Santiago to Portugal, Morocco & Madrid - 19 Days

Once you arrive in Santiago de Compostela, make your way to the hotel and check in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin exploring at your own pace. You might take a stroll through the atmospheric old town, visit the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago, the final resting place of St James, or simply enjoy a coffee in one of the lively squares as you watch pilgrims arrive at the end of their journey.

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

Meeting point: HOTEL OCA PUERTA DEL CAMINO, C/ Miguel Ferro Caaveiro, s/n, 15703 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña at 7:30 am on day 2.

Santiago de Compostela - Rias Bajas - Vigo. Today, we travel towards the stunning region of Rías Bajas, often called the Spanish Fjords. The route takes us through lush coastal scenery before we make a brief stop on La Toja Island, famous for its spa heritage.

We continue to O Grove, where you may join an optional catamaran cruise to visit local oyster and mussel farms, with a tasting of fresh mussels and Ribeiro wine. Later, we head to the port city of Vigo, where you’ll have free time to explore the waterfront and old quarter. Those wishing to see more can join an optional excursion to Santa Tecla, known for its hilltop Celtic settlement and sweeping Atlantic views.

Vigo (Spain) - Viana do Castelo (Portugal) - Braga - Porto. This morning, we cross into Portugal and arrive in Viana do Castelo, beautifully set between the River Miño and the Atlantic Ocean. You have free time to stroll through the old town’s narrow lanes, lined with elegant townhouses and traditional cafés.

We then continue to Braga, known as the city of archbishops and one of Portugal’s most historic centres. After time at leisure to discover its churches and charming squares, we continue our journey to Porto.

After breakfast, we set out to explore Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its rich culture and riverside charm. Our panoramic visit takes in key landmarks including the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange Palace, and the Church of St Clara.

We end our morning at a local wine cellar, where we enjoy a tasting of the city’s famous Port wine while learning about its centuries-old production.

Porto - Coimbra. Today we travel south to Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and a city steeped in academic tradition. Known as the birthplace of Fado, Coimbra offers a blend of history and culture at every turn.

After lunch, you have time at leisure to explore the university quarter, visit the library, or simply enjoy the atmosphere along the River Mondego

Coimbra - Fatima - Lisbon. This morning, we journey to Fátima, one of the most revered pilgrimage centres in the world. You’ll have free time to visit the Sanctuary and reflect in this place of devotion.

We then continue to Lisbon, Portugal’s lively capital city. In the evening, you may choose to take an optional tour featuring a traditional Fado performance.

After breakfast, we discover the highlights of Lisbon, beautifully situated at the mouth of the River Tagus. Our panoramic tour includes Edward VII Park’s viewpoint, Rossio Square, Liberdade Avenue, and the historic Madragoa district, where Fado music was born.

We then continue to the Belém area to see the Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the impressive Jerónimos Monastery. The afternoon is free for your own exploration, or you may join an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril.

Lisbon (Portugal) - Merida (Spain) - Seville. Today, we travel across the Spanish border to Mérida, a city renowned for its Roman heritage. You’ll have free time to visit the extraordinary archaeological site, including the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre, both listed by UNESCO.

After lunch at your own pace, we continue along the historic Silver Route to Seville, the elegant capital of Andalusia. Dinner is included on arrival.

This morning, we explore Seville’s highlights, beginning with the lush María Luisa Park and the magnificent Plaza de España. We view the exterior of the grand Cathedral and its bell tower, La Giralda, before walking through the charming Santa Cruz district, known for its flower-filled courtyards and narrow streets.

During your free time, you may choose to take an optional river cruise on the Guadalquivir for a different view of the city, passing landmarks such as the Gold Tower and Expo ’92 site, or visit the Maestranza bullring. Lunch is at your own arrangement, and in the evening you can attend an optional flamenco show.

Seville - Ronda - Costa del Sol. After breakfast, we set off along the scenic Route of the White Villages, travelling through hilltop towns and olive groves before reaching Ronda. You’ll have free time to explore its old town, perched dramatically above the deep gorge of El Tajo.

We then continue towards the beautiful Costa del Sol, where we enjoy dinner by the Mediterranean coast.

Costa del Sol (Spain) - Tangier (Morocco). Today, we leave the Costa del Sol and cross the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry to North Africa. On arrival in Morocco, we enjoy a panoramic tour of Tangier and its surroundings, visiting the Grottos of Hercules (entrance not included) and Cape Spartel, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.

The afternoon is free to explore the city at leisure, with the option to join an excursion to Tetouan. We will then enjoy dinner at our accommodation.

Please note: Each traveller is permitted one piece of luggage. In Morocco, you must clear customs personally with your own baggage. The Moroccan portion of the tour may be adjusted without significant changes to the included services.

Tangier - Volubilis - Meknes - Fes. This morning, we travel through the Middle Atlas towards Fes, stopping first at the ancient Roman site of Volubilis. We walk along the Decumanus Maximus, the main street that once ran from the Gate of Tangier to the Triumphal Arch of Caracalla, built in 217 AD.

Our journey continues to Meknes, one of Morocco’s Imperial Cities and the capital under Moulay Ismail. Here we explore the medina, El-Hedim Square, and the grand Bab Al Mansour Gate, famed for its intricate decoration. Later, we arrive in Fes, where we will then enjoy dinner at our accommodation.

We begin our exploration of Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and its spiritual and intellectual heart. From a panoramic viewpoint, we continue to the Royal Palace, Dar Al-Makhzen, known for its seven gilded gates. We then enter the labyrinthine medina of Fes El Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 2,000 alleys, 785 mosques, and centuries of living history.

From Bab Boujloud to Es-Seffarine Square, we trace the evolution of the city from the 9th to the 19th century, discovering its traditional workshops, tanners’ quarter, and artisan guilds. We also visit a Medersa before hearing the rhythmic sound of coppersmiths working as they have for generations. Lunch is served in a typical restaurant, followed by an afternoon at leisure to wander or shop in the souks.

Fes - Casablanca - Marrakech. After breakfast, we make our way to Casablanca, Morocco’s modern economic centre. There’s time for lunch along the Corniche and an opportunity to admire the magnificent Hassan II Mosque – viewed from the outside, a symbol of Moroccan craftsmanship built by more than 3,000 artisans. We then continue south to Marrakech, where we will enjoy dinner at our accommodation.

This morning, we discover the imperial splendour of Marrakech. Our visit begins at the Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s defining landmark, before we explore the opulent Bahia Palace, built in the 19th century by master craftsmen from Fes. We stroll through the historic Mellah, or Jewish Quarter, and the lively Kissaría market before reaching Djemaa el-Fna Square – a UNESCO-listed cultural treasure alive with storytellers, musicians, and street performers.

We continue through the colourful souks, meeting artisans such as carpenters and metalworkers, and visit a Berber pharmacy renowned for natural products made from argan oil and local herbs. Returning to Djemaa el-Fna, you have free time to enjoy the atmosphere before lunch in a traditional restaurant.

Marrakech - Rabat. We travel north to Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital and one of its four Imperial Cities. On arrival, we visit the Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th-century minaret that dominates the skyline, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, built in honour of the sultan who secured Morocco’s independence. The royal guard, resplendent in ceremonial dress, stands watch at the entrance.

We then stroll through the Kasbah of the Oudayas and along the Bouregreg River promenade, a tranquil spot with views across to Sale. As night falls, we take a short evening tour of the city before enjoying dinner at a restuatrant.

Rabat - Tangier (Morocco) - Costa del Sol (Spain). Today, we journey back to Tangier to board the ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar and return to Spain. Upon arrival, our staff will meet us for the transfer to the Costa del Sol, where we will enjoy dinner at our accommodation.

Costa del Sol - Granada. We travel to Granada to visit the Alhambra and Generalife gardens, the exquisite palaces and gardens that once served as the residence of the Nasrid sultans. With its delicate arches, ornate courtyards, and cascading fountains, the Alhambra is one of Spain’s most remarkable monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the evening, you may wish to join an optional visit to the Sacromonte caves to enjoy a traditional gypsy flamenco performance. We will then enjoy dinner at our accommodation.

Please note: If tickets for the Alhambra and Generalife are unavailable, a city tour of Granada will be offered instead.

Granada - Toledo - Madrid. After our final breakfast, we set out for Toledo, the former Imperial City where Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures once flourished side by side.

After lunch, we take in the panoramic view from the Mirador del Valle and stroll through the atmospheric old town, its narrow lanes filled with history and craftsmanship. We then continue to Madrid, where our journey comes to an end.