Amsterdam to Spain, Portugal & Morocco by Land & Sea

Arrive in Amsterdam where you have 2 nights pre-cruise to explore the city.

A free day in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities – and Amsterdam rewards those who take their time with it. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are both within easy reach, or simply wander the Jordaan neighbourhood at your own pace, stop for coffee at a canal-side cafe and watch the city go about its day. This afternoon, make your way to the port where Celebrity Eclipse is waiting – the journey south is about to begin.

A morning to explore more of Amsterdam before making your way to the port, where Celebrity Eclipse is waiting. Board this afternoon and settle in as she departs at 5:00 PM, the Dutch coastline giving way to the North Sea as the journey south begins.

Zeebrugge is the gateway to Bruges – one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site of canals, Gothic spires and cobblestone squares that feel unchanged from the 15th century. Nine hours ashore gives you time to explore the Markt, climb the Belfort tower for panoramic views, take a canal boat through the city’s waterways and still find time for one of Belgium’s celebrated beers before returning to the ship. Brussels is also within reach for those who prefer the Belgian capital.

Nearly seventeen hours in Le Havre – and Paris is just over two hours away by train. The French capital needs no introduction: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, a long lunch on a Left Bank terrace, an evening stroll along the Seine. With departure at 11:59 PM, there is time for a proper Parisian day and a proper Parisian evening – one of the great privileges of this itinerary. Le Havre itself also rewards those who prefer to stay closer – its UNESCO-listed post-war architecture and the fine-arts museum are both excellent.

A restful day at sea as Celebrity Eclipse heads south through the Bay of Biscay toward Spain. The spa, the pool deck, a long lunch – a welcome breath after the intensity of Paris and a chance to anticipate the Iberian Peninsula ahead.

La Coruña sits on the rugged Atlantic coast of Galicia – a city of granite architecture, seafood markets and a dramatic coastline that feels entirely different from the Spain most visitors know. Ten hours ashore reveals a city of real character: the ancient Tower of Hercules lighthouse, the glass-fronted galleries of the Avenida da Marina, and the extraordinary Galician cuisine that makes this one of Spain’s most rewarding food destinations.

Porto is one of Europe’s most atmospheric cities – its hillside of terracotta rooftops, the ancient wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro, the azulejo-tiled facades and the baroque grandeur of São Bento station all combining into something uniquely beautiful. Ten hours ashore is enough to cross the Dom Luís bridge, tour a port wine lodge, explore the riverside Ribeira district and still find time for a long lunch with a glass of the wine that made the city famous.

A relaxed day at sea along the Portuguese and Spanish coast as the ship heads south toward Málaga. The beverage package, the spa, the open deck in the September sunshine – a perfect midpoint pause before the Costa del Sol appears.

Málaga is the Costa del Sol at its most authentic – the birthplace of Picasso, a city of genuine culture and warmth behind the sun-drenched seafront. The Alcazaba fortress, the Picasso Museum, the historic cathedral and the lively Mercado Central are all within easy walking distance of the port. Ten hours ashore in the September sunshine is one of the most pleasant days this itinerary has to offer.

A final day at sea as Celebrity Eclipse rounds the Iberian Peninsula and heads northeast toward Barcelona. The spa, a last long dinner, the open deck as the lights of the Spanish coast appear on the horizon – a gentle and satisfying close to a remarkable voyage.

Barcelona announces itself in the pre-dawn light. Disembark and make your way to your 4-star hotel for one final night in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. The Sagrada Família, the Gothic Quarter, the Boqueria market, a long lunch on Las Ramblas, Barcelona is always worth one more day.

Today you’ll journey by rail to Madrid. Check into your hotel. Take advantage of any free time to explore lively Madrid on your own. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for the welcome dinner at the hotel.

Spaniards say the Spanish capital, situated 2,180 feet above sea level, is the nearest thing to Heaven. It’s certainly worth making the most of today by joining the included guided sightseeing tour: a full panoramic drive by way of the Calle Alcalá and a picture stop outside the Royal Palace. Take an optional trip to Toledo to revel in the splendid setting of this old walled city above the Tagus River. Made famous in El Greco’s painting, today it resembles a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art.

Visit ancient, fortified Ávila with its many towers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Salamanca and make sure you spend some time wandering around Plaza Mayor, the grandest square in Spain. Cross the border in Guarda, the highest town in Portugal. From here, descend to the valleys of the Serra da Estrela to Coimbra.

Enjoy an orientation tour of Coimbra, celebrated for its beauty and ancient university. Later, travel southward to visit the Sanctuary of Fátima, one of Europe’s most visited Marian shrines. Continue to picturesque, fortified Obidos, before reaching Lisbon for two overnights.

Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th-century “Mistress of the Seas.” On the included guided tour, see his monument, the Belem Tower, and the Moorish Citadel. Spend the afternoon at leisure—maybe in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets.

From the rolling plains of the Alentejo with its woodlands of cork and eucalyptus trees, head south to the brilliant light of Andalusia. Admire its neat, white-painted villages and sun-drenched plantations of olives, figs, and almonds while traveling towards magnificent Seville. During an optional outing to a fascinating flamenco show, feel the passion and pride of Seville with every click of the heels and castanets.

Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of this vibrant city. Walk in the city centre, see some of the main highlights and spend time admiring the impressive Plaza d’España. Notice the banks of tiles representing the provinces of Spain. A frequent ritual for Spanish visitors is to look for the space dedicated to their province to take photographs. You may want to do the same with the one you enjoyed the most so far. Free time in the afternoon.

Drive through Spain’s pretty sherry wine region and head south to the coast. Here, embark the ferry and cruise across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco on the African continent. Travel along what was once the infamous Barbary Coast, then continue the drive south to Rabat, one of Morocco’s imperial cities.

Today starts with an included guided city sightseeing tour of the country’s lively capital, Rabat, with a visit to Kasbah of the Oudayas. Later, reach Morocco’s westernmost city: Casablanca. Enjoy an orientation drive in this modern city and see the illustrious Hassan II Mosque. One of the largest mosques in the world, its minaret soars 689 feet into the sky. Continue to the “red” oasis city of Marrakesh. Tonight, experience the vibrant culture and cuisine of the original inhabitants of North Africa with an optional exotic floor show and dinner in traditional Berber style.

Today’s included city sightseeing with a Local Guide will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Founded in the 9th century, Marrakesh remains a tapestry of ramparts, mosques, palaces, gardens, and vibrant public squares and souks (markets)—where buying and selling and a fascinating carnival of entertainment occurs daily. Also visit the Bahia Palace and Majorelle Gardens.

Today, sit back, relax, and watch the scenery pass by as you travel north to vibrant Fez, the oldest of the Imperial Cities.

Ancient Fez is a city of outstanding scenic beauty. Visit the Medina during the included sightseeing tour this morning and enjoy the maze of narrow streets through the brilliant bazaars and exotic atmosphere. The madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques, and fountains dating back to the 13th century are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, explore further on your own. The Moor the merrier tonight with an unforgettable optional Moroccan evening of Moorish food, authentic folklore music, and dance, including belly dancing.

Today, an early departure takes you north for the ferry crossing back to mainland Spain to the Costa del Sol. Overnight in Mijas.

Travel along the Costa del Sol to Granada in the heart of Andalusia. Enjoy an included guided visit of the Alhambra Complex*, a lavish palace and fortress built by Moorish kings. Marvel at its architectural Moorish beauty and magnificent gardens, with construction dating back to 889 AD.

Travel through the very heart of Don Quixote’s La Mancha, famed for its castle and windmills, on your way to Madrid.

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. If you would like to extend your stay, speak with your travel advisor.