Spain, Morocco & Portugal
17 Days from $3,475 per person
Ornate architectural wonders, the scent of spice markets and warm Mediterranean sun are yours to explore. Wander down Madrid's Gran Via, visit the exquisite Alhambra Palace and learn the art of haggling in the labyrinthine Medina. Travel to the seafaring city of Lisbon, Fatima, the site of religious miracles, and cross in to Spain to admire the rare beauty of Salamanca.
Spain, Morocco & Portugal also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!
Overview
Ornate architectural wonders, the scent of spice markets and warm Mediterranean sun are yours to explore. Wander down Madrid's Gran Via, visit the exquisite Alhambra Palace and learn the art of haggling in the labyrinthine Medina. Travel to the seafaring city of Lisbon, Fatima, the site of religious miracles, and cross in to Spain to admire the rare beauty of Salamanca.
Spain, Morocco & Portugal also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive Madrid (2 Nights)
Kick off your unforgettable journey in the fiery Spanish capital of Madrid. On arrival at Madrid Airport transfers will operate at 10.30am, 1.00pm and 3.30pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Explore the city's vibrant streets before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive past some of the city's most iconic sites.
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Day 3: Madrid Sightseeing
Join a Local Specialist on this day of discovery, including views of the iconic Cibeles fountain, the bustling Gran Vía, Paseo de la Castellana and Puerta del Sol, Madrid's most famous square. At Plaza de España, we admire the monument to Cervantes before spending the rest of the day at leisure indulging in la buena vida. Consider an Optional Experience to the medieval UNESCO World Heritage city of Segovia. -
Day 4: Madrid – Toledo – Granada
Join your Local Specialist for a walking tour of Toledo that will take you to visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to one of El Greco's most famous paintings - The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Celebrate the tradition of steel manufacturing and moulding during a Cultural Insight at a local steel factory before meandering through the breathtaking Andalucian landscape to Granada. -
Day 5: Granada – Costa del Sol
Tread in the footsteps of Spain's last emirs and admire the impressive palatial city of the Alhambra Palace, a 14th century fortress that is said to have been inspired by poetry and reflects the description of paradise found in Islamic verse. Join a Local Specialist for a guided visit then continue to the famous Costa del Sol where we will spend tonight.
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Day 6: Costa del Sol – Fez (2 Nights)
We travel along the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean and cross to North Africa by ferry. A memorable drive past the Rif Mountains brings us to the Imperial city of Fez. -
Day 7: Fez Sightseeing
Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through the cultural and spiritual center of Morocco. Meander through the fascinating Medina of Fez, view its fortifications and Royal Palace, and admire traditional Moroccan handiwork during a visit to a carpet cooperative. Spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure or consider a visit to the Imperial city of Meknes. -
Day 8: Fez – Marrakesh (2 Nights)
Departing Fez, we journey west to the vibrant city of Marrakesh. Embrace the unrivaled energy of a city that is said to have been the favorite vacation haunt of Sir Winston Churchill. -
Day 9: Marrakesh Sightseeing
Visit the Bahia Palace during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. See Djemaa el Fna Square in the old quarter with its palm-readers, acrobats and snake charmers. Visit a traditional Moroccan pharmacy for a Cultural Insight into the blending of creams and cosmetics from regional ingredients. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Don’t miss the chance to shop for bargains in the souks and bazaars or maybe visit a local Berber village. Dine tonight at your hotel.
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Day 10: Marrakesh – Casablanca – Rabat – Tangier
We journey north to enchanting Casablanca to experience first-hand the intrigue and romance of this city immortalized by Hollywood. We continue to the Moroccan capital, Rabat. Here we will view the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and 19th century Royal Palace. We arrive in Tangier later this evening where we will dine in our hotel.
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Day 11: Tangier – Seville (2 Nights)
Crossing the Straits of Gibraltar by ferry, we arrive in Spain and journey through the region Jerez, most famous for being the homes of Spanish sherry. We drive through Andalucia and arrive in the beguiling city of Seville – our home for the next two nights. Where better to experience the passion of flamenco that this vibrant city? Embrace the intoxicating sights of colorful twirling skirts and the clapping sounds of castanets as you watch a traditional flamenco performance this evening.
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Day 12: Seville Sightseeing
Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour that will take you past the iconic Giralda Tower. Admire the tiled fountains and pavilions in the Maria Luisa Park and visit the imposing Plaza de España. See Christopher Columbus' ornate tomb in the Cathedral, the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, and enjoy a walk through the historic Jewish Quarter. -
Day 13: Seville – Lisbon (2 Nights)
Your panoramic journey continues through the province of Huelva. We cross into the golden fields of the Alentejo region, where we will enjoy a memorable Be My Guest lunch at a local stud farm before arriving in Lisbon this afternoon. -
Day 14: Lisbon Sightseeing
See the gleaming Monument to the Discoveries, the suspension bridge spanning the River Tagus, Belém Tower and the quaint Alfama district, home to the melancholic fado. Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery before spending free time exploring the city's quaint bairros or perhaps consider an Optional Experience to discover Portugal's Golden Triangle of Queluz, Cascais and Estoril. -
Day 15: Lisbon – Fátima – Salamanca
Drive north through the magnificent Serra d'Aire Mountains to the shrine at Fátima, site of celebrated religious miracles. Cross the border back into Spain and arrive later in Salamanca, where we will have an opportunity to see the magnificent Plaza Mayor - voted by the locals as the most beautiful of all squares in Spain.
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Day 16: Salamanca – Madrid
Traversing the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains we arrive in Madrid, Europe's highest capital city. Spend this afternoon exploring the sights. This evening we join our travel companions and Travel Director for a memorable Farewell Dinner with wine. -
Day 17: Depart Madrid
Our epic journey through Spain, Morocco and Portugal comes to an end this morning. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Madrid Airport at 8.30 am and 11.00 am. Conditions apply.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Aug 18 | 16 Sep 18 |
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$3,475pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | |||
| 7 Sep 18 | 23 Sep 18 |
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$3,475pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: $830 p.p.
Triple Discount: $50 p.p.
Airport transfers: On arrival at Madrid Airport transfers will operate at 10:30 am, 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Madrid Airport at 8:30 am and 11:00 am.
Note: Visas may be required for this trip.
Ramadan: During daylight hours from dawn to sunset fasting takes place for Ramadan. It is observed from Tuesday, May 15th to Thursday, June 14, 2018 in Morocco. The order of sightseeing and meals may be adjusted.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver, $156 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
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Personal Flight Options
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
15 nights, 15 hot buffet breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners, 3 dinners.
Included Highlights
Be My Guest
- Saddle up for a superb stud farm visit, the tragic story of unrequited love and a traditional home-cooked lunch with Tiago and Vera in Portugal's beautiful Alentejo
Cultural Insight
- The invincible swords of Toledo have defended cities for centuries. Visit an inlaid steel factory in Toledo to see local craftsmen forging the highest quality steel. Visit a Moroccan pharmacy to learn about local healing creams and cosmetics made from regional ingredients
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in Madrid, Toledo, Fez, Marrakesh, Seville and Lisbon
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour in Madrid, Toledo, Fez, Marrakesh, Seville, Lisbon
- Orientation of Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Fátima, Salamanca
- Visit the Synagogue and Santo Tomé in Toledo, the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Bahia Palace in Marrakesh, Cathedral in Seville, Monastery of the Hieronymites in Lisbon, Plaza Mayor in Salamanca
- View Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Royal Palace in Rabat, Belém Tower in Lisbon, the Shrine at Fátima
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Thank you for your review and kind words. We are thrilled to know that you enjoyed your tour of Spain, Morocco & Portugal. They are wonderful destinations and we're glad you were able to experience them with us.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
U.S. citizens traveling to Spain, Portugal and Morocco must have a current passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. No visa is required for U.S. citizens visiting these countries.
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Currency
The currency in Spain and Portugal is the Euro (€) and in Morocco is the Dihram (.د.م). U.S. dollars and euros are also usually accepted in Morocco. While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
Spain offers a delicious selection of cured hams, chorizo sausage, seafood, cheeses, and more. Try traditional dishes such as tortilla española (Spanish omelet), paella, and desserts such as flan, churros, and Catalan cream. For a quick lunch at a reasonable price, stop by a café or food cart for a bocadillo, a traditional Spanish sandwich made with baguette-style bread, ham and cheese. In the evening, try a selection of tapas with a glass of the local wine.
With Portugal’s long coastline, seafood is featured prominently on their menus. Popular dishes include sopa de mariscos (a shellfish soup) and bacalhau (dried codfish), and Portuguese grilled chicken prepared with chili, garlic and olive oil. For dessert, don’t miss out on the famous pastéis de nata custard pastry or arroz dolce (rice pudding) and a glass of port wine.
Moroccan food is a flavorful mix of Mediterranean, Arabic, Andalusian and North African cuisines. A wide variety of spices including saffron, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, and paprika are used in cooking. Try a variety of couscous with meat and vegetables and fresh baked Moroccan bread. Meals are generally concluded with fresh fruit and a glass of sweet mint tea.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase. This will also give you many options for how to dress in varying climates. In Morocco, loose fitting clothes are always a respectful and comfortable option, especially during the hot and humid summer months. It’s a good idea to bring a lightweight scarf that can be worn at religious sites throughout your trip and at night when temperatures cool off. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
Tipping in Spain and Portugal is much less common than in the U.S. When dining out, it’s appreciated, although not required, to leave a few extra euros for your server, and up to 10 percent for particularly good service. Leave your tip on the table rather than adding it to your credit card slip to ensure that your waiter receives it. In Morocco, it’s appropriate to tip your waiter 1 dh per person at cafés and up to 10-15 percent at upmarket restaurants.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Madrid
Discover "El Escorial" Palace/Monastery & The 'Valley Of The Fallen'
Adult Price: €49.00
Come with us, along with a Local Specialist, to the royal city of El Escorial, where the great monastery palace was built in the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains. We’ll also visit the incredible Spanish Civil War memorial , which is cut into the rock face.
Segovia World Heritage Site - Its Ancient Aqueduct & Fairy-tale Castle
Adult Price: €45.00
Enjoy a visit to Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits on a rocky outcrop between two rivers. With your Local Specialist, you’ll visit the 13th-century castle, reputed to have inspired Walt Disney, as well as seeing the best-preserved Roman aqueduct which has remained intact for 2,000 years.
Costa Del Sol
Jet-set Marbella: Puerto Banús & Mediterranean Dinner
Adult Price: €62.00
Enjoy strolling through the atmospheric whitewashed townhouses & cobbled streets of Marbella´s old town. Following a drive along Marbella´s Golden Mile, we'll explore jet-set Puerto Banús. Then, we'll round the evening off with a delicious specialty Mediterranean dinner in a well-known local restaurant.
Mijas Andalusian Hilltown & Mediterranean Dinner
Adult Price: €62.00
Visit this charming hilltop village, perched high up with splendid views of the coastline. While here, you’ll experience its narrow streets with white-washed houses, unusual donkey taxi service, oval bullring, and shoppers will find some hidden gems. Your evening will finish with a Mediterranean dinner at a coastal restaurant.
Fez
Meknes Imperial City Visit & Exploration
Adult Price: €32.00
We´ll drive to Morocco’s third Imperial city – World Heritage Meknes with its endless walls & ramparts, impressive Sultan Moulay Ismail’s 17th century granaries and stables that once housed over 12,000 horses. We'll see the magnificent Bab el-Mansour Gate and visit a medieval school or “madrasa”.
Arabian Dinner and Entertainment in a Riad
Adult Price: €51.00
Enjoy a feast of fine food, live bands and traditional entertainment including belly dancing, in a spectacular Moroccan setting.
Marrakesh
Ourika Valley And Berber Village Home Visit
Adult Price: €30.00
You’ll enjoy a scenic drive into the Atlas Mountains where you’ll visit a typical home in a primitive Berber village in the Ourika Valley. You’ll also have the chance to bargain for beautiful, handcrafted jewellery made in the local style.
The Square at Night with Horse & Buggy and Traditional Dinner
Adult Price: €60.00
You’ll take a horse and carriage ride to the magical Jemaa el Fna Square to enjoy the exotic sights and sounds of Marrakesh by night. Then we’ll have dinner in a typical Moroccan restaurant, with music and entertainment.
Seville
Flamenco: Experience the Best Show in Town
Adult Price: €40.00
Discover the passion, rhythm and magic of an Andalusian flamenco show with us this evening. We've organised tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience 90 minutes of memorable entertainment with an included drink.
Discover The Origin Of "Tapas" & Evening In Old Seville
Adult Price: €53.00
Join us for a dinner of mouth-watering tapas-style specialties. You’ll get the chance to taste different flavours and wines, before taking an atmospheric evening stroll through the charming old quarter of Seville.
Flamenco, the best show in town with a three-course dinner
Adult Price: €69.00
After a three-course dinner of Andalusian specialties with drinks included, you’ll discover the passion, rhythm and magic of flamenco this evening. We've organised tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience 90 minutes of memorable entertainment.
The Moorish Alcazar And Plaza América
Adult Price: €40.00
We'll begin with a visit to the elegant 14th-century Moorish Alcazar, set in its own beautiful gardens. The gardens were recently used as the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne in the Game Of Thrones series. Then, we'll journey to the famous exhibition site of Plaza América - a must for any visitor to Seville.
Lisbon
Seafood Dinner By The Tagus River
Adult Price: €53.00
Take a ferry across the mighty Tagus River and enjoy typical Portuguese seafood and fish specialities at a local restaurant. After dinner, we’ll cross the impressive Suspension Bridge for a sweeping view over the Portuguese capital.
Gourmet Dinner, Parliament, Exclusive Estrela and Evening Orientation
Adult Price: €53.00
Your opportunity to enjoy the exclusive district of Estrela, its park, basilica and the Portuguese Parliament, on the way to a delicious gourmet dinner. You’ll finish the evening with a drive along the banks of the mighty River Tagus.
The Golden Triangle: Queluz, Cascais & The Estoril Coast
Adult Price: €46.00
We'll visit the impressive Rococo Palace of Queluz, before passing through the fashionable resort of Estoril. Then, we'll explore the picturesque fishing village of Cascais, with its beautiful array of mansions and exclusive residences.
Portuguese Fado Evening Of Music & Song With Dinner
Adult Price: €66.00
An evening's entertainment Portuguese style. You’ll savor a typical meal with local aperitifs and wines and hear beautiful, traditional Fado singing.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
