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Spain, Morocco and Gibraltar: A Clipper Ship Voyage

Program Number: 20481RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/23/2013 - 10/4/2013; 10/8/2013 - 10/19/2013;
Duration: 11 nights
Location: Spain/Gibraltar/Morocco
Price starting at: $4,143.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Small Ship Cruising Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 27; 10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Delve into the Moorish, Jewish and Christian heritage of Andalusia and Morocco, seen in the intricate details of fortresses, mosques and cathedrals, the energy of bustling markets and the distinct cultures of these lands. This voyage aboard a graceful tall ship brings you to the Andalusian capital of Seville, the exotic ports of Tangier and Casablanca, the Rock of Gibraltar, the marvelous Alhambra and more.




Activity Particulars

Walking up to 2.5 miles per day; unavoidable stairs and uneven terrain.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Seville (Spain), 3 nights; aboard Star Flyer, 7 nights.



Day 1:
Overnight flight from the U.S.A.




Days 2-4:
Arrival Seville (Spain):

Begin your adventure in Seville, where you walk through the Jewish quarter and explore the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Examine the Spanish masterpieces at the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville.
Lodging: Centrally located hotel.



Days 5-6:
Coach to Málaga / embark Star Flyer / At Sea:

Go ashore in the Andalusian port city of Málaga to discover the imposing La Alcazaba fortress.



Day 7:
Casablanca (Morocco):

Take a field trip to the Museum of Moroccan Judaism. Located in a beautiful Moorish villa, this museum relates the history of the country’s once-thriving Jewish community.



Day 8:
Tangier:

Visit the Tangier American Legation, a museum focused on U.S.-Morocco relations and the first American public property outside our borders. Continue into the Tangier Kasbah.



Day 9:
Cádiz (Spain):

Learn about the making of sherry in Jerez de la Frontera, the town from which the wine takes its name. Visit a local farm where horses are bred and raised.



Day 10:
Gibraltar:

A local expert introduces you to this British territory known for its Barbary macaques. Journey to the top of the Rock for a spectacular view over the Strait of Gibraltar.



Day 11:
Motril (Spain):

Marvel at the Alhambra, a Moorish fortress-palace famed for its spectacular courtyards, fountains and intricate decorations.



Day 12:
Málaga / disembark / departure


Star Flyer

This authentic, traditionally rigged tall ship is 360 feet long and can carry 170 passengers in comfort. It offers all the amenities of a modern cruise ship and boasts expansive teak decks, two swimming pools, an elegant dining room, piano bar and library.


Meals and Lodgings
   Hotel Catalonia Giralda
  Seville (Cadiz), Spain 3 nights
   Star Flyer
  Aboard the Star Flyer, At Sea 7 nights
 Hotel Catalonia Giralda
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: This hotel is located in the historic center of Seville, very near to the beautiful quarter of Santa Cruz and a few minutes walk from monuments such as the cathedral, La Giralda and Maria Luisa Park .
  Ship Information: n/a
  Contact info: Sierra Nevada, 3
Sevilla,  41003 Spain
phone: +34954416661
web: www.hoteles-catalonia.com/en/our_hotels/europa/spain/andalucia/sevilla/hotel_catalonia_giralda/index.jsp?seccion=hotel
  Room amenities: Air conditioning and heating, Flat screen satellite TV, Free internet access (WiFi), Full-length mirror, Hair dryer, Marble bathroom, Room service, Safe deposit box, Telephone with direct line
  Facility amenities: Restaurant, Bar, Free WiFi, Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services, Air Conditioning
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: TBD Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services for rates and bookings.

 Star Flyer
Type: Luxury Barge
  Ship Information: Tonnage: 2298 Length: 360 ft Beam: 50 ft Draft: 18.5 ft Sail Area: 36,000 sq ft Masts: 4 masts (tallest is 226 ft) Registry: Malta Number of Crew: 72 Nationality of Officers: International Nationality of Crew: International Speed: 8 knots Electric Current: 110 volts Stabilized: Yes, by water tanks to prevent rolling Air Conditioning: Yes Entered Served: Star Flyer 1991, Star Clipper 1992 Most Recent Refits: Star Clipper Summer 2005, Star Flyer Fall 2007 Size: 170 guests/85 staterooms
  Contact info: 4, rue de la Turbie
Monaco,  98000 Monaco
phone: +37797978400
web: www.starclippers.com/us/our-fleet/star-flyer.html
  Room amenities: Cabin amenities include: Private Safe Hairdryer Individually Controlled AC Direct Dial Telephones Marble Bathrooms Daily Program Color TV Satellite TV Coverage Turndown Service with Pillow Sweet Bathroom Amenities (hand soap, bath soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shower caps) 110 volts outlet Sewing Kit
  Facility amenities: 2 Outdoor pools, Water Sports: water skiing, snorkeling, windsurf sailing and lasers, Piano Bar, Tropical Bar, Private massage tent on deck (additional cost), Laundry/dry cleaning, Movies shown in your cabin throughout the day/night, Radio in each cabin, Nurse onboard, Internet Access (located in Library for 12 euros an hour)
  Smoking allowed: No


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
This program begins at Program Orientation at 6:00 p.m. at the program hotel in Seville, Spain. You will be staying at Hotel Catalonia Giralda that night.
  End of Program:
This program ends at disembarkation at 8:30 a.m. in Malaga, Spain. You will be staying at Star Flyer the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Parking is not available for this program.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Seville (Cadiz)
  Transportation to site: The Hotel Catalonia Geralda is located in the historic center of Seville, approximately 8 miles from San Pablo Airport in Seville. Participants who purchased their airfare through Road Scholar Travel Services will be provided with a transfer from the airport to the hotel. Taxis are readily available for participants making their own way to the hotel.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Aboard the Star Flyer
  Transportation from site: The international Malaga airport is only 15 minutes away from the port and has a direct access via the motorway. Both the Malaga railway station Maria Zambrano and the main Malaga bus station are situated 1,5 kilometres from the port. Participants who purchased their airfare through Road Scholar Travel Services will be provided with a transfer from the ship to the airport at the end of the program.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: International flights to Seville
(Monday, September 23)
   
 In Transit: International flights depart the USA to Seville, Spain.

Day 2: Arrive Seville / Orientation
(Tuesday, September 24)
   
 Arrive To: Arrivals at San Pablo Airport in Seville. Transfer to program hotel. Check-in. Settle in.
 Afternoon: Meet for an introduction to your program by your Group Leader.
 Dinner: Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Catalonia Giralda
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Seville, Spain
(Wednesday, September 25)

Note: Exploration of Sevilla will include about 2.5 miles of walking for around 2 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Explore Seville on foot: Start the morning walking cobblestone streets of the oldest neighborhood of Seville - the Barrio Santa Cruz/Jewish quarter ending the morning exploring the Alcázar Royal Palace and gardens.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own in Seville to explore local flavor.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon we explore the Cathedral of Seville, an expression in stone of post-Reconquest confidence and wealth. Built on the site of a mosque, it is the third largest church in Europe and the largest Gothic building in Europe. It also boasts the largest altarpiece in the world and is the burial site of Christopher Columbus.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Catalonia Giralda
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Seville
(Thursday, September 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: This morning, enjoy an expert-led visit of the Fine Arts Museum and then some free time to explore on your own.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to explore Seville on you own and follow your own interests.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own in Seville.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Catalonia Giralda
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Malaga, Spain / Embark Star Flyer
(Friday, September 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: After checking out of the hotel, take a coach to Malaga (approximately 2.5 hours).
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Explore La Alcazaba: Situated in the Old Town district of Malaga, La Alcazaba was originally a Muslim palace and fortress dating back to the early 9th century. Highlights here include Roman excavations, scenic gardens and a small museum. Later, transfer to the port and embark the Star Flyer.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Star Flyer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Day at Sea
(Saturday, September 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet on board the ship.
 Morning: In the morning join your Study Leader for a lecture titled "An Introduction to Moorish Art and Architecture."
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Afternoon lecture: "Jews, Christians and Moors: The Evolution of Art in the Western Mediterranean - Part 1."
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Star Flyer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Casablanca, Morocco
(Sunday, September 29)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet on board the ship.
 Morning: Led by a local expert, visit the Jewish museum of Casablanca. This is a unique museum in a Muslim land to preserve the Moroccan Jewish Heritage; it consists of a cultural center, an art gallery with a photo exhibit of Jewish sites in Morocco, a permanent jewelry and dress exhibit, a Moroccan Jewish synagogue and a museum of fine arts. Its exquisite architecture crafted by the best craftsmen in the region makes it one of the top architectural mastepieces in the world for Moorish architecture.
 Lunch: Light lunch of Moroccan couscous.
 Afternoon: This afternoon join your Study Leader for a lecture titled "Art and the Inquisition."
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Star Flyer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Tangier, Morocco
(Monday, September 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet on board the ship.
 Morning: This morning join your Study Leader for a lecture titled "Post Reconquista Art."
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: On the way to the Kasbah Museum, visit the Kasbah, the original old city of Tangier. It is on the highest point of Tangier and is isolated from the rest of the Medina by its walls. The gate opens to the courtyard which leads to the Kasbah Museum, also known as palace museum, which is devoted to Moroccan art. The palace was built in the 17th century and enlarged later by sultans. The carved wooden ceilings and a marble courtyard enhance the beauty of this palace. The former sultan's palace deserves to be seen not only for its collection of artifacts from the Phoenician to modern times, but also for the exquisite architecture and gorgeous garden.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Star Flyer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Cadiz, Spain
(Tuesday, October 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet on board the ship.
 Morning: Take the old road to Jerez de la Frontera, whose climate makes it possible to cultivate the different types of grapes that produce the three main sherry varieties. Enjoy a short walk through the narrow streets with a stop at a local cellar for a wine tasting. Next, visit a farm known for raising quality livestock and learn about the horse-breeding business. See the facilities and stables, carriages, colts and clinical labs. An indoor arena allows a view of the animals.
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure in port to explore at your own pace
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Star Flyer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Gibraltar, Gibraltar
(Wednesday, October 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet onboard the ship.
 Morning: Morning at leisure on board the ship. Ship will arrive in Gibraltar mid-morning.
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship or on shore.
 Afternoon: Discovering Gibraltar: Led by a local guide discover this strategic link between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean ruled by the Spanish, British and Moors. It is said that as long as the Barbary Apes remain, the British will rule Gibraltar this has held for 350 years. Ride to the top of the Rock for great views over the Strait of Gibraltar. On a clear day you can see Africa.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Star Flyer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Motril, Spain / Granada and the Alhambra
(Thursday, October 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet on board the ship.
 Morning: In the morning as the ship sails towards Motril, Spain, join your Study Leader for a lecture entitled "Post Reconquista Art."
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Explore Granada and the Alhambra : The Alhambra—a sprawling palace-citadel that comprised royal residential quarters, court complexes flanked by official chambers, a bath, and a mosque—was begun in the 13th century by Ibn al-Ahmar, founder of the Nasrid dynasty, and was continued by his successors in the 14th century. Its most celebrated portions—a series of courtyards surrounded by rooms—present a varied repetoire of Moorish arched, columnar, and domical forms. The romantic imagination of centuries of visitors has been captivated by the special combination of the slender columnar arcades, fountains, and light-reflecting water basins found in those courtyards—the Lion Court in particular; this combination is understood from inscriptions to be a physical realization of descriptions of Paradise in Islamic poetry. The Generalife -- The Generalife was the country estate of the king of Granada. When the king felt the need to get away from the life at court, he could retreat here to relax and reflect. (Note, this is about a 2-hour drive from port.)
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Star Flyer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Malaga, Spain / Departures
(Friday, October 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet on board the ship.
 Morning: Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for flights returning to North America
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A Late Dinner, Discovering the Food of Spain


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Description: A resident of Spain for the last 15 years, Richardson searches out the diversity and delight of Spain and its food in this engaging account of travels in search of a meal.



A Traveller's History of North Africa


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Description: Wide-ranging, accessible and effectively condensed, this brief history marches confidently through the centuries, covering key events and personalities in Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria to 1999.



Andalucia Map 578


Author: Michelin Travel Publications


Description: A travelers' map of Andalucia and the Costa del Sol at a scale of 1:400,000 with city plans of Seville, Malaga and Granada.



Culture Smart! Morocco


Author: Jillian York


Description: History, religion, daily life, food, health and safety are all covered in this pocket guide to Moroccan customs, etiquette and culture.



Dreams of Trespass, Tales of a Harem Girlhood


Author: Fatima Mernissi


Description: This captivating memoir opens, "I was born in a harem in 1940 in Fez, a ninth-century Moroccan city." Mernissi captures not only the spirit of the place, but also the hierarchy and decorum of a family compound in a Muslim household.



Eyewitness Guide Morocco


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: Gorgeously illustrated and filled with excellent maps, this compact guide introduces Morocco's history, culture and attractions.



Eyewitness Guide Seville and Andalusia


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: This wonderfully organized and visually rich guide features excellent maps and essays on the culture, history and geography of the region. With a pullout city map of Seville.



In Morocco


Author: Edith Wharton


Description: Wharton's enjoyable account of her month-long journey through Morocco after WWI captures the landscapes, architecture and many aspects of Muslim culture and history, and especially the cities of Rabat, Fez and Marrakech.



Islam, A Short History


Author: Karen Armstrong


Description: Armstrong brings authority and experience to this vivid, clear-headed survey of the history and impact of Islam from the birth of Muhammad to present-day challenges.



Living in Morocco


Author: Lisl Dennis (Photographer), Landt Dennis


Description: Glorious photos bring colorful interiors, distinct architecture and traditional folk art to life in this celebration of Moroccan style and culture.



Marrakesh & Northern Morocco Map


Author: ITMB


Description: Featuring a detailed walking map of the Medina and surrounding New Town on one side and a map of Northern Morocco at 1:740,000 on the reverse. With insets of Rabat and Tangier.



Nine Parts of Desire, The Hidden World of Islamic Women


Author: Geraldine Brooks


Description: A highly readable overview of the role of women in Islamic society, drawn from the author's many interviews with women throughout the Arab World.



The Alhambra


Author: Robert Irwin


Description: Irwin's brief, indispensable guide introduces the stunning Moorish palace and fortress complex, revealing its mysteries, myths and significance with wit and insight.



The Almoravids and the Meanings of Jihad


Author: Ronald Messier


Description: A scholarly and readable history of the rise, rule, collapse and influence of the Almoravid dynasty that ruled Morocco, Algeria and Muslim Spain in the 11th and 12th centuries.



The Caliph's House, A Year in Casablanca


Author: Tahir Shah


Description: Shah is a marvelous storyteller, weaving Moroccan customs and history with deft portraits of neighbors, craftsmen and others in this entertaining tale of the transformation of a crumbling palace in Casablanca.



The Ornament of the World, How Muslims, Jews, and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain


Author: Maria Rosa Menocal, Harold Bloom (Introduction)


Description: A lively, illuminating portrait of the Andalucian Kingdom, its cultural achievements and religious tolerance from the eighth century to 1492.





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