Itinerary

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Depart on your independent flights to Granada, Spain.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Upon arrival transfer to our hotel. Relax with the remainder of the day at leisure. Welcome dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Today we visit the lovely Alhambra. Begun in 1338, this fantasy-land of lacy stonework, slender columnar arcades, beautifully-tiled chambers, porticos, and courtyards surrounding light-reflecting water basins, has beguiled visitors through the ages. After lunch visit Granada’s splendid cathedral and enjoy a walk along the Alcaiceria, a delightful crafts precinct, once the ancient Moorish Silk Market. In the afternoon we drive to Malaga and board the Clipper Odyssey.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

The 1,400-foot Rock of Gibraltar soars from the sea as we sail through the strategic Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Disembark after breakfast to explore this tiny outpost of Britain, surrounded on three sides by Spain. Visit Europa Point for superb views of the strait and the northern coast of Morocco. Enjoy a walk through the labyrinthine St. Michael’s cave and meet the Barbary apes along the way, a colony of introduced macaques that are the photogenic icons of The Rock.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Today our ship docks in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic capital. The city has both modern quarters with broad boulevards lined by palm trees, and elegant and historic civic buildings. Many of these buildings were designed in the 1930s in the local Mauresque architectural style—a decorative blend of traditional Moroccan, French colonial, and Art Deco styles. We begin with an excursion to the colorful Central Market, followed by a guided interior exploration of the Hassan II Mosque, the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims. This seaside building, the second largest religious structure in the world (after Mecca), is a stunning example of contemporary religious architecture. Its 688-foot minaret, the tallest in the world, is visible for miles. We then pass through the Corniche district; the Anfa Quarters; the Law Courts, which include the variety of architectural features and decorative motifs found in Hispano-Moorish art; and the Habbous Quarters. This afternoon we set sail for Agadir.

Monday, May 9, 2011

After an early lunch on board we drive inland from Agadir to Taroudant. Often called “little Marrakech,” the village is surrounded by red ramparts, its gardens featuring palms and pomegranate trees. We walk the fortress ramparts and through the central plaza and the souks. The Berber Market offers a fascinating array of spices and vegetables, while the artisan souk displays silverwork, leather goods, and carpets. Relax with mint tea and Moroccan pastries at the Jnane Soussia Hotel. This evening we set sail for the Canary Islands.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Our lecturers introduce the Canary Islands as we approach Lanzarote. The islands are part of Spain, and their strategic location made them a steppingstone in the era of exploration. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Lanzarote is a volcanic island with some 300 cinder cones pock-marking its rugged landscape. This after- noon we have three tour options to choose from. A scenic drive north takes us to the Mirador del Rio, with superb views over the Famara Mountains and islands off the seacoast. A highlight of our visit is the Jameos del Agua, a lava-tube cave transformed by famed local artist César Manrique into a delightful series of pools, gardens, and a natural amphitheater. A second option goes south to Timanfaya National Park, which showcases the island’s stunning volcanic landscape. The 1824 eruption left an unusual lunar landscape of craters, multicolored petrified lava streams, geysers, and smoking fumaroles. We explore by coach, on dromedary, and on foot, watching for 177 species of rare plants, many of them unique to the Canaries. The third option is a birding tour where we keep a keen eye out for the rock dove, Cory’s shearwater, Eleanora’s falcon, and other species.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

From the capital of Santa Cruz choose a full-day exploration of the southern side of Tenerife. Visit the Botanical Gardens near Puerto de la Cruz, the attractive town of La Orotava, and Teide National Park. Here we see twisted volcanic formations of basalt and obsidian surrounding El Teide, Spain’s highest peak. After lunch at El Parador, we take a hike to view the Roques de Garcia—bizarrely eroded rocks set in ochre plains and lava rivers at the mountain’s base. Birders enjoy an excursion to spot many of the 200 species that populate the varied habitat. Or, choose a half-day excursion visiting the northern side of Tenerife, with its charming small villages, dramatic miradors (viewpoints), and the university town of La Laguna. This World Heritage Site, designated for being the first, non-fortified Spanish colonial town, has superb examples of 16th – 18th-century architecture and a layout that became a model for many American colonial towns.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

San Sebastian Bay was Columbus’ last stop before he departed for the Americas in 1492. The island is mountainous with little arable land; to grow their crops, generations of villagers have reshaped the landscape into a series of terraces, punctuated by palm groves. We take a morning driving tour to Garajonay National Park to view the thick forests of protected laurel, with an opportunity for a hike.

Friday, May 13
, 2011

This morning we are greeted by the stunning volcanic contours of Madeira on the horizon. Like the Azores, Madeira has a Portuguese heritage and a lush, eroded volcanic landscape. Choose from a half-day or a full-day tour in this land of prized floral gardens, or opt for a full day of birding. The half-day tour takes us from the town of Funchal by cable car to the top of Monte, with its 18th-century church and splendid views. Then either descend by coach or by speedy toboggans, which slide through the island’s characteristic levadas (old water canals). Back in Funchal, our local guide takes us to the town’s historic sites: the main square, São Lourenco Palace, and the 15th-century cathedral. Watch a lace-making demonstration at an embroidery factory, before visiting the open-air market—one of the most sumptuous in the Atlantic. The full-day excursion takes us through western Madeira, with its craggy green peaks and luscious valleys. We stop in small wine making villages to learn about local viniculture, visit a banana plantation, and gaze out over the second-highest sea cliff in the world. In Porto Moniz we enjoy lunch and samples of local wine as well as a refreshing swim in a rock pool, weather permitting.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Our lecture series continues and we learn more about the history, geology, and culture of the Azores.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

This southernmost island of the Azores has an interesting geological history—it sank five million years ago, only to be uplifted a million years later, complete with sedimentary layers and fossils. We drive to the east, visiting villages, a church, and a museum. Panoramic views are superb at São Lourenco and Maia. In the afternoon enjoy a choice of either an active hike between two charming villages, or a scenic tour to the village of Anjos—where Columbus landed after his first passage to the Americas. View the beautiful 15th-century church where he and his crew prayed; one of the oldest places of worship in the Azores.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Our ship anchors off Angra, a World Heritage Site. A necessary port of call from the 15th century until the steamship came along in the 19th century; the impressive 400-year-old fortifications are unique examples of military architecture. We take a walking tour of this spectacular and photogenic town. After lunch on the ship, or optionally in town, we have two choices for the afternoon: a cultural tour into the island’s interior, or an active hike for those with natural history interest. The cultural excursion takes us across the island to São Sebastiao; Praia da Vitoria, with its central plaza and historic district; and a wine museum. Or, hike up Monte Brasil with its scenic overlooks and botanical wonders, then visit the famed cave near Algarda Carvao.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

We cruise slowly in the morning, watching for the sperm whales and dolphins that frequent these channels. Graciosa is one of the lesser-visited islands of the archipelago, and one with great charm. After visiting the museum at Santa Cruz, we drive inland and pass through several picturesque villages. We stop at Furna do Enxofre, where a deep cavern, 426 feet in diameter, is pierced by sunlight streaming through a narrow funnel. On our return route, we visit the village of Praia and the chapel of Senhora Da Ajuda along the north coast for stunning views of the indigo sea on the one side and verdant green meadows on the other. Or, join a local ornithologist for a birding tour by Zodiac.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Pico, whose name is derived from the 7,713-foot volcanic cone of Mt. Pico, is the second largest of the Azores Islands and a designated World Heritage Site for its vineyard culture. We depart for a beautiful morning drive through highlands of spring flowers and endemic vegetation. It is believed that of the 300 native plant species, possibly 60 are endemic, and of the 11 species of native trees, eight are endemic to the Azores. We visit the Whaling Industry Museum, and stop at a Madalena vineyard where we sample local wines and cheeses. Lunch is onboard as we cross the narrow strait that separates Pico from Faial Island. Views of both rugged islands are superb. Docking in the natural harbor of Horta for the afternoon, we go ashore in one of the most popular yachting harbors of the Atlantic. The Museum of Horta at Capelo illustrates the magnitude of volcanic eruptions on the island in 1957.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Jagged and verdant cliffs, eroded lava rocks, and crater lakes are all evidence of the forces of volcanic eruptions that shaped this rugged island. We disembark this morning for a full-day excursion highlighting the picture-perfect landscape of lush green fields lined with basalt and adorned with flowers; the smoking fumaroles in the town of Furnas; and the crater lakes of Fogo and Furnas. After we view the Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens, enjoy a dip in the mineral-rich thermal waters before lunch at a local hotel. Birders enjoy a tour in the area near Caloura. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore before a farewell dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Friday, May 20, 2011

After breakfast this morning we transfer to the airport for independent homeward flights.

More information from Travcoa:

• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips