Spain, Morocco and the Pillars of Hercules

Following your arrival into Valencia, we embark Sea Cloud Spirit in the mid-afternoon, where a splendid four-course dinner awaits. Enjoy a glass of champagne as we set sail and journey south along the Spanish coast. 

“Ibiza's motto is "live and let live". The international jet setters discovered the beauty of this Balearic island many years ago. The little island's character has a Moorish influence, which has given it the pseudonym of "the white island". The tidy old quarter in Ibiza Town, surrounded by huge fortified walls, has been carefully restored and, like the entire island, is under the protection of UNESCO. In contrast, the spectacular, wildly rugged island coastline with its innumerable bays and beaches shows you the traditional side of Ibiza. The primordial backdrop is one of gentle hills criss-crossed with a scattering of fincas.

Today you can enjoy the nostalgic windjammer experience as we spend the day at sea. Why not take advantage of the full range of amenities on board – relax in the sauna, enjoy a beauty treatment in the spa or visit the library and borrow something from the collection. Alternatively you can relax in the sun or shade under one of the 28 sails on the sun deck, as you enjoy the stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea. 

An important port as long ago as Carthaginian and Roman times, Cartagena can look back on an eventful history. The "La Manga" headland, over 20-kilometres (12 miles)-long, is a geographical curiosity which divides the long sandy beach of the "Mar Menor" salt water lagoon from that of the Mediterranean. Inland, the Fuensanta convent is mainly famous for a vision of the Virgin Mary which appeared there around 200 years ago and sits high up above the town of Murcia. It affords a delightful view over this lively university town. The huge Cathedral of Murcia was built in 1394 on the former site of a Moorish mosque.

The rejuvenated city of Malaga has become one of Spain’s key cultural hubs alongside Valencia and Barcelona. Bursting at the seams with artistic treasures, why not pay a visit to the Pompidou centre or discover Malaga’s most famous son in the Museu de Picasso. For something a bit different, head to the edgy Soho district by the waterfront and walk the vibrant street-art filled lanes. Malaga is one of the oldest cities in Spain and evidence of its rich and vibrant past are visible in the cobbled paths of the old quarter, the nearby Roman theatre, Gibralfaro castle and the Muslim palace of Alcazaba.

We depart Malaga this morning, and sail side-by-side across the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board before we reach the Strait of Gibraltar in the mid-afternoon. Known in ancient times as the Pillars of Hercules, the Strait at its narrowest point is only 14km wide. Enjoy the dramatic rock face of Calpe Mons (Rock of Gibraltar), as it rises over 400m above sea level, and its surrounding nature reserve from the comfort of our ship. Dinner is served on board this evening as we sail out of the Mediterranean Sea and into the Atlantic Ocean.

Cádiz is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe with archaeological remains dating back over 3000 years. Today you are free to explore this typically Andalusian city where you can marvel at Cádiz cathedral, the Constitution Monument or the engineering feat that is La Pepa bridge. Alternatively, why not take a trip along the Guadalquivir River to the picturesque city of Seville, where baroque churches and snaking medieval lanes meet aristocratic mansions in the former Moorish capital. This evening, enjoy a Spanish themed night of food and entertainment with your fellow guests.

Relax on board today as we enjoy another day at sea. Experience an exhibition of true sailing craft as the crew climb the masts to release the sails, a centuries-old ritual brought to life. Take advantage of the ship’s many facilities or simply sit back and watch the world go by as we sail the Atlantic.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before we bid farewell to the Captain, crew and our fellow guests and disembark for the return journey home.