Portugal, Spain and Morocco

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Southampton, England, UK

  Board Cunard Queen Victoria for your 28-night cruise

• Day 2-4: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 5: Praia da Vitoria, Azores, Portugal

  Praia da Vitória, translated as the Beach of the Victory, is one of the most modern towns in the Azores. It is packed full of character, stunning churches, caverns, lakes and much more. Explore the cobbled streets and discover the mesmerising blue and white Império dos Pescadores among other breath taking buildings. Take a stroll across the white sandy beach or hike along fort stone walls and gaze in awe at untamed volcanic mountains. Take in the panoramic views from the Port of Praia da Vitória, located next to crystal blue waters of the bay.

• Day 6: Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal

  Ponta Delgada is the capital of São Miguel Island on the Azores archipelago. Stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants. Witness the Gothic-style Church of St Sebastian near the harbour. Seek out the Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope; which is home to a revered image of Christ. Delve into Azorean culture on a visit to the Carlos Machado Museum. Explore the renaissance bastions and battlements at São Brás Fortress and enjoy a unique photo opportunity in front of the city's Portas de Cidade gateway. Venture out of the city to admire the clear-blue waters at Lagoa de Fogo crater lake and bathe in natural springs at Ponta de Ferraria.

• Day 7-9: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 10: Mindelo, St Vincent, Cape Verde

  Mindelo is a port city on São Vicente - part of the Cape Verde archipelago - known for its music, nightlife, and lively carnival celebrations. Witness the colourful colonial houses that line the shores of Porto Grande Harbour and pay a call to the nearby Torre de Belém, which is a scaled-down replica of Lisbon's centuries-old tower. Mindelo's landmarks including the Governor's Palace and Paço do Concelho city hall are worth a look too. Head to the top of the island’s towering mountains and make sure to have your camera ready to capture the breath-taking views. Visit the sweeping sandy beaches that sit at the foot of the rugged mountains and gaze in awe at crystal blue waters dotted with colourful fishing boats. Take a drive through the island’s fantastic landscapes, volcanic valleys, and bustling city to discover the colourful life and culture of the islanders of Cape Verde.

• Day 11-12: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 13-14: Tenerife, Spain

  Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the island's best-kept secrets. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, known locally as Santa Cruz, is a bustling centre of culture and activity. Visit the Museum of Man and Nature and discover the evolution of the Canary Islands. Alternatively, head to the award-winning Loro Parque wildlife park and come face-to-face with amazing animals and exotic birds. Head down to the Downtown Santa Cruz shopping district and enjoy a superb range of shops and tapas bars. Soak up the sun on the golden sands of La Teresitas beach or hike around the surrounding mountains and savour the picturesque views.

• Day 15: Gran Canaria, Spain

  The Canary island of Gran Canaria is famous for its black lava and white sand beaches; from bustling Playa del Ingles and Puerto Rico to quieter San Augustin and Puerto de Mogan. Surfing fans can make a beeline for Pozo Izquierdo for some great waves and adventurers can hike at the Jurassic-like Caldera de Bandama or climb up to Roque Nublo for 360-degree island vistas. The capital of La Palmas is a Mecca for duty-free shopping, its historic Vegueta old town, Las Canteras urban beach, and marine life at Poema del Mar; while the nearby Jardin Botanico Canario Viera y Clavijo is the perfect escape. The awe-inspiring Dunas de Maspalomas are a must-see sight or step back to pre-Hispanic times at Cueva Pintada Museum. Get up close to wildlife and see dolphins, turtles, seals, toucans, and orchids at Palmitos Park – the biggest zoological park in the Canary Islands - or swap seals for slides at Aqualand Maspalomas Water Park, a ten-minute ride away.

• Day 16: La Palma, Spain

  Today the ship drops anchor on the Canary Island of La Palma. This beautiful island is a UNESCO biosphere reserve thanks to its rugged, forested landscape dotted with volcanoes like Cumbre Vieja and Teneguia. Stroll around the narrow cobbled streets of wooden-balconied houses and mansions in the island's capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma. Uncover local history and culture at Museo Naval, Museo de la Seda, Museo Casa Roja, and Museo Insular. Explore the craft shops and see artisans at work in the town of Villa de Mazo. Pay a visit to Roque de Los Muchachos observatories to see the world's largest telescope - Gran Telescopio Canarias - and witness close-up views of the amazing night sky. Venture two kilometres north of Santa Cruz to discover the magical Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves church. Take a trip inland to admire the huge crater covered in pine forests and waterfalls at Caldera de Taburiente National Park.

• Day 18: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

  Today the ship drops anchor at the Portuguese island of Madeira. Nicknamed the 'floating garden' due to its lush flora and fauna, there is no place that typifies this more than Funchal's Botanical Gardens. Ride in the cable car up to Monte, before returning back down to the city in a traditional toboggan? Head to the east of the island to admire the views from Pico de Arieiro, or venture west to visit the picturesque village of Câmara del Lobos and the Cabo Girão Skywalk. Take a ferry to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo, a beach-lovers paradise, or take a baptism dive with sharks and tropical fish at Aquario da Madeira. For the ultimate treat, why not enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the famous Belmond Reid's Palace Hotel in Funchal?

• Day 19: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 20: Agadir, Morocco

  Sitting at the foot of the Anti-Atlas Mountains alongside the Atlantic Ocean in Morocco; the southern coast resort of Agadir is a vibrant place to visit. Spend time hiking to the hilltop Kasbah to gaze at the medieval architecture and catch a bird’s eye view of the city, which was destroyed by an earthquake and received a modern re-build in the sixties. Wander the avenues lined with palm trees and high-rise hotels which contrast with traditional minarets and bustling bazaars. Visit the beautiful stretch of beach for a peaceful afternoon's sunbathing and swimming. Get up close to the crocodiles at Crocopark east of the city or go on a birdwatching trip amongst the pink flamingoes, ducks, herons, and cormorants at Souss-Massa National Park.

• Day 21: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 22: Casablanca, Morocco

  The Moroccan city of Casablanca blends old and new in glorious style. Discover a vibrant mix of local bazaars and temples infused with a French colonial twist. Take in the sights of this marvellous city and visit the modern Hassan II Mosque with its 210-metre-high minaret, the bustling Medina, Central Market, and Souq Haboos; the 1930s Cathedral du Sacre Coeur, and Place Mohamed V's buildings with their neo-Moorish facades. Stroll along the beachfront Corniche and enjoy the picturesque scenery en-route to the beachfront district of Ain Diab. Travel to the nearby sleepy seaside city of Mohammedia and further afield to El Jadida's UNESCO-listed Citadel and the ancient port of Safi.

• Day 23: Tangier, Morocco

  Tangier is situated on the Strait of Gibraltar, the most northern point of Morocco. This port city is rich in history and culture. Stroll through the old city ‘medina’ of Tangier and visit the stalls, shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, and the five storey-high Tangier American Legation Museum. Relax with a coffee and soak in the blend of Andalusian, Moorish and Moroccan architecture. Venture uphill to the ancient fortress of Kasbah for scenic views over the city or to discover the ancient relics and artefacts at the Kasbah Museum. Travel further afield to the stunning Grottoes of Hercules in Cape Spartel, just 14km to the west of Tangier.

• Day 24: Cadiz (tours to Seville), Spain

  The ancient port city of Cadiz lies on a peninsula on Spain's south-west coast. From its bustling harbour to its Moorish-style old town, Cadiz is awash with things to see and do. Explore Museo de Cadiz and Museo de las Cortes de Cadiz, or visit the cathedral to see more of the city from its Toree de Poniente. Soak up the sunshine on Playa de Caleta beach and escape to Parque Genoves. Relax with a plate of fried fish on Plaza de Flores, before shopping in the adjacent Mercado Central de Abastos. Venture further afield and experience flamenco and fiestas in the tree-lined streets of Seville or uncover the art of sherry making in Jerez.

• Day 25: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 26: Lisbon, Portugal

  Spread across seven hills on the shores of River Tagus is Portugal's capital city, Lisbon. Pavement cafes, bustling squares and serene gardens sit alongside palaces, bridges and castles in this waterside city. Immerse yourself in culture at Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and National Museum of Contemporary Art, or enjoy the colourful marine life at Oceanarium. Take a vintage tram ride through the city's cobbled streets, admiring Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower on the way. Haggle for bargains at the lively Thieves Market, or explore designer shops on Rua do Carmo, Rua Garrett and Avenida da Liberdade. Venture further afield and discover the fairytale places and ornate villas in Sintra or go dolphin-watching in Setúbal.

• Day 27-28: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 29: Southampton, England, UK

  Today your cruise comes to an end.