Madrid, Portugal, Andalusia & Morocco Tour - First Class

Arrive at the airport and transfer to hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation at Aloft Madrid Gran Vía / 1881 Madrid Ventas hotel or similar. 

Morning tour exploring Madrid’s medieval roots, including the old Arab fortress and the Barrio de la Morería. Discover the Hapsburg district, shaped by Philip II, with its Renaissance and Baroque landmarks at Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa. Continue to the Madrid of the Bourbons and the city planning of Charles III, featuring the Royal Palace, Cibeles Fountain and Neptune Fountain. Admire 19thcentury highlights such as the elegant Plaza de Oriente and the Prado Museum. Experience modern Madrid with its grand avenues like Gran Vía, the upscale Salamanca district, Parque del Oeste, the city’s commercial and financial centers, and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Aloft Madrid Gran Vía / 1881 Madrid Ventas hotel or similar. (B)

Drive to Salamanca and enjoy free time in this university city, celebrated for its rich architectural and artistic heritage. Continue toward the Portuguese border, for Porto. Overnight stay at Yotel Porto / BessaHotel Boavista / Cristal Porto hotel or similar. (B)

Sightseeing tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Highlights include the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building, and Santa Clara Church. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic view of the city from the Douro River and explore its historic heritage with a visit to the famous Port Wine Cellars, including a wine tasting. Remainder of day at leisure. Spend the night at Yotel Porto / BessaHotel Boavista / Cristal Porto hotel or similar. (B)

Depart for Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and the birthplace of Fado music, with free time to explore. Continue to Fátima, a major center of Christian faith and pilgrimage, featuring its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria, where the Virgin Mary appeared. Visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, the heart of the sanctuary, which houses the tombs of the three shepherd children, Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta. Overnight accommodation at Santa María / Aurea / Estrela / Regina hotel or similar. (B)

Depart for Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture. Continue to the charming fishing town of Nazaré and have some free time. Proceed to Alcobaça, another World Heritage Site, famous for its Gothic church and Cistercian monastery dating back to the 12th century. Continue to Lisbon, the Portuguese capital. Enjoy your stay at Lutécia / VIP Art’s / VIP Entrecampos hotel or similar. (B)

Morning tour of Lisbon, formerly known as Olissipo, including its main squares, the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery (exterior), and the Monument to the Discoveries. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Lutécia / VIP Art’s / VIP Entrecampos hotel or similar. (B)

Depart for Merida, the capital of Extremadura and famed for its remarkable historical legacy, featuring well-preserved Roman monuments such as the theater, amphitheater and Roman bridge. Enjoy free time before continuing to Córdoba. Stay overnight at NH Califa hotel or similar. (B)

Visit its Mosque (entrance included) and other landmarks while wandering through the narrow, winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. After a two-hour drive, arrive in Seville. Overnight at Meliá Lebreros hotel or similar. (B)

Morning city tour including a visit to the Cathedral - the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peter’s in Rome, the charming Santa Cruz Quarter, known as the setting for Carmen and the birthplace of the Don Juan legend, as well as María Luisa Park and the stunning Plaza de España. Afternoon at leisure. Stay the night at Meliá Lebreros hotel or similar. (B)

Drive south to Ronda and enjoy some leisure time to explore this town of Celtic origins. Continue to the Costa del Sol. Afternoon at leisure. Settle in for the night at Sol Torremolinos / Sol Príncipe hotel or similar. (B)

A full day at leisure to relax on the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol or explore the surrounding areas. Overnight at Sol Torremolinos / Sol Príncipe hotel or similar. (B)

Travel along the Costa del Sol tourist route, arriving in Algeciras or Tarifa. Board the ferry for a short scenic crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar. Upon arrival in Tangier, disembark, clear customs, and continue by coach to Fez. Dinner and overnight at Royal Mirage / Zalagh Parc Palace hotel or similar. (B, D)

Explore the oldest and most historic of the Imperial Cities, visiting its key landmarks: the seven gates of the Royal Palace, the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), the Bab Bou Jeloud gate, and a stroll through its impressive Medina. Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy your overnight stay and dinner at Royal Mirage / Zalagh Parc Palace hotel or similar. (B, D)

Depart for Rabat and visit its most notable landmarks, including the exterior of the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, and the Hassan Tower. Continue to Casablanca to see its key attractions, such as United Nations Square, the Corniche Boulevard, and the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque. Continue to Marrakech. Overnight at Palm Plaza / Kenzi Rose / Mogador Agdal hotel or similar. (B)

Explore the city known as the “Pearl of the South,” beginning with the beautiful Menara Gardens, featuring a pavilion and numerous olive trees. Continue to view the exterior of the Koutoubia Minaret, the twin of Seville’s Giralda. In the old quarter, visit the Bahia Palace, once the residence of a nobleman. Discover Jemaa el-Fna Square, one of Morocco’s most vibrant spots, providing access to the souks and the medina. Visit several artisan workshops, including woodworkers, potters, leather craftsmen, and spice vendors. Lunch at the hotel, then depart for Casablanca. Dinner and overnight accommodation at Le Grand Mogador / Farah / Le Palace d’Anfa hotel or similar. (B, L, D)

Depart for Tangier. Transfer to the port to board the ferry for the return journey across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain and continue to Costa del Sol. Overnight stay at Sol Torremolinos / Sol Príncipe hotel or similar. (B)

A full day at leisure to relax on the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol. Overnight at Sol Torremolinos / Sol Príncipe hotel or similar. (B)

Depart for Granada, renowned for its stunning monumental heritage and as the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms. Visit the world-famous Alhambra complex and the beautiful Generalife Gardens, whose sights and sounds have inspired many authors, including Washington Irving in his Tales of the Alhambra. Accommodation at Meliá Granada / Catalonia Granada hotel or similar. (B)

Depart north toward Madrid. Upon arrival, check in and settle at Aloft Madrid Gran Vía / 1881 Madrid Ventas hotel or similar. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport. (B)