After a full buffet breakfast at your hotel, set out on a morning city tour to discover Madrid’s iconic landmarks. With your guide leading the way, gain an introduction to Spain’s colourful capital as you explore its historic squares and lively neighbourhoods.
The afternoon is yours to continue exploring the wonders of Madrid at your own pace. You can choose to join an optional excursion to the nearby Imperial city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Christian, Moorish, and Jewish cultures coexisted for centuries. A guided tour will lead you through the narrow, historic streets of this incredible old town.
In the early evening, rejoin your group for an authentic tapas dinner at a local restaurant. It’s a fantastic opportunity to sample one of Spain’s most famous culinary traditions and connect with your fellow travellers.
After breakfast, your Iberian exploration begins as you journey into the historic soils of Castile, a region of medieval castles and ancient cities.
Your first stop is the incredible city of Avila, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in the 11th century to protect Spanish territories from the Moors, these formidable fortifications still encircle the old town today. Built in part from stones reused from earlier structures, the walls have an average thickness of three metres. Take time at leisure to walk along the imposing 11th-century fortifications and admire the views from the ramparts while reflecting on the centuries of history they have stood watch over.
In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Salamanca, a university city also granted World Heritage status. Known as ‘The Golden City’ for the glow of its sun-kissed sandstone buildings, the city is yours with free time to wander its historic streets and perhaps get a first glimpse of its grand Plaza Mayor before settling in for the night.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
Enjoy breakfast this morning before your journey continues west, crossing the border from Spain into Portugal and into the heart of the world-renowned Douro Valley.
You will make a stop in the charming village of Pinhao, nestled in a picturesque bend of the Douro River. The village is surrounded by steep, terraced hillsides where some of the world’s best Port wines are produced. You’ll also have a chance to see the town’s beautiful train station, which is famously decorated with ornate images of the local harvest.
From the Douro Valley, continue to the coastal city of Porto. One of Europe’s oldest cities, its UNESCO-listed historic centre rises above the Douro River in a patchwork of colourful houses, grand churches and narrow streets. After checking in to your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
After breakfast, head out on a guided exploration of Porto. Along the way, visit some of the city’s most significant landmarks, including Porto Cathedral, the impressive Stock Exchange Palace and the ornate Church of Santa Clara.
The highlight of your day is a cruise along the Douro River on a traditional Rabelo boat, the historic flat-bottomed vessels once used to transport barrels of wine. From the water, you’ll gain a unique perspective of the city’s famous bridges and the colourful houses of the Ribeira district. The experience concludes with a tasting of the city’s most famous export: Port wine.
The rest of the day is at your leisure to continue exploring Porto on your own.
Douro River cruise
After breakfast, your journey continues south towards Lisbon, with a fascinating stop in the historic city of Coimbra. Known as the birthplace of Fado music, Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe.
Enjoy an included visit to the world-renowned University of Coimbra, the oldest university in Portugal. Explore its monumental buildings and admire one of Europe’s most beautiful libraries before enjoying time to wander the narrow streets of the historic centre.
In the afternoon, you will continue to Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, a city spread across seven hills. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is at your leisure. You may wish to get your first taste of the city by exploring the nostalgic corners of the Alfama Quarter, the old city located next to its castle, with narrow, twisting streets full of colourful buildings and genuine ‘tabernas’ (taverns).
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours
EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel five-star stay
After breakfast, embark on a morning sightseeing tour of Lisbon, the ancient city of ‘Olissipo’. Your guided tour begins with a drive through the city’s main squares and avenues, including the grand Marquis of Pombal Square and Liberty Avenue.
You will then journey to the historic Belém district, a riverside area rich with monuments from Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Here, you will admire the iconic Belém Tower, the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, and the impressive Monument to the Discoverers, which celebrates the country’s seafaring past. The afternoon is yours to explore Lisbon at your own leisure.
This evening, you can choose to immerse yourself in the heart of Portuguese culture with an unforgettable evening of Fado music (surcharges apply). You’ll be taken to one of Lisbon’s oldest and most authentic Fado venues for a traditional dinner. Here, in an intimate setting, you will be captivated by the soulful, melancholic melodies of Fado, a musical style that tells stories of love, loss, and saudade (longing). It’s a truly moving and quintessentially Lisbon experience.
EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel five-star stay
Today is dedicated to exploring the enchanting towns and dramatic coastline just outside of Lisbon. You will journey to the fairytale town of Sintra, a longtime summer sanctuary for Portuguese royalty and a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its romantic palaces and lush hills. Your visit includes entrance to the mystical Quinta da Regaleira estate, where you can explore its intriguing gardens, hidden tunnels and famous inverted tower.
The tour continues to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, where you can stand on the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. From there, you’ll visit the charming seaside resort town of Cascais, a former fishing village that became a popular retreat for nobility.
After returning to Lisbon, the evening is at your leisure.
EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel five-star stay
After breakfast, you will farewell Portugal and cross the border back into Spain, journeying towards Andalusia. Along the way, you’ll stop in the city of Mérida, the capital of the Extremadura region and a UNESCO World Heritage site for its incredible Roman ruins. Once known as Augusta Emerita, this was a very important city in the Roman Empire. Your visit includes entrance to the magnificent Roman Theatre, a remarkably well-preserved structure built to seat 6,000 spectators.
In the afternoon, your journey continues south to Seville, the capital of Andalusia and the essence of Spanish tradition, where flamenco rhythms, ornate palaces and lively tapas bars create one of Spain’s most distinctive cityscapes. After checking into your hotel, the evening is yours to get a first taste of this city.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
Today, you will explore romantic Seville, the captivating capital of Andalusia. Your guided tour explores the city’s charming Jewish Quarter (Barrio de Santa Cruz), a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses and picturesque squares dating back to the time of Moorish rule. The tour concludes at the exterior of the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You might like to enter the cathedral and join a guided tour for an additional cost.
The afternoon is yours to continue exploring this city of light at your own leisure.
This evening, you can choose to experience Seville like a true local on an authentic tapas tour (surcharges apply). Your guide will lead you away from the main tourist squares and into the labyrinthine streets of the old town to discover the city’s beloved tabernas (taverns). Hop from one historic bar to the next, sampling a variety of delicious, traditional tapas and soaking up the lively atmosphere as the Andalusian capital comes alive after dark.
After breakfast, your journey continues deeper into the heart of Andalusia, travelling from Seville to Granada with a stop in Cordoba.
Once the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba, the city flourished as a major Islamic centre and is renowned for its magnificent Mosque–Cathedral, the Mezquita – a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its red-and-white striped arches. Admire this extraordinary architectural masterpiece before strolling through the narrow, winding streets of the historic Jewish Quarter, where charming courtyards and whitewashed lanes reveal another layer of the city’s rich past.
In the afternoon, you will continue your journey to the enchanting city of Granada, located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. After checking into your hotel, the evening is at your leisure to relax and anticipate tomorrow’s visit to the incredible Alhambra.
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours
After breakfast, prepare for the highlight of your time in Andalusia: a visit to the magnificent Alhambra, a breathtaking palace and fortress complex that stands as a testament to the brilliance of Moorish craftsmen. Your visit includes entrance to this sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on a hilltop offering stunning views across Granada, you’ll discover the ornately decorated domes, serene courtyards, and intricate archways of the Nasrid Palaces, the historic heart of the complex.
The afternoon is free for you to explore more of Granada at your leisure. You could wander through the whitewashed streets of the Albaicín, the old Arab quarter, or relax in one of the city’s charming plazas.
This evening, you may choose to attend an authentic flamenco show in Granada (additional cost), in one of the heartlands of this iconic art form. In an intimate venue, you’ll witness the intensity of world-class performers as they tell stories through thunderous footwork, soulful singing and masterful guitar. Accompanied by a delicious dinner, this is an unforgettable immersion into the soul of Andalusia.
After breakfast, farewell Granada and journey back towards Madrid, stopping en route in Úbeda, known as the capital of Spanish olive oil. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage-listed town on a guided walk before enjoying a tasting of its distinctive extra virgin olive oil. A light lunch is included here.
In the afternoon, you will arrive back in Madrid and check into your hotel. Tonight, you will join your group for a special group dinner, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your incredible journey through Spain and Portugal before your adventure continues to Morocco.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
After breakfast, your adventure takes an exciting turn as you say ‘adios’ to Spain and prepare to journey to a new continent. You will be transferred to Madrid Airport for your included flight to Casablanca, Morocco.
Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the legendary Rick’s Café for an included lunch. A beautiful recreation of the cafe from the classic film ‘Casablanca’, it’s a truly memorable start to your time in Morocco. After lunch, you’ll see one of Casablanca’s most impressive landmarks with an outside visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque.
From Casablanca, travel north to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. After checking in, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Travel time: Flight – approx. two hours / Driving – approx. one hour
After breakfast, you will explore Morocco’s political capital, Rabat. Your guided tour will take you to the city’s key landmarks, including an exterior visit to the Royal Palace, the impressive Hassan Tower, and the revered Mohamed V Mausoleum. You’ll also have some free time near the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas.
From Rabat, your journey continues to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Volubilis is home to some of the most well-preserved Roman mosaics and ruins in North Africa, which you will explore with a local guide.
In the afternoon, travel to the city of Fes, one of Morocco’s great imperial capitals. After checking in, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours
After breakfast, prepare for a full-day immersion into the captivating city of Fes, considered the religious capital of the country.
Your guided tour begins with the landmarks outside the old city walls, including an exterior visit to the grand Royal Palace with its seven gates, the historic Jewish Quarter, and a viewpoint at a fortress that offers the best panoramic view of the ancient medina, Fes el Bali.
You will then step back in time as you enter Fes el Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s largest living medieval cities. Follow your guide through the famous Bab Bou Jeloud gate and into a labyrinth of narrow, winding alleys lined with bustling souks, where the air is filled with the aromas of spices, leather workshops and traditional street food. Your walk will take you to the city’s famous tanneries and to the intricately decorated Bou Inania Medersa, an ancient centre of learning.
Lunch and dinner at local restaurants are included today, giving you an authentic taste of Moroccan cuisine.
After breakfast, you will embark on a day trip from Fes to explore another of Morocco’s imperial cities, Meknes, and the beautiful countryside that surrounds it.
Explore Meknes on a guided tour, visiting the impressive Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl and the monumental city gates of Bab Khemis and Bab el Mansour. From here, continue into the surrounding countryside for a unique culinary experience. Visit a local winery for a special wine tasting and enjoy an included lunch served in a charming vineyard setting – a wonderful opportunity to sample the distinctive terroir of Moroccan wine.
In the afternoon, return to Fes, before savouring dinner at the hotel.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hour
Prepare for a remarkable day as you travel from the imperial city of Fes across the Middle Atlas Mountains and onward to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert.
Along the way, pass through the town of Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its chalet-style architecture and alpine surroundings. Pause for a scenic photo stop amid the rugged mountain landscape before continuing to Midelt, known as the “Apple Capital” of Morocco, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, the scenery shifts dramatically as the mountains give way to semi-desert plains and vast palm groves on the road to Erfoud, considered the gateway to the Sahara. Here, board your 4WD transport and venture into the desert, crossing rose-gold dunes and passing traditional Berber villages.
Arrive in the late afternoon at the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi, where your accommodation for the night awaits at Golden Camp Merzouga. As the sun begins to set, set out on a camel ride across the sands before settling into your desert glamping camp. Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner by the campfire and look up to the vast desert sky filled with stars.
Travel time: Driving – approx. eight hours
Sahara Desert glamping
After breakfast at the hotel, the day is yours to enjoy at leisure in the Sahara.
You might like to join an optional Sahara desert adventure (surcharges apply), travelling by 4WD across sweeping golden dunes. During the excursion, enjoy a specially arranged sunset or sunrise moment among the dunes, accompanied by Moroccan tea or a glass of champagne as you take in the endless horizons of the Sahara.
Alternatively, you may wish to take part in an optional local cooking experience (surcharges apply), where you will learn the secrets of traditional Moroccan cuisine alongside local hosts. Prepare regional dishes together before enjoying the flavours and hospitality that define Moroccan cooking.
In the evening, savour a dinner of traditional desert dishes before spending another unforgettable night in your Sahara desert camp, surrounded by the silence and stars of the desert.
Sahara Desert glamping
After breakfast in the desert, your journey continues towards the High Atlas Mountains, travelling along the famed ‘Road of a Thousand Kasbahs’.
You will first stop in Tinerhir to visit the spectacular Todra Gorge. You’ll have free time to walk between the immense, sheer rock walls of the canyon. Your journey continues through the beautiful landscapes of the Drâa valley and the Skoura Palm grove, a lush oasis filled with historic kasbahs.
Continue to the city of Ouarzazate, nicknamed the ‘door to the desert’ and home to the world-famous Atlas Studios. Measured by acreage, Atlas is indisputably the largest film studio in the world; movies and television filmed here include Prison Break, Gladiator and the 1999 smash hit The Mummy. Enjoy a guided tour before checking in to your hotel and settling in for dinner.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 5.5 hours
After an early breakfast, your day begins with a visit to the magnificent Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This iconic fortified village is a spectacular example of southern Moroccan architecture, and you’ll have time to explore its ancient, earthen-clay buildings.
From Aït Benhaddou, your journey continues on a dramatic route, crossing the magnificent High Atlas Mountains via the Tichka Pass. You’ll travel through stunning mountain scenery before descending towards the vibrant plains of Marrakech.
You will arrive in the legendary city of Marrakech at the end of the afternoon. After checking into your accommodation, you can spend time at leisure before dinner at the hotel.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
After breakfast, prepare for a full-day immersion into the magic of Marrakech, the ‘Red City’. Your guided tour begins with a visit to the tranquil gardens of La Menara and the majestic Koutoubia Mosque minaret, the landmark of the city. You will then visit the Bahia Palace, a stunning example of medieval Muslim architecture, to admire its intricate decorations and beautiful courtyards.
In the afternoon, you will dive into the heart of the old city, the Jmaa el Fnaa square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians create a vibrant open-air theatre. From the square, you will explore the winding alleyways of the famous souks, and enjoy a special experience at an authentic Riad, where you will learn the art of making the perfect Moroccan mint tea.
Tonight, your incredible journey concludes with a special farewell dinner at Al Baraka, a palace in the heart of the medina. You will dine on typical Moroccan dishes while enjoying live performances, a fitting celebration of your travels through Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Begin with breakfast at your hotel, then transfer to Marrakech Airport (RAK) for your onward flight to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO).
Arriving in the Eternal City, make your own way to Borghese Contemporary Hotel, an elegantly restored palace adorned with marble and set within walking distance of the Villa Borghese gardens, the Via Condotti shopping district and the Spanish Steps.
Settle into your room with the afternoon ahead, or wander Via Veneto for an early aperitivo and your first taste of la dolce vita.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and set out for a day set your own pace.
Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, time your visit to the Spanish Steps for the early-morning quiet or climb the stairs of the Colosseum on a walking tour.
In the afternoon, you might like to cross the Tiber into Trastevere for cobblestone lanes, ivy-draped trattorias and Rome’s most photographed dinner spots. An Aperol or two, and Roman pasta classics from the very streets that invented them will keep you occupied for hours.
Enjoy another free day to dig deeper. The Vatican is the obvious draw; book ahead for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, then step into St Peter’s Basilica to see Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s bronze baldachin up close.
Beyond the Vatican walls, the Borghese Gallery rewards a slower pace, with works by Caravaggio, Bernini and Raphael set inside a 17th-century villa surrounded by parkland. Reserve in advance – entry is timed and capacity is capped.
Make your own way to the port at Civitavecchia this morning to embark Azamara Onward, your home for the next nine nights as you trace the Italian coast and island-hop through the Mediterranean.
Settle into your stateroom and find your bearings around the ship before the Eternal City slips astern. Toast the start of the voyage with dinner on board as Azamara Onward turns south for the Amalfi Coast.
All-Inclusive Mediterranean cruise aboard Azamara Onward
Wake to the sight of the Amalfi Coast’s dramatic cliffs, with terraced lemon groves and pastel-coloured buildings tumbling down to the water.
The town itself is small enough to cover on foot, sit at one of the pebbled beaches and then disappear into the alley lanes for a granita or a glass of limoncello at the source.
Shore excursions are on offer (surcharges apply). You might like to step into the ancient ruins of Pompeii, board a motor launch into the Grotta dello Smeraldo (a sea cave lit emerald by sunlight), take a boat across to Positano and more.
All-Inclusive Mediterranean cruise aboard Azamara Onward
One of the great powers of the ancient Mediterranean, Siracusa rivalled Athens in the 5th century BC and still wears its history.
You might like to spend the morning in the Neapolis Archaeological Park exploring the Greek theatre carved into the hillside and the limestone cave known as the Ear of Dionysus, named for its uncanny acoustics.
You could choose a shore excursion (surcharges apply), such as a guided tour of the ancient ruins, a crossing to Ortigia, the old town set on its own small island or a slower-paced wine tasting at Barone Sergio.
All-Inclusive Mediterranean cruise aboard Azamara Onward
Tucked into a long inlet on Kefalonia’s west coast, Argostoli is the island’s capital and a sun-drenched base for the day.
You might like to wander the waterfront promenade and Lithostroto pedestrian street for an afternoon coffee, with loggerhead turtles often spotted in the harbour below.
You could opt for a shore excursion (surcharges apply), such as a guided tour of the countryside taking in Fanari Lighthouse, Agios Andreas Monastery and a Robola winery. Or if a slower pace suits, an afternoon on the beach is hard to beat.
All-Inclusive Mediterranean cruise aboard Azamara Onward
Once the ancient port of Sparta, Gythion is a working Peloponnese town with pastel neoclassical houses rising above its small harbour. Boats still tie up in the harbour where Spartan ships once anchored, and nearby Cranae islet is said in Greek mythology to be where Helen and Paris spent their first night together before sailing for Troy.
This is your day to choose how to savour your time in Gythion (surcharges apply): linger over a seafood lunch by the waterfront, swim at nearby Mavrovouni Beach, or venture inland to Mystras, the abandoned Byzantine city set in the foothills of the Taygetos Mountains.
All-Inclusive Mediterranean cruise aboard Azamara Onward
Crete’s eastern resort town wraps around the inland lake of Voulismeni, a near-perfect circle of dark water that local legend ties to the goddesses Athena and Artemis. Cafes line the lake edge, fishing boats bob in the adjoining harbour, and a short walk in any direction lands you at a beach.
You could opt for a shore excursion (surcharges apply), such as a boat trip to the tiny island of Spinalonga or a guided visit to Knossos, the legendary palace of King Minos from Greek mythology. Or travel to Vassilakis Estate for an owner-led tour exploring the heritage of Cretan olive oil.
All-Inclusive Mediterranean cruise aboard Azamara Onward
Arrive at Rhodes, an island blessed with more sunshine than anywhere else in Europe. The medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, remains remarkably intact, its fortified walls and cobblestone streets a testament to the Knights of St John who ruled here for two centuries. Beyond the historic quarter, ancient ruins, traditional villages and golden coastline await.
You might choose to visit the Acropolis of Lindos perched high above the sea or craft your own keepsake at a Rhodian pottery workshop (surcharges apply). Alternatively, wander the medieval streets of the Old Town independently, discovering Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques and the Palace of the Grand Master.
All-Inclusive Mediterranean cruise aboard Azamara Onward
Marmaris curves around a large natural harbour, backed by pine-clad mountains and a marina lined with yachts. Its old quarter sits beneath Marmaris Castle, rebuilt by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century, while the modern resort town buzzes along the bay.
You might like to wander the old town’s cobbled lanes and browse the bazaar for hammered copper, woven kilims and Turkish delight, before stopping for coffee along the seafront promenade.
You could opt for a shore excursion (surcharges apply), such as a boat trip through the islands and sheltered coves of Marmaris Bay with a swim stop, or a visit to the ancient city of Stratonikeia, once known for its gladiator contests.
All-Inclusive Mediterranean cruise aboard Azamara Onward
Few first sights compare to sailing into Santorini’s caldera, with the whitewashed villages of Fira and Oia stacked along the rim like sugar cubes catching the light above impossibly blue waters.
With plenty of shore excursions on offer (surcharges apply), spend the day however you please, from a panoramic cruise through Santorini’s volcanic landscapes to unwinding on the black sands of Perissa Beach, before making your way north to Oia for what may be the world’s most photographed sunset.
All-Inclusive Mediterranean cruise aboard Azamara Onward
Disembark in Piraeus this morning as your spectacular voyage draws to a close. Make your own way to Athens International Airport (ATH) for your onward journey.