Day 1. (Thursday) 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 center 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 Neighborhood 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. (Friday) MADRID – SALAMANCA – VIGO

Departure from Madrid to 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 northwest towards Galicia, a mythical land full of history and a unique natural wealth and a rich landscape. Arrival in Vigo, located in the middle of the estuary to which it gives its name, the southernmost of the Rías Baixas (Lower Estuaries) and undoubtedly the most beautiful one, with beaches of great attraction. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3. (Saturday) VIGO – VIANA DO CASTELO – BRAGA – PORTO

Breakfast at the hotel. Crossing the border with Portugal we will arrive at Viana do Castelo, a town located between the mouth of the Miño River and Porto. You’ll enjoy some free time to visit the old town with cobbled streets and emblazoned buildings. Our route continues to Braga, known as the city of the archbishops and the third most populous city in Portugal. Free time to discover at your own pace the essence of Braga, its labyrinthine narrow streets that hide places of historical interest, original monuments and traditional family businesses. You may visit the medieval Braga Cathedral, home to a sacred art museum and the Gothic-style Kings’ Chapel, the imposing Archbishop’s Palace and the beautiful Santa Barbara Garden. Don’t leave Braga without tasting its exquisite gastronomy among its typical dishes you may find codfish prepared in the Braga style, roast kid and crème caramel with bacon. In the afternoon, departure to Porto, city declared a World Heritage Site. Arrival at the hotel and accommodation.

Day 4. (Sunday) PORTO

Breakfast at the hotel. We have a whole day to enjoy this authentic city, capital of Northern Portugal. 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”. 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 center or take an optional cruise on the Duero River. Hotel accommodation.

Day 5. (Monday) PORTO – COIMBRA

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. Arrival at the hotel, dinner and accommodation.

Day 6. (Tuesday) COIMBRA – FATIMA – LISBON

After breakfast at the hotel, we continue our route southward to Fatima. We will discover this important sacred center 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. At the end of the day we will continue to Lisbon, the capital and largest city of Portugal. Arrival and lodging in the hotel. In the evening, optionally you can enjoy a Fado music show (typical Portuguese folklore).

Day 7. (Wednesday) 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 color 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 8. (Thursday) LISBON – CACERES – SEVILLE

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 Region of Extremadura, the typical wooded pasture known as the “dehesa” where the iberian pigs forage freely for acorns. Arrival in Caceres, a magical medieval city, capital of the Extremadura region in western Spain. Free time to stroll through the old town with its city walls and watchtowers and its well-known medieval neighborhood, considered a World Heritage Site. We recommend you to follow the narrow walkways that will transport you to another century and engage you in its old charm. You’ll discover the main square of Cáceres – the Plaza Mayor and the Bujaco Tower locally known as the Clock Tower, the Arch of the Star, which is one of the five access gates of Cáceres, the beautiful Palace of the Golfines… In the afternoon, we’ll travel along the Silver Highway towards Andalusia, a region with a huge heritage from a splendorous past, to arrive at Seville, Andalusia’s capital. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 9. (Friday) SEVILLE

After breakfast we’ll do a monumental and panoramic visit of Seville. You will visit from outside the Cathedral of Seville, the second largest in the Catholic world after San Pedro in Rome and its famous Giralda, the old minaret of the Arab mosque, then stroll throuhg the popular neighborhoods of Santa Cruz, natural scenery of “Carmen” as well as where it developed the myth of “Don Juan” and also Triana, with a deep popular flavor and cradle of bullfighters and artists. After the visit you’ll enjoy the exquisite Andalusian gastronomy with a lunch included in a local restaurant. In the afternoon you’ll have some free to discover different perspectives and specific flavors of this active city full of light. May we recommend you an optional boat trip on the Guadalquivir River to enjoy the panoramic views that exist from the boat? Then you can walk along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, the “great king of Andalusia” as the local poet Luis de Góngora y Argote called it. At night, optionally you can enjoy a flamenco show. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 10. (Saturday) 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. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11. (Sunday) COSTA DEL SOL – TANGIER – FEZ

Afetr breakfast, we’ll drive along the picturesque tourist route of Costa del Sol via internationally renowned places as Marbella and Puerto Banus, arrive to Tarifa or Algeciras where a ferry boat will be used for a short and interesting crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar towards Africa. Arrival to Tangier, disembark, clear customs and continue on by coach to Larache, a picturesque fishing town located on the Atlantic coast, on the left bank of the Lucus River estuary, with white-walled houses and light blue carpentry. You’ll enjoy some free time for lunch. Continue our route to Fez, the most monumental of the Moroccan Imperial Cities, its University of “Karaouyne” is the largest Islamic sanctuary in Morocco and the oldest religious education centre. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 12. (Monday) FEZ

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning we’ll do a monumental and panoramic city tour of Fez. We will see the 7 gates of the Royal Palace, the Jewish neighbourhood also known as Mellah, the Gate of Bab Bou Jeloud, which gives access to the Medina or the old city, one of the most impressive of Morocco. We will walk along its streets and souks. We will get to know the tanner neighbourhood and the Medersa, the oldest university of the world and its Karaouyne Mosque. Back to the hotel to have lunch and free time in the afternoon to enjoy calmly the great and labyrinth Medina de Fes el-Bali, composed by more than 9.000 streets, it’s the best-preserved Medina of the Arab world and the largest monument of Morocco. In the night, possibility of show-dinner in a local restaurant. Accommodation.

Day 13. (Tuesday) FEZ – MEKNES – MARRAKECH

After breakfast we’ll drive west towards south. Our first stop will be in Meknes, one of the Imperial Cities of the s. XVII located in the heart of the Middle Atlas and surrounded by 40 km of walls. Upon arrival we’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour on Meknes. We will get to know the Bab Al Mansour Gate, which gives entrance to the old town and, without a doubt, the most beautiful gate in Morocco. Our journey continues to Marrakech, a fascinating and mysterious city where Europe, Africa and the Middle East mingle and merge. Arrival and free time at your disposal to explore the mystical atmosphere of this charming city. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 14. (Wednesday) MARRAKECH

Breakfast at the hotel. We will start the day with an amazing guided visit of Marrakech. We will see from outside the Koutobia Minaret, twin sister of the Giralda in Seville (Spain), the Bahia Palace, one of the city’s most eye-popping sights, we’ll walk around its Medina and souks and will end at the great Djemaa El Fna Square, a symbol of Morocco and meeting point for different kind of personalities of the city: storytellers, snake charmers, musicians and dancers. The afternoon is at your disposal. We recommend you visiting the impressive Saadian Tombs, or the Musée de Marrakech which exhibits a collection of beautiful Moroccan art, or just walk around the Medina Maze and haggling in Marrakech souks. Your guide may offer you an optional excursion to Marrakech Palm Grove where you can enjoy a camel ride. Accommodation at the hotel. Optionally you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and an equestrian show that includes odalisque, flying carpets and fireworks in an atmosphere that recreates The Thousand and One Nights.

Day 15. (Thursday) MARRAKECH – CASABLANCA – RABAT

After breakfast we’ll drive west towards the Atlantic Coast. Our first stop will be in Casablanca, the largest city that represents the modern face of today’s Morocco. Upon arrival, we will do a sightseeing tour of Casablanca, to discover Casablanca’s highlights such as the Anfa boulevard, the Nations Square, we’ll visit from the outside the impressive Hassan II Mosque (interior visit offered as optional activity), a showcase of the finest Moroccan artisanship, Casablanca’s city landmark, only surpassed by Mecca in importance and size. After the visit we will continue to Corniche Ain Diab, a famous sea resort where we’ll enjoy some free time for lunch. Following the Atlantic Coast we will reach Rabat, diplomatic and administrative capital of Morocco, official residence of the King Mohamed VI. Arrival at the hotel, free time at your disposal, dinner and accommodation.

Day 16. (Friday) RABAT – TANGIER

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning guided tour of Rabat where we will visit from outside the Royal Palace of Rabat (Dar al-Makhzen), the official residence of the king of Morocco, we’ll head then to the Yacoub al-Mansour esplanade to discover the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of modern Alaouite dynasty architecture, with its white silhouette, topped by a typical green tiled roof. Opposite the Mausoleum we will discover the Hassan Tower, a minaret of an incomplete mosque which has converted in the symbol of the city. Free time to enjoy a local meal and then we continue alongside the Atlantic Coast to Tangier, the Moroccan capital of the Strait of Gibraltar. Arrival at the hotel, distribution of rooms, free time, dinner and accommodation.

Day 17. (Saturday) TANGIER – COSTA DEL SOL

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure and board the ferry to return across the Strait of Gibraltar back to Spain. Drive along Costa del Sol towards our hotel. Free time at your disposal to enjoy the marvelous seaside resorts of Costa del Sol. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 18. (Sunday) 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 complex with its imposing Alcazaba fortress, the Palace of Charles V, and the Generalife Gardens, fountains, gardens, and courtyards that with their sights and sounds have inspired authors such as Washington Irving in his “Tales of the Alhambra“. 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 neighborhood and enjoy the beautiful views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolas. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. Optionally you can see a Gipsy Flamenco Show held in a cave-house at Sacromonte Quarter.

Day 19. (Monday) 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 the lunch in a local restaurant (included) and then we’ll do 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.