At a time when all of Europe was shrouded in the Dark Ages, a glorious civilization sprang up in northern Africa. It is conventional to refer to this civilization as “Moorish,” but in fact it was a hybrid of three powerful cultural forces: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The period when Moorish kings ruled Andalusia—or al-Andalus, as they called it—was a rare moment in history when members of the three great monotheistic faiths worked side by side to build a sophisticated society. This voyage, operating round-trip from Seville, to the west coast of Africa and back to southern Spain, promises to beguile you with its exotic aura of mystery and nourishment of the senses. Morocco beckons with Marrakech’s Djemaa el-Fna Square, where there is a cacophony of oral storytellers, jugglers, snake charmers, and magicians. Explore Tangier’s traditional Moroccan alleyways and Dar el Makhzen, the former palace of the sultans. We’ll discover two of the most splendid cities of Spain’s al-Andalus: Granada, home of the incomparable Alhambra Palace and Seville with its striking Alcazar. Join us on this truly extraordinary voyage to sunlit Morocco and southern Spain.
Cultures and Faiths in Spain and the Maghreb itinerary:
Day 1: SEVILLE, Spain | EMBARK
Arrive in Seville and transfer to Corinthian II. Overnight aboard ship, docked in port.
Day 2: SEVILLE
Occupied by the Romans, conquered by the Moors, and ruled by a succession of Catholic monarchs, Seville is one of Europe’s most important and affluent maritime cites. Visit the Alcazar, with its charming Murillo Gardens, and the Gothic Cathedral.
Day 3: AT SEA
Attend lectures and enjoy the ship’s amenities as we sail toward Morocco.
Day 4: SAFI | MARRAKECH | SAFI, Morocco
From Safi, drive to fabled Marrakech, one of Morocco’s Imperial Capitals, founded in the 11th century and set among gardens and palm groves. Our exploration includes the 12th-century Koutoubia Minaret; the Bahia Palace; the Ben Youssef Medressa; the Jewish Quarter; and Djemaa el-Fna, the city’s central square at the heart of the medina. There will also be an opportunity to walk through Marrakech’s colorful souks.
Day 5: CASABLANCA | RABAT | CASABLANCA
From Casablanca, drive to Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital. Tour its Medina, home to colorful souks; the Chellah Citadel, which contains the royal tombs; and the Kasbah des Oudaias, the evocative quarter of the old Almohad, Merenid, and Andalusian towns.
Day 6: TANGIER
Founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century B.C., Tangier was subsequently held by the Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, and Visigoths, followed by the Arabs in 709, who used it as the base for their invasion of Spain. Spend the afternoon exploring the medina, a classic Moroccan town of narrow alleyways and stepped passages, dominated by its old citadel or kasbah. Also visit the Dar el Makhzen, the former palace of the sultans, now a museum of antiquities and crafts, and the Old American Legation, a former palace given to the U.S. government in 1777 to house America’s first embassy (Morocco was the first overseas country to recognize the independent United States).
Day 7: MOTRIL | GRANADA | MOTRIL, Spain
Granada exemplifies the best of Moorish culture, art, and architecture. Tour the Alhambra, a striking 13th-century palace begun by the caliphs of the Nasrid dynasty. Also see the Sala de los Dos Hermanos and stroll through the splendid Generalife Gardens, adjacent to the Alhambra.
Day 8: GIBRALTAR
Gibraltar is one of the world’s great sea landmarks that has guided mariners for centuries. Explore Casares, a typical Andalusian “White Town,” set on a hillside below a castle. Wander around the twisting lanes, enjoying views from the Alcazar, the ruins of a Moorish castle.
Day 9: SEVILLE, Spain | DISEMBARK | USA
Disembark in Seville and transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S.
Corinthian II
The deluxe Corinthian II is an all-suite yacht accommodating up to 114 guests. Built in 1992 and refurbished and redecorated in 2005, it has 57 suites, each with:
• Sea view
• Queen-sized bed separable into two twin-sized beds
• Sitting area
• Satellite TV, DVD/CD player
• Telephone
• Mini-refrigerator
• Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries
• 225 square feet or more
• Plush terry robes and slippers
• Fresh flowers and fruit basket
• 24-hour room service
The Penthouse Suites and Veranda Suites (400 and 300 square feet, respectively) feature private balconies accessed via sliding-glass doors, as well as white glove butler service.
FINE DINING
Corinthian II’s superb Continental cuisine is created by master chefs who select fresh local ingredients at many ports of call. Meals are served either in the stately restaurant or al fresco on the umbrella-studded sun deck. Fine regional wines are complimentary with lunch and dinner, and beginning in 2008 open bar service will be available throughout the day.
BESPOKE SMALL-SHIP AMENITIES
Returning from excursions, guests enjoy complimentary refreshments, afternoon tea and all-day coffee in The Club, a gracious space for relaxation, surrounded by panoramic windows. Before or after dinner, cocktails are served to live music performed by the ship’s pianist.
Other Corinthian II features include:
• Library with Internet access
• Lounge with audiovisual facilities
• Dining room
• Wraparound sun deck with Jacuzzi
• Exercise Room
• Beauty salon
• Medical facilities with available doctor
• Elevator serving all passenger decks
• Swimming platform
Corinthian II complies with the latest international safety regulations and is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology as well as with retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing, an ice-strengthened hull, and a fleet of Zodiacs. Corinthian II’s 75 officers and crew ensure gracious personalized service and a convivial atmosphere akin to a private club.
