Spain, Portugal, Cape Verde and Morocco

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Southampton, UK

  Embark on board P&O Aurora for your 23-night cruise.

• Day 2: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 3: La Coruna, Spain

  La Coruña overlooks the Bay of Coruña in the north-west corner of Spain. Step ashore and visit the Tower of Hercules, Castillo de San Anton, and Castillo de San Diego. Explore the Roman wall, historical buildings and the medieval Church of Santiago in Ciudad Vieja. Get a culture hit at the Museum of Sacred Art, Archaeological Museum and Military Museum. People-watch at La Marina and Plaza Maria Pita, or relax on the Playa Riazor and Playa del Orzan beaches. Enjoy some family fun at Aquarium Finisterrae, Science Museum and Domus — an interactive museum. Venture further afield to visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Santiago de Compostela, Betanzos and Ferrol.

• Day 4: Vigo, Spain

  Spain's Atlantic coastline is home to the Galician town of Vigo and its many attractions. Explore the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Vigo and Plaza Constitucion in Casco Vella, before admiring the views from Castro Fortress. Immerse yourself in culture at Museo do Mar de Galicia, Museo Municipal de Vigo, and Museum of Contemporary Art. Discover the El Sireno sculpture at Porta do Sol or go shopping on Rua do Principe. Watch the fisherman at O Berbes and spend some time on Playa de Samil beach. Venture further afield to Santiago de Compostela and Pontevedra or even take a boat trip around the Cíes Islands.

• Day 5-6: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 7: Ponta Delgada, 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 8: Praia Da Vitoria, 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 9: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 10: 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 11-12: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 13: Praia, Cape Verde

  Praia sits on the south coast of Santiago Island and is the capital city of Cape Verde. Spend time exploring Praca Alexandra de Albuquerque and the colonial buildings in the old town centre - known locally as the 'Plateau' thanks to its elevated position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the Archada de Santo Antonia quarter to admire Nossa Senhora de Graca, Museo Ethnographico, and the presidential palace; and also indulge in retail therapy and taste the local cuisine. Stop by Mercado de Sucupira in the Varzea area to shop for traditional handicrafts, clothing, and African fabrics. Relax, swim, and sunbathe to your heart's content on either Quebra Canela or Praia Prainha beaches in the Prainha district alongside the bay.

• Day 14: St Vincent, Cape Verde

  The island of St Vincent is found between Grenada and St Lucia in the Caribbean Sea. St Vincent is famous for its white-sand beaches, clear water, and colourful markets; making it ideal for relaxation. Explore St Vincent's capital city, Kingstown, with its St George's Anglican Cathedral, St Mary's Catholic Cathedral, and also St Vincent Botanical Gardens filled with hibiscus, nutmeg, palms, mahogany, and breadfruit trees. Head to nearby Fort Charlotte, built in the 1800s, for great views and a collection of art; while nature lovers can hike Vermont Nature Trail in search of the endemic Saint Vincent parrot. Take a drive along the 40-kilometre-long Leeward Highway Scenic Drive that runs from Kingstown; passing local villages, coconut plantations, black-sand beaches, Carib Rock, and Barrouaillie fishing village en route to Richmond Beach - gateway to distant vistas of the active La Soufrière volcano and also Falls of Baleine.

• Day 15-16: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 17: Arrecife de Lanzarote, Spain

  Today the ship drops anchor at Arrecife, the capital of the Canarian island of Lanzarote. Two splendid castles form the backdrop to the harbour - the 15th-century Castillo San Gabriel and 17th-century Castillo San Jose. Meander through the Old Quarter and admire the 17th-century San Ginés Church with its bell tower and Mudéjar-style ceiling. Indulge in retail therapy at Centro Comercial Marina Lanzarote before relaxing with a lunch of paella or fresh fish overlooking Charco San Ginés. The beautiful golden sands of Playa de Reducto are the perfect place to spend a few hours sunbathing. Venture inland to explore the lunar landscapes of Timanfaya National Park's fire mountains and Cesar Manrique's unique Jardin de Cactus on the outskirts of Guatiza and Jameos Del Agua cave.

• Day 18: 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 19: 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 20: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 21: 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 22-23: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 24: Southampton, UK

  Today your cruise comes to an end.