Package Name: Europe: Spain, Portugal & Morocco
Price: $2039
Day: 16 Day
Night: 15 Night
Starting Month: Jan
End Month: Dec
Destination Overview
This trip combines the highlights of the Iberian Peninsula with fascinating Morocco. The journey begins in Madrid, Spain’s grand capital and then goes across the fortified Avila with its many towers and renaissance Salamanca. When you enter Portugal you head for Coimbra, a charming hillside town that overlooks the Mondego River. Here you visit the Sanctuary of Fátima and Obidos, known as the “Wedding Present Town” because it was a gift to Queen Isabel by her husband, King Dinis on their wedding day in 1282. The next stop is the exquisite city of Lisbon where you get to know the spectacular Seville before you board a ferry for Morocco. Once on the African continent, motor along the Barbary Coast to Rabat, capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, and stop in Casablanca to see the illustrious Hassan II Mosque. Next, head through the Middle Atlas mountain range to Marrakesh, known for its colorful Djemaa el Fna, a square bustling with acrobats, storytellers, dancers, singers, and food stalls. The food will delight your senses! Spend two nights in the old walled city of Fez and visit a traditional medina on the included sightseeing tour. Re-cross the Strait of Gibraltar and return to mainland Spain. Drive through the Andalusian countryside to Granada for a visit to the exotic Alhambra complex, residence of Moorish kings. Retrace Don Quixote’s footsteps past the windmills and castles of La Mancha and return to Madrid for the conclusion of your exciting journey.
Day 1 Arrive in Madrid, Spain.
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring lively Madrid. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)
Day 2 Madrid.
Spaniards say the Spanish capital, situated 2,180 feet above sea level, is the nearest thing to Heaven. You have only a day here, and it’s certainly worth making the most of it by joining the included guided sightseeing tour: a full panoramic drive by way of the Avenida Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Parliament Square, and a picture stop outside the ROYAL PALACE. The optional trip to Toledo is most rewarding, too. The splendid setting of this old walled city above the Tagus was made famous in El Greco’s painting, and even now it’s like a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art. (B)
Day 3 Madrid–Avila–Salamanca–Coimbra, Portugal.
West for a visit to fortified Avila with its many towers. Next is Salamanca, just six miles from the spot where Wellington routed Napoleon’s army in 1812. Make sure you spend some time wandering around PLAZA MAYOR the grandest square in Spain. Cross the frontier to Guarda, the highest town in Portugal. From here, descend to the valleys of the Serra da Estrela to Coimbra for an overnight. (B,D)
Day 4 Coimbra–Fátima–Obidos–Lisbon.
This morning, enjoy your orientation tour of Coimbra, celebrated for its beauty and ancient university. Later, travel southwards to visit the SANCTUARY of Fátima. En route, stop for an enjoyable wine tasting, then continue to the fortified Obidos, known as the wedding present town before reaching Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, for two overnights. (B)
Day 5 Lisbon.
Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th-century “Mistress of the Seas.” On the included tour, see his monument, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, and the impressive Black Horse Square. Spend the afternoon in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets, or take an optional excursion to coastal Estoril and Cascais. (B)
Day 6 Lisbon–Seville, Spain.
From the rolling plains of the Alentejo with its woodlands of cork and eucalyptus trees, southwards all the way to the brilliant light of Andalusia. Admire its neat white-painted villages and sun-drenched plantations of olives, figs, and almonds, while traveling by way of Beja into magnificent Seville. (B,D)
Day 7 Seville.
At leisure in one of Spain’s most colorful cities. Perhaps you’d like to spend this morning enjoying an optional sightseeing tour including the main highlights of this vibrant city. (B)
Day 8 Seville–Ferry to Morocco–Rabat.
An interesting drive today through Spain’s pretty sherry wine region and south to the coast. Here, you will embark the FERRY and cruise across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco on the African continent. Motor along what was once the infamous Barbary Coast, then join the new motorway for the drive south to Rabat for an overnight. (B,D)
Day 9 Rabat–Casablanca–Marrakesh.
Today starts with an included guided city sightseeing tour of the country’s lively capital. In 2013, Rabat was a filming location for the movie Black Hawk Down. Later, via Settat, reach Morocco’s westernmost city: Casablanca. Enjoy a short break in this modern city and see the illustrious Hassan II Mosque—perched dramatically on a platform over the Atlantic Ocean. One of the largest mosques in the world, its minaret soars 689 feet into the sky and part of the mosque’s floor is made of glass so worshippers can kneel directly over the ocean’s waters. Continue on to the historic oasis city of Marrakesh. (B,D)
Day 10 Marrakesh.
The highlight of this morning is included city sightseeing that will make you feel like you’ve been whisked back in time. Founded in the 9th century, Marrakesh remains a tapestry of ramparts, mosques, palaces, gardens, and vibrant public squares and souks (markets)—where buying and selling and a carnival of entertainment and fascinations occur daily. An optional excursion this evening is the perfect end to the day. (B)
Day 11 Marrakesh–Fez.
Today, motor through the fragrant cedar forests of the Middle Atlas mountains, where a number of peaks soar above 13,000 feet in elevation. This range is home to the endangered Barbary ape, as well as wild boar and polecats. On your way north to Fez, enjoy glimpses of North African village life reminiscent of Beau Geste. (B,D)
Day 12 Fez.
Ancient Fez is a city of outstanding scenic beauty. Visit the MEDINA during included sightseeing this morning, and enjoy the maze of narrow streets through the colorful bazaars and exotic atmosphere. In the afternoon, explore further on your own. (B)
Day 13 Fez–Ferry Crossing to Spain–Costa del Sol.
Today, an early departure takes you north for the FERRY back to mainland Spain for an overnight on the Costa del Sol. (B,D)
Day 14 Costa del Sol–Granada.
Drive along the coastal road of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and head into the heart of Andalusia to reach Granada. On the agenda: an included guided visit of the ALHAMBRA COMPLEX, a lavish palace and fortress built by Moorish kings. With construction dating back to 889 AD, you’ll marvel at its architectural beauty and magnificent gardens. This afternoon, there’s time at leisure—why not join an exciting optional excursion? (B,D)
Day 15 Granada–Madrid.
Travel north today through the very heart of Don Quixote’s La Mancha, famed for its castle and windmills. Tonight, consider joining your fellow travelers at an optional traditional tapas evening, a fitting way to say Adios to Spain! (B)
Day 16 Madrid.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Make your dream come true and start planning your holiday today. Confirmed departure dates and rates are listed below. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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16 DAYS/15 NIGHTS
16 days from Madrid to Madrid (6830)
Prices based on double room occupancy.
Single room supplement:
$750
No triple room reduction.
View the following dates and prices to find just the right date for your vacation. Below you’ll find the date the vacation starts and date you’ll return.
TourStart Date Return Date Land/Cruise Price
28-Apr-2016 13-May-2016 $2039 Not Available
01-May-2016 16-May-2016 $2039 Please Call
05-May-2016 20-May-2016 $2039 Not Available
08-May-2016 23-May-2016 $2039 Not Available
12-May-2016 27-May-2016 $2039 Not Available
15-May-2016 30-May-2016 $2039 Please Call
19-May-2016 03-Jun-2016 $2039 Please Call
22-May-2016 06-Jun-2016 $2039 Not Available
29-May-2016 13-Jun-2016 $2039 Not Available
05-Jun-2016 20-Jun-2016 $2039 Not Available
12-Jun-2016 27-Jun-2016 $2039 REQUEST QUOTE
19-Jun-2016 04-Jul-2016 $2039 Not Available
26-Jun-2016 11-Jul-2016 $1999 REQUEST QUOTE
03-Jul-2016 18-Jul-2016 $1999 Not Available
10-Jul-2016 25-Jul-2016 $1999 REQUEST QUOTE
17-Jul-2016 01-Aug-2016 $1999 Not Available
24-Jul-2016 08-Aug-2016 $1999 REQUEST QUOTE
31-Jul-2016 15-Aug-2016 $1999 Please Call
07-Aug-2016 22-Aug-2016 $1999 REQUEST QUOTE
14-Aug-2016 29-Aug-2016 $1999 Please Call
21-Aug-2016 05-Sep-2016 $2039 REQUEST QUOTE
28-Aug-2016 12-Sep-2016 $2039 Please Call
04-Sep-2016 19-Sep-2016 $2039 REQUEST QUOTE
08-Sep-2016 23-Sep-2016 $2039 REQUEST QUOTE
11-Sep-2016 26-Sep-2016 $2039 REQUEST QUOTE
18-Sep-2016 03-Oct-2016 $2039 REQUEST QUOTE
22-Sep-2016 07-Oct-2016 $2039 Please Call
25-Sep-2016 10-Oct-2016 $2039 REQUEST QUOTE
02-Oct-2016 17-Oct-2016 $2039 REQUEST QUOTE
06-Oct-2016 21-Oct-2016 $2039 Please Call
09-Oct-2016 24-Oct-2016 $2039 REQUEST QUOTE
13-Oct-2016 28-Oct-2016 $2009 REQUEST QUOTE
16-Oct-2016 31-Oct-2016 $2009 REQUEST QUOTE
23-Oct-2016 07-Nov-2016 $2009 REQUEST QUOTE
30-Oct-2016 14-Nov-2016 $1989 REQUEST QUOTE
06-Nov-2016 21-Nov-2016 $1989 Please Call
13-Nov-2016 28-Nov-2016 $1989 REQUEST QUOTE
27-Nov-2016 12-Dec-2016 $1989 Please Call
04-Dec-2016 19-Dec-2016 $1929 REQUEST QUOTE
22-Dec-2016 06-Jan-2017 $1999 REQUEST QUOTE
2017 departures are subject to itinerary and price modification. Details will be available in September, 2016.
INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE
Accommodations
MADRID Praga (ST) or Abba (F)
COIMBRA Dom Luis (ST) or Tryp (F)
LISBON Roma (ST)
SEVILLE Don Paco (ST) or Tryp Macarena (F)
RABAT Rihab (ST)
MARRAKESH Zalagh Kasbah & Spa (ST)
FEZ Zalagh Parc Palace (ST) or Menzeh Fez (ST)
COSTA DEL SOL Almenara (F) at Sotogrande or NH Sotogrande (F)
GRANADA Don Juan (ST) or Abba (F)
MADRID Praga (ST) or Rafaelhoteles Ventas (ST)
Transportation:
Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach. Ferry across the Straits of Gibraltar
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 8 dinners
NOT INCLUDED IN TRIP PRICE
Optional Excursions
The following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These optional excursions might or might not be available. Whether it’s a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency; to get an estimated price, use a currency converter for exchange rate information (pricing may vary at the time of booking).
Madrid
Lisbon
Seville
Marrakesh
Fez
Madrid By Night & Tapas An authentic Spanish food experience in a local restaurant tucked away in the center of old Madrid. The venue with its warm ambiance is home to solid Castillian cuisine and the tapas dinner we are offering you gives a sample of a variety of dishes i.e. “tortilla espanola”, “jamon serrano”. Included is the well-known Spanish drink “sangria” or soft drink or mineral water. After dinner, see some of the main sights of Madrid on a short orientation drive before returning to the hotel.
Approximate value: €38 EUR per person
The Majestic City of Toledo Toledo is one of the Spanish cities with the greatest wealth of monuments. Known as the “city of three cultures” because Christians, Arabs and Jews lived together there for centuries. Behind its walls Toledo preserves an artistic and cultural legacy in the form of churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques and synagogues. This great diversity of artistic styles makes the old quarter of the capital of La Mancha a real open-air museum, which has led it to being declared a World Heritage site. Upon arrival in Toledo there will first be a drive around the city with a stop for a panoramic view. Then a walk in the city visiting one of the most outstanding buildings in Toledo – the Cathedral – considered one of the high points of Gothic art. Continue with a visit of the church of Santo Tomè, which is famous for housing El Greco’s famous picture entitled “The burial of Count Orgaz”.
Approximate value: €47 EUR per person
A Real Portuguese Evening No visit to Lisbon is complete without seeing a live “”Fado”” show. The word “”Fado”” literally means faith and this form of urban folklore is a repository of the sadness and joys derived from the destiny of Portugal throughout its history. You will be taken to one of the most renowned venues located in the former cellars and stables of a 17th century palace. The dinner will let you sample delicious traditional Portuguese dishes together with locally produced wine or soft drinks or beer plus mineral water, coffee or tea. Be entertained during dinner by the Fado singing performers – an experience to remember!
Approximate value: €55 EUR per person
Sintra & Portuguese Riviera On this interesting afternoon excursion with a local guide you will first drive along the scenic ocean road of the Portuguese Riviera, passing the cosmopolitan town of Estoril to arrive at the quaint fishing village of Cascais. Back in the early 20th century it was a popular resort favored by European nobility and kings and today is a colorful town with elegant pedestrian streets, some paved with blocks recreating wave patterns. There will be time here to look around and perhaps have some lunch before continuing to the town of Sintra. This beautiful town at the foot of the mountain range of the same name, has been classified as a UNESCO world heritage site. It comes under the special category of a “cultural landscape” due to its natural riches as well as the historic buildings in the town and mountains. A visit will be made to the Sintra National Palace, one of the best preserved medieval Royal palaces in Portugal, due to it being inhabitated more or less continuously from the early 15th century up to the late 19th century. Its history goes back to the times of Islamic domination when Sintra had two different castles, one located on the top of a hill overlooking Sintra and the other located downhill. After visiting this fascinating Palace you will have time on your own for sightseeing or shopping before driving back along the coastal road to Lisbon.
Approximate value: €48 EUR per person
Classic Flamenco Show One cannot leave Spain without having heard the clicking of castanets!! You will be taken to a flamenco venue founded in 1952 which hosts many famous flamenco performers and is known for performances which feature a variety of flamenco styles as well as classical Spanish dance and music. The evening lasts about 1 and a half hours and during the evening one drink is included at your choice.
Approximate value: €38 EUR per person
Splendors of Seville Enjoy an added bonus to the normal sightseeing tour of Seville as after departing from the hotel with a local guide, the coach takes you just outside the city center to the site of Italica – the Roman city founded by Scipio. The ruins of the Roman town, close to Santiponce and not very far from the Cartuja complex include an amphitheater, baths, theatre and various buildings containing mosaics. After an interesting guided visit, and a short break, return back to Seville and at Murillo Gardens you will leave the coach for a walk through the streets of the Old Jewish Quarter to the magnificent Gothic Cathedral for an inside visit of one of the most complete Christian temples in existence. The excursion lasts approx. 4 hours and at the end of the sightseeing you will be taken back to the hotel by coach. In case the Cathedral is closed to the public a visit will be made to Casa de Pilatos (Pilate’s House), which is an Andalusian palace and serves as the permanent residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli.
Approximate value: €35 EUR per person
“1001 Nights” Marrakech is unforgettable – they say that each time one returns one finds something different to discover – some people return and decide to stay forever. A short illumination drive will show you Marrakech which starts a new life at night, with perhaps the possibility of a short stop of the Jemaa El Fnaa square, which is the crucial place in Marrakech and offers the abundance of life and activities that characterize the city. Then continue to a venue in the heart of Marrakech where you will dine on local specialties and see a live Moroccan show with various acts, dances plus of course a belly dancer.
Approximate value: €40 EUR per person
Discover The Berbers of Atlas This fascinating afternoon excursion will take you into one of the most popular valleys of the High Atlas – the Ourika Valley, where one of the nicest surprises are the aromatic organic gardens along the route. Different stops will be made en route at the most stunning viewing points. Also en route you will stop to visit a typical Berber home to see for yourself how these people live. There will also be a stop for some light refreshments and the possibility to purchase local handicrafts made by the Berbers.
Approximate value: €25 EUR per person
Traditional Moroccan Evening After a short illuminated tour of this fascinating Imperial city, you will be taken to a typical local restaurant for an evening of folklore show and dinner. The show will consist of a number of acts including popular dances, acrobatic dancers, jebia dance, Bedouin dance and a marriage ceremony plus not to forget a belly dance! The dinner will give you a chance to sample some typical Moroccan dishes with wine or beer or soft drinks plus mineral water.
Approximate value: €45 EUR per person
Individual headsets
Inside visits and special features:
Shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description including admission charges where applicable.
Sightseeing:
Visits to Avila, Salamanca, Coimbra, Fátima, Portuguese wine bodega, Obidos, Seville, Casablanca
Scenic Highlights:
Serra da Estrela, Andalusia, Guadalquivir Valley, Costa del Sol, La Mancha, Middle Atlas
Guides:
Local Guides for city sightseeing in Madrid, Lisbon, Rabat, Marrakesh, Fez, Granada-Alhambra complex; professional Tour Director while touring
NOTES:
April 10 Departure – Feria in Seville
December 22 Departure – New Year’s “Reveillon” dinner in Marrakesh
CS
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