|
DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for Portugal
Depart for Portugal
DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Lisbon
Arrive in captivating Lisbon, and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Friday - Lisbon City Tour
In Lisbon, the tour begins with a stop at the top of Edward VII's Park to enjoy a magnificent view over the hills of Lisbon and the River Tagus. Next, view the treasured 16th century Belem Tower, a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery and visit the Jeronimos Monastery, resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afternoon is at leisure or, join the optional tour to quaint Sintra, the "Glorious Eden" of Lord Byron, and ancient summer retreat of the royal court, highlighted by lavish romantic castles and stunning monuments. Visit the Sintra Royal Palace, a 15th-century royal residence, containing one of the largest tile collections in Portugal. Then, spend some free time in the village historic center before returning to Lisbon
Optional: Half Day Sintra Tour (PM)
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Saturday - Travel to Seville
Depart Lisbon this morning heading south. Cross the region of Alentejo, with its rolling hills, vineyards and cork oak trees. Reach the Spanish border and enter the region of Andalucia. Continue your drive through picturesque Andalucia to Seville. After dinner, opportunity to attend an optional Flamenco Show in Seville, known as the birthplace of Flamenco
Optional: Evening Flamenco Show (PM)
Overnight: Seville
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Sunday - Seville City Tour
Begin the day at the beautiful Plaza de España and the fragrant gardens of Maria Luisa Park before a walking tour in the quaint Barrio Santa Cruz, the former Jewish Quarter of the city. Continue with a visit to the Royal Alcázar of Seville and marvel at the many examples of Mudejar architecture in this palace, built for the Christian king Peter of Castile. The rest of the day is at leisure or, join the optional tour to Cordoba, founded by the Romans. Visit the astonishing Mezquita de Cordoba, transformed into a soaring cathedral in the 16th century. A walking tour of the city reveals the ancient Jewish Quarter with its labyrinth of winding narrow streets, shady flower filled courtyards, picturesque squares, and view of the 14th century Synagogue on Calle de los Judios
Optional: Half Day Cordoba Tour (PM)
Overnight: Seville
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Monday - Ronda Sightseeing en Route to Costa del Sol
This morning, head south to the dramatic cliffside city of Ronda, considered the birthplace of modern bullfighting. Start with a tour of Ronda, home to Spain's oldest bullring, the Plaza de Toros. Here, you can see the historic stables and museum along with displays of famous Matadors before proceeding to the Costa del Sol
Overnight: Costa del Sol
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7, Tuesday - Full Day in Costa del Sol
Spend a full day at leisure in Costa del Sol to enjoy all of the delights of this resort area or, join the optional morning tour to Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Visit the Picasso Museum with over 285 works donated by members of Picasso's family. View the Paseo de la Alameda, Paseo del Parque & the Barrio de la Malagueta. A walking tour through this historic town is accented by views of the Malaga Cathedral. Proceed to Cathedral Square before heading back. Dinner tonight is at the hotel
Optional: Half Day Malaga Tour (AM)
Overnight: Costa del Sol
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Wednesday - Excursion to Gibraltar
Journey to the impressive Rock of Gibraltar,* a British colony for over 300 years standing guard over the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean and Europe meets Africa. Take a tour of the area with minibusses climbing up to see St. Michael's Cave and the famous Barbary apes with dramatic views of both the Spanish and Moroccan coastline. Spend some time in the main street of town with its colonial buildings and duty-free shops. Return to the Costa del Sol for overnight
*Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory independent from Spain and therefore has different entry requirements. Non-US passport holders are responsible to check if a visa is required for Gibraltar in addition to all other countries on their itinerary.
Overnight: Costa del Sol
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Thursday - Moorish Influenced Alhambra
Depart the southern coast and journey to Moorish Granada. Your visit is highlighted by a tour of the 13th century Alhambra,* one of Spain's most celebrated monuments, dramatically perched atop Assabica Hill. This imposing hilltop fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world's finest examples of Moorish art and architecture. During the reign of the Moors, the Alhambra served as the residence of the royal family. Walk along the lanes of the serene Generalife Gardens with its beautifully designed courtyards, waterfalls and ponds, and views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant
*Alhambra visiting times, which may include evening hours, and which areas of the complex are accessible on the day of your visit, are determined solely at the discretion of the Alhambra. Your itinerary will be arranged by your Tour Manager to accommodate the designated time of entry.
Overnight: Granada
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Friday - Toledo Sightseeing en Route to Madrid
Travel via the region of La Mancha, legendary home of Don Quixote, featuring panoramic views of its famous windmills. Continue to Toledo, the former capital city of Spain that still retains its medieval atmosphere and charm. Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its extensive monumental heritage and historical coexistence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures. A walking tour will include a visit to the Church of Santo Tomé with the masterpiece painting by El Greco and the Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca. Continue to Madrid and spend the evening at leisure
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Saturday - Madrid City Tour
This morning take a sightseeing tour of Madrid. Drive along the Gran Via through the Opera District, Plaza de Colon and view the Royal Palace. Pass by the elegant Plaza de Cibeles and Puerta de Alcala Gate. The tour will end at the world-renowned Prado Museum, where you will be able to view works of art by famous artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, and Ribera. Spend the afternoon at leisure or, join the optional tour to Escorial. Visit what has often been described as the "eighth wonder of the world". El Escorial is, perhaps, Philip II's most enduring legacy to Spain. This combination monastery-palace-mausoleum is situated approximately one hour outside of Madrid in the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains. Bid adios to your Tour Manager during dinner at a local restaurant
Optional: Half Day Escorial Tour (PM)
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12, Sunday - Flight to Casablanca & Transfer to Rabat
Today, board a flight to Casablanca, Morocco. Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to your hotel in Rabat where you have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the capital city of Morocco. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your new Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner
Overnight: Rabat
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13, Monday - Rabat Sightseeing, Travel to Fez
This morning, take a city tour of Rabat. View the Royal Palace and the ancient ruins of Chellah, the Oudaya Kasbah, and the Hassan Tower. En route to Fez, stop and visit the ancient ruins of the Roman city of Volubilis where you will get a chance to see the wonderfully preserved original mosaics, Roman Road, and city layout. As you travel through the Moroccan countryside, pass by the holy city of Moulay Idriss for a photo opportunity. This evening, upon arrival in Fez, take a short bus tour of the imperial city conducted by your Tour Manager on the way to the hotel
Overnight: Fez
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14, Tuesday - Fez City Tour
Begin the day with a city tour of Fez. Visit the many hidden treasures of the medina that only a Moroccan guide will know. Fez served as the capital of Morocco for more than 400 years and is home to the University of Al Karaouine. It is particularly famous for its tanneries and the Fes el Bali Medina. A short visit to the surrounding leather shops give you the best view of the tanneries. View the Attarine Medersa, Moulay Idriss mausoleum, and visit the Nejjarine Fountains and Museum. Opportunities for shopping for authentic Moroccan carpets. Finally, view the exterior of the Royal Palace and walk through the famed Jewish quarter of the medina where you will get a chance to walk through one of the few remaining Jewish cemeteries in Morocco. Tonight, savor dinner with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Fez
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15, Wednesday - Travel to Marrakesh
This morning, depart for Marrakesh, a day-long journey taking you through the ever-changing landscape of the Moroccan valleys and Atlas Mountains along the way. Kindly note that this will be the longest coach ride of your tour. You will depart Fez in the early morning and arrive to Marrakesh in the early evening. Included will be sufficient rest stops for your comfort and a break for lunch on your own. Your journey begins with views of the mountains around Ifrane and ends in the dry flatlands around Marrakesh, allowing you to experience the depth of the country's terrain. This evening, take a short bus tour of Marrakesh, conducted by your Tour Manager en route to your hotel
Overnight: Marrakesh
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 16, Thursday - Morning Tour of Marrakesh
Morning tour of Marrakesh begins at the 16th century Saadian Tombs, where Saadian royalty found their final resting place. Continue to the Koutoubia Minaret and the beautiful Bahia Palace. You will also have the opportunity to shop for authentic Moroccan argan oil, reputedly rich in nutrients and antioxidants beneficial to skin and hair. Stroll through the bustling Medina to Djemaa el Fna Square, the lively center of the city, a dazzling display of acrobats, story tellers, and snake charmers. Then, perhaps join the optional camel ride. Experience the tranquility of the Palmeraie, a palm oasis outside of Marrakesh, as you ride in Berber style through the valley of lush palm groves on a dromedary, a member of the camel family
Optional: Camel Ride (PM)
Overnight: Marrakesh
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 17, Friday - Travel to Casablanca & City Tour
After breakfast, travel to Casablanca for your half day sightseeing tour including the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque* and the beautiful Corniche seaside. Continue on a short drive through the residential areas of Casablanca to the city center to visit the Mohamed V Square, the Habous Quarter and the Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral. Tonight, bid farewell to your Tour Manager at dinner**
*Hassan II Mosque is subject to unexpected closures for local religious observances. Details will be provided locally by your Tour Manager.
**Dinner ends around 10:30 PM. Departure flights scheduled shortly after midnight may require missing part of the dinner.
Overnight: Casablanca
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 18, Saturday - Depart Morocco
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
|
