16D15N Treasures Of Spain, Portugal & Morocco

On arrival at Lisbon International Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. Settle in and relax before joining your Travel Director for dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers during a pleasant evening of good food and wine.

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Your guided sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you to see 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 20 years. Visit the National Coach Museum, which features one of the most prominent horse-drawn carriage collection in the world. The afternoon and evening are free to explore further as you wish. Perhaps decide to visit the Portuguese Riviera, or enjoy an evening of emotive ‘Fado’ music?’

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Depart Portugal this morning and journey into the sun-drenched Algarve, pausing in one of the picturesque towns for a leisurely lunch and a tranquil glimpse into southern Portugal’s coastal charm. From here, cross the border into Spain and continue through the changing landscapes of Andalucía, arriving in Seville by late afternoon. The evening is yours to relax, or you may wish to join an Optional Experience: Andalusian Evening & the Atmosphere of Old Seville, where traditional cuisine and music capture the spirit of this vibrant city.

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Enjoy a relaxed start or choose to join one of two Optional Experiences: admire the architectural elegance of Pilatos Palace, or explore the Alcázar of Seville and nearby Plaza América, home to graceful pavilions from the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.  Continue exploring with Insight Choice. Choose to stroll through the atmospheric Santa Cruz Quarter with a Local Expert, or sit back and enjoy a scenic drive taking in the city’s iconic landmarks. Later, visit the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. In the evening, take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Cristina Heeren Foundation. Try your hand at flamenco during a lively dance lesson, then witness this expressive art form brought vividly to life in a passionate performance.

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Set sail across the Strait of Gibraltar to reach Morocco, a historic land of deep-rooted tradition and compelling cultural character.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Journey to the west coast of Africa to reach Casablanca. Did Humphrey Bogart really say ”Play it again, Sam”? Your Moroccan National Guide will reveal the truth to this and other fascinating elements of this storied city. Visit 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.

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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’ll see the sights of the city upon arrival, then enjoy dinner and an evening at leisure to relax in the comfortable surroundings of your hotel. As the sun sets, take a stroll along Avenue d’Espagne on the Bay of Tangier.

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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 Andalucía and on to the Costa del Sol, famous for its beaches.

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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 Málaga, the birth city of Picasso.

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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 lunch made with fresh, local produce that showcases the 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 summer residence of the Spanish royals.

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Your journey continues to the north, through countryside immortalised by Cervantes’ fictional hero, Don Quixote.

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Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert, as they guide you through the most historic neighbourhoods in the Spanish capital. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter to discover the origins of the city. Visit the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian who will guide you through the collective works of Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and more. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax at a cafe, shop in the trendy boutiques or perhaps travel to beautiful Toledo with an Optional Experience. In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a local restaurant in the heart of the city. Toast your adventures as you enjoy a delicious dinner of regional favourites, served with wine.

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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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