Reiseverlauf

Reiseverlauf abhängig von Wetterkonditionen. Beschriebene Naturerlebnisse / Tiersichtungen sind mögliche Ereignisse auf den Expeditionen und nicht garantiert.

• Day 1 Arrive Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands

  Welcome to the Canary Islands. On arrival at Tenerife South Airport (TFS) make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet our representative, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby to meet our team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Tenerife. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship. *Note: to participate in this evening's stargazing, your flight must arrive prior to 2:00pm. Meet your host astronomer Stuart Clark and fellow stargazers over an early evening dinner, before setting off mid-evening for an unforgettable experience in Teide National Park. Dominated by Spain’s highest peak, the Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcano, rising to 3,718 metres, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers one of the clearest night skies in Europe. With most visitors leaving the park by late afternoon, we’ll enjoy the unique stillness and clarity of the mountain after dark. In the company of expert local guides, who know the Canarian sky intimately, we’ll explore the constellations, planets, and deep-sky objects visible from this exceptional vantage point. Following a night of guided stargazing in one of the world’s premier astronomical locations, we return to our hotel in the early hours for a well-earned sleep.

• Day 2 Embark Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Port: Santa Cruz de Tenerife)

  Enjoy a relaxing morning, before we return to the rugged landscapes of Teide. The barren terrain of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teide National Park is often referred to as ‘another planet’. Colourful succulents unique to the region grow to tree height amongst the volcanic rubble which covers the islands centre. We discover hundreds of cones, lava tongues and caves dotting the landscape, as we view Mt Teide from its surrounding volcanic plains. This extraordinary environment is home to rare flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth, as well as the world’s largest solar observatory, which you’ll have the opportunity to visit. Returning to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, we board the Douglas Mawson, to continue our exploration of the Canary Islands. Tonight, enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Dinner where you’ll have the chance to meet our Aurora Expeditions team and crew.

• Day 3 La Palma overnight Douglas Mawson (Port: La Palma)

  Renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and unspoiled natural beauty, La Isla Bonita (The Beautiful Island), owes much of its rugged terrain to a dynamic geological past shaped by volcanic activity. Dominated by steep cliffs, deep ravines, and fertile valleys, La Palma is home to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park; an immense erosion crater encircled by towering peaks. Its most recent volcanic eruption was only six years ago, from the Cumbre Vieja ridge, dramatically altered the island’s southwestern region, creating new land and reshaping local communities. This powerful connection to the earth's inner forces gives La Palma its unique character, nurturing our inner geologist. We arrive at Santa Cruz de la Palma this morning, ready for two days on this unique island. This morning, we travel inland to explore the lush UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Los Tilos, one of La Palma’s most important ecological sites. Known for its dense laurel forest, the reserve is a rare example of prehistoric vegetation that once covered large parts of Southern Europe. A guided walk along well-maintained forest trails offers the chance to observe endemic plant species and experience the island’s cooler, more humid microclimate. Surrounded by steep ravines and thick canopy, the landscape here provides a striking contrast to the island’s volcanic terrain. After returning to the ship for lunch, enjoy a leisurely afternoon onboard before an early dinner. In the early evening, we set out by road to the interior of La Palma, to find the volcanic Cumbre Vieja National Park and its active craters. The volcano last erupted in December 2021, the longest and largest eruption in recorded history on the island, changing its landscape forever. La Palma is a designated Starlight Reserve, recognised for its outstanding astronomical conditions, including clear skies, minimal light pollution, and stable atmospheric conditions. This status protects the island’s night skies and supports both scientific research and sustainable astro-tourism. We spend some time on the slopes, before stargazing through telescopes with the guidance of local experts, before making our way back to the ship around midnight.

• Day 4 La Palma (Port: La Palma)

  After a late night of stargazing, enjoy a well-deserved sleep-in followed by a leisurely onboard brunch. Around midday, we set off to explore the soaring slopes of Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Situated at 2,420 metres above sea level, the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory stands atop one of La Palma’s highest peaks, making it one of the world’s leading sites for astronomical research. The facility is home to 16 advanced telescopes, including the Gran Telescopio Canarias, the largest optical telescope on Earth with a 10.4-metre mirror. You'll also see the William Herschel Telescope, which observes both optical and near-infrared wavelengths, and the historic Isaac Newton Telescope, originally located at Herstmonceux Castle in the UK. The observatory has contributed to groundbreaking discoveries, from detecting distant galaxies to confirming the existence of black holes and providing key data on the accelerating expansion of the universe. A visit here offers an incredible opportunity to witness the forefront of space science. Returning to Santa Cruz de la Palma, we board the Douglas Mawson and head to sea mid-evening for some Atlantic-sized star gazing.

• Day 5-6 At Sea

  These treasured days at sea offer a welcome opportunity to reflect on the natural wonders we’ve experienced and delve deeper into the region’s natural and cultural history through engaging lectures and lively forums. At night, the sky reveals itself in a way rarely seen on land. An unbroken sweep from horizon to horizon, undisturbed by nearby light pollution, offers a humbling glimpse into the vastness of the universe and the quiet intrigue of its celestial patterns, inviting us to reflect on how these skies once served as vital tools for the intrepid explorers who navigated these waters, using only the stars to track their progress. As we near the Moroccan coast, the scenery begins to shift; the rich, earthy tones of the landscape emerge, heralding a land where the exotic and the familiar meet in a vibrant blend of culture, colour, and experience.

• Day 7 Agadir, Morocco (Port: Agadir) ‒ Overnight hotel: Marrakech

  After breakfast on board, we disembark the Douglas Mawson at the seaside town of Agadir and begin our three-hour journey to Marrakech, where we meet our born-and-bred Moroccan guides whose passion for their homeland is infectious. Located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is an eclectic mix of centuries-old architectural styles. The fabled ochre city was founded over 1,000 years ago during the Almoravid dynasty and still beats to an age-old rhythm. Famed for its outstanding artisanship, the city has boomed as one of Africa’s key hubs for contemporary art, architecture and design. On arrival we enjoy a taste of Morocco as we lunch at the popular restaurant before joining our guides to explore the city’s main attractions, including the Almohad wonders of the Koutoubia Mosque, the geometric zellij (mosaics) and intricate cedarwood of the former Koranic school Ben Youssef Medersa. Our walking tour introduces us to one of Marrakech’s oldest surviving buildings – the mausoleum of Almoravid Koubba. We discover the historical medina, walk through a maze of laneways and covered markets bursting with energy, and stop by the Spice Square where everything from herbs, spices, snakeskins and chameleons have been sold for centuries. No visit to Marrakech is complete without a visit to fabled Djemâa el Fna Square. Covering an area of around 4.5 acres, this bustling space is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, traditional storytellers, musicians, food stalls and market activity. Early evening, we immerse ourselves in the captivating energy of this mythical square, where for centuries locals have gathered to end their day among a plethora of street food stalls, craft stands and popular cafes. Dinner features a mezze of popular Moroccan fare, providing a delightful culinary experience before we overnight at our hotel.

• Day 8 Marrakech – Casablanca Re-Embarkation (Port: Casablanca)

  Waking to our first adhan, an Islamic call to prayer, the Muezzin's emotive call conjures visions of magic carpets and spice-scented medinas. Choose from our ‘Your Choice’ experiences for a fascinating morning in Marrakech. Early afternoon, we leave the old Imperial city of Marrakech and continue our journey to the Atlantic Ocean, where we find the modern-day mecca of Casablanca. Morocco’s largest coastal city, Casablanca’s fame hit new heights when Hollywood set the ultimate romantic motion picture amongst the city's wartime streets. Today it is a commercial powerhouse for Morocco and its major port. Late afternoon we reboard the Douglas Mawson and sail north to Tangier.Option 1 - Morning experience: Yves Saint Laurent and the Majorelle Gardens. At the Berber Museum, the story of North Africa’s oldest civilisation – the Berber, offers an insight into the roots of the Moorish Empire. The private collection of Yves Saint Laurent and his companion, Pierre Berge, this museum is the centrepiece of the Majorelle Gardens. Yves Saint Laurent, on whom Morocco had a profound influence, bought a house nine days after arriving in Marrakech and held residences here until his passing. According to the man himself, it was in Morocco that he discovered the colourful palettes that he would use in his creative work. We stop by the memorial in the rose garden, marking the spot where the ashes of Yves Saint Laurent were scattered, before visiting the nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum which is dedicated to the work of the master couturier and houses displays of thousands of pieces of clothing, haute couture accessories and sketches.Option 2 - Morning experience: The Wonders of Water. Question: What’s the most important natural resource when you live in arid environs? Answer: Water. In a land where rainfall is rare and the sun reigns for much of the year, water is not just a resource; it’s life itself. Nowhere is this more evident than at the aptly named Mohammed VI Museum of Water Civilisation. This striking museum, both modern in design and rooted in tradition, explores how Moroccan ingenuity has harnessed water in arid landscapes for centuries. Masters are harnessing this essential resource, Moroccans past and present have pioneered techniques that transformed the desert into a place of habitation and cultivation. Through interactive exhibits, scale models, and ancient artifacts, visitors discover the brilliant techniques—like the khettara underground canals—that allowed communities to thrive in the harshest of environments. It is a fascinating journey through science, culture, and survival, reminding us how precious, and powerful, water truly is.Option 3 - Morning experience: Learn the ancient art of Moroccan cooking. The famed cuisine of Morocco is in our hands as our culinary skills are put to the test. Discover the secrets of Moroccan gastronomy in a hands-on cooking class in the refined surrounds of the Museum of Moroccan Culinary Art. Built in the 18th century, this remarkable mud-brick ancient mansion, with an architecture reminiscent of an ancient sultan palace, echoes of Moorish architectural design. From various spices to signature dishes, start your tour with a deep immersion into Moroccan culinary arts before jumping into the kitchen to learn from expert chefs how to make delicious salads and mouth-watering tagine. We savour the fruits of our labour with an impromptu meal and hone new skills to recreate the authentic flavours of Morocco.

• Day 9 Tangier (Port: Tangier)

  We arrive around midday at a city located at the crossroads of Africa and Europe: Tangier. Unique amongst Moroccan cities, Tangier has a chequered past, affording us one of Europe’s most egocentric stories. Designated an ‘International Zone’ in the early 20th century, Tangier harboured no drug laws, no taxes, no banking restrictions, no censorship laws and no morality laws. Attracting a worldly mix of expat residents, it played house to everyone from eccentric British nobility to American authors, Franco’s civil war army to Nazi spies, while it awaited its inclusion in the post-war nation of Morocco. Stories of elicit affairs, underworld deals, and espionage abound in this city which remains as colourful as its history suggests. Choose to join one of our ‘Your Choice’ experiences or explore this eclectic city independently. In the early evening, we sail north into the Mediterranean, setting the stage for tomorrow morning’s solar eclipse. To help you get the most out of this rare event, Stuart will lead a detailed pre-eclipse briefing. His presentation will cover the fundamentals of eclipses, what to watch for during the event, and how to capture it; whether you are using a smartphone or more advanced photography gear. While a solar eclipse is always a unique experience, having Stuart's guidance on what subtle details to notice in the sky and your surroundings will make the experience the ultimate eclipse experience. Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. Option 1 - Afternoon experience: Tangier Kasbah district and Kasbah Museum. We begin our journey at Tangier’s fabled Kasbah. Largely unchanged since Roman times, the Kasbah was the traditional residence of the Sultan and his harem and is now one of the most fashionable residential areas of Tangier. During a guided stroll we discover the Grand Socco. This café filled plaza serves as the gateway to Tangier's medina and was once the haunt of Paul Bowles, William Burroughs and their Beatnik friends who gathered here to discuss life and literature while mingling among double agents and expats during the notorious time of international rule. Option 2 – Afternoon experience: A Taste of Tangier. This ‘foodie’ tour of Tangier allows you to dive into the city’s culinary journey. Tangier’s cuisine reflects a fascinating blend of Moorish and Spanish influences, with each bite telling a story of its past. From the Moorish tradition of intricate spice blends to Spanish touches like rich, savory stews, and delicious colonial French desserts, the food here is a testament to the city’s eclectic past. Stroll through the historic M'sallah and the old town district, where narrow alleyways and traditional architecture set the stage. Taste local delights like caliente, stuffed dates, and bissara, each crafted with time-honoured techniques. As you visit bustling markets and interact with artisans, your guide will reveal how these diverse cultural influences have shaped Tangier’s unique identity, while we snack like a true local.

• Day 10 Eclipse Site (Anchor: Off coast Morocco)

  Our day begins early with a thorough briefing on today's events. The ship will be moored off the Moroccan coastal town of M'diq, directly under the line of totality, offering ideal conditions for viewing. One advantage of being at sea is the flexibility to shift position if weather conditions change, ensuring the best possible experience. At our planned location, the eclipse begins at approximately 08:41 (first contact), with totality starting around 09:45 at an elevation of 38.4 degrees. Totality here will last an impressive 4 minutes and 53 seconds. This is no ordinary eclipse. Today, North Africa will witness the longest eclipse totality on land since 1991, and until 2114. The moon’s 160-mile-wide (258 km) shadow will take 3 hours and 20 minutes to cross the globe, sweeping from the Atlantic, across North Africa and the Middle East, to the Indian Ocean. As the sun and the moon go their separate ways, we gather in the early afternoon to de-brief our experience, as we sail towards the Spanish coast, ready for our first landfall tomorrow morning at the port of Motril, gateway to the famed city of Granada. *Note: While every effort will be made to ensure a steady position, please be aware that the ship may experience some movement during the event. A completely stable platform cannot be guaranteed, which may impact long-exposure photography.

• Day 11 Granada and Alpujarra (Port: Motril)

  The port of Motril affords us access to the ultimate Moorish city and the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada; the Alpujarra’s. We immerse ourselves in the past, with a choice to spend time with the descendants of those who have lived here for generations or to walk among the greatest architectural achievements of the Moorish Empire and Christian monarchal periods. Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. Option 1 – Full-day experience: Moorish Granada. The Moors, who ruled parts of Spain and North Africa for centuries, had a deep connection with astronomy. They built observatories, refined astrolabes, and translated key Greek texts, advancing celestial navigation and timekeeping. Their knowledge helped shape the Islamic Golden Age and laid foundations for later European astronomical discoveries. More than any former Moorish stronghold, Granada affords visitors an insight into the sophisticated society assembled by the Moors, and the determination of the Christian monarchy to establish their dominance by forcing them out of the Iberian Peninsula. Scattered throughout the city are monuments to the days when each empire ruled the peninsula, the wealth and power they wielded and the expansion of their influence worldwide. Crested by the famed Alhambra, the city revels in the wake of its past. Unable to recreate Allah’s physical features due to their religious beliefs, the scholars and craftsmen of the Moorish Empire worked verses and poems of praise from the Qur’an into their art, architecture and gardens. Without the filigree masonry work of Alhambra, Spain would not be Spain. Exquisite handcrafted wooden calligraphy fills the arches, ceilings and corners of this former palace while intricately patterned ceramic tiles hint at religious fervour. Capped off by clever engineering disguised in the form of water features and fountains, Alhambra is a story unto itself. Even its 15th-century addition represents the conquest and reconquest of La Reconquista, with Charles V, who was considered at the time to be the most powerful man in the world, building his palace directly on top of the original ramparts. Option 2 – Full-day experience: The Alpujarra. For those who may have visited Granda before, we offer a more personalised experience of this fascinating region. Strewn with almond trees and whitewashed towns, the Alpujarra is the food basket of Andalusia. Cuisine is high on the list here with speciality pastries and cakes made from recipes dating back to the time of the Moors, and techniques used to cure meat coming straight from early Christian cookbooks. During the early days of the Arab invasion, the Alpujarra was a nucleus of Christian resistance, but it was the Muslim domination of Al-Andalus that allowed the Alpujarra to thrive. When the region fell to the Catholic monarchs, all Muslims were forced to be baptised or emigrate; those who chose the first option were known as Moriscos. Languages were suppressed and customs lost. In recent times, the people of the Alpujarra have supported a resurgence of former traditions. Villages, such as Pampaneira and Trevélez, are returning to their roots. We visit an Andalusian village to learn about the past and present before enjoying lunch at a typical Alquería de Morayma – a small farm and farmhouse – to meet some of the Moriscos’ descendants and hear their story.

• Day 12 Cartagena (Port: Cartagena)

  We continue our sail along the coast this morning. The naval city of Cartagena hosts us this afternoon, after a morning at sea. Fought over by Carthage and Rome, its nearby silver mines gifted it wealth, and a natural harbour etched its name into history as a port of importance. Standing on the sprawling battlements of the hilltop castle, you can all but see layer upon layer of history spread beneath you. The wharf – once home to Phoenician traders. The city streets – once marched by Roman legionaries. The plaza – once a mosque where Islamic Spain prayed to Allah. The surrounding hills – once a stronghold for armies of the Christian Reconquista who arrived in force. Our locally guided tour takes us through 2,500 years of history as we discover firsthand the city’s significant landmarks. We visit the Roman Theatre built between 5 and 1 BCE which, in 3CE, crumbled, as did the Roman Empire, and became a marketplace. This region of Spain bears the influence of the Moors who ruled for centuries before being driven out in the Christian reconquest. The Moors left many fine monuments, including the foundations of the castle that gazes down over the old city. We visit the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which displays treasure retrieved over 50 years from wrecks found along the nearby coastline. This includes 14 tonnes of treasure salvaged from the 19th century Spanish frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, which caused an international feud when over 500,000 silver and gold coins were discovered in the wreck.

• Day 13 Valencia (Port: Valencia)

  Sailing north, we reach the sun-drenched city of Valencia by mid-morning. Renowned for its abundant sunshine, delicious oranges, and Spain's iconic dish, paella, Valencia offers a broad range of adventures. After experiencing a slice of Valencian life, we sail north to the Catalonian capital of Barcelona. Dominating the skyline for over 25 years, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (The city of Arts and Sciences), is a spectacular two-kilometre-long complex celebrating science, nature, and creativity. Divided into distinct experience zones, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is a must-visit for any scientifically curious traveller. To enhance your visit, you’ll receive a ticket for a screening of Postcards from Other Worlds at the Hemisfèric and entrance to the Science Museum. Hemisfèric – This striking, eye-shaped building features an IMAX cinema, a digital planetarium, and a laser show theatre. Here, you’ll experience a captivating 30-minute planetarium show projected onto a vast, 900-square-metre domed screen that surrounds your field of vision. The immersive journey takes you through our Solar System, showcasing real imagery captured by space probes. From the molten lava fields of Io to the frozen plains of Europa. Stunning visuals and narration, available in multiple languages, bring these distant worlds vividly to life. A must-see for anyone fascinated by space and science. *Note: general admission is included. Science Museum – A dynamic, interactive space where you can explore physics, biology, space, and technology through hands-on exhibits, experiments, and displays designed for all ages. *Note: general entrance included. This evening, we gather to celebrate our journey at a farewell dinner hosted onboard Douglas Mawson.

• Day 14 Disembark Barcelona

  After breakfast, we disembark and transfer to Barcelona airport. *Note: This is a direct group transfer from the ship to the airport. Private transfers can be arranged – own expense. There are no luggage storage facilities at the port. Meals: Breakfast.