Spain/Morocco/Portugal

Tour #19

February 18 - March 5, 2011

This exciting new tour begins in SPAIN and then travels to the fascinating countries of MOROCCO and PORTUGAL. Each of these countries has history that dates back several hundred years ago. You will enjoy the scenic countryside as you travel through each country and over the mountains down to the Mediterranean Sea where you will get a glimpse of the Rock of Gibraltar. Breakfast is included daily at each of the hotels plus eight dinners which makes this a great tour to these most charming countries. Touring with friends from other parts of the country is something you will certainly enjoy!

Feb. 18 Everyone will fly overnight from their hometown city to MADRID, SPAIN. Enjoy dinner followed by a movie and a few hours of rest as you span the Atlantic Ocean in anticipation of what lies ahead.

Feb. 19 Upon arrival this morning in the Spanish capital city of Madrid, you will be transferred to your hotel and then the balance of the day will be free to relax and to start exploring this lively city.

Feb. 20 This morning you will see all the highlights of Madrid including the Royal Palace and the many beautiful plazas and monuments. Afternoon free to shop or to visit the Prado Museum with its priceless art treasures by Rembrandt, Goya, Picasso and many others that date back to the 12th century.

Feb. 21 This morning you will board our motorcoach for a drive to the ancient city of Toledo. This town is noted for its quaint and narrow streets that’s situated on top of a hilltop surrounded by the Tagus River. You will then continue to the famous city of Granada known for its spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Tonight a special Spanish dinner is included at the hotel.

Feb. 22 Today you will tour the exquisite Moorish Alhambra Palace and its gardens, a former residence of the Moorish kings. Next you will drive to the Costa del Sol, one of the most popular holiday areas in Europe located on the Mediterranean Sea. Dinner is again included at the hotel.

Feb. 23 Start with a drive along the Mediterranean coastline to the famous Rock of Gibraltar where you will board a ferry boat to cross the Straits of Gibraltar into MOROCCO in NORTH AFRICA. Continue driving past the Rif Mountains to the imperial city of Fez, the first of your six-night stay in Africa.

Feb. 24 This morning you will see the highlights of Fez including the magnificent entrance to the Royal Palace with the afternoon free to haggle over Moroccan souvenirs. Tonight you will enjoy a special dinner at the hotel.

Feb. 25 Another exciting day as you drive through the Atlas Mountains to Marrakesh. This is Africa’s most popular sunshine resort that’s situated in an oasis of more than a million palm trees. It was also Sir Winston Churchill’s favorite holiday spot. Dinner is again included at the hotel.

Feb. 26 This morning you will have a unique tour of Marrakesh including the famous market square where you will see acrobats, camels, snake charmers and dancers. Enjoy some mint tea in a typical Moroccan tea house near the souks and bazaars.

Feb. 27 Continue to amazing CASABLANCA, scene of Bogart’s most romantic moments featuring North Africa’s beaches and coastline. You will have fun visiting the Casbah and exploring its maze of twisted streets and alleys lined with colorful shops including dinner at the hotel.

Feb. 28 Drive along the Atlantic Coast to RABAT for an orientation of the city and the Royal Palace. Continue on your motorcoach to the resort city of Tangier for a tour of this seaport including the Straits of Hercules where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy another surprise dinner at the hotel.

Mar. 1 Today you will board the ferry boat and cruise back to Spain across the narrow Straits of Gibraltar. You will then drive through the Jerez Vineyards to the beautiful city of Seville where you’ll enjoy a tapas dinner with sherry wine.

Mar. 2 This morning you will tour this romantic city of Seville that was influenced by the Moors who dwelled in this area for over 700 years. See distinguished Moorish architecture in the fountains of Maria Luisa Park followed by a walk around the Plaza d’ Espana. Tonight you might want to see a Spanish flamenco show as Seville is known for its Spanish music and dances.

Mar. 3 Today you’ll journey through the region noted for its Spanish ham and through what’s called the cork forest to the Portuguese border. This afternoon you will arrive in the capital city of LISBON, PORTUGAL where you will stay for the last two nights of this tour.

Mar. 4 On this morning’s tour you will see all the highlights of Lisbon including a walk through the colorful marketplace. The afternoon will be at leisure before tonight’s lovely Portuguese “Farewell Dinner.”

Mar. 5 Breakfast will be at your leisure and then everyone will be transferred to the airport for the return flight home. Lunch will be served on the airplane followed by a movie and a few hours of rest as you think about the wonderful time you had visiting these three amazing countries. Upon arrival in the U.S.A., everyone will clear customs and then make connections on this same day to their hometown city.