Enchanting Morocco & the Canary Islands

Enchanting Morocco & the Canary Islands

ALL TOURS
diamond-gold

DETAILS

Embark on a grand voyage to exotic ports in Morocco and the beautiful Canary Islands, reveling in the romance of the Sea Cloud Spirit—an elegant 69-cabin 3-masted sailing vessel seamlessly blending old-world elegance with modern amenities and unparalleled service. Begin with three immersive days in Marrakech and the Berber villages of the High Atlas Mountains. Set sail from Casablanca, cruising south along the coast of Morocco and then across the Atlantic toward the Canary Islands. Experience the exceptional natural history and rich cultural heritage of these remote islands before disembarking in Las Palmas.

Pricing from
$8,990
Trip Type
Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
Departure Dates
Oct 30, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025

SHIP

Sea Cloud Spirit – In the autumn of 2021, the Sea Cloud family, known for the iconic Sea Cloud and the stunning Sea Cloud II, introduced a new addition: the elegant and enchanting Sea Cloud Spirit. This tall ship combines classic yacht charm with modern luxury, featuring hand-rigged sails and a range of contemporary amenities that set it apart within the Sea Cloud fleet. Notably, it includes select cabins with panoramic windows that open and an elevator connecting the decks—the first of its kind on a sailing ship. Sea Cloud Spirit boasts 69 exterior cabins, 25 of which have private balconies. Five-star dining options include the gourmet Restaurant on the
Veranda Deck, which hosts all passengers in a single seating, and the Lido Bar & Bistro on the Lido Deck for lunch, weather permitting, or alternatively, in the Restaurant. Guests also enjoy a spacious wellness area that includes three treatment rooms, a Finnish sauna, a steam bath, and a hair salon.

EXTENSIONS

OCTOBER 28–31, 2025 – Fez
Begin with a three-night stay in the historic city of Fez before embarking on the main tour in Marrakech. More information about the Fez extension will be sent to registered travelers

EDUCATIONAL EXPERTS

  • John Meffert

    John Meffert

    John Meffert, consultant on Heritage Conservation Services, has a long tradition with the National Trust. He has served as the Director for our Southern Office and was the director of the Preservation Society of Charleston, the oldest nonprofit organization in the United States, responsible for preserving the historic resources of Charleston, S.C. John has delighted many study tour groups with his lectures and insights on preservation, and receives rave reviews as study leader.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust Tours. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation. After the payment deadline on July 2, 2025, all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. NOTE: Neither the National Trust for Historic Preservation nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of nonrefundable tickets.”

TOUR MAP

2025 MCS map v1 (1)

ITINERARY

  • day 1 & 2

    Depart from the U.S./ Marrakech, Morocco

    Fly overnight to Marrakech, Morocco. Upon arrival, transfer to the 5-star Le Naoura Hotel, a peaceful oasis at the gates of Marrakech’s famed medina. Enjoy a free evening to relax and recover from your journey.

  • day 3

    Marrakech

    Begin today with a welcome orientation before setting out with local guides to explore the hidden quarters of Marrakech’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a stroll through Djemaa el-Fna square, where dancers, mime artists, and street musicians perform. Following lunch featuring local specialties, choose to visit the Dar El Bacha Palace and the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts or join a Morocco historical tour to see the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, a landmark Islamic religious structure, and Medersa Ben Youssef. Tonight, soak up the unforgettable atmosphere of our welcome dinner, a 1001 Nights evening gala in a private tented camp with torchlit folkloric entertainment.

  • day 4

    Marrakech

    Start your day with an optional sunrise hot air balloon excursion (for an additional fee), offering breathtaking views of Marrakech and the surrounding landscapes. Choose from one of three excursions: explore Marrakech’s artistic wonders, including the vibrant Majorelle Garden, designed by artist Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent; delve into Moroccan culinary heritage with a hands-on cooking class led by local chefs; or venture into the stunning High Atlas Mountains, known for their scenic beauty and traditional Berber villages. The remainder of the day is free for individual pursuits and a chance to enjoy dinner independently at one of the city’s many fine restaurants.

  • day 5

    Casablanca/Embark Sea Cloud Spirit

    Embark Sea Cloud Spirit Travel this morning through scenic landscapes during a drive to bustling Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. Take in the city’s Art Deco architecture, a hallmark of Casablanca’s 20th-century urban design, and visit the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco, featuring the world’s tallest minaret at 689 feet. After lunch at the iconic Rick’s Café, inspired by the classic film Casablanca. board the Sea Cloud Spirit and settle into your cabin. Watch from the deck as our ship sails out of Casablanca’s harbor down the Moroccan coast.

  • day 6

    At Sea

    Moroccan Coast Start your morning on deck, watching sailors ascend the riggings to raise the sails of the Sea Cloud Spirit. Unwind with a good book, enjoy insightful talks by our onboard experts, and take advantage of the ship’s many amenities, including a fully equipped spa. Join us for tours of the Sea Cloud Spirit and the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner this evening

  • day 7

    Agadir

    Dock in Agadir and travel into the Berber countryside to witness breathtaking valleys and timeless villages. The Berbers, Morocco’s original inhabitants with a history spanning more than 3,000 years, have preserved their deep-rooted culture, dialects, and rich customs despite centuries of conquest. In the Sous Valley, visit the authentic Berber market town of Taroudant, where its 11thcentury ramparts remain largely intact. Once a trading post for caravans from Saharan regions, Taroudant retains the charm of a medieval city, with alleys shaded by reed canopies and vibrant open-air markets. Today, you’ll experience both ancient and modern Agadir, taking in stunning Kasbah views and visiting landmarks like the Mohamed V Mosque and the Souk El Had marketplace. The excursion concludes with a coffee break at a local café facing the beach. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea with time for lectures.

  • day 8

    Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain

    Arrive today in Spain’s beautiful Canary Islands, an archipelago of seven large and several smaller islands whose rich cultural history stretches back 2,000 years. Call at Lanzarote, an island where nature and art prevail, thanks to the pioneering work of César Manrique, an internationally recognized artist who dedicated his life to balancing tourism with the authenticity of his native island. Visit his former home in Tahiche, half submerged in volcanic rock and now an art gallery and cultural center, and Jameos del Agua, a spectacularly unique fusion of volcanic geological features and art envisioned and created by Manrique. Enroute back to the ship, enjoy a wine-tasting at one of Lanzarote’s unique volcanic vineyards.

  • day 9

    At Sea

    Enjoy the pleasures of smooth sailing in the Canaries with time to hear from our esteemed onboard experts, take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying an alfresco lunch on the Lido Deck, and weather permitting, photograph the ship from tenders.

  • day 10

    Tenerife, Canary Islands

    Wake up this morning docked at Tenerife, the Canary Island’s largest and most famous island. Choose one of two full-day excursions: (1) Explore Parque Nacional de Teide, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts the highest peak in Spain as well as fascinating geological features that represent nearly the entire range of volcanic formations found around the world. Learn about the park’s unique geology and ecology and meet researchers who use powerful telescopes to probe the skies at Izaña Observatory. (2) Embark on a panoramic tour of the postcard picturesque Tenerife North Coast. Stop in idyllic villages like Orotava, boasting well-preserved Canarian architecture, take in spectacular coastal views, and learn about the island’s culture and culinary heritage over lunch at a beautiful bodega owned by the same family since 1750. Overnight in port with the option to disembark for independent exploration and dine ashore.

  • day 11

    Tenerife, Canary Islands

    Tenerife, Canary Islands Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage designated town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, founded in the late 15th century, considered one of the most picturesque towns in the Canary Islands. During a guided walking tour, take in the astonishing number of elegant historic buildings dating from different eras. Enjoy free time to explore independently or participate in an optional tour to the LM Arte Colección, a museum housed in a restored 18th-century Canarian house, showcasing Canarian and international artists. Return to the ship for lunch and a final afternoon of sailing. Celebrate the adventure tonight at the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner.

  • day 12

    Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

    After breakfast, depart for the airport for flights home or embark on morning tour of historic Las Palmas for those with later flights.

Everything you need to know about the tour

Save this information for later by downloading the full tour brochure.

Be prepared with the National Trust Travel Plan

Since 1973, USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services has served travelers just like you, to help protect their travel plans