Spain, Morocco and Portugal
17 Days
Featuring: Madrid, Granada, Costa del Sol, Fez, Marrakesh,
Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Seville, Lisbon, Salamanca
Day 1 Depart
USA Overnight flight to Madrid.
Day 2 Arrive Madrid Trafalgar greets
you and accompanies you to your hotel. Then a chance to relax
before exploring the lively Spanish capital.
Day 3 Madrid - Toledo - Granada Today
we travel to ancient Toledo where our sightseeing highlights the
Synagogue. Then we continue on into Andalusia to Moorish hilltop
Granada with its spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Tonight dinner is at our hotel. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 4 Granada - Costa del Sol This
morning a local guide will take us on a tour of the exquisite
Alhambra Palace with its cool pools and fountains. Later, on to
the Costa del Sol, one of the most popular holiday areas in Europe,
where we'll have the chance to dip our feet in the blue waters
of the Mediterranean. This evening, why not try some of the local
seafood specialities? (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 5 Costa del Sol - Fez (2nights)
We start the day with a Mediterranean coastal drive to Algeciras
for the crossing to North Africa. We continue into a different
world as we enter Morocco, driving past the Rif Mountains to the
Imperial city of Fez, the first of our six-night stay in Africa.
Tonight, why not see some Moroccan belly-dancing and enjoy a delicious
dinner in superb surroundings? (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 6 Fez sightseeing & at leisure
Our morning sightseeing takes in the labryrinthine Medina as well
as the Royal Palace. Enjoy the atmosphere of this exotic city
as you have time to haggle over Moroccan souvenirs. This afternoon,
why not relax by the hotel swimming pool? (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 7 Fez - Marrakesh (2nights) Today
an exciting drive takes us through the foothills of the Atlas
Mountains to Marrakesh, Africa's most popular year-round sun resort.
It was once the favourite holiday spot of Sir Winston Churchill.
(Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 8 Marrakesh sightseeing & at
leisure Our guided sightseeing tour includes the Bahia Palace
and the vast Djemma el F'na Square with its palm-readers, acrobats,
camels, markets and more! Then free time for bargain hunting in
the colourful souks and bazaars or perhaps take an excursion to
a Berber village in the Ourika Valley. Tonight, why not enjoy
a Moroccan show of spectacular Arab horsemanship? (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9 Marrakesh - Casablanca This
morning, we drive to cosmopolitan Casablanca, scene of Bogart's
most romantic moments. You'll find some of North Africa's best
beaches and coastline here. Our sightseeing tour shows us the
modern sections of the city. Then we visit the Casbah and explore
its maze of twisted streets and alleys with stalls of spices,
beaten brass and Moroccan leather. This evening, we enjoy dinner
at our hotel. (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 10 Casablanca - Tangier We enjoy
a morning drive along the Atlantic Coast to Rabat, capital of
this fascinating country. Orientation shows us the Royal Mosque,
Mausoleum and the Royal Palace. Then on to the resort of Tangier,
where orientation reveals highlights of this interesting city.
(Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 11 Tangier - Seville (2nights)
This morning we board our ferry and cruise back to Spain, across
the Strait of Gibraltar, with views of the famous rock. Then we
drive through Jerez vineyards, home of sherry, leading to Andalusia's
most beautiful city, Seville for two nights. We dine at our hotel
this evening. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 12 Seville sightseeing & at leisure
This romantic city was deeply influenced by the Moors, who dwelt
in the area for 700 years. Hence the distinctive Moorish architecture
of the Giralda Tower, included on morning sightseeing along with
the pools and fountains of the Maria Luisa Park. Tonight, why
not enjoy a fiery flamenco show in one of the many lively night
spots? (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 13 Seville - Lisbon (2nights)
Through the arid country of Estremadura to the Portuguese border
and the capital of Portugal, Lisbon. Maybe spend the evening dining
on Portuguese specialities whilst listening to haunting Fado melodies
along the Bairro Alto. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 14 Lisbon sightseeing & at leisure
Our morning sightseeing includes the picturesque medieval quarter
and Vasco da Gama's tomb inside the Hieronymite Monastery, plus
we see the magnificent Belem Tower. The rest of the day is at
leisure, perhaps take a trip to Cascais to shop for pottery, cork
and fishermen's sweaters. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 15 Lisbon - Salamanca Today enjoy
a scenic morning drive through the Serra d'Aire Mountains en route
to the Shrine at Fatima, scene of celebrated religious miracles.
Then we drive across the border back into Spain before reaching
Salamanca. (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 16 Salamanca - Madrid A scenic
route takes us to Avila, birthplace of St. Teresa. Here we see
the mighty fortifications before we travel past the Sierra de
Guadarrama back to Madrid. On our afternoon arrival included sightseeing
shows us views of the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol and Cervantes
Memorial. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 17 Madrid - USA After breakfast
there is time to bid farewell to your new friends before we transfer
to the airport for our return flight to the USA. (Buffet Breakfast)
2002