Best of Spain, Portugal & Morocco 23 Days Madrid to Marrakech

Transcription

1 23 Days Madrid to Marrakech Follow in the footsteps of the great explorers with this 23-day journey from Madrid to Marrakech. See the wonders of southern Spain including Granada and Seville, take in Portugal's stunning scenery on the road from Lisbon to Porto, and journey through Imperial cities and the Sahara Desert in Morocco. HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Small group tour, with maximum group size of 16, and unique hotels Madrid - see Madrid's Grand Palace on a tour of Spain's vibrant capital Jaen Region- visit an Olive Oil farm and sample their produce in this famous Olive Oil Region, explore Ubeda, Jaen and spend the night in a former 16th century palace which is now a parador Granada - tour the spectacular Alhambra palace, with its exquisite Moorish architecture Jerez - go wine tasting at a famous vineyard in Jerez, famed for its sherry production Toledo - Monumental Gothic cathedral and roam around the gardens of the Alcazar palace-fortress Seville - wander the streets of Andalucia's enchanting capital and be sure to sample the array of tapas bars Cordoba - marvel at the mesmerizing La Mezquita, one of the world's greatest mosques Jabugo - discover what makes Iberico Ham so special on a tour of an authentic Iberico Ham farm Ronda - roam around one of Spain's oldest towns, set on a mountain top Sintra - gaze in wonder at the whimsical, hill top Pena Place, with its gothic turrets and gargoyles Fatima - visit the Shrine of our Lady, an important destination in the world of Catholic pilgrims Coimbra - explore the oldest Portuguese university with its beautiful baroque library Porto - enjoy wine tasting at one of the famous bodegas (wineries) Douro Valley - see the famous castle in Guimaraes and enjoy wine tasting at one of the most historic and renowned vineyards in the region Viseu - spend a night in a beautiful Portuguese pousada [a historical Portuguese hotel] Lisbon - explore Portugal's charming coastal capital - currently voted as Europe's No 1 hot spot to visit Cascais - admire the views in Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of - 23 Days continental Europe, and watch Portugal's famous custard tarts being hand made Salamanca - wander through the city's beautiful Plaza Mayor and see Spain's oldest University, with its stunning architecture Obidos - take in this delightful Medieval, walled town Marrakech wander through the UNESCO-listed medina, mosque, palaces and souks Casablanca - enjoy the spectacle of Morocco's largest city, also home to its largest mosque (the Hassan II Mosque) Rabat - take in the sights of the lovely capital city such as the Chellah necropolis and whitewashed kasbah Meknes - roam the streets of a great Imperial city, once dubbed the "Versailles of Morocco" Sahara Desert - camel trek across the dunes and camp under a blanket of stars Todra Gorge - marvel at the towering red canyon Ait Benhaddou - gaze upon this UNESCOlisted ancient kasbah, immortalised by Hollywood in film and television Volubilis admire the UNESCO-listed ruins of this ancient Roman provincial town Fes immerse yourself in the oldest medieval city in the world, its medina packed with dye pits and tanneries -1-

2 What's Included 14 nights 3-4 star hotels in Spain and Portugal, 7 nights 3-4 star hotels & riad in Morocco, and 1 night Berber desert camp in the Sahara Desert (Hotel Upgrade available) 23 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners (including a traditional Berber meal our Sahara camp) Escorted by English speaking Spanish and Portuguese tour leaders and an English speaking Moroccan tour guide (or driver guides in Spain and Portugal for groups of 2 6) Specialist local guides for scheduled sightseeing All private transportation in air conditioned vehicles in Spain, Portugal and Morocco Arrival transfer from Barcelona airport on day 1 Arrival transfer from Marrakech airport on day 15 Madrid airport departure transfer on day 15 Olive Oil farm visit and tasting in the Jaen Region Vineyard visit and wine tasting in Jerez Vineyard visit and wine tasting in the Duoro Valley and wine tasting in Porto Wine tasting in Porto Guided sightseeing in Toledo, Granada, Ronda, Jerez, Seville, Cordoba, Lisbon, Sintra, Coimbra, Fatima, Porto, Guimaraes & Doura Valley, Salamanca, Madrid, Casablanca, Rabat, Volubilis, Fes, Merzouga, Todra Gorge, Ait Benhaddou and Marrakech Camel trek into the Sahara What's Not Included Tipping Kitty: Euro 55-60pp (for Morocco, paid locally in Euro, USD or Dirham) Entrance Fees: Euro 80-90pp (for Spain, paid locally) International flights and visas Tip for your tour leader and guides - an entirely personal gesture Please note the flight from Madrid and Marrakech is not included and needs to be booked separately - see Trip notes for more information DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 : Madrid arrival day Overnight - Ubeda (B) Day 3 : Jaen & Granada Saturday. Welcome to Spain. Upon arrival at Madrid Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or independently explore the capital before a welcome meal this evening with your tour leader and the rest of the group. Note: if you'd like to spend more time in Madrid, we can arrange pre tour accommodation for you, upon request. Overnight - Madrid Day 2 : Toledo & Ubeda Madrid - Jaen. After breakfast we bid farewell to Madrid and head out to our first stop of the day, Toledo, which is known as the 'city of three cultures', because of the Christians, Arabs and Jews who lived here together for centuries. We enjoy a guided tour of the cathedral, Sto Tome Church and the magnificent synagogue, as we learn about the history of the town. Afterwards we continue to the beautiful Renaissance town of Ubeda in the scenic olive oil producing region of Jaen. Here we'll visit an olive oil producer and get a taste of the groves. Then there's time to wander at - 23 Days your leisure around this enchanting pocket sized city. We spend the night at a parador, housed within a stunning 16th century former palace and located next to the beautiful Sacra Capilla del Salvador, in the heart of the city. Ubeda - Jaen - Granada. This morning we visit Jaen, which boasts the largest number of protected spaces, castles and fortresses in Spain and is known as the "Olive Oil Capital of the World". Here we'll have time to wander around the historic quarter, with its beautiful Renaissance cathedral, before we travel on to Granada. Known as the land of a 1000 castles and nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is one of Andalusia's most interesting cities. This afternoon we enjoy a guided walk around the UNESCO Listed areas of Albaicin, which is the old Moorish quarter of the city and the scenic Generalife gardens. Today's highlight is a tour of the lavish Alhambra palace, which is part palace and part fortress, with exquisite Moorish architecture. Overnight - Granada (B) Day 4 : Ronda & Jerez Granada - Jerez. This morning we travel to Ronda, our first stop of the day. Surrounded by mountains and dramatically perched upon an inland plateau, Ronda is one of Spain's -2-

3 oldest towns, established in 9th century BC. We enjoy a walking tour of the historic quarter, which dates back to Islamic times when it was an important cultural hub, with many mosques and palaces. is free to explore or perhaps enjoy a some retail therapy. Overnight - Seville (B:2) Days 7-8 : Jabugo to Lisbon which stands atop a hillside. Brightly coloured Pena, with its gothic turrets, watchtowers and gargoyles is the ultimate fairytale castle and with our guide we'll explore and learn all about its history. Continuing our scenic journey we pass through whitewashed villages including Arcos de Frontera, which sits on a spectacular sheer cliff. After a break for lunch we travel on to Jerez, a vibrant and chic Andalucian city, which is part of the famed Sherry Triangle. The rest of the day is free to wander around the enchanting old town, find a local Tabanco and enjoy the local wine, sherry and tapas. Overnight - Jerez (B) Days 5-6 : Seville & Cordoba Seville - Lisbon. After breakfast we depart Seville and make our way towards Lisbon. We head north toward Aracena and then onto the village of Jabugo, famous for its Iberica ham. We will enjoy a short tour of a Iberica ham farm and taste the produce. We then head west across the border and a short lunch stop in Beja before our departure to Lisbon. After check in there is time to relax, and tonight we will gather for a group dinner in a local restaurant. Bidding farewell to our Spanish tour leader and anyone leaving the tour the following day. Jerez - Seville. We start day 5 with a visit to one of the city's famous wine cellars where gain an understanding of the traditions of wine making in this area and of course, enjoy some wine tasting. Leaving Jerez, we travel on to the beautiful city of Seville. Located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Seville has a rich Moorish heritage and our walking tour includes a visit to the cathedral and Alcazar Gardens. The streets and squares are lively and busy and Seville is credited with the invention of the tapa, and the choices are limitless, join the locals moving from bar to bar trying one at a time. The following morning we visit Cordoba, a thousand year old city which is a living legacy of the different cultures that have settled here throughout its history. Our local guide will guide us around the white-washed courtyards surrounding the exquisite and iconic Mezquita, which is one of the world's greatest Islamic buildings. In the afternoon we drive back to Seville, where the rest of the day Day 8 is free for you to wander around the city neighbourhoods. Discover the Chiado and Bairro Alto areas, and perhaps try one of the famous Pasteis de nata or admire the views from the landscaped terraces of Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcantara. You can take a ride on the Electrico tram and visit the Alfama district to glimpse the more traditional side of Lisbon. In the evening, we meet our Portuguese tour leader and any new members of the group who join the tour today, for welcome drinks and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight - Lisbon (2) (B:2, D:2) Day 9 : Sintra & Pena Palace - 23 Days After breakfast we travel to the beautiful town of Sintra, in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains. On the outskirts of town we discover one of Portugal's Seven Wonders, the whimsical, 19th century Pena Palace, From Sintra we travel to the coast to visit the lovely beach town of Cascais and admire the views in Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Then we tickle our tastebuds at a "pasteis de nata" shop, where we see how these delicious Portuguese custard tarts are made and sample one, before returning to Lisbon for the night. Overnight - Lisbon (B) Day 10 : Fatima Pilgrimage Site Lisbon - Fatima. Today we bid farewell to Lisbon and travel north to Obidos, a delightful Medieval Portuguese town, just one hour's drive from Lisbon. There's free time to wander around the town which is encircled by an imposing wall and see its impressive Medieval castle before we continue our journey to Nazare, a typical Portuguese fishing town. From Nazare we head inland to the town of Fatima, our final port of call. Fatima is home to one of world's most important Catholic pilgrimage sites, the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, which we visit on a guided tour of the town. Overnight - Fatima (B) -3-

4 Days : Coimbra & Porto Medieval buildings. We enjoy a leisurely walk around the town before continuing on through the picturesque Douro wine region, with its prestigious wine caves, historical fortress, medieval stone houses and Day 15 : Welcome to Morocco vineyards, located on high sloping terraces. We stop to enjoy wine tasting at one of the Duoro Valley's oldest and most renowned vineyards before travelling on to city of Viseu, located on the banks of the Paiva River. Fatima - Coimbra - Porto. After breakfast, we continue our journey north passing through charming town of Tomar and on to Coimbra, which was the Medieval capital of Portugal for more than a 100 years. Here we visit Portugal's oldest university, founded in 1290, which is renowned for its amazing baroque library, built at the beginning of the 16th century. Then we continue our journey to Porto, Portugal's second largest city. After hotel check in, there's free time to wander the narrow cobbled streets and later, try some tasty local cuisine at one of the many wonderful restaurants and cafes along Porto s vibrant waterfront known as the Ribeira. The following day we spend the morning with our local guide sightseeing in Porto, with its winding Medieval lanes, Baroque churches, Neo Classical buildings and small squares. Then we visit one of the most famous wine bodegas of Porto and of course sample the local tipple. This afternoon we have free time for shopping, wandering through the alleywoven Ribeira or taking a leisurely stroll along the riverside promenade. Overnight - Porto (B:2) Day 13 : Douro Wine Region Porto - Viseu. Today we leave the coast and head inland to Guimaraes with its famous castle, labyrinth of narrow streets and picturesque squares, surrounded by This charming city has lovely stone paved streets and alleys, public gardens and a beautiful central square. We spend the night in a Pousada, (a historic Portuguese hotel) in Viseu, where we'll be served dinner this evening. Overnight - Viseu (B, D) Day 14 : Salamanca & Madrid Viseu - Madrid (Spain). Today we bid farewell to Portugal as we head eastward, over the border into Spain. Our first stop is the beautiful and historic city of Salamanca, which is home of Spain's oldest University. The old town is an ensemble of monuments, with beautiful examples of different architectural styles, and we'll explore the back streets of this beautiful city with our local guide. After our guided tour we'll have time for lunch before continuing on to Madrid. This afternoon we enjoy a guided coach tour of Spain's vibrant capital city, where sights will include the grand Royal Palace of Madrid, Calle Mayor, Madrid's historic high street, Plaza Mayor, the grand arcaded central square, and the beautiful Plaza de la Villa with its baroque architecture. After we've seen the important sites of the city we check into our accommodation for our final night in Spain. Overnight - Madrid (B) - 23 Days Saturday. Madrid - Marrakech. Your tour of Spain and Portugal ends today. Complimentary transfer to the airport for your flight to Marrakech. Upon arrival at Marrakech airport, you ll be met and transferred to our hotel in the centre of town. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore Marrakech - why not head to the medina and discover the delights of Djemaa el Fna, the exuberant market place, which is a hive of activity, sights and smells at both day and night. Later on there will be a welcome meeting at the hotel at 19:30hrs. Please note: The flight from Madrid to Marrakech is not included in the cost of this tour. Ryan Air and Iberia both fly direct. Please provide us with your flight details so we can arrange your airport transfers. Overnight Marrakech (B) Day 16 : Marrakech City Tour After breakfast we head over to the beautiful Majorelle Gardens just a short drive from the hotel. These botanical gardens were designed by the French Artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and 1930s. He used a distinctive shade of cobalt blue for the majority of the garden and although a lot of his other work has largely been forgotten this garden is seen as his greatest master piece. The garden has been owned -4-

5 by Yves Saint Laurent since 1980 and his ashes were scattered here after his death in The garden contains an extensive collection of exotic plants and trees and is home to 15 species of bird. There is also Mummy and more recently Game of Thrones. Overnight - Ouarzazate (B, L, D) Day 18 : Camel trek into the Sahara a Berber Museum representing the various indigenous tribes of Morocco including over 600 artefacts. those who are interested) please re-group prior to sunset at reception to depart for your camel trek into the desert. The safari runs for approx 1 hour, with short stops along the way for photos. Dinner is included at the hotel this This afternoon we meet up with the rest of the group who are coming in from Casablanca before embarking on a guided tour of Marrakech. Inside the rose coloured medina walls is a tangle of winding streets and alleys that open onto verdant gardens and bustling souks. At the heart of the medina is Djemaa El Fna, the city's exuberant market place and towering over it, is the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest building in the city. Overnight - Marrakech (B, D) Day 17 : Ait Benhaddou & Ouarzazate Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate. Departing the city this morning we travel across the plains of Haouz and reach the great High Atlas mountains. Climbing over the pass of Tizi n Tichka, we stop for lunch and then continue onwards with great views over the Mountains and valleys to Ait Benhaddou. This incredible ancient fortified Kasbah was built for defence purposes high on a hill and is a stunningly well preserved medieval city which has famously featured in many blockbuster movies, including Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia as its beauty is unequal to any other fortified kasbah in south Morocco. Then we continue south to the Hollywood of North Africa Ouarzazate (pronounced war-zazat). Ouarzazate is famous for being the filming location for many other Hollywood blockbusters and famous TV shows including James Bond The Living Daylights, The evening as is breakfast in the morning. Your guide will inform you of the time you will be picked up in the morning. Overnight - Berber Camp (B, L, D) Ouarzazate - Todra Gorge - Merzouga (Sahara). This morning we begin our journey into the Sahara with a medley of palm trees, rose fields and magnificent gorges. Travelling from Ouarzazate, there is a possibility of visiting the kasbah Amherdhil in Skoura before seeing the rose fields and reaching scenic Todra Gorge. Surrounded by towering vertical limestone cliffs reaching heights of 1000ft, it is known as Morocco s Grand Canyon. The charm of Todra lies in its changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. After time to wander through Todra we hit the road again for Merzouga our base before we head into the Sahara. Depending on the time of year, spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming before climbing aboard our camels for an incredible trek into the Sahara Desert to watch a beautiful sunset and spend the night at our remote Berber Camp, nestled amongst the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi. We enjoy local food, music and an amazing night camping in the Sahara. For our trip into the desert you ll need to prepare an overnight pack for the essentials you will need for the night. The remainder of your luggage will stay in Merzouga this evening and we will collect it in the morning Day 19 : Journey to Fes Merzouga (Sahara) - Fes. Departing early, we climb back on our camels disembarking for a truly stunning sunrise. After freshening up and breakfast in Merzouga we re back on the road heading for Fes. It s a long drive today however there is a lot to see on the way. We ll pass through cedar forests full of Barbary Macaque monkeys on our way through the Moyen Atlas mountains. Just before Fes we stop at Ifrane a beautiful town often likened to a Swiss Alpine resort. Along the way we also start to see our first glimpse of Morocco s nomadic Berbers travelling across the mountains and often staying in make shift tents as they head to their next destination. We arrive into Fes in the early evening. Overnight - Fes (B, L) Sahara Hotel Upgrade If you have purchased our Sahara Hotel Upgrade you will not need to pack an overnight bag as all your luggage will remain with your this evening. Hotel Upgrade travellers will be transferred to their auberge (simple hotel) with en-suite facilities located in - 23 Days the shadows of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes mid afternoon. Your tour guide will not escort you to the hotel as he will be accompanying the camel trekking group to the Berber Camp. After check-in and time to freshen up (for -5-

6 Day 20 : Fes Sightseeing Day 22 : Rabat & Casablanca Entrance Fees In Spain and Portugal selected entrance fees Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world and its medina is a cacophony of aromas, sights and sounds. This morning we enjoy a guided tour of Fes el Bali - the old walled city. This fascinating medina is a veritable rabbit warren of 9400 alleys that often finish with dead ends so be sure to stay close to the group! We also visit the dyepits and tanneries before lunch in the medina. The remainder of the day is at leisure why not take part in an optional Tagine Making Class or a night of Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town (both payable locally). Overnight - Fes (B) Day 21 : Volubilis & Meknes Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech. This morning we take a guided tour of Rabat and visit some of the capital s highlights, including the impressive Chellah - a necropolis and complex of ancient, medieval ruins, the Royal Palace and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. After lunch we continue to Casablanca where we visit the Hassan II Mosque, which has the tallest minaret and is the third largest mosque in the world - it can hold 25,000 worshippers at any one time. After our visit to the mosque we say goodbye to our fellow passengers leaving us in Casablanca and continue on to Marrakech for the night. Overnight - Marrakech (B) Day 23 : Marrakech Sunday. Our amazing tour of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco ends today after hotel check out. Make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.(b) Morocco Optional Activities Fes - Volubilis - Meknes - Rabat. Departing Fes this morning we visit the fascinating UNESCO listed Roman ruins of Volubilis, which date back to AD40. Continuing on we stop at the Imperial City of Meknes, which became known as the Versailles of Morocco due to its impressive buildings and elaborate monuments. After lunch and some free time our final stop of the day is Rabat Morocco s capital where we overnight. Overnight - Rabat (B) During your free time in Morocco you are welcome head out and independently explore, relax or take part in any of the following optional activities, time permitting. These activities are not operated by On The Go Tours and it is important that you make sure that Quad Biking and Hot Air Ballooning are covered by your Travel Insurance Policy. Prices vary and bookings can be made locally. Marrakech - Hammam (starting from) MAD150 Marrakech - Hot Air Ballooning - MAD2000 Ouarzazate - Visit to film studio - MAD50 Ouarzazate - Quad biking - MAD450 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - 23 Days are included, however all others must be budgeted for by you. The total cost of the entrance fees which need to be paid locally is noted under Exclusions on the first page of this document. Entrance fee amounts can change and as such upon arrival to Spain your tour leader will highlight the exact total entrance fee cost for the tour. Entrance fees are to be paid in Euros cash. On our tours which combine Spain/Portugal with Morocco, please note that entrance fees are included in Morocco. Tipping There isn t one simple rule for tipping in Spain and Portugal. If you are happy with the service in restaurants then a 10% cash tip is common. However, you aren t likely to cause offence if you don t leave a tip. Hotel staff don t usually expect a tip but leaving 1-2 Euro if someone carries your bags or delivers food to your room is a nice gesture. With taxis, tips aren t expected but rounding up the total bill or leaving loose change is appreciated. It is customary to tip your tour leader and driver at the end of the tour, for a job well done. As a guideline we recommend that you budget the following: Tour leader euros per person per day Driver euros per person per day This information is given as a guide, as many travellers are unsure and uncomfortable about how much to tip. Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and the amount you tip is at your own discretion. Essential Packing A small daypack for your day-to-day needs Either a rucksack or suitcase is suitable Travel insurance documents A photocopy of your passport data pages Spare camera batteries & memory cards Mobile Phone and phone charger Lightweight clothing (check the forecast before you travel and pack appropriately) A lightweight water/windproof jacket A small umbrella Comfortable walking shoes Sandals or flip flops/thongs/jandals Electrical adaptor. Standard voltage is 220V, 50Hz AC. Sockets require a -6-

7 Continental or European style plug (two round pins) DEET based mosquito repellent and antihistamine cream Personal first aid kit including Dioralyte Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swimming costume A towel for swimming Antibacterial hand cleansing gel Pocket size phrasebook early in the morning) consider purchasing a night of pre-tour accommodation to save you waiting until hotel check in time, which is generally from 2pm onwards. Departure Transfers Departure transfers are not included but can be booked upon request. Arrival on day 1 Upon arrival in Barcelona/Madrid airport, after you have attended to customs and immigration formalities, please proceed to the arrival hall. An On The Go representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall, holding an On The Go Tours logo signboard, ready to transfer you to our start hotel. Please have your tour voucher handy and make it available to our representative. If, for any reason you have trouble locating our representative (after waiting 20 minutes in the arrival hall) or your flight to Spain has been delayed please call the emergency contact number as stated on your tour voucher. Please do not leave the airport or go to the hotel on your own. Call our emergency contact number and follow the advice given by our local team. Tours Starting in Madrid In the evening you will meet your tour leader and the rest of the group in the hotel lobby at 7.30pm, to walk to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner and briefing. Please have your tour voucher with you. Tours Starting in Barcelona Meet your tour leader and the rest of the group in the lobby of the hotel at 2pm for a city tour and in the evening you will go to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner. If you flight does not arrive in time to join the city tour please let us know and you can meet your tour leader in the hotel lobby at 7.30pm to join the group for dinner. Alternatively, we can arrange pre tour accommodation for you upon request. Pre Tour Accommodation If you have booked pre-tour accommodation with us an airport arrival transfer will also be provided. If arriving prior to 9am on day 1 (essentially on a flight that arrives very, very - 23 Days -7-