Day 1. (Monday) BARCELONA – MADRID (train)

Call on at Barcelona “Sants” Station and departure by high-speed train to Madrid. Pleasant and short journey with the comfort and speed of this fast train. Arrival in Madrid, capital city of Spain. Transfer on your own to the hotel. Free day at your disposal to discover Madrid, diplomatic capital, economic centre and most populous city in Spain, headquarters of the Spanish government and city where the Spanish monarchy resides. We recommend taking a walk through the courtly Madrid de los Austrias Neighbourhood with its Renaissance and Baroque buildings in Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa, continue to the Royal Palace located in the elegant Plaza de Oriente, get to know the Cibeles Fountain, Fountain of Neptune, Puerta de Alcalá, Gran Vía or Paseo de la Castellana. Hotel accommodation.

Day 2. (Tuesday) MADRID – SALAMANCA – PORTO

Departure from Madrid westbound heading to the Atlantic Coast of Portugal. Our first stop will be in Salamanca, the university city par excellence. Free time to explore at your own pace this World Heritage Site of great artistic wealth. A stroll around the pedestrian streets in its historic centre will take you to Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful squares in Spain, you may visit Salamanca’s two cathedrals (the old cathedral dating from the 12^th-13^th centuries of Romanesque style, and the new one from the 16^th century), the House of Shells, the Baroque style Clerecia church and the University with its beautiful Plateresque façade. Later we’ll continue to Porto, the capital of Northern Portugal. Arrival at the hotel and accommodation.

Day 3. (Wednesday) PORTO

Breakfast at the hotel. We have a whole day to enjoy this authentic city, declared a World Heritage Site. We begin with a panoramic visit of Porto to discover the Cathedral of Sé, the most important religious monument in Porto, a mixture of styles and influences, also the Palacio de la Bolsa, one of the most beautiful buildings in Porto, Santa Clara Church and ending in a local winery where we will taste the world-famous “Porto wine”. After the visit, we will include a boat trip on the Douro river to enjoy the panoramic views that exist from the boat. Afternoon free at your disposal to continue exploring the corners of Porto, stroll along the Avenida dos Aliados, the Ribeira de Porto on the banks of the Duero and admire the Don Luis I Bridge, the most famous bridge in Porto, climb to the Clérigos Tower, the best viewpoint of Porto, from where you will have panoramic views of the historic city centre. Hotel accommodation.

Day 4. (Thursday) PORTO – COIMBRA – FATIMA

Breakfast at the hotel. We leave Porto heading south to reach Coimbra, a riverfront city rising scenically from the Rio Mondego and the country’s former capital during the Middle Ages. Arrival and free time at your disposal to explore its preserved medieval old town with its dark cobbled lanes, visit Coimbra’s monuments: the monumental 12^th century Romanesque cathedral Sé Velha, the historic University of Coimbra, Portugal’s oldest and most prestigious university, the gothic Igreja de Santa Cruz, Coimbra’s most historically important church or enjoy a relaxed coffee and sweet pastry in the Café Santa Cruz. We continue our route southward to Fatima. We will discover this important sacred centre of the Christian Faith, known worldwide for its sanctuary, a place of Christian pilgrimage since the beginning of the 20^th century. Free time at your disposal to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima consisting of an impressive Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Chapel of the Apparitions, heart of the sanctuary and place where according to the Roman Catholic Church, three visionary children Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta Marto received several apparitions and heavenly messages by the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. You can visit the tombs of the three little shepherds, the precious statue of Our Lady of Fátima, the great oak tree, and also the monument dedicated to the three little shepherds (the seers) of Fátima. Arrival at the hotel and accommodation. At night, you’ll have the possibility of attending the candlelight procession.

Day 5. (Friday) FATIMA – BATALHA – NAZARE – ALCOBAÇA – LISBON

After breakfast, we will depart to the Monastery of Batalha (Monastery of the Battle in English), an artwork of the Gothic and Manueline styles, built in commemoration of the Battle of Aljubarrota, when the Portuguese troupes managed to rule out Castilian ambitions to the Portuguese throne. Our route continues to Nazare, the most picturesque and colourful fishing village in Portugal, located on the Silver Coast (Costa da Prata). If we have enough time, we will drive till O Sitio (the old town) to enjoy a panoramic view of the town and its beaches. We will continue our trip to Alcobaça where we will visit its 12th century Monastery, one of the most magnificent gothic monuments in Portugal with the tombs of the King Peter I of Portugal and his mistress, Ines de Castro. At the end of the day, we will continue to Lisbon, the capital and the largest city in Portugal. Arrival and accommodation in the hotel. In the evening, optionally, you can enjoy a Fado music show (typical Portuguese folklore).

Day 6. (Saturday) LISBON

Breakfast at the hotel. We’ll have a full day to explore each corner of Lisbon. We’ll start the day with an in-depth sightseeing tour of Lisbon. We’ll visit Lisbon’s traditional neighbourhoods, which take us into the Belem district, on the northern bank of the Tagus River estuary, the birthplace of many great Portuguese navigators who sailed the oceans in the Fifteenth Century to explore and trade with India and the Orient. We will walk around the Monument of the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), a monument that celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery, we’ll see the Belem Tower, a medieval defensive fortification and a prominent example of the Portuguese Manueline style. We will finally see the beautiful gothic style Jeronimos Monastery, Vasco da Gama’s resting place, classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the nearby Tower of Belen. Enjoy some free time at leisure to explore Lisbon at your own pace, to discover the nostalgic corners of the Barrio de Alfama, the old city grouped next to its Castle with its old buildings in narrow and twisted “ruas” full of colour and housing the genuine “taverns” where Fado music sounds like a lost past. Optionally you can do a beautiful coach trip to visit Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Cabo da Roca and admire Cascais and Estoril. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 7. (Sunday) LISBON – CACERES – CÓRDOBA

Our last breakfast in Portugal. Departure towards Spain travelling along beautiful green plains that extend as far as the eye can see dotted with cork oaks and olive trees that withstand time. Back in Spain, we enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Region of Extremadura, the typical wooded pasture known as the “dehesa” where the Iberian pigs forage freely for acorns. Arrival in Cáceres, a magical medieval city, capital of the province, in the west of Spain. Free time to walk through the old town with its walls and watchtowers and its well-known medieval quarter, considered World Heritage. We recommend that you follow the narrow paths that will transport you to another century and captivate you with its ancient charm. You will discover the main square of Cáceres: the Plaza Mayor and the Bujaco Tower, known locally as the Clock Tower, the Arco de la Estrella, which is one of the five access gates of Cáceres, the beautiful Palacio de los Golfines… Later, we set off to Córdoba, former capital of the Muslim Caliphate of Al-Andalus, with its impressive cultural and monumental heritage. Arrival at the hotel and accommodation.

Day 8. (Monday) CÓRDOBA – SEVILLE

Breakfast at the hotel. Accompanied by an expert local guide, we will visit the most notable places in Córdoba: the narrow and winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, the synagogue and the fantastic Great Mosque of Córdoba, one of the largest works of Islamic architecture in the world, which is still preserved from the time when the Muslims ruled Al-Ándalus, which will relax our mind and spirit. Free time at your disposal to stroll through the historic centre of Córdoba, with its medieval streets or visit the Royal Palace “Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos” and its beautiful gardens. In the afternoon, after a short drive, arrival in Seville, the capital of Andalusia. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 9. (Tuesday) SEVILLE

After breakfast, we will take a monumental and panoramic tour of Seville. You will visit the Seville Cathedral, the second largest in the Catholic world after Saint Peter’s in Rome and its famous Giralda, the old minaret of the Arab mosque, then you will walk through the popular neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz, natural setting of “Carmen” as well like where he developed the myth of “Don Juan” and also Triana, with a deep popular flavour and cradle of bullfighters and artists. After the visit, you will enjoy free time to discover different perspectives and flavours specific to this active, light-filled city. How about a boat ride along the Guadalquivir River to enjoy the panoramic views that exist from the boat? Next, you can walk along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, the “great king of Andalusia” as the poet Luis de Góngora y Argote called him. Accommodation. At night, you can optionally enjoy a flamenco show.

Day 10. (Wednesday) SEVILLE – RONDA – COSTA DEL SOL

After breakfast at the hotel we’ll drive south along the Route of the White Washed Villages, listening to stories of bandits while arriving at Ronda, one of the most beautiful towns in Andalusia, situated on the gorge of the Guadalevin River (locally known as Tajo de Ronda) that cuts the city in half. You’ll enjoy some free time to admire this town of Celtic origin and the marvellous views of the valley and mountain range. In the afternoon, continue on to the Costa del Sol, one of the most modern and important international tourist areas of Spain. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11. (Thursday) COSTA DEL SOL

Breakfast. Free day at your entire disposal to enjoy the famous Costa del Sol. You can take a day trip to Gibraltar where you can visit the famous natural park of the Rock of Gibraltar, meet the typical monkeys that live in freedom or visit the Cueva de San Miguel. Don’t forget to stop by the famous Main Street, an ideal place to shop at some of the most competitive prices in the Mediterranean. Accommodation on the Costa del Sol.

Day 12. (Friday) COSTA DEL SOL – TARIFA – TANGIER – CASABLANCA

After breakfast at the hotel, departure along the picturesque tourist route of the Costa del Sol through internationally renowned places such as Marbella and Puerto Banús towards Tarifa to cross the Strait of Gibraltar. Border procedures and continuation by bus to Larache, a picturesque fishing town located on the Moroccan Atlantic Coast, on the left bank of the Lucus River estuary, with houses with white walls and blue carpentry. You will enjoy free time for lunch. We continue the trip to Casablanca, the largest city that represents the modern face of today’s Morocco. Arrival at the hotel, dinner and accommodation.

Day 13. (Saturday) CASABLANCA – MARRAKECH

After breakfast, we will take a sightseeing tour of Casablanca, this cosmopolitan city, the economic capital of Morocco. We will discover the attractions of Casablanca, such as Anfa Boulevard, the Square of Nations, we will visit from the outside the impressive Hassan II Mosque (interior visit offered as an optional activity), a showcase of the best Moroccan craftsmanship, the symbol of the city of Casablanca, second only to Mecca in importance and size. After the visit we will continue to Marrakech, the city that gave its name to the country, a fascinating and mysterious city where Europe, Africa and the Middle East mix and merge. Arrival and free time for lunch. In the afternoon, we will begin with an incredible guided tour of Marrakech. We will see from the outside the Koutobia minaret, twin sister of the Giralda in Seville, the Bahia Palace, one of the most impressive places in the city, we will walk through the colourful Medina and its souks, and we will end in the magical Djemaa El Fna square, symbol of Morocco, full of fortune-tellers, snake charmers, acrobats, dancers, all make the city centre an open-air theatre that requires audience participation. Don’t forget your camera. Return to the hotel and accommodation. Optionally, you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and a horse show that includes odalisques, flying carpets and fireworks in an atmosphere that recreates the Arabian Nights.

Day 14. (Sunday) MARRAKECH – RABAT – MEKNES – FEZ

Breakfast and departure to Rabat, diplomatic and administrative capital of Morocco, official residence of King Mohamed VI. During the guided tour of Rabat we will see from the outside the Royal Palace of Rabat (Dar al-Makhzen), the official residence of the King of Morocco, then we will go to the esplanade of Yacoub al-Mansour to discover the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a work master of the architecture of the Alawite dynasty, with its white silhouette, crowned by a typical green tile roof. In front of the Mausoleum, we will discover the Hassan Tower, a minaret of an incomplete mosque that has become the symbol of the city. On the way to Fez, we’ll stop in Meknes, one of the imperial cities of the XVII century, located in the heart of the Middle Atlas and surrounded by 40 km of walls. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city of Meknes. We will visit the Bab Al Mansour Gate, entrance to the old town and without a doubt the most beautiful gate in Morocco. Free time for lunch. We continue the trip to Fez, the oldest of the imperial cities of Morocco and famous for its ancient walled city, which many compare to that of Jerusalem. Arrival at the hotel. Free time, dinner and accommodation.

Day 15. (Monday) FEZ

Breakfast. In the morning we will visit Fez, the oldest and most monumental of the Imperial Cities to discover the most interesting places of this wonderful city: the 7 gates of the Royal Palace, the Jewish Quarter or Mellah, Bab Bou Jeloud Gate that gives access to the Medina. We continue with a walk through its magnificent Medina or ancient city, declared a World Heritage Site, we will visit the Medersa, one of the main schools of the Koranic religion in Morocco, its Al Karaouine Mosque, one of the largest architectural complexes in Fez known for housing the oldest university in the world, and later we will discover the famous tanners’ neighbourhood, with its countless pits full of natural dyes that make up a colourful landscape. Return to the hotel for lunch and free afternoon to quietly enjoy the extensive and labyrinthine Medina of Fes el-Bali, made up of more than 9,000 alleys, the best preserved Medina in the Arab world and the largest living monument in all of Morocco. In the evening, possibility of dinner-show in a typical restaurant in the Medina. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 16. (Tuesday) FEZ – TANGIER – TARIFA – COSTA DEL SOL

Breakfast at the hotel. We are heading towards the Mediterranean Coast. Arrival at the port of Tangier and take the ferry to return to Spain through the Strait of Gibraltar. Travel along the Mediterranean coast towards the Costa del Sol. Arrival at the hotel and free time at your disposal. We recommend going out for tapas, an unbeatable way to experience Andalusian culture and savour the charms of its bars and taverns. Tapas are an exquisite, varied and select example of popular gastronomy that allows you to share a variety of dishes and try a wide range of different products at reasonable prices. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 17. (Wednesday) COSTA DEL SOL

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day on the Costa del Sol. We recommend visiting Marbella, a cosmopolitan city where you can get lost in the streets of the historic centre of Marbella, with a typically Arab layout and visit places as unique as the medieval castle, the Plaza de los Naranjos, or the Museum of Engraving in addition to shopping in its shopping streets, keep in mind that Marbella is a shopper’s paradise, as you will find all the designer boutiques you can imagine. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 18. (Thursday) COSTA DEL SOL – GRANADA

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Granada, with its incredible and amazing monumental environment, the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdom up to 1492. We’ll visit the world-famous Alhambra Palace (Red Palace) and Generalife Gardens. Its fountains, gardens and patios (courtyards) have inspired several authors with their sounds and sights, such as the “Tales of the Alhambra” by Washington Irving. Free time in the afternoon. We recommend you to visit the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel that houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, or stroll through the Albaicin neighbourhood and enjoy the beautiful views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolas. Accommodation at the hotel. Optionally, you can see a Gipsy Flamenco Show held in a cave-house at Sacromonte Quarter.

Day 19. (Friday) GRANADA – TOLEDO – MADRID

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive northward where, toward the sky of Castile and surrounded by the Tagus River, it emerges the impressive Imperial City of Toledo – a World Heritage City – where the three cultures Christians, Moorish and Jewish, have lived together in harmony. Resume of the Spanish art, history and spirituality, the whole town of Toledo is a National Monument. We’ll enjoy an in depth city tour of Toledo that includes the most important monuments, its narrow streets and we’ll discover the famous “Damasquinado Art” (gold and silver inlaying in iron). After the visit, we’ll continue to Madrid. Arrival and end of our services.