Tour 627-11 Days, Departing U.S.A. October 2, 1996, Returning U.S.A. October 12, 1996
Just across the Straits of Gibraltar from Spain, Morocco offers brilliant bazaars, ornate Islamic architecture, and superb desert and mountain scenery.
From the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean to the fabled islands of the Atlantic, this enchanting voyage brings a wealth of cultural riches-the romance of France's Côte d'Azur, the artworks of Picasso and Gaudí in Spain, the exotic spice bazaars of Morocco's Casbah, the gold mosque of Casablanca and the verdant tradewinds-swept Canary Islands. From castles to cathedrals to casbahs, this voyage retraces the culture and history of the southern shores of the Mediterranean and the north coast of Africa, bringing alive the heritage of Spaniards and Moors, of Berbers and Christians, of sea-faring explorers and colonial traders. Sail through the Straits of Gibraltar with us, to explore new frontiers.
Nice, France
Our voyage begins in Nice, on the southern Côte d'Azur, also known as the French Riviera. We enjoy a tour of the quaint Old Town, with its flower markets, cafés and the 19th century Opéra. Fashionable tree-lined promenades and elegant squares surrounded with elaborate Baroque buildings lend a historic, yet unmistakably Mediterranean ambience. The Explorer departs in the evening.
Barcelona, Spain
Cosmopolitan Barcelona boasts some of the world's most famous artwork. We explore the Picasso Museum, with its stunning collection of paintings, drawings and engravings, some created when Picasso was only nine years old. Architect Antonio Gaudí's masterpieces of Art Nouveau architecture grace the city streets, where undulating curves and surreal asymmetry can be seen in his extravagant Parque Güell and the magnificently ornate Church of the Sacred Family.
Cartegena and Murcia, Spain
From our base at Cartegena, we drive through panoramic countryside to visit the town of Murcia. A highlight is the Salzillo Museum, where the statues and figures of this great Spanish sculptor remain until Easter, when they are carried through the streets in an elaborate procession.
Málaga and Mijas, Spain
We tour fascinating monuments, such as the Moorish fortress which dominates this historic city and the cathedral. Alternatively, take a scenic drive into the Andalucian plateau for a walk in the winding streets of the quaint, white-washed village of Mijas, where flowers flow over garden walls and life is tranquil. The village has a picturesque and convenient "donkey taxi service."
Strait of Gibraltar and Tangier, Morocco
In the early morning hours, the Explorer transits the Straits of Gibraltar to enter the waters of the azure Atlantic. Here the fabled "Pillars of Hercules" marked the end of the known world for ancient mariners. Arriving in Tangier, we view ornate mosques and small tea houses, and stroll the winding streets of the exotic casbah, a typical Moroccan bazaar fall of vibrantly-hued carpets, Arab gold and Berber silver from the mountain nomads. Or, enjoy a drive to Cape Spartel on the very northwest tip of Africa, with superb views of the Rif Mountains.
Casablanca, Morocco
This bustling city centers its activities in Place Mohammed V, with vibrant shops and cafés in this sun-drenched landscape. We'll see the ornate exterior of the new golden mosque, as well as other outstanding examples of Moorish architecture, with its elegant tiled archways, fluted columns and sculpted fountains.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Spain claimed these strategic islands and used them as a base for early explorers such as Columbus. We explore this lush capital, where historic churches and mansions grace the streets and photogenic markets overflow with fresh seafood, live chickens, flowers and fruit.
Tour 628 - 35 Days, Departing U.S.A. October 9, 1996, Returning U.S.A. November 12, 19
Falklanders' hospitality is legendary-on these remote islands new faces are a rarity and a delight.
This is the rare trip of a lifetime a one-of-a-kind adventure to islands of the Atlantic that can be visited by no other means than expedition ship. The Explorer is perfectly suited to cruising these waters in great comfort, being constructed specifically for expeditionary voyages. We follow in the pathways of the great Spanish and Portuguese explorers of the 15th and 16th centuries to the remotest of islands, with fascinating histories of sailors, shipwrecks, slavers, traders, fishermen, explorers and scientists.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Spain claimed these strategic islands and used them as a base for early explorers such as Columbus. We explore this lush capital, where historic churches and colonial mansions grace the streets and photogenic markets overflow with fresh seafood, live chickens, flowers and fruit. The Explorer departs in the evening.
Mindelo, São Vicenti, Republic of Cape Verde
This chain of mountainous islands off the coast of Africa offers a rare glimpse into a culture which combines African and Portuguese traditions. The cobblestoned streets, whitewashed villas and colorful wine bars are reminiscent of Portugal. In the countryside, villagers live a traditional subsistence-style eidstence, raising garden crops for their families and vanilla, cloves, and oils for perfumes.
The Equator
We celebrate crossing "The Line," as King Neptune pays a visit to initiate newcomers to the Southern Hemisphere.
Ascension Island
Watch for frigatebirds swooping to catch flying fish as we arrive at strategically-situated Ascension. Unexpectedly high-tech, the island has a telecommunications center and satellite relay station for Britain and an American tracking station.
St. Helena Island
This fortress-like volcanic island was discovered by Portuguese navigator Castella in 1502. The island's most famous inhabitant, the exiled Napoleon, died here in 1821 after his final defeat at Waterloo and six years of exile. We visit his tomb and tour his villa at Longwood, where he departed the world with the ringing words, "I die before my time." Life continues here nearly as it did in the 19th century.
Tristan da Cunha and Nightingale Island
Tiny Edinburgh is the home of only several hundred people on this rugged volcanic cone, which rises 6,760 feet above sea level. The island's very limited contact with the outside renders its life-style unique. Take a leisurely village stroll or hike up the volcano's flank through tree fern forests. Crayfishing is a mainstay of the island economy, as are highly sought after postage stamps. Nearby Nightingale Island is uninhabited, but is home to millions of birds-greater shearwaters, Tristan buntings, penguins, and perhaps the rare yellow-nosed albatross.
Gough Island
This World Heritage nature reserve site is off limits for a landing. However, we may circle the island to glimpse unusual birds, such as the rare starchy thrush and a flightless rail in this bird sanctuary. Thousands of fur seals and rockhopper penguins pepper the beaches.
South Georgia Island
Thousands of the regal king penguins and elephant seals nest here, amidst a grand landscape of glacier-clad mountains. We visit a rookery for excellent photographic opportlmities, and the chance to observe these stately penguins' behavior in early courting and mating season. We explore ice-sculpted coves, and the historic former whaling site of Grytviken, where the famed Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried. Wandering albatross, with a wingspan of ten feet, may coast on the wind behind the Erplorer.
Stanley, Faulkland Islands
A taste of countryside England greets us in this charming small seaside town. Our walking tour takes us past the red btick and stone Cathedral, with its grand Whalebone Arch, constructed in the former whaling days from the jaw bones of two blue whales. Stroll by the historic Upland Goose Hotel, built in 1856, when it was patronized by the many sailors of passing vessels. Learn of the 1982 Falklands War, when Argentine forces invaded and occupied the islands but were defeated by the British. Board your homeward flight.