Compare Douro Discovery: A Family River Cruise in Portugal plus Madrid 2021 by Tauck vs Magnificent Mudéjar Art From the Andalusian Flatlands to Morocco's Imperial Cities (port-to-port package) by CroisiEurope

Day 1 Arrive Madrid

Tour begins: 5:30 PM, The Westin Palace, Madrid. Welcome to Madrid! A transfer is included from Madrid Airport to the Westin Palace, a Parisian-style grand hotel in the heart of the city, only steps from the Parliament and the Prado; commissioned by King Alfonso XIII in 1912, the hotel has hosted royalty, heads of state, film stars and celebrities. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner.

MEALS : D

LODGING : The Westin Palace, Madrid

PORTOFCALL : Lisbon, Portugal

Day 2 Madrid as you please

You have a choice of sightseeing. Explore a neighborhood market where you can get a taste of tapas, artisan foods, and delicacies from all over Spain; your visit ends sweetly with churros and hot chocolate! Or go on a bicycle excursion through the city's largest park, Casa de Campo; once a royal hunting estate, the 4,000-acre park is still inhabited by deer and rabbits; it also features an amusement park and the Madrid Zoo. Take a guided tour of the Royal Palace, a stunning baroque complex with 3,400 rooms and a wealth of artwork, antiques, porcelain, silver, and historical artifacts; or peruse the masterpieces at the Museo del Prado – one of the most famous art museums on Earth – on a guided visit with a local expert. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to spend as you wish in Spain's storied capital city.

MEALS : B

LODGING : The Westin Palace, Madrid

PORTOFCALL : Lisbon, Portugal

Day 3 Salamanca & Barca d'Alva

Drive to beautiful Salamanca, a center of learning since medieval times, where a walking tour through the Old City reveals opulent Baroque, Moorish, and Gothic architecture, Romanesque cathedrals steeped in glorious frescoes, and the enchanting courtyards of the University of Salamanca, chartered in 1218, where Cervantes went to school; the area is nicknamed La Dorada (Golden City) for the warm glow that seems to emanate from its sandstone buildings.  Then head to the riverside village of Barca d'Alva – a quiet town on the Portuguese border surrounded by placid, reflecting waters, close to the unspoiled wilderness of Arribes del Douro Natural Park – where your riverboat awaits; the hills are rich with olive groves, vineyards, and almond orchards that bloom with white flowers in spring. Embark, settle in, and join us tonight for a welcome reception and dinner.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : ms Andorinha

Day 4 Castel Rodrigo & a rock safari

Visit Castelo Rodrigo, a medieval hilltop village with a turbulent history, where battles were once fought against Moors and Spanish rule; the empty ruins of its 13th century palace still stand guard over the walled town with its churches, Manueline pillory, cistern, and panoramic vistas. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Pocinho; from there you'll set off on a rock-art safari in Vale do Côa Archaelogical Park, to see stunning examples of rock-art from the valley's Paleolithic era, 20,000 years ago. Unlike cave art found in other parts of Europe, the thousands of petroglyphs in the Coa region were created in the open air by the valley's earliest inhabitants; the site is accessible only in 4x4 vehicles.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Andorinha

Day 5 Valeria Gorge & Charming Pinhão

Spend the morning cruising the Douro River Valley where rugged conical mountains and shale hills carved by concentric vineyard terraces tell of a winemaking history thousands of years old. Since the 18th century, when Britain discovered that Portugal's fortified wine could travel long sea journeys without spoiling, the Douro Valley has been the premier port supplier to the world, and the oldest demarcated wine region. Sail the dramatic Valeira Gorge, where the river ran wild and treacherous before it was tamed by dams; in earlier centuries, small wooden boats called rabelos, heaped with barrels of wine, would negotiate rocks here and shoot the rapids on their way downriver. Arrive in the idyllic, tranquil village of Pinhão, nestled at a riverbend in the valley's premier Cima Corgo region, home to prestigious port-wine estates; a walking tour of Pinhão includes the enchanting railroad station, built in the 1930s and covered in azulejos, pictorial blue tiles that illustrate the region's winemaking heritage.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Andorinha

Day 6 Pinhão to Régua

Explore the picturesque area around Pinhao by kayaking along the slow, easy river, or drive to a nearby hilltop village for spectacular views over the valley, and hike back down; on the way, you'll be able to appreciate up close the workmanship of the steep terraced vineyards. Lunch aboard ship and sail to historic Peso da Régua in the Baixo Corgo region of the valley, where you'll dock overnight and dine aboard ship.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Andorinha

Day 7 The Douro Museum and More

Before there was a railroad, Peso da Régua was an important shipping hub where rabelos took on cargoes of port from the local wine estates. Roads from here reach in many directions, offering you a choice of sightseeing possibilities. Take a bicycle tour through Vinho Verde country. Light and effervescent Vinho Verde is not actually green wine; depending on whom you ask, the name refers to its youth or the region it's from: a fertile, temperate land of vineyard-clad mountains and lush green valleys rich with scenic bicycle trails. Or drive to the medieval town of Guimaraes for a walking tour; known as the Cradle City, the kingdom of Portugal was born here after a momentous battle in 1128. The city center is a panorama of architectural treasures, including the ruined Castle of Guimaraes, with its tempestuous history and sweeping views, the opulent Dukes of Braganza Palace, and the 13th-century Sao Miguel do Castelo Church. Return to the ship for lunch, then visit the Museu do Douro in Régua. Housed in a renovated 18th-century building, the museum features multimedia exhibits that tell the history of viniculture in the Douro River Valley; also on exhibit is a restored rabelo, one of the slender wooden vessels that used to ply the river in great numbers, carrying wine to Porto and the sea.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Andorinha

PORTOFCALL : Amarante, Portugal

Day 8 Cruising to Porto

Wind through the Baixo Corgo region of the Douro Valley, where quintas and terraced vineyards rise on both sides of the river, showing their age; the oldest terraces are buttressed by stone walls, others have dirt walls; the valley's heritage is written in the stone walls, centuries old, but as they crumble they are too expensive to replace. Arrive in Porto by the sea in late afternoon, and dine aboard ship; after dinner, enjoy a performance by a local "Tuna" ensemble – a youthful academic string band that plays festive traditional music.  

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Andorinha

PORTOFCALL : Porto, Portugal

Day 9 Porto Sights

Rising on staggered hills along the river, colorful Porto beckons you to its labyrinthine streets and stairways, medieval alleys, baroque churches, fountains, and bell-towers, beaux-arts buildings, and bohemian neighborhoods. It's hard to take a bad picture in Porto, where houses are clad in painted tiles, street art is everywhere, and beguiling, eclectic architecture is around every corner. Ride a three-wheeled taxi on a tour of iconic sights, including the Clerigos Belltower, a soaring baroque landmark, and 12th-century Porto Cathedral standing fortress-like on a hilltop overlooking the city; walk across the scenic Dom Luis I Bridge that spans the river and soak up the fabulous views; the bridge links Porto to the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, and you'll ride a cable car down to the Gaia waterfront. Or take a cycling tour along Porto's colorful riverfront, starting in the picturesque and lively Ribeira neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and ending where the river meets the Atlantic. Lunch on the riverboat, then enjoy free time to explore on your own. Join us this evening back aboard ship for a farewell dinner.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Andorinha

Day 10 Journey home

Tour ends: Porto. Fly home anytime. Transfers are included from the riverboat to Porto Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport or Porto train station.  Allow at least three hours for flight checkin.

MEALS : B

Day 1 MALAGA

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.

Day 2 MALAGA

Join us for an 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, LA BELLE DES OCEANS will cast off and head for the Moroccan coastlines. Enjoy a glass of sangria on the Sun Deck as we leave Spain behind. Join us for a lecture in the lounge: The Strategic Challenges of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Day 2 MALAGA

Join us for an excursion to Granada (including lunch). We'll visit a true wonder of Moorish art: the Alhambra, whose stunning palaces and captivating gardens are framed by the surrounding mountains. We'll cruise towards Tangier. Enjoy a drink on the Sun Deck before a lecture in the lounge.

Day 3 TANGIER

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 a 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.

Day 3 TANGIER

Early in the morning, we'll pass the Strait of Gibraltar. We'll leave for a day-long excursion to Chefchaouen (lunch included). Discover one of the most beautiful towns in Morocco. Tonight, a Moroccan evening complete with traditional couscous awaits you.

Day 4 CASABLANCA

In the morning, join us for a 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 a 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.

Day 4 CASABLANCA

In the morning, join us for a guided tour of Casablanca. This young and dynamic city is a must-see for anyone wanting to get a true feel for the country. This afternoon, we'll set off on a visit to Rabat. This coastal town, one of four Imperial Cities of Morocco, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 5 At sea

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.

Day 5 At sea

We'll spend the day cruising the Atlantic Ocean. Join us for a lecture in the lounge followed by a tasting of Moroccan pastries and mint tea.

Day 6 AGADIR

We'll leave for a 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.ORWe'll leave for a 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.

Day 6 AGADIR

We'll leave for a 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. OR We'll leave for a day-long excursion to Taroudant and Tiout in southern Morocco (lunch included). Discover authentic Morocco as we travel through the Anti-Atlas Mountains. We'll visit Taroudant, one of the most fascinating destinations in the country, and stroll through the Tiout palm grove.

Day 7 At sea

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. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 7 At sea

We'll spend the day cruising the Atlantic Ocean. Join us for a lecture in the lounge followed by a tasting of wine and cheese from the Canary Islands. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 8 ARRECIFE

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.