6-night Las Palmas to Malaga Cruise

Also known as Grand Canary, Las Palmas in the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands. During Christopher Columbus’ 1492 voyage of discovery, he was forced to pull his ships into Grand Canary to make repairs to the “Pinta”. During three subsequent voyages, he stopped again in the Canary Islands on his voyage of discovery. During the late fifteenth century, the city of Las Palmas was established by the Spanish in the heart of a lush palm grove. It is today the largest city in the archipelago as well as one of Spain’s leading ports.

Puerto del Rosario is the cultural center of the Fuerteventura region. A sprawling promenade along the coast with benches, outdoor art and fitness equipment lines the scenic shoreline. Relax and sit, watching the boats come and go from the marina while enjoying ice cream or resting from your walk. At the end of the path, find Playa Blanca and the Puerto del Rosario beach, with soft sands and opportunities for surfing. In town, you'll find white-washed homes, Nuestra Senora del Rosario church and the museum dedicated to the writer Miguel de Unamuno. Further afield, you'll find several nature reserves.

Safi is a seaport in western Morocco, on the Atlantic Ocean. It is Morocco's most important fishing port. Safi is a compactly built, fortified city dominated by a 16th-century ruined castle of the sultans. Safi is also the port for Marrakech, 90 miles inland at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains. It is the traditional southern capital of the sultans and a major trading city, Of interest in the city are the ruined walls, twisting streets, and markets; the casino; the sultan's palace (now a museum of art) and gardens; the 12th-century Koutoubia mosque; the royal tombs; and Aguedal Park.

Casablanca today boasts one of Africa's largest ports. The Place Mohammed V is the heart of the city; the main boulevards branch out from here. Casablanca is the kingdom's commercial capital; most of the cultural activities are concentrated here, from art galleries to excellent international restaurants. The Hassan II Mosque completed in 1993 is among the largest in the world, boasting the tallest minaret. Casablanca is no doubt Morocco's window on the world and is a fast-paced cosmopolitan city where trends are created and modernism parts company with traditionalism or tries to blend them. Casablanca is one of the world's most interesting and open Muslim cities. Some of the best restaurants are found along Boulevard Mohammed el Hansali and on the way to beach resorts. Casablanca's beaches and exclusive suburb are located to the east of the city along the Boulevard de la Corniche. This is a very trendy area, lined with four-star hotels, restaurants and bars.

Gibraltar is the famous promontory located at the western entrance of the Mediterranean, with Spain to the north and, across the Straits, Morocco to the south. The Straits are a channel connecting the Atlantic with the Mediterranean. Africa is clearly visible on a fine day. In ancient times, the Rock, as Gibraltar is popularly called, and its counterpart on the African side, Mount Abyla, were known as the Pillars of Hercules. Visitors enjoy historical sites, magnificent views and beautiful beaches. A favorite pastime is strolling along Main Street to browse and shop in the duty-free shops or stop in one of the pubs. Many visitors come to see Gibraltar's curiosity, the Barbary Apes. According to legend, the British will remain as long as the apes survive. Alemeda Botanical Gardens is where the British troops mustered for their parades. Trafalgar Cemetery was named for the casualties of the Battle of Trafalgar. On the fringe of the downtown area is the Cable Car Base Station where the car runs to the rock top.

Malaga is a popular holiday destination - known as the birthplace of Picasso and for sweet Malaga dessert wines from vineyards outside of town. Points of interest include impressive Gothic architecture, remains of a Moorish castle and interesting museums. Malaga is a popular starting point for trips to Granada and resorts along Costa del Sol. Splendid Granada and famed Alhambra are the region’s most outstanding attractions. Magnificent Moorish palaces and fortifications contrast sharply with Christian churches from Spain’s 1492 Reconquest era. Ronda's incredible location affording spectacular views over the valley and distant hills. Malaga Fine Arts Museum holds works by Spanish artists of the 16th to 20th centuries and by artists from Malaga, including Picasso. Marbella, which has been favored by the rich and famous, is a very popular holiday and yachting resort destination. One of the first resorts of the Costa del Sol, Torremolinos has luxury hotels, busy plazas and shopping streets, a lively art scene, a Wax Museum created by Madame Tussaud, and a glitzy casino.