10 Nt Canary Islands, Portugal & Morocco

Lisbon is a quintessential European city, full of natural beauty, historic architecture and culinary pleasures — not to mention one of the best climates anywhere on the planet. To get to know Portugal’s capital, walk between the captivating miradouros — terrace viewpoints that are scattered on the hilltops, offering stunning vistas from the sea to the castles and beyond. Watch as the light peeks through the clouds and shines down on The City of Seven Hills during your cruise to Lisbon. If you’re a history buff, head to Belem or nearby Sintra to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Jeronimos Monastery and Quinta da Regalaira.

Portugal’s Madeira island is a natural paradise. The lush mountains, brilliant flower gardens and jagged cliffs offer the perfect backdrop for an adventure-filled holiday. Break a sweat hiking one of the levandas, or cool off with a dip in the crystal-clear blue waters. Or indulge in some local cuisine, like grilled mussels or espetada, Madeira’s answer to the grilled beef kebab.

Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, is home to gorgeous aquamarine seas, white-sand beaches and nearly year-round sunshine. Travel inland, and you’ll find more than 350 volcanic cones rising out of its National Park, making for an otherworldly volcanic landscape. More than 100 volcanoes erupted here in the 1700s. From that even arose a series of black-ash vineyards that now produce award-winning wines — not to mention strange, haunting beauty. UNESCO has dubbed the island a biosphere reserve protected site, and its remote, wild beaches are the perfect place for a surfing excursion or a simple afternoon spent relaxing at what feels like the edge of the world.

Floating off the west coast of Africa, Gran Canaria is an island where nature’s many faces come together. A rocky coastline embraces most of the island, while beaches dot the periphery. Desert-style dunes adorn the south, and leafy mountains crown the center. Outdoor lovers will find spectacular views while they surf, hike, bike or go on a road trip with Canary Islands cruises. Meanwhile, urbanites can stroll through the museum, cafes and town squares of Las Palmas — this cosmopolitan center is the seventh-largest Spanish city, filled to the brim with buildings that make you forget you’re on a tiny island.

Portugal’s island of Madeira is an adventure junkie’s paradise. Explore this unique island by land, sea or air. Trek the levandas, the island’s open canal system, and take in panoramic views of the mountains and the ocean. Dive into the deep blue sea to swim with fish and rare seals with your Madeira cruise. If you’re looking for something to spike your adrenaline, soar above the island while hang-gliding or paragliding. In the mood for more low-key exploration? Stop by a local bakery for a slice of queijada, a regional cheescake, and walk along the harbor in Funchal, taking in the 17th-century architecture.

Moroccan mystique envelops this cosmopolitan city, which is considered to be the economic capital of Morocco. Traits of ancient times co-exist with a modern metropolis, and the mix of European, Art-Deco and Art-Nouveau architecture brings colour and vibrancy to the city. Influenced by Arabia and Africa, it is culturally diverse, to say the least, and the exotic sights and smells omitted from the Souk markets are fascinating. Casablanca is awash with white buildings, striking a contrast to the blue Atlantic waters surrounding it, and boasts a thriving city centre and busy boulevards, making it a popular port of call.

Tangier, a Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar, has been a strategic gateway between Africa and Europe since Phoenician times. Its whitewashed hillside medina is home to the Dar el Makhzen, a palace of the sultans that’s now a museum of Moroccan artifacts. The American Legation Museum, also in the medina, documents early diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Morocco in an 1821 Moorish-style former consulate

It’s easy to see why Barcelona is the most-visited city in Spain. As the capital of the country’s Catalonia region, this cityscape’s cultural mosaic pieces together a 2,000-year-old hodge-podge of sun-drenched beaches, cutting edge architecture and a world-renowned dining and drinking scene. Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi left his modernist handprint all over the city, while medieval treasures linger in historic Gothic Quarter squares. Get lost in the whimsical gardens of Park Guell or savour a chef-led Catalan cooking class. Browse art collections dedicated to Picasso and Miro – or ride a cable car to the top of Montjuic Hill, relishing citywide views along the way.