Spain, Morocco and Portugal

Day 1 | Hola Madrid

Colour outside the lines on this unforgettable encounter with the intoxicating lands of Spain, Morocco and Portugal. Kick off your unforgettable journey in the fiery Spanish capital of Madrid. This evening, explore the city's vibrant streets, before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for dinner and an orientation drive.

Meals: Dinner

Hotel: Meliá Castilla/NH Collection Eurobuilding

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Day 2 | Explore Fiery Madrid

Join your Local Specialist on this day of discovery, which includes views of the iconic Cibeles fountain and Paseo de la Castellana. Admire the Royal Palace and El Retiro Park, originally created as a retreat for the royal family, before spending the rest of the day at leisure indulging in la buena vida. Consider an Optional Experience to the medieval UNESCO-listed city of Segovia or encounter the greatest collection of Spanish art in the world at El Prado.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Meliá Castilla/NH Collection Eurobuilding

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Segovia World Heritage Site - Its Ancient Aqueduct & Fairytale Castle - Enjoy a visit to Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits on a rocky outcrop between two rivers. With your Local Specialist, you’ll visit the 13thcentury castle, reputed to have inspired Walt Disney, as well as seeing the best-preserved Roman aqueduct which has remained intact for 2,000 years.

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Day 3 | Onwards to Toledo and Granada

Witness the influence of Christians, Muslims and Jews that has spanned centuries in the imperial city of Toledo. Join your Local Specialist for a walking tour, during which you’ll visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco's most famous painting - 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz'. Then, visit the synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca, believed to be the oldest one still standing in Europe. Celebrate the tradition of steel and Damascene manufacturing and moulding as you Dive Into Culture at a local workshop, before your journey continues through the soul-stirring Andalusian landscape to Granada, where we'll spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Occidental

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Day 4 | Journey to the Sunny Costa del Sol

Tread in the footsteps of Spain's last emirs and admire the impressive Alhambra - a collection of palaces and fortresses dating from the 12 century. We join a Local Specialist to explore its intricate designs, tranquil gardens and colossal walls, believed to have been inspired by poetry and reflecting the description of paradise found in Islamic verse. Later, we leave this 'paradise on earth' behind and continue to the Costa del Sol.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Meliá Costa Del Sol

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

You will be offered one of the following two Optional Experiences depending on availability:

Jet-set Marbella: Puerto Banús & Mediterranean Dinner - Enjoy strolling through the atmospheric whitewashed townhouses and cobbled streets of Marbella's old town with our Local Specialist. Following a drive along Marbella's Golden Mile, we'll explore jet-set Puerto Banús. Then, we'll round the evening off with a delicious dinner of Mediterranean specialities in a well-known local restaurant.

Mijas Andalusian Hilltown & Mediterranean Dinner - Visit this charming hilltop village, perched up high with splendid views of the coastline. With our Local Specialist, we'll traverse its narrow streets, pass white-washed houses and see the oval bullring, with time for hunting hidden gems in the shops. Our evening finishes with a Mediterranean dinner at a coastal restaurant.

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Day 5 | Cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Fes

We travel along the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean and cross to North Africa by ferry. A memorable drive past the Rif Mountains brings us to Fes, a storied hub of traditional craftsmanship and our home for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Marriott Jnan Palace

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Day 6 | The Medina and More in Fes

Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through the cultural and spiritual centre of Morocco. First, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to the non-profit American Fondouk, speak with the volunteer veterinarians who care so passionately for the welfare of the animals. Stroll through the Medina of Fes, view its fortifications and Royal Palace, and admire traditional Moroccan handiwork during a visit to a carpet cooperative. Spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure. Tonight, maybe join an Optional Experience Arabian dinner in a traditional riad – a night of heartfelt local entertainment, including belly dancing, awaits.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Marriott Jnan Palace

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Bhalil Revealed - Explore Bhalil village, where local people live in dwellings carved from the rock face - a great way to experience Moroccan village life and to meet the locals. Warm in winter but cool in summer, they are perfect for the local climate.

Arabian Dinner and Entertainment in a Riad - Enjoy delicious local Arabian food, a live band and traditional entertainment including belly dancing, in a spectacular Moroccan setting.

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Day 7 | Off to Vibrant Marrakesh

Departing Fes, journey west through the golden landscape which turns to rusty red, bound for vibrant Marrakesh. Past and present collide in the world-famous Jemaa elFnaa Square. Embrace the unrivalled energy of this cultural and economic hub.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Grand Mogador Menara

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

The Square at Night and Traditional Dinner - You will visit the magical Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and enjoy the exotic sights and sounds of Marrakesh by night. Then we’ll have dinner in a typical local Moroccan restaurant, with music and entertainment.

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Day 8 | Discover Marrakesh

Visit the elegant Dar El Bacha Palace during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. See Jemaa el-Fnaa Square in the Old Quarter with its palm-readers, storytellers and snake charmers. Visit a traditional Moroccan pharmacy and Dive into Culture as you learn about the art of blending creams and cosmetics with regional ingredients. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Don't miss the chance to shop for bargains in the souks (markets) and bazaars, or perhaps visit a local Berber village.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Grand Mogador Menara

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Ourika Valley And Berber Village Home Visit - Join us for a scenic drive into the high Atlas Mountains valley of Ourika to experience legendary Berber hospitality. Visit a local family at home in an adobe village and enjoy tea together.

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Day 9 | Continue to Casablanca and Rabat

Journey north to Casablanca and enjoy a visit to the Hassan II Mosque with your Local Specialist, before arriving in the country's capital city.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Impérial Boutique Rabat

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Day 10 | Continue to Tangier

Today, you explore Rabat with your local specialist, stop at the opulent Mohammed V Mausoleum and admire Rabat's cityscape, its historic and modern centers traversed by the Bou Regreg River below. Later, we continue to Tangier, a gateway between Africa and Europe as prominent today as in Phoenician times. Our unique Stays with Stories this evening is the sumptuous El Minzah, an icon of the city overlooking the Bay of Tangiers and the sparkling Mediterranean beyond. The grand property, built in the Spanish-Moorish style in 1930, has welcomed the rich and famous over the past century. You’ll get to experience its warm hospitality for yourself as you contemplate the building's colourful history.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: El Minzah

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Day 11 | Sail the Strait to Seville

Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry, we return to Spain and journey past the region of Jerez, renowned as the origin of Spanish sherry. Drive through Andalucía and arrive in Seville. What better way to experience this lively city than witnessing the passion of flamenco? Immerse yourself in the spectacle of colourful swirling skirts and fervent rhythm of castanets during an unforgettable optional Flamenco performance this evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: AZZ Sevilla Este

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

In Seville, your Travel Director will offer you either two different Optional Experiences where you will enjoy a flamenco show and tapas dinner respectively, or a single Optional Experience that combines a flamenco show and dinner. Please see details below:

Discover The Origin Of Tapas & Evening In Old Seville - Join us for a dinner of mouth-watering tapas-style specialities. You’ll get the chance to taste different flavours and wines and dine like a local in the charming old quarter of Seville.

Flamenco: Experience the Best Show in Town - Discover the passion, rhythm and magic of an Andalusian flamenco show with us this evening. We've organised tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience memorable entertainment with an included drink. *On some departures, this experience might be operated on the previous night.

Flamenco, the Best Show in Town With a Three-Course Dinner - This evening you’ll discover the magic, rhythm and passion of flamenco, while being served a three-course dinner of Andalusian specialities with drinks included. We've organised tickets to the best show in town. You won't soon forget this incredibly memorable ninety-minute experience.

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Day 12 | Explore Spectacular Seville

Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour which will take you past the iconic Giralda Bell Tower. Admire the tiled fountains and pavilions in the María Luisa Park, the showcase for the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929, and see the imposing Plaza de España. Visit the ornate tomb of Christopher Columbus in the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, then enjoy a walk through the lovely historic Jewish Quarter.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: AZZ Sevilla Este

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

The Moorish Alcázar and Plaza América - Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll visit the elegant 14th-century Moorish Alcazar, set in its own beautiful gardens. The gardens were used as the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne in the Game Of Thrones series. We'll also journey to the famous exhibition site of Plaza América - a must for any visitor to Seville.

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Day 13 | Venture to Évora

Leaving the zesty scents of Seville behind, journey through the golden landscapes of the Alentejo, where the Brito Paes family awaits your arrival for a special lunch on their traditional stud ranch, which has been rearing Lusitano horses since the 18th century. This Be My Guest experience takes place in the ancestral home of the family, offering a unique glimpse into their heritage. Later, continue to Évora for a guided sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist, including visits to the city’s cathedral, Roman temple and the haunting Chapel of Bones. This evening, relax with dinner at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel: M'AR de AR Muralhas

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Day 14 | On to Lively Lisbon

You can start your day exploring Evora's maze of cobblestone streets or with an Oprtional Experience visit to Monsaraz, a fortified hilltop town set deep in the Alentejo. In the afternoon, say farewell to the cork trees of the Alentejo region and hello to the pastels of the Portuguese capital, where you'll join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour. You'll have an opportunity to Dive into Culture with a visit to the Belém Quarter and a taste of traditional Pastéis de Belém.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: VIP Grand Lisboa

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Monsaraz And The Deep Alentejo Drive - Follow your Local Specialist through the vineyards and groves of cork oaks to charming Monsaraz, one of the most famous and beautiful villages of the Alentejo. Inhabited since prehistory, Monsaraz has beautiful white-washed houses and a 14th century Castle, which overlooks Spain. We'll also see the largest artificial lake in Europe before tasting typical local refreshments.

Portuguese Fado Evening Of Music & Song With Dinner - Fado is the expressive national song of Portugal, often called the soul of their identity. Tonight, we'll visit one of the famed local Fado houses for an unforgettable performance and savour a typical Portuguese meal, with drinks included.

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Day 15 | Lisbon Your Way

Enjoy the day sauntering along Lisbon's grand shopping boulevards and the narrow lanes of Bairro Alto or consider joining an optional trip through the Golden Triangle, visiting Estoril, Cascais and one of Lisbon’s stunning royal palaces. This evening, enjoy dinner with newfound friends and your Travel Director, toasting to an epic Iberian holiday.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: VIP Grand Lisboa

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

The Golden Triangle: Sintra, Cascais & The Estoril Coast - We'll venture outside Lisbon with our Local Specialist today. After passing through the fashionable resort of Estoril, we'll explore the picturesque fishing village of Cascais, with its beautiful array of mansions and exclusive residences. To complete the Golden Triangle, we'll visit one of the impressive Royal Palaces of Portugal.

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Day 16 | Journey Home

Our epic journey through Spain, Morocco and Portugal comes to an end this morning. All that's left is to say a fond farewell to your newfound friends and an unforgettable experience shared. Your coach transfer will return to Madrid.

Meals: Breakfast