Sketches of Spain, Morocco and the Canary Islands

15 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews  
81%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Large Ship Cruise
From the fantastical Gaudi creation La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona to the narrow cobbled streets of the old fishing port of Puerto de la Cruz on the Canary Islands, join us as we paint a colorful portrait of life in Spain. Begin with three nights in the incomparable cultural capital of Barcelona, then voyage through the Strait of Gibraltar, stopping in Casab...
From$2,995
See departure dates

Member Savings

Save up to $700!

Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Unlock Savings

Overview

Trip type
Large Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Learn about the wondrous architectural masterpieces of Spain, including Gaudi’s unfinished La Sagrada Familia and the Alhambra, a Moorish citadel overlooking the city of Grenada.
    • Visit the colossal Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca's landmark building.
    • On the island of Madeira, discover Europe's highest sea cliff and the vineyards of Funchal.

What's this trip about?

    From the fantastical Gaudi creation La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona to the narrow cobbled streets of the old fishing port of Puerto de la Cruz on the Canary Islands, join us as we paint a colorful portrait of life in Spain. Begin with three nights in the incomparable cultural capital of Barcelona, then voyage through the Strait of Gibraltar, stopping in Casablanca before reaching the volcanic Spanish archipelago of the Canaries. Along the way, learn about the touchstones of Spanish culture and the influence of art, the Moors, and food and wine on Spain’s identity today.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityBarcelona
End CityAlicante

Travel Themes

  • 50 Plus
  • Education / Learning
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Activities

  • Educational/ Learning
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • Wine Tasting

Trip includes

    • 13 nights of accommodations
    • 6 expert-led lectures
    • 11 expert-led field trips
    • An experienced Group Leader
    • Customary gratuities throughout the program
    • The Road Scholar Travel Protection Plan, 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage
    • Taxes

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: In Transit to Program

In Flight

Day 2: Arrive to Barcelona, Spain

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Abba Balmoral Barcelona

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 2:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and take the afternoon to unpack and relax. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will gre...

Day 3: Barcelona – Spain, Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia & La Pedrera

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Abba Balmoral Barcelona

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach, standing and walking through museums and historic sites. Please note that the Sagrada Familia is subject to very strict entry limits and is ther...

Day 4: Barcelona, Las Ramblas

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Abba Balmoral Barcelona

Activity note: Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; busy city streets. Use of public Metro; our Group Leader will review the boarding process.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

...

Day 5: Gothic Barcelona, Picasso Museum, Embark Norwegian Spirit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Norwegian Spirit

Activity note: Picasso Museum is subject to strict entry limits and is therefore not always available. If entry is unavailable, we will have an alternative activity. Please pack your pass...

Day 6: At Sea, Onboard Lectures

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Norwegian Spirit

Activity note: Full day aboard ship.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We’ll gather for an onboard lecture given by our Study Leader on pertinent topics.

Lunch: Aboard...

Day 7: Casablanca – Morocco, Hassan II Mosque

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Norwegian Spirit

Activity note: Periods of standing possible when getting on/off the ship.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Casablanca, the mythical city from the 1942 film "Casablanca," is ...

Day 8: At Sea, Onboard Lecture

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Norwegian Spirit

Activity note: Full day aboard ship. Days at sea will be a mix of Road Scholar lectures along with a chance to enjoy the ship's many activities which will be described in a daily newslett...

Day 9: Las Palmas & Vegueta de Gran Canaria, Columbus House Museum, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Norwegian Spirit

Activity note: Walking up and down stairs, uneven surfaces. Getting on/off a motorcoach.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Led by a local expert, we’ll enjoy a field trip via...

Day 10: Santa Cruz, La Laguna, La Orotava Wine Valley, Free Time

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Norwegian Spirit

Activity note: Walking uneven surfaces, including cobblestone streets and in historic homes. Getting on/off a motorcoach.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Once off the ship,...

Day 11: Funchal – Madeira, Wines of Madeira

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Norwegian Spirit

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We’ll get off the ship and board a motorcoach that will take us past the vineyards and wine cellars of Barbeito. Afterwards, we’ll continue to Cabo...

Day 12: At Sea, Onboard Lectures

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Norwegian Spirit

Activity note: Full day aboard ship.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We’ll gather for an onboard lecture given by our Study Leader on pertinent topics.

Lunch: Aboard...

Day 13: Malaga & Granada – Spain, The Alhambra, Granada (Malaga)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Norwegian Spirit

Activity note: Walking steep and uneven surfaces at the Alhambra. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 2 hours each way from the port in Malaga to Granada, including rest stops.

...
Day 14: Alicante – Spain, Old Town Exploration

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Norwegian Spirit

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: At port in Alicante, a historic town known for its parks, gardens, and lines of palm trees, we’ll set out on foot for an expert-led exploration of ...

Day 15: Disembark Barcelona, Program Concludes

In Flight

Activity note: See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Morning: Aboard ship.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $2,995
Price per day$200
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

  • Select Custom Arrangements to get to and from Road Scholar-provided airfare for your program

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Road Scholar Reviews & Ratings

4.3/5  Great
Excellent
236
Great
9
Average
2
Disappointing
9
Terrible
46
Write a Review

Other Road Scholar Reviews

M

Michal McGinnis

Feb 2025

Written on

Wonders of Costa Rica at a slower pace

When I signed up for the Wonders of Costa Rica at a slower pace. The hotel listed in the itinerary for day 8&9 was a 4 star hotel on the beach called the Punta L...

F

Floralin

Jan 2025

Written on

Same complaint as everyone else

Same complaint as everyone else. While I can see why the Cancel for Any Reason clause may be necessary for the business model, the problem is that THIS IS NOT EXPLA...

L

Lolly Kauss

Dec 2024

Written on

Road Scholar SCAMS older adults

If you want a real review and not their good reviews on their website, read this. Their customer service is horrible and they try to get as much money as possible by...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Abba Balmoral Barcelona: 3 nights  Barcelona

103 Rooms, free Wi-Fi connection in all hotel, meeting rooms up to 180 people, coffee–bar, restaurant, parking, business center, sauna, fitness center and solarium. In Barcelona city center, 5 minutes to Gaudí's famous building “La Pedrera”, next to la Diagonal of Barcelona and close to Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla Catalunya.   

 

Norwegian Spirit: 10 nights  Miami

This 881-foot ocean liner can accommodate up to 2,018 passengers. Its 13 passenger decks boast elegant, Asian-inspired decor. Amenities include two main dining rooms and many other dining options, two swimming pools, hot tubs, spa and fitness center, walking track, art gallery, library and more.

Ship & cabin information
Norwegian Spirit
Explore the history of the Mediterranean, feel the balmy breezes of the Bahamas and the Caribbean, or just sit back and relax while you cruise across the Atlantic. Whatever you choose to do, you will be travelling in style on Norwegian Spirit. While onboard make a trip to the Tivoli Pool, soak in one of our four outdoor hot tubs, or take the kids to Buccaneer's Wet and Wild. That's just the beginning - with 14 delicious dining options, 12 bars and lounges, the Maharaja's Casino, and the Roman Spa & Fitness centre at your fingertips, you're ready to have a holiday of a lifetime!
75,904: Gross Register  Tonnage 2,018: Guest  Capacity (double occupancy) 880.2ft: Overall Length 126.6ft: Max Beam 2014: Refurbished Year Built 1998 912: Ship Crew
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches and 12 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
roadscholar-21524RJ

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!