Madrid to Portugal, Andalusia & Morocco

Madrid - Salamanca - Porto (Portugal). We depart Madrid this morning - please refer to your documentation for detailed departure information. We travel first to Salamanca, where you’ll have free time to explore this university city. After some time to explore, we say farewell to Spain and cross the Portuguese border, arriving in Porto.

Please Note: This is a bi-lingual, large group coach tour, where a majority of travellers are Spanish, so English will be the second language. For groups of 12 or more the tour is escorted by a bilingual (Spanish & English speaking) tour leader/escort. They will provide explanations about the itinerary, coordinate accommodation services, and ensure the smooth running of the tour, making your trip an enjoyable experience. When the group size is less than 12, this service may be provided by the driver. There will be experienced bi-lingual local guides for included city sightseeing. This tour also combines different programmes, meaning some travellers may join and leave the tour part way through, and your tour escort may also change.

Today we enjoy an included panoramic tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the tour, we'll take in the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building, and the Church of Santa Clara. Then, we enjoy a unique view of the city with a cruise along the Douro River, followed by a visit to a renowned Port Wine Cellar, complete with a wine tasting. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure.

Porto - Coimbra - Fatima. This morning, we depart for Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and the birthplace of Fado. Enjoy free time to explore the city before we continue to Fatima, a major Christian pilgrimage site with its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria, where the Virgin Mary appeared. Visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, the heart of the sanctuary, where the tombs of the three shepherds - Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta are located. In the evening, you may choose to attend the famed candlelight procession.

Fatima - Batalha - Nazare - Alcobaca - Lisbon. Our first stop today is the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture. After some time to take in the monastery, we continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazare for some free time. Nazare is known to have some of the tallest waves in the world, and is one of the world's best surf spots.

Next, we head to Alcobaca, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we can see its Gothic church and the Cistercian monastery dating back to the 12th century. Our final destination this afternoon is the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. On arrival, enjoy your first evening in the city at leisure.

This morning, we enjoy an included city tour of Lisbon, formerly known as Olissipo. During the tour, we take in the city's main squares and avenues, as well as landmarks like the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery (exterior), and the Monument to the Discoveries. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city’s charming districts, such as Alfama, or join an optional excursion to the World Heritage Sites of Sintra and Cascais.

Lisbon - Merida (Spain) - Cordoba. We depart Lisbon for the Spanish border, stopping in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Merida. The capital of Extremadura is renowned for its rich history, including well-preserved Roman ruins such as the theatre, amphitheatre, and Roman bridge. Enjoy some free time before continuing to Cordoba, former capital of the Caliphate.

Please note: Some members of the tour may be heading back to Madrid after visiting Merida, while you continue with the rest of the group to Cordoba.

Cordoba - Seville. This morning we enjoy an included tour of Cordoba's iconic La Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral (entrance included) and other landmark in the city. We can also stroll though the narrow, winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, we make the two hour journey to Seville, perhaps the most popular destination in Andalusia.

Begin the morning with a panoramic Seville city tour, including a visit to the Cathedral - second only to St Peter’s in Rome. We also take in the the Santa Cruz quarter, known as the setting for Carmen and the birthplace of the Don Juan legend, Maria Luisa Park, and the stunning Plaza de Espana. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy further exploring Seville at your leisure. There's an optional Flamenco show in the evening.

Seville - Ronda - Costa del Sol. After breakfast and check out, we drive south through charming rural villages to Ronda. Enjoy free time to explore this historic town of Celtic origin and take in its breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, we continue to the Costa del Sol, a popular European holiday destination, with reliable weather and perfect beaches. We will be staying at a hotel near the beachfront, usually in Torremolinos but sometimes in other towns along the Costa del Sol.

Today is completely at leisure for you to unwind on the beaches of the Costa del Sol, or relax in the hotel and make use of the facilities.

Costa del Sol - Algeciras / Tarifa - Tangier (Morocco) - Meknes - Fes. Today we say goodbye to Spain, departing along the scenic Costa del Sol tourist route to either Algeciras or Tarifa (varies by departure). Here we will board the ferry for our included crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. Upon arrival in Tangier, we will disembark, clear customs, and continue by coach to Meknes. Here we enjoy a brief stop so you can stretch your legs and have a look around before we complete our journey to the imperial city of Fes. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.

This morning we enjoy a tour of ancient, UNESCO-listed Fes, one of the most important imperial cities in Morocco, and the oldest and largest medieval city in the world. On our tour we will wander down some of the old walled city's 9,400 alleyways and take in the heart of the medina. We also see the seven gates of the Royal Palace, explore the Jewish Quarter and admire the ornate gate of Bab Bou Jeloud, built by the colonial French administration in 1913. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city further at your own pace, and we spend a second night in the city.

Fes - Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech. We have a busy day today, departing after breakfast for Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Whilst here, we take in key landmarks, including the exterior of the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Hassan Tower. Continuing to Casablanca, there's time to take in its main attractions, such as the United Nations Square, Corniche Boulevard, and the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in Africa after Egypt's Masjid Misr Al Kabeer. We the n continue our journey to Marrakech, stopping for lunch en route. The evening is at leisure on arrival, or you can join an optional traditional dinner at a local restaurant.

Marrakech - Casablanca. In the morning, we explore Marrakech, the 'Pearl of the South.' Begin at the grand Menara Gardens, home to a pavilion surrounded by olive groves. Visit the exterior of the Koutoubia Minaret, a twin to Seville’s Giralda. Continue into the old city to tour the Bahia Palace, once the residence of a nobleman. Conclude at the vibrant Djemaa el Fna Square, a hub of Moroccan culture, with access to the bustling souks and medina. Discover artisan guilds, including woodworkers, potters, leatherworkers, and spice merchants, as well as snake charmers and performers.

Lunch is included back at the hotel before we make our way back to Casablanca. There's more time to explore the coastal city, and dinner is included at our hotel.

Casablanca - Tangier - Algeciras / Tarifa (Spain) - Costa del Sol. After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Tangier and transfer to the port to board the ferry for the return journey across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain. We continue to the Costa del Sol, where we are spending the night.

Spend another free day on the Costa del Sol, relaxing and recharging from our Morocco adventure. Unwind on the beach, head into town to do some shopping, or make use of the facilities at the hotel - it's up to you how you spend the day!

Costa del Sol - Granada. After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Granada, known for its history as the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms until 1492. We enjoy an included visit to the world-famous Alhambra complex and the Generalife Gardens, whose beauty has inspired countless works, including Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra. After our visit, we head to our hotel in the city, and there's an optional Flamenco Zambra show this evening, a great way to celebrate the last night of our trip.

Granada - Toledo - Madrid. We depart Granada after breakfast on our final day, journeying northward to the Imperial city of Toledo, dramatically set above the Tagus River. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toledo is renowned for its historic harmonious coexistence of Christian, Moorish, and Jewish cultures. Often called a living museum, it encapsulates Spain’s art, history, and spirituality, with its entire historic centre recognised as a National Monument. Enjoy a short guided tour through the narrow streets of the old town before we complete our journey to Madrid. Our tour ends with drop off in the city centre.

Please note: Airport transfers are not included on this tour. You will be dropped back at a central Madrid hotel. The exact location can be confirmed on request after your booking, as drop off location varies by departure. You will need to make your own way to the airport or to your independently booked accommodation tonight.