Tour starts on every single SATURDAY between March 26th and October 22rd.
Tour code: C-6172
Tour starts on every single SATURDAY between March 26th and October 22rd.
Tour code: C-6172
- accommodation in **** hotels
- 16 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 12 dinners
- visit to a wine cellar with a tasting of Porto wine
- modern and air-conditioned bus
- multi-lingual tour escort
- sightseeing tours with local guides in Porto, Lisbon, Sevilla, Fez, Marrakech, Rabat, Granada and Toledo
- tickets to Jernonimos Monastery in Lisbon
- tickets to the Medresa in Fez
- tickets to the Saadian Tombs & Summer Royal Palace in Marrakesh
- tickets to Alhambra in Granada
- tickets to St. Tome and St. Maria Blanca churches in Toledo
- visist to a wine cellar with a tasting of Porto wine
- fast ferry tickets to and from Morocco
- travel insurance
- free Wi- Fi on board (except Morocco)
- tips
This package is of seventeen days, and looks like a previous one - #32, but here you'll have more time in Portugal, visiting not only Lisbon and surroundings, but also the whole Northern Portugal and Spain.
First, passing by the beautiful city of Salamanca, we'll head to Galicia - the region in the northwestern corner of Spain, above Portugal, where we'll stay in the city of Vigo. With its spectacular rugged coastline, rolling green hills and soaring mountains, it's no wonder that this part of Spain's is home to many beautiful towns and villages. Province of Galicia is also famous for its excellent seafood (especially the octopus and the shellfish).
Later we'll continue from north to south across the whole Portugal - a country with a rich history and gorgeous landscapes - seeing all the best places on our way: the old fisherman's town of Oporto (nowadays the second largest city in the country); Coimbra with its ancient university, Fatima - one of the main pilgrimage centers in Europe, and of course, splendid Lisbon - the capital of Portugal, as well as some smaller towns, like Viana do Castelo and Braga.
After Portugal, passing the ancient town of Caceres, we'll head into the very heart of Andalusia - to the places that truly encompass the spirit of the Spanish culture - Seville and Ronda. With its curious mishmash of Moorish majesty and Roman relics, rustic Spanish charm and indelibly beautiful backcountry, where mountains tower above gushing rivers and canyons carve through the ground, it’s hardly surprising that Andalusia remains one of the most visited regions in Iberian Peninsula.
After passing Ronda on the way to the south, we'll arrive at Torremolinos or Marbella, where you can enjoy wonderful beaches of one of the best coastlines in the country - Costa del Sol (Sunny Coast).
Next day we'll take a ferry to cross the Bay of Gibraltar and commence the African segment of the tour, starting from Tangier, and making a strong accent on visiting ancient imperial cities of Morocco: Marrakesh, Fes, Meknes, and Rabat. Rabat is the current capital city, and, although a modern city, it has several interesting historical attractions, such as the Kasbah of the Oudaias and the Hassan Tower, also the gleaming Royal Mausoleum. Marrakesh is famous for its Medina (Old Town), numerous souks, ancient palaces like Badi and Bahia Palaces, the striking Koutoubia Mosque, the energetic square Djemaa el-Fna, and the Saadian Tombs. The former capital of Fez boasts plenty of stunning architecture, though it is perhaps most known for its large tanneries (leather productions) and for being home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Meknes has one of the most impressive monumental gates in all of Morocco: Bab el-Mansour. On top, you will also pass by Moroccan cosmopolitan city of Casablanca.
Coming back to Spain, we will travel further (or back!) to Andalusia, exploring the beautiful city of Granada with its magnificent Alhambra Palaces and Nazare Gardens.
On the way to Madrid, we will visit the former capital of Spain - Toledo.
Please click here to see the route on a map.
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IMPORTANT: be aware that this tour crosses international borders. You will leave the European Union and enter the Kingdom of Morocco so please ensure you have a valid Moroccan visa. Also note your Schengen visa (to enter the European Union) needs to be a "multiple entry" type.
Day 1. Madrid - Salamanca - Vigo (590 km ~ 366 miles)
Departing at 08.00 in the morning, where we'll first head towards a beautiful city of Salamanca. Located in the north-western part of Spain, Salamanca is a city of exceptional beauty and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. You'll have free time to enjoy the beautiful city center on your own. Highlights not to miss:
Later we will continue onward, towards the one of the most northwestern cities of Spain - Vigo. Arrival, dinner and accommodation.
Hotel: Hesperia Vigo.
Day 2. Vigo - Viana do Castelo - Braga - Porto (150 km ~ 93 miles)
Breakfast as usual. Departure towards Portugal and cross the border to arrive to Viana do Castelo - a picturesque town, located between the mouth of the river Mino and Porto.
Free time, later continuation to Braga.
Free time to explore Braga. Later we'll departure for Porto. Arrival, accommodation and night in Porto.
Hotel: Eurostars Oporto.
Day 3. Oporto
Breakfast in the hotel, then we'll head to a proper city tour of Porto. There are plenty of things that this lively and extraordinary city has to offer. Slightly timeworn and weathered, the gray skies and dated buildings add character, while the twinkling lights along the Douro River reflect off the water and illuminate a central part of the city. Pair these features with the reserved yet friendly locals, the charming trams, beautifully adorned architecture, and the wine - and Porto's charm may put anyone under its spell. Here are some highlights of the tour:
Later we will continue our tour with a visit to an antique wine cellar, experience the wine-making process and definitely taste famous local fortified wine - Port, which in many cases get served straight from the barrel.
On the second half of the day feel free to explore the city on your own. Some suggestions:
Another night in Porto.
Day 4. Oporto - Coimbra (120 km ~ 75 miles)
Breakfast, then transfer to Coimbra. Coimbra was Portugal's capital for 124 years between the 12th and 13th centuries, but this classical city is still often eclipsed by metropolitan Lisbon or distinguished Porto. However, this place is mainly about its University - Coimbra's 700-year-old patrimonial jewel. Founded in 1290, it is the oldest institution of higher education in Portugal and one of the oldest universities in the world. It made a UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2013. In your free time you'll have the opportunity to explore it. Some facts:
Dinner and a night in Coimbra.
Hotel: TRYP Coimbra.
Day 5. Coimbra - Fatima - Lisbon (222 km ~ 138 miles)
Breakfast in the hotel, then a tour to Fatima - one of the world's largest Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world - with a visit to Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima (Santuário de Fátima). A tour and a free time here to feel and appreciate this sacred place. Some facts about Fatima:
Later we will continue to Lisbon. Arrival, accommodation and night in the capital.
Hotel: Lutecia.
Day 6. Lisbon
Breakfast, followed by a tour around Lisbon with a local guide. Lisbon offers a rich and varied history, a buzzing nightlife and is blessed with a glorious year-round climate. It is a bustling and exciting city, that boasts a wide choice of activities and fascinating tourist attractions. The city has a welcoming atmosphere, while still embracing its deep-rooted heritage and extensive history. Some of the highlights of the tour:
Enjoy an evening in Lisbon on your own. Please do not miss an opportunity to try famous pastel de nata (egg tart) - local culinary iconic pastry, who's recipe dates back to the 16th century. You can buy it in any coffee or bakery shop.
Second night in Lisbon.
Day 7. Lisbon - Caceres - Seville (575 km ~ 357 miles)
Breakfast. Departure towards Spain. Crossing the border to find ourselves now in the province of Extremadura - one of Spain's western provinces - a remote area, filled with natural parks and dramatic scenery. The stop here will be in Caceres - a town, founded by the Romans in 25BC. Visiting this place will bring you back to the old medieval era. The streets climb and twist among hoary palaces and mansions. As you turn your head up, you can see the skyline decorated with gargoyles, spires, and gigantic storks’ nests. The fortress has been serving as defensive walls since the 16th century. You will have a good hour and a half there, so, go ahead and check the main highlights, those are very close to each other:
After a break you will take the highway towards Andalusia with a first overnight stop in Seville. Dinner and accommodation.
Hotel: Silken Al-Andalus Palace.
Day 8. Seville
Breakfast in the hotel, followed by a proper city tour throughout Seville with a local guide, to admire this beautiful and also the largest city of Southern Spain. With numerous sights and attractions, this city will never leave visitors stuck for choice. Main highlights of the tour:
Lunch in the restaurants will be included. After the city tour you will have the afternoon off to rest or explore more on your own.
Night in Seville.
Day 9. Seville - Ronda - Costa del Sol (190 km ~ 118 miles)
Breakfast. Transfer and a first stop at a beautiful town of Ronda. Steeped in dark myths and bullfighting folklore, whilst boasting one of the most extraordinary locations in Spain, it is no wonder that Ronda has become Andalusia's third most visited place. With its world-famous New Bridge and bullring, as well as the hidden corners of the gorge on top of which it perches, Ronda will definitely not disappoint. In Ronda you will have free time to explore the main highlights of this beautiful town.
Later we'll continue to Costa del Sol.
Arrival to Torremolinos - beautiful coastal town with excellent beaches, vibrant nightlife and very relaxed atmosphere. Dinner and accommodation.
Hotel: Sol Principe.
Day 10. Costa del Sol - Tarifa - Tangier (Ferry) - Fez (433 kms)
Breakfast. Departure towards one of the Spanish ''gates'' to Morocco - either Tarifa or Algeciras (depending on date), from where you will take a ferry to cross the Strait of Gibraltar and enter the Kingdom of Morocco. Be prepared to pass the custom control in both Spain and Morocco, which sometimes can be a bit chaotic, especially in Morocco. After disembarking, a bus will take you to the enchanting city of Tangier, where the tour leader will briefly explain the main highlights.
Later we will continue to Fez. Arrival, accommodation, dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Ramada.
Day 11. Fez
Breakfast, then a proper city tour around the imperial city of Fez. Being one of the most important cities in Morocco, Fez is rich in culture, history, traditions, and gastronomy. With one of the first universities and the oldest medieval Medina in the world, this city has a lot to offer. Main highlights of the city tour:
Enjoy the beauty of Fez in your free time. Dinner and second night in the city.
Day 12. Fez - Meknes - Marrakesh (547 km ~ 340 miles)
Breakfast in the hotel, then transfer to Meknes. One of Morocco’s old imperial cities, Meknes became the capital city in the 17th century. Located in the Middle Atlas region, it sees fewer tourists than nearby Fez and is a pleasant place to spend some time on the way to Marrakesh. We will have a stop there to admire the beautiful monumental gates of Bab Al Mansour.
Continuation to Marrakesh. Arrival, dinner and accommodation.
Hotel: Atlas Medina & Spa or Jardin del Agdal.
Day 13. Marrakesh
Breakfast and a proper tour around Marrakesh. Imperial city of Marrakesh is one of the country’s most captivating destinations. Nicknamed the ''Red City'' because of the high, reddish-brown walls that enclose the old medina, Marrakesh offers an exciting blend of history, culture, tradition, everyday life, and a unique energy that needs to be experienced to be understood. Main highlights of the tour:
On you free time you may want to:
Dinner and a night in Marrakesh.
Day 14. Marrakech - Casablanca - Rabat (330 km ~ 205 miles)
Breakfast, then departure towards Casablanca. This city considered Morocco's commercial centre, it's more of a modern megapolis, however the French colonial legacy, entwined with the traditional Arab culture, ensures there are definitely spectacular highlights to see. Main highlights of our city tour, with Hassan 2 Mosque above all.
Continuation and arrival to Rabat. Checkin, dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Farah Rabat.
Day 15. Rabat - Tangier (249 km ~ 155 miles)
Breakfast in the hotel then a city tour around Rabat - the enchanting and welcoming capital city of Morocco, with a long and rich history. Main highlights to see:
Day 16. Tangier - Costa del Sol (145 km ~ 90 miles)
Time to go back to Spain. After breakfast we'll take the ferry back to Tarifa or Algeciras - transport hubs of Southern Spain. The bus will pick us up from there, bringing back to Torremolinos. Enjoy the second half of the day at the beach.
Accommodation and dinner. Night on Costa del Sol.
Hotel: Sol Principe.
Day 17. Costa del Sol – Granada (180 km ~ 112 miles)
Breakfast, then transfer to Granada - beautiful city, sitting right at the foot of the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains. The popular favorite of the region of Andalusia, Granada has a rich history, fantastic range of sites to see, and a bustling nightlife. With Arab influences and Spanish charm, there is plenty of culture and history to explore here. Upon arrival you'll have a guided tour to see the famous complex of La Alhambra, its Arabian palaces Nazaries, and its green and picturesque Generalife Gardens.
The tour to Alhambra is already quite extensive and includes a good part of walking, so it’s your choice the rest of the day - to relax in the hotel or continue to explore the city of Granada on your own. Suggested places to visit on the second half of the day:
Dinner and night in Granada.
Hotel: Los Angeles.
Day 18. Granada - Toledo - Madrid (446 km ~ 277 miles)
Breakfast, then transfer to Toledo - a former capital of Spain and an incredibly cultural-diversified city - it has seen numerous different cultures and dynasties pass through its walls, as well as many wars, royalty, and artists. The legacy that it guards is an essential part of Spanish culture, so visiting Toledo is bound to be an extremely unique experience. Some of the highlights we'll see during the tour:
Lunch in the restaurant. Later, we'll visit a craftsman's workshop, to discover the ancestral techniques and the phases of the true Toledano sword-making elaboration process.
Towards the evening transfer and arrival to Madrid. End of the tour.
Additional information:
-Only one suitcase per passenger is possible.
-In Morocco there will be customs clearance.
-It's essential that the passport is at least valid for 72 days after departure in Morocco.
-The itinerary in Morocco could be changed without substantial variation of services.
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Please click here to see the route on a map.
Prices:
Per person in double/twin room: 2109€
Single Supplement: 650€
Supplement July to Oct.: 110€
Supplement on departures on March 26 and April 16: 100€ (Easter and Feria)
Discounts:
- Children less than 4 years old: free, without granted seat in the bus
- Children between 4 and 7 years old: 25% discount off adult price, in a room with adults
- Teenagers between 8 and 18 years old: 5% discount off adult price
- Seniors (65+ years old): 5% discount off adult price
- Third person in triple room: 5%
Discounts cannot be combined.
What is the booking process?
- It is very simple. Once you have chosen the tour, there are 6 steps:
a) you confirm the tour by e-mail, indicating starting date, tour code, number of persons travelling and their names, also types of rooms preferred (Single/Double/Triple).
b) we send you an invoice,
c) you pay 10% to book the tour,
d) we issue the confirmation,
e) 2 weeks before the starting date, you pay the rest of the monies due, and
f) you show up for the tour on the appointed date and time.
How much should I pay and when?
- We require a 10% deposit during reservation, and the remaining 90% in no less than 2 weeks before the tour commences.
How would I pay?
- You can pay in one of four ways:
1) Bank wire to our company's bank account. Our banking details are included on the invoice that you receive.
2) We can charge your credit card. Please keep in mind that in this case we charge an additional 2% on top of the amount (our bank charges), and we need you to sign an Authorization form (which we will provide) and you need to send us your passport copy and copy of the credit card (the front) to verify ownership.
3) Western Union (normally for short-notice reservations, and when amount needs to be received urgently).
4) Transferwise.com - an online system, allowing the transfer of different currencies, with a small fees (much smaller than bank charges). Ask us to send you an invitation to join a system if you are not a member - there normally is a bonus for new members.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
- 10% paid at the time of reservation is non-refundable. The other 90% is fully refundable if cancelled in no less than 2 weeks (e.g., if you paid 100% upfront right away). There are no refunds for cancellations made in less than 2 weeks to go before the trip.
Here you will find commonly asked questions regarding our tours.
1. Are the tours for individuals, families, small groups of friends?
- Yes. Our tours are for single travelers, couples, families, and groups of friends whom we put together with other travelers to form a larger group.
2. How many people are normally included on a tour?
- We cannot guarantee an exact number per tour. Normally it ranges from 10 to 25 people per group, but these numbers can vary greatly depending on the time of the year. In summer, groups tend to be larger as this is a popular time of year, while the winter season usually attracts less people, thus smaller groups are formed. There are certain tours that combine travelers if the destinations follow the same routes, e.g. you may be on a 10-day tour package with companions travelling on a 5-day package. The tour will cover the same areas and the 5-day package guests will break off thereafter. Also, more people may be joining in for the other part of the package.
3. Is there is a guide/tour leader in the bus?
- Yes. An accompanying guide (tour leader) usually travels with the group during the entire tour. An exception may occur when there are minimal numbers signed up for a particular tour. These small groups will travel with an experienced, English-speaking driver/guide. In all major cities, we use local professionals and licensed guides.
4. What languages do the guides use?
- English and Spanish. All our tour guides speak both languages fluently. If a tour group consists of an English-speaking group only, the tour will run in English. But most of the tours will have both English and Spanish (from Latin and Central America) passengers, so the guides will explain in English and then in Spanish.
5. Do your tours run during certain times of the year?
- Most of our tours run all year long. Some tours, e.g., those running to the northern regions of Spain, only run from March till October. Each tour’s description provides all the relevant information needed. For example: ''Sundays all year'' means that a tour will start on every Sunday of the year, regardless of the numbers. Just look up at the Calendar the specific dates Sundays are falling on and make sure you arrive a day before.
6. What cities do the tours start from?
- Tours start from Madrid or Barcelona.
7. Where are the meeting points for the tours?
- In Madrid, it is Calle Ferraz 3 (Ferraz str., 3). This meeting point is in the city center, right off Plaza España.
- In Barcelona, it is in the reception of the Hotel ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' (Carrer de Muntaner, 505, 08022, Barcelona).
8. Do you pick up from the hotels on the first day of the tour?
- By default, no. We do not pick up from hotels because that would delay the tour launch time. However – if your hotel is enroute, using the same bus route on launch day, we will pick you up. A week before travel, we require the name of your hotel in Madrid, and will inform you if you can be picked up directly from your hotel or need to head over to the meeting point at 7.45am.
In Barcelona, the meeting point is always in the reception of the ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' hotel.
9. What type of vehicles do you use?
- Buses for larger groups and minibuses for smaller ones. Vehicles are comfortable, modern and with air-conditioning.
10. If there is a Wi-Fi on your buses?
- There is a Wi-Fi on all our buses in Spain. But please keep in mind that sometimes during the transfers between the cities, Wi-Fi signal can be weak or intermitting, due to poor coverage from the main operators. Please do not expect to downoad or to steam movies during the transfers. In Morocco's buses there is no Wi-Fi.
11. Are meals included?
- Buffet breakfasts with all the drinks are included every morning in all hotels our guests occupy during their tour.
Lunches and dinners are included anywhere that's mentioned in the itinerary (sections ''Itinerary'' and ''Included in tour''). Normally dinners held in the hotel's restaurants, many times it will be buffet (''eat as much as you want''), and only drinks will be at an extra cost. Also, sometimes lunches and dinners will be held in the restaurants.
12. I am a vegetarian or allergic to certain products, any problem?
- No problems at all. Inform the tour leader and he will assist you. On a side note, many dinners are of the buffet-type, so you can simply choose what you prefer. For those with allergies, if in doubt, please remind tour leader during mealtimes. Alternatively, ask the restaurant staff about the content of the dishes.
13. What time do you arrive to Madrid on the last day of travel? Can I book a flight on the same day, flying out of Spain?
- Normally we return to Madrid between 17.00 and 19.00 on the last day of the excursion (depending on the specific tour). However, it is not recommended to book the flight out on the same evening/night, as traffic jams in Madrid or other possible events may delay your flight. Fell free to talk to us (before starting the tour!), and we'll organize your overnight stay in Madrid after the tour.
14. I need a night in the hotel or transfer from/to the airport to be booked before or after the tour.
- Sure. Just let us know at the time you organize the whole trip.
15. Can I just show up for the trip without reservation and pay directly in the office, on the spot?
- Unfortunately, not. The tour must be booked in advance, as we need to make all the arrangements beforehand.
16. How long in advance should I book a trip?
- If you book at least 2 weeks in advance, the trip is guaranteed, though we recommend booking even earlier, if possible, as in these cases we have wider range of hotels to accommodate the early reservations - better options.
Requests received with less than 2 weeks to go prior to launch date, usually work out 80% of the time, just contact us.
17. Can I customize one of the tours for myself?
- No, as there are more people travelling with you. However, if you are coming already as a group of 20+ persons, the route can be customized upon your request, as the tour could be run privately for your group. Please contact us for more information.
18. What is the booking process?
- It is very simple. Once you have chosen the tour, there are 6 steps:
a) you confirm the tour by e-mail, indicating starting date, tour code, number of persons travelling and their names, also types of rooms preferred (Single/Double/Triple).
b) we send you an invoice,
c) you pay 10% to book the tour,
d) we issue the confirmation,
e) 2 weeks before the starting date, you pay the rest of the monies due, and
f) you show up for the tour on the appointed date and time.
19. How much should I pay and when?
- We require a 10% deposit during reservation, and the remaining 90% in no less than 2 weeks before the tour commences.
20. How would I pay?
- You can pay in one of four ways:
1) Bank wire to our company’s bank account. Our banking details are included on the invoice that you receive
2) We can charge your credit card. Please keep in mind that in this case we charge an additional 2% on top of the amount (bank charges), we need you to sign an Authorization form and you need to send us your passport copy and copy of the credit card (the front) to verify ownership
3) Western Union (normally for short-notice reservations, and when amount needs to be received urgently)
4) Transferwise.com – an online system allowing the transfer of funds. There is a small commission attached.
21. What is the cancellation and refund policy?
- 10% paid at the time of reservation is non-refundable. The other 90% is fully refundable if cancelled in no less than 2 weeks (e.g., if you paid 100% upfront right away). There are no refunds for cancellations made with less than 2 weeks to go before the trip.
22. Are there any discounts or surcharges?
- Yes. Discounts are listed under the section ''Prices'', under each package.
23. Are taxes included in the tour prices?
- Yes, VAT and Tourist Taxes for different cities are included.
24. How do I know if I need a visa for Spain or Morocco?
- Please check the visa information for Spain here. The visa requirements for Morocco can be found here. Please note that all trips to Morocco will require your Schengen visa to be of an ''multiple entry'', as you will enter Spain for the second time.
25. I am ready to go ahead and book one of your tours, but I need a Visa to enter Spain.
- Yes, we do help our customers to get their Visas, after a trip is confirmed and the deposit of 10% has been paid. As we are a fully licensed tour operator in Spain, after the deposit paid, we can issue the confirmation, which you later bring to Spanish Embassy/Consulate. In this letter we confirm that you booked and partly (or fully) paid for a tour with us. Please note, we do not guarantee the issue of visa and cannot influence the process. The decision is up to the Embassy, as they have their own rules and regulations for each country. At the same time, we do our best to ensure we provide assistance where possible.