Next November, join us and discover the enduring intellectual and cultural legacy of the Moors in Morocco and Spain’s Andalusia.

First, we’ll explore the riveting ancient cities of Morocco. In the capital city of Rabat, marvel at the city ramparts dating back to the Moorish kings. Then it’s on to fabled Marrakech to visit the medina and its Jewish Quarter, among other sites. Next, continue to Tlemcen in Algeria, where we will see the magnificent Great Mosque. In Spain, we will visit several of the greatest cities of al-Andalus, including Granada, home to the incomparable Alhambra; Ronda, dramatically built on a ridge; and Seville, where the genius of the era’s art and architecture is richly displayed at the Alcazar.

Our outstanding performers for this journey, pianist Jean Sophie Kim, tenor Ta’u Pupu’a, and soprano Jessica Tarnish, will present a series of exceptional recitals. Journalist Bill Moyers will also be onboard as a featured lecturer.

Join us aboard the all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II on this custom-made journey through time to great centers of civilization and evocative ancient cities.

Canadian born pianist Jean Sophie Kim has performed as a concerto soloist, recitalist, and chamber player throughout the world. As an accompanist, she has performed at Carnegie’s Zankel Hall, Lorin Maazel’s Chateauville Foundation, and has accompanied Deutsche Gramophone artist Measha Brueggergosman on WNYC. Ms. Kim has been the recipient of numerous awards and grants including The Honor Scholarship from the Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C.; a Board of Governors Scholarship in London, Canada; and the University of Cincinnati Global Scholarship. She received her Master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Currently, Ms. Kim is an adjunct faculty member at CUNY’s Borough of Manhattan Community College.

After a number of years in the National Football League, tenor Ta’u Pupu’a changed career directions to follow his first passion—opera. He has appeared as Dr. Caius in Falstaff with the Juilliard Opera Center, and in the Triple Bill led by Maestro James Conlon. Mr. Pupu’a’s repertoire includes the Duke in Rigoletto, Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, Cavaradossi in Tosca, Maurizio in Adriana Lecouvreur, and Don José in Carmen, as well as Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde. His most recent engagement was in Terrence McNally’s Master Class at the Kennedy Center starring award-winning actress Tyne Daly. This coming season includes Mr. Pupu’a’s debut as Bacchus in Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos under the baton of Maestro James Levine at the Tanglewood Music Festival.

Soprano Jessica Tarnish, an active operatic and orchestral soloist, is a graduate of the Opera Institute at Boston University. She made her Boston Symphony Orchestra debut in Schoenberg’s Moses und Aron with Maestro James Levine on the podium and has debuted with the Naples Philharmonic in Verdi’s Requiem. In 2006, Ms. Tarnish was a Young Artist with Central City Opera, where she performed Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Sarah in The Ballad of Baby Doe, and Fortuna in L’Incoronazione di Poppea. She has also appeared with Emanuel Music in the title role of Handel’s Alcina, and this season she appeared to acclaim as the Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro and the title role in Tosca with Tri-Cities Opera.

In addition to these incredible artists, special guest lecturer Bill Moyers, an award-winning journalist who has been recognized as one of the unique voices of his generation, will provide a series of exceptional lectures. Mr. Moyers, senior news correspondent and analyst for CBS, has produced such groundbreaking series as Bill Moyers on Faith & Reason and written such bestsellers as Moyers on Democracy.

Depart the U.S. for Casablanca, Morocco.

Arrive in cosmopolitan Casablanca and board Corinthian II. Spend the night aboard ship docked in port. (D)

From Casablanca drive to Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital, to explore its main sites, including the medina. Within the medina are colorful souks, the Kasbah des Oudaias, the evocative quarter of the old Almohad, the Chellah Citadel, Mohamed V Mosque, and Hassan II Tower. (B, L, D)

From Safi, drive to fabled Marrakech, one of Morocco’s Imperial Capitals, founded in the 11th century. Our exploration includes the 12th-century Koutoubia Minaret; the Bahia Palace; the Ben Youssef Medressa; the Jewish Quarter; and Djemma el-Fna, the city’s central square. There will also be the opportunity to walk through Marrakech’s colorful souks. (B, L, D)

AT SEA (B, L, D)

Drive to Algeria’s Tlemcen, noted for its cultural and architectural heritage. Visit the Great Mosque and the deconsecrated Sidi Bel Hassan Mosque. This evening, enjoy Thanksgiving dinner aboard ship. (B, L, D)

Granada exemplifies the best of Moorish culture, art, and architecture. Tour the Alhambra, a striking palace begun by the caliphs of the Nasrid dynasty. Also see the Sala de los Dos Hermanos and stroll through the splendid Generalife Gardens. (B, L, D)

From Malaga, drive to Ronda, once the capital of a small Moorish kingdom. Explore the Ciudad, the old Moorish town, the Church of Santa Maria La Mayor, and the Palacio de Mondragon. Alternatively, drive to Priego de Córdoba, a tranquil town with superb Baroque churches and fountains, and the village of Almedinilla, where a remarkable Roman villa has been discovered. (B, L, D)

Occupying the site of Carthaginian and Roman cities, charming Tarifa is enclosed by Moorish walls facing the sea. Drive along the coast to the ruins of Baelo Claudia, a strategically located Roman city that reached the peak of its prosperity during the 1st century a.d. Scattered along the seashore are the remains of temples, markets, baths, shops, and a theater. (B, L, D)

Sail up the Guadalquivir River to Seville, the storied capital of Andalusia. Tour the famed 15th-century Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in the world, and the adjoining Giralda, the minaret of the mosque. Nearby is the Alcazar, the palace of Seville’s rulers, with its magnificent architecture. Alternatively, explore the remains of ancient Italica, once the third largest city in the Roman world. Overnight aboard ship docked in Seville. (B, L, D)

Tour the Casa de Pilatos mansion, a harmonious combination of Renaissance, Gothic, and Mudéjar styles. Also visit the Museum of Fine Arts. Spend the afternoon exploring Seville or visit the Archaeological Museum. Notable among the exhibits is the Carambola Treasure, a hoard of gold jewelry. For those interested in exploring Andalusia’s ancient sites, an excursion will be offered to see the extensive remains of Mulva, the Roman Munigua. (B, L, D)

Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S. (B)

• Marvel at the architectural wonders of Morocco and Andalusia
  
• Wander in the colorful souks and bustling squares in Rabat and Marrakech
  
• Sail through the storied Strait of Gibraltar
  
• Explore “undiscovered” villages and ancient sites
  
• Cruise the scenic Guadalquivir River, Andalusia’s major waterway, to fabled Seville
  
• Attend recitals by accompanying performers
  
• Partake in lectures and discussions by Special Guest Lecturer Bill Moyers
  
• Enjoy an open bar throughout the cruise
  

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:  A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories D - A at a supplement of $2,295 to the per person, double occupancy rates. Singles in Categories AA, VS, and PHS are available at double the per person, double occupancy rates.

AIRFARE:  Airfare is not included in the Cruise and Land Rates. Please contact your preferred airline, travel agent, or the Travel Dynamics International air desk operated by Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc. (VWTI) for airfare information and to reserve flights. Consultants are available Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 5:30 pm (EST) toll-free at 877-711-9896. Please have your tour code (10430) handy for reference.