Day 1. (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. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2. (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, a city declared a World Heritage Site. Arrival at the hotel and accommodation.

Day 3. (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 centre or take an optional cruise on the Duero River. Hotel accommodation.

Day 4. (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 lunch included at a local restaurant. You’ll enjoy later some 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 and accommodation.

Day 5. (Tuesday) COIMBRA – FATIMA – LISBON

After breakfast at the hotel, 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 Fatima, the great oak tree, and also the monument dedicated to the three little shepherds (the seers) of Fatima. 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 6. (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 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. (Thursday) LISBON – MERIDA – 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 the Region of Extremadura, the typical wooded pasture known as the dehesa where the iberian pigs forage freely for acorns. We arrive at Merida, the ancient roman Augusta Emerita, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have free time to explore the archaeological site of Mérida at your leisure (entrance not included), where the imposing Roman Theatre of Mérida stands out. This iconic theatre, a symbol of the city, continues to function after 2,000 years and hosts the International Classical Theatre Festival during the summer evenings. 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 8. (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 through the popular neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz, natural scenery of Carmen as well as where it developed the myth of Don Juan. After the visit, you’ll enjoy some free to discover different perspectives and specific flavours 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. Accommodation at the hotel. At night, optionally, you can enjoy a flamenco show.

Day 9. (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 10. (Sunday) COSTA DEL SOL – TANGIER

Departure from the Costa del Sol to Tarifa and boarding for Tangier, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. Upon arrival, you will meet our local guide, followed by an extensive panoramic tour of Tangier, to see its residential areas, palaces, and old colonial quarters. We will arrive at the Kasbah of Tangier to begin our walking tour to the medina and its souks. Here, our senses will be heightened: sounds, smells, and narrow streets that transport us back in time. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring this jewel of North Africa. Optionally, your guide will offer you the possibility of visiting Tetouan, the most authentic city in Northern Morocco, known as the White Dove. We will see places of interest such as Moullay El Mehdi Square and the Spanish Quarter, leading to Hassan II Square, where the Royal Palace is located. We will continue through the Luneta district and the Jewish Quarter. A stroll through the Medina of Tetouan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a jewel of Muslim culture, with its winding streets, charming squares, long, narrow alleyways, hidden corners, and grand gates that pique the visitor’s curiosity… culminating at Bab Okla, or the Queen’s Gate. Return to Tangier, dinner, and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 11. (Monday) TÁNGER – VOLUBILIS – MEKNES – FEZ

After a hearty Moroccan breakfast, we begin our journey south, traveling through the lands of ancient Mauretania Tingitana, one of the most exotic provinces of the Roman Empire. Our first stop will be Walili, the ancient Roman Volubilis, one of the most important Roman cities of its time. We’ll visit the archaeological site, strolling along the Decumanus Maximus, the main thoroughfare that crossed Volubilis, and admiring the Tangier Gate, the floors of the noble houses adorned with impressive mosaics, and the Arch of Triumph, commissioned by Emperor Marcus Aurelius. We then continue to the ancient city of Meknes, one of the 17th-century imperial cities located in the heart of the Middle Atlas Mountains and surrounded by 40 km of walls. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Meknes. We’ll see the Bab Al Mansour Gate, the entrance to the old city and undoubtedly the most beautiful gate in Morocco. We continue our journey to Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities and famous for its ancient walled city, which many compare to Jerusalem. Arrival at the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 12. (Tuesday) 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. (Wednesday) FEZ – CASABLANCA – MARRAKECH

After breakfast, we travel west towards the Atlantic Coast. Our first stop will be in Casablanca. 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 Marrakech, a fascinating and mysterious city where Europe, Africa and the Middle East mingle and merge. Arrival at the hotel, dinner and accommodation.

Day 14. (Thursday) MARRAKECH

After breakfast, we will start 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. Lunch is included, followed by a free afternoon to explore the medina, souks, and the magical Djemaa El Fna square, or relax by the hotel’s pool and garden. Optionally, you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and an equestrian show featuring belly dancers, flying carpets, and fireworks in an atmosphere reminiscent of the Arabian Nights.

Day 15. (Friday) MARRAKECH – RABAT

After breakfast, we travel to Rabat, the diplomatic and administrative capital of Morocco and the official residence of King Mohammed VI. Accompanied by an expert local guide, we will enjoy a guided tour of Rabat, during which we will see, from the outside, the Royal Palace of Rabat (Dar al-Makhzen), the official residence of the King of Morocco. We will then proceed to the esplanade of Yacoub al-Mansour to discover the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of Alaouite architecture, with its white silhouette crowned by a typical green-tiled roof. Opposite the Mausoleum, we will see the Hassan Tower, the minaret of an unfinished mosque that has become the symbol of the city. Free time for lunch and to explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, an impressive kasbah (military fortress) located at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, which divides the city of Rabat from neighboring Salé. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 16. (Saturday) RABAT – TANGIER – COSTA DEL SOL

Our last breakfast in Morocco. We continue our journey to Tangier, the Moroccan capital of the Strait of Gibraltar, a cosmopolitan city that has always been coveted by many civilizations due to its strategic location at the gateway between Europe and Africa. Arrival at the port to 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 marvellous seaside resorts of Costa del Sol. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 17. (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 Albaicín neighbourhood and enjoy the beautiful views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. Optionally, you can see a Gipsy Flamenco Show held in a cave-house at Sacromonte Quarter.

Day 18. (Monday) GRANADA – TOLEDO – MADRID

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure north to Toledo, where, under the Castilian sky and surrounded by the Tagus River, rises the impressive Imperial City of Toledo – a World Heritage Site and cradle of civilizations – where three cultures coexisted: Christian, Muslim, and Jewish. Upon arrival, we’ll take a panoramic bus tour to enjoy the magnificent view of the city from the other side of the Tagus River, a must-see for Toledo’s most iconic photo. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy an included lunch, and then, accompanied by an expert local guide, we’ll take a walk through Toledo’s historic centre to familiarize ourselves with this imposing medieval city. We’ll visit Zocodover Square, Toledo’s most emblematic square, surrounded by buildings of different architectural styles, from Renaissance to Baroque. Next, we’ll pass by the Alcázar of Toledo, an imposing fortress that now houses the Army Museum. Wandering through the streets of Toledo, we’ll arrive at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square), where we’ll admire the façade of Toledo Cathedral, officially known as the Primate Cathedral of Spain. This imposing building blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles and was built on the foundations of a former mosque. We’ll also learn about the damascening technique (inlaying precious metals into steel) at a local artisan workshop. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey to Madrid. Arrival and end of services.