanged since Roman times, the Kasbah was the traditional residence of the Sultan and his harem and is now one of Tangier's most fashionable residential areas. During a guided stroll, you discover the Grand Socco. This cafe-filled plaza serves as the gateway to Tangier's medina and was once the haunt of Paul Bowles, William Burroughs, and their Beatnik friends who gathered here to discuss life and literature while mingling among double agents and expats during the notorious time of international rule. Your next stop is at the American Legation. The first American public property outside the United States, the American Legation is now a museum that traces the history of the relationship between the two countries. As one of the first countries to recognize America's independence, Morocco permitted the new United States government to establish a legation in Tangier in 1821. It is the only historical monument to have remained in American possession since the birth of the American nation. Amongst several displays is a letter from George Washington to the Sultan Moulay Abdellah. 

Option 2 – Morning experience: A Taste of Tangier

This 'foodie' tour of Tangier lets you dive into the city's culinary journey. Tangier's cuisine reflects a fascinating blend of Moorish and Spanish influences, with each bite telling a story of its past. From the Moorish tradition of intricate spice blends to Spanish touches like rich, savory stews and delicious colonial French desserts, the food here is a testament to the city's eclectic past. 

Stroll through the historic M'sallah and the old town district, where narrow alleyways and traditional architecture set the stage. Taste local delights like caliente, stuffed dates, and bissara, each crafted with time-honored techniques. As you visit bustling markets and interact with artisans, your guide will reveal how these diverse cultural influences have shaped Tangier's unique identity, while you snack like a true local.

Formed as a brotherhood of Islam, the conglomerate of Arabs, Berbers, and North Africans known as the Moors arrived in the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century. Like a child leaving home, they matured and stayed away from their homelands for a further 700 years. Tolerant of other faiths, they lived in relative peace with their communities' Christian and Jewish members, ruling the land as small Kingdoms dominated by castle-topped villages and fortified cities. Their legacy of mathematical expertise, astronomy, and Moorish architecture changed the European world. 

You wake this morning on the banks of the Guadalquivir River in the Andalusian city of Seville. The southern lands of Andalusia became the Moors' crowning glory. Its jewel – Seville. On your excursion, you navigate the narrow Guadalquivir River to moor at Seville, where you absorb its spirited vibe by day and night. Much of Seville's sensuality and charm derive from the legacy of the Moors. The blend of Moorish and Christian architecture, known as Mudejar, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, is abundant throughout its streets, squares, and palatial buildings. 

Choose to spend your day in Seville, or combine time spent in the city independently with a visit to the nearby medieval city of Carmona. Your pilot joins you mid-afternoon to guide you down the Guadalquivir River to the coast. Relax and watch the world go by as you sail Spain's only navigable river. The Guadalquivir has been a central part of Seville's history and a launchpad for significant voyages. From its banks, explorers like Ferdinand Magellan embarked on landmark journeys, including Magellan's famous 1519 expedition to circumnavigate the globe. The river was also crucial for trade, linking Seville with distant lands and shaping global commerce.

Personalize your exploration with the included 'Your Choice' experiences. 

Option 1 - Morning experience: Walking the Heart of Seville

Your local guide tells a tale of Seville supported by a host of history's famed conquerors, stories of the 'new world', and a clash of cultures should read as famous as the buildings you visit. Built in the 14th century as a Mudejar-style palace, the Alcazar remains the oldest European monarchical residence. Moorish influences join forces with tokens of Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque style added by later Christian kings, all with harmonious charm. Islam and Christianity vied for power in this city, with the might of Christianity being victorious by building Europe's third-largest cathedral right over the top of a 12th-century mosque. The largest Gothic structure in the world, the cathedral houses many famous souls. In 1899, 400 years after his death, the renowned explorer Christopher Columbus finally found an eternal place to rest in Seville Cathedral. Towering over the cathedral is Seville's crowning glory – UNESCO World Heritage listed Giralda tower, which was inspired by Marrakech's Katoubia mosque. Christian overlords allowed this Islamic minaret to remain, albeit as the cathedral's bell tower. Its top storey heralds a Renaissance motif added in the 16th century, affording travellers one of the greatest cityscapes in Spain. Your stroll of Seville continues through the Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville's once-thriving Jewish quarter. This maze of alleyways is full of plazas, tile-covered patios, and whitewashed houses draped in flowers, leading you to Plaza de España, Seville's spectacular central square – the perfect end to a delightful amble through Seville. 

Option 2 - Morning experience: The Medieval Town of Carmona

On the plains of the river Corbones, Carmona tells a tale of the various cultures that have populated the peninsula throughout its extensive history. Churches, palaces, and city walls form part of the city's heritage in its historic quarter, dominated by the imposing Alcazar. The impenetrable Gate of Seville is a warning to marauding armies. A testament to sound engineering, this ancient gatehouse dates to the ninth century and owes its solid design to the Romans, and its horseshoe archways to the Moors. Indeed, the culture of all the inhabitants of the peninsula, whether they be the western Mediterranean peoples, the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Moors, and, finally, the Christians, can be said to have been engraved on the ashlar stone of Carmona's Gate of Seville. You explore the town before returning to Seville, where you have the afternoon to explore independently.

The proud city of Cadiz sits at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. As the gateway to the Mediterranean, Cadiz is touted as the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, with its dominant families claiming ancestry dating back to Roman times, when the city was called Ceret, and the wine, Vinum Cderetensis. Moorish rule over the port, which was renamed Jazīrat Qādis, lasted for 500 years, with the capture of Cadiz by Alfonso X of Castile. Its renewed prosperity dated from the discovery of America in 1492, when it became the headquarters of the Spanish treasure fleets, and the port to nearby Jerez, which produced liquid gold. 

Personalize your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. 

Option 1 – Morning experience: Jerez and the Story of Sherry

Head west to the coastal town of Jerez to discover a rich mix of Islamic and Christian monuments surrounding the Alcazar, as you journey through the region’s history, learn how each ruling empire left a lasting impression on the city’s culture. It is the fortified wine, known worldwide as sherry, which has dictated the fate of Jerez. This popular wine was introduced by the Phoenicians in 1100 BCE and brought wealth and strife. Jerez’s bodegas and local rural wineries remain the world’s largest producers of sherry, which, although considered by some as a wine that has seen better days, is as popular in Spain today as it was in centuries past. After a short walk through the historic center of Jerez, spend time with a wine expert who will teach you how to differentiate good wine from bad wine while sampling a few good wines for yourselves.  

Option 2 – Morning experience: The Captains of Cadiz

The port city of Cadiz has long been the stage for seafaring legends whose destinies were shaped by its ship-lined shores. Christopher Columbus, driven by the audacity of his patrons, embarked from this very port on voyages that would redefine the world. Centuries later, Sir Francis Drake, the relentless privateer, unleashed fire and fury upon Cadiz, delaying the Spanish Armada and leaving the city smouldering. Then came Admiral Nelson, whose disciplined daring secured victory near Cádiz, though at the cost of his life. The legacies of these men, and those who sailed with them, are now woven into the very fabric of Cadiz. As the waves lap against its ancient docks, they carry the echoes of those who once navigated these waters. It is a story that fills your morning in Cadiz. 

Option 3 – Morning experience: Vejer de la Frontera 

Your morning is spent in the hilltop town of Vejer de la Frontera, a historic stronghold that once marked the border between Muslim territories and encroaching Catholic lands. Renowned as one of the most authentic Pueblos Blancos, Vejer’s whitewashed buildings are designed to reflect the sun and ward off the intense summer heat. As you stroll through its narrow, winding streets, be inspired by the ancient Moorish Castle, the majestic Church of the Divine Saviour, and the vibrant Plaza España, all while uncovering tales of Moorish conquerors, Castilian kings, and feudal uprisings. With views to the coast, Vejer offers a glimpse into the rich history that defines the hilltop towns of Andalusia and their connection to the surrounding lowlands, linking inland Spain to the coastline. (Note: This excursion originally visited Arcos de la Frontera. However, changes to the coach drop-off points have made access challenging, requiring a steep and lengthy walk to enter the town, often amidst crowds. As a result, you have chosen to visit Vejer de la Frontera, which offers easier access and a more pleasant experience.) 

In the wake of centuries of maritime vessels, sail into the Port of Gibraltar at sunrise. Choose to join a full-day experience highlighting the story of Gibraltar, before travelling inland to the Andalusian town of Ronda and the city of Málaga, where you meet the ship, or remain onboard for a relaxing day ‘at sea’. 

Option 1 – Full day experience: The Rock and Ronda

More than just an array of Royal Mail red pillar boxes, fish and chip shops, and corner pubs, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and naval stronghold, strategically located at the base of the Iberian Peninsula. Caught up in the War of the Spanish Succession, Gibraltar became embroiled in European politics when the King of Spain died without an heir. In 1713, Sir George Rooke, an English naval commander, captured it for England’s King George I, and Gibraltar has remained a British territory ever since. Three hundred years of swashbuckling pirates, fierce naval battles, yellow fever outbreaks, and world wars tell a tale, as you visit this tiny slice of Britain, simply known by those who live here as ‘The Rock’. Spend time in Gibraltar this morning, hearing its stories of the past and present. 

Leaving Gibraltar, you head north to Andalusia’s favorite ‘whitewashed town’ – Ronda. This famed city excites visitors with a fascinating story of early guerrilla warfare and its part in the eventual demise of the Moorish Empire. Straddling the El Tajo gorge, Ronda was once an Islamic stronghold. Here, visit La Mina de Agua, the former gateway to the city, at the bottom of the gorge. Because Ronda was an Islamic city, all those who entered were obliged to wash and pray beforehand. In 1485, Ronda was besieged by Christian armies, which cut off the city’s water supply. Within 10 days, Ronda fell, and in less than a decade, the Spanish decreed that all Muslims must leave the peninsula or convert to Christianity.  

Twenty-first-century Ronda is also famed for its bullring, Plaza de Toros. The ‘modern style’ of bullfighting began in Ronda in the 18th century, and even into the 20th century, continued to attract blood-sport aficionados from around the world, among them Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles – whose ashes are buried here. From Ronda, follow the Sierra Nevada Mountain range to Malaga, where the land meets the ocean. 

Option 2 – Sail the coastline

If you prefer to remain on board, the Douglas Mawson will sail the coastline, departing Gibraltar as soon as the shore excursion ‘The Rock and Ronda’ has departed. Arrive in the city of Malaga in the late afternoon, affording you a relaxing day at sea.

The port of Motril affords you access to the ultimate Moorish city, Granada, and the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, the Alpujarras. Immerse yourselves in the past, with a choice to spend time with the rural descendants of those who have lived here for generations or to walk among the greatest architectural achievements of the Moorish Empire and Christian monarchical periods.  

Personalize your exploration with the included 'Your Choice' experiences. 

Option 1 – Full-day experience: Moorish Granada

More than any former Moorish stronghold, Granada affords visitors an insight into the sophisticated society assembled by the Moors, and the determination of the Christian monarchy to establish their dominance by forcing them out of the Iberian Peninsula. Scattered throughout the city are monuments to the days when each empire ruled the peninsula, the wealth and power they wielded, and the expansion of their influence worldwide. 

Crested by the famed Alhambra, the city revels in the wake of its past. Unable to recreate Allah's physical features due to their religious beliefs, the scholars and craftsmen of the Moorish Empire worked verses and poems of praise from the Qur'an into their art, architecture, and gardens, the best examples of which are the wonders that are the Alhambra and the geometric gardens of the Generalife. Without the filigree masonry work of the Alhambra, Spain would not be Spain. Exquisite handcrafted wooden calligraphy fills this former palace's arches, ceilings, and corners while intricately patterned ceramic tiles hint at religious fervour. Capped off by clever engineering disguised in the form of water features and fountains, Alhambra is a story unto itself. Even its 15th-century addition represents the conquest and reconquest of La Reconquista, with Charles V, who was considered at the time to be the most powerful man in the world, building his palace directly on top of the original ramparts.  

Option 2 – Full-day experience: The Alpujarra

Strewn with almond trees and whitewashed towns, the Alpujarra is the food basket of Andalusia. Cuisine is high on the list here, with specialties such as pastries and cakes made from recipes dating back to the time of the Moors, and techniques used to cure meat coming straight from early Christian cookbooks. During the early days of the Arab invasion, the Alpujarra was a nucleus of Christian resistance. Still, the Muslim domination of Al-Andalus allowed the Alpujarra to thrive. When the region fell to the Catholic monarchs, all Muslims were forced to be baptised or emigrate; those who chose the first option were known as Moriscos. Languages were suppressed, and customs were lost. In recent times, the people of the Alpujarra have supported a resurgence of former traditions. Villages, such as Pampaneira and Trevélez, are returning to their roots. Visit an Andalusian village to learn about the past and present before enjoying lunch at a typical Alquería de Morayma – a small farm and farmhouse – to meet some Moriscos' descendants and hear their story.

The naval city of Cartagena hosts you this afternoon, after a morning at sea. Fought over by Carthage and Rome, its nearby silver mines gifted it wealth, and a natural harbor etched its name into history as a port of importance. Standing on the sprawling battlements of the hilltop castle, you can all but see layer upon layer of history spread beneath you—the wharf, once home to Phoenician traders. The city streets – once marched by Roman legionaries—the plaza – once a mosque where Islamic Spain prayed to Allah. The surrounding hills were once a stronghold for armies of the Christian Reconquista who arrived in force.  

Your locally guided tour takes you through 2,500 years of history as you discover the city's significant landmarks firsthand. Visit the Roman Theatre built between 5 and 1 BCE, which, in 3CE, crumbled, as did the Roman Empire, and became a marketplace. This region of Spain bears the influence of the Moors, who ruled for centuries before being driven out in the Christian reconquest. The Moors left many fine monuments, including the castle's foundations that gaze down over the old city. Visit the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which displays treasure retrieved over 50 years from wrecks found along the nearby coastline. This includes 14 tonnes of treasure salvaged from the 19th-century Spanish frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, which caused an international feud when over 500,000 silver and gold coins were discovered in the wreck.

Sailing north, reach the sun-drenched city of Valencia by mid-morning. Renowned for its abundant sunshine, delicious oranges, and Spain's iconic dish, paella, Valencia offers a broad range of adventures. After experiencing a slice of Valencian life, set sail eastward to the island of Mallorca in the early evening. 

Valencia's Islamic legacy extends beyond its architectural wonders. It remains entrenched in the soul of the city and its inhabitants. It is reflected in how Valencians live; in the jargon they use and in place names scattered throughout the region. The city's story is one of conquest upon conquest. The home of the mythical El Cid, Valencia was a Moorish town that had capitulated without bloodshed, but with the arrival of the Christian armies, its story changed, and it was heavily involved in La Reconquista.

Personalize your exploration with the included 'Your Choice' experiences. 

Option 1 – Afternoon experience: The Story of Valencia

Enjoy lunch on the ship before joining this locally guided tour of Valencia. Your tour highlights the city's eclectic history, with an emphasis on the 500 years of Islamic rule, and La Reconquista, which ended it all. Visit the Plaza de la Reina, Plaza de la Virgen, Plaza Redonda, Plaza del Patriarca, and Plaza Ayuntamiento, where you gain insight into Valencia's political and social life. You pass through Portal de Valldigna, an entrance to the former Moorish quarter, where you step back in time. Here, Islamic textiles forged the foundation of a prosperous trade, which became the cornerstone of the Christian city in the 15th century. Visit La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia (The Silk Exchange), which boasts UNESCO World Heritage status. Built between 1482 and 1533, this group of buildings was originally used for trading in silk. They are a masterpiece of late-Gothic architecture, illustrating the power and wealth of Valencia's Christian merchants, whose wealth funded the city's most famous landmark – the Valencia Cathedral. Filled with treasures, the cathedral houses a chalice believed to be the Holy Grail.

Option 2 – Half-day experience with lunch: Albufera

According to legend, al-buhayra is derived from the Arabic word for small sea. One of Spain's most important wetlands, the Albufera, is a freshwater lagoon connected to the sea by a sequence of canals and waterways regulated by a series of floodgates. Spanning more than 2,800 hectares, it is the largest freshwater lagoon in Spain. Declared a special bird-protection area, and home to over 300 species of birds, it is accessed on traditional sailboats. Cruising the lagoon, learn the importance of this waterway to the city of Valencia's story. Surrounded by paddy fields, this region is known for its rice production, affording it the status as the home of Spain's most famous dish – paella. Dine in expert hands at a local restaurant specialising in this iconic dish, before returning to Valencia.

An autonomous region of Spain, the Balearic Islands have seen an influx of tourists in recent years, and Europeans seeking an 'expat' lifestyle on a budget. But there is more to these islands than a suntan and a smile. Their history portrays brave islanders defending their lands from the threat of sizeable empires. The Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, British, and Spanish have all left their mark, gifting this eclectic archipelago a story waiting to be told.  

Your morning experiences conclude at Palma's port, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch on board the ship.

The afternoon is yours to explore and savor this sun-drenched city at your own pace. Palma's unique blend of cosmopolitan flair and Spanish island charm creates the perfect backdrop for a relaxed stroll. Sample locally produced wine at a cosy wine bar, browse the bustling port filled with fishing boats and yachts, take a refreshing swim at a nearby beach, or hunt for souvenirs. Set sail for the mainland in the late afternoon, wrapping up a day of Balearic experiences. 

Personalize your exploration with the included 'Your Choice' experiences. 

Option 1 – Morning experience: Palma de Mallorca

The striking city of Palma de Mallorca plays host to a tale of intrigue thanks to its location in the Med's trading sphere. Your locally guided tour takes you to squares, palaces, courtyards, and gardens. Palma's most iconic site is no doubt its cathedral. Taking over 300 years to build, the honeycomb-like attributes of the Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca depict the city's grandeur in a Mediterranean Gothic style. Its partner in architecture, the Almudaina Palace, is located next door. The summer residence of the King of Spain, the palace houses royal collections from the past 600 years, including priceless tapestries, paintings, and sculptures. 

On a hilltop above the city is Bellver Castle. Courtesy of its unique design, making it one of Europe's only circular castles, its 360-degree view offers a breathtaking panorama of the city below. Built in the 14th century for King James II of Majorca, its story is one of many political conspiracies, and its use as a prison for high-ranking parliamentary officials is a tale to be heard. You take time to explore the city's monarchal wonders, alleys, and back streets, giving you a true insight into the island's capital city. 

Option 2 – Morning experience: Mallorca's Famous Olive Oil

The flagship of Spanish cuisine, olive oil is taken seriously, with the highest quality olive oil produced here on the island of Mallorca. Touted as liquid gold by early traders, organic olive oil has become a trademark of the island in recent years. Discover this gastronomic commodity's historical and present-day influence on Mallorca's traditions, lifestyle, and economy. From production to tasting, discover every element of this quirky fruit, which dominates Spanish cuisine.  

Option 3 – Morning experience: The Cartoixa de Valldemossa

Your journey takes you 30 minutes inland to the mountains surrounding Palma. Originally a Moorish fortress, the Cartoixa de Valldemossa, or Palace of King Sancho, tells a rich and varied tale. It was rebuilt in 1309 and became a royal residence commissioned by King James II for his son, Sancho. Ninety years later, King Martin I of Aragon donated the royal possessions of Valldemossa to the Carthusian friars. The friars established a charterhouse, transforming the main square into a cloister and cemetery, the five halls into cells, the prison into a refectory, the pantry into a sacristy, and the kitchen into a church. This transformation added significant religious and cultural importance to the site until it was confiscated during the Mendizábal era and passed into private hands. 

Today, visitors to the Cartoixa de Valldemossa hear its story, reflecting those centuries of transformations. The site has hosted notable figures like composer Frédéric Chopin and writer George Sand, who spent a winter here in the 19th century. Their stay is commemorated in the museum, which houses exhibits of art, historical artefacts, and items related to its famous residents.

Socially, culturally, and industrially, Barcelona shines as a beacon of difference in Spain. Proudly Catalonian first and Spanish second, its people are free-spirited, liberal thinkers with a passion for their freedom. In the last 30 years, Barcelonans have sculpted their city into one of Europe’s most venerated travel destinations. Its boulevard-style main street, Las Ramblas, is the name on every traveller’s lips, and Barcelona’s vibrancy is as sought after as it was during the Spanish Empire’s monarchal peak. A palatial stronghold of the 15th-century power couple, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, Barcelona greeted a jubilant Christopher Columbus upon his return to Spain, and the rest, as they say, is history. The city has never looked back. 

Your tour today celebrates the capital of Catalunya. Famed for its vibrant arts scene, Barcelona shows off its style with works scattered along its plazas and parks. Miro, Picasso, Vidal, and Montaner all called Barcelona home. But it is the name Antoni Gaudi that attracts 21st-century art aficionados worldwide. Start your day in Barcelona at his masterpiece of modernist architecture – La Sagrada Familia. Explore its intricate interior and exterior with your specialist guide and learn about the history and symbolism of this ongoing construction project, before descending to Plaza de España, Gran Via, and the surrounding streets. Next is the elegant avenue of Paseo de Gracia, home to Barcelona’s most inspired modernist architecture. 

Having familiarised yourself with the city, you can explore Barcelona’s many attractions in your afternoon. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, stroll along Las Ramblas, visit one of the city’s renowned galleries, or shop to your heart’s content. Later in the afternoon, transfer to your hotel, with time to freshen up before you celebrate the end of your journey with some Spanish flare – Flamenco style. 

The artform of flamenco combines song, guitar, and dance as it weaves its story, rousing an emotional reaction from its audience. Originally performed by the Roma people of Andalusia, flamenco creates a state of mind that is difficult to ignore. Its musical style, where the lyrics often express loneliness and heartbreak, can be compared to the US blues scene, with the intensity of the performance stirring deep sentiment. Tonight, immerse yourselves in tales of the past, told by Barcelona’s master storytellers in the form of music and dance as you embrace the fervour of flamenco. 

Accommodation: Barcelona Hotel

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.