10 DAYS “Moorish Coasts” Cruise

From Genoa, visiting Marseilles, At sea, Tangier, Lisbon, Cadiz, Casablanca, Malaga (Granada), Almeria, Alicante, Barcelona, ending at Genoa.

Onboard “AQUAMARINE”

From March 06 to November 13

Genoa, Italy
Genua was a city of the ancient Ligurians. Its name is probably .Ligurian, meaning "knee", i.e. "angle", from its geographical position, thus akin to the name of Geneva. Or it could derive from the Celtic root genu-, genawa (pl. genowe), meaning "mouth",i.e., estuary, or from the Latin word of Celtic origin "ianua", meaning "door". Part of the old city of Genoa was inscribed on the World Heritage List (UNESCO) in 2006 The main features of central Genoa include Piazza De Ferrari,around which are sited the Opera and the Palace of the Doges.There is also a house where Christopher Columbus is said to have been born.

Marseilles, France*
For 2,600 years, Marseilles has been a port: from Massalia, the Phocean city, to Marseilles gateway to the East, maritime adventure and the rapid expansion of trade in the 19th century are evoked from the Old Port. The large historic buildings representing many political and religious symbols, which tell the story of the city can be seen on this itinerary. These are all there: Saint Victor Abbey, Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, the cathedrals, Palais Longchamps, and the famous Old Port with The Canebière. Also, you can see all the large residences, villas or mansions, chose the exceptional site of the Corniche: architectural surprises, extravagance or elegance, splendid views of the sea, Castle of If, can be seen everywhere

Tangier, Morocco
At the cross-roads of Europe and Africa, of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Tangier opens the door onto Morocco. Look, listen and smell: the diversity of the bustling crowds, the heavy fragrances in the markets, the murmurs of the sea and city blending together a feast of sensations that stuns the senses. There is still an air of mystery about the city, going back to the time when Tangier was an international zone. Tangier the white, the star of many films, the city of many stars - The city you fall in love with. Many are those who came here just to visit and then decided to settle permanently. Since its foundation, Tangier has been coveted by many different people and many different powers. Conquered, won back, liberated - but its power of seduction remains the same. It attracts tourists from all over the world, as well as Moroccans enchanted by its refreshing climate. You set out to conquer Tangier, but you are the one who will be conquered.

Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, an European capital with a splendid history. In the area of Belem, you will view the Monument of the Discoveries where there is an opportunity to have a photo stop at Belem Tower, an elegant Manueline structure. Visit Jerónimos Monastery, founded by King Manuel and designed by the architect Boytac, considered the jewel of Manueline art. Your next stop will be the Portuguese Royal Palace at Queluz, built in the second half of the 18th century to house the Royal Family and hosting splendid rooms with heavily gilded ceilings and furnishings.

Cadiz, Spain
Cadiz is a splendid city that has once served as home to bona fide voyagers like Ferdinand Magellan and Amerigo Vespucci . Cadiz is close to Seville, another beautiful city of Spain, thus it is not a wonder that it is a favorite harbor among elegant cruise ships. In fact, the number of cruise ships that dock in this city reaches up to almost 4 dozens in just a month.

Casablanca, Morocco
Principal city in Morocco and capital in all but administration, Casablanca is now the largest port of the Maghreb busier even than Marseilles, the city on which it was modeled by the French. A visit of Casablanca city should include the central market, the Habous district, the Royal Palace, the Mohamed V square, the residential area of Anfa and a full tour of the famous Hassan II Mosque. Departing from the pier you will stop at Mohamed V Square after passing by the United Nations Square. It's worth ducking into the Marché Central (Central Market) nearby, a high-class souk whose wares are offered to the locals, to catch a glimpse of the everyday life of the city. It's essentially a foodstuffs market, but there are handicrafts there as well. It's lively and vivid. If you had a place to cook, you could even buy a couple of turtles, for soup! Visit of the interior of Hassan II Mosque: built for the 60th birthday of former Moroccan King Hassan II, is the largest religious monument in the world after Mecca.It has space for 25.000 worshippers inside and another 80.000 outside. The 210-meter minaret is the tallest in the world and is visible day and night for miles around.

Malaga (Granada), Spain
Enjoy a pleasant drive to the Gibralfaro, a Muslim castle constructed by an 8th century emir and commanding a spectacular panorama of the city below. Delight in a visit of the Cathedral, known to the locals as La Manquita one armed as to this day the east tower of the edifice is incomplete. The cathedral boasts an 18th century baroque façade and the ornate interior is a combination of Gothic and Renaissance architecture The Alhambra Palace , The Alhambra of Granada (694 mt above sea level), a fortress from the 9th century, is perched on a hill overlooking Granada and it comprises two principle parts; the fortress and the Nasrid Palace with the lush gardens. It is one of the most remarkable castles ever constructed and it boasts architectural splendour and lush surroundings

Almeria, Spain**
a city with prestigious and exceedingly beautiful Moorish buildings and a luxuriantly green setting over which the city looks out to the snow-capped Sierra Nevada on the horizon. You will first visit the 14th century Generalife (740 mt above sea level), the summer palace of the kings of Granada, which is particularly enjoyable for its cool, green terraced water gardens and the views it offers of the Sierra Nevada, Darro valley, across to the old quarter of Albaicin and the gypsy haunts of Sacromonte.

Alicante, Spain
Alicante is the second most important city in the Valencian community, and is located at the centre of the bay which bears its name, between the capes of la Huerta and Santa Pola. You will visit the Castle of Santa Barbara, located on the top of Mount Benacantil. Iberians, Romans and Arabs settled there. Its numerous rooms, towers and battlements mainly date from the XVI-XVII centuries. You will walk through the Spanish Esplanade (Maritime Harbour), the historical centre, the municipal archive, the town hall, and you will view Saint Mary's church.

Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a major economic centre with one of Europe's principal Mediterranean ports, and Barcelona International Airport is the second largest in Spain after Madrid-Barajas Airport. Founded as a Roman city, Barcelona became the capital of the Counts of Barcelona. After merging with the Kingdom of Aragon, it became one of the most important cities of the Crown of Aragon. Besieged several times during its history, Barcelona is today an important cultural centre and a major tourist destination and has a rich cultural heritage. Particularly renowned are architectural works of Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is well known in recent times for the 1992 Summer Olympics. The headquarters of the Union for the Mediterranean are located in Barcelona.As the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona houses the seat of the Catalan government, known as the Generalitat de Catalunya; of particular note are the executive branch, the parliament, and the Supreme Court of Catalonia. The city is also the capital of the Barcelonès comarca (shire).

Genoa, Italy
Genua was a city of the ancient Ligurians. Its name is probably .Ligurian, meaning "knee", i.e. "angle", from its geographical position, thus akin to the name of Geneva. Or it could derive from the Celtic root genu-, genawa (pl. genowe), meaning "mouth",i.e., estuary, or from the Latin word of Celtic origin "ianua", meaning "door". Part of the old city of Genoa was inscribed on the World Heritage List (UNESCO) in 2006 The main features of central Genoa include Piazza De Ferrari,around which are sited the Opera and the Palace of the Doges.There is also a house where Christopher Columbus is said to have been born.