Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco - Classic Group
Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco - Classic Group
$5175
Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco - Classic Group
17 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Salamanca, Lisbon, Seville, Fes, Marrakesh, Casablanca, Tangier, Costa del Sol, Granada
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E942ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, History, Religion and Spiritual
Activities:
Tour Overview
Traverse Spain, Portugal and Morocco on this 17-day guided tour. In Madrid, visit the Prado Museum and learn about the origins of the city with a Local Expert. In Lisbon explore the Belém Quarter with a Local Expert and visit the National Coach Museum. In Fes, tour the Medina and learn about renowned local crafts. Travel to the white-washed village of Alfarnatejo, then discover the oldest olive grove in the region, where you’ll taste freshly pressed oils and dine on a traditional meal in the home of a Spanish family.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with a Local Expert and hear how the Jewish community has shaped the city's history.
- Seville: See the city's top sights on a panoramic tour with your Local Expert.
Top Rated Highlights
- Madrid: 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.
- Avila: Explore within the ancient walls of this unique town.
- Salamanca: See the golden stone and arcades of Plaza Mayor, and learn about the unique traditions of this historic university city.
- Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions and see the basilica.
- Lisbon: Explore one of the world's finest collections of historical horse-drawn carriages, dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
- Seville: 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.
- Tarifa: Travel from Tarifa to Tangier on a ferry across the iconic Strait of Gibraltar.
- Rabat: See the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower.
- Tangier: Your Local Expert will show you the sights of Morocco's great port. See the Sultan's Palace and visit the Casbah.
- 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.
- Marrakesh: 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.
- 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.
- Fes: Learn about the traditional craft of carpet making, gaining an insight to the designs the and the difference in materials.
- Fes: 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.
- Tangier: Travel back to Europe on your return ferry.
- Gibraltar: 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.
Make Travel Matter
Seville: 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.
Authentic Dining
Madrid: 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.
Lisbon: Delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese custard tart, Pastéis de Belém, made in a 19th century bakery with the original secret recipe.
Alfarnatejo: 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.
Alfarnatejo: Join a local family for a Dine-at-Home lunch featuring traditional recipes. Learn about regional customs and culture through your hosts' warm hospitality and lively conversation.
Madrid: Toast to your travels and enjoy local specialties in one of the city's elegant central neighborhoods.
Insight Choice
Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with a Local Expert and hear how the Jewish community has shaped the city's history.
Seville: See the city's top sights on a panoramic tour with your Local Expert.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana
Accommodation Name: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana
Meals Included: Dinner
Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner in a local restaurant and enjoy an evening of delicious food and wine.
Day 2: Prado Museum And On To Golden Salamanca
Location: Salamanca
Accommodation: Hotel Alameda Palace, Salamanca.
Accommodation Name: Alameda Palace, Salamanca
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3: Holy Fátima And Lisbon Relaxed Start
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon.
Accommodation Name: Turim Saldanha
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4: Lisbon And The Age Of The Great Discoveries Relaxed Start
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon.
Accommodation Name: Turim Saldanha
Meals Included: Breakfast
Uncover the treasures of Lisbon with a Local Expert, beginning with a guided visit to the historic Belém Quarter, once the departure point for explorers of the New World. Indulge in a taste of the famed Pastéis de Belém, prepared with a secret recipe handed down through generations. Step into the National Coach Museum and visit one of the world’s most remarkable collections of opulent horse-drawn carriages. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore Lisbon at your leisure. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the elegant Portuguese Riviera, where scenic coastal views beckon. You can also choose an Optional Experience to witness the hauntingly beautiful strains of Fado music over dinner at a traditional Fado house.
Day 5: To Seville, The City Of Carmen
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Catalonia Giralda Hotel, Seville.
Accommodation Name: Catalonia Giralda Hotel, Seville
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover the wonders of Seville, beginning with a visit to its cathedral, the revered resting place of Christopher Columbus. Then, personalise your exploration with Insight Choice. Opt for a guided stroll through the labrynthine Jewish quarter, where you'll admire the iconic La Giralda, the former minaret turned cathedral bell tower. Alternatively, relax on a scenic drive through Seville. See the banks of the Guadalquivir River and marvel at the city’s architectural treasures, from Moorish influences to vibrant Andalusian flair.
Day 6: Free Time And Flamenco In Seville Relaxed Start
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Catalonia Giralda Hotel, Seville.
Accommodation Name: Catalonia Giralda Hotel, Seville
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7: The Straits Of Gibraltar To Fes
Location: Fes
Accommodation: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes.
Accommodation Name: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes
Meals Included: Dinner
Set sail across the Strait of Gibraltar to reach Morocco, a historic land of deep-rooted tradition and compelling cultural character.
Day 8: Explore Fes Relaxed Start
Location: Fes
Accommodation: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes.
Accommodation Name: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes
Meals Included: Dinner
Today, 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.
Day 9: On The Road To Marrakesh
Location: Marrakesh
Accommodation: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech.
Accommodation Name: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakesh
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 10: Explore Marrakesh Relaxed Start
Location: Marrakesh
Accommodation: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech.
Accommodation Name: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakesh
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 11: Play It Again Sam In Casablanca Relaxed Start
Location: Casablanca
Accommodation: Grand Mogador City Center, Casablanca.
Accommodation Name: Gray Suites, Casablanca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 12: Rabat And Tangier Relaxed Start
Location: Tangier
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Villa de France, Tangier.
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Villa de France, Tangier
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 13: On To The Costa Del Sol
Location: Costa del Sol
Accommodation: Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos.
Accommodation Name: Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 14: At Leisure On The Costa Del Sol Relaxed Start
Location: Costa del Sol
Accommodation: Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos.
Accommodation Name: Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 Málaga, the birth city of Picasso.
Day 15: Dining With Locals And The Alhambra Palace
Location: Granada
Accommodation: Gran Hotel Luna de Granada.
Accommodation Name: Gran Hotel Luna de Granada
Meals Included: Lunch
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.
Day 16: To Madrid In Search Of Don Quixote
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid.
Accommodation Name: Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid
Meals Included: Dinner
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 dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 17: Depart Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, bid a fond farewell to your memorable journey through Spain, Morocco & Portugal as you transfer to the airport and reflect on the experiences and adventures you've had.
What's Included
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Meals
4 Dinners with Wine, 16 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners, and 1 Lunch with Wine are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours with Local Experts in various cities including Seville, Madrid, Lisbon, Marrakesh, and more.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
All hotel and restaurant tips are included.
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Taxes and Porterage Charges
All taxes and porterage charges at hotels are included.
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Baggage Handling
Baggage handling is included, with bags promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available) is included.
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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Luxury Coach
Travel in the comfort of Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a visit to Córdoba and the Mezquita are not included.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included and may be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
Dining Summary
6 Dinner (D)16 Breakfast (B)1 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.Granada: 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.
Well-being
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experience is included in Seville?
In Seville, you will visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a flamenco dance school, where you can learn some basic flamenco steps and watch a passionate performance by the students. This experience supports the teaching and conservation of flamenco, contributing to the cultural heritage of Andalusia and Spain.
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What is the significance of the visit to Fátima?
Fátima is one of the world's most renowned religious sites, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three young shepherds in 1917. You will join pilgrims at the great basilica and visit the Chapel of Apparitions, marking the location of her first appearance.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Alhambra Palace?
During your visit to the Alhambra Palace in Granada, you will explore this exquisite Moorish citadel with a Local Expert. The tour includes the intricate arabesque gardens, fountains, and the Generalife, the summer residence of the Spanish royals.
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How does the tour incorporate local dining experiences?
The tour includes several authentic dining experiences, such as a Welcome Dinner in Madrid, tasting Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon, and a Dine-at-Home lunch with a local family in Alfarnatejo, where you will enjoy traditional recipes and learn about regional customs.
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What is the transportation like during the tour?
You will travel in comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach, which offers double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coach is equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi and hand sanitizer, and physical distancing measures are in place.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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