Portugal, Morocco & Andalusia Explorer Journeys (Tour code: 15597)

Arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Join your travel director for your welcome dinner at a local restaurant on the other side of Tagus River, and enjoy the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers.

Overnight stay in Lisbon at VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & Spa or similar.

Lisbon Cityscape

After breakfast, join a morning city sightseeing of the ancient Olissipo. Drive through its main squares and avenues, Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square & Liberty Avenue.

Afternoon at leisure for you to catch the nostalgic corners of Alfama Quarter, the old city gathered next to its Castle, with old buildings nested in narrow twisting “Ruas” full of color housing the genuine “tabernas”. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy this magnificent city.

Overnight stay in Lisbon at VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & Spa or similar.

Marquis of Pombal Square & Liberty Avenue

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Montemor-o-Novo, a charming town renowned for its rich history and breathtaking natural surroundings. Celebrated for its vineyards and wineries, you will enjoy a visit to a local winery, complete with a tasting of the region's exquisite wines.

Then, continue to Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and historical significance. Here, you will explore with your local expert the magnificent Roman Temple, the hauntingly beautiful Chapel of Bones (entrance included), and the grand Evora Cathedral. Stroll through the picturesque streets, lined with whitewashed houses and vibrant squares, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this enchanting city.

Overnight stay in Evora at Hilton Garden Inn or similar.

Chapel of Bones

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Tomar, a city steeped in history and mystery, you will discover its rich heritage as a former stronghold of the Knights Templar. The centerpiece of your visit will be the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning Manueline architecture and intricate details.

Free time to wander through the ancient streets, visit the ancient churches, and immerse yourself in the captivating stories of this enchanting town. Continue to Coimbra and meet the local guide for a tour of Coimbra, a historic city known for its prestigious university (one of the oldest in Europe), charming medieval streets, and beautiful riverfront.

Overnight stay in Coimbra at Hotel NH Coimbra Dona Inês or similar.

Coimbra

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart to Aveiro, known for its picturesque canals, which have earned it the nickname "The Venice of Portugal". We will enjoy a ride on a moliceiro, a traditional colourful boat used for navigating the canals of Aveiro, before heading to Porto.

Once arrived in Porto, begin with a visit to the museum "Porto Across the Ages," where you will embark on a captivating journey through Porto's rich history, from its medieval origins to its modern-day splendor. Interactive exhibits and multimedia displays bring the past to life, offering a deep understanding of the city's evolution and cultural heritage.

Following the museum visit, we will head to one of Porto's renowned wine cellars for a guided tour. Here, you will learn about the intricate process of port wine production and the unique characteristics that make these wines worldfamous. The visit culminates with a tasting session, where you can savour a selection of fine port wines, appreciating their complex flavours and aromas.

Overnight stay in Porto at HF Ipanema Park or similar.

Porto Wine Cellars

Breakfast at the hotel. Guided sightseeing tour of Porto. Admire the Cathedral, Stock Exchange building and Santa Clara Church. Rest of day at leisure.

Tonight, you will have the opportunity to share a typical fado show with dinner with your fellow travellers.

Overnight stay in Porto at HF Ipanema Park or similar.

Porto Cathedral

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to the Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style considered a World Heritage place by UNESCO.

After some time at leisure, continue to Obidos, a charming medieval town located in the central region of Portugal. It is renowned for its well-preserved castle and historic center, characterised by narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses adorned with colourful flowers, and traditional tile work. The town is encircled by sturdy 14th century walls, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Then, departure to Lisbon, where you will enjoy a typical dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight stay in Lisbon at VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & Spa or similar.

Obidos

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its wellpreserved Roman ruins, including the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre. Explore its rich historical heritage before continuing to Cordoba, once the capital of the Caliphate.

Overnight stay in Cordoba at Hotel Hesperia or similar

Ampitheatre in Merida

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the impressive tour of Cordoba´s Mosque (entrance included) and other sites that will ease our mind and spirit strolling through its narrow winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, continue your journey towards Seville.

Tonight, you will have the opportunity to discover Andalusian cuisine at a local restaurant with your fellow travellers.

Overnight stay in Seville at NH Collection Seville or similar.

Cordoba's Mosque

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of the Andalusian Capital, Seville. Visit the Cathedral, the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peters in Rome. Continue to Santa Cruz Quarter, the natural scenario of Carmen as well as the myth of Don Juan, Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España.

Afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the city of light.

Overnight stay in Seville at NH Collection Seville or similar.

Catedral de Sevilla

After breakfast, travel south through Andalusian villages to Jerez, where you will be captivated by two of the essential elements of the Andalusian soul: wine and horses. We will visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, and will enjoy a wine tasting in one of the famous local wineries.

Continue to Ronda. Visit an olive oil production facility at LA Organic and taste their organic olive oil. Rest of the day at leisure to discover the secrets of Ronda.

Overnight stay in Ronda at Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria Wellness & Spa or similar.

Catedral de Jerez de la Frontera

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from Ronda towards Gibraltar. Upon arrival, visit 'On The Rocks' in Gibraltar. Free time in Gibraltar. Continue to Algeciras to take the ferry to Tangier.

Arrival in Tangier, our first contact with Morocco, and transfer to Tetouan, city known as “The White Dove” and whose Medina is recognized a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight stay in Tetouan at La Paloma's Hotel or similar.

Rock of Gibraltar

Breakfast and panoramic visit of the most interesting places in Tetouan before continuing the route to Chefchaouen, considered the Blue City due to the color of its houses and streets. Arrival and visit the city, walking through its Uta El Hammam square, with free time for shopping and lunch. Afterward, depart for Fez, crossing the Rif mountain range. Arrival in the late afternoon.

Overnight stay in Fez at Royal Mirage Hotel or similar.

Chefchaouen

Breakfast and a full visit to the country's religious city. Founded in the 8th century by Idriss II, it is considered one of the Four Imperial Capitals. During this visit, a tour is conducted through the most emblematic places, such as the Royal Palace Gates, the Jewish Quarter, and the fortress that offers the best view of Fez el Bali, the medina or old city. A walking tour will lead us to the famous Bab Bou Jeloud Gate, offering a glimpse into a part of the city that still lives close to the Middle Ages. Walls protect its interior, formed by hundreds of labyrinthin alleys where visitors can experience a multitude of smells and flavors in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Arrival at a palace in the city for a practical class on how to prepare one of Morocco's most typical dishes, couscous. Guests will help the cooks finish this dish. Finally, lunch is served at this location. In the afternoon, visit nearby vineyards for a wine tasting session.

Overnight stay in Fez at Royal Mirage Hotel or similar.

Fez

Breakfast and departure towards Morocco, traveling entirely on the highway. A stop is made in Casablanca for free time for lunch and a visit to the city. The tour includes the United Nations Square, Habous Quarter, and finally the exterior of the great Hassan II Mosque. Arrival in Morocco in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Marakech at Kenzi Rose Hotel or similar.

Mosque of Casablanca

Breakfast. Departure for a city tour, beginning with the grand Menara Gardens, which feature a side pavilion and countless olive trees. Then, an exterior visit to the Koutoubia Minaret, the twin of Seville's Giralda. In the old part of the city, visit the Dar el Bacha Museum, known for its spectacular architecture. Finally, head to the Jamaa el Fnaa square, one of Morocco's most interesting places, from where you can access the souks and medina.

In the afternoon, visit different artisan guilds, including woodworkers, potters, tanners, and spice merchants. At some point, visit a riad in the medina, a palace house, for a special moment: a traditional tea ceremony conducted by an expert. Learn how to make this important Moroccan beverage, which is an integral part of the country's culture.

Overnight in Marakech at Kenzi Rose Hotel or similar.

Morocco's Souk

Breakfast and early departure for Rabat. Visit to the capital of the country, including the Royal Palace gates, the Mohamed V Mausoleum, and the Hassan Tower.

Overnight stay in Rabat at Belere Urban Hotel or similar.

Hassan Tower

Breakfast and departure to Tangier. Upon arrival, a panoramic tour of Cape Spartel, the palace route, and finally the Kasbah, from where the city's inhabitants defended against pirate attacks centuries ago. Transfer to the Tangier port for a fast catamaran to Tarifa and then continue to Malaga.

Overnight in Malaga at Alameda Centro Affiliated by Meliá or similar.

Cape Spartel

After breakfast, depart for Málaga. Visit the city and explore its historical and cultural attractions. Malaga is a city full of corners that look back on several centuries of history, from the time of the Romans (with its magnificent theater) to the Arab, with the Alcazaba or the Castle of Gibralfaro.

Continue to Granada, this city, located at the foot of Sierra Nevada, between the Darro and Genil rivers, is one of the jewels of Andalusia. Here, the impressive Andalusian legacy, represented by the Alhambra, is complemented by Renaissance architectural gems. We will have the chance to learn how to dance flamenco before attending a dinner with a flamenco show in one of the most typical venues in Granada.

After dinner, we invite you to take the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful views of Granada from one of the city's viewpoints.

Overnight in Granada at Hotel Catalonia Granada or similar.

Alcazaba Malaga

Breakfast at the hotel. We will visit the world famous Alhambra complex with a local expert (entrance included) and Generalife Gardens. Then, depart to Madrid. In Madrid, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.

Overnight in Madrid at The Westin Madrid Cuzco or similar.

Generalife Gardens

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the beauties of the city with a guided city tour with your local expert: Barrio de la Morería, the Hapsburgs District, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa; the Madrid of the Bourbons and the complex town planning schemes of Charles III, the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains and the Puerta de Alcalá.

The contemporary Madrid with areas such as Gran Vía, Castellana, the district of Salamanca, as well as commercial and financial areas of Modern Madrid, and the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium. During the visit, we will taste the typical chocolate with churros, the most Madrid-style snack.

Afternoon at leisure to continue exploring the wonders that the city has to offer.

Overnight in Madrid at The Westin Madrid Cuzco or similar.

Puerta de Alcala

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport.

End of services.