Spain, Portugal & Morocco

Day 1

ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN 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)

Day 2

MADRID 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, 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–ÁVILA–SALAMANCA–COIMBRA, PORTUGAL 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 frontier to Guarda, the highest town in Portugal. From here, descend to the valleys of the Serra da Estrela to Coimbra.
Today’s Distance: 329 mi/ 530 km (B,D)

Day 4

COIMBRA–FÁTIMA–OBIDOS–LISBON 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: 168 mi/ 270 km (B)

Day 5

LISBON Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th-century “Mistress of the Seas.” On the included guided tour, see his monument, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, and the impressive Commerce Square, also known as Black Horse Square. Spend the afternoon at leisure—maybe in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets, or take an optional excursion to the Portuguese Riviera. (B)

Day 6

LISBON–SEVILLE, SPAIN 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.
Today’s Distance: 261 mi/ 420 km (B,D)

Day 7

SEVILLE Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of this vibrant city. Walk in the city centre, see some of the main highlights and spend time to admire the impressive Plaza d’España. Admire 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. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 8

SEVILLE–FERRY TO MOROCCO–RABAT 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: 311 mi/ 500 km (B,D)

Day 9

RABAT–CASABLANCA–MARRAKESH Today starts with an included guided city sightseeing tour of the country’s lively capital, Rabat, with a visit to Chellah Gardens and 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 on to the “red” oasis city of Marrakesh. An optional excursion this evening is the perfect ending of the day.
Today’s Distance: 227 mi/ 365 km (B)

Day 10

MARRAKESH 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)

Day 11

MARRAKESH–FEZ Today, travel 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 apes, wild boars, and polecats. On your way north to Fez, enjoy glimpses of North African village life.
Today’s Distance: 311 mi/ 500 km (B,D)

Day 12

FEZ 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. (B)

Day 13

FEZ–FERRY CROSSING TO SPAIN–MIJAS 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: 323 mi/ 520 km (B,D)

Day 14

MIJAS–GRANADA 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: 162 mi/ 260 km (B,D)

NOTE:
*Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed.

Day 15

GRANADA–MADRID 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: 267 mi/ 430 km (B)

Day 16

MADRID Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)