Day 1: Welcome to Madrid
Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner in a local restaurant and enjoy an evening of typical madrileño flavors.
Day 2: Prado Museum and on to Golden Salamanca
With your Local Expert, travel along the main historical areas of the capital of Spain, known as Madrid of the Bourbons. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter, to discover the origins of the city. A sure highlight is when you join an art historian to explore the Prado Museum, a magnificent palace housing works by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens and other masters. Journey past the walls of Ávila en route to Salamanca, with its honey-colored cathedral and 16th-century university buildings.
Day 3: Holy Fátima and Lisbon Relaxed Start
Cross the Portuguese frontier and skirt the Estrela Mountains en route to Fátima, Portugal 's most renowned religious site. Join the pilgrims flocking into the great basilica, commemorating the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. In the heart of the Shrine of Fátima is The Chapel of Apparitions, marking the exact location of her first appearance. Your travels continue to Lisbon.
Day 4: Lisbon and the Age of the Great Discoveries Relaxed Start
Uncover the treasures of Lisbon with a Local Expert, beginning with a guided visit to the historic Belém Quarter, once the departure point for explorers of the New World. Indulge in a taste of the famed Pastéis de Belém, prepared with a secret recipe handed down through generations. Step into the National Coach Museum and visit one of the world 's most remarkable collections of opulent horse-drawn carriages. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore Lisbon at your leisure. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the elegant Portuguese Riviera, where scenic coastal views beckon. You can also choose an Optional Experience to witness the hauntingly beautiful strains of Fado music over dinner at a traditional Fado house.
Day 5: To Seville, the City of Carmen
Discover the wonders of Seville, beginning with a visit to its cathedral, the revered resting place of Christopher Columbus. Then, personalize your exploration with Insight Choice. Opt for a guided stroll through the labrynthine Jewish quarter, where you'll admire the iconic La Giralda, the former minaret turned cathedral bell tower. Alternatively, relax on a scenic drive through Seville. See the banks of the Guadalquivir River and marvel at the city 's architectural treasures, from Moorish influences to vibrant Andalusian flair.
Day 6: Free Time and Flamenco in Seville Relaxed Start
This morning is yours to completely relax or continue exploring this fascinating city. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Córdoba and visit the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it? Later this afternoon, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a flamenco dance school and beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Their mission is to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson before witnessing emotions come to life in a flamenco performance.
Day 7: The Straits of Gibraltar to Fes
Set sail across the Strait of Gibraltar to reach Morocco, a historic land of deep-rooted tradition and compelling cultural character.
Day 8: Explore Fes Relaxed Start
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.
Day 9: On the Road to Marrakesh
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.
Day 10: Explore Marrakesh Relaxed Start
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.
Day 11: Play It Again Sam in Casablanca Relaxed Start
Journey to the west coast of Africa to reach Casablanca. Did Humphrey Bogart really did say 'Play it again, Sam'? Your Moroccan National Guide will reveal the truth to this and other fascinating elements of this storied city. See 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.
Day 12: Rabat and Tangier Relaxed Start
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 will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of the city with a Local Expert. After dinner, enjoy an evening at leisure to relax in the comfortable surroundings of your hotel as the sun sets or take a stroll along Avenue d'Espagne on the Bay of Tangier.
Day 13: On to the Costa del Sol
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 Andaluc??a and on to the Costa del Sol, famous for its beaches.
Day 14: At Leisure on the Costa del Sol Relaxed Start
Enjoy the day at leisure on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol. Relax by the blue Mediterranean waters, stroll along the promenade, savor the specialties in the local restaurants, or consider exploring Málaga, the birth city of Picasso.
Day 15: Dining with Locals and the Alhambra Palace
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 Highlight Lunch made with fresh, local produce that showcases the flavors 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.
Day 16: To Madrid in Search of Don Quixote
Your journey continues to the north, through countryside immortalized by Cervantes' fictional hero, Don Quixote. On return to Madrid, toast your travels with your newfound friends during a lively dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 17: Depart Madrid
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.
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