Spain & Morocco October 2011

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1 Day 1 -Arrival to Malaga Arrive in Malaga, capital of the Costa del Sol, the Sun Coast. We spend the next two nights in this seaside resort situated in the heart of BenalmadenaCosta on the Costa del Sol. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure until we gather for our Welcome Dinner. (D) Day 2 -Costa del Sol Enjoy a full day to relax and enjoy our seaside resort. The region abounds with quaint mountain villages, many of which have lively markets. Antequerais an historic-artistic monument, definitely worth a visit as is Mijaswith its narrow winding streets and Alorawith its wonderful views of the countryside. While on the Costa del Sol, your tour leader and our local representative will assist with arrangements for any optional sightseeing. (BD) Day 3 -Granada Departing this morning, we follow the coast to Nerjaand then head inland, climbing to the heights of the Sierra Nevada en route to Granada, one time capital of the Moorish Kingdom of Spain and home to one of Spain s most important palaces. (BD). Day 4 -Granada We devote the morning to the awe-inspiring Alhambra Palace, one of the world s most beautiful Moorish structures. We explore the original fortress of the Alcazabar, Charles V s Palace, the ornately carved Court of Lions and the truly spectacular Generalife Water Gardens. (BD) Day 5 -Cordoba Cross over the Sierra Nevada en route to Cordoba which dates back to Roman times. We ll explore the city seeing the Alcazar, the Roman Bridge, the medieval Jewish quarter and the Mosque of the Caliphs, noted for its 850 pillars of marble and jasper. (BD)

2 Day 6 -Carmona & Seville This morning we visit Carmona, a typical Andalusianvillage known for its lovely street scenes, natural beauty and medieval ambiance. We continue to Seville in time for lunch and a free afternoon in the city. (BD) Day 7 -Seville This morning we spend time exploring the city and learning of its long and exciting history. Enjoy the pools and fountains of Maria Luisa Park, the plaza de Espana, the Gold Tower, and stroll along the narrow lanes of the charming Santa Cruz Quarter. After lunch at a typical local restaurant, we ll visit the massive Cathedral, the world s largest Gothic structure and final resting place of Christopher Columbus. This evening there may be an opportunity to enjoy a lively flamenco show. (BL) Day 8 -Jerez & Rabat Travel south to Jerez, an area known for its fortified wines. Visit a local wine cellar to learn about the making of port, and the Royal School of Equestrian Art for a display of the beautiful Andalusianhorses. Later we cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco and continue down the coast to Rabat, the current capital. (BD) Day 9 -Rabat & Casablanca & Marrakech A sightseeing tour of Rabat includes the beautiful gardens and stately monuments of Morocco s capital, the famous tower of Hassan and the Royal Palace. Continuing west to Casablanca, we visit the spectacular Grand Mosque Hassan II with its 600- foot minaret, United Nations Square, the Arab League Park and Anfa sresidential quarters. Perhaps this modern seaport with a strong French influence will remind you of the 1942Academy Award winning film Casablancastarring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. After lunch in a popular fish restaurant, we leave the coast, head south to the legendary walled city of Marrakech. (BD)

3 Day 10 -Marrakech A half-day sightseeing tour explores this oasis in the desert fringed with palm trees. Highlights are the Djemaa del Fna Square with its acrobats, jugglers and snake charmers, and the MenaraPark. You can bargain at the souks afterwards and relax by the pool in the afternoon. Tonight we enjoy a Moroccan Evening Dinner show Chez Ali Fanstasia. (BD) Day 11 - Ouarzazate Leave the fields behind us as we ascend into the ATLAS MOUNTAINS, past terraced Berber villages, to the 7400-foot Tizi-n-TichkaPass. Beyond the mountains is the vast expanse of the legendary Sahara Desert. We visit the "Hollywood of Morocco" where famous movies like Lawrence of Arabiaand Gladiator were filmed. Then we drive along the DraaValley to the oasis of OUARZAZATE. (BD) Day 12 -Erfoud First is a journey through the "Roses Valley", named for the intense scent from the cultivation of roses. We continue through the DadesValley, nicknamed "Valley of the Thousand Kasbahs" for its splendid and noble fortresses. Next is one of Morocco s most impressive natural sights, the TodraGorge, 950 feet deep and 33 feet across at its narrowest point. We pass through the oasis of Tineghirbefore finally reaching the remote centre of Erfoud. (BD)

4 Day 13 -Erfoud& Sahara Desert Today is a highlight of our Morocco tour. We leave the hotel long before dawn and travel with 4-wheel drive vehicles to Merzougaat Erg Chebbi, a huge sand dune on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Breakfast is served among the dunes while watching the sun rise over the world s greatest desert, complete with constantly changing colours and lighting. Back at the hotel, there is leisure time during the hottest part of the day. Later, we visit holy Rissaniwhich, for a thousand years, was the principal trading post for caravans from the Niger River and Timbuktu. A unique experience is a visit to the colourful souks, the desert tribes market, where Tuareg, Berber and Blue people trade silver jewellery for vegetables, salt and other goods by slapping each other s hand. Day 14 -Atlas Mountains & Fez Travelling via the ZizGorges, we cross the Atlas Mountains again with magnificent views of the desert and farmlands. Lunch is in Ifane, a charming ski resort, then we drive through the fertile valley of Saissto Fez. (BD) Day 15 -Fez Fes was founded in 807AD and is considered the most complete medieval city of the Arabic world. A highlight of our day will be the visit to the old town of Fes-el Bali, Morocco s largest medina, consisting of a labyrinth of narrow alleys. We also drive through the Mellahand view the magnificent entrance to the Royal Palace. A traditional Moroccan lunch with mint tea is served in an old residence, then the afternoon is free time to relax by the pool. (BL)

5 Day 16 -Tangier & Gibraltar We head back to Tangiers and bid farewell to Morocco and Africa. In the afternoon, we board the fast ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain where we transfer to the Rock of Gibraltar for the night. (BD) Day 17 -Gibraltar & Malaga We spend the morning visiting one of the last vestiges of the British Empire, the Rock of Gibraltar, guardian of the Gateway to the Mediterranean. Time to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, to explore the town and its many duty-free shops and to journey to the top of the rock to see St Michael s Cave, the fortifications and the town. Continue to Malaga after lunch, arriving in the late afternoon. (BL) Day 18 - Malaga Enjoy a final day in Spain s most beautiful and popular beach resort. Relax by the pool, enjoy the shops, take a stroll along the boardwalk or join an excursion along the coast -the choice is yours. Gather this evening for a Farewell Dinner. (BD) Day 19 - Departure All too soon our journey draws to a close as we catch our return flights.(b) Full program and price details contact your travel consultant. If you re a professional, please type your login and password or contact us.