16 Day Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco

On arrival at Lisbon International Airport, there are
complimentary transfers to your hotel. Settle in and relax before
joining your Travel Director for dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy
the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers during a
pleasant evening of good food and wine.
 

Your guided sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you to see the
Belém Quarter from where sailing ships once set forth to
discover unknown lands. Enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from
the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for
almost 20 years. Visit the National Coach Museum, which
features one of the most prominent horse-drawn carriage
collection in the world. The afternoon and evening are free to
explore further as you wish. Perhaps decide to visit the
Portuguese Riviera, or enjoy an evening of emotive 'Fado'
music?'
 

Depart Portugal this morning and journey into the sun-drenched
Algarve, pausing in one of the picturesque towns for a leisurely
lunch and a tranquil glimpse into southern Portugal’s coastal
charm. From here, cross the border into Spain and continue
through the changing landscapes of Andalucía, arriving in
Seville by late afternoon. The evening is yours to relax, or you
may wish to join an Optional Experience: Andalusian Evening &
the Atmosphere of Old Seville, where traditional cuisine and
music capture the spirit of this vibrant city.
 

Enjoy a relaxed start or choose to join one of two Optional
Experiences: admire the architectural elegance of Pilatos Palace,
or explore the Alcázar of Seville and nearby Plaza América,
home to graceful pavilions from the 1929 Ibero-American
Exposition. Continue exploring with Insight Choice. Choose to
stroll through the atmospheric Santa Cruz Quarter with a Local
Expert, or sit back and enjoy a scenic drive taking in the city's
iconic landmarks. Later, visit the Seville Cathedral, the largest
Gothic cathedral in the world and the final resting place of
Christopher Columbus. In the evening, take part in a MAKE
TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Cristina Heeren Foundation.
Try your hand at flamenco during a lively dance lesson, then
witness this expressive art form brought vividly to life in a
passionate performance.
 

Set sail across the Strait of Gibraltar to reach Morocco, a historic
land of deep-rooted tradition and compelling cultural character.
 

Today, your Local Expert will guide you through the ancient
Medina, teeming with hidden courtyards, beautiful mosques and
local workshops. Sensorial delights await around every corner as
you take in the historic grandeur of this walled city. Walk through
the souks and pass one of the world’s oldest universities. Learn
about the ancient craft of handwoven carpets, a tradition
developed in this region over thousands of years. Gain insight
into the exceptional skill and artistic symbolism applied to make
each carpet unique.
 

During today's journey, see traditional mud-walled villages set
against the vast arid plains. Glimpse the Atlas Mountains as you
approach Marrakesh, a bustling hub of culture and trade.
 

Join a Local Expert to explore the Medina, the historic heart of
the city. See the Koutoubia Mosque, its minaret dominating the
Marrakesh skyline with golden brickwork. Visit the intricately
decorated Palais Bahia, a 19th-century mosaic-laden masterpiece
built to be the greatest palace of its day. Experience the city's
captivating charm during time at leisure. Perhaps try your hand at
haggling in the souks on Jemaa-el-Fnaa Square or visit one of the
acclaimed museums.
 

Journey to the west coast of Africa to reach Casablanca. Did
Humphrey Bogart really say ''Play it again, Sam''? Your
Moroccan National Guide will reveal the truth to this and other
fascinating elements of this storied city. Visit the impressive
Hassan II Mosque, the largest in the country. For those who came
to Casablanca for the waters, the Corniche, a chic seaside strip,
welcomes you with its trendy restaurants and cafes.
 

Travel north to Rabat to see the intricately-decorated Royal
Palace and Hassan Tower with your Moroccan National Guide.
Your journey continues to Morocco’s port of Tangier, overlooking
the Strait of Gibraltar where the Atlantic meets the
Mediterranean. You'll see the sights of the city upon arrival, then
enjoy dinner and an evening at leisure to relax in the comfortable
surroundings of your hotel. As the sun sets, take a stroll along
Avenue d'Espagne on the Bay of Tangier.
 

Cross the water to Spain and continue on to Gibraltar, an
overseas territory under British control since 1704. Meet your
Local Expert for a guided tour of the Rock of Gibraltar, St.
Michael’s Cave and see the Barbary Apes, legendary guardians
of the colony. Your travels continue through Andalucía and on to
the Costa del Sol, famous for its beaches
 

Enjoy the day at leisure on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol. Relax
by the blue Mediterranean waters, stroll along the promenade,
savour the specialities in the local restaurants, or consider
exploring Málaga, the birth city of Picasso.
 

Continue to Alfarnatejo, a quiet white washed village with a
population of just 500 people, surrounded by stunning
mountainous landscape. Travel to the oldest olive grove in the
region and stop at the rural mill-factory of Alfarnatejo to taste a
selection of different oils with locally made farmer bread. In
small groups, you are invited into the home of a local family to
join them for a delicious lunch made with fresh, local produce
that showcases the flavours typical of the region. Continue to
Granada, where overlooking the town stands one of the most
remarkable fortresses ever built, the Alhambra. Led by your Local
Expert, explore this exquisite palace built as a citadel by the
Moors in the 13th century - a fantasy of arabesque gardens,
fountains and stone cut like lace. Stroll through the elegant,
exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the summer residence of
the Spanish royals.
 

Your journey continues to the north, through countryside
immortalised by Cervantes' fictional hero, Don Quixote.
 

Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert, as they guide you
through the most historic neighbourhoods in the Spanish capital.
Your drive continues through the Old Quarter to discover the
origins of the city. Visit the renowned Prado Museum with an art
historian who will guide you through the collective works of
Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and more. The afternoon is at
your leisure to relax at a cafe, shop in the trendy boutiques or
perhaps travel to beautiful Toledo with an Optional
Experience. In the evening, join your Travel Director and
newfound friends at a local restaurant in the heart of the city.
Toast your adventures as you enjoy a delicious dinner of regional
favourites, served with wine.
 

Today, bid a fond farewell to your memorable journey through
Spain, Morocco & Portugal as you transfer to the airport and
reflect on the experiences and adventures you've had.
Meals: Breakfast