Overview
Itinerary
Color outside the lines on this unforgettable encounter with the intoxicating lands of Spain, Morocco and Portugal. Kick off your unforgettable journey in the fiery Spanish capital of Madrid. Explore the city's vibrant streets, before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner and orientation drive. (D) Stay: Meliá Castilla
Join your Local Specialist on this day of discovery, which includes views of the iconic Cibeles fountain and Paseo de la Castellana. Admire the Royal Palace and Retiro Park, originally created as a retreat for the royal family, before spending the rest of the day at leisure indulging in la buena vida. Consider an Optional Experience to the medieval UNESCO-listed city of Segovia or encounter the greatest collection of Spanish art in the world at El Prado. (B)
Witness the influence of Christians, Muslims and Jews that has spanned centuries in the imperial city of Toledo. Join your Local Specialist for a walking tour, during which you'll visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco's most famous paintings - 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz'. Then, visit the synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca, the oldest one still standing in Europe. Celebrate the tradition of steel and Damascene manufacturing and moulding as you Dive Into Culture at a local workshop before your journey continues through the soul-stirring Andalusian landscape to Granada, where we'll spend the night. (B/D) Stay: Occidental
Tread in the footsteps of Spain's last emirs and admire the impressive Alhambra - a collection of palaces and fortresses dating from the 12 century. We join a Local Specialist to explore its intricate designs, tranquil gardens and colossal walls, believed to have been inspired by poetry and reflecting the description of paradise found in Islamic verse. Later, we leave this 'paradise on earth' behind and continue to the Costa del Sol. (B) Stay: NH Marbella
We travel along the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean and cross to North Africa by ferry. A memorable drive past the Rif Mountains brings us to Fes, a storied hub of traditional craftsmanship and our home for the next two nights. (B/D) Stay: Marriott Jnan Palace
Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through the cultural and spiritual center of Morocco. Stroll through the Medina of Fes, view its fortifications and Royal Palace, and admire traditional Moroccan handiwork during a visit to a carpet cooperative. Spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure.
Tonight, maybe join an Optional Experience Arabian dinner in a traditional riad – a night of heartfelt local entertainment, including belly dancing, awaits. (B)
Departing Fes, we journey west through the golden landscape which turns to rusty red, bound for vibrant Marrakesh. Past and present collide in the world-famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Embrace the unrivaled energy of this cultural and economic hub. (B) Stay: Le Méridien N'Fis
Visit an elegant palace during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. See Jemaa el-Fnaa Square in the Old Quarter with its palm-readers, storytellers and snake charmers. Visit a traditional Moroccan pharmacy and Dive Into Culture, gaining insights into the blending of creams and cosmetics using regional ingredients. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Don't miss the chance to shop for bargains in the souks (markets) and bazaars, or perhaps visit a local Berber village. (B/D) Stay: Le Méridien N'Fis, Grand Mogador Menara Hotel
We journey north to Casablanca and enjoy views of the Hassan II Mosque, with the world's tallest minaret, before arriving in the country's capital city. Stop at the opulent Mohammed V Mausoleum and admire Rabat's cityscape, its historic and modern centers traversed by the Bou Regreg River below. Continue to Tangier, a gateway between Africa and Europe as prominent today as in Phoenician times. Our unique Stays With Stories this evening is the sumptuous El Minzah, an icon of the city overlooking the Bay of Tangiers and the sparkling Mediterranean beyond. The grand property, built in the Spanish-Moorish style in 1930, has welcomed the rich and famous over the past century. You'll get to experience its warm hospitality for yourself as you contemplate the building's colorful history. (B/D) Stay: El Minzah
Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry, we return to Spain and journey past the region of Jerez, renowned as the origin of Spanish sherry. We drive through Andalucía and arrive in Seville. What better way to experience this lively city than witnessing the passion of flamenco? Immerse yourself in the spectacle of colorful swirling skirts and fervent rhythm of castanets during an unforgettable optional Flamenco performance this evening. (B) Stay: Meliá Lebreros
Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour which will take you past the iconic Giralda Bell Tower. Admire the tiled fountains and pavilions in the Maria Luisa Park, the showcase for the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929, and see the imposing Plaza de España. Visit the ornate tomb of Christopher Columbus in the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, then enjoy a walk through the lovely historic Jewish Quarter. (B/D)
Your panoramic journey continues through the province of Huelva, famous for Jabugo jamón and the Rio Tinto mines. Cross the golden fields of the Alentejo, on your way to meet Tiago, Vera and their horses on their historic property.
Continue on to your hotel in the waterfront city of Lisbon and opt to enjoy a seafood dinner by the Tagus River. (B) Stay: Olissippo Marquês de Sá, Olissippo Oriente
We Dive Into Culture at the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery built in the 16 century.
This afternoon, consider an Optional Experience to discover Portugal's 'Golden Triangle' of Sintra, Cascais and the Estoril coast. (B)
We trace the path of pilgrims, who for decades have ventured north to the shrine at Fátima to pray to the Virgin Mary, and see the site of a celebrated religious miracle. Departing Portugal, we arrive in the historic university city of Salamanca – La Dorada, so named for its golden, orange and pink façades, which we will have an opportunity to see in the magnificent Plaza Mayor - voted by the locals as the most beautiful of all squares in Spain. (B) Stay: Gran Corona Sol
Traversing the dramatic Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains, we arrive in Madrid, Europe's highest capital. Indulge in some last-minute shopping on the Gran Vía, or join our Local Specialist to uncover Spain's recent history, the Civil War and the Royal Family. This evening we join our travel companions and Travel Director for a memorable Farewell Dinner. (B/D) Stay: NH Collection Eurobuilding
Our epic journey through Spain, Morocco and Portugal comes to an end this morning. All that's left is to say a fond farewell to your newfound friends and an unforgettable experience shared. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore Madrid, Toledo, Marrakesh, Fes, Seville, Casablanca and Lisbon with a Local Specialist
- Discover Rabat, Tangier, Fátima and Salamanca
- Visit the Synagogue and Santo Tomé in Toledo, the Alhambra in Granada, Dar El Bacha and a Moroccan pharmacy in Marrakesh, the Cathedral in Seville, the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon and Plaza Mayor in Salamanca
- View the Royal Palace in Rabat, the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Belém Tower in Lisbon and the Shrine at Fátima
Be My Guest
- Panoias-Ourique: Saddle up for a superb stud farm visit, the tragic story of unrequited love and a traditional home-cooked Be My Guest lunch with Tiago and Vera in Portugal's beautiful Alentejo.
Dive Into Culture
- Toledo: The invincible swords of Toledo have defended cities for centuries. Visit an inlaid steel factory in Toledo to see local craftsmen forging the highest quality steel.
- Marrakesh: Visit a Moroccan pharmacy to learn about local healing creams and cosmetics made from regional ingredients.
- Lisbon: Visit the Hieronymite Monastery, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome and exquisite example of Manueline architecture.
Iconic Experience
- Madrid: Drive through central Madrid and see some of the city's famous features during an orientation with your Travel Director.
- Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Specialist. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain, Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace.
- Toledo: Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Specialist and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco masterpiece.
- Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. Explore with a Local Specialist keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
- Casablanca: See the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche.
- Rabat: See the Mohammed V Mausoleum, a masterpiece of traditional Moroccan art and one of the very few Islamic religious buildings open to non-Muslims.
- Marrakesh: Your Local Specialist guides you past Jemaa el-Fnaa Square with its intriguing characters, and through the seemingly entangled streets of the Medina with its many souks.
- Fes: Led by your Local Specialist, wander the maze of streets in Fes' ancient Medina. Witness hidden courtyards, mosques and workshops before continuing through the souks, an array of vendors selling food, clothes, leather goods and traditional handicrafts.
- Seville: Guided by your Local Specialist, see the Giralda Tower, former minaret of the Great Mosque and now the cathedral's belltower. Explore the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter and emerge by the great walls of the Alcazar.
- Lisbon: Explore with your Local Specialist, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower.
- Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions or see the basilica.
- Salamanca: See the Salamanca's golden Plaza Mayor, voted one of the most beautiful central plazas in Spain.
Trafalgar Difference
- Tangier: Immerse yourself in the proud heritage of El Minzah Hotel, a famous Hispano-Moorish hotel in the heart of the city commissioned by the fourth Marquis of Bute in the 1930s.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Return ferry crossings between Spain and Morocco
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 15 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Trip Reviews (15) View All Most Recent 'Spain, Morocco and Portugal' Reviews
There were many positives in this tour however there was also some negatives that need to be mentioned. Firstly the fact that Trafalgar was unable to secure tickets to enable our group to visit Alhambra Palace in Granada. For us Alhambra was to be one of the highlights of Spain, and to receive a letter (dated three days earlier) on the coach seat to announce this was such a disappointment. This tour had been a guaranteed departure since the brochure was printed, so who didn’t secure the tickets? Of course another tour was substituted in another city, however we didn’t get to see Alhambra Palace.
Secondly we must make mention of our tour guide Philip Rogers. Philip was very knowledgeable on the history of the countries visited and a fluent linguist. Apart from those attributes Philip did not attempt to connect meaningfully with his guests at all. His timing of pointing out highlights along the road was poor, by the time he mentioned the highlight we had passed it, or there was no mention at all until a guest asked. We were also quite concerned about the way Philip handled the situation when one member of our group collapsed on the bus and appeared to be very ill, especially in regard to Philip’s and Trafalgar’s duty of care to the guest and group. Philip's religious preference heavily swayed his commentary and he engaged more with our Moroccan guide Nile than his guests.
In closing, we would suggest that Philip has lost touch with the expectations of guests on what is a high end tour. This was our first Trafalgar tour and after speaking with fellow passengers, many of whom are regular Trafalgar travellers, by far the majority agreed Philip was disinterested and probably past his best.
Our hotel in Granada could have been more central or Richard and our grumpy bus driver could have given us a small tour of the city on arrival just to get our bearings (the last Trafalgar tour we did our tour guide and bus driver did this) then people can go for a walk after dinner. When we came down to Marbella we had a walk through the old town which we got to know very well as our tour guide lived there and we had a nice optional dinner. We asked if there was a choice of visiting Mijas, the white washed village in the mountains, and he took us there for lunch which was fantastic, but not sure if he would have if we hadn’t said anything.
In Morocco all tour dinners, first and last hotels were fantastic. The Medina in Fes was a disaster as there were 4 tour guides and the group was split - we only got one guide and the other crowd got 3. Why was this? It was the biggest push sale ever on carpets and leather goods and our guide got annoyed as no one wanted to buy anything so he made us wait in an alley for 45 minutes then rushed through the Medina out where we had to wait another 45 minutes for the others. We were all disappointed as we were all excited to buy stuff and we got nothing, as soon as I saw Richard we told him and it was brushed under the carpet. Our bus driver was a joke and as soon as it came to gratuity Richard put an envelope on our seat to give and went on and on about it, it became a bit of a joke .
All Spain then Portugal was fantastic we ended our trip in Lisbon by choice to stay an extra 3 days and saw a lot more. The food and hotels here were fantastic. The best hotels on this trip were Madrid and Seville, beautiful. Will do another trip with Trafalgar and hope we get professional guide.
The pace of the tour was full on but we knew what to expect so no problem there. There were plenty ...read more of optional excursions and probably too many for a 16 day tour. With the past tours we undertook all the optionals however this time round due to the pace of the tour we opted out of a couple to take a break which turned out to be a good thing. In Morocco we took on a Govt endorsed tour guide for the whole time in Morocco and picked up local tour guides in the various cities. Question why we had local guides as the Govt guide was well equip to handle the these jobs however this is how things work in Morocco - apparently. Would have liked to spend an extra day or 2 in Portugal as we only had 2 nights in Lisbon.
Overall at great tour and would highly recommend. Michelle and Madeline at Global Journeys were excellent in providing prompt assistance, feedback and organisation.
Most hotels were of very high standard with only a couple were a little inferior. We had a very friendly group of 48 made up with 40% Australians. The itinerary was very full with many and varied places to see with local guides. The only negative comment I would make is that it would have been nice to have a list of the optional extras and costs much earlier than was advised. Global Journeys through our consultant Yvonne Brookes kept us well informed continually from the time we booked our tour until the time we departed. Thank you for your excellent service.
Brochure
Trafalgar Europe (2024-25)
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