Check into your hotel. Take advantage of any free time to explore lively Madrid with the help of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions. (D)
Includes meal(s): Dinner
Spaniards say the Spanish capital, situated 2,180 feet above sea level, is the nearest thing to Heaven. It’s certainly worth making the most of today by joining the included guided sightseeing tour: a full panoramic drive by way of the Calle Alcalà and a picture stop outside the Royal Palace. Take an optional trip to Toledo to revel in the splendid setting of this old walled city above the Tagus River. Made famous in El Greco’s painting, today it resembles a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Visit ancient, fortified Ávila with its many towers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Salamanca and make sure you spend some time wandering around Plaza Mayor, the grandest square in Spain. Cross the border in Guarda, the highest town in Portugal. From here, descend to the valleys of the Serra da Estrela to Coimbra.
Today’s Distance: 354 mi/ 570 km (B,D)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy an orientation tour of Coimbra, celebrated for its beauty and ancient university. Later, travel southward to visit the Sanctuary of Fátima, one of Europe’s most visited Marian shrines. Continue to picturesque fortified Obidos, before reaching Lisbon for two overnights.
Today’s Distance: 180 mi/ 290 km (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th-century “Mistress of the Seas.” On the included guided tour, see his monument, the Belem Tower, and the Moorish Citadel. Spend the afternoon at leisure—maybe in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
From the rolling plains of the Alentejo with its woodlands of cork and eucalyptus trees, head south to the brilliant light of Andalusia. Admire its neat, white-painted villages and sun-drenched plantations of olives, figs, and almonds while traveling towards magnificent Seville. During an optional outing to a fascinating Flamenco Show, feel the passion and pride of Seville with every click of the heels and castanets.
Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km (B,D)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of this vibrant city. Walk in the city centre, see some of the main highlights and spend time admiring the impressive Plaza d’España. Notice the banks of tiles representing the provinces of Spain. A frequent ritual for Spanish visitors is to look for the space dedicated to their province to take photographs. You may want to do the same with the one you enjoyed the most so far. Free time in the afternoon. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Drive through Spain’s pretty sherry wine region and head south to the coast. Here, embark the ferry and cruise across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco on the African continent. Travel along what was once the infamous Barbary Coast, then continue the drive south to Rabat, one of Morocco’s imperial cities.
Today’s Distance: 273 mi/ 440 km (B,D)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Today starts with an included guided city sightseeing tour of the country’s lively capital, Rabat, with a visit to Kasbah des Oudaias. Later, reach Morocco’s westernmost city: Casablanca. Enjoy an orientation drive in this modern city and see the illustrious Hassan II Mosque. One of the largest mosques in the world, its minaret soars 689 feet into the sky. Continue to the “red” oasis city of Marrakesh. Tonight, experience the vibrant culture and cuisine of the original inhabitants of North Africa with an optional exotic floor show and dinner in traditional Berber style.
Today’s Distance: 242 mi/ 390 km (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Today’s included city sightseeing with a Local Guide will make you feel like you’ve stepped 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 fascinating carnival of entertainment occurs daily. Also visit the Bahia Palace and Majorelle Gardens. (B,D)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Today, sit back, relax, and watch the scenery pass by as you travel north to vibrant Fez, the oldest of the Imperial Cities.
Today’s Distance: 329 mi/ 530 km (B,D)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Ancient Fez is a city of outstanding scenic beauty. Visit the Medina during the included sightseeing tour this morning and enjoy the maze of narrow streets through the brilliant bazaars and exotic atmosphere. The madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques, and fountains dating back to the 13th century are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, explore further on your own. The Moor the merrier tonight with an unforgettable optional Moroccan evening of Moorish food, authentic folklore music, and dance, including belly dancing. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Today, an early departure takes you north for the ferry crossing back to mainland Spain to the Costa del Sol. Overnight in Mijas.
Today’s Distance: 317 mi/ 510 km (B,D)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Travel along the Costa del Sol to Granada in the heart of Andalusia. Enjoy an included guided visit of the Alhambra Complex*, a lavish palace and fortress built by Moorish kings. Marvel at its architectural Moorish beauty and magnificent gardens, with construction dating back to 889 AD. Today’s Distance: 112 mi/ 180 km (B,D)
NOTE:
*Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Travel through the very heart of Don Quixote’s La Mancha, famed for its castle and windmills, on your way to Madrid.
Today’s Distance: 261 mi/ 420 km (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
