Where Europe and Africa almost meet, the HANSEATIC nature combines Spanish and Arabian contrasts in the spring for an intensive wealth of knowledge. Your multifaceted adventures on this route start in the Mediterranean with an exploration of Menorca, which has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Be amazed by the diversity on an island tour* – from forested hills and deep ravines to bays nestled romantically between the cliffs. Mystery envelops the megalithic village of Torralba d’en Salort. The hike in Albufera Natural Park* combines birdwatching around the 70 ha (173 acres) of the lagoon with a taster of the unspoilt fishing village of Es Grau.

Roman history, a medieval past and Catalan tradition – the provincial capital Tarragona on the Costa Dorada has a rich and omnipresent history. The city impresses with its fine sandy beaches, the historic old town and the many monuments steeped in history, such as the amphitheatre and the Roman circus. Discover the interior of Tarragona with a visit to a “wine cathedral”* and learn more about Cava – the award-winning Spanish sparkling wine.

Ibiza is just as surprisingly green. This was spotted by the Greeks, who named the archipelago the “pine islands”. Take an independent trip ashore and see for yourself the minimalist architecture of the country houses reflecting the aesthetics of this artists’ paradise.

Malaga is the cultural gem of Andalusia. Dominated by the Castillo de Gibralfaro, follow in the footsteps of Salvador Dalí and Picasso. See the moving lifelines and highlights of the city on a Segway tour* with sustainable electric vehicles. Could there be a more picturesque way of setting the scene for this cruise than a scenic tour to Granada with visit to the Alhambra*? To this day, the “red castle”, a magical palace with extensive gardens, tells the story of the power once held by the Moors.

As you pass the Pillars of Hercules, the Straits of Gibraltar open up a foreign world: Morocco. Here you will see far more than mosques, minarets and medinas. Tangier, the gateway to Africa, is a multicultural melting pot. On a city tour/walk* you will discover the Cave of Hercules, the Cape Spartel lighthouse, colourful souks and the labyrinth of streets in the old town. Discover hidden gems on a walking tour of the artistic town of Asilah*. Enjoy the Mediterranean appeal of long beaches and white buildings.

The symbiosis between history and everyday culture is reflected in Casablanca. Wide avenues and columns in the art deco style blend in with Moorish elements. Religions also take on their own forms with the Hassan II mosque and the Notre Dame de Lourdes cathedral. Let your senses be filled with the magic of Morocco on a scenic tour with a visit to Marrakesh*, with the colours, spices and scents of the medina and the hustle and bustle of the Jamaa el-Fna square. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rabat, the white royal city*, with its fabulously decorative Mausoleum of King Mohammed V, also seems like something from the Arabian Nights.

Inspired by these impressions, head to European soil in the Atlantic: Porto Santo, part of the island group of Madeira – is light, fine and sandy instead of dark and volcanic. On an island tour*, see the most beautiful aspects of the island with its turquoise waters, golden beaches and idyllic villages. Or enjoy some amazing views on an island hike* around the Pico do Facho and up to the Pico do Castelo. The many experiences for the mind and senses on this cruise will provide you with an immense treasure trove of memories.