Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco
18 Days from $4,025 per person
A kaleidoscopic adventure that takes you from some of Europe's most cosmopolitan cities, to an exotic and vivid land of medinas and minarets.
Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!
Overview
A kaleidoscopic adventure that takes you from some of Europe's most cosmopolitan cities, to an exotic and vivid land of medinas and minarets.
Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!
-
Day 1: Your Journey Begins.
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Welcome to Madrid.
Transfers leave Madrid Airport for your hotel at 09:00, 11:00, 13:30 & 16:00. Later, join your Tour Director for a pleasant Welcome Dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travelers.
-
Day 3: Prado Museum and on to Golden Salamanca.
Go with a Local Expert down the Gran Vía to the Cibeles Fountain on the wide Paseo de la Castellana. Cross the Puerta del Sol and see the Cervantes Monument in the Plaza de España. A highlight is a visit to the Prado Museum, a magnificent palace housing works by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens and others. Journey past the walls of Avila en route to Salamanca with its honey-colored cathedral and 16th century university buildings.
-
Day 4: Holy Fátima and Lisbon.
Cross the Portuguese border and skirt the Estrela Mountains en route to Fátima. Join the pilgrims flocking into the great Basilica commemorating the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. Your travels continue to Lisbon.
-
Day 5: Lisbon and the Age of the Great Discoveries.
Exploration with a Local Expert takes you along the avenues of the Lower Town to the Terreiro do Paço with a visit to the Belém Quarter. See the traditional patisserie that has managed to hold on to the secret recipe of Portugal's finest pastry for almost 200 years and enjoy a taste of the famous Pastéis de Belém. View the Monument to the Discoveries and the more ancient Belém Tower, a fortress that was originally set in the middle of the river but with receding waters, now sits on the riverbank. Visit the 500-year-old Jerónimos Monastery with its Manueline architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon is free for you to explore further as your wish.
-
Day 6: To Seville, the City of Carmen.
Jounrey to Seville to join a Local Expert for a tour of the immense cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus. See the slender Giralda Tower, the former minaret of the Great Mosque and now the cathedral's bell tower. Explore the labyrinthine Santa Cruz Quarter, emerging beside the great walls of the Alcazar. Enjoy an evening of food and wine while you are entertained by throbbing guitars, lamenting solos, colorful dancers and the rhythmic stomp of flamenco.
-
Day 7: Free Time in Seville.
This day is yours to completely relax or continue exploring this fascinating city. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Cordoba and visit the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it?
-
Day 8: Across the Straits of Gibraltar to Fes.
Set sail across the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco, a world of veils, musky spices, bazaars, souks and snake charmers. Continue to Fes, Morocco's most ancient imperial city.
-
Day 9: The Ancient Imperial City of Fes.
Your Local Expert will guide you through the ancient Medina. Explore this walled city of hidden courtyards, mosques, workshops. Walk through the bazaar 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 colors used in the designs. Then you are at leisure to continue exploring as you wish, or perhaps cool-off with a dip in the pool at your hotel.
-
Day 10: On the Road to Marrakesh.
See the Middle Atlas Mountains and mud-walled villages as you journey to Marrakesh.
-
Day 11: Marrakesh, Pearl of the South.
An exploration with your Local Expert will show you the Medina with its many souks and the Koutoubia Minaret dominating the 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.
-
Day 12: Play It Again Sam in Casablanca.
Journey 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 Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in the country and the très chic seaside strip, known as the Corniche, lined with trendy restaurants and cafes.
-
Day 13: Rabat and Tangier.
Tangier, overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar. Here you will enjoy beautiful views where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. After dinner, you are at leisure relax in the comfortable surroundings of your hotel or take a stroll along the Bay of Tangier.
-
Day 14: On to the Costa del Sol.
Cross the water 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. Relax as you are driven along the scenic route of the Costa del Sol, Coast of the Sun, passing exclusive resorts where the rich and famous vacation.
-
Day 15: The Flavors and Mountains of Malaga
Travel to the oldest olive grove in the region and stop at the rural mill-factory of Almazara to taste a selection of different oils with locally made farmer bread. Continue through the Provence of Malaga, where Picasso was born, to Alfarnatejo, a quiet town with a population of just 500 people and surrounded by stunning mountainous landscape. Walk the town center to see the 18th century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla.
-
Day 16: Dining with Locals and the Alhambra Palace.
In small groups, you are invited to into the home of a local family to join them for a delicious Highlight Lunch made of fresh, local produce with flavors typical of the region. Travel through the green hills to the north of Costa del Sol to the white-washed village of Mijas. Stroll through the old streets and gardens and take in the views of the coast. 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.
-
Day 17: To Madrid in search of Don Quixote.
Your journey continues to the north, through countryside immortalized by Cervantes fictional hero, Don Quixote. On return to Madrid, toast your travels with your newfound friends during a lively Celebration Dinner of good food and wine at a local restaurant.
-
Day 18: Depart Madrid.
Departure transfers arrive at Madrid Airport at 07:00, 09:00 & 11:00.
Request a Quote
-
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.
-
Definite Departure
- Solo Traveler Discount
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Jul 18 | 6 Aug 18 |
|
$4,195pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 27 Jul 18 | 13 Aug 18 |
|
$4,195pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 10 Aug 18 | 27 Aug 18 |
|
$4,195pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 24 Aug 18 | 10 Sep 18 |
|
$4,250pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 31 Aug 18 | 17 Sep 18 |
|
$4,295pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 5 Oct 18 | 22 Oct 18 |
|
$4,275pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 12 Oct 18 | 29 Oct 18 |
|
$4,275pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 19 Oct 18 | 5 Nov 18 |
|
$4,150pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
|
Solo Traveler Discount
|
26 Oct 18 | 12 Nov 18 |
|
$4,025pp | Request Quote Book Now |
- Solo Traveler Discount: This departure includes a 25-100% discount on standard single supplement subject to availability.
Visa Requirements: Some passengers may require a separate visa for Gibraltar.
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: from $690 p.p.
Triple Room Discount $90.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $196 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.
-
Professional Travel Director
-
Sightseeing with Local Experts
-
VIP Access
-
WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
-
Cultural Enrichment
-
Expertly Selected Hotels
-
Hotel Tips
-
Most Meals
-
Personal Flight Options
Included Quality Dining
16 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 Lunch with Wine (LW), 4 Dinners (D)and 3 Dinners with Wine (DW) all with tea or coffee.
Signature Experiences
Madrid:
- From El Greco to Goya, an expert art historian reveals the crowning achievements of Spanish painting in the magnificent Prado Museum.
- See the sights of the city with your Local Expert, including the Gran Vía, the Cibeles Fountain on the wide Paseo de la Castellana,
Puerta del Sol and the monument to Cervantes in the Plaza de España
Salamanca:
- See the golden stone buildings and handsome arcades of the Plaza Mayor for which this city is famous.
Fatima:
- Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions.
Lisbon:
- Explore with your Local Expert, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belém
Quarter to see the Monument to the Discoveries and the ancient Belém Tower. - Visit the Jerónimos Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture, reflecting Portugal’s trade over the centuries and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Seville:
- With a Local Expert, step inside the cathedral, past the gilded altar to the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.
- Guided by your Local Expert, see the Giralda Tower, former minaret of the Great Mosque and now the cathedral's belltower. Explore
the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter and emerge by the great walls of the Alcazar
Fes:
- Led by your Local Expert, wander the maze of streets that make up the ancient Medina. Pass one of the world's oldest university's and
see the hidden courtyards, mosques and workshop and continue through the bazaar, an array of vendors selling food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights - Learn about the traditional craft of carpet making and gain an insight into different designs and materials.
Marrakesh:
- Built around a lovely inner-garden, explore the Bahia Palace with a Local Expert and see glimpses of a Moroccan kingdom's former opulence.
- Your Local Expert guides you past Jemaa el-Fnaa Square with its intriguing characters and through the seemingly entangled
streets of the Medina with its many souks. See the protruding Koutoubia Minaret.
Casablanca:
- Explore this coastal city, made famous the classic film. Your Local Expert will show you the largest mosque in the country,
Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche, lined with trendy restaurants and cafes
Gibraltar:
- With your Local Expert tour the Rock of Gibraltar, one of the pillars of Hercules, affording magnificent views and see the meeting of the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Spanish Sierra. Visit St. Michael's Cave and see the Barbary Apes, guardians of the colony.
- Cruise the Straits of Gibraltar aboard your ferry when you cross from Europe to Africa.
Granada:
- Best interpreted with help of a Local Expert, the Alhambra Palace is the ultimate in Muslim architecture - an arabesque fantasy in stone, complemented by the rich, scented gardens of the Generalife.
Alfarnatejo:
- Visit the beautiful, quiet town and walk to the town center to see the 18th century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabilla.
Request a Quote
-
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.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
