Classic Spain, Portugal & Morocco - 18 Days

Madrid - Salamanca - Vigo. We depart from the bus terminal at 7:45/8:00, heading toward Salamanca, a city rich in culture and history. Enjoy free time to explore its elegant sandstone architecture, stroll through the renowned Plaza Mayor, and perhaps visit the historic university or the Cathedral complex.

Afterward, we continue to the coastal city of Vigo in Galicia. Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel and enjoy dinner.

Please note: This tour is bi-lingual and will be conducted in Spanish as well as in English.

Meeting Point: C. de Ferraz, 3, Moncloa - Aravaca, 28008 Madrid at 8:00.

Vigo (Spain) - Viana do Castelo (Portugal) - Braga - Porto. After breakfast, we make our way across the Portuguese border to the charming coastal city of Viana do Castelo. Nestled between the River Minho and Porto, this elegant town boasts a rich maritime heritage and a beautifully preserved old quarter. You’ll have time to wander its cobbled streets, admire the stately manor houses adorned with carved coats of arms, or perhaps visit the hilltop Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, which offers sweeping views over the Atlantic coast.

We then continue to Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest and most revered cities, often called the “City of Archbishops.” With its deep religious roots and vibrant atmosphere, Braga is home to baroque churches, bustling squares, and the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace before we travel onward to Porto, where we settle in for the evening at our hotel.

After breakfast, we will set out on a panoramic tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its rich history and striking architecture. During our tour, we will see the imposing Cathedral, the ornate Palácio da Bolsa which is the Stock Exchange building, and the charming St. Clara Church. Our experience concludes with a visit to a traditional wine cellar for a tasting of the city’s world-famous Port wine.

Porto - Coimbra. Today, we depart for Coimbra, a historic city renowned for housing one of Europe’s oldest universities and for being the birthplace of Fado, Portugal’s soulful traditional music.

Upon arrival, we will have lunch, then you’ll have free time to explore the atmospheric old town, stroll through the university’s grand courtyards, visit local bookshops or museums, or simply relax at a café along the Mondego River.

Coimbra - Fátima - Lisbon. This morning, after breakfast, we depart for Fátima, one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, known for the reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917. Here, you can enjoy free time to visit the Sanctuary, including the Chapel of the Apparitions and the Basilica.

After, we travel to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, which is situated at the mouth of the Tagus River. Once we have arrived, we will check into our accommodation. In the evening, there is an optional night tour to experience Fado, traditional Portuguese music and songs.

This morning, we begin with a panoramic city tour of Lisbon, beautifully set at the mouth of the Tagus River. We take in sweeping views from Edward VII Park, pass through Rossio Square and the elegant Liberdade Avenue, and explore the Madragoa district, where Fado music was born. Continuing to the Belém district, we see the iconic Tower of Belém, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture.

The afternoon is free to enjoy Lisbon at your own pace—perhaps relax at a riverside café, browse local shops, or visit one of the city’s museums. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional excursion to the charming towns of Sintra, Cascais, or Estoril.

Lisbon (Portugal) - Caceres (Spain) - Seville. This morning, we depart for the Extremadura region and arrive in Caceres. Enjoy free time to explore Plaza Mayor and stroll through the old city, known for its famous and well-preserved medieval quarter, a recognized World Heritage site. There's free time for lunch before we continue south to Andalucía, arriving in Seville, where dinner is included.

In the morning, we enjoy a city sightseeing tour, taking in María Luisa Park, Plaza de España, and the exterior of the remarkable Cathedral and its bell tower, known as the Giralda. Explore the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood with its quaint streets, squares, and narrow alleys. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

After the tour, you've got free time or can join optional activities including a Guadalquivir River cruise, offering panoramic views of the Gold Tower and Expo 92, or a visit to the Maestranza bullring. In the evening, you have the option to attend a flamenco show.

Seville - Ronda - Costa del Sol. After breakfast, we'll depart for the Route of the White Villages and Ronda. You'll have some free time to take in sweeping views from the Puente Nuevo bridge, explore the historic bullring, or stroll through the charming old town with its whitewashed buildings and quiet plazas. Then, we'll continue on to the Costa del Sol for the night. On most departures, we stay in the town of Torremolinos, though this is subject to change.

Costa del Sol - Tangier. After breakfast, we depart Costa del Sol and cross the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry, enjoying views of the Mediterranean Sea and the distant Rif Mountains as we sail to Tangier.

Upon arrival in Morocco, we begin with a panoramic drive through the surroundings of Tangier, taking in views of Cape Spartel and the legendary Grottos of Hercules (entrance not included). Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace—perhaps strolling along the coast, browsing local markets, or relaxing at a nearby café. You can also opt to join an optional excursion to Tétouan. Later we will make our way to the hotel and enjoy dinner.

Tangier - Volubilis - Meknes - Fes. Today, we depart through the Middle Atlas towards Fes. The first stop is Volubilis, where we will explore its Roman ruins, including the main thoroughfare, Decumanus Maximus, which stretches from the gate of Tangier to the Arc de Triomphe of Caracalla, dating back to 217 AD. This road is paved and lined with spacious, ornate houses.

Next, we continue to Meknes, one of Morocco's Imperial cities that became the capital during the reign of Moulay Ismail. There, we'll visit the medina, El Hedim Square, and the renowned Bab Al Mansour gate, considered one of the most beautiful in Morocco. In the afternoon, we willarrive in Fes, where we will have dinner.

We begin our day with breakfast, followed by a visit to the first of Morocco's imperial cities, known as the intellectual and religious capital of the country. Our tour will commence with a panoramic view from the hotel as we head toward the royal palace, Dar AlMakhzen, renowned for its seven gates.

Our journey continues into the captivating medina of Fes El Bali, the oldest and most expansive in Morocco, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With 785 mosques and over 2,000 squares, streets, and alleys, this medina offers a labyrinthine journey back in time.

We will travel from Bab Boujloud to Es-Seffarine Square, tracing centuries of history from the 9th to the 19th century. Along the way, we’ll explore the medina’s intricate alleys, its historic architecture, and traditional artisan quarters such as the leather tanners and seamstresses. We'll visit a medersa before ending our walk to the sound of coppersmiths hammering as they have for generations. Lunch is included at a typical restaurant, followed by a free afternoon.

Fes - Casablanca - Marrakech. This morning, we will be departing for Casablanca, the country's economic capital. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch along the renowned Corniche. We will then venture to see the impressive Hassan II Mosque, crafted by over 3,000 artisans.

Afterwards, we continue to Marrakesh. On arrival, we’ll head to the hotel for dinner, with the remainder of the day free to relax or explore at your own pace.

After breakfast, we will tour Marrakech, one of the important imperial cities. Our visit begins at the Koutoubia Mosque, the city's symbol, which once served as a bookstore.

Next, we will explore the magnificent Bahia Palace, constructed in the 19th century by hundreds of artisans from Fes. The tour then continues from the Jewish quarter, known as Mellah, through Kissaría Square to the vibrant Djamaa El Fna Square. This area, recognized as a living museum and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is alive with storytellers, snake charmers, jugglers, dancers, and more, creating an authentic marvel.

We will then wander through the souks and their bustling alleys filled with shops, workshops, and terraces to discover the guilds of carpenters, sharpeners, and a Berber pharmacy offering remedies and natural products, primarily made from argan and its derivatives. Back at the square, you'll have free time before enjoying lunch at a traditional restaurant. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Marrakech - Rabat. Today, we travel to Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital, one of its historic imperial cities, and the official residence of the royal family. On arrival, we’ll visit some of its most notable landmarks, including the Hassan Tower—an unfinished mosque rising above an esplanade lined with over 200 columns—and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, built in honour of the sultan who led the country to independence. Outside, the royal guard stands watch in striking ceremonial dress on horseback.

The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. You may wish to wander the narrow lanes of the medina, visit the Kasbah of the Udayas with its Andalusian gardens, or stroll along the scenic Bouregreg River promenade. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a night tour of the city followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

Rabat - Tangier - Costa del Sol. After breakfast, we depart for Tangier and board the ferry for a scenic crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar, where Europe and Africa meet. The short yet memorable journey offers views of the coastlines on both sides. Upon arrival in Spain, we continue to the Costa del Sol for dinner and an overnight stay.

Costa del Sol - Granada. We leave Seville after breakfast and make our way to Granada. Here, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the stunning Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including access to the magnificent Generalife gardens.

After, you will have the option to visit the Sacromonte caves for a traditional flamenco show.

Please note: In the event that tickets to the Alhambra and Generalife are unavailable from the Patronato, an alternative tour of Granada will be arranged. This includes visits to the Palace of Carlos V, the Archaeological Museum, the Church of Santa María de la Alhambra, the Royal Chapel, and a stroll through the Alcaicería silk market and Cathedral Square.

Granada - Toledo - Madrid. Start the day with breakfast before we depart for the historic Imperial city of Toledo, known for its rich history and numerous monuments. Here we will enjoy an included lunch and a guided tour of the city. Afterwards, we continue to Madrid, where our tour ends. You will be dropped on Ferraz Street, near the Plaza de Espana at approximately 17:30, though this time is subject to external factors such as traffic and passenger delays.