SMALL GROUP DISCOVERY ON SELECT DEPARTURES
Embark on this gripping tour through the dramatic landscapes of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Moments destined to become memories abound as you stroll through Lisbon’s music-filled Alfama quarter, pick up the speed on a four-wheel drive tour through the sand dunes of the Sahara, and slow it back down to catch some rays celebrity-style on Spain’s famous Costa del Sol. Keeping the plot line interesting, more action, adventure, and thrilling scenery await from the perpetual oasis of Marrakesh to the former sanctuary of Granada’s opulent Alhambra complex. With so many sights to gush over from Tangier to Toledo, it’s impossible to be “quiet on the set” on this tour of the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco.
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
ITINERARY
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DAY 1: ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGALWelcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
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DAY 2: LISBONLovely 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.
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DAY 3: LISBON-AZEITAO-SEVILLE, SPAINArtistry 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.
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DAY 4: SEVILLEThe 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
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DAY 5: SEVILLE-TARIFA-RABAT, MOROCCOMagical 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.
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DAY 6: RABAT-CASABLANCA-MARRAKESHAs Time Goes 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.
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DAY 7: MARRAKESHThe 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.
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DAY 8: MARRAKESH-OUARZAZATECaptivating 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.
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DAY 9: OUARZAZATE-ERFOUDDesert 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 [LF] 4-wheel drive excursion on the sand dune of Erg Chebbi. Sip the traditional mint tea. (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.
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DAY 10: ERFOUD-ER RACHIDIA-FEZSheer 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.
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DAY 11: FEZ-TANGIERThe 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.
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DAY 12: TANGIER-COSTA DEL SOL, SPAINStrait 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.
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DAY 13: COSTA DEL SOLSea & 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!
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DAY 14: COSTA DEL SOL-GRANADASplendid 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.
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DAY 15: GRANADA-TOLEDO-MADRIDCity 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.
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DAY 16: MADRIDMasterpieces 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.
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DAY 17: MADRIDSafe travels until we meet again! Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
INCLUSIONS
- Lisbon
- Chellah Gardens
- Casablanca
- Saadian Tombs
- Fez Medina
- Granada
Images courtesy of Globus Tours and the Globus Family of Brands
GBS – ZU
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