Tour Details - Highlights of Spain Morocco and Portugal 2012

Welcome to Madrid! After check-in there is time to unwind and relax. This evening, why not try the traditional dish of paella in one of the restaurants lining the lively Plaza Mayor?

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)

Today drive to ancient Toledo where, with the Local Guide, see the cathedral and the ancient synagogue plus visit a steel workshop. Then through Andalusia to the Moorish hilltop town of Granada.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Your orientation tour includes the Albaicin quarter featuring stunning architecture. There may be the chance to join an optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace, subject to ticket availability. Then travel towards Malaga, the most popular Mediterranean resort on the Costa del Sol.(Buffet Breakfast)

The day begins with a scenic coastal drive to the port to board the ferry to North Africa. From here join the coach and drive into a different world on entering Morocco, passing the Rif Mountains to the imperial city of Fez.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

The morning guided sightseeing tour includes views of the Royal Palace and the labyrinthine Medina. You can experience the atmosphere of this exotic city with time to haggle over beautiful Moroccan carpets – an everlasting souvenir! Then why not relax this afternoon and later take a stroll under starstudded skies?(Buffet Breakfast)

This morning the breathtaking drive, travelling through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains to the city of Marrakesh, Africa's most popular year-round sun resort. It was once the favourite holiday spot of Winston Churchill, a haven where he used to relax and paint.(Buffet Breakfast)

This morning your guided sightseeing tour includes the Bahia Palace and the vast Djemaa el-Fna Square with its palm readers and acrobats. Then there is time at leisure for bargain hunting in the many souks and bazaars or perhaps take an excursion to a Berber village in the Ourika Valley.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Today continue on to Casablanca scene of Humphrey Bogart's most magical moments. On arrival your guided tour includes a panoramic drive of the Corniche, plus views of the mosque and a visit to the market with its maze of twisted streets. Then continue to the capital city, Rabat, where you view the Mausoleum and Royal Palace.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Today, drive northwards to the coast and board the ferry for the return journey back across the Straits of Gibraltar to the Spanish mainland. Then disembark and join the coach for the drive through the Jerez vineyards, home of sherry. Next, continue to Andalusia's most beautiful city, Seville, for a two-night stay. This evening, why not enjoy a fiery flamenco show?(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

After breakfast, learn that this romantic city was deeply influenced by the Moors, hence the architecture of the Giralda Tower, which is included on the guided sightseeing tour along with the sparkling pools of the Maria Luisa Park. Later enjoy some time at leisure to wander the streets of the former Jewish quarter.(Buffet Breakfast)

Drive to the Portuguese border then continue past the cork trees of the Alentejo region. From here travel via Setúbal to the capital of Portugal, Lisbon, a great seafaring city situated where the Tagus River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Tonight, maybe dine whilst listening to haunting Fado melodies along the Bairro Alto?(Buffet Breakfast)

The sightseeing tour shows us Vasco da Gama’s tomb inside the Hieronymite Monastery, the medieval quarter of the city and views of the Belem Tower. Then time at leisure to maybe take an optional excursion to Cascais?(Buffet Breakfast)

A scenic drive north through the magnificent Serra d'Aire Mountains brings you to the Shrine at Fatima, site of celebrated religious miracles. Cross the border back into Spain and arrive later in Salamanca where you view Plaza Mayor during your orientation tour. Dine tonight at your hotel.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Continue through the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains to return to Madrid, Europe's highest capital city. Tonight , maybe enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers on the final night of your holiday.(Buffet Breakfast)

This morning it is time to bid farewell to your Travel Director and new found friends as your holiday together comes to an end. There are transfers available to Madrid airport, conditions apply.(Buffet Breakfast)