19-Day Spain, Morocco and Portugal from Barcelona Tour Code: 738-20257 europamundo 2601673

In the morning, we include a panoramic tour of BARCELONA, considered one of Europe's most fascinating capitals. Open to the Mediterranean Sea, the city is renowned for Gaudi and its modernist architecture, as well as for its lively Ramblas and the legacy of the World Expositions and Olympic Games held here. Barcelona is often regarded as one of the most beautiful and captivating cities in Europe. The tour ends at the Maremagnum, a modern leisure and dining complex by the sea next to Columbus Square, where you can stroll through this lively area. Afternoon at leisure. Return to the hotel at the end of the day.

We'll travel south along the Mediterranean, stopping in Peniscola, a charming medieval walled city surrounded by beautiful beaches, where you'll have time for a stroll. We'll continue to Valencia, arriving around lunchtime. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a tour with a local guide of this port city on the Levantine coast, with over 2000 years of history. The city's urban layout is adorned with monuments from various eras, contrasting with the modern architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences. After the tour, you'll have free time to explore at your leisure. A traditional local dinner will be included.

We continue through pleasant landscapes in the Valencian Community. ALICANTE, a city bathed by the Mediterranean, combines golden sandy beaches with a charming historic quarter. The imposing Castle of Santa Barbara stands out. Free time for a stroll.We continue through arid landscapes in the region of MURCIA. Stop en route for lunch.In Andalusia, we make our first stop in GUADIX, famous for its unique inhabited cave houses. Its historic quarter combines the Renaissance cathedral, traditional neighborhoods, and unique views of the Sierra Nevada.We continue to GRANADA. Arrival in the late afternoon, dinner included.

We'll enjoy a full day in Granada. If your tour includes tickets, we'll explore the majestic Alhambra Palace and its stunning Generalife Gardens, both masterpieces from the Arab era. In the afternoon, you'll have free time to discover the city, including the cathedral that houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs.VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The number of visitors allowed into the Alhambra is strictly regulated by law. To ensure your admission, tickets will be issued upon confirming your tour reservation. It's essential to provide accurate personal details (full name and passport/ID number) at the time of booking. Please be aware that ticket costs are non-refundable in case of cancellation. In rare cases where the Alhambra visit is not possible, we will instead tour the Royal Alcazar of Seville, which offers similar historical and architectural significance.

Departing from Granada, we'll traverse the Costa del Sol. Upon reaching Algeciras or Tarifa, we'll board a modern ferry to cross the Strait of Gibraltar (tickets included). Passengers will need to carry their own luggage as the bus typically does not make the crossing. Upon arrival in Morocco, we'll journey through breathtaking landscapes. Our first stop will be Asilah, a charming walled city nestled on the Atlantic coast, once a historic port and pirate stronghold, now bustling with vibrant life. There will be time for lunch before we head to Rabat. Upon arrival in Rabat, dinner will be included.

We'll go on a panoramic tour of Rabat to visit the immense Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the mighty Kasbah of the Udayas. At midday, we'll head to Casablanca, where we'll go on a short city tour with a local guide. The tour will include a visit to the exterior of one of the most important mosques in the Arab world, the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. Later, we'll go to Marrakech. After arriving at the hotel, you will be able to experience a traditional Kalesa ride up to the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Dinner will be included.

Today, you will explore one of the world's most fascinating places, the city that gave Morocco its name. The city tour will take you through its strong walls, the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the Medina, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Bahia Palace (tickets included). Afterward, you will have free time for lunch (included) to relax by the pool or in the hotel garden, or to shop in the souks. In the evening, you may join the Fantasy Party, an optional excursion.

We'll set out to cross the Atlas Mountains, where lofty peaks often covered in snow bid us farewell as we leave the palm groves of Marrakech. You'll see small Berber villages clinging to the edges of deep gorges. Our journey includes a stop at the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, renowned for its appearances in numerous movies. As we travel through landscapes reminiscent of biblical scenes, we'll pause in Ouarzazate, known for its impressive Kasbah. Continuing through the Valley of Roses, we'll reach Boumalne Dades where dinner will be included. Note: Occasionally in winter, roads may close due to snowdrifts. If necessary, this part of the itinerary will be rescheduled according to our alternative plan. (Access to the Sahara Desert depends on road conditions).

Embark on an exhilarating journey through the Sahara Desert. Traverse the Valley of the Kasbahs, river valleys surrounded by thousands of palm trees, rocky plains merging into lush oases and adobe villages, and formidable fortresses guarding ancient thoroughfares. The visit includes the awe-inspiring Todgha Gorge, a majestic canyon with towering walls rising more than 100 meters on both sides. En route, there will be a stop at a small adobe town near Khorbat, where you can learn about the local desert community (access may be affected by weather conditions such as river flooding). The journey continues towards Erfoud. An optional off-road excursion to the Sahara Desert sand dunes is available for a breathtaking sunset experience. Lunch is included.

We'll depart early from Erfoud, crossing the Atlas Mountains once again through dramatic gorges and breathtaking landscapes. We'll then traverse a high, chilly plateau inhabited by nomadic shepherds. Our journey includes a brief stop in Midelt, a commercial town in the heart of the region, known primarily for its agriculture. We'll continue our route with a stop for lunch (included) in the Middle Atlas, by a lake in a beautiful natural setting. The scenery will change dramatically as we enter a region rich in forests, where snow is common in winter. Near Azrou, we'll visit the "House of Cedars" in a national park-a small museum that provides insight into the region. Here, we'll also have the chance to observe the lively colonies of monkeys that inhabit the area. Our journey will then take us to Bhalil, a small and peaceful town inhabited by Berbers of the Middle Atlas, known for its picturesque old town with colorful streets. Traditionally, people lived in caves here, which are now integrated into the houses. We'll continue to Fez, where, before heading to our hotel, we'll admire views of the ancient city from the Marinid Tombs. Dinner will be included.

We'll go on a tour of Fez, entering through the Bronze Gates of the Royal Palace and exploring the Jewish quarter, its lively souks, and the Tanners' Quarter. The cultural capital of the country is renowned for its impressive Medina, which preserves the traditional Arab atmosphere like no other. We'll conclude our visit with an included lunch at a historic palace in the Medina. In the afternoon, we'll journey north through Morocco on a modern highway, reaching Tangier by evening. Dinner will be included.

Free time in Tangier - do you feel like doing some last-minute shopping? We'll take a ferry back to Spain. The bus will not be on board, so each passenger must take their luggage on the ferry. We'll arrive in Algeciras or Tarifa and continue to Seville. We'll arrive in the evening and dinner will be included.

In the morning, we'll embark on a city tour of Seville, where you'll see the cathedral with its famous Giralda, the banks of the Guadalquivir River, and the popular neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Guadalquivir River offering stunning panoramic views (included). In the evening, you'll have the option to attend a popular flamenco tablao.

We'll leave Seville, traveling through pleasant landscapes of rolling hills and expansive pasturelands as we head towards Extremadura. In Merida, admission is included to the Archaeological Ensemble of Merida, which features a Roman Theater and Amphitheater. This site is renowned for its excellent preservation and its designation as a World Heritage Site. You'll have time for lunch and a stroll through the vibrant pedestrian historic center, filled with restaurants and local charm. We will then continue to Portugal, stopping in Evora, another World Heritage Site, known for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces, and cathedral. We'll arrive in Lisbon in the evening.

In the morning, we'll embark on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon, exploring the Portuguese capital of the seven hills, with its charming alleys, iconic tiles, the feeling of "saudade," and the beautiful Atlantic light. We'll also visit the Belem neighborhood, from where the great Portuguese navigators set sail to cross the oceans in the 15th century. Free time in the afternoon to walk and go to the Bairro Alto and its viewpoint; if you'd like to, you could take an optional trip to the towns of Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we'll return to the hotel from the lively Restauradores Square, filled with vibrant bars and cafes.

We'll depart from Portugal early, crossing the picturesque region of Alentejo. We'll stop for a coffee in Estremoz, a charming town with a medieval castle, cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere that embody the Portuguese identity. Continuing our journey towards Spain, we'll arrive in Caceres, where you can enjoy lunch and a stroll through its historic center-an exceptionally well-preserved medieval and Renaissance urban complex. Finally, we'll proceed to Madrid, arriving in the evening with a transfer to Plaza Mayor, bustling with restaurants and vibrant life.

The morning will begin with a comprehensive tour of central Madrid, featuring highlights like Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcala, Plaza de Colon, and Plaza Mayor. We'll then visit Retiro Park, a beautiful oasis in the city center, where we'll see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission is included to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid-considered by many to be the best football club in the world. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. In the evening, we'll provide a return transfer to the hotel.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.