Description
Description
On this Spain, Portugal, and Morocco tour, experience these three glorious countries with rich histories and distinct cultures. You'll overnight in Madrid, Seville, Granada, and the Costa del Sol in Spain; Coimbra and Lisbon in Portugal; and Rabat, Marrakesh, and Fez in Morocco.
Cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco on the African continent by ferry. Step back in time in Rabat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Morocco's capital since 1912, where you’ll see the Chellah Gardens and Casbah des Oudaias. Fez is still Morocco's cultural and spiritual center, and its centerpiece is the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 9th century and whose palaces, madrasas (institutions to study Islamic theology), fondouks (medieval inns used by merchants when they visited Marrakesh), residences, mosques, and fountains date back to the 13th-14th centuries. Also founded in the 9th century, the red city of Marrakesh remains a tapestry of ramparts, mosques, palaces, gardens, vibrant public squares, and souks (markets). You’ll see the city's highlights on the included city tour with a local expert. You'll also stop in Casablanca, Morocco's westernmost city.
We also include a guided visit to Granada's legendary Alhambra complex, a lavish palace and fortress built by Moorish kings in 889 AD; a visit to Avila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ancient fortified towers and walls; and the Sanctuary of Fátima, where the Virgin Mary appeared to three local children in 1917. Local experts will show you the main sights in Madrid, Lisbon, Seville and you will have time at leisure to try the local specialties.
These are just some of the many highlights on this comprehensive Spain, Portugal, and Morocco tour. It's a memorable vacation for value-mind travelers.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Madrid, Spain
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring lively Madrid. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Dinner included.
Day 2 - Madrid
Spaniards say the Spanish capital, situated 2,180 feet above sea level, is the nearest thing to Heaven. It’s certainly worth making the most of today by joining the included guided sightseeing tour: a full panoramic drive by way of the Avenida Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Parliament Square, and a picture stop outside the Royal Palace. The optional trip to Toledo is most rewarding, too. The splendid setting of this old walled city above the Tagus was made famous in El Greco’s painting, and even now it’s like a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art.
Breakfast included.
Day 3 - Madrid – Avila – Salamanca – Coimbra, Portugal
Visit ancient fortified Avila with its many towers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Salamanca and make sure you spend some time wandering around Plaza Mayor, the grandest square in Spain. Cross the frontier to Guarda, the highest town in Portugal. From here, descend to the valleys of the Serra da Estrela to Coimbra.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 4 - Coimbra – Fátima – Obidos – Lisbon
Enjoy an orientation tour of Coimbra, celebrated for its beauty and ancient university. Later, travel southwards to visit the Sanctuary of Fátima, one of Europe’s most celebrated Marian shrines. Continue to fortified Obidos, one of the most picturesque towns in Portugal, before reaching Lisbon for two overnights.
Breakfast included.
Day 5 - Lisbon
Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th-century “Mistress of the Seas.” On the included guided tour, see his monument, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, and the impressive Black Horse Square. Spend the afternoon at leisure—maybe in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets, or take an optional excursion to coastal Estoril and Cascais.
Breakfast included.
Day 6 - Lisbon – Seville, Spain
From the rolling plains of the Alentejo with its woodlands of cork and eucalyptus trees, head southwards all the way to the brilliant light of Andalusia. Admire its neat, white-painted villages and sun-drenched plantations of olives, figs, and almonds while traveling towards magnificent Seville.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 7 - Seville
Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of the city’s main highlights, such as the cathedral, Alcázar, and Plaza d’España. Afternoon at leisure.
Breakfast included.
Day 8 - Seville – Ferry to Morocco – Rabat
Drive through Spain’s pretty sherry wine region and head south to the coast. Here, you will embark the ferry and cruise across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco on the African continent. Travel along what was once the infamous Barbary Coast, then continue the drive south to Rabat, one of Morocco’s imperial cities.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 9 - Rabat – Casablanca – Marrakesh
Today starts with an included guided city sightseeing tour of the country’s lively capital, including a visit to Chellah Gardens and Casbah des Oudaias. Later, reach Morocco’s westernmost city: Casablanca. Enjoy an orientation drive in this modern city and see the illustrious Hassan II Mosque—perched dramatically on a platform over the Atlantic Ocean. One of the largest mosques in the world, its minaret soars 689 feet into the sky and part of the mosque’s floor is made of glass so worshipers can kneel directly over the ocean’s waters. Continue on to the “red” oasis city of Marrakesh. An optional excursion this evening is the perfect end to the day.
Breakfast included.
Day 10 - Marrakesh
Today’s included city sightseeing with a Local Guide will make you feel like you’ve been whisked back in time. Founded in the 9th century, Marrakesh remains a tapestry of ramparts, mosques, palaces, gardens, and vibrant public squares and souks (markets)—where buying and selling and a fascinating carnival of entertainment occurs daily. Also see the Bahia Palace and Saadin Tombs.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 11 - Marrakesh – Fez
Today, travel through the fragrant cedar forests of the Middle Atlas mountains, where a number of peaks soar above 13,000 feet in elevation. This range is home to the endangered Barbary ape, as well as wild boar and polecats. On your way north to Fez, enjoy glimpses of North African village life.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 12 - Fez
Ancient Fez is a city of outstanding scenic beauty. Visit the Medina during included sightseeing this morning, and enjoy the maze of narrow streets through the colorful bazaars and exotic atmosphere. The madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques, and fountains dating back to the 13th century are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the afternoon, explore further on your own.
Breakfast included.
Day 13 - Fez – Ferry Crossing to Spain – Mijas
Today, an early departure takes you north for the FERRY back to mainland Spain to the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun). Overnight in Mijas.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 14 - Mijas – Granada
Travel along the Costa del Sol and head to Granada in the heart of Andalusia. On the agenda: an included guided visit of the Alhambra Complex, a lavish palace and fortress built by Moorish kings. You’ll marvel at its architectural Moorish beauty and magnificent gardens, with construction dating back to 889 AD.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 15 - Granada – Madrid
Travel through the very heart of Don Quixote’s La Mancha, famed for its castle and windmills. Before arriving in Madrid, visit a local wine cellar and taste some of the locally produced wines.
Breakfast included.
Day 16 - Madrid
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast included.
