This fantastic trip covers three countries—Spain, Morocco, and Portugal—concentrating on the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula. On this tour, there is ample time for in-depth sightseeing and you’ll see many of the area’s historic sights, including the Alcazar in Seville, founded in the 11th century as a Moorish fortress, and the Alhambra Complex in Granada. The Alhambra was a palace, citadel, and fortress for the Nasrid sultans and their servants, elite soldiers, and high officials from the 13th to 14th centuries.If you’re interested in religious sights, this tour is not to be missed. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima, where pilgrims from all over the world visit; Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon, built to thank the Virgin Mary for Portugal’s success in its voyages around the world; the Santo Tomé Church in Toledo, which has one of El Greco’s most famous paintings; the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona; and more. Ferry crossings over the Strait of Gibraltar afford you spectacular views of the Rock. There’s a full day at leisure at the Costa del Sol, so you can enjoy the sandy beaches, browse the shops, or join an optional excursion to the Rock of Gibraltar. An overnight in Tangier gives you a nice taste of Morocco and features a panoramic drive to Cap Spartel and a visit to the colorful Grand Socco square. These are just a few of the many highlights on this wonderful trip to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco—a trip of a lifetime!
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Madrid, Spain. Time to rest or to start exploring the Spanish capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day #2 Madrid. The capital of Spain since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Your Local Guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then, the highlight: a visit to the palatial PRADO MUSEUM with its priceless art treasures. In the afternoon, an optional excursion to El Escorial can be arranged. (B)
Day #3 Madrid–Segovia–Avila–Salamanca. A day in beautiful Castile. Cross the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama on the way to Segovia, famous for the 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct. Enjoy a walk through the walled town of Avila, where St. Theresa founded the Order of Carmelites. Overnight in Salamanca, where [LF] a special dinner with wine awaits you at one of Salamanca’s fine restaurants. (B,D)
Day #4 Salamanca–Fatima–Lisbon, Portugal. The majestic scenery of the Serra da Estrela mountain range forms the backdrop of your morning drive into Portugal. Before heading for Lisbon, melt into the stream of pilgrims from all over the world as you visit the SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY in Fatima. This evening, an optional dinner with Fado-style entertainment is the perfect introduction to Portugal’s capital. (B)
Day #5 Lisbon. Lisbon was the center of Europe’s longest-lived overseas empire. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features a drive through the Baixa quarter’s main squares and 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 the Monument to the Discoverers. Next, visit JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. In the afternoon, an exciting optional excursion is available to Sintra and the royal palace of Queluz. (B)
Day #6 Lisbon–Seville, Spain. Highlight this morning is the [LF] ELEVATOR RIDE to upper Lisbon, before a scenic drive back into Spain and to the vibrant capital of Andalusia, Seville, where dinner awaits you at your hotel. (B,D)
Day #7 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, and tonight, for a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional Flamenco show. (B)
Day #8 Seville–Tangier, Morocco. Through the sunny sherry wine region of Jerez to Algeciras. Board your FERRY and sail across the Straits of Gibraltar to Africa. Continue to Tangier, jumping-off point for the Moorish conquest of Spain and home town of legendary medieval traveler Ibn Batuta. Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a [LF] spectacular panoramic drive to CAP SPARTEL. Enjoy the views and quench your thirst Bedouin-style with a glass of hot mint tea, accompanied by local biscuits. (B,D)
Day #9 Tangier–Costa del Sol, Spain. Visit Tangier’s exciting and colorful GRAND SOCCO square and explore the narrow streets of the kasbah. Return by FERRY across the Straits and back in Spain, drive to your hotel in Torremolinos on the elegant Costa del Sol. (B)
Day #10 At Leisure on the Costa del Sol. Today is your chance to join an optional excursion to the Rock of Gibraltar, in British hands since 1704. Later, enjoy the sandy beaches, and browse through the trendy boutiques. (B)
Day #11 Costa del Sol–Granada. Into the mountains to history-steeped Granada. A guided walking tour features its main attraction, the ALHAMBRA COMPLEX. A fantasy of “lace in stone” surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains, it affords superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte, a mountain occupied by Gypsy cave dwellers. Also admire the magnificent WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE, the royal summer residence. This evening, a special dinner with wine and local specialties has been prepared for you in one of Granada’s fine restaurants. (B,D)
Day #12 Granada–Toledo–Madrid. The olive and orange groves of the rolling Andalusian hills and, later, the more barren landscapes of Don Quixote’s La Mancha unfold before your eyes on the way north to Toledo, spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River. Your walking tour with a Local Guide features the Moorish bridge and visits to an early SYNAGOGUE, the 13th-century gothic CATHEDRAL, and the CHURCH OF SANTO TOMÉ with one of El Greco’s most famous paintings. Time to visit a DAMASCENE STEEL WORKSHOP before returning to Madrid. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
Day #13 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. (B,L)
Day #14 Barcelona. Morning guided sightseeing includes visits to PARK GÜELL and the SAGRADA FAMILIA BASILICA. (B)
Day #15 At Leisure in Barcelona. Full day at leisure. Ask your local host for suggestions. (B)
Day #16 Barcelona. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)