Day 1:
Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal. Free time to rest or start exploring the Portuguese capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 2:
Lisbon. Lisbon was the center of Europe’s longest-lived overseas empire. Portugal’s imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the Navigator’s 15th-century discoveries in West Africa. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features a drive through the Baixa quarter’s main squares. Then, enjoy a walk through the cobblestone alleys of quaint ALFAMA, the popular quarter of the seamen and Fado singers. Drive along the grand Avenida da Liberdade up to Pombal Square. Stop for pictures of Belem Tower, guarding the mouth of the Tagus, and visit JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Optional excursions to Sintra and the royal palace of Queluz, and a dinner with Fado-style entertainment are available. (B)

Day 3:
Lisbon–Azeitao–Seville, Spain. In Azeitao, visit a traditional TILE WORKSHOP. Next, enter Spain and reach the vibrant capital of Andalusia, Seville. (B,D)

Day 4:
Seville. During your sightseeing tour with a Local Guide, hear about the city’s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 AD, and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire Maria Luisa Park, the Golden Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Then, stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER. Highlight is a visit to the ALCAZAR, founded in the 11th century as a Moorish fortress, with its Palacio de Don Pedro. For those interested, an optional extended guided visit to the cathedral is available. Tonight, for a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional Flamenco show (B)

Day 5:
Seville–Algeciras–Rabat, Morocco. Travel through the sherry wine region of Jerez to Algeciras and enjoy a FERRY RIDE across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. Along North Africa’s infamous Barbary Coast to Rabat, once a lair of the corsairs and now the country’s capital. (B,D)

Day 6:
Rabat–Casablanca–Marrakesh. Sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the massive medieval battlements, the Royal Palace, MOHAMMED V MAUSOLEUM, Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah of Oudaias. Visit the fine ROMAN RELICS OF CHELLAH. Then, continue to Casablanca, Morocco’s modern seaport. During your guided panoramic drive, see the Hassan II Mosque, a splendid monument designed to mark the end of the century. Evening arrival in Marrakesh, situated in an oasis. (B,D)

Day 7:
Marrakesh. Follow your Local Guide to visit BAHIA PALACE, the 16th-century SAADIAN TOMBS (if closed, visit the BADIA PALACE instead), and to Djemaa El-Fna, the vibrant town center dominated by the 222-foot-high Koutoubia Minaret. Afternoon at leisure. An exciting optional evening excursion is available. (B)

Day 8:
Marrakesh–Fez. Journey to Fez today. Blessed with an ample supply of water and strategically situated, Fez became the capital of Morocco when the country shook off foreign rule under Berber King Idris in the 8th century. To this day, Fez has remained Morocco’s spiritual and artistic center. (B,D)

Day 9:
Fez. See the magnificient entrance to the Royal Palace, drive through the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, and travel on to Bab Bou Jeloud, the traditional entrance to old Fez. Your Local Guide also leads you through labyrinthine MEDINA and MEDERSA BOU INANIA. Why not sign up for an optional folklore dinner? (B)

Day 10:
Fez–Meknes–Tangier. Stop at imperial Meknes with its monumental gates and city walls, then, continue to Tangier, jumping-off point for the Moorish conquest of Spain. Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the GRAND SOCCO square and a panoramic drive to CAP SPARTEL, where you will quench your thirst Bedouin-style with a glass of hot mint tea. (B,D)

Day 11:
Tangier–Gibraltar–Costa del Sol. Board your FERRY for the trip back across the Strait to Europe. Visit the strategic ROCK OF GIBRALTAR, in British hands since 1704, hear about its turbulent history, see the Moorish Castle, ST. MICHAEL’S CAVES, and the colony of Barbary apes. Then, drive to your hotel at the elegant Costa del Sol. (B)

Day 12:
At Leisure on the Costa del Sol. Full day to relax or explore. Tonight, why not sample one of the seafood restaurants on the Carihuela? (B)

Day 13:
Costa del Sol–Granada. Leave the Mediterranean coast and arrive in Granada. A guided walking tour features a visit to the ALHAMBRA COMPLEX, a fantasy of “lace in stone” surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains, with superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte. Also visit the WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 14:
Granada–Toledo–Madrid. Enjoy a scenic drive via Don Quixote’s La Mancha to Toledo. A Local Guide takes you to the Moorish bridge, an early SYNAGOGUE, the CATHEDRAL, and the CHURCH OF SANTO TOMÉ with one of El Greco’s most famous paintings. Visit a DAMASCENE STEEL WORKSHOP before returning to Madrid. (B)

Day 15:
Madrid. Morning guided sightseeing features the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, and more. Highlight is a visit to the PRADO MUSEUM. Maybe join an optional excursion to El Escorial and a dinner outing in one of Madrid’s famous restaurants tonight? (B)

Day 16:
Madrid–Barcelona. You will be transferred by high-speed AVE TRAIN to Barcelona, arriving in the late afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 17:
Barcelona. Morning guided sightseeing includes visits to PARK GÜELL and the SAGRADA FAMILIA BASILICA. (B)

Day 18:
At Leisure in Barcelona. Full day at leisure. Ask your Local Host for suggestions. (B)

Day 19:
Barcelona. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)