Globus Spain Portugal & Morocco 2020 Earlybird Sale
Spain Portugal & Morocco Tour
Lisbon → Madrid
17 Days - 3 Countries - 26 meals - from AU$4,199 pp*
On this Spain, Portugal, and Morocco tour, experience these three glorious countries, each with a rich history and culture! Overnight in Lisbon, Seville, Rabat, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Erfoud, Fez, Tangier, the Costa del Sol, Granada, and Madrid. Tour highlights include the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon, a symbol of Portugal’s power during the Age of Discovery; Madrid’s Prado Museum, with its 8,000 pieces of Western painting; Seville’s Casa de Pilatos with its collection of Roman sculptures; Granada’s Alhambra complex; and Toledo’s Church of Santo Tomé, which houses one of El Greco’s most famous paintings. Enjoy a ferry ride across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco and in Rabat, visit the beautiful Mohammed V Mausoleum, with the tombs of the Moroccan king and his two sons.
Step back in time in Marrakesh with sightseeing that includes Bahia Palace, built in the late 19th century, and the 16th-century Saadian Tombs (if closed, visit Badia Palace instead). Wander through the Djemaa El-Fna, a square and exotic bazaar offering some of the greatest open-air entertainment. Listen to the storytellers—an integral part of the culture—and browse for handicrafts. In Fez, a guide leads you through the labyrinthine Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Medersa Bou Inania, an architectural work of art built between 1350 and 1357.
One cannot think of Casablanca without thinking of the homonymous movie. Here, Globus has arranged a special experience for you… enjoy lunch at Rick’s Café Américain, a re-creation of the bar made famous in the movie. Another special treat is a four-wheel drive to the sand dune of Erg Chebbi, formed by the Sahara sand. Back in Spain, spend time on the Costa del Sol, where you can relax and soak up the sun on the beach; and in Madrid, a special farewell paella dinner awaits at a local restaurant.
These are just a few of the many highlights offered on this spectacular Spain, Portugal, and Morocco tour. A memorable holiday indeed!
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGAL
Welcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
DAY 2: LISBON
Lisbon was the centre 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. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features a drive through the Baixa quarter's main squares and walk along the cobblestone alleys of quaint ALFAMA, the popular quarter of the seamen and Fado singers. Drive along the grand Avenida da Liberdade up to Pombal Square. Stop for pictures of Belem Tower, guarding the mouth of the Tagus, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Also visit JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. An optional excursion to the royal palace of Queluz is available, as well as dinner at a typical taverna with Fado-style entertainment. (B)
DAY 3: LISBON-AZEITAO-SEVILLE, SPAIN
In Azeitao, visit a traditional TILE WORKSHOP. Next, enter Spain and reach the vibrant capital of Andalusia, Seville. (B,D) Today's Distance: 298 mi / 480 km
DAY 4: SEVILLE
During your sightseeing tour with a Local Guide, hear about the city's role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 AD, and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire Maria Luisa Park, the Golden Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that was once the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Also visit the magnificent CASA DE PILATOS, a mixture of Moorish and Roman architecture with a splendid collection of Roman sculptures. Then, stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER. For those interested, an optional extended guided visit to the cathedral is available. Tonight, for a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional Flamenco show. (B)
DAY 5: SEVILLE-ALGECIRAS-RABAT, MOROCCO
Travel through the sherry wine region of Jerez to Algeciras and enjoy a FERRY RIDE across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. Follow North Africa's infamous Barbary Coast to Rabat, once a lair of the corsairs and now the country's capital. (B,D) Today's Distance: 286 mi / 460 km
DAY 6: RABAT-CASABLANCA-MARRAKESH
Sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the massive medieval battlements, the Royal Palace, MAUSOLEUM OF MOHAMMED V, Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah of Oudaias. Also visit the fine ROMAN RELICS OF CHELLAH. Continue to Casablanca, Morocco's modern seaport. Lunch will be served at Rick's Cafe Americain, famous for the movie Casablanca with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, and the song As Time Goes By. Your guided panoramic drive features a visit to the HASSAN II MOSQUE, a splendid monument designed to mark the end of the century. Evening arrival in Marrakesh, beautifully situated in an oasis. (B,L,D) Today's Distance: 205 mi / 330 km
DAY 7: MARRAKESH
Follow your Local Guide and visit BAHIA PALACE, the 16th-century SAADIAN TOMBS (if closed, visit the BADIA PALACE instead), and to Djemaa El-Fna, the vibrant town centre dominated by the 222-foot-high Koutoubia Minaret. (B)
DAY 8: MARRAKESH-OUARZAZATE
Today, travel to Morocco's "Hollywood," Ouarzazate. Deep in the desert, the city has been immortalised in movies like Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. Later, visit the KASBAH TAOURIRT, by many considered a must-see site for a glimpse into the lifestyle of people from long time ago. (B,D) Today's Distance: 124 mi / 200 km
DAY 9: OUARZAZATE-ERFOUD
Take a fascinating drive through the desert via the Dades Valley with its oases filled with olives, dates, and figs. Then, head through Morocco's Grand Canyon, Todra Gorge, to Erfoud in the heart of the Sahara. A special treat awaits: enjoy a spectacular FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE to the sand dune of Erg Chebbi. Admire the unforgettable, romantic sunset and sip the traditional mint tea before heading back to your hotel. (B,D) Today's Distance: 193 mi / 310 km
DAY 10: ERFOUD-ER RACHIDIA-FEZ
Enjoy your last views of the desert and turn northward. Stop in Er Rachidia, originally built as a French settlement, and travel via the Ziz Gorges and the Middle Atlas mountains to 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 Berber King Idris in the 8th century. To this day, Fez has remained Morocco's spiritual and artistic centre. Tonight, why not sign up for an optional folklore dinner? (B) Today's Distance: 267 mi / 430 km
DAY 11: FEZ-TANGIER
See the magnificent entrance to the Royal Palace, drive through the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, and travel on to Bab Bou Jeloud, the traditional entrance to Old Fez. Your Local Guide also leads you through the labyrinthine MEDINA and MEDERSA BOU INANIA. Continue to Tangier, jumping-off point for the Moorish conquest of Spain, and enjoy an orientation drive of this busy seaport. (B,D) Today's Distance: 211 mi / 340 km
DAY 12: TANGIER-COSTA DEL SOL, SPAIN
Board the FERRY for the trip back across the Strait to Europe. Continue to the elegant Costa del Sol, where you will stay for two nights. (B) Today's Distance: 94 mi / 150 km
DAY 13: COSTA DEL SOL
Today is your chance to join an optional excursion to the Rock of Gibraltar, in British hands since 1704. Later, enjoy the sandy beaches, browse through the trendy boutiques, or just relax. Tonight, why not try out local specialties at one of the lively restaurants? (B)
DAY 14: COSTA DEL SOL-GRANADA
Leave the Mediterranean coast and arrive in Granada. A guided walking tour features a visit to the ALHAMBRA COMPLEX, a fantasy of "lace in stone" surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains, with superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte. Also visit the WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) Today's Distance: 137 mi / 220 km
DAY 15: GRANADA-TOLEDO-MADRID
Drive via Don Quixote's La Mancha to Toledo, where a Local Guide takes you to the Moorish bridge, an early SYNAGOGUE, the CATHEDRAL, and the CHURCH OF SANTO TOME with one of El Greco's most famous paintings. Visit a DAMASCENE STEEL WORKSHOP before arriving in Madrid. (B) Today's Distance: 292 mi / 470 km
DAY 16: MADRID
The capital since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Espana 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, founded in 1819, and considered to have one of the finest collections of European art of the last 8 centuries, with the works of Goya, El Greco, Rubens, Titian, and more. An optional excursion to El Escorial is available, and tonight, a special paella farewell dinner awaits at a local restaurant as a proper way to say adios to Spain! (B,D)
DAY 17: MADRID
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
THE TRAFALGAR DIFFERENCE
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FAMILY FUN
Learn how to make pizza and share your masterpiece with the family. (Day 3) /
Discover the great Venetian tradition of Carnival masks and create your own. (Day 8) -
CONNECT WITH LOCALS
Enjoy local Tuscan Be My Guest dinner with Count Miari Fulcis on his 15th-century organic olive oil estate in the Tuscan hills, used as a location for many famous films like 'Room with a View' and 'Tea with Mussolini'. (Day 5) -
DIVE INTO CULTURE
Experience life as a gladiator with an included visit to a Gladiator School in Rome. (Day 3)
Learn how to make authentic pizza in Rome and then savour the taste of your creation. (Day 3)
Indulge in an Italian gelato at a local gelateria in Florence. (Day 5)
Learn about the Venetian tradition of carnival masks and paint your own to take home and visit a glassblowing workshop on Giudecca Island. (Day 8) -
LOCAL SPECIALISTS
For included sightseeing in Rome, Florence, Bologna and Venice
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- ON-TRIP TRANSPORT
All transport shown - SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS
VIP ADMISSION to the Vatican Museums
CITY TOUR in Rome, Florence, Bologna and Venice
VISIT St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum in Rome and the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence
CRUISE by private launch to St. Mark's Square
VIEW the ancient sites of Rome, Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
SMALL GROUP SIGHTSEEING guided walking tour of 'Secret Venice' to the Rialto food market, with a group size of no more than 25 guests - DINING
9 HOT BUFFET BREAKFASTS
1 LUNCH
4 DINNERS (including Be My Guest) with local wine - TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Hand-picked Trip Highlights
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and a professional Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
VIP entry to many sights - AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Specific transfer (all Trafalgar guests receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers by shuttle bus on the arrival and departure day of their guided holiday)
Other dates available. Please contact us for pricing and availability
Terms and Conditions apply
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