16 days Spain Morocco and Portugal
Ornate architectural wonders, the scent of spice markets and warm Mediterranean sun are yours to explore. Wander down Madrid's Gran Via, visit the exquisite Alhambra Palace and learn the art of haggling in the labyrinthine Medina. Travel to the seafaring city of Lisbon, Fatima, the site of religious miracles, and cross in to Spain to admire the rare beauty of Salamanca.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Madrid (2 Nights) | Colour outside the lines on this unforgettable encounter with the intoxicating lands of Spain, Portugal and Morocco, kicking off your unforgettable journey in the fiery Spanish capital of Madrid. Explore the city's vibrant streets before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive past some of the city's most iconic sites. Hotel AC Cuzco Meal(s) Welcome Reception |
| 2 | Milan Sightseeing | Join a Local Specialist on this day of discovery, including views of the iconic Cibeles Fountain, the bustling Gran Vía, Paseo de la Castellana and Puerta del Sol, Madrid's most famous square. At Plaza de España, we admire the monument to Cervantes and his beloved characters of Don Quixote before spending the rest of the day at leisure indulging in la buena vida. Consider an Optional Experience to the medieval UNESCO World Heritage city of Segovia or encounter the greatest collection of Spanish art in the world at El Prado. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |
| 3 | Madrid - Toledo - Granada | Witness the influence of Christians, Muslims and Jews that has spanned centuries in the imperial city of Toledo. Join your Local Specialist for a walking tour that will take you to visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to one of El Greco's most famous paintings - The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Celebrate the tradition of steel manufacturing and moulding during a Cultural Insight at a local steel factory before meandering through the breathtaking Andalusian landscape to Granada where we'll spend tonight. Hotel Allegro Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner with wine |
| 4 | Granada – Costa del Sol | Tread in the footsteps of Spain's last emirs and admire the impressive palatial city of the Alhambra, a 14th century fortress that is said to have been inspired by poetry and reflects the description of paradise found in Islamic verse. Join a Local Specialist for a guided visit exploring its intricate designs, tranquil gardens and colossal walls. We leave this "Paradise on earth" behind and continue to the famous Costa del Sol and sophisticated Marbella where we will spend tonight. Hotel Meliá Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |
| 5 | Costa del Sol – Fez (2 Nights) | We travel along the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean and cross to North Africa by ferry. A memorable drive past the Rif Mountains brings us to the Imperial city of Fez, with its ancient walled city - our home for the next two nights. Hotel Marriott Jnan Palace Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner |
| 6 | Fez Sightseeig | Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through the cultural and spiritual centre of Morocco. Meander through the fascinating Medina of Fez, view its fortifications and Royal Palace, and admire traditional Moroccan handiwork during a visit to a carpet cooperative. Spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure visiting the madrasa, zaouia and palaces of this fascinating city, or consider a visit to the Imperial city of Meknes, with its medieval medina and harmonious Islamic and European styles. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |
| 7 | Fez - Marrakesh ( 2 Nights ) | Departing Fez, we journey west through the green and golden landscape which turns to rusty red en route to the vibrant city of Marrakesh. Embrace the unrivalled energy of a city that is said to have been the favourite holiday haunt of Sir Winston Churchill. Relax after your journey or spend the evening enjoying an authentic Moroccan show. Hotel Le Meridien N'Fis Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |
| 8 | Marrakesh Sightseeing | Visit the Bahia Palace during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. See Djemaa el-Fna Square in the old quarter with its palm-readers, acrobats and snake charmers. Visit a traditional Moroccan pharmacy for a Cultural Insight into the blending of creams and cosmetics from regional ingredients. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Don't miss the chance to shop for bargains in the souks and bazaars or maybe visit a local Berber village. Dine tonight at your hotel. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner |
| 9 | Marrakesh - Casablanca - Rabat - Tangier | We journey north to enchanting Casablanca to experience first-hand the intrigue and romance of this city immortalised by Hollywood. We meander along the city's picturesque Corniche and enjoy views of the Hassan II Mosque with the world's tallest minaret before venturing to the Moroccan capital, Rabat. Here we will view the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and 19th century Royal Palace, the residence of the Moroccan Royal Family. We arrive in Tangier later this evening where we will dine in our hotel. Hotel El Minzah Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner |
| 10 | Tangier - Seville ( 2 nights ) | Crossing the Straits of Gibraltar by ferry, we arrive in Spain and journey through the region of Jerez, most famous for being the home of Spanish sherry. We drive through Andalucía and arrive in the beguiling city of Seville - our home for the next two nights. Where better to experience the passion of flamenco than this vibrant city? Embrace the intoxicating sights of colourful twirling skirts and the clapping sounds of castanets as you watch a traditional performance this evening. Hotel Meliá Lebreros Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |
| 11 | Seville Sightseeing | Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour that will take you past the iconic Giralda Tower. Admire the tiled fountains and pavilions in the Maria Luisa Park, the showcase for the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929, and visit the imposing Plaza de España. See Christopher Columbus' ornate tomb in the Cathedral, the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, and enjoy a walk through the lovely historic Jewish Quarter. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |
| 12 | Seville - Lisbon ( 2 Nights ) | Your panoramic journey continues through the province of Huelva, famous for Jabugo jamón and the Riotinto mines. We cross into the golden fields of the Alentejo region, the gastronomic soul of Portugal. Enjoy a memorable Be My Guest lunch at a local stud farm where Lusitano horses have been reared since the 18th century before arriving in Lisbon this afternoon. Hotel Olissippo Marques De Sa Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Be My Guest Dining |
| 13 | Lisbon Sightseeing | Explore the centuries-old seafaring heritage of the Portuguese, paying tribute to the great explorers who bravely set off from Portugal's shores to discover the new world. See the gleaming Monument to the Discoveries, the suspension bridge spanning the River Tagus, Belém Tower and the quaint Alfama district, home to the melancholic fado. Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery before spending free time exploring the city's quaint bairros or perhaps consider an Optional Experience to discover Portugal's Golden Triangle of Queluz, Cascais and Estoril. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |
| 14 | Lisbon - Fatima - Salamanca | We trace the path of pilgrims who for decades have ventured north to the celebrated shrine at Fátima to pray to the Virgin Mary and see the site of celebrated religious miracles. Departing Portugal, we arrive in the historic university city of Salamanca - La Dorada, so named for its sun-kissed golden, orange and pink façades which we will have an opportunity to see in the magnificent Plaza Mayor - voted by the locals as the most beautiful of all squares in Spain. Hotel Gran Corona Sol Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |
| 15 | Salamanca - Madrid | Traversing the dramatic Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains we arrive in Madrid, Europe's highest capital city. Spend this afternoon exploring the sights. Indulge in some last-minute shopping on Gran Vía or relax in one of the plazas and people watch. This evening we join our travel companions and Travel Director for a memorable Farewell Dinner with wine. Hotel Rafeal Atocha Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Farewell Dinner |
| 16 | Depart Madrid | Our epic journey through Spain, Morocco and Portugal comes to an end this morning. All that's left is to say a fond farewell to your newfound friends and an unforgettable experience shared. Transfers are available. Conditions apply. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |