Canary Islands and Morocco

Travel with alumni and friends from April 20 – 29, 2024 on this specially designed small ship itinerary. Featuring the rarely offered combination of the sun-washed, off‑the‑beaten‑track Canary Islands and the fabled cities of Morocco, explore the monuments and history of the storied societies of the Spanish and the Moors.

This one-of-a-kind tour features spectacular opportunities to visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and small ports that larger cruise vessels often overlook, with an excursion included at every stop. Cruise the historic sea routes once plied by Phoenician and Roman galleys as you enjoy the amenities of the 5-star World Traveller, featuring personalized service and gourmet cuisine. Contemplate the contrast of ancient and modern cultures in exotic Casablanca and medieval Marrakech.

The combination of this intimate yacht—the ideal vessel to cruise the relatively short distances between the islands—and a specially curated itinerary is an excellent value. Extend your adventure to the historical capital city of Gran Canaria during the Las Palmas Pre-Program Option, and discover the imperial city of Fez on the Post‑Program Option.

Request your reservation online today while space and early booking savings are available. Please contact the Georgetown Travel Society at GeorgetownTravelSociety@Georgetown.edu or 866-525-8664 for more details.

Dates and Rates:

Trip Dates: April 20 – 29, 2024

Rates: from $5,495 – $16,215 * per person based upon double occupancy.

Traveling solo? Any available cabin may be reserved by single travelers at 160% of the per person double price (per person rate x 1.6), or please contact us to inquire about any possible roommate options.

*Port taxes are an additional $445 per person. Guests will be notified of any fuel surcharge fee prior to final payment. This fee will then be charged and collected by the vessel operating company while on board. Deck plans available upon request.

Deposit: $1,000 per person (https://www.gohagantravel.com/terms for complete terms and conditions)

Need More Info: GeorgetownTravelSociety@Georgetown.edu or call us at 866-525-8664 or Request your reservation online today

 

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Depart for Las Palmas
Your trip will begin by departing your home city on independently arranged flights to Las Palmas.

Day 2 – Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
Arrive in Las Palmas, an attractive town founded by Spanish conquistadors that served as a port for ships sailing around the African continent in 1478. The largest town in the Canary Island chain and a cultural haven in the Atlantic, this lush island also produces grapes, avocados, and tobacco used for cigars said to rival those from Cuba. Check in to the historical, 5-star Hotel Santa Catalina and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 3 – Las Palmas/Embark Ship
Spend the morning exploring the island on your own. Embark the intimate World Traveller yacht in the afternoon and have dinner on board as you cruise to La Palma. (b,d)

Day 4 – Santa Cruz de la Palma
Known as La Isla Bonita, “the beautiful island,” for its lushly forested mountain slopes set against a backdrop of bright blue skies and the azure Atlantic waters, La Palma holds an abundance of cultural and natural treasures. Explore the old quarter of Santa Cruz and see its pilgrimage center and shrine of La Virgen de las Nieves (Madonna of the Snow), the island’s patron saint. Behold sweeping vistas of Santa Cruz from Mirador de La Concepción in Breña Alta and discover La Palma’s geologic past with a visit to Mirador de La Cumbrecita, which provides dramatic views of the Caldera de Taburiente. Enjoy time at leisure in Santa Cruz and later, attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception on board. (b,l,r,d)

Day 5 – Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teide National Park, a wilderness of mineral‑tinted rock, ancient lava flows, and distinctive vegetation not found anywhere else. Gaze across the vast caldera of Las Cañadas (dormant since 1909) to the snowy summit of Mount Teide and enjoy a panoramic view of the Roques de Garcia. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the UNESCO‑designated San Cristóbal de la Laguna, a beautiful university town established in 1496 that boasts rich history and extravagant architectural styles. Walk back in time as you stroll through the Moorish 17th-century Canarian courtyards. (b,l,d)

Day 6 – Day at Sea

Enjoy luxury amenities and attend guest lectures on this relaxing day at sea. (b,l,d)

Day 7 – Safi, Morocco, for Marrakech
Head to Marrakech for a full‑day excursion into the storied city that blossomed into the hub of the great Berber Empire. Visit masterpieces of Moorish architecture, including the 12th‑century Koutoubia Mosque, one of the most impressive sights in ancient Marrakech; and the exquisite Bahia Palace. Enjoy lunch at Palais Gharnata and spend the afternoon exploring Marrakech’s markets, or souks, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the dramatic Jemaa el Fnaa, “Square of the Dead.” (b,l,d)

Day 8 -Casablanca
Take a panoramic drive along the fashionable Boulevard de la Corniche on an excursion to the cosmopolitan city of Casablanca, Morroco’s thriving cultural and commercial center. Visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque—the largest in Morocco and the only one non-Muslims can visit, built on a promontory over the ocean. See elaborate Moorish architecture and landmarks through the city, including the Mohammed V Square and the Arab League Garden. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to experience the captivating sights and sounds evocative of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s Casablanca. (b,l,d)

Day 9 – Casablanca for Rabat
Gaze in awe at King Mohamed VI’s Royal Palace grounds during a scenic drive past the Parliament, the Chellah, and the new opera house.Tour Mohamed V’s Mausoleum and the 12th-century Hassan Tower, followed by lunch at La Tour Hassan. You will have free time that afternoon in the walled old town in the medina of the Rabat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the neighboring Kasbah des Oudayas—a maze of narrow lanes lined with traditional whitewashed houses. Enjoy dinner on board and attend the Captain’s Farewell Reception this evening.
(b,l,r,d)

Day 10 – Casablanca/DisembarkShip/Return to Home City
Disembark the ship and fly home or continue your journey with the Post-Program Option in Fez, Morocco. (b)

b=breakfast, l=lunch, d=dinner, r=reception

HIGHLIGHTS AND  FEATURES

• Extraordinary 10-day, 8-night voyage from Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain, to Casablanca, Morocco, combining the stunning natural beauty of the Canary Islands and Moorish treasures of the rose-pink cities of Morocco.
• Cruise aboard the exclusively chartered, luxurious World Traveller, featuring only 100 suites and staterooms, each with spectacular ocean views.
• Explore the old quarter of Santa Cruz and see its statue of La Virgen de las Nieves (Madonna of the Snow), the island’s patron saint.
• Visit La Palma’s scenic Mirador de la Concepción overlooking the Caldera de Taburiente for views of the “Pretty Isle.”
• Embark on a full-day excursion to the 1,000 year-old city of Marrakesh that includes a visit to the Medina, the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, and the city’s iconic markets to see Jemaa el-Fnaa, the “Square of the Dead.”
• Discover masterpieces of Moorish architecture, including the glorious Menara Gardens and the exquisite Bahia Palace.
• Half-day cultural immersion in Casablanca, including the Royal Palace, Hassan II Mosque, and Place des Nations Unies.
• Journey to UNESCO-inscribed Rabat, Morocco’s modern capital city, to discover the 12th-century Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, and the Old Quarter Medina.
• Excursions in every port, featuring 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Two-night Las Palmas Pre-Program Option and 3-night Fez and Casablanca Post-Program Option.
• All excursions and visits, as outlined above, with experienced local guides.
• Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers.
• Hospitality desk aboard ship.
• The services of professional Program Directors throughout the program.
• Complimentary use of a state-of-the-art audio headset for each participant during guided excursions.
• Travel document wallet, name badge and pre-departure information.

Not included:
 Airfare; Taxes; passport fees; visas and fees for obtaining visas; personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls; accident/sickness, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance; gratuities to ship and hotel personnel; optional sightseeing excursions; excess baggage charges on aircraft; local departure air taxes; airfare and associated local taxes*, airport facility taxes and federal inspection fees not listed in the “included features” section of the program brochure; transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving earlier or later and/or departing earlier or later than scheduled group transfer(s); meals and alcoholic beverages not listed in the “Included Features” section of the program brochure; and all other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included Features” section of the program brochure.