In-Depth Spain, Portugal & Morocco by Land & Sea

Welcome to Barcelona where you have 1 night pre-cruise to explore the city.

Board Celebrity Xcel this afternoon and settle in as she departs at 5:00 PM – the Barcelona skyline fading behind you as the ship heads southwest toward the Strait of Gibraltar.

A first, relaxed day at sea as Celebrity Xcel heads south through the western Mediterranean. The spa, the pool deck, the restaurants – a perfect introduction to one of Celebrity’s newest and most impressive ships.

Cadiz is the gateway to Seville – one of Spain’s most passionate and beautiful cities. The extraordinary Real Alcázar palace, the soaring Gothic cathedral, the tapas bars of the Triana neighbourhood and the flamenco that seems to pulse through every cobblestone street. Ten hours ashore gives you the choice – Seville by train or Cadiz itself, one of Europe’s oldest cities with its own considerable charms.

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most atmospheric capitals – a city of seven hills, golden light, azulejo-tiled facades and the melancholic beauty of fado drifting from an open doorway. Ten hours ashore is enough to ride the famous Tram 28, explore the medieval Alfama district, stand at the Belém Tower by the Tagus and still find time for a long lunch with a glass of Vinho Verde.

A restful day at sea as Celebrity Xcel heads southwest into the Atlantic toward Madeira. The pool deck, the spa, a long lunch – a welcome pause before the island appears on the horizon tomorrow.

Funchal announces itself with drama – the island rising steeply from the Atlantic, its terraced hillsides of banana groves and bougainvillea cascading down to the harbour. The ship overnights here, giving you a full day and evening to explore. The famous levada walks through the laurissilva forest, the traditional toboggan run from Monte, the Madeira wine lodges of the old town and the extraordinary market of Mercado dos Lavradores – Madeira rewards every hour you give it.

A second full day on one of the Atlantic’s most beautiful islands. Whatever you missed yesterday – a levada trail, a clifftop viewpoint, a long lunch over a bottle of Madeira’s celebrated wine – today is your chance. With departure at 5:00 PM, the morning and early afternoon are entirely yours.

A relaxed day at sea as the ship heads back toward the Mediterranean. The Atlantic stretches out in every direction, and Celebrity Xcel’s restaurants, spa and open decks are all yours to enjoy.

Tangier sits where Europe ends and Africa begins – a city of extraordinary cultural layering, its medina a labyrinth of narrow lanes, spice merchants and mint tea houses that feel a world away from the Spanish coast just across the strait. Eleven hours ashore is time enough to explore the Grand Socco, the Kasbah, the Caves of Hercules and the sweeping views across the Strait of Gibraltar – one of the most compelling port days on any Mediterranean itinerary.

Palma is the Balearics at their most elegant – a city of golden limestone architecture, a magnificent Gothic cathedral rising above the harbour, and a waterfront promenade lined with cafes and palm trees. Ten hours ashore gives you time to explore the old town, visit the extraordinary Bellver Castle, or simply find a terrace in the sun and let Mallorca’s famous light do what it does. A near-perfect penultimate port.

Celebrity Xcel returns to Barcelona in the early hours, drawing the curtain on 11 remarkable nights. You have 2 nights to explore more of Barcelona

A full free day in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. The Sagrada Família, the Picasso Museum, a long lunch on Las Ramblas, an evening in the El Born neighbourhood – Barcelona always rewards those who take their time with it.

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.