European Tours

14 Day Best of Spain & Portugal

Including Morocco

You're Invited to Join Us!
via Iberia Airlines, Alitalia Airlines

DAY 01 – DEPART U.S.A.

DAY 02 – ARRIVE MADRID
We will be met at Madrid airport by our Tour Director and transferred to our hotel. Then a chance to unwind and relax before beginning the exploration of the Spanish capital. Later on, perhaps, a stroll through the beautiful parks and gardens and maybe a taste of some traditional "tapas" before an included dinner at a typical Spanish restaurant.

DAY 03 – MADRID
We meet our local guide this morning and start the discovery of this modern city. We will view the Puerta del Sol, the Plaza Mayor and visit the Prado Museum, on of the most famous in the world, where we will be able to admire many records of the magnificent Spanish past. After a visit to the Royal Palace there will still be time for shopping, visiting a Museum or simply enjoying this vibrant atmosphere.

DAY 04 – MADRID / SALAMANCA
An early start this morning and a visit to the royal city of El Escorial. This great monastery-palace was built in the foothills of the Guadarrama Valley by Philip II, in thanksgiving for his victory over the French in 1557. Our next stop will be at the Valley of the Fallen, the Memorial built by Franco to those who fell in the civil war and then on to Avila, the home town of St. Theresa, for a brief orientation tour before proceeding to Salamanca, in time for our hotel dinner.

DAY 05 – SALAMANCA / LISBON
This morning we leave the home of Spain's oldest university and drive across the Portuguese frontier to Fatima – one of the most important centres of faith in the catholic world – where we will visit the white vasilica commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three children in 1917. Then on to Lisbon, the Portuguese capital that will be our home for tonight.

DAY 06 – LISBON
Today, with a local guide we see the broad avenues of the Lower Town and the alleys of the Alfama Quarter, view the Navigator's Monument, the Tower of Belem – starting point for Portugal's intrepid explorers – and the 16th century Jeronimos Monastery. Later, during our free time, why not take part in an excursion to Sintra and its royal summer residence?

DAY 07 – LISBON / SEVILLE
Today we drive from the greenery of Portugal's Alentejo region across the Sierra Morena into Spain's largest region, Andalucia. Here Seville, site of the World Exp. of 1992, awaits to enchant and delight us with the charm and warmth of its Moorish past.

DAY 08 – SEVILLE
Deeply influenced by the Moors, who dwelt in the area for 700 years, this romantic city is ready to show us all the main sights this morning when, together with our local guide, we visit the Cathedral – the burial place of Christopher Columbus – and the Alcazar – one of the purest examples, despite later modifications of Mudejar architecture. We will also see the Giralda Tower and the pools and fountains of the famous Maria Louisa Park. Later we are free to continue the exploration on our own and tonight maybe enjoy an amazing flamenco show in one of the many night spots.

DAY 09 – SEVILLE / TANGIER
This morning we drive through Jerez vineyards – home of fine sherries – to Algesiras, from where we sail to exotic Morocco and the resort of Tangier, set on a beautiful bay where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. Our tour of Tangier will show us a city of contrasts where the East of spices and Souks, Medina and Casbah come together with the West in a lively and colorful mix.

DAY 10 – TANGIER / GIBRALTAR / COSTA DEL SOL
This morning the ferry takes us across the straits of Gibraltar and we are soon on territory that has been British – and predicted to remain so as long as its Barbary Apes survive – since 1704. We have time for an orientation of the town and a look at its many shops before driving on to our hotel in the famous Costa del Sol.

DAY 11 – COSTA DEL SOL
A full day to relax. Why not lounge on the glorious sandy beaches, go on a shopping spree or maybe join an excursion to the small, hill top village of Mijas, one of the most charming and typical of Andalucia.

DAY 12 – COSTA DEL SOL / GRANADA
This morning we climb the dramatic mountains of the Sierra Nevada to Granada, Spain's most beautiful Moorish-influenced city. Here, with an expert local guide, we tour the fantastic Alhambra Palace with its astonishing architecture of courtyards with cool fountains and refreshing pools, and the famous Generalife Gardens.

DAY 13 – GRANADA / TOLEDO / MADRID
North today to Toledo, a city set like a jewel in the arid landscape. Our tour of this former capital of Spain shows us the magnificent Cathedral and the El Greco House & Museum, where we will admire some of the works of this famous artist. Back in Madrid tonight, we will have a chance to taste some delicious Spanish specialties at our farewell dinner.

DAY 14 – MADRID / U.S.A.
A short drive today will take us to Madrid airport where we will say good-bye to our Tour Director and driver after a memorable tour.

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