Treasures from North Africa to Britain

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart / Marrakech, Morocco

Depart your home city and fly overnight to Marrakech, Morocco.

Day 2: Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is an oasis in the desert with broad, palm-lined avenues and fragrant orange trees and gardens, situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Check into your excellent hotel, the Sofitel, and relax. The medina (old city), with its souks (markets), Kasbah and sprawling square, is where one wants to be, and your beautifully appointed hotel in Marrakech is ideally situated within walking distance of the legendary, bustling medina. In the late afternoon, you explore the city walls and stroll through the 12th-century Menara Gardens and the luxuriant Majorelle Gardens.

Day 3: Marrakech

Today you begin at the famous souks. Winding your way through the labyrinthine streets, you observe jewelers, potters, carpet and leather merchants, and spice and perfume vendors. Next you head to world famous Djemaa El Fna Square, with its snake charmers, acrobats and story tellers. After lunch, your explorations continue at the 12th-century Koutoubia Minaret, the Saadian Tombs, built for former sultans, the beautiful Bahia Palace with its fountains, courtyards and gardens, and the Dar Si Sa’id Museum of Moroccan Arts, set in an exquisitely restored palace.

Day 4: Among the Berbers: High Atlas Mountains / Marrakech

Today you take a dramatically scenic four-hour drive through the fertile plains of the Haouz to the Ourika Valley in the High Atlas Mountains. In your comfortable 4x4 Land Cruisers you follow wild tracks through the forest, with breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains. You explore several villages built into the local stone, where the Berbers cultivate their land the same way their ancient ancestors did. Continue to La Roseraie, a luxurious oasis of greenery and flowers set in the Ouirgane Valley and a stunning contrast to the stony hillsides of the High Atlas. Here you have a private luncheon by the pool amid fragrant roses. Return to Marrakech via a brief 45-minute ride. This evening you return to El Fna Square, when the ambience is spectacular, to have cocktails on the terrace overlooking the Square before dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant in the medina.

Day 5: Marrakech / Safi / Embark Ship

After breakfast this morning, you take a three-hour drive to the port of Safi where we embark National Geographic Endeavour. After lunch on board, explore Safi, the pottery capital of Morocco, a charming old city with all shapes and patterns of pottery, with opportunities to observe people working their trade.

Day 6: Kenitra

Today you may choose from three different options.Option # 1 - Full day tour of FesDepart early this morning for a three-hour drive to Fes, oldest of the Imperial Cities, renowned for its spiritual and educational contribution to Moroccan culture. Visit the thousand-year-old medina, the medersas (Islamic schools), the Karaouyine Mosque with its distinctive green-tiled roof and the Nejjarine Fountain. Explore the souks (markets) where craftsmen continue to labor as they have for centuries. After lunch in a traditional restaurant of the Medina we visit the Ramparts, for splendid views over the old Medina prior to our drive back to Kenitra.Option # 2 - Full day tour to Volubilis / Moulay Idriss and MeknesFrom Kenitra drive to Volubilis, an ancient Roman capital, famed for its extensive ruins, public baths, Triumphal Arch and superb tile mosaics. Continue to the holy city of Moulay Idriss, the most important Islamic city in Morocco, and continue to Meknes, known as the "Moroccan Versailles."

Day 7: Portimao, Portugal

Arrive in Portimao and visit Silves, one of the oldest and typical villages on the Algarve, the old capitol of the Algarve Province. Visit the Moorish castle and the XII century cathedral.

Day 8: Lisbon

Enter one of Europe’s most colorful and exciting ports in Lisbon. Your morning focus is the extraordinary architecture and history of Portugal’s 15th and 16th century Age of Exploration. Explorer’s like Vasco de Gama and Magellan opened up the world and brought back riches and exotic flora and fauna from the Spice Islands and the New World, and the wealth, adventure and global intrigue is reflected in Lisbon’s Manueline style of architecture.

Day 9: Oporto

Through centuries of conflict, ships continued to ply the route from northern Portugal’s Douro River to satisfy England’s thirst for port wine. Spend the afternoon in Oporto along the steep banks of the Douro and have guided tour of a riverfront port house, concluded, of course, with a tasting.

Day 10: Santiago de Compostela, Spain / La Coruna

Drive overland through the rugged Galician landscape for a highlight day at Santiago de Compostela. Since the Middle Ages, it has been Christendom’s third most important pilgrimage site, and still today millions of pilgrims flock here.

Days 11-12: At Sea

These days are spent relaxing at sea, listening to talks from our expedition staff and aborbing all that you've seen and heard so far.

Day 13: St. Malo, France / Mont-St.-Michel

You arrive at the finest historical and present-day sailing ports in Europe. In the morning you drive to nearby Mont St. Michel, one of the quintessential images of medieval Europe. Perched high on its offshore outcrop, the Abbey is one of Europe’s "must see" destinations. Enjoy an afternoon walk within the walls of St. Malo on your own, or join a guided walking tour. It’s the perfect place to sit at a sidewalk café and sample the “fruits de mer” with a glass of muscadet.

Day 14: Sark, Channel Islands

Arrive in Sark where horse-drawn carriages take you for a two-hour tour of the island, including La Seigneurie Gardens. Stop for a typical Sark cream tea, before returning to the ship.

Day 15: Portsmouth, England / Heathrow Airport / Home

After breakfast, proceed to London's Heathrow Airport and flights home, or on to other adventures.

Trip Details

Ship	National Geographic Endeavour
Highlights	Marrakech, Oporto, Santiago de Compostela, Mont-St. Michel
Trip Notes	Included:Accommodations; all meals onboard ship; sightseeing; group transfers at specified times to/from airports and ship; gratuities (except to ship's crew); taxes; service charges.Not Included:Airfare from New York/Marrakech, London/New York; passport fees, as needed; items of a personal nature; gratuities to ship's crew.
Payment Policy	The deposit amount required to confirm your reservation varies by itinerary (see trip brochure). Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.** Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure for the following sailings: 1/5/2009, 1/16/2009, 1/27/2009.Payment MethodsCredit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover).

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-04-28	2008-05-12	+

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