Your Itinerary
Day 2 - Arrive Casablanca
Welcome to Morocco, an intrinsically beautiful country, so rich with heritage that from the moment you arrive you feel completely transported to another time and place. The landscapes vary from snow-laden peaks to pristine deserts. We begin in Casablanca, Morocco's largest and most modern city. This city was made famous by the movie of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart. Before the French began to develop it as the country’s economic capital in 1912, Casa – as Casablanca is commonly called – was only a small trading post.
We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your hotel by 4.00pm
Meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director this evening for welcome drinks at the hotel.
Day 3 - Casablanca - Marrakesh
After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour including a visit to the Hassan II Mosque - the second largest mosque in the world, the Marché Central and Ain Diab Esplanade. Consisting of white-walled stalls and green clay tiled roofs, the Marché Central or Central Market is smaller in size and less chaotic than the overflowing markets in Fez and elsewhere in Morocco. Vendors here sell a range of products including argan oil, a traditional Moroccan elixir.
Following our morning sightseeing, we’ll depart Casablanca and make our way to Marrakesh
Special Experience
Experience the atmosphere of Marrakesh’s main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa. Pass through a wondrous mix of food, music and entertainment, getting a taste of this lively city.
We’ll experience a real taste of Morocco at tonight’s group welcome dinner, complete with dancers and musicians, in a local restaurant
One of the four Imperial Cities of Morocco, Marrakesh was founded in the 11th century by the Berber dynasty, Almoravid. It soon became the capital of the Islamic Empire that stretched as far as Spain and Western Africa. During the rule of Yousef Ben Tachfine, Marrakesh was blessed with fine gardens, palaces, mosques and legendary walls, and was influenced by the Almoravid conquest of southern Spain. Morocco was colonised by the French in the 20th century and the strong influences from these countries can be felt today.
The red royal city of Marrakesh is the real heartbeat of Morocco, set within sight of the snowy peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. Our entire day is dedicated to sightseeing here.
First, we visit the 16th century monument site of the Saadian Tombs which remained sealed until 1917 when they were rediscovered. The tombs are brilliantly decorated with intricate carvings, colourful tiles and Arabic scripts. We’ll then continue to the aristocratic Bahia Palace which functions as a Royal residence. We also see the Koutoubia Mosque, considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
Special Experience
We’ll take a cooking lesson in a beautiful Moroccan riad, then enjoy the food we’ve prepared for lunch.
Departing Marrakesh this morning we journey to Fez. Fez is arguably the symbolic heart of Morocco, set in the gentle rolling countryside of the mid Atlas Mountains. The World Heritage-listed medina of Fez el-Bali (old Fez) is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world, and its gates and walls are magnificent.
After breakfast we’ll spend the day discovering the sights of the city. We visit the famous medina which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed in 1981, where the narrow lanes and colourful traders make for some fantastic photo opportunities. This includes the Karaouine Mosque and the fountains of Carpenter's Square. The mosque is one of the oldest of its kind in the western Muslim world and does not allow non-Muslims to enter, so the best place to view this magnificent building is from the top of Medersa Attarine (when open).
After our morning sightseeing, we’ll enjoy lunch at a private palace inside the medina.
This afternoon we’ll also visit the famous operation tannery, processing the hides of sheep and goat in stone vessels filled with a range of colourful dyes.
Day 7 - Fez - Chefchaouen
Today we travel to the magical blue city of Chefchaouen in northwest Morocco.
From Fez we first head to Meknes, one of the kingdom's Imperial Cities founded in the 11th century. On arrival we’ll enjoy an orientation tour of the old city known as the ‘Versailles of Morocco’ and see the old medina, Royal Stables and the Bab el Mansour Gate.
After some free time, we will continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Once a Roman settlement, dating from the 3rd century BC, Volubilis was a central administrative city for this part of Roman Africa, responsible for grain production and exports to Rome.
This morning we’ll explore Chefchaouen’s picturesque streets on foot during a city tour. Wandering the streets is an indulgence for the senses – the variety of colours from different wares and shops contrast with the dazzling blue buildings. This town is also the perfect place to shop for souvenirs such as woven blankets and wool that are not commonly available elsewhere in Morocco. We’ll make our way to the bustling Plaza Uta el-Hamma, where you can find leather goods, tea or just soak up the sun.
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace. Why not join your guide on a hike to the Chefchaouen viewing platform and take in the incredible panoramic views?
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 9 - Chefchaouen - Tangier - Granada
Today we leave Morocco behind and make our way to Spain. We travel to Tangier where we’ll board the ferry to Tarifa and continue to Granada.
Upon arrival in Granada, we will check into our hotel and take a short orientation tour with our Tour Director
Our sightseeing today includes entry into the famous Alhambra Palace complex, a Moorish citadel dating back to 13th century Nasrid dynasty and named because of its reddish coloured walls (it translates to Red Castle in Arabic). Comprising the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba, the Palace of Charles V, and the Bath of the Mosque to name a few, it is one of Spain's most famous attractions.
Throughout its long history, the palace has served multiple purposes. It was used as a fortress during the 9th century and then became a Royal residence during the 13th century. During its time as a Royal residence, many buildings were added to the complex such as a Mosque (later the site was turned into the current Church of St Mary), public baths and patios.
When the Catholic Monarch Charles V took over, he ordered the demolition of part of the complex to rebuild the palace with an Emperor's chamber, and a Queen's dressing room added. The palace was abandoned during the 18th century and sadly part of the fortress was destroyed. Restoration of the palace began in the 19th century and is still maintained today.
Just a short stroll from the main Alhambra buildings, you will wander through its stunning Generalife Gardens, the tranquil summer gardens of the Kings of Granada.
We’ll also walk through the old part of the city and see the outside of the Royal Chapel, where King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth are buried.
The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure before a group dinner this evening.
Special Experience
Taste traditional Spanish tapas, enjoying a range of delicious bite-sized savoury dishes, richly seasoned with local spices.
Day 11 - Granada - Seville
Today we journey to vibrant Seville, the birthplace of tapas, capital of Andalusia and Spain's fourth largest city. Once called ‘Hispalis’ by the Romans and ‘Ishbiliya’ by the Muslims, Seville's Roman and Muslim past is still evident today. Nowadays Seville is very much a modern city, yet it has retained much of its past. This is most prominent in the Old Town where it feels as though you have stepped back in time to an old Spanish village.
On the way we’ll stop in Ronda, one of Andalusia’s famous ‘white’ villages. Perched above the Tajo del Ronda, a deep, narrow gorge that plunges 150 metres into the valley, the town’s location is truly spectacular. Here we’ll see the bullring and the gorge, as well as the Old Town full of shopping and restaurants. Enjoy some free time here to explore before continuing to Seville.
Arriving in the late afternoon, we’ll take a short orientation tour to get to know the area.
According to legend, Seville was founded by Hercules and has origins linked to the Tartessian civilisation. Famous for its joyous and passionate locals, it is the city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro.
After breakfast we discover some of the highlights on a city tour. We begin at the impressive Plaza de España, characterised by its iconic semi-circular lake, twin towers and benches depicting the 48 provinces of Spain in ceramic tiles.
We then visit the Royal Alcázar, a string of royal palaces built by the Catholic kings during the 14th century which is today home to the Spanish Royal Family. We’ll also see the stunning exterior of the Cathedral of Santa Maria and Giralda Bell Tower – the biggest cathedral in Spain and the site where Christopher Columbus is buried. Our sightseeing for the day concludes after exploring the historical Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz.
This afternoon is at leisure for you to discover the delights of this beautiful city.
Optional Excursion
Flamenco Show, 'El Palacio Andaluz’ - Located in the beautiful city of Seville is El Patio Andaluz, a place where passionate Flamenco dancers (known as bailaores or bailaoras) perform group and solo dances. The Flamenco style of dance originated in the Andalusian region and is expressed by the performer with intricate hand, arm and body movements whilst clapping their hands and rhythmically stomping their feet. The dances are usually accompanied by guitars and as the song builds so does the tempo and volume. Enjoy a traditional Flamenco show accompanied with one drink (beer, wine or soft drink) on arrival and return bus transfers.. 1hr 30mins - from Euro 48pp (no minimum number required)
Day 13 - Seville - Lisbon
Lisbon is a cosmopolitan city situated on the banks of the River Tagus, where modern life blends with historical architecture. Perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is built on seven hills and is in fact Europe's second oldest capital after Athens.
Along our journey to Lisbon, we will stop in historic Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and one of Portugal's most beautifully preserved medieval towns. This city is an open-air museum with exquisitely restored buildings and monuments. Evora achieves a great harmony across all the different époques and architectural styles that have marked its prestigious history, dating back some 2,000 years.
Gain great perspective on the town as we travel through Giraldo Square, the main focal point and social centre. Within the walled city centre, we’ll see the historical quarter, with the Cathedral of Evora, the Roman Temple and Saint Francis Church with its Chapel of Bones.
Today we discover the sights of this amazing city. Our tour commences with a panoramic and walking tour of the most historical and traditional points including the Park Edward VII, Liberty Avenue, Restauradores Square, Rossio Square, Belém, Downtown (rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755) and Commerce Square. We’ll also visit the Jerónimos Monastery. Built in Manueline style in the 16th century, this monument celebrates the power of King Manuel I and the magnificence of the empire.
Special Experience
Taste the famous Portuguese custard tart. No visit to Lisbon would be complete without it!
Afterwards we continue to Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest areas. From here you have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy at leisure
Enjoy a full day at leisure in this charming city, to relax or explore at your own pace.
Day 16 - Lisbon - Coimbra
Inhabited by Romans and Arabs, Coimbra was once the capital of Portugal. The city is divided by the Mondego River: the Baixa (lower town) is the main commercial centre and Cidade Alta (upper town) is the older part of the city where the university and many of Coimbra's main attractions are located.
As we make our way to Coimbra today, we will stop in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Sintra, situated on the green slopes of a mountain range. This town was once the residence of the Portuguese royal family during the Middle Ages. Here we will have the opportunity to visit the impressive Sintra Palace.
We then continue to the medieval fortress village of Óbidos, still surrounded by high walls which date back to the 12th century, before continuing to Coimbra. While here, we’ll also enjoy a tasting of the renowned local liquor, Ginjinha. Made from ginja berries (a type of sour cherry), in Óbidos you’ll find it comes served in a chocolate cup!
Arriving in Coimbra, we’ll have the evening at leisure to get familiar with the city.
This morning we enjoy a guided tour through the narrow streets of the ancient part of town and see the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, dating back to the 12th century. We’ll also visit the historic Coimbra University which was established in the early 17th century.
After departing Coimbra, we first make our way to Aveiro, a city of colourful houses with a network of canals, known as the ‘Portuguese Venice’. Here we’ll have time to see the graceful gondola-like Moliceiros boats and taste the local 'Ovos Moles de Aveiro' sweets (made from egg yolks and sugar, wrapped in a thin crust and moulded into various shapes). After a short orientation tour, take some time to stroll around this unique town before we depart for the coastal city of Porto.
Today we’ll explore the vibrant city of Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Porto is famous for its historic centre, elegant bridges, colourful riverside district of Ribeira and its production of port wine. We will have a guided tour of the Ribeira Quarter, St Francisco Church (outside only) and the Stock Exchange.
Special Experience
Learn how authentic port is made and get to taste it at one of the many producers in Porto.
Afterwards we’ll relax on board a short cruise of the Douro River, admiring the city from the water and passing under some of the city’s famous bridges.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to unwind or explore at your own pace.
Day 19 - Porto - Salamanca
Our journey takes us to Salamanca today. An ancient city, Salamanca is famous for being built from golden Villamayor stone and for its university, founded by Alfonso IX in the early 13th century. Golden Villamayor stone contains a high concentration of iron which allows fine and intricate ornamental work to be carved from its surface. The characteristic golden colour adds real character to this beautiful city.
Arriving in Salamanca this afternoon, we will enjoy a city sightseeing tour. The tour will take us to see the Casa de las Conchas, the Roman Bridge, Plaza Mayor, the Old & New Cathedrals and the University Quarter.
Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 20 - Salamanca - Madrid
After breakfast we depart Salamanca for Madrid, the capital of the Spanish Empire and once the richest and most powerful city on Earth. Today, its palaces, museums and concerts are up there with the best in the world.
We’ll visit the town of Ávila on the way, famous as the birthplace of Santa Teresa de Jesus, a great mystic woman of the Catholic Church. Ávila also conserves the most ancient and complete fortified complex in Spain, its 2,500 metre wall and 90 fortified towers surrounding the old city. The wall houses a great part of its monumental treasures, including many Romanesque-style churches, Gothic palaces and a cathedral from the 12th century.
After the orientation tour, we’ll continue to Segovia, well known for the 16-kilometre-long Aqueduct built by the Romans to carry water from the mountains to the city. Whilst in Segovia we’ll see the exterior of the Cathedral, which stands in the Plaza Mayor – the last Gothic cathedral to be built in Spain. The cathedral is considered ‘the Lady of the Cathedrals’ thanks to its elegance.
We’ll arrive in the vibrant city of Madrid in the early evening.
It’s time to explore Madrid today with a guided city tour. Our tour includes driving past the well-known avenues of Gran Via and Castellana, as well as famous squares such as Plaza de España, Atocha, Neptuno, Cibeles, Puerta de Alcalá, and Colon. Next, we walk through Oriente, Mayor and Puerta del Sol. Today we’ll also see Oeste and Retiro Parks, Madrid's bullring and the Santiago Bernabeu soccer stadium.
The afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to sit back and relax at a café and be entranced by Madrid's energy as you people-watch, view eclectic architecture along the Gran Via or savour Spanish fare in Puerta Del Sol. If you enjoy art, take some time to visit the Reina Sofia Art Museum, famous for housing Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica', or the Museo del Prado, known for having one of the finest art collections in the world.
Day 22 - Madrid - Valencia
This morning we depart for the coastal town of Valencia, one of the most lively and friendly cities in Spain. The city features numerous gardens and a wealth of inspiring architecture, the epitome of which is the Valencia Cathedral, making the city a living museum.
Along the way we stop in the historic walled city of Cuenca, which was built by Moors in a strategically defensive location in the heart of the Caliphate of Cordoba. Cuenca was later conquered by the Castilians in the 12th century when it became a regal town and was blessed with impressive buildings such as Spain’s first Gothic cathedral. Recognised as UNESCO World Heritage-listed, Cuenca’s position allows it to tower above the splendid countryside and is famous for its casas colgadas (hanging houses) that are suspended from sheer cliffs over-looking the Huécar River. Enjoy some free time here exploring this impressively well-maintained fortified city before we continue to Valencia.
This morning, our sightseeing tour will first take us to the stunning modern architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences and the diverted riverbed, and then to the historical centre of Valencia, where we will walk through the streets of Barrio del Carmen and see the Cathedral, the Basilica, the Serranos Towers, among others. We will also visit the Lonja, Valencia's 15th Century Stock exchange (entrance included), and later Silk Exchange building, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.
The afternoon is for you to explore at your leisure. Valencia is the home of paella, so why not try this traditional Spanish dish while you’re here? Traditionally eaten at midday, Paella Valenciana (with chicken/rabbit) or Paella de Marisco (with fish/seafood) are the most popular local variations.
Day 24 - Valencia - Barcelona
Enjoy the morning at leisure, before we depart for Barcelona, one of the world's most stylish and cosmopolitan cities, on the cutting edge of architecture, food, fashion, style and music. The city features buildings by the genius and eccentric Antoni Gaudí, significant art collections of Picasso and Miro, and the exuberant locals will enchant you. The city's main tree-lined pedestrian mall, Las Ramblas, runs all the way from the quayside through the heart of the city and will lead you to the Gothic Quarter.
Today we will enjoy a morning tour of Barcelona where we’ll discover famous architect Antoni Gaudí's renowned buildings Casa Batlló and Casa Milà along Passeig de Gracia, one of Barcelona’s largest avenues. We then visit the famous Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia (Holy Family Church).
Next, we pass by Barcelona’s monumental Bull Ring and the city park La Ciutadella, site of the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition with the old triumphal arch of Barcelona. We also see the famous Vila Olímpica neighbourhood and Port Olímpic marina, before continuing to the Montjuic Mountain to take a scenic picture of the city.
The afternoon is at leisure to further explore. Art lovers might like to visit the Picasso Museum which exhibits works from his ‘Blue’ and ‘Pink’ periods. Your Tour Director can help with directions.
Optional Excursion
Montserrat - Montserrat is a mountain top monastery in Catalonia, Spain. This incredible rocky formation is a sacred place for the Catalan people. Includes entrance to Basilica and return cable car for breathtaking views up to the Monastery and with any luck you can also hear the singing of the boys choir (weekdays around 13.00 and Sundays around 12.00, the boys choir does not sing every day as they frequently travel and perform in other churches). 4hrs - From Euro 85pp. This price is based on a minimum of 10 guests. If there are less than 10, please speak with your Tour Director about other options.
Our sightseeing continues this morning with a visit to the amazing Park Güell, declared an artistic monument and World Heritage site by UNESCO. We then drive down to the oldest part of the city and see the Gothic Quarter, former Roman village and heart of Medieval Barcelona. We also explore the Cathedral Square and lovely narrow streets lined with beautiful handicraft shops, quaint local restaurants and buildings as old as the 14th century. Next, we walk to Saint James Square, political heart of the city and end our tour at Catalonia Square.
The afternoon is at leisure before tonight’s group farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Why not take some time to visit the popular Las Ramblas Street with its cafés, restaurants and street artists?
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 27 - Depart Barcelona
Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our new friends and to Spain, Portugal and Morocco. We hope you leave with the memories of a lifetime.
Day 28 - Arrive Australia
Day 28 - Arrive Australia
