YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE®

Iberian Voyage: Lisbon to Barcelona 2021

Small Groups: 20-25 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 22)

Overseas Adventure Travel ® The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled 1 Dear Traveler,

At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. And the O.A.T. Iberian Voyage: Lisbon to Barcelona itinerary you’ve expressed interest in will be a wonderful way to resume the discoveries that bring us so much joy. You might soon be enjoying standout moments like these:

As a lover of art, Malaga holds a special place in my heart—after all, it is the birthplace of renowned artist Pablo Picasso, a fact that the local people are very proud of. You’ll meet some of them and hear their perspectives on Picasso and his legacy when you share a meal with a local family. Savor the flavors of a home-cooked meal and take this opportunity to connect with Spanish culture on a deeper level as you see the family go about their daily routine.

You’ll also see another side of Iberian culture when you visit Tangier, Morocco where we’ll meet the founder of a female empowerment center to learn about the struggles that women face in this male-dominated society. We’ll gain insights into this patriarchal society and hear her perspectives on the progress that has been made, and her hopes for the future.

The way we see it, you’ve come a long way to experience the true culture—not some fairytale version of it. So we keep our groups small, with only 20-25 travelers (average 22) to ensure that your encounters with local people are as intimate and authentic as possible. It’s also why your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader will be a resident “insider” who can show you the culture as only a local can.

To ensure that your adventure is truly unique, put your own personal stamp on it. You can arrive early and stay later, add a pre- or post-trip extension, spend time in a Stopover city, or combine two or more trips. Plus, your itinerary offers ample free time so you can pursue your own interests.

So until the day comes when you are off to enjoy your Iberian Voyage: Lisbon to Barcelona adventure, I hope you will relish the fun and anticipation that this O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® will inspire. Should you have further questions, feel free to call our Regional Adventure Counselors at 1-800-955-1925.

Love and peace,

Harriet R. Lewis Vice Chairman, Overseas Adventure Travel

P.S. For more inspiration, you can watch videos and slideshows from travelers like you at www.oattravel. com/traveler-moments. You can also share some of your own favorite moments by uploading your travel videos and slideshows directly onto the trip-specific pages of our website.

USA Today “Best Tours” 10Best Readers’ Presented by Choice Awards Solo Traveler

2 CONTENTS

A Letter from Harriet Lewis ...... 2 The O.A.T. Difference...... 4 The Grand Circle Foundation...... 6 The Leader in Solo Travel ...... 7

IBERIAN VOYAGE: LISBON TO ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: BARCELONA CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE Your Adventure at a Glance: Portuguese Cuisine ...... 71 Where You’re Going, What it Costs, Spanish Cuisine ...... 72 and What’s Included ...... 8 Cuisine in Morocco ...... 73 Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary ...... 9 Lisbon in Brief...... 74 Pre-Trip Extension ...... 27 Barcelona in Brief...... 75 Post-Trip Extension ...... 31 Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Deck Plans ...... 34 Shipping & More ...... 77 Dates & Prices ...... 38 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Portugal ...... 80 Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. . . 39 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 80 No Visas Required ...... 39 Portugal: A Brief History ...... 81 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health ...... 41 Spain...... 82 Vaccines Required ...... 42 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 82 Money Matters: Local Currency & Spain: A Brief History ...... 83 Tipping Guidelines...... 44 Morocco ...... 84 Tipping Guidelines...... 47 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 84 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch ..... 49 Historical Overview of Morocco ...... 85 Optional Tours ...... 50 Gibraltar in Brief...... 86 Communicating with Home from Abroad . . 51 Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . . . 52 RESOURCES Suggested Packing Lists ...... 54 Suggested Reading ...... 89 Electricity Abroad ...... 56 Suggested Film & Video ...... 91 Climate & Average Temperatures ...... 58 Aboard Your Ship: Cabin Features, Dining & Services on Board ...... 61 M/V Corinthian & M/V Clio...... 61 Ship Specifications ...... 64

O.A.T. Health & Safety Measures...... 94 Notes...... 95 Map ...... 99

3 EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE in Portugal & Spain

This adventure not only showcases iconic sights, but takes you beyond them to experience the culture through unique activities, engagement with the natural world, and authentic encounters with local people. Since our founding in 1978, O.A.T. has become America’s leader in personalized small group journeys on the road less traveled. SMALL GROUPS: 20-25 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (AVERAGE OF 22)—GUARANTEED To see the world like the locals, you should The world feels more intimate and engaging travel like one. Our small group size allows when your experience of it is also personal us to take the roads and waterways that are and genuine. That’s why our groups never less traveled, and we often follow them using exceed 25 travelers. This gives you access to the same unique modes of transportation people and places larger groups simply can’t that the locals use—be it a canoe, a camel or a reach. More authentic interactions. Deeper vintage cab. bonds with your travel mates. Personal service from your Trip Experience Leader. Smoother UNIQUE LODGINGS transitions. And a far more satisfying Our lodgings reflect the local character, experience than any traditional tour offers. from smaller family-run hotels and historic manors to comfy inns. Occasionally, larger THE BEST TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS hotels closer to city centers are used. Wherever Your English-speaking, O.A.T. Trip Experience you stay, you’re assured fine comfort and Leader is a resident of the region you are hospitality. visiting, so you will get a true insider’s perspective that brings each place alive—the OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES stories, food, customs, hidden treasures With 36 regional offices around the world, and more. we are perfectly poised to leverage our local relationships to deliver an excellent experience AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported Engage with local people through visits to by our team in Spain. farms, factories, markets, and artisans’ studios; school visits; Home-Hosted meals; and more.

Visit the Pasteis de Belem café in Lisbon, Portugal and sample Discover the art of making Portuguese cheese with a local expert its namesake pastry

4 THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY En riching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation of your Iberian Voyage Small Ship Adventure.

GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF) insight into a patriarchal society in the midst VISIT of a cultural reckoning. GCF was established in 1992 to help change A DAY IN THE LIFE people’s lives in the world where we live, Do you ever wonder, “What would it be like work, and travel. To date, we have pledged or to live here?” when you visit new lands? Let’s donated $200 million worldwide. find out during your O.A.T. A Day in the Life, an By investing in the places we explore— exclusive, immersive experience that places including local schools, cooperatives, or arts you in the heart of a community where you’ll centers—we hope to give locals the skills and meet various people where they live, work, confidence they need to become leaders of and play; visit the neighborhood school; lend a their generation and preserve their heritage hand with daily chores; and break bread with for many years to come. our hosts.

CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS Perhaps you’ll join a local resident or community leader for a guided walk through Every culture has its joys and achievements, the town, visit a market, or enjoy a unique and we celebrate them all. But every place opportunity to meet teachers and students at also has its challenges, and to gloss over them a local school if school is in session. would not do justice to those whose stories need to be told—nor to you, as a traveler who HOME-HOSTED EXPERIENCES deserves more than a sugar-coated version of Stories shared. Differences solved. Taste buds things. So our Trip Experience Leaders will engaged. Good will extended. It’s amazing the lead frank discussions on controversial issues, things that can happen across a kitchen table, and introduce you to people whose stories will so we’ll break into groups of 4-5 to join a local expand your understanding. family in their home for a snack or a meal. For example, during a visit to the northerly This is a rare opportunity to witness family port town of Tangier, we’ll meet with the life, learn local customs, and taste some founder of a female empowerment center home-cooked fare. to learn about the challenges women face On this adventure, we’ll learn more about the in male-dominated Morocco. We’ll discuss rich culture of Malaga when we share a meal some of the progress that’s been made, like with a local family in their home, located just increased employment protections for women, outside of town. We’ll enjoy home-cooked the legal marriage age change (from 15 to 18 Spanish fare, as we get to know our hosts and years of age), and more severe punishments learn about daily life in this breezy port city. for gender-based violence. We’ll also come to One of Malaga’s most prominent native sons understand how far Morocco has to go—for was Pablo Picasso, a fact which locals are very instance, they have yet to criminalize marital proud of. As we dine, perhaps you’ll ask our rape. This is a unique opportunity to gain hosts how they feel about his legacy.

5 GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION Changing people’s lives, one village, one school, one person at a time

GIVING BACK TO THE WORLD WE TRAVEL Dear Traveler, Since our inception in 1992, the Grand Circle In 1992 we established Grand Circle Foundation has pledged or donated more than Foundation, an entity of the Lewis Family $200 million to projects around the world. Foundation, as a means to give back to the world that had already given us so JOIN OUR GENEROUS TRAVELERS much. We’ve pledged or donated more We consider each and every one of our travelers than $200 million worldwide to support to be partners in our worldwide giving. the education of young people and the Some travelers, however, are so inspired by preservation of international treasures the schools and villages they visit, they are and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. compelled to give more. In fact, our travelers have donated more than $1 million in 2019 Of course, none of this would be possible alone. And because we have no administrative without your help. A portion of the costs, 100% of donations are used to help proceeds of every adventure is donated to change people’s lives. Grand Circle Foundation—so just as your life will be enriched by the discoveries BETTER OUR OWN COMMUNITIES— you’ll make on your journey, you’ll also ALL AROUND THE WORLD help to enrich the lives of the people In addition to the destinations where we travel, you’ll meet along the way. we strive to better the communities where Thank you for traveling with us, and for we work—from our headquarters in Boston helping to change people’s lives. to our 36 offices around the world. In Boston, more than 99% of our associates participate Love and peace, in community service each year. Worldwide, nearly all of our offices organize annual

community service events of their own. . Harriet R. Lewis Chair, Grand Circle Foundation How you can help To learn more about ongoing Foundation projects, you can sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, the Inside Scoop, at www.oattravel.com/community/the-inside-scoop. When you do, you’ll not only receive updates on Grand Circle Foundation, but the latest news and discoveries on all things Grand Circle and Overseas Adventure Travel.

www.grandcirclefoundation.org

6 THE LEADER IN SOLO TRAVEL in Portugal & Spain—and Around the World

ON THIS ADVENTURE … FREE or low-cost Single Supplements: We The leader in solo-friendly have a limited number of FREE or low-cost travel for Americans—by single supplements on this adventure and the numbers FREE Single Supplements optional trip extensions—a savings of $1,000-$3,299 per person compared to other travel companies. More than 50,000 solo travelers But single spaces fill quickly, so early joined us in the past two years—on reservations are advised. their own or with a friend or relative

One of our most popular trips for solo travelers. More than 435 solo travelers joined 15,000 single spaces with a us on this adventure in the past two years— FREE or low-cost Single Supplement either independently or sharing a room with a in 2021—a 76% increase from 2019 mother, daughter, sister, or friend.

High ratings: More than 83% of these solo More than 90% of solo women travelers rated their adventure excellent. travelers rated their adventure excellent Since you will be joined by others traveling independently in your group, it’s easy to forge special bonds as you experience unforgettable 51 exclusive women’s departures moments together. featured on 25 of our most popular adventures—10 of which are single- You’ll be in good hands, thanks to your only departures dedicated local Trip Experience Leader (a resident of Portugal or Spain), and the expertise of our regional office team in Spain.

Increased Single Space: In 2021, we have 52% more single spaces than in 2019, with up to 12 single spaces per departure. See available FREE or low-cost single space at www.oattravel.com/clb2021.

Solo doesn’t mean “alone.” Three out of eight O.A.T. travelers join our small groups as solos, so you will be in good company.

7 Explore aboard our privately owned 89-passenger M/V Clio or 98-passenger M/V Corinthian

Iberian Voyage: Lisbon to Barcelona Small Ship Adventure Portugal̆dĢŭðŋł̇”ŋũŶĢĿÖŋ̳Ά̳Spain: Seville, Cordoba, Malaga, Cartagena, ÁÖķāłóĢÖ̇ÖũóāķŋłÖ̳Ά̳Morocco:¦ÖłėĢāũ̳Ά̳Gibraltar

Countries: 4Ά!ĢŶĢāŭ̆9Ά10 Nights Aboard Our Privately Owned 89-Passenger M/V Clio Or 98-Passenger M/V Corinthian

Small Groups: 20-25 travelers—guaranteed! It’s Included (average of 22) • International airfare, airport transfers, • 16 guided tours (with personal 15 days from $ government taxes, fees, and airline fuel headsets) and cultural experiences 8495 surcharges, unless you choose to make Services of our local Trip Experience Includes international airfare your own air arrangements • Leader with your group of 20-25 (average $567 Travel from only a day • Accommodations for 3 nights in Lisbon of 22) throughout your adventure and 10 nights aboard our privately Gratuities for local guides and owned small ship with wireless • 14 days from $ motorcoach drivers 7495 Internet access Without international airfare All port charges 35 meals: 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, • • Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage FREE Single Supplement available 11 dinners—including 1 Home-Hosted • Lunch—plus all onboard house beer, per person, including tips wine, and soft drinks • 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward Maximize Your your next trip Discoveries & Value

Optional extension s : To get a richer view of the Included Features on this adventure, Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra Palace & watch our Trip Itinerary video at www.oattravel.com/clb2021 Seaside Cascais 3 nights pre-trip from $845 Travel from only $282 per night Barcelona, Spain 3 nights post-trip from $1095 Travel from only $365 per night

Plaza de España, Seville, Spain

Iberian Voyage: Lisbon to Barcelona

8 Iberian Voyage: Lisbon to Barcelona

YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY

BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION 3 nights in Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra Palace & Seaside Cascais

Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 4 Lisbon • Explore Cascais • Explore Sintra Day 2 Arrive Lisbon, Portugal Day 5 Lisbon • Explore Obidos • Day 3 Explore Lisbon Join main trip

Day 1 Depart U.S. Dinner: On your own this evening. If you’re looking for something quick and local, you Afternoon/Evening: Depart today on your could seek out a bifana, a signature Portuguese flight to Lisbon, Portugal. sandwich comprised of sauteed, marinated pork packed inside a crispy roll. Your Trip Experience Day 2 Arrive Lisbon, Portugal Leader is glad to help you find this nationally • Destination: Lisbon beloved sandwich.

• Accommodations: Altis Grand Hotel Evening: Free to make independent discoveries. or similar Perhaps you’d like to continue exploring the Morning/Afternoon: You’ll arrive in Lisbon area introduced to you by your Trip Experience sometime this morning or afternoon, Leader or retire to bed to rest from traveling. depending on your specific flight arrangements. Freedom To Explore: During your three days An O.A.T. representative will meet you at the in Lisbon, you’ll have the freedom to explore airport, and you will transfer 25 minutes by this capital city on your own during your free motorcoach to your hotel where you will be time. Below are a few recommended options for joined by travelers who took our optional independent explorations: pre-trip extension, Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra Palace & Seaside Cascais. • Discover the art of jewelry-making with a Filigree Workshop: In a studio reminiscent After settling in, you’ll get acquainted with of a traditional family atelier off of Lisbon’s your surroundings during an approximately bustling Largo de São Carlos square, 1-hour orientation walk led by your Trip meet with local artisans who specialize in Experience Leader. Portuguese filigree and hear about the evolu- tion of this treasured art form. The workshop includes a live demonstration, where you’ll

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

9 have the opportunity to observe every step Day 3 Explore Lisbon of this ancestral process and ask our hosts • Destination: Lisbon questions about its origins and evolution over • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch time, as well as an opportunity to try your hand at the craft. Create any piece of jewelry • Accommodations: Altis Grand Hotel you wish in either gold or silver under the or similar guidance of expert artisans—learning how Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel to craft the delicate, lace-like loops that beginning at 7:30am, featuring local and characterize filigree jewelry. international options. How to get there: A 5-minute subway ride, • Morning: Meet with your Trip Experience about $2 USD one way. Leader for a Welcome Briefing around 9am in Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. • the hotel. During this briefing, you’ll review the Cost: Free. • itinerary in more detail (including any changes • Take a ride on a cacilheiro (ferry): Admire that may need to occur). Our Trip Experience Lisbon from a different vantage point when Leader will also discuss logistics, safety, you cruise the Tagus River aboard one of the and emergency procedures, and answer any city’s bright orange ferries. As you cross, questions you may have. you’ll witness Lisbon’s various monuments, and you might even spot the Atlantic in the Around 9:30am, we’ll split into smaller groups distance. Depending on when you ride, you and board a bus for a panoramic tour of Lisbon may be joined by local business people and led by a local guide. Portuguese explorers, students, who rely on their ferry for their dai- such as famed navigator Vasco da Gama, ly commutes. Upon arrival on the south bank, began colonizing parts of Africa and Asia at the you may want to enjoy petiscos (Portuguese beginning of the 15th century, using Lisbon as tapas) at one of the many seaside restaurants their home base. Their voyages throughout the before cruising back to the heart of Lisbon. East and the New World ushered in the Age of Discovery, 300 years of international expansion How to get there: A 20-minute subway • that resulted in enormous prosperity, ride; about $1.75 USD. particularly for Portugal. This respect for the Hours: 5am-2am, daily. • sea—and influx of riches—gave birth to a new Cost: About $3.50 USD per person. • style of architecture known as Manueline, • Discover the myriad entertainment options at which features intricate decorative motifs, LX Factory: Explore this renovated industrial often with maritime themes. You’ll witness a complex where shops, restaurants, and bars number of examples of this unique style as we beckon. You can also view the striking street drive through the city and your Trip Experience art found throughout the complex, and enjoy Leader points out notable landmarks. music entertainment that rotates throughout the year here. Around 10:30am, you’ll arrive at Belém, a district of the city located on the Tagus River How to get there: A 15- to 20-minute taxi • and known for its seafood restaurants and ride, about $6 USD one way. tile-covered houses. Considered by many to be Hours: 11am-9pm, Monday; 11am-11pm, • one of Lisbon’s most historic neighborhoods, Tuesday-Thursday; 11am-1am, Friday; 11am-9pm, Sunday. • Cost: Free.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

10 Belém reflects a Lisbon of past and present, half a mile from the hotel. Check with your symbolizing Portugal’s significant contribution Trip Experience Leader for more information, tot he Age of Discoveries. should you need to.

Board the bus again around 11:15am for about a Evening: You have the freedom to spend the 20-minute ride to the neighborhood of Alfama, rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip the oldest section of Lisbon. The narrow, Experience Leader for recommendations. cobblestone streets are full of impossibly small alleys, an abundance of stairs, and dead Day 4 Lisbon • Azeitao • Tile ends, making for an intriguing urban walking workshop visit experience. The architectural style and layout • Destination: Lisbon of Alfama is very characteristic of old Lisbon, giving visitors an up-close look at what life • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner typically looked like centuries ago. • Accommodations: Altis Grand Hotel or similar Lunch: Around 12:30pm you’ll enjoy a Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel Welcome Lunch at a local restaurant in Lisbon, from 7am to 9am, featuring local and approximately 10 minutes walking distance international options. from Alfama. There, your group will toast to all the discoveries that await. Morning: You have the morning to explore as you’d like. If you enjoy being on the water Afternoon: After lunch beginning around and weather permits, a relaxing afternoon 1:45pm, you’ll have the option of going back to activity is taking a public ferry across the Tagus the hotel by bus located 1 mile away, traversing River. The ride provides optimal views and a the city on your own, or continuing to explore breezy way to wind down the day. Ask your with your Trip Experience Leader. If you choose Trip Experience Leader for more information if to be on your own, you may want to discover interested. more in Mouraria, a very old and diverse section of the city. This area is home to over Lunch: On your own. Your Trip Experience 80 different nationalities of people and boasts Leader will be happy to recommend a spot a vibrant and welcoming community. Another for lunch. activity we recommend is taking the #12 bus up to the Lisbon Castle, a scenic route that Afternoon: After lunch, depart around 1:30pm takes you through different neighborhoods and for the approximate hour-long ride to the culminates in a view from the castle grounds. village of Azeitao, located just south of Lisbon. Your Trip Experience Leader is happy to help This quaint town is known for its unique style you find the bus stop, should you be interested. of Portuguese tile-making.

Dinner: On your own. A few spots you may want You’ll get to experience this traditional art to try for traditional Portuguese fare are Dote, form up close this morning when you visit a known for a pork sandwich called Francesinha; local tile workshop, arriving around 2:30pm. Taberna Anti-Dantas, known for its signature Throughout Lisbon and beyond, you’ll notice style fish soup served alongside Alentejo unique, colorful patterns adorning meticulously bread; and Gina, known for its squid kebab. molded tiles on churches, homes, schools, and All three restaurants are located less than a even restaurants. Throughout the centuries, these tiles have served not only for decoration,

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

11 but also for temperature control. Upon arrival Quinta dos Vales vineyard is a family-owned around 10am, you’ll meet an employee who will winery that not only produces world-class explain the intricate process and importance wine, but is also home to one of the largest of ceramic tiles to Portuguese art and culture. sculpture displays in Portugal. Upon your You’ll have the opportunity to ask him or her arrival, you’ll be split into smaller groups questions. and received by the owner or one of the family members working, at which time Around 4:30pm, you’ll depart for the they’ll introduce themselves and give some 40-minute ride via motorcoach back to the background on the winery. Today’s visit is an hotel. Feel free to enjoy some time at leisure opportunity for wine enthusiasts to understand until we gather around 6:45pm to walk about 15 the culture surrounding wine-making in minutes to dinner. the region. Dinner: Included at a local restaurant at around Around 12:15pm, you will depart the vineyard 7pm, featuring traditional fare. and embark your small ship. This privately Evening: You have the opportunity to make owned, 89- or 98-passenger vessel will be independent discoveries this evening. Perhaps your home for the next ten nights. The ship is you’ll take part in some of the activities staffed by a friendly, English-speaking crew suggested on Day 2. who will be eager to welcome you aboard and show you to your room. Each of the ship’s Day 5 Lisbon • Portimao • Winery visit • outside-facing cabins features a window or balcony, flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, and Embark ship its own private bath. • Destination: Lisbon • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lunch: Included onboard from 1pm to 2pm. You’ll be offered your choice of soup at your • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian or M/V Clio table, and you may visit the buffet for your Activity Note: Today’s drive from Lisbon to choice of entrées and sides, as well as salads Portimao is approximately 3.5 hours. To ensure and desserts. Complimentary house beer, house your health and safety, we have updated wine, and soft drinks are always available. our safety measures to include two separate groups for entertainment onboard, as well as Afternoon: Around 2pm, your Captain will two dining groups for most meals. Meal times conduct a safety briefing. At the conclusion, may vary. you’ll have time to get acquainted with the ship’s inviting common areas. The lounge is Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel equipped with couches, chairs, and a specialty beginning at 7am, featuring local and coffee-maker, and the adjacent bar serves international options. complimentary house beer, house wine, and soft drinks throughout the day. A topside Sun Morning: Depart this morning around 8am Deck features deck chairs for admiring the for the 3.5-hour journey in the direction of scenery. Complimentary wireless Internet is Portimao, a city situated on the Algarve known available in all cabins and common areas—the for its sailing culture. This is where you will front desk staff will be happy to provide you embark your ship, but before you do, you’ll first with an access code. Cabins will be available at make a stop in the nearby village of Estombar 5pm this afternoon. around 11am for a regional specialty.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

12 Make your way to the lounge around 5:30pm for Morning: Your small ship docks in Seville this an embarkation briefing, during which you’ll morning. While larger vessels are forced to meet the crew. Then, your Trip Experience dock elsewhere—and travelers must arrive by Leader will deliver the first in a series of nightly bus transfer—your discoveries will begin when Port Talks. These informative discussions you step off your small ship and right into the will give you an overview of the following heart of this Spanish gem. Around 9:30am, day’s itinerary, and prepare you for the you’ll embark on a local guide-led panoramic destination ahead. city tour by bus down the main avenues. Seville is linked to myriad iconic cultural and Dinner: Around 6pm, you and your fellow historical elements. It is the birthplace of travelers will be invited to the dining room flamenco and Don Juan, the legendary home of for a Welcome Dinner. As with all the dinners powerful Moorish kings, and the final resting during your cruise, the atmosphere is relaxed place of Christopher Columbus. With this and the dress code is smart casual. You’ll be diverse history, it’s no wonder Seville boasts offered a choice of appetizer, soup, entrée, and a charismatic aesthetic, which you’ll discover dessert—including American favorites—and on this highlights tour, including city gardens, complimentary house beer, house wine, and Plaza de España, Torre del Oro, and Park Maria soft drinks. (Half-portions are available upon Luisa. Later, you and your fellow travelers request.) But at this special welcome reception, will also discover the neighborhood of Barrio you’ll also enjoy more elaborate dishes and de Santa Cruz—originally the medieval city’s a special cocktail. While the dress code at Jewish quarter—famous for its maze of narrow mealtimes is always relaxed and smart casual, streets that wind around whitewashed homes, some travelers opt to wear a day dress or slacks sizable mansions, and airy plazas. for the first dinner. Lunch: Around 1pm, you’ll depart for the ship Evening: You are free to relax in the lounge for lunch, served around 1:30pm. after dinner, or return to your cabin to finish settling in. Afternoon: Beginning around 2:30pm, the rest of the afternoon is free for your own Day 6 Explore Seville, Spain discoveries. You might, for example, visit the Seville Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage • Destination: Seville Site. Originally built in the 16th century, the • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Roman Catholic cathedral is considered one of • Accommodations: M/V Clio or M/V Corinthian the largest in the world. Activity Note: Your Trip Experience Leader can Later on, a Port Talk will be given by your Trip provide tickets to the Seville Cathedral but will Experience Leader around 5:45pm, shortly not be leading the tour there. before dinner. Breakfast: You may choose from an assortment Then, should you be interested in furthering of familiar options—including hot and cold your cultural discoveries, an authentic flamenco cereals, eggs, sausage, bacon, fresh fruit, performance will be given tonight onboard and toast. Breakfast service is from 8:15am to from 6:45pm to 7:30pm. This is a wonderful 9:15am today, and you are welcome to dine at opportunity to witness this passionate art form your convenience. in the country of its origin.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

13 Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room Today, the stunning marble building now around 8pm. operates as part of the University of Seville; you might take some time to chat with some Evening: You have the freedom to spend the of the local students or grab a bite to eat at the rest of your evening as you wish. on-site restaurant. Freedom To Explore: During your two days • How to get there: Just under 1 mile from in Seville, you have the freedom to explore the hotel. this Andalusian capital on your own during • Hours: 8am-9pm, Monday-Saturday your free time. Below are a few recommended • Cost: Free. options for independent explorations: • Travel back in time at the General Archive • Look through the expansive lattice of the of the Indies: Access an archive containing Metropol Parasol: Known locally as Las Setas some of the most important historical de la Encarnación, this expansive art piece is documents of Spanish colonialism in the thought to be the largest wooden structure Americas. The archive itself is housed in Casa in the world, boasting dimensions of 490 by Lonja de Mercaderes, an ornate structure 230 feet and an approximate height of 85 feet. designed in the Spanish Renaissance style Constructed in 2005 by German architect and acknowledged as a UNESCO World Jürgen Mayer, the formation consists of six Heritage Site. Within the building’s walls, connected parasols appearing in the form you will find around 43,000 volumes and of giant mushrooms. Find shade from the some 80 million pages detailing the inner sun under the Parasol’s canopy, or stop workings of colonialism from the era of the by a café housed inside the structure for a first conquistadors to the late 19th century. coffee. You can also wander the winding Peruse the pages of Christopher Columbus’ walkways on top of the edifice for views of journal before studying maps and plans of La Encarnación Square and the skyline of colonial American cities, and take a moment Seville’s Old Quarter. to examine the papal bull Inter Caetera, which was issued by pope Alexander VI in 1493 and • How to get there: A 20-minute walk. divided newly-discovered lands between • Hours: 9:30am-11pm, daily. Spain and Portugal. • Cost: Free. • How to get there: A 10-minute walk. • Witness the evolution of Europe’s first tobac- • Hours: 9:30am-5pm, Monday-Saturday; co factory, Real Fábrica de Tabacos, original- 10am-2pm Sunday. ly built in the 1700s. The oldest factory of its • Cost: Free. kind, it remained in business until 1950. Walk through the building’s winding corridors and Day 7 Seville • Explore Cordoba take in the Renaissance-era architecture, and learn about how the factory inspired the plot • Destination: Cordoba of Bizet’s legendary opera, Carmen. It is said • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner a romance really did exist between a young • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian or M/V Clio cigarrera (“cigarette girl”) who worked at the Activity Note: Depending on how your small factory and one of the guards on the premises. group is split into further groups, you may Regardless of the truth in this story, one experience today’s activities on Day 8. needs only spend time at the factory to trans- port oneself back in time to Carmen’s Seville.

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14 Breakfast: Breakfast service is from 7am-8am Dinner: Enjoy dinner onboard at today, and you are welcome to dine at your approximately 6:15pm. convenience. Evening: At leisure. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a night Morning: After breakfast, disembark around cap at the ship’s bar or relax in the lounge. 8am for the approximate 2-hour motorcoach transfer to Cordoba. Founded as a Roman Day 8 Seville • A Day in the Life of a enclave, Cordoba grew to become the largest Spanish bull farm city in the world after it was conquered by the • Destination: Seville Moors in AD 711. Today, the city’s most famous landmark—the Mezquita (Great Mosque)—is a • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner shining example of its Moorish heritage. • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian or M/V Clio Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s activities During today’s included tour beginning around feature our NEW A Day in the Life experience 10am, you’ll find that Cordoba is a study in on one of Spain’s most prestigious bull farms. contrasts. Begin with a stroll through the We’ll get to know the owners, explore the Juderia (Jewish Quarter), admiring the famous massive ranch and help out with chores, and Andalucian patios of pretty ceramics, iron even have the chance to witness a matador grilles, and plants. training session before enjoying a farm-fresh We’d be remiss not to end our tour at the lunch. To facilitate a more intimate experience, Mezquita, where your local guide will show two groups of no more than 25 travelers will you its unexpected dual personality. Once visit bull farms on Day 8 and two groups will the third-largest mosque in the world, the visit on Day 7. Travelers who visited the bull Mezquita is now a Roman Catholic cathedral. farm on Day 7 will visit Cordoba today. One Inside, you’ll find evidence of both faiths: Its group will visit La Capitana, and the other will hypostyle hall—featuring 850 stunning colored venture to El Soto de La Fuente, a comparable granite and marble arches—is typical of Islamic bull farm. The description below is of the La design, while the 16th-century Renaissance Capitana bull farm. cathedral in the center, with its mahogany Breakfast: Buffet service begins at 8:15am. pulpits and choir stalls, is characteristically Christian. Morning: Around 9:15am, our small group will depart for a nearly 1.5-hour drive via Your tour wraps up around noon, at which point motorcoach to begin our NEW A Day in the Life you’ll have about an hour to discover Cordoba at La Capitana Bull Farm, situated near the on your own. We’ll reconvene with our Trip thousand-resident village of Almadena de la Experience Leader in time for lunch. Plata. Locals have a special name for these kinds Lunch: Savor lunch at a local restaurant from of farms: Dehesa, which denotes vast swaths around 1pm to 2pm. of grassy pasture used for free-range bovine and equine breeding. The Dehesa we’re headed Afternoon: After lunch, hop back on the to today is famous for supplying bulls to the motorcoach for the approximate 2-hour drive most prominent bull rings in Spain, including back to Seville. We’ll embark the ship once those in the historic cities of Seville and Málaga. again around 4pm. Feel free to take the rest of We’ll learn more about this centuries-old—and the afternoon to rest after your walking tour some would say controversial—cultural until tonight’s Port Talk at around 5:45pm.

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15 patrimony later as we come to understand its in direct contact with people. When they’re beginnings and get to know those who uphold born, they spend roughly one year with their it. Upon arrival around 10:30am, we will be mothers before being weaned, branded, and greeted by the owner Concha, the daughter of then tested—females included—to determine community leader Aurora, who will welcome us their suitability for the bull ring, breeding, or into her Andalusian-style home and introduce slaughter. us to the unique livelihood of her family. As In addition to breeding, Dehesas such as La with many other Dehesas, this 800-acre farm Capitana are training grounds for matadors or has been passed down through the family bullfighters. Aspiring competitors—men and for generations, but unlike most, it is owned women both—come from all over to perfect and run by women. Concha’s mother Aurora, the art and the physical contest. Today, we’ll now in her fifties, is one of the only women have a chance to watch one of these matadors in all of Spain to breed bulls. Although she in training, who either practice with “dummy has five brothers, her father did not wish to bulls” (animals not chosen for the ring), or divide ownership of the property, and it was even a person donning a bull mask. It is not ultimately decided that she would inherit it. permitted to train with the bulls headed to the This morning, Concha will provide insight into ring because they may learn the “tricks” of the her mother’s trailblazing work, the family matador, and those who have already fought operation, and also speak to the multifaceted were killed. After observing the techniques role she plays in maintaining the business. of a professional—and if you’re feeling up to Around 11am, we’ll venture out into the densely it—you’re welcome to throw on the traditional treed pastures to discover the diverse, rustic matador gear and take a spot in the ring to get landscape, and of course, the prized animals a feel for this longstanding tradition yourself that call it home. More than 750 cattle roam (sans live animals, of course!). Later, we’ll also the rolling property freely, as well as passels have the opportunity to participate in daily of black pigs and herds of Andalusian horses. chores associated with caring for the animals at As we’ll learn, the farm is primarily run by the La Capitana, whether that be feeding the pigs or family, but due to its size, an additional six attending veterinary checks. full-time employees are required, as well as a Around 12:45pm, we’ll head back to the number of seasonal workers. The money and farmhouse, where we’ll join our hosts for a labor generated by such Dehesas is crucial to farm-fresh lunch. local economies—in fact, the unemployment rate in the area of Almadena de la Plata alone is Lunch: At about 12:45pm, we’ll enjoy seasonal more than 25%. fare in the farmhouse with our generous hosts. Take this opportunity to ask any questions you Upon approaching the pastures, we’ll gaze might have about the operation. Perhaps you’re upon the farm’s famed fighting bulls, or Toro curious to know how long the matadors train or Bravo, who typically weigh anywhere from how the farm has changed over the years. 900-1,500 pounds. These grazing giants are an Iberian heterogenous cattle exclusively bred Afternoon: Around 1:45pm, we’ll bid farewell to in Spain, Portugal, France, and other Latin La Capitana and depart for the roughly 1-hour American countries. They are only kept as drive back to Seville, where we’ll board the ship. free-range livestock, and in order to preserve The ship doesn’t sail until 4:30pm, so you have their wild characteristics, they rarely ever come time for further exploration should you want to.

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16 A popular activity in the area is bike riding on ownership of Morocco, valuing its strategic the waterfront boardwalk, which you can find position. Eventually, France succeeded right outside of the ship. The boardwalk is flat in making Morocco its protectorate, with for easy riding and provides scenic views of the Spain maintaining fringe coastal territories. river and nearby park. If interested, your Trip It wasn’t until 1956 that Morocco gained Experience Leader can assist you with obtaining its independence—and vestiges of French a bike and providing a map. For those keen influence remain to this day. on hearing today’s Port Talk, it will be held Begin this morning with a visit to the Old around 5:45pm. Medina. Discover the vitality of this old Dinner: Join your fellow travelers in the dining walled-city and find inspiration just as beat room for dinner around 8pm. poets, writers, and artist have during the middle of the last century. Then, stroll through Evening: Free to spend as you wish. You may bustling Grand Socco central square, where want to get to know other travelers over a drink you’ll visit the traditional souk (market). As in the lounge. you mingle with locals among the various stalls containing aromatic spices, colorful Day 9 Explore Tangier, Morocco • produce, and exotic butchery, you may choose Controversial Topic: Women’s challenges to pick up a handicraft or two to remind you of in Moroccan society with female this multi-sensory experience. Occasionally, empowerment advocate, Mounira vendors may try to barter with you on prices. Bouzid Alami This is a common cultural practice throughout the country as well as continent. Feel free to • Destination: Tangier check with your Trip Experience Leader on • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner shopping tips, should you want any. • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian or M/V Clio We’ll cap our discoveries around 11am with Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s activities a visit to the Darna Association, about 15 include a conversation about the Controversial minutes away by motorcoach. The name Topic of women’s rights in male-dominated Darna translates to “our house,” and that’s Morocco with Mounira Bouzid Alami, the precisely what this organization is designed founder of a women’s association. This to be: a safe haven for women who have been conversation will reveal the challenges cast out of their communities or otherwise Moroccan women have overcome within disenfranchised by Morocco’s patriarchal the last century—including voting rights culture. Darna empowers both women and and access to education—and the issues girls from impoverished, rural communities they continue to face. Read more about this by providing trainings, education, and conversation below. employment opportunities. By supporting Breakfast: Buffet service begins at 7am. women and girls through these endeavors, Darna hopes to combat gender inequality and Morning: Welcome to Morocco! Around poverty within the lives of these individuals and 8:15am, you’ll depart by motorcoach for in Morocco as a whole. a city tour of Tangier led by a local guide. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Spain and neighboring France scuffled over

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17 When we arrive, our group will meet with women’s rights organizations soon followed. Darna’s founder, Mounira Bouzid Alami, Additionally, the Moudawana, or family code to discuss the Controversial Topic of the in Moroccan law, was reformed in 2011 to give challenges and limitations women face in women more legal equality. Following these modern Morocco. reforms, women were no longer legally bound to obey their husbands, the age of consent to Mounira was born and came of age in the marry was raised to 18 years old, and women late 1940s and 1950s, when Moroccan had the ability to divorce and receive custody of society was still exceptionally traditional and their children. male-dominated. Women lived in almost total isolation, and most were prevented from Despite these advances, women still face working or studying outside of their homes. The significant inequalities in Moroccan society. tide began to turn in the 1960s, and Mournira About 78% of girls between the ages of 12 benefited greatly: As a young adult, she moved and 14 in rural areas are no longer in formal to France to study, which opened her eyes to schooling, leaving them at a substantial what life was like in a more equitable society. disadvantage to their male peers. While When she returned home, she made it her women make up about 51% of Morocco’s mission to protect women and show them how population, they are far less likely to be to fight for equal opportunities in Morocco. To employed than men: 25% of women participate that end, she founded the Darna Association in in the workforce, compared to over 66% of 1995. During our hour-long conversation with men. Morocco ranks 137 out of 149 countries Mounira, she will speak candidly about her according to the 2018 World Economic Forum’s experience as a woman in Morocco, detailing Global Gender Gap Report and 141 out of 149 how society has changed during her lifetime countries in women’s economic participation and how much has remained the same. and opportunity. Gender inequality is also present within political processes. While Prior to Morocco’s independence from France universal suffrage is guaranteed, women are in 1956, women lived in enclosed family units often limited in exercising their voting rights called harem. They were not allowed leave the and running for office due to social, religious, harem without male supervision, and within the and political obstacles. home, they were only permitted to do chores and devote their free time to handicrafts or Mounira will spend about 45 minutes detailing embroidery. While women were occasionally how women’s rights have evolved in Morocco, allowed to attend school, the Quran was the and explaining the role the Darna Association only subject available for them to study. plays in continuing to advance women’s positions in society. We’ll have about 15 Since gaining independence, Moroccan women minutes to ask Mounira questions about her have enjoyed significant social and political life, her mission, and her outlook on women’s advances—including education, voting rights, rights in Morocco before touring Darna and the ability to work. Moroccan women have ourselves. also been more publicly visible in shaping contemporary politics. In 1961, the Union Today, Darna is as much a community center Progresiste des Femmes Marocaines, the first as it is an educational institution, offering exclusively-female civil society organization women both a sense of inclusion and practical in Morocco, was established—and many more training and employment opportunities.

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18 Every year, more than 200 children and 150 Day 10 Explore Gibraltar • Controversial adults rely on Darna to learn how to read and Topic: The British-Spanish struggle for write, gain greater financial independence, control of Gibraltar after Brexit with develop income-generating skills, and better resident Karen Lawson understand their rights. We’ll hear more about Darna’s educational programs and hands-on • Destination: Gibraltar training workshops from Mounira, and we may • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner even have the opportunity to work alongside • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian or M/V Clio some of the women to learn some new skills Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s activities of our own. include the Controversial Topic of the impact Lunch: Around 12:15pm, we’ll sit down with our of Brexit on British-controlled Gibraltar with small group to enjoy a meal. We’ll be treated Karen Lawson, a local resident. During this to traditional cuisine, such as couscous—tiny, conversation, we’ll trace the history of Britain steamed balls of durum wheat semolina—and and Spain’s conflicting claims to Gibraltar tagine, a hearty stew cooked in an earthenware and discover how that territorial dispute could pot. During lunch, we’ll be joined by a local resurface as a result of Brexit. Read more about man who will speak candidly about his own this conversation below. deeply-held beliefs regarding women’s role Breakfast: Buffet service begins at 8:15am. in Moroccan society. He’ll explain his more traditional views and reveal how they’ve Morning: Today, the ship anchors in Gibraltar, evolved over time. You may wish to ask his located at the southern tip of the Iberian opinion of the work Mounira is doing to Peninsula. This British territory spans an area compare and contrast their outlooks. of 2.6 square miles and boasts a population of just over 30,000 people. The city sits at the Afternoon: Beginning around 1:30pm, the foot of an almost 1,400-foot high promontory, afternoon is free for your own discoveries. creating a distinctive surrounding landscape. Perhaps you’d like to explore other markets, shop, grab a coffee on one of the main Depart by motorcoach around 9:15am for a esplanades, or return to your ship. As usual, city tour led by a local guide. Your first stop today’s Port Talk will be held just before dinner is at the Jews Gate, a cemetery containing the at 5:45pm. earliest known Jewish burials in the territory and located within Gibraltar Nature Reserve. Dinner: Join your fellow travelers in the dining Then, you’ll continue on to discover another room for dinner around 6:15pm. site connected to World War II: a network of Evening: You have the freedom to spend the underground military tunnels excavated in rest of your evening as you wish. rock by the British. A local guide will grant you access to these tunnels and explain their significance during the war. The network essentially acted as an underground city, housing a bakery as well as tunnels large enough to transport motor vehicles.

Around 11am, you’ll make the 20-minute drive to Europa Point, the southernmost part of the city. This outlook provides unparalleled views

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19 of the area, and when the weather is clear, Crown’s control. Incensed, Spain’s dictator, you can actually see North Africa across the Francisco Franco, closed the border between Strait of Gibraltar. From here, we’ll continue Spain and Gibraltar in an attempt to cripple the on for a 30-minute drive to Casemates Square territory’s economy. While the move wasn’t as in downtown Gibraltar. Lined with countless harmful as intended, it did hamper Gibraltar’s pubs, shops, and restaurants, this is the growth; when the border finally re-opened in primary square of the city and a common 1984, Gibraltar’s per-capita gross domestic meeting place among locals. Enjoy a short product spiked and has continued to climb ever walking tour provided by your Trip Experience since. At almost $93,000 per capita, it is among Leader to familiarize yourself with the area the highest in the world today. before heading back to the ship for lunch As we’ll hear from Karen, Gibraltarians are now around 12:30pm. worried that Brexit will open up old wounds Lunch: Around 1:30pm in the ship’s between the UK and Spain and force history dining room. to repeat itself, like the lock down imposed by Franco in 1969. While some security checks Afternoon: Around 2:30pm, we’ll convene in are required at the border between Spain the ship’s lounge, where we’ll be met by British and Gibraltar, crossing is relatively simple. citizen and long-time Gibraltar resident, Approximately 40% of Gibraltar’s workforce Karen Lawson, to discuss the Controversial commutes from Spain every day, and more Topic of how Brexit might impact the than 95% of Gibraltar’s 11 million annual tenuous relationship between Spain and tourists arrive by land. Businesses also import British-controlled Gibraltar. a significant amount of perishable goods from Karen was born in Plymouth, England, and Spain—including potable water. If obstacles are enjoyed a long career in the military. Since 1915, added at the border, the economy could take a Gibraltar has been as an important base for hit and essential supplies could get tied up at the British Armed Forces—and in 2002, Karen tedious inspection points. was transferred to the territory to continue The future of Gibraltar now depends on her military service and has remained here for politicians’ ability to make a deal. Spain has 19 years. The mother of five sons, Karen has proposed a “shared responsibility” approach become an integral part of the community, to Gibraltar’s affairs, hoping to maintain as participating in the local theater and supporting many existing EU policies in the territory as several charities. She is a proud Gibraltarian, possible. Britain, however, is lukewarm on the but now that the United Kingdom has voted to idea of ceding even nominal control of Gibraltar leave the European Union, she worries about to Spain (and the EU by extension). If you ask what the future might hold. Brexit could not most Gibraltarians, you’ll hear a different only hamper the local economy, but it could answer entirely: 97% of residents voted to also add fuel to a long-smoldering territorial remain in the EU in 2016, and they would very dispute between the UK and Spain. much like their lives to continue on as normal. Gibraltar has been a British Overseas Karen will spend approximately 15 minutes Territory since 1713—and Spain has asserted sharing her perspective on the Brexit a claim to it for almost as long. The dispute conundrum, after which time we’ll have reached a boiling point in 1967, when 99% about 45 minutes to ask any questions we of Gibraltarians voted to remain under the

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20 may have. The remainder of the afternoon is your way to the Picasso Museum. On October yours to do as you please prior to our Port Talk 25, 1881, Pablo Picasso was born in the very around 5:45pm. building of what is today the museum, which now houses nearly 300 of his works. Glimpse Dinner: Join your fellow travelers in the dining into his childhood here, as well as Malaga’s room for dinner around 8pm. influence on his artistic style. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Lunch: Around 12:45pm, we’ll break into rest of your evening as you wish. smaller groups of 5-6 and depart for a 10-minute drive to your Home-Hosted Lunch. Day 11 Explore Malaga, Spain • Here, you’ll enter a typical middle-class Controversial Topic: The morality home and gather around the family table of bullfighting in modern Spain to sample Spanish cuisine and learn more with matador Fernando Lopez • about life in Andalucia. Families in Spain are Home-Hosted Lunch typically multi-generational, so you may have the opportunity to discuss everything • Destination: Malaga from schooling in Spain, to employment • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner opportunities, and the retirement system. • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian or M/V Clio You may also learn how values and attitudes Exclusive O.A.T. Activities: Today’s discoveries toward local customs (like bullfighting, which feature the Controversial Topic of bullfighting we’ll address this afternoon) differ from one in Spain with Fernando Lopez, an experienced generation to the next. But even if the family matador. This conversation will reveal the members disagree, don’t expect much drama: history of this iconic tradition and address Malagueños are known for their optimistic its waning popularity. We will also enjoy a demeanor. Home-Hosted Lunch with a local family, which In addition to their cheery dispositions, locals will give us the opportunity to learn more about are also notorious for their love of food. During life in Malaga and sample homemade cuisine. the warmer months, you might be treated to a Read more about these activities below. bowl of cold soup, like gaspacho. In the winter, Breakfast: Buffet service begins at 7am. a heaping meat platter called plato de los montes (literally, plate of mountains) could be on the Morning: Your ship docks in Malaga this menu. At the end of the meal, you’ll likely toast morning. Located in the country’s Andalucia to your new friends with a glass of local wine territory, just beyond the Costa del Sol, or sangria. Malaga has all the charms of a Mediterranean port coupled with historic elegance and a We’re afforded this special privilege by our burgeoning art and cultural scene that now small group size, as it gives us the chance to rivals Madrid. enter local homes and connect on a one-to-one level, and to even share a little with our hosts Around 9am, board a motorcoach for a about who we are and what has brought us panoramic tour of this small port city. to Spain. Renowned artist Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, a fact which local residents are very proud of. You will notice his influence here as you explore the city and eventually make

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21 After spending about 1.5 hours with the next generation of Malaga’s matadors, many family, we’ll bid them hasta luego (see you of them children as young as he was when he later)—because adios is too formal and finite to began practicing. be used among friends. As someone who has spent his entire life Afternoon: Around 3pm, we’ll split into two training and fighting in the ring and has groups and begin our next exclusive activity. watched as the tides have turned against it in The first group travel by private motorcoach the past 15 years, Fernando will have a unique to Malaga’s bullring, arriving around 3:30pm; perspective of the state of bullfighting in the second group will have free time to Spain. During our conversation, we’ll have the explore independently before visiting the opportunity to hear his thoughts on both sides bullring at 4pm. of the controversy, and about the long history of this Spanish cultural institution. Here, we’ll meet Fernando Lopez, a veteran matador, for a conversation about a Bullfighting’s popularity began in the 16th Controversial Topic: the waning popularity of century as a way for nobles to demonstrate bullfighting in Spain. This controversial activity their bravery and machismo. Throughout has been a proud part of Spain’s cultural the following years, it became increasingly heritage for hundreds of years, and at one popular, as nobles and commoners alike took time was almost universally beloved. In recent to the ring, dressing in fabulously flamboyant decades, however, cultural attitudes have attire, and exposing themselves skillfully shifted, and a generation of younger Spaniards to as much danger as they could endure to and animal rights activists have come to see it prove their fearlessness and finesse. Because as a form of barbaric cruelty that needs to end. bullfighting takes so long to master and elicits such a strong emotional response, Spaniards Throughout the country, approximately 60% of quickly came to view it as a high art rather than the population is opposed to the practice, and merely a sport. Over the centuries, bullfighting some parts of Spain have outright banned it. In has become intertwined with Spain’s cultural the Catalonian capital of Barcelona for example, heritage; Ernest Hemingway fell in love with bullfighting was forbidden by a grassroots vote the spectacle and famously sang its praises to in 2012. Although the legal status of the ban has an international audience in works like The Sun been challenged federally, the city converted Also Rises, and the Spanish Senate officially its ring into a shopping mall, sending a clear declared it part of the country’s cultural message about the future of bullfighting in patrimony in 2013. the region. Its supporters—more commonly found in We’ll spend about an hour discussing this Spain’s smaller towns and villages, and controversy with Fernando Lopez, a matador among its older generations—insist that to who, in his 40s, still participates in bullfights end bullfighting would be to erase part of today (or, if Fernando is unavailable, a the country’s cultural identity. And although local matador of similar stature). Like most the practice is undeniably bloody, the animal bullfighters, Fernando began training at doesn’t go to waste. After a fight, the bull’s a young age—the path to mastery begins meat is used to produce food for human and as young as 8-10 years old. In addition to animal consumption; is it so different from fighting in the ring, Fernando is a teacher, any other form of butchery? Critics counter and spends his days showing the ropes to the

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22 that yes, it almost certainly is. While the goal Evening: The evening is free to relax as you of a fight may be to kill the bull, the animal wish. Perhaps you’ll relax on the Sun Deck endures significant physical and mental abuse or fondly remember the day’s discoveries in before and during the match. In addition to the your cabin. animal rights issues, bullfighting is obviously dangerous to its human participants; over the Day 12 Explore Cartagena • course of its history, more than 500 matadors Roman Theater are estimated to have died, and many more • Destination: Cartagena have been injured. Bullfighting’s opponents claim that it is nothing more than a medieval • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner bloodsport that has no place in a civilized, 21st • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian or M/V Clio century society. Breakfast: Buffet service begins at 8:15am.

While bullfights are still regularly held in Morning: Your ship anchors today in Spain—in the summer, bullrings might host Cartagena, one of the most strategically a fight every week—its popularity is waning. important ports in all of the Mediterranean. Approximately 20 bullrings still exist in the With its natural harbor surrounded by coastal country, drawing smaller crowds each year. mountains, Cartagena has been a coveted During our conversation with Fernando, he’ll maritime outpost throughout history. It was spend about 45 minutes sharing his firsthand founded by the Carthaginians in BC 227 as a perspective of how he has seen the practice, and gateway to their Spanish conquests. But it was attitudes towards it, change over his lifetime, soon invaded by the Romans, who transformed and what he thinks the future might hold for the settlement into a center for art and culture bullfighting in Spain. We’ll have approximately in Iberia. The city enjoyed continued good 15 minutes to ask questions that challenge him fortune under both Moorish and Christian and ourselves to deepen our understanding of rule; since the mid-18th century, it has served this difficult subject. as the capital of the Spanish Navy in the Mediterranean. After our conversation, we’ll bid Fernando farewell, and the afternoon is free for your own After breakfast, you’ll set off around 9:30am discoveries. For a glass of locally-produced on a tour to discover the historic attractions wine in 18th century surroundings, this is of the city. Your tour of this “Port of Cultures” a great time to check out El Pimpi Bodega will take you through many reminders of Bar, located just a short walk from where Cartagena’s diverse past and rich culture. your ship is docked. Located in a nearly You’ll visit the city’s single most famous 300-year-old mansion, El Pimpi is one of the landmark—the architecturally impressive longest-standing bodegas in the city, where Roman Theater, which has been recently you can enjoy the local food and wines of restored to its ancient glory. This theater southern Spain. Feel free to reach out to your was erected sometime between 5 and 1 BC, as Trip Experience Leader for more information. evidence by its dedication to prominent Roman Gather with your group once more for a Port figures of the time. This is a unique opportunity Talk around 5:45pm. to learn about Roman occupancy in the Iberian peninsula, as well as Roman culture itself. Dinner: Join your fellow travelers in the dining room for dinner around 6:15pm.

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23 A little after noon, you’ll wrap up your Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava designed discoveries and return to the ship, arriving this massive cultural complex, which was built around 12:30pm. in the dry bed of the Turia River (now converted into a set of garden walkways). The most Lunch: Aboard the ship’s dining room from striking feature is the opera house, which rises 1:30pm to 2:30pm. like a leviathan out of a massive reflecting pool. Afternoon: Relax onboard before sailing to your You’ll make a brief stop here, giving you time to next port of call. The daily Port Talk will be held take in this remarkable structure. just before dinner around 5:45pm. Lunch: Around 12:15pm, we’ll depart for the Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room 15-minute drive to a paella workshop, where around 8pm. we’ll learn how to make a Valencian specialty. This saffron-flavored, versatile rice dish may Evening: The remainder of your evening is free. contain chicken, pork, artichokes or peppers. Stroll the Sun Deck for fresh air, or rest in your Traditionally, it’s cooked over an open fire and cabin before another day of discovery. made using bomba rice, a short-grain variety. This is a hands-on experience that allows us to Day 13 Explore Valencia learn about what many Spaniards consider their national dish. • Destination: Valencia • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Afternoon: Around 3:30pm, we’ll depart for the • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian or M/V Clio ship. The daily Port Talk will be held just before dinner at 6:45pm. Breakfast: Buffet service begins at 7am. Dinner: Join your fellow travelers in the ship’s Morning: Today your ship anchors in Valencia, dining room around 7pm for a Farewell Dinner. the country’s third-largest city, as well as You can all reminisce about the memories you one of its oldest. But here, age truly is just made that will last a lifetime. a number, as you’ll discover during today’s explorations, which highlight the city’s rich Evening: You have the freedom to spend the blend of medieval squares and contemporary rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps avant-garde buildings. you’ll continue celebrating your journey with your group. Your panoramic tour begins around 9am in Valencia’s historic center, one of the largest in Spain. Here, you’ll not only witness examples of Day 14 Explore Barcelona everyday Valencian life (such as a local market, • Destination: Barcelona where local specialties like horchata are sold), • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner but also icons of the city’s history, like La Lonja • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian or M/V Clio de la Seda (Silk Exchange). This 15th-century Renaissance trading hall has been recognized Activity Note: The ability to tour Sagrada by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and a Familia varies depending on departure date. In unique example of Gothic secular architecture. the event your small group is unable to visit, your Trip Experience Leader will provide an Around noon, witness one of Valencia’s most alternate activity. impressive ultra-modern institutions: the City of Arts and Sciences. In 1996, renowned Breakfast: Buffet service begins at 8:15am.

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24 Morning: Today your ship anchors in city an enchanted, almost surreal atmosphere.) Barcelona, the capital of Spain’s autonomous Each small group of 20-25 (average of 22) will Catalonia region and the second-largest city in tour this iconic artistic staple with a local guide. the country. As a vital center of trade since the The rest of the afternoon is free for your own Middle Ages, Barcelona has long been at the discoveries—ask your Trip Experience Leader crossroad of ideas, which has helped cement for recommendations. Alternatively, your Trip its status not only as a great European city, but Experience Leader is glad to lead a discovery also as an important hub of scientific, cultural, walk this evening, should you like to join. and artistic innovations. Around 3:45pm, catch a shuttle bus back to the Around 9:30am, you’ll experience a few of ship for a Farewell Port Talk around 5:45pm. Barcelona’s highlights during an included 30-minute panoramic tour. First, you’ll stop Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room at Montjuïc, a hill overlooking the harbor, around 8pm. for a scenic view of the cityscape and natural surroundings. Then, you’ll drive through the Evening: The rest of the evening is free. Enjoy city’s main avenue, Passeig de Gràcia. This your final evening on your ship. is one of the most important shopping and Freedom To Explore: During your two full days business areas in the city. Shortly after 10am, in Barcelona, you’ll have the freedom to explore you’ll set off on foot to explore the Barri Gotic this vibrant city on your own during your free (Gothic Quarter). Located in the heart of the old time. Below are a few recommended options for city, the Gothic Quarter offers a glimpse into independent explorations: medieval Barcelona, with some structures even dating back as far as Roman times. • Treat your senses at La Boqueria Market: The largest food market in Barcelona, La Boqueria Our tour wraps up around just before 12:30pm dates back as early as 1217 when a produce in time for lunch. We’ll drive about 15 minutes market was erected on the same spot. Today, to a local restaurant. you can find much more than that, including Lunch: At a local restaurant, featuring artisan crafts, fruits and vegetables, street traditional Spanish cuisine. food, and beyond. • How to get there: An approximate Afternoon: Around 1:30pm, we depart the 10-minute walk from the hotel. restaurant for a 30-minute drive to witness • Hours: 8am-8:30pm, Monday-Saturday. a Gothic icon of an entirely different breed: • Cost: Free. Sagrada Familia. This Roman Catholic basilica, designed by modernist architect Antoni Gaudi, • Stroll through La Rambla: This bustling has been under construction since 1882 and pedestrian walkway is lined with outdoor isn’t expected to be completed until 2026. markets, coffee shops, restaurants, and Nevertheless, it has become one of Barcelona’s much more. You’ll travel back in time as you signature attractions, thanks in large part to its unexpected blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. (Other examples of Gaudi’s work are peppered throughout Barcelona, lending the

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25 walk this historic street, taking in the sights as a museum and gift shop celebrating the of colorful buildings and even remnants of unique art nouveau architecture for which medieval architecture. Gaudi was so famous. • How to get there: An approximate • How to get there: An approximate 10-minute walk from the hotel. 10-minute walk from the hotel. • Hours: Daily. • Hours: 9am-8pm, daily. • Cost: Free. • Cost: Around $30 USD per person. • Discover a piece of Gaudi’s legacy at Casa Batlló’: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Day 15 Disembark ship • Return to U.S. Site in 2005, Gaudi redesigned the house • Included Meals: Breakfast in 1904, and its impressive stone and glass Breakfast: Buffet service begins at 7am. façade creates a burst of crystalline color in the center of the city. Today, the house serves Morning: Bid the ship and crew farewell this morning. Then, depending on your individual flight itinerary, transfer about 30 minutes by motorcoach to the airport for your flight home. Or begin your post-trip extension to Barcelona, Spain.

END YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION 3 nights in Barcelona, Spain

Day 1 Explore Barcelona Day 3 Barcelona • Explore El Born Day 2 Barcelona • Explore Figueres Day 4 Barcelona • Return to U.S.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

26 PRE-TRIP Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra Palace & Seaside Cascais

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Accommodations for 3 nights » Services of our local Trip Experience Leader » 5 meals: 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches » Gratuities for local guides and » 4 guided tours with personal headsets: motorcoach drivers Lisbon • Cascais • Sintra • Obidos » All transfers

PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Portugal’s city of hills overlooks the harbor from which Vasco de Gama returned after his voyages, and the castle-topped view that greeted him awaits you. Stroll seaside Cascais, visit the Royal Palace in Sintra, walk the medieval streets of Obidos, and discover Lisbon.

Day 1 Depart U.S. Afternoon: Around 5pm, our Trip Experience Leader will take us on a short orientation Afternoon/Evening: Depart today on your walk around the hotel to get acquainted with flight to Lisbon, Portugal. Please refer to your the area, including where to find an ATM individual air itinerary for exact departure and or anything you might need. Then, around arrival times. 6pm, toast to the discoveries ahead over a Welcome Drink. Day 2 Arrive Lisbon, Portugal Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience • Destination: Lisbon Leader will be happy to provide dining • Accommodations: Altis Grand Hotel recommendations or similar Evening: The remainder of your evening is free. Morning: Depending on your flight You may like to take a nighttime stroll, or retire schedule, arrive in Lisbon, Portugal where a early to your room. representative will meet you at the airport and assist with your 25-minute motorcoach Freedom To Explore: During your three days transfer to your hotel. Your hotel may feature a in Lisbon, you’ll have the freedom to explore swimming pool, restaurant, and lounge. Typical this capital city on your own during your free rooms may include cable TV, minibar, a safe, time. Below are a few recommended options for and private bath with hair dryer. independent explorations:

Lunch: On your own. You may pick something • Discover one of Lisbon’s hidden gems at the up at the airport, or venture to a restaurant near Mae d’Agua. Strolling through Lisbon, it’s the hotel upon arrival. easy to notice the 18th-century aqueduct that towers over the city. But what many travelers

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27 miss is the “temple of water” just outside Day 3 Explore Lisbon the Armoreira Gardens. The aqueduct once • Destination: Lisbon fed into this reservoir, completed in the early • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 1800s, and it used to be the central water resource for the people of Lisbon. Now, this • Accommodations: Altis Grand Hotel impressive marble building is open to the or similar public. Visitors can stroll through the area Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel and even climb some stairs for a panoramic beginning at 7am, featuring local and view of the “Mother of Water.” There is also international options. an outdoor terrace at the top of the structure where you can revel in picturesque views Morning: Meet with your Trip Experience of the city. Leader for a Welcome Briefing around 9am in the hotel. During this briefing, you’ll introduce How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute walk. • yourself to the group and review our itinerary Hours: 10am-6pm, Monday-Saturday. • in more detail (including any changes that may Cost: About $4 USD per person. • need to occur). Our Trip Experience Leader will • Explore the vibrant Eastern Lisbon district of also discuss logistics, safety, and emergency Parque das Nacoes: A sharp contrast to the procedures, and answer any questions you traditional old-world feel of central Lisbon, may have. Parque das Nacoes is rich with modern architecture and a futuristic feel. Attractions Once you’ve been briefed, depart around include a bustling marina, a slew of bars and 9:45am for a walking tour around Portugal’s restaurants, and a massive aquarium. capital city led by our Trip Experience Leader. Lisbon attracts millions of visitors each year for How to get there: An approximate • its hilly, waterfront topography, experimental 25-minute taxi ride the hotel, around $30 cuisine, pulsating nightlife, and rich history. USD one way. For architecture buffs, the city also boasts an Hours: Daily. • impressive mélange of Romanesque, Gothic, Cost: Free. • Manueline, Baroque, Modern, and Postmodern • Immerse yourself in local life in the structures. Around 11am, you’ll discover the neighborhood of Campo de Ourique: This traditional Chiado square and nearby Principe vibrant neighborhood is lined with bars and Real neighborhood. Both areas boast historic restaurants and full of friendly local people charms—including 18th-century shops and living their day-to-day in one of the more 19th-century mansions—as well as modern traditional areas of Lisbon. Peruse the large, galleries, museums, and cafes. colorful outdoor market featuring a wide variety of gourmet food stalls—a treat for After your tour, you’ll have one hour of free the senses. time beginning at 11:30am for discovery until lunch. Around 12:30pm, we’ll walk 15 minutes How to get there: An approximate • to a local restaurant. 10-minute taxi drive from the hotel, around $20 USD one way. Lunch: At a local restaurant around 12:45pm, • Hours: 10am-11pm, daily. featuring local fare. • Cost: Free.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

28 Afternoon: Around 1:45pm, you’ll have the Lunch: Around 1pm at a local restaurant. option of going back to the hotel with your Trip Afternoon: After lunch, make the 1-hour drive Experience Leader or staying downtown to back to Lisbon around 2pm. The rest of the day continue exploring. Ask your Trip Experience is free for your own discoveries—ask your Trip Leader for recommendations if you’re not sure Experience Leader for recommendations. or if you need help planning your afternoon. Dinner/Evening: Free to make independent Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience discoveries this evening, with dinner on your Leader would be happy to suggest options for own. Your Trip Experience Leader is happy to the best traditional Portuguese fare. provide suggestions. Evening: Free to make independent discoveries this evening. Day 5 Lisbon • Explore Obidos • Join main trip Day 4 Lisbon • Explore Cascais • • Included Meals: Breakfast Explore Sintra Activity Note: Today’s drive is approximately • Destination: Sintra three hours round-trip. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch • Accommodations: Altis Grand Hotel Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel or similar beginning at 7am, featuring local and international options. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel beginning at 7am, featuring local and Morning: Rise early this morning to depart the international options. hotel around 8:30am for the nearly 1.5-hour drive to the walled town of Obidos, known as Morning: Around 9am, depart for the the “Wedding Present Town” because it was 40-minute drive to Cascais, which was at the gift of King Dinis to his young bride Isabel one time a humble fishing village that has on their wedding day. This launched a storied grown over the years into a lively coastal tradition in which Obidos was presented to resort town, known for its sandy beaches and each successive Queen of Portugal. Declared a popular marina. Then, around 10:15am, drive national monument in its entirety, the city’s approximately 25 minutes to the Royal Palace white walls, azulejos (tiles), and cobbled streets in Sintra, dating back to the Middle Ages. offer a clear glimpse of the Medieval period The palace is believed to be built during the here. Around 10:15am, embark on a 45-minute early 15th century. After housing many royal walking tour with our Trip Experience Leader to family members over hundreds of years, it learn about Obidos. was declared a national monument in 1910 and currently serves as a museum. Shortly after 11am, enjoy almost an hour of free time to explore the labyrinth of quaint Around 11:45am, you’ll have approximately one streets and vibrant colors to be found in this hill hour of free time to explore before lunch. While town before boarding the bus at noon for the you discover this mountainous resort town, you approximately one hour return to Lisbon. may come to understand why well-traveled English poet Lord Byron proclaimed it “the Lunch: On your own—ask your Trip Experience most beautiful in the world.” Leader for local restaurant recommendations.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

29 Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries before you join your main trip, Iberian Voyage: Lisbon to Barcelona.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

30 POST-TRIP Barcelona, Spain

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Accommodations for 3 nights » Services of our local Trip Experience Leader » 4 meals: 3 breakfasts and 1 dinner » Gratuities for local guides and » 4 guided tours with personal headsets: Park motorcoach drivers Guell • Figueres • Music Palace • El Born » All transfers

POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Journey to Barcelona, the gateway to Spain’s lively Catalonia region and a treasure trove of architectural and historic gems. Explore the city’s narrow streets and grand boulevards, discover Antoni Gaudi’s unmistakable influence, and immerse yourself in the unconventional spirit that makes Barcelona so unforgettable.

Day 1 Explore Barcelona Lunch: On your own around noon. Your Trip Experience Leader is happy to provide • Destination: Barcelona suggestions. • Accommodations: H10 Universitat Hotel

Morning: Around 9am, set off on a walking Afternoon: The afternoon is free to spend as tour of Barcelona’s highlights, including you’d like. Check with your Trip Experience the famed Park Guell. In 1900, Count Eusebi Leader for free time activities. Perhaps you’d Guell commissioned modernist architect like to wander Las Ramblas, the spacious Antoni Gaudi to design a luxury housing boulevard that runs through the heart of the community featuring organic designs that city from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell. This would blend seamlessly with the surrounding is a great spot for people watching—you may landscape. The idea was abandoned 14 years even catch some talented street performers. later—but not before Gaudi had completed two Dinner: On your own. Barcelona boasts a Hansel-and-Gretel gatehouses and a series of diverse and world-renowned food culture. fantastical roads, walks, and steps that appear Your Trip Experience Leader will be a wealth of to have been plucked from a fairytale. Opened knowledge in finding authentic eateries. to the public in 1922, the area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Evening: Free to make independent discoveries this evening. Nighttime is when Barcelona truly Then, return to your centrally located comes alive, as the typical Spaniard doesn’t eat hotel. Depending on where we stay, your dinner until around 10pm. Perhaps you want accommodations will features an on-site to venture out for a stroll to witness a typical restaurant, and a lounge bar. Your room evening’s activities. includes air-conditioning, satellite TV, Internet access, and private bath with hair dryer.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

31 Freedom To Explore: During your four days the unique ceramic roof architecture; and in Barcelona, you have the freedom to explore perhaps grab a bite at the tapas stand at the this vibrant, cultural hub on your own during building entrance. your free time. Below are a few recommended • How to get there: An approximate options for independent explorations: 10-minute tax drive from the hotel, around • Wind down the day at Parc de la Ciutadella: $15 USD one way. Created in the mid-19th century, this park • Hours: 7:30am-2pm, daily. is situated on the original site of Barcelona’s • Cost: Free. military citadel and was originally designed by architect Josep Fontseré to suit the Day 2 Barcelona • Explore Figueres demands of the 1888 World Fair. Visitors can • Destination: Barcelona lounge near a fountain and lake, or stop by • Included Meals: Breakfast sites such as the Barcelona Zoo, the Museu • Accommodations: H10 Universitat Hotel d’Art Modern contemporary art museum, and Activity Note: Today’s drive to Figueres is three the Catalan Parliament building—all situated hours round-trip. on the green space’s sprawling grounds. Step away from the city’s hustle and bustle Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel and escape to this urban oasis steeped in beginning at 7am, featuring local and Barcelona history and culture. international options. How to get there: A 20-minute walk. • Morning: Get to know another of Spain’s Hours: Open daily. • greatest visionaries today—Salvador Cost: Free. • Dali—during an included tour. Around 9am, • Walk the winding streets of El Raval: This you’ll travel north for 1.5 hours to Dali’s vibrant area of Barcelona is known for hometown of Figueres, where you’ll embark its multicultural influences and colorful on a walking tour (be sure to keep an eye out nightlife. Locals in the surrounding areas for tributes to the city’s surrealist son). Then, have often chastised El Raval, considering it a around 11:30am visit the Dali Theater and place that needs to be “cleaned up” or “fixed” Museum—instantly recognizable by its bright with wider streets and 5-star hotels. But El pink façade, geodesic dome, and row of giant Raval is authentically itself, and strolling eggs lining its roof. Inside, you’ll find the through the area offers a unique perspective world’s largest collection of Dali’s paintings on Barcelona’s cultural diversity. and sculptures, as well as works from Dali’s • How to get there: An approximate private art collection. The artist himself is even 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel, around buried inside. $15 USD one way. Lunch: On your own around 12:30pm. For a Hours: Daily. • local delicacy, you may want to try a Spanish Cost: Free. • omelet. Unlike American omelets, this meal is • Engage your senses at Mercat Santa Caterina: available round-the-clock. It’s typically filled The first indoor market in the city, Mercat with onion and chunks of potato and often Santa Caterina dates back to 1845. Interact served with aioli. with locals here as they purchase fresh fruits and vegetables for the week; admire

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

32 Afternoon: Around 1:30pm, the afternoon is Lunch: On your own. While in Barcelona, we free to continue exploring Figueres. Consult recommend taking advantage of the coastal with your Trip Experience Leader for ideas. location and finding fresh seafood. Your Trip Around 4pm, you’ll make the 1-hour drive back Experience Leader can provide suggestions, to Barcelona for the evening. should you be interested.

Dinner: On your own. Ask your Trip Experience Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon. Perhaps Leader for restaurant recommendations. you’d like to continue exploring El Born or venture to a new neighborhood, which your Evening: Free to make independent discoveries Trip Experience Leader can help you with. this evening. For beach lovers, you may want to take a stroll along Barceloneta Beach, a popular Dinner: Around 6:45pm, gather with your and lively stretch of coastline. fellow travelers to walk 15 minutes to a local restaurant for a Farewell Dinner.

Day 3 Barcelona • Explore El Born Evening: You have the freedom to spend the • Destination: Barcelona rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Experience Leader for recommendations. • Accommodations: H10 Universitat Hotel

Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel Day 4 Barcelona • Return to U.S. beginning at 7am, featuring local and • Included Meals: Breakfast international options. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel Morning: Rise early this morning to witness beginning at 7am, featuring local and another example of Barcelona’s distinctive international options. modernist style. Around 8:30am, you’ll Morning: Depending on your individual flight depart for a 30-minute ride to Palau de la itinerary, transfer 30 minutes to the airport Musica Catalana (Music Palace). Here, you will today for your return flight home. enjoy a one hour tour of this ornate concert hall, completed in 1908 for a Catalan choral society; today, more than half a million people a year attend musical performances at this historical venue.

Then, enjoy a two-hour walking tour of El Born—a neighborhood with all the charms of Barcelona’s more heavily-traveled districts, but with an atmosphere that is decidedly more local and laidback. Characterized by its medieval streets, quaint cafes, and boutiques, this district is equally as trendy as it is rich with history.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

33 YOUR M/V CLIO SMALL SHIP Explore aboard our privately owned, 89-passenger small ship

Cruise the world’s legendary waterways aboard our 89-passenger small ship, the M/V Clio, rated excellent by 96% of travelers. Built in 1998, the Clio was purchased and refurbished in 2016, prior to its first departure. The ship holds four groups of 20-25 travelers (with an average of 22), each with its own local Trip Experience Leader, dedicated to bringing culture to life in the Baltics, Portugal, Spain, the Red Sea, and beyond.

SHIPBOARD FEATURES • Two dining areas with single, open • Outdoor common areas: Relish coastal seating: Savor regionally-inspired dishes views from your seat in the indoor/ or American favorites during all buffets outdoor veranda, Sun Deck, or whirlpool on and table-service meals in the ship’s dining the Sky Deck. room or indoor/outdoor veranda. • English-speaking crew: Enjoy dedicated • Comfortable lounge: Relax with old attention from our international staff friends and new, and participate in onboard throughout your voyage. Plus, all shipboard discussions and lectures. announcements are made in English for • Complimentary beverages: Enjoy house your convenience. beer and house wine—as well as soft • Zodiac crafts & tenders: These onboard drinks—at any time of day while onboard. crafts are available to take you to shore in • Complimentary wireless Internet access: the most remote ports. Connect online in cabins and common areas. • Elevator service: An elevator serves the Please note: Connectivity may be limited at first four passenger decks (must use stairs to certain points throughout your cruise. access the Sky Deck).

34 M/V CLIO

CABIN CATEGORIES VS Cabin with balcony – Whirlpool 205 sq. ft. A Cabin with window – Sky Deck 194 sq. ft. Cabin with window – B 194 sq. ft. C Cabin with window – Massage 194 sq. ft. 508 506 504 502 ELV Bar Bridge D Cabin with window – 509 507 505 503 501 194 sq. ft. Cabin with window – E 194 sq. ft. Sun Deck Single cabin with window – S 161 sq. ft.

418 416 414 412 410 408 406 404 402 The Veranda ELV Restaurant Registry: Malta

419 417 415 413 411 409 407 405 403 401 Length: 328 ft. Beam: 46 ft. Veranda Deck Draft: 11 ft. Cabin Size: 194-205 sq. ft., with 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 302

ELV Infirmary a single cabin of 161 sq. ft. Discovery Lounge & Bar Library Reception & Marina Shop 319 317 315 313 311 309 307 305 303 Number of Cabins: 45 Access Passenger Capacity: 89 Main Deck Entered Service: 1998 Refurbished in: 2016 Marina ELV International crew: 60

The Passenger Decks: 5 Restaurant Group Size: 25 travelers, Marina Deck maximum, with 1 Trip Experience Leader per group

This ship complies with the latest international and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and is outfitted Elevator service to first four with the most current navigational and communications technology. It has retractable fin stabilizers to passenger decks help reduce discomfort during rough seas.

CABIN FEATURES

• 44 double-occupancy cabins between 194- 205 sq. ft.; one single-occupancy cabin is 161 sq. ft. • All outside-facing with a window or a balcony • Queen-size bed (convertible to two twins) • Complimentary wireless Internet access, closet, flat-screen TV, DVD/CD player, telephone, mini-refrigerator, safe • Private bath with shower, hair dryer, and Cabin on the Veranda Deck toiletries

35 YOUR M/V CORINTHIAN SMALL SHIP Explore aboard our privately owned, 98-passenger small ship

Discover the coastal wonders of the world aboard the M/V Corinthian. This ocean cruising vessel— which 95% of travelers rated excellent—was acquired in 2014 and refurbished in 2015 with your tastes in mind. The ship holds four groups of 20-25 travelers (with an average of 22), each with its own local Trip Experience Leader, and charts courses throughout Europe—including the British Isles, Spain, Portugal, and France—and Antarctica.

SHIPBOARD FEATURES • Restaurant with single, open seating: • Outdoor common areas: Relish coastal Savor regionally inspired dishes or views from your seat in the outdoor café, American favorites during all buffets and Sun Deck, or hot tub. table-service meals. • English-speaking crew: Enjoy dedicated • Two lounges: Relax with old friends and attention from our international staff new, and participate in onboard discussions throughout your voyage. Plus, all shipboard and lectures. announcements are made in English for • Complimentary beverages: Enjoy house your convenience. beer and house wine—as well as soft • Zodiac crafts: These onboard crafts are drinks—at any time of day while onboard. available to take you to shore in the most • Complimentary wireless Internet access: remote ports. Connect online in cabins and common areas. • Elevator service: An elevator serves all five Please note: Connectivity may be limited at passenger decks. certain points throughout your cruise.

36 M/V CORINTHIAN CABIN CATEGORIES PHS Penthouse cabin with 603 601 private balcony – 260 sq. ft. Sun Elevator Deck VS Cabin with private balcony – 604 602 Hot Tub 245 sq. ft. AA Cabin with forward Phoebe Deck windows – 285 sq. ft. Cabin with window – A 235 sq. ft. 519 517 515 511 509 507 Massage 505 Cabin with window – Sun Outdoor Elevator B Deck Cafe 225 sq. ft. 518 516 514 512 510 508 506 Cabin with porthole – C 285 sq. ft. Cleo Deck Cabin with window – D 215 sq. ft. 433 E Cabin with window 431 429 427 425 423 421 (partially obstructed) – 215 sq. ft. Bar Lounge Elevator Bridge 430 428 426 424 422 420 Registry: Malta Leto Deck Length: 290 ft. Beam: 50 ft. Shop Reception 345 343 341 339 337 335 12 ft. Discovery Lounge Draft: & Library Elevator 215 sq ft. minimum 344 342 340 338 336 334 Cabin Size: Number of Cabins: 50 Ariadne Deck Passenger Capacity: 98 Entered Service: 1990 Restaurant 251 249 247 2015 Elevator Refurbished in: 55-65 Infirmary 250 248 246 International crew: Passenger Decks: 5 Athena Deck Group Size: 25 travelers, maximum, with 1 Trip Experience Leader This ship complies with the latest international and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and is outfitted Elevator service to all with the most current navigational and communications technology. It has retractable fin stabilizers to passenger decks help reduce discomfort during rough seas.

CABIN FEATURES

• Each of the ship’s 49 cabins is at least 215 sq. ft. • All outside-facing with portholes, a window (some with partially obstructed views), or a balcony • Queen-size bed (convertible to two twins) • Complimentary wireless Internet access, sitting area, closet, flat-screen TV, DVD/CD player, telephone, mini-refrigerator, safe • Private bath with shower, hair dryer, and Cabin on the Ariadne deck toiletries

37 Iberian Voyage: Lisbon to FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE Barcelona From spending more time in a favorite city to upgrading your air itinerary, our Adventure Specialists are here to discuss your personalization options at 1-800-955-1925. 2021 Dates & Prices Visit www.oattravel.com/personalize-clb2021 for details. To calculate your trip price with airfare, add deck price to air add-ons below.

M/V Corinthian M/V Clio CABIN CATEGORY MARCH APR 13, 20 MAY 3, 10 MAY 23; OCT 9, 22 CABIN CATEGORY APR 30 OCT 10 PHS Phoebe Deck $9295 $9495 $9695 $9595 VS Sun Deck $9095 $9195 A $8595 $8695 VS Cleo Deck $8895 $9095 $9295 $9195 Veranda Deck B$8495 $8595 AA Cleo Deck $8595 $8795 $8995 $8895 C $8095 $8195 A Leto Deck $8395 $8595 $8795 $8695 DMain Deck $8095 $8195 B Ariadne Deck $8295 $8495 $8695 $8595 E$7695 $7795

C Athena Deck $7895 $8095 $8295 $8195

D Ariadne/Leto Deck $7895 $8095 $8295 $8195

E Ariadne/Leto Deck $7495 $7695 $7895 $7795

MARCH; APRIL; Air Add-Ons MAY 3, 10; OCTOBER MAY 23 New York, Newark $1000 $1200 Boston, Philadelphia, Tampa $1100 $1300 Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, $1200 $1400 Orlando, San Francisco, Washington, DC Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Portland, Seattle $1300 $1500 San Diego $1400 $1600 Phoenix $1500 $1700

Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details. CLB2021

Ship & Cruise Direction Lisbon to Barcelona Barcelona to Lisbon Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges. DepartureShipDepartureShip Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit our 3/31; 4/20; 5/10; 10/9 M/V Corinthian 4/13; 5/3, 5/23; 10/22 M/V Corinthian website: www.oattravel.com/tc. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve 10/10 M/V Clio 4/30 M/V Clio the right to correct errors.

For specific departure dates, current availability, and detailed pricing, visit www.oattravel.com/clb2021pricing

NEW: SAVE UP TO 10% LIMITED FREE OR LOW- SHARE YOUR LOVE OF TRAVEL WITH OUR GOOD BUY PLAN COST SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Once single rooms are sold out, New travelers you refer will instantly The earlier you reserve your departure save $100, and you’ll earn increasing double rooms at a low cost of $1395 and pay in full, the more you’ll save—up rewards—up to a FREE trip! to 10%—plus, you’ll lock in your price. are available. When filled, call us about our Roommate Matching For details, visit www.oattravel.com/va For details, visit www.oattravel.com/gbd Program.

Publication Date 4/6/20

Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/clb202 р

38 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Your Passport • Must be in good condition

• Must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.

• Must have the required number of blank pages (details below)

• The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable

Need to Renew Your Passport? Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport

Recommended Blank Pages Please confirm that your passport has enough blank pages for this adventure.

• Main trip only: You will need 4 blank “Visa” pages in your passport.

• Pre- and/or post-trip extension: No additional blank pages are needed for any of the extensions.

No Visas Required Travelers with a U.S. passport do not need any visas for this adventure, including the optional trip extensions.

Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about visa requirements. We recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www.pvsinternational.org.

Traveling With a Minor? Some governments may require certain documentation for minors to enter and depart the country or to obtain a visa (if applicable). For further detail on the required documentation, please contact your local embassy or consulate.

39 Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents We recommend you carry color photocopies of key documents including the photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, air itinerary, credit cards (front and back), and an alternative form of ID. Add emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan. Store copies separate from the originals.

If you plan to email this information to yourself, please keep in mind that email is not always secure; consider using password protection or encryption. Also email is not always available worldwide. As an alternative, you could load these documents onto a flash drive instead, which can do double-duty as a place to backup photos during your trip.

Overseas Taxes & Fees This tour may have taxes and fees that cannot be included in your airline ticket price because you are required to pay them in person onsite. All taxes are subject to change without notice and can be paid in cash (either U.S. or local currency). If applicable, you will receive a list of these fees with your Final Documents.

40 RIGORS, VACCINES & GENERAL HEALTH

Is This Adventure Right for You? Please review the information below prior to departing on this adventure. We reserve the right for our Trip Experience Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their condition would adversely affect the health, safety, or enjoyment of themselves or of other travelers.

GROUP SIZE • This adventure has a group size of 20-25 travelers (average of 22) with a local Trip Experience Leader exclusive to O.A.T.

PACING • 14 days, with 10 nights aboard the M/V Corinthian or M/V Clio and one three-night hotel stay

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Walk 2 miles unassisted and participate in 2 hours of physical activities each day

• Agility and balance are required for possible rough seas

• Travelers using mobility aids or with medical conditions that might require immediate attention or evacuation will not be able to board the M/V Corinthian or M/V Clio

• We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience

TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION • Uneven surfaces, including unpaved paths, steep hills, stairs, and cobblestone

• Gangway incline can be steep when docked at a pier

• Travel by 89- passenger or 98-passenger small ship and 33- to 45-passenger coach

• You must be cleared by a country’s local port authorities before disembarking

• Weather conditions and tides may require adjustments to your itinerary

CLIMATE • Daytime temperatures range from 53-76°F during cruising season

41 FLEXIBILITY IS KEY • Occasionally sailing conditions may cause us to make adjustments to your cruise while it is in progress. For example, we may need change our port of call or stay docked somewhere longer than originally planned. Your Trip Experience Leader will keep you up to date as decision are made. We ask that you be flexible and understanding should any such changes occur on your departure.

• In addition, we may make improvements to the itinerary in order to give you a more authentic experience. Again, we ask for your understanding and flexibility.

Steps to Take Before Your Trip Before you leave on this adventure, we recommend the following:

• Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting. You can contact them online at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-800-232-4636.

• Have a medical checkup with your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip.

• Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

• Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less urgent)

Vaccines Required

COVID-19 Overseas Adventure Travel requires that all travelers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are able provide proof of their vaccination upon arrival at their destination. A full vaccination is defined as having been inoculated at least 14 days prior to departure by an approved vaccine. This requirement is not contingent on the countries the tour visits, but a strict company policy due to the nature of the pandemic.

Traveling with Medications • Pack medications in your carry-on bag to avoid loss and to have them handy.

• Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers for a quicker security screen at the airport and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas.

• Bring copies of your prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name to be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications.

We recommend checking with the State Department for medication restrictions by country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel- Country-Information-Pages.html. (Pick the country and then follow the links to “Local Laws & Special Circumstances”; if you don’t see any medications specifically mentioned, then you can presume major U.S. brands should be OK).

42 Staying Healthy on Your Trip Jet Lag Tips

• Start your trip well-rested.

• Begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane.

• Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule.

• Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before–and during– your flight.

• Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying

• Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane.

• After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap.

• Don’t push yourself to see a lot on your first day.

• Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner.

Allergies

If you have any serious allergies or dietary restrictions, we advise you to notify us at least 30 days prior to your departure. Please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814, and we will communicate them to our regional office. Every effort will be made to accommodate you.

Water • Tap water is safe to drink in Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, and onboard your ship; however, it may be processed differently than your tap water at home, so you might not like the taste or it may feel “heavy” in your stomach.

• Tap water is not safe to drink in Morocco.

• Bottled water is widely available for sale. Another option is for you to bring a reusable water bottle and fill up on board the ship.

43 MONEY MATTERS: LOCAL CURRENCY & TIPPING GUIDELINES

Top Three Tips • Carry a mix of different types of payments, such as local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card.

• Traveler’s checks are not recommended. They can be difficult to exchange and the commission fee for cashing them is quite high. It’s more practical to view them as a last resort in the event of a special situation.

• It may be helpful to get some euros before your trip, especially if you are arriving during the weekend or on a bank holiday. You will not be able to pay with U.S. dollars in Portugal or Spain.

Local Currency For current exchange rates, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com/ currencyconverter, your bank, or the financial section of your newspaper.

Euro Countries The euro is the official currency in many member countries of the European Union. Unless otherwise listed, the countries you will be visiting will use the euro. Euro banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

• Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros

• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents; 1 and 2 euros

Morocco The official currency of Morocco is the dirham (DH), which is composed of 100 centimes. Banknotes and coins come in the following denominations:

• Banknotes: 20, 50, 100 and 200 dirham

• Coins: 1, 2, 5, and 10 dirham, plus the less-frequent 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimes.

U.S. dollars are not widely accepted in Morocco; the local currency is preferred.

Gibraltar The official currency in Gibraltar is the Gibraltar pound, which is similar to—and has the same value as—the British pound. However, they cannot be used outside of Gibraltar, so you may wish to stick to Euros, which most shops will take.

44 How to Exchange Money If you want to exchange money before your trip, you can usually do so through your bank or at an exchange office. Your departure airport in the U.S., a travel agent, or an AAA office are also possible outlets. Or you can wait and change money on the trip instead—but it might be helpful to arrive with some local currency in case you run into a bank holiday or an “out of order” ATM.

On your trip, the easiest way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local money and your bank at home will convert that into U.S. dollars.

You can also exchange cash at some hotels, large post offices, and money exchange offices. To exchange cash, you’ll usually need your passport and bills in good condition (not worn, torn, or dirty). New bills (post 2004) are best.

Leftover Moroccan currency cannot be easily exchanged after you have returned to the U.S., so the rule of thumb is spend it or change it back before you leave. Since you will be in Morocco for one day, we suggest withdrawing as little cash as possible and relying heavily on a credit or debit card.

ATMs When using the ATM, keep in mind that it may only accept cards from local banks, and may not allow cash advances on credit cards; you might need to try more than one ATM or more than one card.

Many banks charge a fee of $1-$10 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before you depart.

Lastly, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.)

Portugal: ATMs are widely available in Portugal, especially in larger cities and towns.

Spain: ATMs are widely available throughout Spain, especially in larger cities and towns.

Morocco: ATMs are common and most accept international cards (check the logos on the machine first). However, they can run out of money during busy periods, like weekends.

Gibraltar: ATMs are common. (But one reminder: They will dispense pounds as Gibraltar is a British territory.)

Credit & Debit Cards Even if you don’t plan on using a credit card during your trip, we still suggest that you bring one or two as a backup, especially if you are planning a large purchase (artwork, jewelry). We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc.

45 Portugal: Visa and MasterCard credit cards are fairly common in Portugal, but may not be accepted for small purchases or in the markets.

Spain: Visa and MasterCard credit cards are fairly common in Spain, but may not be accepted for small purchases or in the markets.

Morocco: Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist cities and for major purchases, but may incur a surcharge (usually about 5%). Smaller “Mom & Pop” shops or restaurants may be cash only.

Gibraltar: You can use a credit or debit card almost anywhere.

Chip Cards Many countries have adopted a new type of credit card that has an embedded computer chip. These cards are inserted into the reader instead of swiped. The card owner then authorizes the purchase using a PIN instead of signing.

This new technology is only now gaining traction in the U.S., so occasionally there are machines in other countries that can’t read U.S. cards. Or the machine can read the card, but asks for a PIN. This doesn’t happen often, and is nothing to worry about. You can usually resolve the situation by asking the cashier to let you sign. (If you don’t speak the language, just mime signing on your hand.) If you are not able to sign for a purchase, such as at an automated ticket booth, you can use another form of payment, such as a debit card that has a PIN.

Notify Card Providers of Upcoming Travel Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do this online.

You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of your card—most 1 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!

On Board Ship: Two Separate Bills Will be Issued • Shipboard account: This bill is for any on board purchases (drinks, souvenirs, etc.). You can pay this bill by cash or credit/debit card only. For cash, we accept U.S. dollars or Euros (on itineraries in Europe). For credit/debit cards, we accept MasterCard and Visa. Other forms of payment, such as checks, Discover, or American Express are not accepted.

• Optional tour account: This bill is for any optional tours taken during the trip and is calculated in U.S. dollars. You can pay for this bill by credit/debit card only; other forms of payments such as cash and checks are not accepted. For more information on optional tours—including which cards we accept for payment—see the “Preparing for Your Trip” chapter.

46 Please note: Payments made by credit card may take up to three months to process. We ask that you use a credit card that will not expire until three months after your trip ends. Because our headquarters are in Boston, the charges may appear to be from Boston or might be labeled as “OPT Boston” (depending on your credit card company).

Exchange Services Due to international banking laws, we are not able to exchange money onboard the ship. If you need to obtain local currency, please see the “How to Exchange Money” section for helpful tips and information.

Tipping Guidelines Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. But for those of you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines.

• O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your Trip Experience Leader at the end of your trip. As a guideline, many travelers give $8-$12 USD (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each day their Trip Experience Leader is with them. Please note that these tips can only be in cash. If you are taking any of the optional extensions, your Trip Experience Leader during the extension(s) may not be the same as the one on your main trip.

• Shipboard: We recommend a flat tip of $16-$18 per traveler, per day. You’ll give this tip once—at the end of you cruise—and it will be pooled among the entire crew. Policy Update: Due to international banking laws, we are no longer able to process crew tips on a credit card; crew tips can only be in the form of cash.

• Included in Your Trip Price: Gratuities are included for local guides and motorcoach drivers on your main trip, extensions, and all optional tours.

Time at Leisure: When you are exploring on your own, it’s useful to know when to tip and how much, because local customs often differ from the U.S. Here are a few helpful guidelines for the most common services a traveler might use:

• Taxis: In Portugal, you should tip a taxi driver about 10% of the fare. The practice of tipping taxi drivers in Spain varies from city to city in some cities it is expect and in others it is discretionary. Your Trip Experience Leader can advise you what the practice is in each area that you visit.

• Restaurants, cafes, and bars: In Portugal and Spain, restaurants do not normally include service charges on bills and it is customary to leave a 5%-10% tip (10% in a better restaurant, less in a humbler establishment). When ordering snack foods or menus del dia, round the bill off to the nearest euro; if you’ve received exceptional service, leave more at your discretion. The waiters in a hotel cocktail lounge can expect a tip of about 60 euro cents. In cafés and bars, leave small tips for barmen and waiters; a few small change coins— less than one euro—is sufficient.

47 • Public restrooms: Most public restrooms in Europe have attendants that take care of cleaning and supplies. It is customary to leave a small tip for them—usually half a euro in Europe—so hold on to those coins! Some restrooms are pay-toilets; you pay the staff at the entrance to the restroom or drop the appropriate coin into the slot on the stall door. Many restaurants, cafes, and shops offer only pay-toilets or reserve their restrooms for patrons only.

48 AIR, OPTIONAL TOURS & STAYING IN TOUCH

Land Only Travelers & Personalized Air Quick Definitions

• Land Only: You will be booking your own international flights. Airport transfers are not included.

• Air-Inclusive: You booked international air with us. Airport transfers are included as long as you didn’t customize your trip’s dates (see next bullet).

• Personalized Air: You booked international air with us, and have customized it in some way. If you have customized your trip’s dates to arrive early, stay longer, or stop on your own in a connecting city, airport transfers will NOT be included. You must also arrange your own accommodations for any additional nights. For your convenience, a preliminary list of your included hotels is available on your My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount under “My Reservations”.

Airport Transfers Can Be Purchased For eligible flights, airport transfers may be purchased separately as an optional add-on, subject to availability. To be eligible, your flight(s) must meet the following requirements:

• You must fly into or fly home from the same airport as O.A.T. travelers who purchased included airfare.

• Your flight(s) must arrive/depart on the same day that the group arrives or departs.

Airport transfers can be purchased up to 45 days prior to your departure; they are not available for purchase onsite. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814.

If you don’t meet the requirements above, you’ll need to make your own transfer arrangements. We suggest the Rome to Rio website as a handy resource: www.rome2rio.com.

Air Inclusive Travelers If you have purchased international air with us, there are some points that may be helpful for you to know.

• U.S. Departure: If you are among a group of ten or more travelers who depart the U.S. from your international gateway city, it is our goal to have an O.A.T. representative assist you at the U.S. airport with the check-in of your flight. Unless there are extenuating circumstances beyond our control, the representative will be at the check-in counter three hours before your departure time. If you are flying domestically before your international flight, the representative will be stationed at the check-in counter for your departing international flight, not at the domestic arrival gate.

49 • Overseas Arrival: Once you arrive overseas, you’ll need to collect your luggage and clear customs. An O.A.T. representative will meet you outside of customs and assist you with your transfer to the hotel or ship. Important note on porters: Airport porters are NOT allowed in the baggage claim area. On arrival, you must take your luggage off the baggage carousel and load it onto a cart, which you will then move through customs. When you exit customs, you’ll handle your cart until reaching your transfer vehicle. Your driver will load your luggage into the transfer vehicle.

• U.S. Return: If you are among a group of ten or more travelers who return to the same U.S. gateway city, an O.A.T. representative will meet you as you exit Customs and help you find taxis, buses, hotel accommodations, or connecting flights. Again, it is our goal to have our representative waiting to assist your group. In rare instances, unforeseen circumstances may prevent this service.

• Flying with a Travel Companion: If you’re traveling with a companion from a different household, and both of you are beginning and ending your trip at the same airport on the same dates, let us know you’d like to travel together and we’ll make every effort to arrange this (please note, however, that this is not always possible). If you request any changes to your flights, please be sure that both you and your companion tell us that you still want to fly together.

Optional Tours Optional tours are additional add-on tours that allow you to personalize your adventure by tailoring it to your tastes and needs. And if you decide not to join an optional tour? Then you’ll have free time to relax or explore on your own—it’s about options, not obligations.

What You Need to Know • All optional tours are subject to change and availability.

• Optional tours that are reserved with your Trip Experience Leader can be paid for using credit/debit cards only. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit cards; we can also take MasterCard or Visa debit cards as long as the card allows you to sign for purchases. (You won’t be able to enter a PIN.)

• To ensure that you are charged in U.S. dollars, your payment will be processed by our U.S. headquarters in Boston. This process can take up to three months, so we ask that you only use a card that will still be valid three months after your trip is over. The charge may appear on your credit card statement as being from Boston, MA or may be labeled as “OPT Boston”.

• Your Trip Experience Leader will give you details on the optional tours while you’re on the trip. But if you’d like to look over descriptions of them earlier, you can do so at any time by referring to your Day-to-Day Itinerary (available online by signing into My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount).

50 Communicating with Home from Abroad

Cell Phones If you want to use your cell phone on the trip, check with your phone provider to see if your phone and service will work outside of the U.S. It may turn out to be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card onsite. If you want to use a local SIM, just make certain your phone is “unlocked”, meaning it can accept a local SIM card. If your cell is “unlocked” then you will be able to purchase a local SIM for it and then buy minutes with “Pay as You Go” cards, so that you have a local contact number for your friends and family.

Calling Apps Another option is to use a smartphone app like Skype or FaceTime. These services are usually less expensive than making a traditional call, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection and the calls may count towards your phone plan’s data allowance. Many smartphones—and some tablets or laptops—come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download them for free from the appropriate apps store.

Calling Cards & 1-800 Numbers When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it circumvents unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically the best (less expensive, more likely to work with the local phones, etc.). One reminder: Do not call U.S. 1-800 numbers outside the continental United States. This can result in costly long distance fees, since 1-800 numbers do not work outside the country.

How to Call Overseas When calling overseas from the U.S., dial 011 for international exchange, then the country code (indicated by a plus sign: +), and then the number. Note that foreign phone numbers may not have the same number of digits as U.S. numbers; even within a country the number of digits can vary depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone.

Portugal: +351 Morocco: +212

Spain: +34 Gibraltar: +350

51 PACKING: WHAT TO BRING & LUGGAGE LIMITS

Luggage Limits

MAIN TRIP LIMITS

Pieces per person One checked bag and one carry-on bag per person.

Weight restrictions Varies by airline. The current standard is 50 lbs for checked bags and 15 lbs for carry-on bags.

Size Restrictions Varies by airline. Measured in linear inches (length+width+depth). Generally, 62 linear inches is the checked bag limit; carry-on limit is 45 linear inches.

Luggage Type A sturdy, fabric-sided suitcase with built-in wheels and lockable zippers is recommended.

TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS

Same as the main trip.

REMARKS/SUGGESTIONS

One suitcase and one carry-on bag per person: Due to the space limitations on bus transfers, you’ll be restricted to one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. This is to ensure that we have room for everyone’s luggage. We ask that you abide by this limit to avoid inconveniencing your fellow travelers and prevent additional airlines luggage fees (which are your responsibility). Most airlines now charge to check more than one suitcase per person.

Luggage rules: Luggage rules and limits are set by governmental and airline policy. Enforcement of the rules may include spot checks or may be inconsistent. However one thing is the same across the board: If you are found to have oversized or overweight luggage, you will be subject to additional fees, to be assessed by—and paid to—the airline in question.

Don’t Forget: • These luggage limits may change. If the airline(s) notify us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet.

52 • It’s a good idea to reconfirm baggage restrictions and fees directly with the airline a week or so prior to departure. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website in the FAQ section.

• Baggage fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines.

Your Luggage • Checked Luggage: Consider a duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase. Look for one with heavy nylon fabric, wrap-around handles, built-in wheels, and a heavy duty lockable zipper. Due to space limitations on our motorcoaches, you are allowed one piece of checked luggage per person. Porterage at airports and hotels is provided for one bag per person. All bags should have luggage tags.

• Carry-on Bag: You are allowed one carry-on bag per person. We suggest a tote or small backpack that can be used as both a carry-on bag for your flight and to carry your daily necessities—water bottle, camera, etc—during your daily activities.

• Locks: For flights that originate in the U.S., you can either use a TSA-approved lock or leave your luggage unlocked. Outside of the U.S. we strongly recommend locking your luggage as a theft-prevention measure.

Clothing Suggestions: Functional Tips • Travel light. A good rule of thumb is to gather together everything you want to bring; then take half of that. Eliminate all but the essentials and start packing a few days before you leave. That way, you’ll have time to think—not fret—about what you might be forgetting. We recommend you pick pack color-coordinated separates that can be mixed to create different outfits. Keep in mind that laundry service is available onboard for a fee, or you can hand wash clothes in your cabin.

• Pack casual clothes. Comfortable, informal apparel is perfectly acceptable at each of your destinations. Men do not need jackets or ties and women do not need fancy dresses. You may want one or two “smart casual” outfits for the Welcome Reception or Farewell Dinner, but it’s completely up to you. You would only need nicer dress if you plan to dine at a deluxe city restaurant on your own.

• In spring or fall, keep the changeable weather in mind: Some days may be quite sunny and warm, others may be on the wet and windy side. Pack an assortment of seasonal garments: light pieces and cotton sweaters for daytime; and slacks, long-sleeve shirts, warmer dresses, and a heavy sweater or fleece jacket for evenings.

• Good walking shoes are essential: For your comfort, you’ll need supportive walking shoes that offer good traction. Water-resistant shoes can be handy in case of a heavy downpour.

• Rain gear: Regardless of your month of travel, rainfall is certainly a possibility. We suggest you bring a folding umbrella and waterproof shell. Water-resistant walking shoes are advantageous in case heavy downpours pass through.

53 Suggested Packing Lists We have included suggestions from Trip Experience Leaders and former travelers to help you pack. These lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You may also want to consult the “Climate” chapter of this handbook.

And don’t forget a reusable water bottle—you’ll need it to take advantage of any refills we offer as we are working to eliminate single-use plastic bottles on all of our trips.

Recommended Clothing (All Year) ‰Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts to layer ‰Trousers, jeans, or skirts ‰Comfortable walking shoes and/or water resistant shoes ‰Light rain jacket/windbreaker with hood ‰Sleepwear ‰Socks and undergarments ‰A light jacket or sweater

For January-March or October-December ‰Depending on your tolerance to cold, consider a heavy jacket or coat as temperatures can get into the low 40s or high 30s at night.

‰Alternatively, you could bring two top layers to wear together (i.e. a sweater that fits under jacket).

Essential Items ‰Daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush or comb, shaving items, deodorant, sunscreen, body soap, etc. (Body soap is not a standard amenity in Spanish hotels)

‰Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses and your prescription ‰Sunglasses with a neck strap ‰Travel neck wallet or money belt ‰Swimsuit ‰Compact umbrella

54 ‰Wide-brim sun hat or visor (in summer) ‰Pocket-size tissues ‰Moist towelettes and/or anti-bacterial “water-free” hand cleanser ‰Photocopies of passport, air ticket, credit cards ‰Written prescriptions for your medicines ‰Camera, spare batteries, and memory cards ‰Plug adapters & electrical transformer

Medicines ‰Your own prescription medicines ‰Travel first aid kit: Band-Aids, headache and pain relief, laxatives and anti-diarrhea tablets, something for upset stomach. Maybe a cold remedy, moleskin foot pads, antibiotic cream, or allergy medication.

‰Vitamins ‰Motion sickness medicine, such as Dramamine

Optional Gear ‰Reusable water bottle ‰Washcloth (not a standard amenity in Spanish/Portuguese hotels) ‰Beach towel (not provided by hotel) ‰Hand-wash laundry soap and maybe clothespins/travel clothesline/stopper ‰Travel journal/note pad/reading material ‰Addresses for postcards ‰Photos, small gift for Home-Hosted Visit ‰Phrase book ‰Collapsible walking staff ‰Pocket-size calculator for exchange rates (or an exchange app on your phone)

55 ‰Hair dyers: Hair dryers are provided on your ship. During land stays, many hotels will provide hair dryers, but not all. If a hair dryer is essential to you consider a travel-size version.

Electricity Abroad When traveling overseas, the voltage is usually different and the plugs might not be the same shape.

Voltage Electricity in Spain and Portugal is 220-240 volts. In the U.S. it is 110 volts. Most of the things a traveler will want to plug in—battery chargers, MP3 players, tablets or computers—can run off both 110 and 220-240. But you should check the item or the owner’s guide first to confirm this before you plug it in. If you have something that needs 110 volts—like a shaver or a hairdryer— you can bring a transformer to change the current. (But transformers tend to burn out, so it might be better to leave whatever it is at home.)

Aboard the ship, cabins are equipped with 110-volt outlets. In your bathroom you will find a dual 110/220-volt outlet; this outlet is only for low-voltage appliances, like electric shavers. (Your bathroom also comes equipped with a hair dryer).

Plugs Aboard ship, the plugs are standard American plugs.

In hotels, the shape of plugs will vary from country to country, and sometimes even within a country depending on when that building was built. To plug something from the U.S. into a local socket you’ll need an adapter that fits between the plug and the socket. Because you’ll need multiple adapters on this trip, it may be easier to purchase an all-in-one, universal adapter/ converter combo. Versatile and lightweight, these can usually be found at your local electronics goods or hardware stores. Sometimes you can buy them at large retailers too, like Target or Walmart. If you forget to bring an adapter, you might also find them for sale at the airport when you arrive at your destination.

Different plug shapes are named by letters of the alphabet. Standard U.S. plugs are Type A and Type B. Here is the list of plugs for the countries on this trip:

Portugal: C and/or F

Spain: C and/or F

56 Morocco: C or E

Type C Type F

57 CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon is one of the warmest European capitals. Spring and summer months are usually sunny with maximum temperatures close to or above 86 degrees and lows between 59 and 68 degrees. Autumn and winter are typically rainy and windy with some sunny days; the temperature rarely falls below 41 degrees, usually staying at an average of 50. On average, there are 100 days with rain per year. Lisbon’s climate is strongly influenced by the Gulf Stream.

Seville, Spain: Seville has a Mediterranean climate, with average temperatures of 79 degrees in the summer and 54 degrees in the winter, experiencing mild winds during spring and summer. Winters are also mild. It rains only slightly during the autumn (average annual rainfall: 514 inches). Highs in the summer can be in the 90s or higher.

Malaga, Spain: Plenty of warm sunshine and cloudless skies are the norm on the Costa del Sol. However, there are seasonal variations worth noting. In autumn and early winter the normally balmy weather may be interrupted by chilly winds from the mountains, as well as light showers. Heavier rains may pass through in the peak winter months of January and February. By March, and certainly during April and May, daytime temperatures remain quite warm; nights are cooler. Between June and September, hot days with low humidity are only occasionally broken by cooler evenings. Temperatures can reach well into the 80s.

Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona has mild, humid winters and warm, dry summers. Located on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula Atlantic winds often arrive in Barcelona with low humidity, producing little rain. Barcelona winters tend to be mild. The coldest months are December, January and February; average daily winter temperatures range from 50 to 63 °F. The summer season lasts about six months, from May to October. July and August are the hottest months, with average temperatures around 82 °F during the day. May, June, September and October the average daily temperature is around 74 °F.

Climate Averages & Online Forecast The following charts reflect the average climate as opposed to exact weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. An extreme heat wave or cold snap could fall outside these ranges. As your departure approaches, we encourage you to go online to www.oattravel.com/myaccount for your 10-day forecast.

58 Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity & Monthly Rainfall

MONTH LISBON, PORTUGAL SEVILLE, SPAIN

Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 58 to 47 85 to 72 3.8 61 to 41 87 to 59 2.6 FEB 61 to 49 84 to 68 3.6 64 to 46 87 to 57 2.1 MAR 65 to 51 83 to 61 2.0 70 to 47 84 to 47 1.5 APR 67 to 53 83 to 61 2.5 73 to 50 86 to 48 2.2 MAY 71 to 56 82 to 57 2.2 80 to 56 85 to 42 1.3 JUN 77 to 61 83 to 54 0.7 88 to 62 83 to 37 0.5 JUL 82 to 64 80 to 48 0.2 96 to 67 77 to 31 0.1 AUG 82 to 65 80 to 48 0.3 95 to 67 77 to 32 0.2 SEP 80 to 63 82 to 51 1.1 89 to 64 80 to 35 0.9 OCT 72 to 58 84 to 62 3.1 78 to 56 83 to 46 2.4 NOV 64 to 53 86 to 71 4.2 68 to 49 87 to 56 3.3 DEC 59 to 49 86 to 75 4.8 62 to 44 87 to 61 3.7

MONTH TANGIER, MOROCCO MALAGA, SPAIN

Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 61 to 47 87 to 70 4.1 62 to 45 81 to 61 3.2 FEB 62 to 49 87 to 70 3.9 64 to 46 81 to 59 2.2 MAR 64 to 50 86 to 68 2.8 66 to 48 80 to 55 1.9 APR 66 to 52 87 to 67 2.4 70 to 51 81 to 55 1.6 MAY 70 to 56 87 to 65 1.5 75 to 56 78 to 52 1.0 JUN 76 to 61 86 to 62 0.6 81 to 63 74 to 52 0.5 JUL 83 to 66 84 to 57 0.1 86 to 68 73 to 54 0.1 AUG 83 to 67 85 to 59 0.1 87 to 69 74 to 56 0.2 SEP 81 to 66 85 to 60 0.6 82 to 65 77 to 58 0.6 OCT 73 to 60 85 to 64 2.6 75 to 58 81 to 60 2.2 NOV 67 to 54 87 to 68 5.3 68 to 52 83 to 63 3.7 DEC 63 to 50 86 to 70 5.1 63 to 47 82 to 62 3.5

59 MONTH BARCELONA, SPAIN

Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall JAN 56 to 40 82 to 65 8 FEB 58 to 42 82 to 63 8 MAR 61 to 44 84 to 64 9 APR 64 to 47 84 to 66 10 MAY 69 to 54 86 to 70 10 JUN 76 to 60 85 to 68 9 JUL 82 to 66 82 to 66 6 AUG 82 to 67 84 to 66 8 SEP 78 to 62 86 to 66 8 OCT 71 to 55 85 to 66 10 NOV 63 to 47 84 to 66 9 DEC 58 to 42 81 to 64 8

60 ABOARD YOUR SHIP: CABIN FEATURES, DINING & SERVICES ON BOARD

M/V Corinthian & M/V Clio

Cabin Amenities Your cabin amenities include a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, TV, in room heating, internal telephones and a mini-refrigerator. Each cabin is appointed with a sitting area, plus the decks and dining rooms are spacious and attractively decorated, providing welcoming locations for relaxing with your traveling companions.

Cabin Assignments You will receive confirmation of your deck and/or cabin category upfront in writing; it will be on your invoice and online in My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount. However, your cabin number may not be assigned until you arrive onboard the ship. (This is normal procedure for many small ships.) If there’s no cabin number on your invoice or online, you can presume it will be assigned later and communicated to you when you board.

Dining All meals are taken in the onboard restaurant, which acts as the ship’s dining room. Meals will be a mix of regional specialties and familiar American standards, and will feature a variety of entrée options including vegetarian. Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner. A selection of fine wines is also available for purchase, starting at approximately $20-30 per bottle (prices vary according to vintage). Travelers may also bring a bottle of their own favorite wine to dinner to enjoy at their table. Should you care to avail yourself of this service, there will be a corkage fee of approximately $10 per bottle, charged to your cabin account.

If you require a special diet, please request this in advance, you may do so by contacting one of our Travel Counselors. Dining times will vary according to the scheduled daily activities. In keeping with regional custom, dinner may be served at a later hour (around 7:00 pm) than Americans may be accustomed to.

Electricity Cabins are equipped with 110-volt outlets that are designed to fit American plugs. In your bathroom you will find a dual 110/220-volt outlet, for use with electric shavers. While your bathroom does come equipped with a hairdryer, please do not use any other appliances that heat up, such as hair irons or curlers—they tend to short out.

Getting Ashore Getting from ship to shore during an ocean-going voyage is not the same experience as on a river cruise—it requires more balance and agility, plus there are more formalities.

61 • Balance and agility are needed: You’ll either walk down a gangway—which can be steep, wet, and slippery—or be shuttled to land in a small boat (a process known as “tendering”). We’ll use the gangway most of the time, but tenders will be used when the ship cannot dock closely enough for the gangway to reach the shore. Tenders can differ in size, and some of them maybe open with no covering. From time to time we will use the ship’s own fleet of Zodiacs—which are small but study open-air boats holding 8-10 people each—as tenders. To get into one of the Zodiacs, you’ll need to go down a steep staircase, and then crew members will assist you as you step from the M/V Corinthian or M/V Clio into the Zodiac.

• Clothing note: Since tenders in general (and the Zodiacs in particular) are small open-air boats, they are more susceptible to being splashed by water. You might want to bring a rain jacket or waterproof cover (like a poncho) to protect your clothing while transferring from ship to shore.

• Expect formalities on arrival in port: When the M/V Corinthian or M/V Clio arrives in a new port, she’ll need to be cleared by the local port authorities before you can leave the ship. In some cases, the wait will be as short as 30 minutes, but other times it may take up to 2 hours. Your crew will do all they can to make the wait as short as possible and to minimize the inconvenience to you. (For example, you will be asked to leave your passport with the front desk when you first embark on the ship. That way, it is on hand if the port authorities ask to see it.) However, the procedure can be complex and may take a while to complete. Typically the authorities work directly with the crew, but they do retain the right to speak with you as well.

Headsets On European cruises, complimentary headsets (often called “whisper receivers”) will be provided on most included and optional tours, so that you can hear better over ambient noise. If you use a hearing aid or have a strong preference for a particular type of headphones, we highly encourage you to bring your own headphones/ear buds with you. The plug size is usually the same as that used by iPods, computer jacks, etc. Headsets will also be available during the pre- and post-trip extensions in Europe, but not on the transfer day to/from the main trip. On cruises to the Middle East, South America, or Antarctica whispers may not be available or may only be available in certain locations—your Trip Experience Leader will let you know onsite.

Internet Access and Email Limited wireless Internet service (WiFi) is available for free onboard. If you want to use it, you’ll need to bring your own device—a laptop, tablet, MP3 player, smart phone, etc.—because the ship does not rent or loan these devices. Instructions on how to connect will be available at Reception. Please keep in mind that our WiFi access onboard is subject to the challenges of travel: ship location, signal availability, and usage volume onboard will affect connectivity and speed. You should expect that there will be times when the Internet is either slow or not available, and that these disruptions can be brief or longer lasting.

62 Laundry Services There is laundry service available on board, but no dry cleaning. Prices are per piece of clothing and will be provided to you on board.

Medical Services There is always a doctor onboard, as well as all of the basic First Aid supplies. All physician’s fees will be payable directly to the doctor. All specific medicines are the responsibility of each traveler.

Recreational Facilities Our ship features a library, a lounge with a bar, a dining room, and a sun deck. The bar is open from approximately 11 am to 11 pm, and features both complimentary drinks (soft drinks, house beer, house wine, and non-alcoholic cocktails/beer) and drinks for purchase (spirits, alcoholic cocktails, bottled beers, and a selection of wines).

Bicycles We’re pleased to offer complimentary bicycle rentals onboard your ship for use during free time, including all of the necessary safety gear, such as a helmet, brightly-colored safety vest, and a lock. Because there is a limited supply of bicycles available, they will be offered on a first-come first-served basis. For more information or if you are interested in using one of the bicycles, please speak to the Front Desk staff or Hotel Manager onboard your ship.

Shipboard Payments Payment for shipboard expenses can be made by cash or credit/debit card only. For cash, we accept U.S. dollars or Euros (on itineraries in Europe). For credit/debit cards, we accept MasterCard and Visa. Other forms of payment, such as checks, Discover, or American Express are not accepted.

Ship-to-Shore Communications The ship has satellite telephone connections which allows you to call anywhere in accordance with the current local tariffs. You can purchase phone cards at the reception desk for $10, which will give you 15-30 minutes’ worth call time to the U.S. (depending on which state you are calling).

Smoking Policy Smoking is prohibited on board, with the exception of a designated outdoor deck area reserved for smokers.

Wheelchairs The ship is not built to accommodate wheelchairs.

63 Lost & Found Any lost or forgotten items found on board the ship will be held for 90 days from disembarkation. After 90 days, all unclaimed items will be discarded or donated.

Ship Specifications

M/V Corinthian • History: Built in 1990; purchased in 2014

• Size: 290x50 ft

• Capacity: 98 passengers, 56 crew members

• Layout: 49 cabins, 5 decks; Elevator-yes

M/V Clio • History: Built in 1998; purchased in 2015

• Size: 328x46 ft

• Capacity: 89 passengers, 60 crew members

• Layout: 45 cabins, 5 decks; Elevator-yes

64 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE

O.A.T. Trip Experience Leaders: A World of Difference During your adventure you’ll be accompanied by one of our local, expert Trip Experience Leaders. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching adventure. As locals of the regions you’ll explore with them, our Trip Experience Leaders provide the kind of firsthand knowledge and insight that make local history, culture, and wildlife come alive. Coupled with their unbridled enthusiasm, caring personalities, and ability to bring diverse groups of travelers together, our Trip Experience Leaders ensure that your experience with O.A.T. is one you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Cultures of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco The cultures of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are intricately entwined, based on a long history of conquest, conversion, and coexistence. When the Moors invaded Iberia in 711 AD, they brought a refined Arab-Berber culture whose traces persist in Iberia’s art, architecture, languages, and cuisine. Then, 781 years later, when Iberia’s Muslims and Jews fled to Morocco to escape the Inquisition, they influenced the Muslim culture. As you travel, you’ll feel this common thread.

Even so, each place has its own unique traditions, values, and perspectives, and they expect you to honor them. So don’t try to speak Spanish to someone from Portugal. Don’t be offended when a Moroccan asks what your religion is. And don’t expect a Spaniard to join you for dinner at 6 p.m. For one thing, they rarely dine before nine. For another, they’ll be late since their notion of time is fluid. That being said, here are some things to help you “go with the flow.”

In Spain, each region has a unique identity, and in some cases it’s distinct from the mainstream culture, most notably in Catalonia, where your cruise calls at Barcelona. Catalonia is an autonomous community with its own language and traditions. But beyond regionalism, most Spaniards share a deep love of country, a sense of personal honor, and pride in good manners. That pride is sometimes mistaken by outsiders as haughtiness. But once you get acquainted with a Spaniard, you’ll usually find that they are informal, candid, and unafraid to show emotion.

Spain has some of the longest working hours in Europe—from 9am to 8pm. But there’s also a two- to three-hour break in the afternoon, the siesta. Once, the siesta was a practical way for workers to avoid the midday heat and recharge with a nap—though nowadays, many people work too far from home to commute back for a snooze. Many shops close during the siesta, but remain open late at night. Spain in general is a late-night culture. Most people do not eat dinner until 9pm at the earliest, and it’s not unusual to see entire families, children included, socializing in the cafes until midnight or later.

Set at Europe’s westernmost point, Portugal developed its own easygoing ways, and the pace of life here is more relaxed than in many parts of Europe. It is one of the most charming aspects of travel here—along with the people who are gracious, courteous and helpful—if a little reserved.

65 Part of that stems from the value they place on modesty and humility. They are careful not to boast, be too loud, or cause offense. The Portuguese are arguably more conservative than their neighbors. They tend to uphold traditions, and religious and family ties are strong.

António de Oliveira Salazar, Portugal’s onetime dictator from 1926 to 1968, once described the nation’s culture in terms of the “Three Fs:” fado (the searingly sad folk song), Fátima (the Catholic shrine where a miraculous vision is said to have occurred), and futebol (soccer). He was being facetious, but there is no denying that the Portuguese people hold these things very dear.

Take fado, for instance, a uniquely Portuguese folk music that’s on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Translating to “destiny” or “fate,” fado is mournful, yet passionate. The songs are often about homesickness, the sea, lost love and longing—things that would be familiar to many a Portuguese seafarer. It’s the musical expression of an important concept called saudade, a word connoting longing, melancholy, and nostalgia for something lost. But saudade is also bittersweet, tinged with beautiful memories.

As for futebol (soccer), Portugal’s obsession with the sport borders on the religious, and some of the greatest players in the world (like Luís Figo, Eusébio and Cristiano Ronaldo) hailed from Portugal, and are national heroes. If sports are not your thing, you’ll find other diversions. Portugal has experienced a renaissance, with many talented young designers, artists, musicians, architects, chefs, and entrepreneurs flocking to cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Guimarães—all of which have been named European Capitals of Culture since the advent of this century.

Did you know that Morocco is officially called “The United Kingdom of Morocco?” The concept of unity is central to Moroccan culture, not just politically, but with regards to religion and family. So publicly, one is expected to show respect for the king. As for religious unity, every Moroccan citizen is officially born a Sunni Muslim unless their parents specifically list another religion on the birth certificate, and Islam is indelibly woven into the fabric of everyday life. At the same time, Morocco is known for religious tolerance. In fact, most Moroccans take it for granted that religion is important to everyone, and feel no compunction asking you about your beliefs. It’s a way of getting to know you.

The most important way to “know” someone is through their extended family—the source of one’s dignity and reputation. If one member commits a transgression, the resulting hshuma (shame) tarnishes the entire family. On the other hand, one is expected to help family members in need. Consider the Muhajerin, the 2 million or so Moroccans who live and work abroad in order to send wages to loved ones in Morocco. The Islamic principal of giving extends beyond the home, which is why Moroccans gladly give alms to the poor. That generosity also informs traditional hospitality. It’s a duty, a blessing, and a matter of family honor to treat guests well.

Moroccans view traditional married life as the only normal way to live. The idea of living alone is abhorrent, so most young people live with their family until they themselves marry. For women, that means fulfilling traditional domestic roles, even if they’re also pursuing educations or careers outside the home. Since the turn of this century, Moroccan women have gained more rights and freedom than their counterparts in other Arabic cultures. But men here still enjoy more power and status in every aspect of life.

66 Religion and Religious Observance In Spain, though 68.5% of Spaniards identify as Catholic, only 14% say they attend mass on a weekly basis. But religious traditions are still embedded in Spanish culture. There’s a church in every neighborhood, and each region or city has a patron saint who is celebrated on his or her dedicated holiday with processions and fiestas. Easter is marked by locals carrying elaborate floats and statues. Even those who are not observant may attend mass on holidays, have religious weddings, or baptize their children. The second largest religious group are Muslims, who comprise 4% of the population. Many are first- or second-generation immigrants from North Africa, and they’re more likely to be active worshippers than their Catholic counterparts.

In Portugal, the majority of people (81%) identify as Catholics. However, apart from major celebrations, church attendance is quite low. Even so, Catholicism is deeply entwined with the national and cultural identity. Even those who are not devout still have religious weddings, baptisms, and funerals, and festivals honoring regional saints are still popular. It was only after the 1974 “carnation revolution” that the church and state were officially separated.

In Morocco, 99% of the people follow Islam with the vast majority being Sunni Muslims. There is a small Christian population (mainly Catholic, resident foreigners.) The Jewish presence in Morocco dates back more than 2,500 years, and while today there are fewer than 4,000 Jews here (mainly in Casablanca), prior to 1948 (when many emigrated to Israel) there were between 250,000 and 350,000. The Jews of Morocco suffered periodic persecution but mainly thrived, and are widely admired for their many contributions to Moroccan culture.

Religious practice is quite evident in daily life. Muslims pray five times daily, and when the call to prayer (called the ezan) is sung or broadcast from minaret towers, everything stops. Friday is the Muslim Sabbath, so some businesses will close or have limited hours. During the month-long holiday of Ramadan, we may need to adjust our itinerary due to holiday closures. To participate, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk; but as the sun sets, everyone rushes home for iftar—the breaking of the fast. Suddenly the evening comes alive with music, eating, and shopping. The festivities often continue into the night. Visitors are not required to fast, but out of respect you shouldn’t eat, drink, or smoke openly. (It’s OK to eat indoors, but not outside.) Your Trip Experience Leader can advise you where to eat. Ramadan follows a lunar calendar, so its dates change from year to year.

Visiting Churches and Mosques In Portugal and Spain, many historic sites are churches or former mosques, and working churches run special services that you are welcome to attend. Otherwise, you are welcome to visit outside of services. Most churches have a dress code, but it is loosely enforced. Out of respect, you should try to cover your shoulders and wear long pants or shorts or skirts that reach the knee. We suggest that you throw a light sweater or cover-up into your daypack. A pashmina-type shawl is ideal for covering shoulders or low-cut blouses, or even wrapping around the waist as a sarong.

67 In Morocco, when visiting a mosque it’s polite to be modestly dressed (no bare shoulders, no short skirts or shorts (for men as well as women). You will be asked to remove your shoes before entering. In most mosques, women visitors are not required to cover their hair, but in others you may be asked to do so. Typically, a mosque that requires special dress for female visitors will have pieces to lend or rent.

Language in Spain The official language that is spoken throughout Spain is Spanish—specifically, the Castilian form of Spanish. Spanish is a Romance language (along with Catalan, French, Italian, Romanian and Portuguese.) But there are many Spanish dialects and even separate regional languages that are widely spoken such as Catalan (spoken in Catalonia), Gallego (spoken in Galicia), Euskara (spoken in the Basque Country), and Aranese (spoken in parts of Catalonia near the Pyrenees.) What language you speak has social and political overtones, and many Spaniards choose to use local dialects at home or in daily business.

English is the most common foreign language, spoken by 27.7% of Spaniards. It is more widely used by young people, and those numbers are destined to rise given that nearly 90% of school- aged children are now learning English in school. In tourist areas, many signs are in English as well as Spanish.

Useful Phrases

Since many people speak English you should have little trouble communicating. And if you know a little Spanish, your hosts will be very appreciative if you make the effort to speak it. Spain has some colorful slang and idiomatic expressions that you may hear. Here are a few:

• Vale is a word you will hear a lot. It just means, “okay,” as in “Vale, vamos!” (Okay, let’s go.) Sometimes, it is just tacked onto the beginning or end of a sentence, just as we might do in English.

• No pasa nada means “no worries” or “its nothing,” and is used as a reply when someone thanks you.

• Chulo is one of those words that originally had negative connotations (as a noun, it means “pimp.”) But today, it is very widely used to mean “cool.” ¡Que chulo! means “how cool,” and you can use chulo to describe a person or object that you think is great. Another way to convey that idea is es la cana. It literally means “it is the cane,” but is used to indicate that an object is great. Me gusta esta comida, es la cana means “I like this food, it’s awesome.”

• Tío and tía mean “uncle” and “aunt.” But they’re also used to call someone a “guy/girl” or “dude/chick.” You can call your friends this, or even refer to strangers as tío and tía.

• You might have learned that simpático means “nice” in Spanish, and it does. But a more informal word to use is majo or maja . Besides meaning “nice””or “pleasant,” it can also mean “pretty.” So you could say, “Nuestra líder de la gira es muy maja.” (Our Trip Leader is very nice.)

68 Language in Portugal Portuguese is the official language of Portugal. It is a Romance language (along with Catalan, French, Italian, and Romanian), and is closely related to the Galician language spoken in northwest Spain. About 27% of the people also speak English, and that number is growing.

Useful Phrases

Portuguese people will appreciate the effort (even a fractured one) if you try to learn a few words in their language. Please do not try to speak to locals in Spanish—the Portuguese are sensitive to comparisons with their neighbor and are also very proud of their own language. Since enough people speak English, you should have little trouble getting by. Here are some colorful slang expressions that you may hear:

• Pa or Epa are catch-all words that start or end many sentences, similar to “well,” “uhh,” or “so” in English.

• ‘Tá bem is the Portuguese way to say “fine” or “it’s all good.”

• Tipo is the Portuguese equivalent of “like,” when like is used not to indicate a preference, but as a filler.

• Fixe means “cool,” but also “nice” and “good.” It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as Ele é um tipo fixe (He’s a cool guy) or a viagem foi muito fixe (the trip was really nice.)

Language in Morocco There are nine so-called “living languages” in Morocco, and most of them are dialects of Arabic. Fortunately, most Moroccans are multi-lingual. The official language is Modern Standard Arabic, taught in schools and used mostly for formal and written communications. Moroccan Arabic or Darija is the more common spoken form of Arabic, used informally and at home and also in television and advertising. The second official language is a Berber language called Tamazight, and about 40% of the people speak or understand Tamazight.

French is the official second language, understood by about half the population and used widely for business. In the north, many Moroccans also speak Spanish. English is the third most common foreign language, and its popularity is rising—especially among young people, in cities, and among those whose livelihoods are affected by tourism. Since 2002 it has been taught in schools, starting in fourth grade.

Taking Photographs The etiquette of photographing most people in Europe is about the same as it would be on the streets of your hometown. You need permission to take a close-up, but not for a crowd scene. Consent is especially important if you want to take a photo of a child or minor—ask their parent for permission first. To get a great portrait, show interest in your subject and try to have a bit of social interaction to put them at ease. Then use sign language to inquire if a picture is OK.

69 Safety & Security As you travel, exercise the same caution and awareness that you would in a large American city. Don’t be overly nervous or suspicious, but keep your eyes open. If you are venturing out after dark, go with one or two other people.

Carry a one-day supply of cash in your pocket. Carry most of your money, and your passport, in a travel pouch or money belt under your shirt. Replenish your pocket supply when you are in a safe and quiet place, or in our vehicle. Don’t leave valuables unattended in your hotel room. Most hotels will offer use of a hotel safe at the front desk or an electronic in-room safe (for which you can set your own personal number). Please utilize them.

Pickpockets may create a sudden distraction. In any sort of puzzling street situation, try to keep one hand on your wallet or money belt. If an encounter with a local turns out to be long and complicated and involves money or your valuables, be very careful. Con artists sometimes target travelers.

Casino Estoril One of the most famous casinos in Europe is in Estoril, about a thirty-minute taxi ride from Lisbon (cab fare costing about twenty euros). But before you set off, be sure to bring your passport with you, as it is required for entrance.

Getting Around in Portugal Taxi: Portuguese taxis are a convenient but expensive method of transportation for long rides. If you are just going across town, prices are more reasonable. Officially metered taxis are ivory colored or black with green tops.

Trains: Portugal’s railway system is not extensive, but it does operate between major cities. On all train fares, passengers 65 and older will be given half-rate fares upon presentation of passport.

Remember to purchase your ticket prior to boarding the train. Once on board, you may be asked to show your ticket. If you do not have one, you will be charged a hefty fine! Tickets are not sold on the train.

Hotel Courtesy in Spain Like in many other European nations, manners are more formal in Spain than the U.S. Hotel staff will likely address you as “señor” or “señora” and may be caught off guard if you ask a question without greeting them with a quick “hello” or “good day” first. Local staff (and other visiting Europeans) will generally make an effort to be quiet in hallways and common rooms, which are normally used for reading, relaxing, or quiet conversation. For this reason, eating and drinking in any common rooms other than the bar or restaurant is frowned on. If you have any laundry to dry, please keep it inside your room (and not on the balcony).

70 Bullfighting Season The season starts the end of March and lasts through October. Ticket prices vary according to the seat’s location: near or farther back from the ring, and in the shade or sun. Good seats in the shade run about $50. You do not need to make reservations in advance, unless the bullfighter of the day is famous.

Getting Around in Spain Taxi: Taxis are widely available in the area.

Bus: Generally less expensive than both taxi and train travel, bus travel in Spain has increased in recent years.

Trains: Spain has an extensive railway network linking all major towns and cities, and rail travel in Spain is generally comfortable, reliable and often cheaper than many other European countries. Trains are modern and many are high-speed.

Portuguese Cuisine Start with rich farms and Europe’s oldest vineyards, add in the bounties of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, season with some Moorish spice, and that is a good beginning for Portugal’s unique cuisine. Then, you can ramp it up with a variety of novel ingredients that Portuguese explorers brought home during the 15th-century: African vanilla and cinnamon...potatoes from South America...piri piri chilies from Brazil (used in a popular chicken dish)...and citrus from the Orient. Here are a few things Portuguese chefs do with all that variety:

Caldo verde is the classic soup of kale, potatoes, onions, and garlic simmered with olive oil in a clay pot. It is often served with cornbread and sometimes made with ham or sausage. The Portuguese do love their sausage, such as the smoky and garlicky chouriço, and its stronger variant, linguiça. You’ll also find farinheira (made with flour and red pepper paste), alheira (made with bread and chicken or game), and a blood sausage called morcela.

Some of the above will appear in feijoada à transmontana (bean stew with cabbage and sausages), or cozido à Portuguesa (boiled vegetables, sausages, and other meats). Other porky Portuguese favorites include the prized, acorn-fed Alentejano pork. It is often served confit-style in a dish called rojões, which features white wine and cumin.

The national dish is bacalhau, or dried, salted cod. It is said that the Vikings came and traded cod for salt. The Portuguese put the two together and discovered that salting and drying preserves the fish for several years—perfect for those long expeditions to Canada, where much of the cod was fished. A popular saying claims that there are more recipes for bacalhau than days in the year. One of the most popular involves baking it with cream and potatoes. Or try bolinhos de bacalhau, deep-fried cod fritters.

71 Named for the clamshell-shaped pan it is made in, cataplana is a fish and shellfish medley with red and green peppers, tomatoes, garlic, wine, and paprika. Other seafood favorites include amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (clams with garlic, wine, olive oil, and cilantro). If you’re lucky, you may find old-timers on a street corner, grilling fresh sardines over a brazier. Try one and you’ll never eat sardines from a can again.

Don’t leave Portugal without sampling the francesinha. This hefty sandwich (which means “little Frenchie”) was invented in Porto, but adopted all over the country. It’s a whopper of thickly sliced bread stuffed with bacon or pork belly, sliced roasted pork, sausage, a whole beefsteak, fried egg, and cheese—ladled with a dark tomato and beer-based sauce. Leave room because francesinhas are always accompanied by a side of fries, with more sauce.

Fed by a steady stream of sugar from the New World, Portugal developed its sweet tooth early. Leite creme is the Portuguese version of crême brulée. You might also try aletria, a sweet noodle pudding made with vermicelli (angel hair) pasta, milk, sugar, egg yolks, cinnamon, and lemon or orange zest. It’s a Christmas staple, but since it’s easy to make, you can find it year-round.

The one sweet you must try before leaving Portugal is the famous pasteis de nata. This delicious egg custard tart was once made by nuns in convents, but today they are available in just about any local pastelaria or bakery. Bom apetite!

Spanish Cuisine The 21st century’s culinary firmament is lit by a galaxy of superstar chefs from Spain. Among them are the legendary Ferran Adría (whose former restaurant, El Bulli, launched the “molecular gastronomy” trend), Carme Ruscalleda (the only female chef to be awarded five Michelin stars), octogenarian Juan Mari Arzak (the father of the “New Basque” cuisine), and Jose Andrés, (credited with bringing small plate dining to America). Even if you do not dine in one of their restaurants, they have influenced Spanish chefs in even the humblest establishments, where you might find traditional classics like these:

All over Spain, people head to local bars after work for drinks and bite-sized appetizers called tapas, or sometimes, pinchos, a reference to the toothpick that you use to spear it. These bar snacks come in endless varieties, such as patatas bravas (deep-fried potatoes), jeta (roasted, bite-sized pork cheeks served with red peppers and potatoes), gambas al ajillo (shrimp with garlic and chilies), and savory albondigas, meatballs of pork and beef. They could also be as simple as a plate of olives and some cubes of manchego cheese. Follow with a sip of wine or fino or manzanilla sherry.

Many of Spain’s most popular dishes originated in a specific region, but are widely available. One such is paella, originally from Valencia. Cooked in a wide pan, it is based on saffron-scented rice layered with vegetables and protein: The original used chicken and rabbit, but today you’re more likely to find seafood paella, with plenty of shrimp, langoustines, and mussels. Another popular seafood dish is pulpo a la Gallega. It is traditional to Galicia, and features boiled octopus with sea salt, paprika, and olive oil.

72 Gazpacho is a chilled soup that hails from Andalusia. There are many versions of it, but the traditional recipe calls for cucumber, onion, garlic, pepper, and tomato with salt, olive oil, wine vinegar, and water. A tortilla Espanola is nothing like its Mexican counterpart. It is an omelet starring pre-fried potatoes and eggs, onions, and seasonings

Many bars and restaurants will have hams hanging from the rafters. The best Spanish ham is dry-cured jamón Iberico, made from Iberian black-hoofed pigs raised entirely on acorns. A close second is jamón Serrano, made from white-hoofed pigs. They’ll be presented on a special stand (so you can see the telltale hoof), then deftly carved into wafer-thin slices. The carving is an art, and apprentices may take five years to learn it. Needless to say, the Spanish take their ham seriously.

The Basque region is a standout in a country of culinary superlatives. The city of San Sebastian is one of the world’s great food meccas, and even outside its Michelin star heavy hitters, the average restaurant will blow you away. Basque country is famous for pintxos, which are their version of tapas (but should never called as such!). One specialty is bacalao pil-pil: cod fried with garlic, olive oil, and chili. Txangurro is a baked spider crab stuffed with onions, tomatoes, leeks, brandy, and parsley, topped with bread crumbs. For dessert, try pastel Vasco, a slice of vanilla custard cream heaven with a crunchy crust.

Remember that mealtimes in Spain are later than what you may used to. Breakfast (desayuno) is a light affair of coffee, pastry, and maybe a piece of fruit. Around 10 or 11 am, you can have almuerzo, a mid-morning snack. Places may close after this until lunch (la comida), which is the main meal of the day, a three-course affair eaten between 2 pm and 4 pm. If you’re feeling peckish around 4 pm, the merienda is a traditional time for coffee and cake. But save room for tapas, which usually start around 8 pm. With all that food, no wonder dinner (la cena) is rarely eaten before 9 or 10 pm.

Moroccan Cuisine Moroccan cooking blends Berber, Arabic, African, Spanish, and French traditions to create a culinary canon that is at once complex and delicate. Sweet and sour dishes were introduced by the Arabs, who borrowed them from Persia. Many breads were introduced by sub-Saharan African cultures. And there is a strong tradition of preserving and pickling fruits and vegetables, a contribution of Morocco’s Jewish communities.

Among the staples of the Moroccan pantry you’ll find olives, dates, lemons, lamb, seafood, and poultry, often inventively combined and seasoned with coriander, turmeric, allspice, saffron, or cinnamon. In general, the food is more aromatic than hot or spicy. Most meals are enjoyed with bread (such as kobhz) which is used in place of utensils to scoop up the food.

If you want to start your day as the Berbers do, enjoy a breakfast of b’ssara, a rich soup of dried broad beans swirled with olive oil, sprinkled with cumin, and enjoyed with warm bread.

73 If you are a vegetarian, you’ll be pleased that moots meals start with a selection of salads, some of which are more like dips such as zaalouk (grilled and pureed eggplant with tomatoes and spices.) As an appetizer, you can try briouats: crunchy, triangular pockets of warqa (phyllo dough) filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. (There are also sweet varieties.)

The national dish is couscous: tiny granules or pearls of semolina pasta. Traditionally it was prepared on the holy day, Friday, and mounded in a bowl with salads, grilled meat, or vegetables for all to enjoy. Also iconic are Morocco’s tagines. These are delicious meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetable stews that take their name from the conical clay pots in which they are cooked. Try chicken and preserved lemon tagine simmered with herbs, olives, and dried fruit.

Another must is bstilla, a flaky casserole of phyllo pastry layered with pigeon or chicken; and flavored with almonds scented with orange flower water, saffron, and cinnamon and dusted with confectioners’ sugar. It is a beloved Fez specialty but you can also find seafood versions along the coast. For something really savory try kefta, spiced beef or lamb meatballs simmered with tomatoes and poached eggs.

If shopping in all those exotic souks makes you hungry, follow your nose to the outdoor dining section where street food vendors prepare grilled kebabs, crispy rings of deep-fried calamari, and grilled sardines stuffed with an herb and spice mix called chermoula. This is also where you can order a steaming bowl of babbouche, snails in the shell swimming in a garlicky broth.

The sweets here are amazing. Start simply with dates stuffed with almond paste and sprinkled with cinnamon. Shebakia are rose-shaped sesame cookies that are dipped or soaked in honey. Move up to kaab el ghazal (Gazelle’s ankles), thin, sugary crescents filled with almonds and orange blossom water. You could call roz bil heleeb “rice pudding,” but it is unlike any you’ve ever had before: a standout dessert of creamy rice custard topped with shredded coconut and almonds or pistachios, flavored with cinnamon and orange blossom.

You might be invited to wash down your meal with a Moroccan or Berber “whiskey,” but don’t expect to get a buzz: observant Muslims do not drink alcohol, so you will be toasting with a mint tea, sometimes spiked with lemon verbena, wormwood, saffron, or star anise.

Lisbon in Brief

City Layout & Details Lined with restaurants, museums, shops, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and old pastel-colored buildings juxtaposed with modern architecture, Lisbon is a charming city with something to offer for everybody. The people are known for their hospitality and festive spirit which is demonstrated by the various festivals held in the city throughout the year to celebrate film, art, music, and sports, among other things.

The capital city of Portugal, Lisbon is located along the western coast where Tagus River opens into the Atlantic and sprawls across seven hills. Stroll through Belem, a neighborhood on the waterfront, where you will find the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, a beautiful monastery with UNESCO status, and the Museu Coleccao Berardo, a modern art museum. Explore the historic city centre,

74 the Baixa Pombalina, and wander through Chiado to scope out the shops and restaurants. For a taste of the quieter, local life, head to Alfama and meander through the narrow streets - be sure to start at the top and make your way down to the bottom! Delight your taste buds with a stop at one of the wine bars in Bairro Alto to taste some wine, cheese, and charcuterie.

Local Transportation Lisbon offers multiple forms of public transportation that make it easy to navigate the city. While driving is an option, streets are generally congested and difficult to maneuver, and parking can be extremely hard to find. With the many taxis and means of public transportation available, you will have plenty of options if you do not want to drive.

Metro: There are four main metro lines which are labeled by color: red, green, yellow, and blue. Metro stations will be denoted with “M” signs. Remember to validate your ticket at the station entrance before boarding the metro. A single ride costs approximately 1.40 euros. You can also purchase a 24-hour pass that is valid on all metro lines, as well as trams, funiculars, and buses.

Buses and Trams: Lisbon has an extensive bus and tram system that span the city, making it an easy option while you are exploring. The trams have an old-city charm that has turned the transportation itself into a tourist attraction. Pick up a map from the local tourist office or at your hotel to see all of the routes available to explore.

Funicular: There are four funiculars in Lisbon - the Ascensor do Lavra, the oldest in Lisbon, the Ascensor da Bica, the Ascensor da Gloria, and the Elevador de Santa Justa (the “Elevator of Santa Justa”). Most of the funiculars cost about 3.60 euros for a round trip ticket, except the Santa Justa which is 5 euros.

Taxi: Taxis are plentiful in Lisbon. Keep in mind that they may charge more at night or if you have luggage with you.

Lisbon Specialties To taste one of the city’s specialties, look for pulpo a la gallega, which means “fair style octopus”. The dish is so named because farmers would buy the octopus at the cattle fairs where they sold their products. Traditionally, the octopus is prepared with olive oil, paprika, and potatoes and cooked in large copper cauldrons.

Barcelona in Brief

City Layout and Details Barcelona has a style all its own, unmatched anywhere in the world. It seems to re-invent itself daily even as it preserves and maintains the best of its history. If you have time limitations, you’ll still be able to take in the prime historic sights by focusing on the ciutat vella, the old town. You can reach the many majors sights – the Gothic cathedral, the Picasso Museum, markets, Gaudi buildings and art galleries – from the central Plaça de Catalunya in under a half hour at a leisurely walk. For anything further out, the Metro is convenient, fast, and inexpensive.

75 The old town is split roughly in two by the tree-lined and very pedestrian friendly Ramblas. To the east you’ll find the labyrinthine Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), with the Sant Pere and La Ribera neighborhoods even further out. Going west takes you into El Raval, a district that offers a trendy and bohemian atmosphere. At the foot of the Ramblas you’ll find the waterfront, with a newly polished harbor area. East from there you’ll find the fishing and restaurant quarter of Barceloneta, city beaches, and the cafés and restaurants of the Port Olímpic. Moving past the old town you’ll find L’Eixample (Catalan for “extension”), built when the population grew past the city walls. It is, in contrast with the cramped and historic lanes of the ciutat vella, a wide-open area of fine avenues and 19th-century modernista (Art Nouveau) buildings. It is also the location of the cities most iconic building, the Gaudi’s Sagrada Família.

You’ll find a cultural vibrancy here that’s rare anywhere: from the glorious modernista architecture, and the work of Antoni Gaudí in particular, to the artistic legacy of Catalan artist Joan Miró and the showcase Pablo Picasso museum (one of the city’s most popular.) When you’re done taking in the sights, join the locals for a market visit, a stroll down the Ramblas, a lazy harborside lunch, lively festival nights, or a visit to the beach.

Entertainment & Recreational Activities From art openings and concerts to tapas bars, music bars, and clubbing, Barcelona is a great night-time city, and the array of after-dark diversions is huge. You don’t have to leave the city center to find more than enough entertainment, but if you do, you’ll find the outer districts just as lively. Trendy bars and clubs operate in every major district, and if one closes down, another seems to open the next night. Nightlife here is, however, a late adventure: evenings don’t get seriously underway until after 10, bars stay open until 3am, and many clubs don’t close until 6am.

From relaxing an evening away in local tascas (taverns), grazing on an array of appetizers at a tapas bar, or a slowly emptying a bottle of wine at a café, you can enjoy an easy and inexpensive way to spend an evening people-watching. If the weather is good (which it frequently is) the city’s outdoor squares fill with tables and chairs. Drinking outside is so popular, and sometimes so noisy, that you might find restricted hours in some places.

There’s more to the city than history and nightlife. Barcelona has numerous green belts and a busy waterfront, rebuilt with walkways, marinas, beaches, and top seafood eating spots. Outside the city, golf, horse riding, tennis, and swimming are available and within easy reach.

Local Transportation In central Barcelona comfortable shoes are your best travel buy: it’s an eminently walkable city, particularly the old town. For areas further afield:

Metro: Barcelona’s underground public transport system is very efficient, and it goes pretty much any place in the city you might want to visit. You’ll find five color-coded/numbered lines radiating from the center of the city. Stations are identified by a red diamond-shaped sign with the letter M in the center, maps are widely available, and tickets can be bought ahead of time, or in the station as you travel. Tickets come in a range of flavors – from a simple single ticket to multi-trip and multi-day passes and can be bought from station offices or from touch-screen

76 vending machines (with instructions in English.) The metro runs from 5am to midnight Sunday through Thursday, until 2am on Friday, and is open all night on Saturday. Visit TMB’s website (www.tmb.net) for more information on the city’s transport system (in English.)

Trams & Buses: Subject to Barcelona’s famed traffic snarls, tramvías (trams) work the main streets through the city alongside city buses. Routes are clearly marked at each stop, as are timetables.

Taxis: Yellow-and-black taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced. You can hail one in the street if its green light is on. Taxis have meters, and two stage pricing – cheaper during the day, more expensive after 8pm at night. You’ll find a list of prices and surcharges is displayed (by law) on the back passenger window.

Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Shipping & More There may be scheduled visits to local shops during your adventure. There is no requirement to make a purchase during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. O.A.T. is not responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases.

Returns If you discover an issue with an item, you should contact the vendor directly and expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. We recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Keep in mind, local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up or that you are guaranteed a refund.

Crafts & Souvenirs

Portugal Among the recommended buys in Portugal are Atlantis crystal, Vista Alegre porcelain, pottery, tiles, and gold and silver-filigree jewelry. Other local handicrafts include lace, woodwork, cork products, ceramics, embroidered goods, hand-loomed carpets, hand-knit sweaters, crocheted shawls, brass, copper and pewter ware, and baskets.

Europe Tax-Free Shopping: Many stores in Portuguese cities have adopted the “Europe Tax-Free Shopping” (ETS) system, which allows foreign shoppers to easily recover the Value Added Tax (IVA)—which can be anywhere from 6%-23% depending on the item. Stores that participate in the ETS system will clearly display an ETS sign at the entrance. If you make a purchase, ask the shopkeeper for a tax-free form. When you depart Europe, you show the airport customs official your purchases and tax-free forms. You will then receive a cash refund or a credit to your credit card, approximately four weeks following your return to the U.S., for the total amount of your tax-free allowance.

77 Spain Leather goods, from supple suede gloves and elegant calf handbags to wineskins that require careful curing (botas), are excellent purchases. Other good buys are shoes, from classical calf pumps to provincial cloth espadrilles; porcelain by Lladro and pottery by regional craftsmen; and wool rugs made by tapestry makers or simple cotton-rag throws.

Siesta: Throughout Spain, most stores and offices close between 1:30 pm and 5 pm. Then they reopen until 7:30 pm (many close even later). Restaurants generally remain open during siesta. In the larger cities you may find that big department stores will stay open from 10am – 10pm.

Value Added Tax: Known in Spain as the IVA, Value Added Tax is levied on most articles, services, and meals. The IVA ranges from 7% to 21% (luxury items, cars). Depending on how much you spend on certain goods, you may be eligible for a partial refund of this tax. Ask the shopkeeper or salesperson about the VAT at time of purchase. Be sure to save all receipts and forms for Customs.

Morocco Morocco offers many fine craft items at good prices. Traditional souvenirs include gold and silver jewelry, wood carvings, cotton goods, tapestries, carpets, leather goods, pottery, copperware, brassware, basketry, fine inlaid woodwork, and spices.

Bargaining: Some shops have fixed prices. In the open-air markets prices are usually flexible and negotiating is normal. The only rule is that if you make an offer, you should be prepared to buy at that price. Bring a mix of small bills so that you can pay in exact change. Moroccans enjoy negotiating over prices, and they expect it of their customers.

Gibraltar As a little slice of Britain, Gibraltar’s shopping focuses on goods from the “home country”, like marmalade, British biscuits (hard biscuits), English china, royal memorabilia, and Union Jack flag prints on everything.

U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511.

The top three points to know are:

• At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees.

• Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when the shop has offered to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your

78 responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties.

• It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

79 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY

Portugal

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: Portugal contains 35,556 square miles, including the Azores and Madeira islands. The Madeira island group occupies 305 square miles. The main island of Madeira is 35 miles long and about 13 miles across at its widest point.

• Capital: Lisbon

• Language: Portuguese

• Geography: Portugal’s mainland terrain is mountainous, pastoral, and earthy. Its interior moors and flatlands are circumscribed by 500 miles of gorgeous coastline with long stretches of sandy beaches. Madeira consists of two inhabited islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, and two groups of uninhabited islands. The largest island is Madeira. It is volcanic and mountainous, with its highest peaks in the interior rising to over 6,000 feet. The island contains nearly 100 miles of coastline, but no beaches (except one tiny one at Prainha near the eastern tip of the island). The north coast is untamed and less populated; the western end is forested and cool; and the eastern tip consists of barren reddish rock that extends into the blue sea.

• Population: 10,839,514 (estimate)

• Religion: Roman Catholic, 81%, Christian and other, 19%

• Time Zone: Portugal is ahead of U.S. Eastern Time by five hours; Central Time by six hours; Mountain Time by seven hours; Pacific Time by eight hours.

80 National Holidays: Portugal

In addition to the holidays listed below, 06/10 Portugal Day Portugal celebrates a number of national 08/15 Assumption of Mary holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter and Corpus Christi. To find out if you 10/05 Republic Implantation will be traveling during these holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 11/01 All Saints’ Day

01/01 New Year’s Day 12/01 Restoration of Independence

04/25 Liberty Day 12/08 Feast of the Immaculate Conception

05/01 Labor Day 12/25 Christmas Day

Portugal: A Brief History Portugal’s earliest tribes occupied the Tagus valley, the Alentejo and Estremadura as far back as 8,000 BC. Later, Neolithic clans built hilltop forts called castros in northern Portugal, and around 700 BC these were occupied by Celtic Lusitanians. They were fierce, which led the Carthaginians (who had settled on the south coast) to recruit them around 200 BC to fight off the Romans. The Celtic Lusitanians proved their worth—while it only took Rome seven years to conquer Gaul, it took them nearly 200 to subdue Iberia. By the time that was accomplished, Rome had colonies in Lisbon, Evora, Santarem, and Beja.

Christianity reached Portugal near the end of the 1st century, and by the 3rd century, bishoprics had been founded at Lisbon, Braga, and other towns. As Visigothic invaders crossed the Pyrenees, they made their way to Portugal. But since they ruled from Toledo, their influence was not strong. This made it easy for the Moors, who arrived soon after 711 AD. Portugal’s Moors settled mainly in the south, and brought many agrarian reforms as well as a love of culture. They established Muslim supremacy, but allowed Christians and Jews to worship, work, own property, and freely engage in business. Though their cities were grander and larger in Spain, they still left an enduring impact on Portuguese culture.

The Christian Reconquest had some early victories in Portugal, taking Porto back from the Moors by 868 and Coimbra by 1064. Meanwhile, a small kingdom was coalescing around the old Roman settlement of Portus Cale. It was controlled by the kings of Leon and Castile until 1139, when Afonso Henriques won a battle and proclaimed himself King of Portucale. The Algarve was reconquered in 1264, the capital was moved from Coimbra to Lisbon, and Portugal’s land boundaries have since remained almost unchanged.

But Portugal’s imperial ambitions had no boundaries. In 1415, King John conquered the North African trading post of Ceuta. Under his son Prince Henry the Navigator, advances were made in shipbuilding, navigation, and cartography; and Portuguese caravels sailed the coast of Africa. Madeira and the Azores were colonized, and over the next century, explorers like Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan expanded the empire from Africa to India and southeast Asia, and to Brazil.

81 In 1581, Spain invaded Portugal and held it for 60 years. By the time Portuguese independence was restored in 1668, Dutch, English, and French competitors had surpassed Portugal’s colonial might. The country’s fortunes mostly waned over the next centuries. Portugal was able to end a five-year occupation by Napoleonic forces with the help of Britain. But that alliance did Portugal no good when the 1890 British Ultimatum was delivered, requiring Portugal to give up its claim to land between Mozambique and Angola. Still, Portugal fought in World War I on the Allied side.

A weak postwar governments led to a military coup in 1926, in which Antonio Oliveira Salazar became a Finances Minister, before progressing to dictator in 1933, ruling for almost 40 years. He kept Portugal neutral in World War II, but granted naval and air bases to the Allies after 1943. Portugal joined NATO as a founding member in 1949, but did not gain admission to the United Nations until 1955. Salazar suffered a stroke in 1968 and died in 1970. In 1974, a socialist military coup ended the Salazar era. It was called the “carnation revolution” since civilians placed flowers in the rifles of the military. Directly afterwards, most of Portugal’s former colonies were granted their independence. With EU membership in 1986, Portugal entered the European mainstream.

Since the debt crisis of 2008, Portugal’s economy has made progress. The government deficit has fallen, as has unemployment. But some of this has been achieved by austerity measures that have hit the young, teachers, health care workers, and others. The future will call for the same kind of resolve and innovation that drove Portugal’s golden Age of Discovery so long ago.

Spain

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: The mainland occupies approximately 195,364.5 square miles. Off Spain’s east coast in the Mediterranean are the Balearic Islands (1,936 square miles), the largest of which is Majorca. Sixty miles west of Africa are the Canary Islands (2,808 square miles).

• Capital: Madrid

• Languages: Spanish, Basque, Catalan, and Galician. In resort areas, many people also speak English, French, and German.

• Geography: Spain’s topography consists of a broad central plateau that slopes to the south and east, crossed by a series of mountain ranges and river valleys. It is a land of both towering peaks and endless beaches, as well as fertile landscapes and high, dry plains. Principal rivers are the Ebro in the northeast, the Tajo in the central region, and the Guadalquivir in the south.

• Population: 48,958,159 (estimate)

• Religions: Roman Catholic 67.8%, atheist 9.1%, other 2.2%, non-believer 18.4%, unspecified 2.5%

• Time Zone: Spain is six hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time.

82 National Holidays: Spain

In addition to the holidays listed below, Spain 05/01 Labor Day celebrates a number of national holidays that 08/15 Assumption of Mary follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter. To find out if you will be traveling during these 10/12 Hispanic Day holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/ holidays. 11/01 All Saints Day

01/01 New Year’s Day 12/06 Constitution Day

01/06 Epiphany 12/08 Immaculate Conception

Spain: A Brief History Spain has been continuously inhabited for 1.2 million years, but the bulk of our knowledge about Spain’s earliest people begins around 1100 BC, when Phoenicians established trading colonies along the southern coast. These attracted the Greeks; and around the same time, Celts descended in the north, establishing hill villages known as castros, many of which still stand in Galicia and northern Portugal.

The Romans arrived in Spain around 206 BC, but had to defeat the Carthaginians for it. Afterwards, the Romans still had a fight on their hands: The Iberian tribes resisted for 200 years. Today, in places like Mérida, Córdoba, Segovia, and Tarragona, you can see remnants of Roman roads, bridges, aqueducts, temples, and amphitheaters. Towards the end of their dominion, the Romans also brought Christianity. But Pax Romana crumbled as Visigoths and Franks swept over the Pyrenees.

The civilized heights of Rome were not equaled until the Moors arrived from North Africa around 711 AD. The enlightened Islamic civilization they established was called Al-Andalus, and it lasted for nearly 800 years. Islamic cities such as Córdoba, Seville, and Granada flourished. Throughout Al-Andalus, Christians, and Jews lived under some restrictions, but were free to worship, work, own property, and trade. When the rest of Europe was struggling through the Dark Ages, the city of Córdoba became a beacon of enlightenment with a celebrated university, palaces, gardens, observatories, libraries, street lamps, and running water. Mathematics, astronomy, literature, music, and architecture flourished.

Córdoba’s star began to dim in the 11th century as the caliphate broke into dozens of small kingdoms. Infighting opened a crack for northern Christians to pry open, and the Christian Reconquest pushed south. The last stronghold of the Moors, Granada, fell to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1491. They instituted a 300-year campaign of terror, the Spanish Inquisition, which sought to root out heretics through the confiscation of property, imprisonment, torture, and execution. It required Muslims and Jews to convert to Christianity or leave Spain, thereby ending a source of valuable cultural contributions.

But Spain’s fortunes continued to rise. In 1492, Christopher Columbus opened up the New World to Spain’s imperial ambitions. Spain amassed tremendous wealth and a vast empire through Columbus’ conquest of the Caribbean, as well as the conquest of Mexico by Cortes (1519-21) and

83 Peru by Pizarro (1532-33). In 1588, Philip II sent his Armada to invade England, but its defeat cost Spain its supremacy. After centuries of dwindling losses, Spain’s overseas empire ended with Cuban independence in 1898.

Spain remained neutral during In World War I, but was unable to avoid the upheavals that arose in its aftermath. Civil war erupted in 1936, pitting right-wing Nationalists under Francisco Franco against socialist, communist, and centrist Republicans. Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy supported Franco with planes, weapons, and 92,000 troops, making Spain a testing ground for WWII. Franco declared the war over in 1939, but there was no peace. In the ensuing years, his regime killed 100,000 intellectuals, teachers, and dissenters. After World War II (which Spain sat out), a UN- sponsored boycott plunged the nation into “years of hunger.” They didn’t wane until the 1950s, when U.S. aid and tourism infused the economy. When Franco died in 1975, Juan Carlos I took the throne and Spain transitioned to democracy.

When the 2008 global economic crisis plunged Spain’s economy, the conservative government enacted harsh austerity measures. Youth unemployment reached 60%, and by 2017 over 87,000 workers left Spain, creating a brain drain. Recently, the government rolled out a “Return Plan” to lure them back. Also in 2017, a referendum in Catalonia backed separation from Spain. Madrid imposed direct rule, though polls show that 68% of Spaniards prefer dialogue with Catalonia. This issue, along with economic recovery, will dominate Spain for the near future.

Morocco

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 172,414 square miles

• Capital: Rabat

• Languages: Arabic and Berber are the official languages; French and Spanish are also spoken.

• Location: Morocco is bordered by Algeria in the east, Mauritania in the south, the Atlantic Ocean in the west, and Spain in the north.

• Geography: Morocco’s landscape varies from coastal lands near the Atlantic Ocean to mountainous regions to the Sahara Desert.

• Population: 33,322,699 (Estimate)

• Religions: Muslim 99%, Other 1%

• Time zone: Morocco is on Central European Time, six hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 5am in Washington D.C., it is 11am in Rabat. Morocco does not observe Daylight Savings, therefore Morocco is only 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time when Daylight Savings is in effect.

84 National Holidays: Morocco

In addition to the holidays listed below, 01/11 Anniversary of the Independence Morocco celebrates a number of national Manifesto holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as 05/01 Labour Day/May Day Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. To find out if you will be traveling during these holidays, please 07/30 Feast of the Throne visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 08/14 Anniversary of the Recovery 01/01 New Year’s Day Oued Ed-Dahab

Morocco: A Brief History Morocco is unique for having been occupied by one group of people for all of its recorded history—people who have rarely been subjugated by outside forces. The Berbers or Imazighen (men of the land) have endured for millennia. They are not a homogenous group, but comprise various tribes who share some ethnic lineage. Nor were all Berbers nomads despite the stereotype. Most Berbers were farmers, but connected to fellow Berber traders and horsemen who developed semi-permanent encampments as they forged trade routes.

The Berbers often frustrated Roman attempts to govern them, though their rebellion was not always violent but often based on shrewd alliances and gamesmanship. Most Berbers continued to practice their traditional, animist religions. They also borrowed from other African and Egyptian religions, and as the millennium turned, many Berbers were Christian or Jewish.

In the 7th century AD, the Ummayad Arabs conquered the Middle East in less than a decade, but needed 70 years to subdue Morocco’s Berbers. They brought the Arab language, architecture, civil codes, and mostly, the new religion of Islam. Its ideals resonated with traditional Berber values and its adoption was widespread, rapid, and willing. But the Arabs were never able to unify the region politically. Though they enlisted Berber vassals to lead their conquest of Iberia, the sprawling caliphate proved difficult to manage, paving the way for Arab-Berber dynasties such as the Almoravids, Almohads, and Nasrids, who presided over Moorish Iberia, called al-Andalus. These dynasties have ruled Morocco continuously from the 8th century to the present.

When the Moors were expelled from al-Andalus in 1492, Muslim and Jewish refugees brought their cultures back to Morocco, enriching the Imperial Cities of Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Meknes. Rulers rose and fell for 140 years and in the 1630s, the Alaouite family overthrew the Saadis, establishing a line that rules to this day. In the late 1800s, Morocco’s strategic location and natural resources attracted France, which took control by 1912. Spain hung onto a small protectorate on the coast, Tangier was made an international zone, and Rabat became the capital. When Berbers rebelled in 1926, it took 25,000 Spanish-French troops to subdue them.

During WWII, Morocco was ruled by Vichy France, which was a Nazi puppet. But independent- minded Casablanca provided crucial support for the Allied North African campaign. After the war in 1944, Morocco demanded freedom, and France was eventually pressured to grant it. Mohammed V returned from exile in 1955; Morocco won its independence in 1956; Mohammed V crowned himself king in 1957; and handed power to his son, Hassan II, in 1961. Hassan II earned

85 the people’s affection in 1975 when he led the Green March into the Western Sahara to force Spain to hand over the province. More than 350,000 volunteers marched that day, but the dispute between Morocco and the western separatist Polisario Front still simmers.

Mohammed VI took the throne in 1999, and advanced many liberal policies including women’s rights. In 2002, he married Salma Bennani, a computer science engineer, and many believed it symbolized the acceptance of modern roles. In 2004, the government imposed changes to family law geared toward lifting the gender inequality and protecting children. During the Arab Spring of 2011, Mohammed VI reacted with a deftness that eluded other leaders, announcing constitutional reforms, ceding more power to parliament, and making Berber an official state language. But Mohammed VI has increasingly been criticized for repressing freedom of speech, and the nation still struggles with poverty, unemployment, and corruption in the justice system.

Gibraltar

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 2.51 square miles

• Government: Self-governing territory of the United Kingdom

• Languages: English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.

• Geography: Gibraltar is located on the southern coast of Spain where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet, known as the Strait of Gibraltar.

• Population: 29,328

• Religions: Roman Catholic 78.1%, Church of England 7%, Muslim 4%, other Christian 3.2%, Jewish 2.1%, Hindu 1.8%, other 0.9%, none 2.9%

• Time Zone: Gibraltar is six hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time.

86 National Holidays: Gibraltar

In addition to the holidays listed below, 03/13 Commonwealth Day Gibraltar celebrates a number of national 04/28 Worker’s Memorial Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar (Easter) or a floating calendar (bank holidays). To 05/01 May Day find out if you will be traveling during these holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/ 09/10 Gibraltar Day holidays. 12/25 Christmas Day 01/01 New Year´s Day 12/26 Boxing Day

Gibraltar: A Brief History Many Americans think Gibraltar is an island or just a rock, being most familiar with its iconic depiction in the Prudential Insurance Company logo. In fact, Gibraltar is a 2.6-mile British territory that borders Spain and occupies a peninsula that juts into the Atlantic on one side, and the Mediterranean on the other. At its tip sits the 1,398-foot high promontory that the Moors named Jebel Tariq, which morphed into “Gibraltar.” It formed when Eurasian and African tectonic plates collided 55 million years ago. Since then, many have wanted a piece of the Rock.

Gibraltar’s written history begins with the Phoenicians, who worshipped in the Rock’s caves. So did the Carthaginians and the Romans, who called the Rock Mons Calpe, meaning “hollow mountain” for its caverns. Romans and Greeks revered Gibraltar as one of the “Pillars of Hercules,” created by the hero when he stamped his foot on the Atlas Mountains to form the Strait of Gibraltar. The corresponding pillar, Mons Abila, is thought to be Morocco’s Jebel Musa.

In 711 AD, the Berber chief Tariq ibn Ziyad crossed from Tangier, establishing a base for the Moorish invasion of Iberia. They held Gibraltar for 750 years, interrupted only once (in 1309) by Castile, which held it for about 20 years. Gibraltar reverted to Spain in 1462, but was a frequent target of Barbary pirates and the Dutch, English, and Danish navies. Spain finally lost its prize to an Anglo-Dutch fleet, and Gibraltar was ceded to Britain “in perpetuity” in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht. This did not stop Spain from trying to recapture it during the Great Siege of 1779-83.

Gibraltar remained a crucial naval base for Britain and in 1889, its harbor was made torpedo- proof. During World War I, the British Navy engaged in anti-submarine warfare against German U-boats here. In 1936, 10,000 Spanish Civil War refugees fled into Gibraltar. Though Britain (and by extension, Gibraltar) took a neutral stance, Gibraltarian society was split, with the upper classes, British authorities, and Catholic and Anglican churches supporting the Nationalist rebels; and working people supporting the Republicans. One thing everyone agreed on during this dress rehearsal for another world war was that Gibraltar should strengthen its defenses.

During World War II, Gibraltar’s civilians were evacuated, and the Rock, with its caves and tunnels, became a garrison for 17,000 troops. Eisenhower made Gibraltar his base for the Allied invasion of North Africa. Throughout the postwar era, Gibraltar was not repaid for its earlier

87 Nationalist support. Instead, dictator Francisco Franco repeatedly attempted to reassert Spain’s claim. In a 1967 referendum, Gibraltarians overwhelmingly voted to remain a British rather than Spanish territory. The vote (12,138 to 44) so incensed Franco, he closed the border.

The border reopened in 1985, easing life for tens of thousands of residents on either side who cross it every day. Since then, relations between Gibraltar and Spain have improved. Britain and Spain discussed joint sovereignty in 2002, but Gibraltarians voted resoundingly against it. In 2004, they celebrated 300 years of British rule with a human chain of 17,000 residents (more than half the populace) holding hands around the Rock.

With the Brexit vote of 2016, Gibraltar’s unflagging British allegiance fluttered, as 96% of the colony wanted to remain within the EU. In January 2021, a Schengen-type agreement was reached that would ensure the smooth movement of goods and people in and out of Gibraltar. With all sides taking a pragmatic approach to commerce, tourism, and employment, the sovereignty issue is off the table—for now.

88 RESOURCES

Suggested Reading

General Cultural Atlas of Spain and Portugal by Mary Vincent and R. A. Stradling (Culture) This reference book focuses on the rich cultural diversity and artistic heritage of Spain and Portugal, and examines how the historic events of each country have been partly impacted by their geography and climate.

Portugal A Small Death in Lisbon and The Company of Strangers by Robert Wilson (1999 and 2001, Fiction) Both these political thrillers are set in Portugal with flashbacks to World War II, when the supposedly neutral nation was a hotbed of espionage.

The Portuguese: The Land and Its People by Marian Kaplan (1991, History) A travel guide and history book all in one that takes you from the Moorish Invasion to the Age of Discovery to modern times.

A Concise History of Portugal by David Birmingham (2018, History) This condensed, illustrated history offers an introduction to Portugal’s people, culture, and evolving role in contemporary Europe.

Baltasar and Blimunda by Jose Saramago (1998, Historical Fiction) Written by the winner of the 1998 Noble Prize for Literature, this historic romance offers detailed insight into what life was like in Portugal in the late 18th century. Set in 1711, in the midst of the terrors of the Inquisition and the plague, it follows a seemingly mismatched couple as they discover the wonders of love.

Spain A Million Steps by Kurt Koontz (Travel Narrative) Follow the author as he walks the Camino de Santiago—a pilgrimage route in Spain that stretches more than 400 miles—a journey that is both physical and spiritual.

Sister Queens: The Noble, Tragic Lives of Katherine of Aragon and Juana, Queen of Castile by Julia Fox (2011, biography). The daughters of Ferdinand and Isabella each lost positions of power—one to the whims of England’s Henry VIII, and the other to madness.

The Last Jew by Noah Gordon (2000, Historical Fiction) A sweeping tale of survival during the Spanish in Inquisition.

Iberia by James A. Michener (1968, History) The Pulitzer Prize-winning writer offers a panoramic view of his second home, Spain, celebrating its art, customs, landscapes, peasant life, and history up to the early post-Franco era.

89 For Whom The Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway (1940, Fiction). Hemingway wrote this iconic novel about an American volunteer fighting Franco’’s fascists right after his own stint as a correspondent during the Spanish Civil War.

Traveler’s Tales: Spain edited by Lucy McCauley (1995, Anthology) Incisive, lyrical musings on all aspects of Spain, written by luminaries such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Calvin Trillin, and Barbara Kingsolver.

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (2005, Fiction) A mix of mystery, romance, and hauntings abound in this international bestseller, set in 1950s Barcelona.

Morocco Dreams of Trespass, Tales of a Harem Girlhood by Fatima Mernissi (Memoir). This memoir captures the true story of Mernissi’s life growing up in a Fez harem during World War II. The harem was not an exotic seraglio of concubines but rather a part of the house where all the women of a family are secluded.) A coming of age story with vivid and often hilarious detail.

The Sand Child by Tahar Ben Jelloun (Fiction) To sidestep inheritance laws, a father raises his eighth daughter as a boy. Growing up as “Ahmed,” the family’s sole male child, Zahra enjoys the rights, privileges, and arrogance that society affords to men. But as she approaches womanhood, her desires and sexual identity begin to change. This award-winning novel offers a pointed critique of Arabic social norms, Islamic law, and colonialism.

Lords of the Atlas by Gavin Maxwell (History) An eventful history that reads more like an adventure story. It follows the ruthless Glaoui clan, who ruled Morocco from 1893 to 1956 with the brutality of gangland mobsters and the extravagance of medieval princes. Recommended by our staff in Morocco.

The Food of Morocco by Paula Wolfert (Cookbook) Let this reknowned James Beard Award- winning chef introduce you to the food and culture of Morocco, with dozens of recipes, culinary essays, and lavish photographs.

The Last Storytellers by Richard Hamilton (Anthology) Wander through Marrakech’s legendary Jmaa el Fna square, and among the snake charmers, musicians, jugglers and hawkers, you may occasionally notice a storyteller holding court. As the tradition of publicly recounting folktales or fables slowly dies, Hamilton has here collected the best of these engaging stories.

The Caliph’s House, A Year in Casablanca by Tahir Shah (Memoir). An entertaining account of the transformation of a ruined palace in Casablanca. Shah is a marvelous storyteller, interweaving Moroccan customs, history, black humor, and portraits of neighbors into one work.

The Spider’s House by Paul Bowles (Fiction). American writer Paul Bowles lived in Morocco for 52 years. This story is set in Fez and deals with the conflicts and transformations of the last stages of French occupation in Morocco.

90 Gibraltar A Delicate Truth by John le Carré (Fiction) To ensnare a jihadist arms dealer, a counter terrorist operation called Operation Wildlife is launched in Gibraltar. When details about the operation cause a scandal and subsequent cover up, a retired diplomat and his secretary must weigh the consequences of their actions. Spymaster le Carré called this the most autobiographical of all his novels.

A Dangerous Place by Jacqueline Winspear (Mystery) Maisie Dobbs, returning home to England in 1937 while grieving personal loss, impulsively jumps ship in Gibraltar, a military garrison where thousands have fled the Spanish Civil War. When she stumbles upon the corpse of a photographer, Maisie begins to investigate; captures the interest of the British Secret Service; and is drawn into a web of international intrigue.

Gibraltar: The Greatest Siege in British History by Roy and Lesley Adkins (History) Between 1779–1783, Spanish and French forces blockaded and bombarded Gibraltar, costing the British thousands of men, ships, and arms that were desperately needed to quell a rebellion across the Atlantic. For the duration of the siege, the inhabitants of Gibraltar had to contend with hunger, typhus, and smallpox in addition to daily assaults.

Suggested Film & Video

Portugal Night Train to Lisbon (2013, Drama) A Swiss schoolteacher (Jeremy Irons) prevents the suicide of a young Portuguese woman, who then disappears. Soon thereafter, he visits a bookshop where he discovers a puzzling memoir written during the Salazar era. Consumed by the idea that he may not be living his life to the fullest, he travels to Lisbon to unravel the mysteries.

Lisbon Story (1994, Drama) A straightforward tale of a German sound engineer who falls in love with Lisbon. Director Wim Wenders takes you through a city that he obviously loves, offering the beauty of old houses, narrow streets, the sounds of the city, a haunting soundtrack, and the lives lived in Portugal’s capital.

Amália (2008, Documentary) This biopic tells the story of Amália Rodrigues, Portugal’s Queen of Fado.

Porto (2016, Drama) An American expatriate and a French woman spend one intense night together in the titular Portuguese city. Years later, they try to make sense of their connection, the transience of joy, and haphazard nature of life. Filmed in 35, 16 and Super 8 mm, this film sees Porto through a novel and striking lens.

No Reservations: Lisbon (2012, Season 8, Episode 4) Emmy award-winning chef and social critic Anthony Bourdain visited Lisbon just as it was on the verge of becoming a travel sensation. Enjoy his witty commentary, local encounters, and mouth-watering presentations of Lisbon’s culinary pleasures.

91 Spain Pain and Glory (2019, Drama) Antonio Banderas earned a Best Actor nomination for his portrayal of a legendary director flashing back through his past, and facing a present filled with loss, memory, physical ailments, and imagination. This thinly-veiled autobiographical sketch from director Pedro Almodovar is a rueful reflection on creativity, wrapped up with warmth, humor, and vivid glimpses of life in late 20th-century Spain.

The Way (2010, Drama) A grieving father (Martin Sheen) honors his lost son’s desire to finish the journey of a lifetime by competing the historical pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. Along the way, he meets other trekkers with their own stories to tell.

Ocho Apellidos Vascos (released in the U.S. as Spanish Affair, 2014, Comedy) Two of Spain’s most disparate cultures collide as a jilted bride from the Basque Country goes to Seville, where a skillful Andalusian ladies man is frustrated by his inability to woo her. A fun and warm-hearted look at the differences between northern and southern Spain.

Belle Epoque (1992, Comedy/Drama) On the eve of the Spanish Civil War, Fernando, a young soldier, deserts and ends up at the country home of Manolo, a man with four strong-willed but very different daughters. Fernando seduces them all, but then is perplexed when they each reject him. All the characters represent different sides of the coming conflict, but for a moment, enjoy the “beautiful epoch” of joyful sensuality and warmth.

All About My Mother (1999, Comedy) When her 17-year-old son is tragically killed in a car accident, Manuela sets out to reconnect with her son’s father and ends up forging new connections with an outrageous transvestite, a pregnant nun, and her son’s favorite actress. This 1999 Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film is another from director Pedro Almodovar, whose other acclaimed works include Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown and Volver.

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006, Fantasy) From director Guillermo del Toro. Following Spain’s bloody civil war, young Ofelia enters a world of unimaginable cruelty when she moves in with her new stepfather, a brutal military officer. Armed only with her imagination, Ofelia discovers a labyrinth and a faun who offers her a path to saving herself and her mother. The lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur, and before Ofelia can turn back, she’s at the center of a ferocious battle between good and evil.

Morocco Casablanca (1942, Romance). “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.” Although the plot has little to do with Morocco itself, any excuse is good enough to see this classic which deftly combines elements of romance, intrigue, political commentary, and sharp comedy. Consistently places on “Top 10” lists by critics, the public, and the American Film Institute.

Hideous Kinky (1999, Drama) Kate Winslet plays a free-spirited, single British mother who decamps with her daughters to Morocco to find herself. Optimistic despite financial and personal setbacks, she remains dangerously oblivious to the needs of her children. A thoughtful look at Morocco’s 1970s hippie mystique, and its reality.

92 The Sheltering Sky (1990, Adventure/Drama) An unhappy American couple ventures deep into the North African desert in the hopes of rekindling their relationship. The farther they go, the more the chasm between them widens. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, starring Debra Winger and John Malkovich, and featuring Paul Bowles, who wrote the book.

Changing Times (2004, Comedy/Drama) A French engineer (Gérard Depardieu) contrives a job in Tangier in order to reconnect with a lost lover of thirty years (Catherine Deneuve.) Various other characters and subplots cast an interesting light on modern urban Moroccan life.

Le Grand Voyage (2004, Drama). Driving his dad to Mecca for the Islamic pilgrimage is not what Reda, a French-Moroccan teenager, had planned. But plans change in this emotional road trip that explores the generational and cultural divide experienced by the many Moroccan immigrants. In French and Arabic with subtitles.

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956, Thriller). This Hitchcock classic stars James Stewart and Doris Day as Americans traveling in Morocco, who get caught up in an international assassination plot. Filmed in and around Marrakech.

Gibraltar Gibraltar: My Rock (2010, Documentary) Director Ana Garcia returned to her home in Gibraltar in 2010 to get married, and used the occasion to explore her family’s history, which was entwined with the centuries-old dispute between Britain and Spain.

The Running Man (1963, Romantic Thriller) British businessman Laurence Harvey fakes his own death, and arranges for his wife (Lee Remick) to emigrate to coastal Span where they will live off the hefty insurance claim. Things go awry when a vacationing insurance agent (Alan Bates) arrives. Part of the film takes place in Gibraltar, with a gripping climax on the Rock.

The Living Daylights (1987, Thriller) This spy thriller (with Timothy Dalton as 007) is not up to other entries in the Bond franchise, but worth watching for the pre-title sequence, an exhilarating Land Rover chase on the Rock of Gibraltar.

93 VACCINATIONS NOW REQUIRED FOR ALL TRAVELERS, SHIP CREW, TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS, AND COACH DRIVERS Plus, updated Health & Safety Protocols for our Land Tours

The health and safety of our travelers is always our #1 priority, and we understand travelers are concerned about exploring the world in light of the unprecedented crisis we are currently facing. To ensure your safety and give you peace of mind, we have worked with our regional team and listened to government guidance and feedback from our travelers to create these health and safety protocols for our trips. As we continue to make changes, we will keep our website updated with the latest information.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS • All travelers, ship crew, and Trip Experience AND UPDATED HEALTH & SAFETY Leaders will have their temperature checked PROTOCOLS FOR SMALL SHIP every time they return to the ship using a non- ADVENTURES contact infrared temperature scanner. • All travelers must be fully vaccinated against • All meals are served by the dining staff— COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure buffets are no longer available. and provide proof of vaccination upon VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND boarding the ship. If you are unable to UPDATED HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS provide proof of vaccination upon arrival at FOR SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES ON LAND your destination, you will have to return All travelers must be fully vaccinated against home at your own expense. • COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure. If To meet this requirement, please bring your you are unable to provide proof of vaccination original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card upon arrival at your destination, you will with you on your trip. The white card must have to return home at your own expense. display your name, type of vaccine, and the To meet this requirement, please bring your date(s) the vaccine was administered. We also original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with suggest taking a picture of this card to keep for you on your trip. The white card must display your records as a backup. your name, type of vaccine, and the date(s) • All local Trip Experience Leaders, the vaccine was administered. We also suggest ship staff, and crew will be fully taking a picture of this card to keep for your vaccinated against COVID-19. records as a backup. • All coach drivers will be fully • All local Trip Experience Leaders will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. vaccinated against COVID-19. • All public areas will be sanitized nightly and • All coach drivers will be fully vaccinated all ships are equipped with High Efficiency against COVID-19. Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.

Help us ensure travelers’ safety and health while on our trips. Please follow best health and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of illness—wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Together, we can create a safer travel experience for everyone.

Learn more at www.oattravel.com/covid-update

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99 YOUR TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADER

Your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader is an insider who lives in the destinations you are exploring. They are not just knowledgeable, but personable and personal—eager to understand your own interests, and happy to share their own. This makes all the diff erence between just visiting a place, and experiencing its true spirit.

For your Iberian Voyage: Lisbon to Barcelona adventure, your Trip Experience Leaders have earned an overall “Excellence” rating of 90% in post-trip surveys completed by our travelers.

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