DAY 1 – THU – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Madrid.
DAY 2 – FRI – MADRID AT LEISURE
Welcome to Madrid! There are complimentary transfers from Madrid airport to your tour hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax with a selection of tapas at a sidewalk café. As evening falls, get to know your fellow passengers over a Welcome Drink. Hotel: NH Eurobuilding.
DAY 3 – SAT – MADRID
– SALAMANCA
Visit Toledo, former capital of Spain, to see the 13th century Cathedral and one of Europe’s oldest synagogues, and admire El Greco’s masterpiece in the chapel of Santo Tome. Continue on past the mighty walls of St Theresa’s Avila en route to Salamanca. An orientation tour goes via the Plaza Mayor, the New and Old Cathedrals and the university buildings in the Plaza de Anaya. Hotel: Alameda Palace. (BB,D)
DAY 4 – SUN – SALAMANCA – LISBON
From Salamanca, drive across the Portuguese frontier to Fatima to visit the great white Basilica before continuing to the capital, Lisbon. Hotel: Marriott. (BB)
DAY 5 – MON – LISBON SIGHTSEEING
With a local guide, visit the cobbled streets of the ‘Alfama’ quarter to see Sao Jorge Castle before continuing on to the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belem Tower, the starting point for Portugal’s great navigators and explorers, and the famous Jeronimo’s Monastery. This afternoon is at leisure. (BB)
DAY 6 – TUE – LISBON – SEVILLE
Leave Lisbon via the Tagus Bridge and drive through the Alentejo region, across the Sierra Morena into Andalucía. Arrive in Seville and join a local guide to visit the Cathedral to see Christopher Columbus’ tomb. Continue to the Giralda Tower, Alcazar and the Santa Cruz quarter. Enjoy a Highlight dinner and ‘Flamenco’ show. Hotel: Melia Lebreros. (BB,HD)
DAY 7 – WED – SEVILLE AT LEISURE
The day is free to take in more sights of your choice. Don’t miss the chance to take an optional excursion to Cordoba, or perhaps enjoy a typical Sevilliano dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a cruise on the Guadalquivir? (BB)
DAY 8 – THU – SEVILLE – TANGIER
Cross into Gibraltar, a British territory since 1704. There is time to explore the town and take a trip to the top of the Rock to see the fortifications, St Michael’s Cave and the Barbary Apes. Then sail from Algeciras to exotic Morocco. Hotel: El Minzah/Rif. (BB,D)
DAY 9 – FRI – TANGIER – FEZ
On a sightseeing tour of Tangier, see the Medina and the Casbah before continuing to Fez, the most ancient of Morocco’s cities. Enjoy a superb Moroccan Dinner and a Folklore Show with drums and belly dancing. Hotel: Crown Palace. (BB,HD)
DAY 10 – SAT – FEZ SIGHTSEEING
During a guided tour of this ‘City of the Mind’, visit the Medina and the walled city of hidden courtyards, mosques and tiny workshops, the ancient bazaar and a carpet co-operative. Afterwards, consider visiting the fascinating Berber village of Meknes. (BB,D)
DAY 11 – SUN – FEZ – MARRAKESH
The road passes through the rugged Atlas Mountains, past mud-walled villages to Marrakesh, your base for two nights. Hotel: Ryad Mogador Menara.(BB,D)
DAY 12 – MON –
MARRAKESH SIGHTSEEING
On a guided tour, see the Koutobia Minaret, visit the Saadi Tombs, and explore the Medina with its many souks. The tour ends in Jemaa el Fna Square where acrobats, dancers and fortune tellers entertain you. When night falls, you may wish to enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants to try a traditional Tajine dish. (BB)
DAY 13 – TUE – MARRAKESH – RABAT
Leave Marrakesh and head south to Casablanca. Did Humphrey Bogart really say ‘Play it again Sam’? Find out on your orientation tour. Continue to the modern capital of Rabat where you see the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower. Hotel: Rabat/Golden Tulip Farah. (BB,D)
DAY 14 – WED – RABAT – COSTA DEL SOL
Sail back across the Straits of Gibraltar to Spain. Disembark at the port of Algeciras and travel along the sun drenched Costa del Sol past exclusive resorts to your hotel. Hotel: Melia Costa del Sol/NH Marbella. (BB)
DAY 15 – THU – COSTA DEL SOL – GRANADA
Drive along the coast and over the Sierra Nevada to hilltop Granada. A local guide will take you on a tour of the fabulous Alhambra Palace – a magnificent example of Moorish architecture. Also visit the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence, where you can enjoy the fine views over the town and its hills. Hotel: Saray/Alhamar. (BB,D)
DAY 16 – FRI – GRANADA – MADRID
Travel through La Mancha where Don Quixote tilted at windmills as his faithful Sancho Panza looked on, and pass through the wine centre of Valdepeñas, its roads lined with ‘bodegas’ (wine cellars). Upon reaching Madrid, why not try a restaurant on the Plaza Mayor? Hotel: NH Eurobuilding. (BB)
DAY 17 – SAT – MADRID
Take a guided tour down the wide tree-lined avenues to see the Puerta del Sol, Gran Via, Paseo de la Castellana, Cibeles Fountain and the Cervantes Monument in the Plaza de España. Make a Highlight visit inside the state apartments of the Royal Palace. In the afternoon, consider a visit to the Prado museum. (BB)
DAY 18 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to Madrid Airport. (BB)
Hotels
This tour stays in predominately modern hotels, many reflecting the local regional traditions. These range from the luxurious Lisbon Marriott to the brand new Crown Palace situated on the main avenue in Fez.
Fellow Passengers
This tour appeals to the more adventurous traveller – often those who have visited Iberia before and now wish to explore the origins of the Moorish connections, which are so evident throughout southern Spain.
Highlights
The outstanding highlights are the visit to the Palace and gardens of the Alhambra in Granada, the fiery Flamenco show in Seville and the whole Moroccan experience – including the folklore show with belly dancing.
Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features
Excursions & Sights
- See the Plaza Mayor, Cathedrals and University buildings in Salamanca
- Visit the Basilica in Fatima, one of the most important Catholic centres of faith
- View the modern Monument to the Discoveries and ancient Belem Tower in Lisbon
- View the Alcazar, Giralda Tower, and fashionable Santa Cruz quarter in Seville
- See the Rock of Gibraltar and go duty free shopping
- See the Medina and Casbah of Tangier
- Visit the Medina and shop for Moroccan carpets in Fez
- Visit the Saadi Tombs and see the Koutobia Minaret in Marrakesh
- View the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower in Rabat Pass through the famous wine centre of Valdepeñas
- See Madrid’s Cibeles Fountain and drive the Gran Via and Puerta del Sol
- See Don Quixote at the Cervantes Monument in the Plaza de España, Madrid
Scenic Drives
- Atlas Mountains, Costa del Sol, Sierra Nevada
Guided City Tours
- Indepth sightseeing tours in Lisbon, Seville, Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat, Toledo & Madrid
- Orientation tours in Avila, Salamanca, Fatima, Gibraltar, Tangier, Casablanca & Granada
Insight's First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
- First-class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Travel bag, document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 1 and departure transfer on Day 17
Quality Dining
