ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGAL. After arrival check into your hotel. At 6pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
2
LISBON. Lisbon was the centre 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. (B)
3
LISBON-AZEITAO-SEVILLE, SPAIN. In Azeitao, visit a traditional TILE WORKSHOP. Next, enter Spain and reach the vibrant capital of Andalusia, Seville. (B,D)
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 (B)
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. (B,D)
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. (B,D)
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 centre dominated by the 68 metres(222-foot-high) Koutoubia Minaret. Afternoon at leisure. An exciting optional evening excursion is available. (B)
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 centre. (B,D)
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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? (B)
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. (B,D)
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. (B)
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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? (B)
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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.(B,D)
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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 TOME with one of El Greco's most famous paintings. Visit a DAMASCENE STEEL WORKSHOP before returning to Madrid. (B)
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MADRID. Morning guided sightseeing features the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Espana 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? (B)
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MADRID-BARCELONA. You will be transferred by highspeed AVE TRAIN to Barcelona, arriving in the late afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
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BARCELONA. Morning guided sightseeing includes visits to PARK GUELL and the SAGRADA Familia Basilica. (B)
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AT LEISURE IN BARCELONA. Full day at leisure. Ask your Local Host for suggestions. (B)
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BARCELONA. Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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 Tome Church with one of El Greco's masterpieces; a Damascene steel workshop
MADRID: Guided sightseeing, visit the Prado Museum
MEALS: Full buffet breakfast daily (B); 7 three-course dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Lisbon and a special dinner with wine in Granada
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Meals Breakfast - 18 Lunch - 0 Dinner - 7
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
47
EUR
Name:EXCURSION TO SINTRA & QUELUZ Location:LISBON Details: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.Togheter with a local expert visit the World Heritage Site of Sintra and later the ROYAL PALACE of Queluz.
59
EUR
Name:FADO MUSIC & DINNER Location:LISBON Details:Treat yourself to an evening of Fado music and dinner at a local restaurant.
57
EUR
Name:ANDALUSIAN DINNER & FLAMENCO Location:SEVILLE Details:While savouring a three-course Adalusian dinner with drinks, enjoy an exciting and passionate flamenco show.
18
EUR
Name:LA GIRALDA AND COLUMBUS TOMB Location:SEVILLE Details:Seville's 15th century gothic cathedral is the third-largest church in Europe and boasts the breathtaking La Giralda, one of the three remaining Almohad minarets in the world. This beautiful structure became the bell tower of the Cathedral and dominates the city's skyline. The Cathedral also houses the remains of explorer Christopher Columbus.
53
EUR
Name:1001 NIGHTS Location:MARRAKESH Details:After a pleasant caleche ride in this mysterious city, savour a tasty four-course dinner with wine and enjoy a lively Moroccan show at the casino.
52
EUR
Name:MOROCCAN DINNER & FOLKLORE EVENING Location:FEZ Details:Drive through illuminated Fez, then savour a typical four-course Moroccan dinner at one of the most popular venues in the city. Entertainment includes Oriental, Arabian and Bedouin dancing.
62
EUR
Name:MIJAS & DINNER ON THE CARIHUELA Location:TORREMOLINOS Details:Drive to the enchanting village of Mijas nestled in the mountainside at 428 metres (1,404 feet) above sea level . Enjoy a walking tour then free time for shopping or admiring breathtaking views. Later enjoy a four-course dinner with drinks at one of the celebrated restaurants in La Carihuela, the original fisherman's district in Torremolinos, famous for the best seafood in the region.
39
EUR
Name:GLIMPSES OF GRANADA Location:GRANADA Details:With your local guide, discover the Royal Chapel in Granda's cathedral, which houses the mortal remains of the couple who unified Spain under one monarchy, Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon. Then, visit the Carthusian Monastery, an outstanding example of Baroque architecture. Finally, enjoy a beautiful view over the city and The Alhambra from the famous El Albaic�n Moorish quarter.
49
EUR
Name:EL ESCORIAL Location:MADRID Details: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.
55
EUR
Name:PANORAMIC DRIVE & DINNER Location:MADRID Details:Drive through the capital's boulevards, passing beautiful buildings and fountains. Later dine Spanish-style at one of Madrid's favourite restaurants with drinks included.
Optional Excursions
