Description

Description

This fantastic Spain, Portugal, and Morocco tour concentrates on the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula. On this vacation, there is ample time for in-depth sightseeing, and you’ll visit many of the area’s historic sights, including the Alcazar in Seville, founded in the 11th century as a Moorish fortress, and the Alhambra Complex in Granada.

If you’re interested in religious sights, this tour is not to be missed. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima, where pilgrims from all over the world visit; Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon, built to thank the Virgin Mary for Portugal’s success in its voyages around the world; the 13th-century cathedral and the Church of Santo Tomé in Toledo, which has one of El Greco’s most famous paintings; and more.

There’s a full day at leisure at the Costa del Sol, so you can enjoy the sandy beaches, browse the shops, or join an optional excursion to the Rock of Gibraltar. Ferry crossings over the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco afford spectacular views. An overnight in Tangier gives you a nice taste of Morocco. Here, Globus has arranged special experiences to help Morocco come to life. You’ll enjoy a panoramic drive to Cap Spartel, where you’ll admire the splendid views and drink a glass of hot mint tea Bedouin-style, along with local biscuits. You’ll also enjoy a lively Moroccan show. Plus a visit to the colorful Grand Socco square, a busy market with many stalls.

These are just a few of the many highlights on this wonderful Spain, Portugal, and Morocco tour—a vacation of a lifetime!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Madrid, Spain

Time to rest or to start exploring the Spanish capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Dinner is included.

Day 2 - Madrid

The capital of Spain since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Your Local Guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then, the highlight: a visit to the palatial PRADO MUSEUM with its priceless art treasures.
Breakfast is included.

Day 3 - Madrid – Segovia – Avila – Salamanca

A day in beautiful Castile. Cross the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range on the way to Segovia, famous for the 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct. Enjoy a walk through the walled town of Avila, where St. Theresa founded the Order of Carmelites. Arrive in Salamanca, and follow your Tour Director for a pleasant walk to beautiful Plaza Mayor. A highlight is your overnight stay at Hacienda Zorita, where a WINE TASTING and dinner await you.
Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 4 - Salamanca–Fatima, Portugal–Lisbon

The majestic scenery of the Serra da Estrela mountain range forms the backdrop of your morning drive into Portugal. Before heading for Lisbon, melt into the stream of pilgrims from all over the world as you visit the Sanctuary of Our lady of Rosary in Fatima. This evening, an optional dinner with Fado-style entertainment is the perfect introduction to Portugal’s capital.
Breakfast is included.

Day 5 - Lisbon

Lisbon was the center of Europe’s longest-lived overseas empire. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features a drive through the Baixa quarter’s main squares and a walk through the cobblestone alleys of quaint ALFAMA, the popular quarter of the seamen and Fado singers. Drive along the grand Avenida da Liberdade up to Pombal Square. Stop for pictures of Belem Tower, guarding the mouth of the Tagus, and the Monument to the Discoverers. Next, visit JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. In the afternoon, an exciting optional excursion is available to Sintra and the royal palace of Queluz.
Breakfast is included.

Day 6 - Lisbon –Azaruja, Seville, Spain

Visit a cork factory. Scenic drive back into Spain and to the vibrant capital of Andalusia, Seville.
Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 7 - Seville

During your sightseeing tour with a Local Guide, hear about the city’s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 AD, and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire Maria Luisa Park, the Golden Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Also visit the ALCAZAR, founded in the 11th century as a Moorish fortress, with its Palacio de Don Pedro. Then, stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER. For those interested, an optional extended guided visit to the cathedral is available, and tonight, for a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional Flamenco show.
Breakfast is included.

Day 8 - Seville – Tangier, Morocco

Through the sunny sherry wine region of Jerez to Algeciras. Board your FERRY and sail across the Strait of Gibraltar to Africa. Continue to Tangier, jumping-off point for the Moorish conquest of Spain and home town of legendary medieval traveler Ibn Batuta. Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a spectacular panoramic drive to CAP SPARTEL. Marvel at the views and quench your thirst Bedouin-style with a glass of hot mint tea, accompanied by local biscuits. This evening, enjoy a lively Moroccan show after dinner at your hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 9 - Tangier – Costa Del Sol, Spain

After a leisurely morning return by FERRY across the Strait to Spain and drive to Torremolinos on the elegant Costa del Sol.
Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 10 - At Leisure on the Costa Del Sol

Today is your chance to join an optional excursion to the Rock of Gibraltar, in British hands since 1704. Later, enjoy the sandy beaches, and browse through the trendy boutiques.
Breakfast is included.

Day 11 - Costa Del Sol – Granada

Into the mountains to history-steeped Granada. A guided walking tour features its main attraction, the Alhambra Complex. A fantasy of “lace in stone” surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains, it affords superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte, a mountain occupied by Gypsy cave dwellers. Also admire the magnificent WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE, the royal summer residence. This evening, a special dinner with wine and local specialties has been prepared for you at one of Granada’s fine restaurants.
Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 12 - Granada – Toledo – Madrid

The olive and orange groves of the rolling Andalusian hills and, later, the more barren landscapes of Don Quixote’s La Mancha unfold before your eyes on the way north to Toledo, spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River. Your walking tour with a Local Guide features the Moorish bridge and visits to an early SYNAGOGUE, the 13th-century gothic CATHEDRAL, and the CHURCH OF SANTO TOMÉ with one of El Greco’s most famous paintings. Time to visit a DAMASCENE STEEL WORKSHOP before returning to Madrid. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 13 - Madrid

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast is included.