HIGHLIGHTS: Madrid - Toledo - Granada - Fez - Marrakesh - Casablanca - Rabat - Seville - Lisbon - Fatima - Salamanca
The sunny Mediterranean coastline, the plains of La Mancha, verdant vineyards and Morocco's Atlas Mountains - changing landscapes, cultural differences and culinary treats make your tour of Spain, Morocco and Portugal a sheer delight!
Day 1 ARRIVE MADRID
Welcome to Spain's capital Madrid. Spend some time exploring this vibrant city, or simply relax before meeting for a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers and Travel Director at your hotel. Later, enjoy an orientation drive through the city
Day 2 MADRID SIGHTSEEING
Your Local Guide shows you the sights of Madrid including the Cibeles fountain, the Gran Via, Paseo de la Castellana and Puerta del Sol. At Plaza de Espana, admire the monument to Cervantes. This evening, you might be tempted by Madrid's nightlife, where the locals dine late and enjoy the open-air cafés and vibrant atmosphere until the early hours!
Day 3 MADRID - TOLEDO - GRANADA
Your Local Guide takes you on a walking tour of Toledo. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to one of El Greco's most famous paintings - The Burial of Count Orgaz. Visit the Synagogue during your guided walk through the narrow streets. Admire the breath-taking landscape during your drive south, through the heart of Andalusia, to Granada. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Day 4 GRANADA - COSTA DEL SOL
This morning your Local Guide takes you on a visit to the incredible Alhambra Palace, built in the 14th century and a magnificent example of Moorish architecture. Admire the ancient filigree, quiet courtyards and colossal walls. In the afternoon, arrive on the famous Costa del Sol.
Day 5 COSTA DEL SOL - FEZ
Travel along the Mediterranean coast and cross to North Africa by ferry. A memorable drive past the Rif Mountains brings you to the Imperial city of Fez, Morocco's second-largest city.
Day 6 FEZ SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Visit the fascinating Medina of Fez with your Local Guide. View the fortifications and Royal Palace, during your morning sightseeing tour. This afternoon, see the sights of your choice or consider an excursion to the Imperial city of Meknes. Soak up the unique atmosphere of this exotic city when you look for souvenirs at the bazaar!
Day 7 FEZ - MARRAKESH
Travelling through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains to Marrakesh is spectacular. A favourite holiday spot of Winston Churchill, the city is one of North Africa's most popular tourist destinations. Later this evening you might like to experience an authentic Moroccan show.
Day 8 MARRAKESH SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Visit the Bahia Palace during your walking tour with a Local Guide. See Djemaa el Fna Square in the old quarter, with its palm-readers, acrobats, camels and snake charmers. Visit a traditional Moroccan pharmacy for a Unique Insight into the blending of creams and cosmetics from regional ingredients. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. Don't miss the chance to shop for bargains in the souks and bazaars, or perhaps take an excursion to a Berber village. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Day 9 MARRAKESH - CASABLANCA - RABAT
Today continue on to Casablanca, scene of Humphrey Bogart's most magical moments. On arrival your tour with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive of the Corniche, plus views of the Hassan II mosque with the world's tallest minaret. Then continue to the capital city, Rabat, where you view the Mausoleum and Royal Palace. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Day 10 RABAT - SEVILLE
Today, drive northwards to the coast and board the ferry for the return journey back across the Straits of Gibraltar to the Spanish mainland. Continue your journey through the Jerez vineyards, home of sherry. Next, continue to Andalusia's most beautiful city, Seville, for a two-night stay. This evening, enjoy dinner with your companions and then relax or why not experience the fire and passion of a Spanish flamenco show?
Day 11 SEVILLE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Seville is known as the home of flamenco and bullfighting in Spain. See the Giralda Tower during your sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. Admire the tiled fountains, pavilions and ponds in the Maria Luisa Park and visit the imposing Plaza de Espana. See Christopher Columbus' ornate tomb in the cathedral and enjoy a walk through the Jewish Quarter. Experience a memorable Be My Guest dinner with a local family at a traditional Andalusian finca.
Day 12 SEVILLE - LISBON
Your panoramic journey continues through the province of Huelva, famous for Jabugo ham and the Rio Tinto mines, and past the castle at Aracena. Crossing the border into the Alentejo region of Portugal, renowned for its cork oaks, you arrive in Lisbon.
Day 13 LISBON SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
See Lisbon's landmarks, including the Monument to the Discoveries, the suspension bridge spanning the River Tagus, the Belem Tower and the quaint Alfama district. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Hieronymite Monastery during your sightseeing tour with your Local Guide. Later, in your free time, perhaps join an optional excursion to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra.
Day 14 LISBON - FATIMA - SALAMANCA
A scenic drive north through the magnificent Serra d'Aire Mountains brings you to the Shrine at Fatima, site of celebrated religious miracles. Cross the border back into Spain and arrive later in Salamanca where you view Plaza Mayor during your orientation tour. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Day 15 SALAMANCA - MADRID
Your journey continues through the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains to Madrid, Europe's highest capital city. This afternoon, explore the city at your own pace and later join your companions and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner with wine.
Day 16 DEPART MADRID
This morning, it is time to bid farewell to your Travel Director and newfound friends as your memorable holiday comes to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.
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