Tour Dates
Start: End:	Madrid, 26 September 2009 Madrid, 15 October 2009

Tour Operator:

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1              Madrid                                   
Welcome to Madrid - built by Philip II in the 16th century, the city is Europe's highest capital! The day is at your leisure. As evening falls, get to know your fellow passengers over a Welcome Drink.

Day  2             Salamanca                            
Visit Toledo, former capital of Spain, to see the 13th century Cathedral and one of Europe’s oldest synagogues, and admire El Greco’s masterpiece in the chapel of Santo Tome. Continue on past the mighty walls of St Theresa’s Avila en route to Salamanca. An orientation tour goes via the Plaza Mayor, the New and Old Cathedrals and the university buildings in the Plaza de Anaya. (B,D)

Day 3               Lisbon                                                        
From Salamanca, drive across the Portuguese frontier to Fatima to visit the great white Basilica before continuing to the capital, Lisbon. for our two night stay. (B)

Day 4               Lisbon                                   
Now the capital of a small country on the western fringe of the Iberian Peninsula, Lisbon was once the center of Europe's longest-lived overseas empire. Morning sightseeing includes two Manueline jewels: Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Drive past the Bull Ring to Pombal Statue and along the grand Avenida da Liberdade. 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.     (B)                                                                                                                                                                
Day 5                Algarve                                  
Today, we leave Lisbon via the Tagus Bridge and travel south to the Algarve district for a two night stay.    (B)

Day 6                Algarve                                  
A day at leisure, to explore the beaches of the area.  Crystal clear waters, caves, rocks, brightly coloured cliffs and coves.  Perfect for swimming, or perhaps enjoy a game of golf and the nearby courses Palmares and Boavista, or visit the fancy boutiques.   (B)

Day 7                  Seville                                               
Leaving the coast, we head inland and down into Spain.  On arrival into Seville, we are joined with a local guide and admire Maria Luisa Park. Drive to the Plaza de Espana, 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 and an undertaking considered sheer madness by its very planners. Finally stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming Santa Cruz quarter. Tonight we enjoy a Highlight dinner and ‘Flamenco’ show!      (B,HD)

Day 8                 Seville                                               
The day is free to take in more sights of your choice. Don’t miss the chance to take an optional excursion to Cordoba, or perhaps enjoy a typical Sevilliano dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a cruise on the Guadalquivir?     (B)

Day 9                  Tangier                            
Cross into Gibraltar, a British territory since 1704. There is time to explore the town and take a trip to the top of the Rock to see the fortifications, St Michael’s Cave and the Barbary Apes. Then sail from Algeciras to exotic Morocco.      (B,D)
 
Day 10                Fez                                         
On a sightseeing tour of Tangier, see the Medina and the Casbah before continuing to Fez, the most ancient of Morocco’s cities. Enjoy a superb Moroccan Dinner and a Folklore Show with drums and belly dancing.    (B,HD)

Day 11                Fez                                         
During a guided tour of this ‘City of the Mind’, visit the Medina and the walled city of hidden courtyards, mosques and tiny workshops, the ancient bazaar and a carpet co-operative. Afterwards, consider visiting the fascinating Berber village of Meknes.         (B,D)

Day 12                Marrakesh                            
The road passes through the rugged Atlas Mountains, past mud-walled villages to Marrakesh, your base for two nights. (B,D)

Day 13               Marrakesh                            
On a guided tour, see the Koutobia Minaret, visit the Saadi Tombs, and explore the Medina with its many souks. The tour ends in Jemaa el Fna Square where acrobats, dancers and fortune tellers entertain you. When night falls, you may wish to enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants to try a traditional Tajine dish? (B)

Day 14                 Rabat                                     
Leave Marrakesh and head south to Casablanca. Did Humphrey Bogart really say ‘Play it again Sam’? Find out on your orientation tour. Continue to the modern capital of Rabat where you see the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower.       (B,D)
 
Day 15                 Costa Del Sol                                   
Sail back across the Straits of Gibraltar to Spain. Disembark at the port of Algeciras and travel along the sun drenched Costa del Sol past exclusive resorts to your hotel. (B)

Day 16                 Costa Del Sol                                   
A day of leisure, for you to explore the Malaga coast.  The area is more than just the sun, the whitewashed villages are impressive historical monuments in themselves, some have become fashionable resorts, while some conserve their ancient charm, lost in the highlands and remain rough and ready olive farming towns.  Tonight, perhaps enjoy an evening meal in a local restaurant? (B)

Day 17                 Granada                                
Drive along the coast and over the Sierra Nevada to hilltop Granada. A local guide will take you on a tour of the fabulous Alhambra Palace – a magnificent example of Moorish architecture. Also visit the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence, where you can enjoy the fine views over the town and its hills.                                  (B,D)

Day 18                  Madrid                                   
Travel through La Mancha where Don Quixote tilted at windmills as his faithful Sancho Panza looked on, and pass through the wine centre of Valdepeñas, its roads lined with ‘bodegas’ (wine cellars). Upon reaching Madrid, why not try a restaurant on the Plaza Mayor?    (B)

Day 19                  Madrid                                   
Take a guided tour down the wide tree-lined avenues to see the Puerta del Sol, Gran Via, Paseo de la Castellana, Cibeles Fountain and the Cervantes Monument in the Plaza de España. Make a Highlight visit inside the state apartments of the Royal Palace. In the afternoon, consider a visit to the Prado museum. (B)
 
Day 20                        Depart
The tour ends after breakfast.   (B)

Meal Key:       (B) =   Breakfast     (D) = Hotel Dinner   (HD) = Highlight Dinner   
Please note: Hotels listed are to be used as a guide only and are subject to change should circumstances dictate 
Please Note: We reserve the right to alter or deviate from the tour itinerary should circumstances dictate
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