Reservations are done
through Globus & Cosmos
Tours |
17 Day Spain, Portugal, Morroco
Tour ZU
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1st Day |
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Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
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2nd Day |
Arrival in Lisbon, Portugal
Free time to rest or start exploring the Portuguese capital. At 6 p.m.
meet your traveling companions at a welcome drink hosted by your tour
director.
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3rd Day |
Lisbon
Now the capital of a small country on the western fringe of the
Iberian Peninsula, Lisbon was the center of Europe's longest-lived
overseas empire. Portugal's imperial ambitions date back to Prince
Henry the Navigator's 15th-century discoveries in West Africa and
did not subside until the 1970s. History has left its mark on the
city, in striking contrast with modern features. Morning sightseeing
includes two Manueline jewels: BELEM TOWER guarding the estuary of
the Tagus River and JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da
Gama. Drive past the Bull Ring to Pombal Statue and on along the
grand Avenida da Liberdade. Then enjoy a walk through the cobbled
alleys of Alfama, the quarter of the seamen. Afternoon and evening
at leisure. An optional excursion to Sintra and optional dinner
with Fado-style entertainment are available. (BB)
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4th Day |
Lisbon-Seville, Spain
On the way to Spain stop at Elvas, noted for a 16th-century aqueduct
which still supplies this market town with water. Cross the border
near the historic citadel of Badajoz and drive through Extremadura,
the arid homeland of the conquistadors Cortés and Pizarro. Late
afternoon arrival in the vibrant capital of Andalusia. (BB,D)
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5th Day |
Seville
Listen to your local expert's account of the city's role in Roman
times, its conquest by the Moors in 712, its contribution to the
discovery of the New World. Admire the pools and fountains of
MARIA LUISA PARK. Drive to the Plaza de España, the Gold Tower on
the Guadalquivir River, and the fine Baroque building which is now
the university but used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame.
Visit the CATHEDRAL with Columbus' tomb, the world's largest
Gothic edifice. Finally stroll through the narrow lanes of the
charming Santa Cruz quarter. For a truly Andalusian night out,
reserve a seat at our optional flamenco show. (BB)
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6th Day |
Seville-Rabat, Morocco
By coach through the sunny sherry wine region of Jerez to Algeciras,
and on by ferry across the Straits of Gibraltar to Africa. Along
North Africa's infamous Barbary Coast to Rabat, once a lair of the
corsairs and now the country's capital. (BB,D)
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7th Day |
Rabat-Casablanca-Marrakesh
Sightseeing focuses on the massive medieval battlements, the Royal
Palace, MOHAMMED V MAUSOLEUM, Hassan Tower, and the Casbah of
Ouidaias. You are reminded of the time when Morocco was the Roman
province of Mauretania as you visit the fine ROMAN RELICS OF
CHELLAH. Then leave Rabat and follow the shoreline of the Atlantic
Ocean for a lunchtime visit to Casablanca, Morocco's modern seaport
with a strong French accent. See the Hassan II Mosque, a splendid
monument designed to mark the end of the century. Evening arrival in
Marrakesh, situated in an oasis with more than half a million palm
trees. (BB,D)
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8th Day |
Marrakesh
Guided half-day sightseeing includes MENARA PARK with its artificial
lake and quaint pavilion, BAHIA PALACE, the elaborately decorated
16th-century SAADIAN TOMBS, and Djemaa El-Fna, the palpitating town
center dominated by the 222-foot-high Koutoubia Minaret. Afternoon
at leisure to catch up on your postcards or bargain hunt in the
souks. Tonight an optional excursion not to be missed: the 30-horse
fantasia and Moroccan feast "Chez Ali." (BB)
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9th Day |
Marrakesh-Fez
Enjoy glimpses of North African village life reminiscent of Beau
Geste while motoring through Beni Mellal and Azrou towards Fez.
Blessed with an ample supply of water and strategically situated,
Fez became the capital of Morocco when the country shook off
foreign rule under the Berber King Idris in the 8th century. To
this day, Fez has remained Morocco's spiritual and artistic
center. (BB,D)
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10th Day |
Fez.
Snap pictures of the magnificient entrance to the Royal Palace,
drive through the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, and travel on to
beautifully ornate Bab Bou Jeloud, the traditional entrance to old
Fez. Your local guide also leads you through the labyrinthine
FES-EL-BALI, Morocco's largest medina, to the exquisite MEDERSA
ATTARINE. Enjoy a ten-mile drive along the panoramic Route de Fez,
stopping at its best vantage point. Back to your hotel with time to
relax by the pool. This afternoon you may want to sign up for an
excursion to imperial Meknes. Tonight your tour director may suggest
an optional folklore dinner at a typical Moroccan restaurant. (BB)
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11th Day |
Fez-Ceuta, Spain
Leave the imperial city heading north through the Gharb, Morocco's
most fertile agricultural area. Take the scenic route through the
northern foothills of the Rif Mountains to Chechaouen, a town with
a strong Hispanic flavor. Overnight in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta,
strategically located on the North African side of the Straits of
Gibraltar. (BB,D)
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12th Day |
Ceuta-Costa del Sol
Board your ferry for the trip back across the Straits to Europe.
Cameras ready as you approach the Bay of Algeciras; the vistas of
the Rock of Gibraltar are spectacular. Time for a visit to the
strategic rock fortress of Gibraltar, in British hands since 1704.
Hear about its turbulent history and tour the Upper Galleries,
Moorish Castle, and ST. MICHAEL'S CAVES. Also on the agenda, of
course, the colony of Barbary apes. Then a pleasant drive along the
elegant Costa del Sol to your hotel in Benalmadena. Dinner tonight
is not included to give you a chance to sample the seafood
restaurants for which the area is famous. (BB)
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13th Day |
Costa del Sol
A day at leisure to catch up on your postcards, enjoy the sandy
beaches, browse through trendy boutiques, sample the many fancy
restaurants... or simply relax. (BB)
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14th Day |
Costa del Sol-Granada
Away from the sea and into the mountains to history-steeped Granada.
In the afternoon savor its main attraction, the ALHAMBRA. The mighty
yet graceful citadel was planned by the 13th-century Moorish ruler Al
Ahamar. A fantasy of "lace in stone" surrounded by arabesque gardens
and fountains, it affords superb views of the Old Quarter and
Sacromonte, a mountain occupied by gypsy cave dwellers. Also amble
through the exotic WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE, the royal summer
residence. (BB,D)
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15th Day |
Granada-Toledo-Madrid
Through the arid landscapes of Don Quixote's La Mancha motor north to
Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop
of the Tagus River, the ancient Castilian capital attracts more
sightseers from all over the world than any other Spanish town. A
resident expert takes you to the Moorish bridge, an early SYNAGOGUE,
the 13th-century GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, and the church of SANTO TOMÉ with
one of El Greco's most famous paintings. Don't forget to visit one of
the enticing Damascene steel workshops before leaving for Madrid. (BB)
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16th Day |
Madrid
The capital of Spain since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern
city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future.
Morning sightseeing takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza España
with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain,
elegant Calle Alcala and Paseo de Castellana. Then the highlight: a
visit to the palatial PRADO MUSEUM with its priceless art treasures.
The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping or for an excursion to
El Escorial. Tonight maybe a special Spanish treat in one of Madrid's
famous restaurants to celebrate the success of a memorable tour? (BB)
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17th Day |
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Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)
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Avila |
Barcelona |
Bayona |
Bilbao |
Burgos |
Caceres |
Cadiz |
Cardona |
Carmona |
Cordoba |
Torremolinos |
Benalmadena |
Marbella |
Malaga |
Cuenca |
Granada |
Jean |
Leon |
San Millan |
Madrid |
Olite |
Pamplona |
Ronda |
Salamanca |
Santiago |
Santo Domingo |
Segovia |
Sevilla |
Toledo |
Tortosa |
Ubeda |
Valencia |
Vic |
The Islands
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