11 Night Italy, Portugal & Morocco

With 28 centuries of celebrated history, Rome holds the edge when it comes to unrivalled adventures. The city that sparked the world’s largest empire is very much alive today with a jumble of ancient ruins, world-renowned art and vivacious street culture. Here you can live 'la dolce vita', recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Ride past centuries-old basilicas in a three-wheeled Ape Calessino, or stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese. Whether it’s Vatican City’s spiritual allure, Trastevere’s backstreet charms or the Colosseum’s embattled legacy – The Eternal City endures with endless adventures.

Extravagant and vibrant, Palermo invites you into an array of flavours, colours and bustling streets. Set in a peaceful bay surrounded by Sicily's fertile basin Conca d'Oro, named for the golden colour of the orange groves, the city bears traces of historic invasions by the Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Spanish and Normans. Head to La Vucciria market to sample almonds, marzipan, spices, peppercorns and candied fruits. Then, explore the historic centre – visit the Cathedral, which dates back to 600 AD and features Gothic, Moorish and Baroque architectural elements. Then, take the short drive to Mt Pellegrino, where you can trek up the granite cobbled hiking path and take in the refreshing greenery of the natural reserve.

As you approach this lovely port from the sea, you'll marvel at the castles and cathedrals, perched on successive terraces. Originally settled over 2,700 years ago, Cagliari retains much of its original seaside charm. To learn more about this exciting port, please refer to our Port Explorer guide.

The hub of Spain's southern Costa del Sol, Málaga is the picture of paradise. Scale the hilltop to dramatic La Alcazaba, the sandy-colored Moorish fortress dating back to the 11th century that overlooks this ancient seaside city. Sun yourself on the idyllic beaches of Caleta and Malagueta, taking in views of the mountains across the bay. See the eccentric works of modernist master Pablo Picasso, the city's most famous native son, at the Picasso Museum. Cruise to Málaga and immerse yourself in baroque and renaissance architecture at Málaga Cathedral, with its elaborate arches and stone reliefs depicting the saints, or turn the clock back to the first century A.D. at the ruins of the Roman Theatre.

Tangier, a Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar, has been a strategic gateway between Africa and Europe since Phoenician times. Its whitewashed hillside medina is home to the Dar el Makhzen, a palace of the sultans that's now a museum of Moroccan artifacts. The American Legation Museum, also in the medina, documents early diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Morocco in an 1821 Moorish-style former consulate

Moroccan mystique envelops this cosmopolitan city, which is considered to be the economic capital of Morocco. Traits of ancient times co-exist with a modern metropolis, and the mix of European, Art-Deco and Art-Nouveau architecture brings colour and vibrancy to the city. Influenced by Arabia and Africa, it is culturally diverse, to say the least, and the exotic sights and smells omitted from the Souk markets are fascinating. Casablanca is awash with white buildings, striking a contrast to the blue Atlantic waters surrounding it, and boasts a thriving city centre and busy boulevards, making it a popular port of call.

Portugal's Madeira island is a natural paradise. The lush mountains, brilliant flower gardens and jagged cliffs offer the perfect backdrop for an adventure-filled holiday. Break a sweat hiking one of the levandas, or cool off with a dip in the crystal-clear blue waters. Or indulge in some local cuisine, like grilled mussels or espetada, Madeira's answer to the grilled beef kebab.

Portugal's vibrant city of Porto is a melting pot of culture waiting to be explored. Venture into the many wine cellars that dot the city or take a walk across the Dom Louis Bridge and absorb the sweeping views of Porto around you. Spend hours wandering around the colourful streets lined with tiled houses and buildings. And if relaxing is more your speed, head to one of the restaurants on the Cais de Ribeira, like A Bolina, for some Portuguese tapas paired with a glass of vinho verde. Cruise to Porto to sit back and soak up the ambience of the buzzing city.

Lisbon is a quintessential European city, full of natural beauty, historic architecture and culinary pleasures — not to mention one of the best climates anywhere on the planet. To get to know Portugal's capital, walk between the captivating miradouros — terrace viewpoints that are scattered on the hilltops, offering stunning vistas from the sea to the castles and beyond. Watch as the light peeks through the clouds and shines down on The City of Seven Hills during your cruise to Lisbon. If you're a history buff, head to Belem or nearby Sintra to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Jeronimos Monastery and Quinta da Regalaira.