Welcome to Lisbon!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Lovely Lisbon
LISBON Guided sightseeing includes Jeronimos Monastery and cloister, and a photo stop at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS The stunning capital city of Portugal is a treasure trove of historic and architectural masterpieces. Lisbon is home to the 16th-century Monastery of Jeronimos, adorned with its 100-foot facade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belem. See the 16th-century Belem Tower, which served as a fortress but also as an embarkation point for sailors and was their last sight of land before the start of their journey. Lisbon's Monument to the Discoveries pays homage to great Portuguese explorers with a spectacular carved prow of an ancient ship.
Artistry in Azeitao
AZEITAO [LF] Visit a traditional tile workshop en route to Seville. (B,D) 298 mi / 480 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Enter a world of authentically handmade Portuguese tiles at the Sao Simao Arte workshop and gallery in Azeitao. It is here that distinguished antique collector Antonio Soares Franco creates his ceramic masterpieces by hand in the style of his ancestors.
The Squares of Seville
SEVILLE Visit Plaza de Espana. Guided sightseeing includes Casa de Pilatos, and a walk through the Santa Cruz quarter. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Walk through Seville's picturesque Plaza de Espana, originally built for Seville's Ibero-American Expo at the 1929 World's Fair, the 540,000-square-foot plaza features a sprawling mosaic patio. Explore the historic Santa Cruz quarter and its magical maze of tapas, flamenco, and cafes
Magical Morocco
STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR Ferry crossing to Morocco. Scenic drive along the Barbary Coast to Rabat. (B,D) 286 mi / 460 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Travel the Mediterranean coastline of North Africa along the Barbary Coast and explore this country that is a true melting pot of cultures from the South of Sahara, France, Spain and many more.
As Time Gs By
RABAT Guided sightseeing includes Mohammed V Mausoleum and the Roman relics of Chellah.
CASABLANCA Enjoy [LF] Lunch at Rick's Cafe Americain. Guided panoramic drive includes the Hassan II Mosque. Scenic drive to Marrakesh followed by dinner at your hotel. (B,L,D) 205 mi / 330 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
CULTURAL GEMS "Everybody comes to Rick's. It is where deals are made and where time is passed." Rick's Cafe Americain was made famous by the iconic movie with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Enjoy lunch and relax in this Moroccan iconic venue and you'll definitely want to play it again.
The Spice of Life
MARRAKESH Guided sightseeing includes Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Marrakesh is a magnificent feast for the senses, from its spice markets to it historic sites, including the intricate designs of Bahia Palace and marble masterpiece of the Saadian Tombs. Steeped in rich heritage and vibrant artistry, Marrakesh endures as a city of artisans who keep its ancient traditions alive.
Captivating Kasbahs
OUARZAZATE Visit the Kasbah Taourirt en route to Ouarzazate. (B,D) 124 mi / 200 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY SITE Ouarzazate has remained at the edge of the Sahara Desert for a long time. A city of palm trees and sandy lanes, it is known as "the door to the desert." Today Ouarzazate is considered Morocco's Hollywood as it has been immortalised in movies like Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars, and Gladiator. Many may recognise it as the port of Pentos, one of the Free Cities of the Game of Thrones.
DESERT OASES
Scenic drive through the desert via the Dades Valley with its oases filled with olives, dates, and figs, and see the Todra Gorge, Morocco's Grand Canyon.
ERFOUD Take a Globus Local Favourite 4-wheel drive excursion on the sand dune of Erg Chebbi. Sip the traditional mint tea. Enjoy dinner in a tent in the desert while watching the sunset. (B,D) 193 mi / 310 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
EPIC RIDE A desert sea of sand dunes is yours to explore on a 4-wheel adventure in Erg Chebbi. Take in the endless expanse of sand and sky before sipping traditional mint tea. Afterwards enjoy dinner in a tent in the desert.
Sheer Beauty
ER RACHIDIA See the Ziz Gorges en route to Fez. (B) 267 mi / 430 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Drive along the dramatic and sheer slopes of Ziz Gorges on the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Take in the spectacular scenery carved by the River Ziz on your way to Fez.
The Heart of Morocco
FEZ Guided sightseeing includes the Medina and Medersa Bou Inania.
TANGIER Take an orientation drive in the city. (B,D) 211 mi / 340 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Discover a lively city akin to Disney's Aladdin, bursting with vibrant hues and fragrant aromas. Fez's ancient history comes to life in this part of the town surrounded by high walls, separating the maze of over 9.000 alleys from the outside world.
Strait to Spain
STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR Ferry crossing to Spain en route to Costa del Sol. (B) 81 mi / 130 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Cross the deep and narrow waters of the Strait of Gibraltar - connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. See the massive Rock of Gibraltar that, with Mount Hacho, forms the Pilars of Hercules standing high above one of the world's busiest waterways. Keep an eye out for the numerous birds that migrate along the strait each year, including Atlantic puffins.
Sea & Sun
COSTA DEL SOL Enjoy a free day on the coast. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Endless beaches to stroll along, hidden caves, white villages that scatter the mountains, historical landmarks with centuries of culture, evenings spent sipping cocktails by the sea, pleasant temperatures all year round and happy friendly people that make you feel at home. These are the many ingredients of the area. Take your pick!
Splendid Spain
GRANADA Guided walking tour includes the Alhambra complex and the Water Gardens of the Generalife. Lunch at a local restaurant. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B,L) 87 mi / 140 km
NOTE: Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHITECTURAL GEMS Granada's Alhambra Complex stands as one of the largest ancient aristocratic sites of Western Muslim culture. Its leafy lanes and streams enhance the grand water gardens of Generalife, at the once summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers.
City of Three Cultures
TOLEDO Join a walking tour with a Local Guide. Visit a Damascene steel workshop en route to Madrid. (B) 292 mi / 470 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Known as the "City of Three Cultures" Toledo gets its nickname from the ancient influences of the Romans, Visigoths, and North African Moors - evident in the city's well-preserved synagogues, mosques, and cathedrals. See the Gothic cathedral, Santo Tome Church with one of El Greco's masterpieces, and Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue on a walk through this dynamic city.
Masterpieces in Madrid
MADRID Guided sightseeing includes the Prado Museum and sights of the Cibeles Fountain and Calle Alcala. Enjoy a farewell dinner of paella at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE The Prado Museum houses one of the world's largest art collections, including its amazing assortment of masterpieces by historic artists like Velasquez, Goya, and El Greco. The famous museum also displays the works of renowned European masters, including Rubens and Rembrandt, along with a stunning collection of Greco-Roman statues.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
