Spain, Portugal, and Morocco—three glorious countries rich in history and culture, and on this tour, you’ll experience them all! You’ll have overnights in Lisbon, Seville, Rabat, Marrakesh, Fez, Tangier, Granada, Costa del Sol, Madrid, and Barcelona. Tour highlights include the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon. A symbol of Portugal’s power during the Age of Discovery, King Manual I built it to thank the Virgin Mary for Portugal’s success in its voyages around the world. The Prado Museum in Madrid is sure to delight art lovers with its 8,000 pieces of Western painting. An architectural wonder is the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, Gaudi’s magnificent church started in 1882 and still not completed today.

Step back in time in Marrakesh with sightseeing including Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs (if closed, visit Badia Palace instead). Wander through the Djemaa-el-Fna, a square and exotic bizarre offering some of the greatest open-air entertainment. Listen to the storytellers—an integral part of the culture—and browse for handicrafts. It’s not hard to imagine what it was like in the past, a time when caravans loaded their camels with food and goods to sell at the markets.

In Fez, a guide leads you through the labyrinthine Medina and Medersa Bou Inania. Continue via Meknes to Tangier, where guided sightseeing includes a visit of the Grand Socco square and a panoramic drive to Cap Spartel. Visit Gibraltar, in British hands since 1704, and learn about its turbulent history. Spend time on the Costa del Sol, where you can relax and soak up the sun on the beach.

These are just a few of the many highlights offered on this spectacular tour. You’ll be sure to arrive home with lots of photos and stories to treasure from this memorable vacation.

All services in Barcelona, including Local Host assistance, are provided by Tour Operator.

Day 1 Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal
Free time to rest or start exploring the Portuguese capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)

Day 2 Lisbon
Lisbon was the center of Europe’s longest-lived overseas empire. Portugal’s imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the Navigator’s 15th-century discoveries in West Africa. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features a drive through the Baixa quarter’s main squares. Then, enjoy 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 visit JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Optional excursions to Sintra and the royal palace of Queluz, and a dinner with Fado-style entertainment are available. (Breakfast)

Day 3 Lisbon–Azeitao–Seville, Spain
In Azeitao, visit a traditional TILE WORKSHOP. Next, enter Spain and reach the vibrant capital of Andalusia, Seville. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 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. Then, stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER. Highlight is a visit to the ALCAZAR, founded in the 11th century as a Moorish fortress, with its Palacio de Don Pedro. For those interested, an optional extended guided visit to the cathedral is available. Tonight, for a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional Flamenco show (Breakfast)

Day 5 Seville–Algeciras–Rabat, Morocco
Travel through the sherry wine region of Jerez to Algeciras and enjoy a FERRY RIDE across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. Along North Africa’s infamous Barbary Coast to Rabat, once a lair of the corsairs and now the country’s capital. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 Rabat–Casablanca–Marrakesh
Sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the massive medieval battlements, the Royal Palace, MOHAMMED V MAUSOLEUM, Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah of Oudaias. Visit the fine ROMAN RELICS OF CHELLAH. Then, continue to Casablanca, Morocco’s modern seaport. During your guided panoramic drive, see the Hassan II Mosque, a splendid monument designed to mark the end of the century. Evening arrival in Marrakesh, situated in an oasis. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7 Marrakesh
Follow your Local Guide to visit BAHIA PALACE, the 16th-century SAADIAN TOMBS (if closed, visit the BADIA PALACE instead), and to Djemaa El-Fna, the vibrant town center dominated by the 222-foot-high Koutoubia Minaret. Afternoon at leisure. An exciting optional evening excursion is available. (Breakfast)

Day 8 Marrakesh–Fez
Journey to Fez today. Blessed with an ample supply of water and strategically situated, Fez became the capital of Morocco when the country shook off foreign rule under Berber King Idris in the 8th century. To this day, Fez has remained Morocco’s spiritual and artistic center. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 9 Fez
See the magnificient entrance to the Royal Palace, drive through the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, and travel on to Bab Bou Jeloud, the traditional entrance to old Fez. Your Local Guide also leads you through labyrinthine MEDINA and MEDERSA BOU INANIA. Why not sign up for an optional folklore dinner? (Breakfast)

Day 10 Fez–Meknes–Tangier
Stop at imperial Meknes with its monumental gates and city walls, then, continue to Tangier, jumping-off point for the Moorish conquest of Spain. Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the GRAND SOCCO square and a panoramic drive to CAP SPARTEL, where you will quench your thirst Bedouin-style with a glass of hot mint tea. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 11 Tangier–Gibraltar–Costa del Sol
Board your FERRY for the trip back across the Strait to Europe. Visit the strategic ROCK OF GIBRALTAR, in British hands since 1704, hear about its turbulent history, see the Moorish Castle, ST. MICHAEL’S CAVES, and the colony of Barbary apes. Then, drive to your hotel at the elegant Costa del Sol. (Breakfast)

Day 12 At Leisure on the Costa del Sol
Full day to relax or explore. Tonight, why not sample one of the seafood restaurants on the Carihuela? (Breakfast)

Day 13 Costa del Sol–Granada
Leave the Mediterranean coast and arrive in Granada. A guided walking tour features a visit to the ALHAMBRA COMPLEX, a fantasy of “lace in stone” surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains, with superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte. Also visit the WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 14 Granada–Toledo–Madrid
Enjoy a scenic drive via Don Quixote’s La Mancha to Toledo. A Local Guide takes you to the Moorish bridge, an early SYNAGOGUE, the CATHEDRAL, and the CHURCH OF SANTO TOMÉ with one of El Greco’s most famous paintings. Visit a DAMASCENE STEEL WORKSHOP before returning to Madrid. (Breakfast)

Day 15 Madrid
Morning guided sightseeing features the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, and more. Highlight is a visit to the PRADO MUSEUM. Maybe join an optional excursion to El Escorial and a dinner outing in one of Madrid’s famous restaurants tonight? (Breakfast)

Day 16 Madrid–Barcelona
You will be transferred by high-speed AVE TRAIN to Barcelona, arriving in the late afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 17 Barcelona
Morning guided sightseeing includes visits to PARK GÜELL and the SAGRADA FAMILIA BASILICA. (Breakfast)

Day 18 At Leisure in Barcelona
Full day at leisure. Ask your Local Host for suggestions. (Breakfast)

Day 19 Barcelona
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

INCLUDED FEATURES

Lisbon
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit the Alfama quarter and Jeronimos Monastery

Azeitao
Visit a tile workshop

Seville
Guided sightseeing, walk through the Santa Cruz quarter, and visit the Alcazar

Algeciras-Tangier
By ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar

Rabat
Guided sightseeing, visit Mohammed V Mausoleum and the Roman relics of Chellah

Casablanca
Guided panoramic drive; picture stop at Hassan II Mosque

Marrakesh
Guided sightseeing, visit Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs (if closed, visit Badia Palace instead)

Fez
Guided sightseeing, visit the Medina and Medersa Bou Inania

Meknes
Orientation

Tangier
Guided sightseeing, visit the Grand Socco square; panoramic drive up to Cap Spartel

Rock of Gibraltar
Guided sightseeing, visit St. Michael’s Caves

Granada
Guided walking tour, visit the Alhambra complex and the Water Gardens of the Generalife; dinner at a local restaurant

Toledo
Guided walking tour, visit an early synagogue, the gothic cathedral, and the Santo Tomé Church with one of El Greco’s masterpieces; visit a Damascene steel workshop

Madrid
Guided sightseeing, visit the Prado Museum

Madrid-Barcelona
By high-speed AVE train (first-class)

Barcelona
Guided sightseeing; visit Park Güell & Sagrada Familia
Headsets throughout the tour

Note:
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler. For Gibraltar, a special visa is required; a UK or Schengen visa will not gain entrance.
In the rare event that the AVE train is unavailable, alternative services will be provided.

INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

MEALS
Full buffet breakfast daily; 7 three-course dinners, including a welcome dinner in Lisbon and a special dinner with wine in Granada

SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
LISBON Mundial (F), SEVILLE Sevilla Center (SF), RABAT Rabat (F), MARRAKESH Es Saadi (SF), FEZ Zalagh Parc Palace (F), TANGIER El Minzah (F), TORREMOLINOS Melia Costa del Sol (SF), GRANADA Saray (SF), MADRID Gran Hotel Princesa (SF), BARCELONA Catalonia Ramblas (SF)

Optional Excursions

Important Note: the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this vacation in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your vacation will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back later.

Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.

CITY: Fez

Moroccan Dinner and Folklore Evening
First an illumination tour of Fez, then a typical four-course Moroccan dinner at Al Fassia restaurant. This includes wine, local mint tea, and entertainment by a variety of dancers - Oriental, Arabian, and Bedouin.
Approximate value: EUR €49 per person

Excursion to Middle Atlas
Visit the small Berber village of Bhalil, where your local guide will offer you a mint tea in a typical Berber home comfortably seated on Moroccan cushions. Continue to Sefrou, where you have time to stroll in the Medina.
Approximate value: EUR €25 per person

CITY: Granada

Glimpses of Granada
Your Local Guide will escort you through the richly decorated ROYAL CHAPEL, which houses the mortal remains of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand V of Aragon, also known as the Catholic kings, who unified Spain under one single monarchy. Then, visit the CARTHUSIAN MONASTERY, an outstanding example of Baroque architecture with its intricate white stuccoworks. Finally, enjoy a beautiful view over the Alhambra and the city from the famous Albaicin quarter.
Approximate value: EUR €35 per person

CITY: Lisbon

Excursion to Sintra and Queluz
Enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes on the Iberian Peninsula, while driving along the scenic ocean road to the picturesque fishing village of Cascais and fashionable Estoril. Later, visit the World Heritage Site of Sintra and its ROYAL PALACE with a local expert.
Approximate value: EUR €42 per person

Night Tour
Treat yourself to a Portuguese dinner with drinks at a typical restaurant. Enjoy after-dinner entertainment with songs and dances, Fado-style. Unforgettable views of the illuminated city finish your day with a flourish.
Approximate value: EUR €54 per person

Dinner by the Tagus
Drive to the pier where you will board the ferry for a pleasant crossing on the river Tagus, to a restaurant for a dinner in a typical Portuguese environment. Return to the hotel by coach and over the spectacular suspension bridge.
Approximate value: EUR €46 per person

CITY: Madrid

Excursion to El Escorial
Visit EL ESCORIAL, a Renaissance style quadrangular complex of white-grey stone, which houses the Mausoleum of the Spanish Monarchs and is listed as Unesco World Heritage Site. Built under the order of King Phillip II it is considered the eighth wonder of the world.
Approximate value: EUR €44 per person

Panoramic Madrid and Dinner
Dine Spanish-style at one of Madrid's favorite restaurants. Drinks included. After dinner drive through the capital's boulevards and by beautiful fountains.
Approximate value: EUR €52 per person

CITY: Marrakesh

1001 Nights
After a pleasant caleche ride in this mysterious city, savor a tasty four-course dinner with wine and enjoy a lively Moroccan show at the casino.
Approximate value: EUR €49 per person

Moroccan Fantasia
A four-course dinner with drinks and entertainment by a belly dancer, horses, camels, and fireworks at the famous Chez Ali restaurant.
Approximate value: EUR €55 per person

CITY: Seville

Andalusian Night
Your chance to admire a flamenco show in Seville and to savor a three-course dinner with drinks. While dining, enjoy a show of Spanish folklore. Note: if the excursion is scheduled on a day when dinner at your hotel is included in the tour price, the show will be offered without dinner (one drink included) for EUR 36.00 per person.
Approximate value: EUR €53 per person

Magnificent Cathedral, La Giralda and Columbus Tomb
Built on the site of the former mosque following the capture of the city from the Moors, Seville's 15th-century Gothic cathedral is the third-largest church in Europe. It boasts 80 chapels, the largest altarpiece in the world, and the breathtaking La Giralda, a minaret from the mosque that was converted into a bell tower. It also houses the remains of explorer Christopher Columbus.
Approximate value: EUR €16 per person

CITY: Torremolinos

An Evening in the Countryside
Enjoy a pleasant drive to MIJAS, market center of Andalusian crafts, with time to discover this pretty 'Pueblo blanco' with its white houses and breathtaking views of the Costa del Sol. Later enjoy a three-course dinner with drinks included.
Approximate value: EUR €53 per person

Dinner on the Carihuela
Enjoy a four-course dinner, drinks included, at one of the most celebrated seafront restaurants in Torremolinos.
Approximate value: EUR €39 per person

PRICES
From approx $3,971 US per person double occupancy