Morocco to Spain’s Andalusian Coast – Le Bellot
Sail from Casablanca to Lisbon, savoring the rich history and vibrant culture of Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, with stops in Tangier, Malaga, Ronda, Cadiz, and Portimão.
SPECIAL OFFER
9.0*
ECO SCORE
184
PASSENGERS
8
DAYS
2/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Morocco, Spain, & Portugal: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Le Bellot
From storied Casablanca, Morocco, sail first for Tangier, followed by a full day in and around Malaga, Spain, the gateway to Andalusia and to the legendary Costa del Sol. Discover the picturesque town of Ronda, a center of bullfighting, or stay in Marbella to stroll the Avenida del Mar, decorated with ten sculptures by Dali. Next discover Cádiz, one of the country’s oldest cities. This call will allow for a visit to the superb palace of the Alcázar in Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Portimao is your gateway to Portugal’s Algarve and to the villages of Monchique and Silves, home to Castillo de Silves, the best-preserved castle in the region, offering panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside. Your voyage will end in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital.
- • This program is perfect for the history aficionados among you: explore architectural wonders, museums, palaces, fortresses, and even one of the largest mosques in the world.
• Amble along cobblestone streets, taking in the sights and sounds of these picturesque towns.
• Led by two Smithsonian experts, there’s no shortage of knowledge aboard this ship! You’ll explore three UNESCO World Heritage sites at port, and enjoy engaging discussions onboard as you sail to your next destination.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Rates:
From $6,590 per person
An April voyage from Morocco to Spain along the Andalusian Coast offers pleasant spring weather and vibrant cultural experiences. This is an ideal time to explore historic cities like Casablanca, Tangier, and Seville, as well as to enjoy the blooming landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula. The mild temperatures and fewer crowds enhance visits to UNESCO sites, coastal towns, and local markets, making for a rich and immersive journey.
Inquire for specific dates.
April;
Hover here for more information.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Carbon
Optimizes the daily speed in order to reduce fuel consumption by 30%
Water
Ships equipped with freshwater purification systems that convert seawater into drinking water
Waste
Has eliminated use of single-use plastic bottles and straws
Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca
Situated along the Atlantic coast, Casablanca is the very image of contemporary Morocco: Westernized and cosmopolitan. Exploring the architectural heritage of the “White City” tells you all you need to know about its cultural and historical diversity. Breathtaking highlights include the majestic Hassan II Mosque, considered to be one of the greatest religious buildings in the world. You can explore the narrow alleys of the old Medina, which stand in sharp contrast to the surrounding modern architecture. To get the most from the seafront, the Ain Diab Corniche provides a pleasant place for strolling with easy access to the beach.
Day 2-3: Tangier
Nestling in the Bay of Tangier, this bewitching Moroccan city lies at the northwestern tip of the country, along the famous Strait of Gibraltar. Following in the footsteps of the writers and artists inspired and seduced by the city’s climate and setting, you’ll love its rich landscapes and multicultural charm. You’ll instantly understand as soon as you set foot in the heart of the Medina. An architectural masterpiece, the Kasbah is your gateway to the Sultan’s Palace and its gardens. If you prefer beaches to museums, you can relax just a few minutes from the city on the beautiful sweep of sand bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 4: Málaga
A historical and festive town, Malaga is located in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will go first to the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, in the Buenavista palace.
Day 5: Marbella
In the province of Malaga, Marbella is a renowned seaside resort on the Costa del Sol. The remains of early Christian and Roman sites around this former mining town, located at the foot of the Sierra Blanca mountains, bear witness to a rich history. With its white houses on flowery little streets, the old town is perfect for a pleasant stroll. The Plaza de los Naranjos, former focal point of the city, is near the 10th-century Arabic castle and the Church of Santa María de la Encarnación. Not far from here, you’ll be able to discover the magnificent viewpoints offered by Ronda, a picturesque town perched 700 metres (2,296 feet) high. Its Puente Nuevo bridge majestically crosses the gorges of the Guadalevin River that cuts the town in two.
Day 6: Cadiz
Andalusia’s Cadiz is located on the Costa de la Luz, in the southwest of Spain. From the beaches of Cortadura, to the flamenco bars of Santa Maria, through the colourful streets of la Viña, you will be amazed by this city, which is both steeped in history and extremely festive. In the medieval El Pópulo district, you will stroll along covered passages in the narrow gaps between houses. You will also be able to mosey around the lush Mina square. The star of the show is the magnificent cathedral and its dome crowned with yellow porcelain, presiding above the Ocean.
Day 7: Portimão
At the entrance of the River Arade, Portimão is a former sardine port that has become a famous seaside city. From this pleasant town, you can explore Silves, the former capital of the Algarve. The town is dominated by a Moorish castle, one of the best preserved in Portugal. You can also admire the incredible cathedral with its baroque façade, built on the site of an old mosque. Then you will go to Monchique, a small mountain town surrounded by a forest lush eucalyptus and cork oaks. In the maze of narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, you will discover here a wilder and more authentic Algarve.
Day 8: Lisbon
Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometers from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbour, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos monastery and Belem tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting: known for its fado bars and its Moorish streets, this district is the oldest one of the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to big fashion labels and are an invitation to a bit of of luxury shopping.
This cruise, in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, is part of a collection of voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. They include transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Le Bellot
Like the other ships in this operator’s series, Le Bellot has been designed to provide absolute comfort for its passengers, even at the heart of the world's most remote and isolated regions.
All the 92 staterooms and suites onboard Le Bellot are equipped with private balconies or terraces. Like the rest of the ship's spaces, they have been designed to be exceptionally open to the exterior. Brightness and radiance, discreet luxury, ethnic touches, contemporary design and unparalleled levels of comfort add the finishing touches to the all-round voyage experience.
Racy lines, state-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of Le Bellot, a unique ship in the world of cruising.
Capacity: 184 guests
Cabins: 92 cabins
Specialists: Seasoned Excursion Leader, Highly Experienced Naturalists, Expert Crew
ACHIEVEMENTS
Cruise Critics Editors’ Picks 2022
Cruise Critics Editors’ Picks 2023
Condé Nast #1 Best Expedition Ship Line 2022
"This smaller ship offers a cozy and intimate way to explore the world. Along with its beautifully appointed accommodations, Le Bellot will delight the culinary enthusiasts among you, with two restaurants boasting high-end menus. Demonstrating a commendable commitment to sustainability, the food is sourced directly from the places you visit. The ship's common spaces feature a modern but warm design, creating the perfect ambiance for onboard discussions about the local culture and environment, led by world-class experts. If you’re an inquisitive traveler who appreciates a touch of luxury, get ready for an unforgettable experience!"
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
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Questions?
Rates
PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 5
409 SF; Priority boarding, butler service, & champagne & fruit basket on arrival; One king-size bed or two single beds and TV; a lounge with a sofa bed, an armchair, and second TV; two bathrooms with showers, private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs, and two panoramic sliding bay windows.
From in USD:
$14,710pp
PRIVILEGE SUITE DECK 6
344 SF; Priority boarding, butler service, and champagne & fruit basket on arrival; One king-size bed or two single beds and TV; a lounge area with a chaise longue and armchair; Bose Bluetooth speaker, bathroom with shower, dressing room & closet, private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs, and a panoramic sliding bay window.
From in USD:
$16,190pp
PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6
409 SF; Priority boarding, butler service, & champagne & fruit basket on arrival; One king-size bed or two single beds and TV; a lounge with a sofa bed, an armchair, and second TV; two bathrooms with showers, private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs, and two panoramic sliding bay windows.
From in USD:
$15,450pp
GRAND DELUXE SUITE DECK 6
484 SF; Priority boarding, butler service, and champagne & fruit basket on arrival; One king-size bed or two single beds and TV; a lounge with a sofa bed, armchair, and second TV; bathrooms with shower and tub, dressing room & closet, private 32 m² balcony with two deck chairs and four-seater dining table, and two panoramic sliding bay windows.
From in USD:
$17,760pp
PRIVILEGE SUITE DECK 5
344 SF; Priority boarding & butler service; One king-size bed or two single beds and TV; a lounge area with a chaise longue and armchair; a bathroom with shower, dressing room & closet, Bose Bluetooth speaker, private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs, and a panoramic sliding bay window.
From in USD:
$16,190pp
OWNER'S SUITE DECK 5
484 SF; Priority boarding, butler service, and champagne & fruit basket on arrival; One king-size bed or two single beds and TV; a lounge with a sofa bed, armchair, and second TV; bathrooms with shower and tub, dressing room & closet, private 40 m² balcony with two deck chairs, jacuzzi, & lounge area; and two panoramic sliding bay windows.
From in USD:
$19,570pp
An expedition cruise is a fantastic way to experience Morocco and Andalusia. With Smithsonian experts along to illuminate the cultures and lore of these two destinations, places like Tangier, Malaga, Granada, and Seville will surrender their romantic stories and mysteries. Unpack once and enjoy!
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts; Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Casablanca to the ship on the day of embarkation; Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Bellot, with all the amenities for which this operator’s ships are famous; One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable); Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions; Transfer from the ship to the airport in Lisbon at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation.
NOT INCLUDED:
Independent meals and beverages ashore; Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
