Tour Details - Spain Morocco and Portugal 2012

Welcome to Spain’s capital Madrid. Spend some time exploring this vibrant city, or simply relax before meeting for a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers and Travel Director at your hotel. Later enjoy a drive to see some of the impressive architecture this city has to offer.(Welcome Reception)

Your expert Local Guide shows you the sights of Madrid including the Cibeles fountain, the Gran Via, Paseo de la Castellana and Puerta del Sol. Stop at Plaza de España to admire the monument to Cervantes. Afterwards, consider a visit to the famous Prado Museum featuring a large collection of works by Velazquez, or take an optional excursion to the medieval city of Segovia. This evening, you might be tempted by Madrid's nightlife, where the locals dine late and enjoy the open-air cafés and vibrant atmosphere until the early hours!(Buffet Breakfast)

Your guided sightseeing tour of Toledo, the capital of Castile, is truly enlightening. Visit the Jewish Synagogue. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, featuring a masterpiece by El Greco. Driving south through Andalusia you arrive in Granada, with impressive views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Discover the expansive Alhambra Palace with your expert Local Guide who gives you a comprehensive insight into its history. Built in the 14th century, the palace is a wonderful example of Moorish architecture.(Buffet Breakfast)

Along the Mediterranean coast to Tarifa, cross to North Africa by ferry. A memorable drive past the Rif Mountains brings you to the Imperial city of Fez, the country’s second-largest city in Morocco.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Visit the fascinating Medina of Fez, including the fortifications and Royal Palace, during your morning guided sightseeing tour. This afternoon, see the sights of your choice or consider an excursion to the Imperial city of Meknes. Soak up the unique atmosphere of this exotic city when you haggle for souvenirs at the bazaar!(Buffet Breakfast)

Travelling through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains to Marrakesh is spectacular. A favourite holiday spot of Winston Churchill, the city is one of North Africa’s most popular tourist destinations.(Buffet Breakfast)

Explore the Bahia Palace during your walking tour with an expert Local Guide. See Djemaa el Fna Square in the old quarter, with its palm-readers, acrobats, camels and snake charmers. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. Don’t miss the chance to shop for bargains in the souks and bazaars, or perhaps take an excursion to a Berber village. Tonight, you might like to experience an authentic Moroccan show.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Perhaps most famous for the film bearing its name, Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city as well as a major port. View the Hassan II Mosque during your informative sightseeing tour with an expert Local Guide. See the maze of twisted streets around the Casbah. Continue to the capital city Rabat, where you see the Mausoleum, Mosque and Royal Palace.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

See Cape Spartel on your cruise across the Straits of Gibraltar to the Spanish mainland. Note the breathtaking scenery on your drive through the vineyards of Jerez, the world capital of sherry. This evening you might like to experience the fiery Spanish passion at a flamenco show!(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Seville, the spiritual home of flamenco and bullfighting, is a romantic and vibrant city. See the Giralda Tower during your guided sightseeing tour. Admire the tiled fountains, pavilions and ponds in the Maria Luisa Park, renowned for its landscape design. See Christopher Columbus’ ornate tomb in the cathedral. Enjoy a walk through the Jewish Quarter. Experience a memorable Be My Guest dinner at an Andalusian Hacienda.(Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)

Your panoramic journey continues through the province of Huelva, famous for Jabugo ham and the Rio Tinto mines, and past the castle at Aracena. Crossing the border into the Alentejo region of Portugal, renowned for its cork oaks, you arrive in Lisbon.(Buffet Breakfast)

With your expert Local Guide, tour the Hieronymite Monastery, one of Lisbon’s most prominent monuments, where Vasco da Gama spent the night in prayer before sailing for India in 1497. See the great explorer’s tomb. Admire the views of the Belem Tower. Spend the rest of the day as you please. Perhaps shop for pottery in Cascais or explore the city by tram. This evening, consider a Portuguese seafood dinner by the Tagus River.(Buffet Breakfast)

Leaving Lisbon you drive north through the picturesque Serra d’Aire Mountains to the Shrine at Fatima, scene of celebrated religious miracles. Crossing Portugal into Spain, see the Plaza Mayor when you arrive in the beautiful city of Salamanca.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

View the fortified city of Avila, birthplace of St. Theresa. Enjoy views of the Sierra de Guadarrama on your way to Madrid. On arrival in Madrid, enjoy free time for exploring the city further or do some last minute souvenir shopping. Join your companions and Travel Director this evening for a Farewell Dinner with wine.(Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Say goodbye to your fellow travellers and Travel Director at the end of this memorable holiday. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.(Buffet Breakfast)