Treasures of Spain, Portugal and Morocco
17 Day Tour to Madrid, Seville, Fes & Lisbon | Operated by InsightVacations
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17 Days
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4 Countries
Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Gibraltar -
15 Cities
Madrid, Avila, Salamanca, Fátima, Lisbon, Seville, Tangier, Fes, Marrakesh, Casablanca, Rabat, Gibraltar, Costa del Sol, Alfarnatejo, Granada -
23 Meals
4 Dinner with Wines, 16 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners, 1 Lunch with Wine -
Pace: Active
Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
Trip Itinerary
Join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travelers over an evening of delicious food and wine.
With your Local Expert, travel along the main historical areas of the capital of Spain, known as Madrid of the Bourbons. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter, to discover the origins of the city. A sure highlight is when you join an art historian to explore the Prado Museum, a magnificent palace housing works by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens and other masters. Journey past the walls of Ávila en route to Salamanca, with its honey-colored cathedral and 16th-century university buildings.
Cross the Portuguese frontier and skirt the Estrela Mountains en route to Fátima, Portugal’s most renowned religious site. Join the pilgrims flocking into the great basilica, commemorating the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. In the heart of the Shrine of Fátima is The Chapel of Apparitions, marking the exact location of her first appearance. Your travels continue to Lisbon.
Your guided sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paço, the finest square in the city, named after the palace that was destroyed in the terrible earthquake of 1755, along with much of the rest of the city. Visit 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 200 years. Visit National Coach Museum, which features one of the most prominent horse-drawn carriage collections in the world. This afternoon is free to explore further as you wish or perhaps decide to visit the Portuguese Riviera.
Visit Seville's Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Colombus. Explore the city with Insight Choice. Choose to walk through the old Jewish quarter and see La Giralda, the former minaret of the Great Mosque, which is now the bell tower of the cathedral. Alternatively, join a scenic drive and enjoy panoramic views.
This morning is yours to completely relax or continue exploring this fascinating city. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Córdoba and visit the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it? Later this afternoon, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a flamenco dance school and beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Their mission is to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson before witnessing emotions come to life in a flamenco performance.
Set sail across the Strait of Gibraltar to reach Morocco, a historic land of deep-rooted tradition and compelling cultural character.
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.
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.
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.
Journey to the west coast of Africa to reach Casablanca. Did Humphrey Bogart really did say ''Play it again, Sam''? Your Local Expert will reveal the truth to this and other fascinating elements of this storied city. See 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.
Travel north to Rabat to see the intricately-decorated Royal Palace and Hassan Tower with your Local Expert.
Your journey continues to Morocco’s port of Tangier, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. You will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of the city with a Local Expert. After dinner, enjoy an evening at leisure to relax in the comfortable surroundings of your hotel as the sun sets or take a stroll along Avenue d'Espagne on the Bay of Tangier.
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.
Enjoy the day at leisure on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol. Relax by the blue Mediterranean waters, stroll along the promenade, savor the specialties in the local restaurants, or consider exploring Malaga, the birth city of Picasso.
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 Highlight Lunch made with fresh, local produce that showcases the flavors 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.
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 delicious food and wine at a local restaurant.
Today bid farewell to your journey along Spain and Portugal as you transfer to the airport.
Price Includes
Dining Summary- - 4 Dinner with Wines (DW)
- - 16 Breakfasts (B)
- - 2 Dinners (D)
- - 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
- Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travelers over a beautiful evening of delicious food and wine.
- Delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese delicacy, Pastéis de Belém.
- Hear the stories of local life as you are invited into the home of a local family to join them for a freshly prepared, traditional lunch, with wine.
- Taste a selection of freshly pressed olive oils with locally made farmer bread when you stop at Almazara, the oldest olive grove in the region.
- With good food and wine, toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner.
- See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, traveling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
- Explore within the ancient walls of this unique town.
- See the golden stone buildings and handsome arcades of Plaza Mayor for which this city is famous for.
- Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions and see the basilica.
- 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 modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower.
- Visit the Seville Cathedral with your Local Expert. Pass the altarpiece dripping with gold and see the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.
- Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.
- Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert.
- Learn about the traditional craft of carpet making, gaining an insight to the designs the and the difference in materials.
- Led by your Local Expert, wander the maze of streets that make up the ancient Medina. See one of the world's oldest universities and pass hidden courtyards, mosques and workshops. Continue through the souks, an array of vendors selling food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights.
- 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.
- Built around a lovely inner-garden, explore the Bahia Palace with a Local Expert and see glimpses of a Moroccan kingdom's former opulence.
- See the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower.
- Cruise back to Europe on your return ferry.
- With your Local Expert, explore 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.
- Visit the beautiful, quiet town and walk the town center.
- Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.
- Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
- The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show. The school enables students access to cultural education that otherwise may not have occurred. TreadRights sponsorship has helped students to complete their studies in advanced guitar, singing and dance. As students complete their training, they will carry on and safeguard the traditional flamenco dance, contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage. The Cristina Heeren Foundation advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Optional Experiences
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.
Seafood Dinner By The Tagus River (Available on Day 3)Across the mighty Tagus River await Lisbon's famous traditional restaurants and wonderful views of the city. Board your ferry to cross the wide blue waters for a delightful evening of Portuguese seafood and fish specialties. After dinner, encounter more sweeping views over the Portuguese capital, as you return to your hotel via the impressive suspension bridge.
Local crab will usually be available on the menu for a €7.00 supplement.
Like the Kings of Portugal before you, travel along the Portuguese Riviera. With your Local Expert, see the glamorous resort of Cascais and the wealthy playground of Estoril, with its famous Casino and learn of the inspiring people who frequented Portugal's Golden Triangle. Finally, a visit to Queluz Palace – all veritable jewels in the crown of Portugal.
Adult Price: €55 Fado Evening (Available on Day 4)Known as ''the soul of the Portuguese identity'', Fado is the emotive national song. Take in an unmissable performance of this UNESCO-recognised art in one of the country's famed fado houses. To complete the experience, savor a typical Portuguese dinner with drinks included.
Adult Price: €76 Lisbon by Night (Available on Day 4)Drive to Restauradores then a gentle walk through Rossio across the Baixa to discover the beautiful views of Santa Justa, the arch of Augusta, St George’s Castle and the Cathedral. Perhaps enjoy a drink at sunset in Commerce Square. There’s free time for dinner before returning to your hotel.
Adult Price: €22 Dinner in Seville With a Horse and Carriage Ride (Available on Day 5)Seville is Spain's most majestic city and an evening out is a must! Tonight we'll enjoy a lovely array of traditional Andalusian specialties, served in a local restaurant with wine, beer & soft drinks included. As well as a wonderful meal, we'll experience a magnificent horse & carriage ride through the gardens of Plaza de America, the Murillo Gardens and Plaza de España, which is especially magical in the evening.
Adult Price: €72 Andalusian Evening & The Atmosphere Of Old Seville (Available on Day 5)Enjoy a delicious array of alluring Andalusian specialties in a local restaurant with wine included. Perhaps round off the evening with a stroll through the atmospheric squares and lanes of Seville's old quarter, which has a magical charm by night.
Adult Price: €60 Cordoba & the Mezquita (Available on Day 6)Join your Local Expert for a walking tour of the perfectly preserved Moorish city of Cordoba. The highlight is undoubtedly the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th-century mosque with a Cathedral built inside. Walk through the forest of horseshoe shaped arches to the Baroque choir stalls of the Cathedral and the richly ornamented Mihrab prayer niche, with free time to enjoy this amazing city.
Adult Price: €57 Excursion to Bhalil (Available on Day 8)This afternoon we make our way to Bhalil, a remote troglodyte village at the foot of the middle Atlas where we'll visit the caves hewn out of the mountain where families have lived for many generations. This is your chance to meet and talk to local people. Then we make our way to the oldest and best known ceramic work shop to see how Fes style ceramics are made, starting from the soft clay to the finished product.
Adult Price: €28 Marrakesh by Night & Dinner (Available on Day 9)Marrakesh comes alive when the sun goes down. Visit the magical Jemaa el Fna market place where an assortment of acrobats, snake charmers, trained monkeys, jugglers and conjurers congregate by night. After a walk in the square, dinner is served in a vibrant Moroccan restaurant. Enjoy classic tagine dishes and colorful salads amid a sultry ambiance of Arabic rhythms and twirling belly dancers balancing trays of lit candles.
Adult Price: €66 Ourika Valley (Available on Day 10)A scenic drive south of Marrakesh brings you to the beautiful and fertile Ourika Valley. Enjoy spectacular views of the towering High Atlas Mountains which are snow capped nine months of the year.
Adult Price: €30 Mediterranean Dinner (Available on Day 13)Join us for a delicious Mediterranean style dinner in a delightful family restaurant on the Costa del Sol. We'll sample fresh Mediterranean fare, including some of the restaurant's signature dishes such as "fritura malagueña" or sea bass baked in sea salt, a traditional recipe since Roman times. Your meal will be accompanied by local wine.
Adult Price: €61 Highlights of Malaga (Available on Day 14)A short drive brings us to Malaga, the thriving capital of the Costa del Sol. We'll see the old town with our Local Expert and see the house in which Pablo Picasso spent his early years. The town is also famous for its sweet, full-bodied wines and our tour concludes with a taste of the recent vintage.
Adult Price: €48