Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco – Classic Group, 2021

Your transfer will depart Madrid airport at 09:00, 11:30, 13:30 or 16:00.Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers over a beautiful evening of delicious food and wine.(Dinner with Wine)

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 Velazquez, Goya, Rubens and other masters. Journey past the walls of Ávila en route to Salamanca, with its honey-coloured cathedral and 16th century university buildings.(Breakfast)

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 Fatima is The Chapel of Apparitions, marking the exact location of her first appearance. Other sacred sites include the Museu de Arte Sacra e Etnologia, exhibiting religious artifacts and the modern church of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity. Your travels continue to Lisbon.(Breakfast)

Your guided sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paço, the finest square in the city, named after the palace that was destroyed in the terrible earthquake of 1755, along with much of the rest of the city. Visit 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 200 years. See the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the more ancient Belém Tower, erected to protect Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which you visit. This afternoon is free to explore further as you wish or perhaps decide to visit Sintra?(Breakfast)

Explore Seville with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Seville's Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Colombus, and see La Giralda, the former minaret of the Great Mosque, which now is the bell tower of the cathedral. Continue your exploration in the old Jewish Quarter. Alternatively, join a scenic drive around the city and a short walk through the narrow lanes of Santa Cruz Quarter, to enjoy a refreshing beverage.(Breakfast)

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, visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. This private dance school is dedicated to promoting the conservation of flamenco and supports young enthusiasts from all over the world with a special focus on new talent from the Andalusian region. 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. With some free time for dinner, wander the restaurants in Triana or try the local night market Lonja Del Barranco, selling tapas made from fresh, local produce. Why not grab yourself a refreshing sangria for a cheers to your new found dancing feet?(Breakfast)

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. Set sail across the Straits of Gibraltar to reach Morocco — a land of musky spices and colourful souks. Your travels continue to Tangier. Your Local Expert will show you the sights of Morocco's great port. See the Sultan's Palace and visit the Casbah.(Breakfast / Dinner)

Journey to Rabat and see the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower with your Local Expert.Continue to the west coast of Africa to reach Casablanca.Discover if Humphrey Bogart really did say 'Play it again Sam' during sightseeing with your Local Expert. You will also see the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in the country. During your free time this evening, perhaps head to the Corniche, Casablanca's chic seaside strip, for your choice of trendy restaurants and cafés?(Breakfast / Dinner)

Journey to Marrakesh and meet your Local Expert in the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where you can take a moment to watch the dancers, storytellers and acrobats. Explore the Medina and see the Koutoubia Mosque, with its minaret dominating the Marrakesh skyline.Visit the intricately decorated Palais Bahia, intended to be the greatest palace of its time, when it was built in the late 19th century.With time at leisure, you are free to continue exploring, try your hand at haggling in the souks or maybe visit a museum? In the evening, perhaps choose to join us at a vibrant restaurant on Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where you will enjoy a slew of classic Moroccan dishes as you absorb the ambience and watch twirling belly dancers balance plates of lit candles on their heads.(Breakfast)

Today is yours to explore Marrakesh at leisure.(Breakfast)

Journey to the vibrant city of Fes.Your Local Expert will guide you through the ancient Medina. Explore this walled city of hidden courtyards, mosques and workshops. Walk through the souks and pass one of the world’s oldest universities.Learn about the ancient craft of carpet making and gain an insight into the motifs and colours used in the designs. This afternoon you are at leisure to relax in your hotel and enjoy views from your room of the Medina.(Breakfast / Dinner)

Enjoy a relaxed start and day at leisure.Perhaps unwind at your hotel and cool off with a dip in the pool, or continue to explore Morocco's most ancient imperial city.(Breakfast / Dinner)

Leave Morocco and cross back over to Spain. Your travels continue through Andalucia and on to the Costa del Sol, famous for its beaches.(Breakfast)

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 Malaga, the birth city of Picasso.(Breakfast)

Continue to Alfarnatejo, a quiet white washed village with a population of just 500 people, surrounded by stunning mountainous landscape.Walk the town centre to see the 18th century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla.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 of fresh, local produce with 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 royal summer residence.(Breakfast / Lunch with Wine)

Your journey continues to the north, through countryside immortalised by Cervantes fictional hero, Don Quixote.On return to Madrid, toast your travels with your newfound friends during a lively Celebration Dinner of delicious food and wine at a local restaurant.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Bid farewell to your Iberian adventures. After breakfast, transfers arrive at Madrid airport at 07:00, 09:00 and 11:00.(Breakfast)