Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco - Classic Group
Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco - Classic Group
Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco - Classic Group
17 Days Starting and ending in Madrid
Visiting: Madrid, Avila, Salamanca, Fátima, Lisbon, Seville, Tangier, Fes, Marrakesh, Casablanca, Rabat, Gibraltar, Costa del Sol, Alfarnatejo, Granada
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E942ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Traverse Spain, Portugal and Morocco on this 17-day guided tour. In Madrid, visit the Prado Museum and learn about the origins of the city with a Local Expert. In Lisbon explore the long avenues of Lower Town with a Local Expert and see the finest square in the city: the Terreiro do Paco. Journey to Gibraltar, a territory under British control, visit St. Michael’s Cave; be sure to look out for the legendary guardians of the colony, the Barbary Apes. In Fes, tour the Medina and learn about renowned local crafts. Travel to the white-washed village of Alfarnatejo, then discover the oldest olive grove in the region, where you’ll taste freshly pressed oils and dine on a traditional meal in the home of a Spanish family.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana
Accommodation Name: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana
Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner in a local restaurant and enjoy an evening of delicious food and wine.
Day 2: Prado Museum And On To Golden Salamanca
Location: Madrid, Avila, Salamanca
Accommodation: Hotel Alameda Palace, Salamanca.
Accommodation Name: Alameda Palace, Salamanca
Meals Included: Breakfast
With your Local Expert, travel along the main historical areas of the capital of Spain, known as Madrid of the Bourbons. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter, to discover the origins of the city. A sure highlight is when you join an art historian to explore the Prado Museum, a magnificent palace housing works by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens and other masters. Journey past the walls of Ávila en route to Salamanca, with its honey-colored cathedral and 16th-century university buildings.
Day 3: Holy Fátima And Lisbon Relaxed Start
Location: Salamanca, Fátima, Lisbon
Accommodation: Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon.
Accommodation Name: Turim Saldanha
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the Portuguese frontier and skirt the Estrela Mountains en route to Fátima, Portugal’s most renowned religious site. Join the pilgrims flocking into the great basilica, commemorating the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. In the heart of the Shrine of Fátima is The Chapel of Apparitions, marking the exact location of her first appearance. Your travels continue to Lisbon.
Day 4: Lisbon And The Age Of The Great Discoveries Relaxed Start
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon.
Accommodation Name: Turim Saldanha
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your guided sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paço, the finest square in the city, named after the palace that was destroyed in the terrible earthquake of 1755, along with much of the rest of the city. Visit the Belém Quarter from where sailing ships once set forth to discover unknown lands. Enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years. Visit National Coach Museum, which features one of the most prominent horse-drawn carriage collections in the world. This afternoon is free to explore further as you wish or perhaps decide to visit the Portuguese Riviera.
Day 5: To Seville, The City Of Carmen
Location: Lisbon, Seville
Accommodation: Catalonia Giralda Hotel, Seville.
Accommodation Name: Catalonia Giralda Hotel, Seville
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Seville's Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Explore the city with Insight Choice. Choose to walk through the old Jewish quarter and see La Giralda, the former minaret of the Great Mosque, which is now the bell tower of the cathedral. Alternatively, join a scenic drive and enjoy panoramic views.
Day 6: Free Time And Flamenco In Seville Relaxed Start
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Catalonia Giralda Hotel, Seville.
Accommodation Name: Catalonia Giralda Hotel, Seville
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning is yours to completely relax or continue exploring this fascinating city. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Córdoba and visit the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it? Later this afternoon, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a flamenco dance school and beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Their mission is to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson before witnessing emotions come to life in a flamenco performance.
Day 7: The Straits Of Gibraltar To Fes
Location: Seville, Tangier, Fes
Accommodation: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes.
Accommodation Name: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes
Meals Included: Breakfast
Set sail across the Strait of Gibraltar to reach Morocco, a historic land of deep-rooted tradition and compelling cultural character.
Day 8: Explore Fes Relaxed Start
Location: Fes
Accommodation: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes.
Accommodation Name: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, your Local Expert will guide you through the ancient Medina, teeming with hidden courtyards, beautiful mosques and local workshops. Sensorial delights await around every corner as you take in the historic grandeur of this walled city. Walk through the souks and pass one of the world’s oldest universities. Learn about the ancient craft of handwoven carpets, a tradition developed in this region over thousands of years. Gain insight into the exceptional skill and artistic symbolism applied to make each carpet unique.
Day 9: On The Road To Marrakesh
Location: Fes, Marrakesh
Accommodation: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech.
Accommodation Name: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakesh
Meals Included: Breakfast
During today's journey, see traditional mud-walled villages set against the vast arid plains. Glimpse the Atlas Mountains as you approach Marrakesh, a bustling hub of culture and trade.
Day 10: Explore Marrakesh
Location: Marrakesh
Accommodation: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech.
Accommodation Name: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakesh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Expert to explore the Medina, the historic heart of the city. See the Koutoubia Mosque, its minaret dominating the Marrakesh skyline with golden brickwork. Visit the intricately-decorated Palais Bahia, a 19th-century mosaic-laden masterpiece built to be the greatest palace of its day. Experience the city's captivating charm during time at leisure. Perhaps try your hand at haggling in the souks on Jemaa-el-Fnaa Square or visit one of the acclaimed museums.
Day 11: Play It Again Sam In Casablanca Relaxed Start
Location: Marrakesh, Casablanca
Accommodation: Grand Mogador City Center, Casablanca.
Accommodation Name: Gray Suites, Casablanca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the west coast of Africa to reach Casablanca. Did Humphrey Bogart really did say ''Play it again, Sam''? Your Local Expert will reveal the truth to this and other fascinating elements of this storied city. See the impressive Hassan II Mosque, the largest in the country. For those who came to Casablanca for the waters, the Corniche, a chic seaside strip, welcomes you with its trendy restaurants and cafes.
Day 12: Rabat And Tangier Relaxed Start
Location: Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Villa de France, Tangier.
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Villa de France, Tangier
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel north to Rabat to see the intricately-decorated Royal Palace and Hassan Tower with your Local Expert. Your journey continues to Morocco’s port of Tangier, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. You will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of the city with a Local Expert. After dinner, enjoy an evening at leisure to relax in the comfortable surroundings of your hotel as the sun sets or take a stroll along Avenue d'Espagne on the Bay of Tangier.
Day 13: On To The Costa Del Sol
Location: Tangier, Gibraltar, Costa del Sol
Accommodation: Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos.
Accommodation Name: Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the water to Spain and continue on to Gibraltar, an overseas territory under British control since 1704. Meet your Local Expert for a guided tour of the Rock of Gibraltar, St. Michael’s Cave and see the Barbary Apes, legendary guardians of the colony. Your travels continue through Andalucía and on to the Costa del Sol, famous for its beaches.
Day 14: At Leisure On The Costa Del Sol Relaxed Start
Location: Costa del Sol
Accommodation: Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos.
Accommodation Name: Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the day at leisure on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol. Relax by the blue Mediterranean waters, stroll along the promenade, savor the specialties in the local restaurants, or consider exploring Málaga, the birth city of Picasso.
Day 15: Dining With Locals And The Alhambra Palace
Location: Costa del Sol, Alfarnatejo, Granada
Accommodation: Gran Hotel Luna de Granada.
Accommodation Name: Gran Hotel Luna de Granada
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue to Alfarnatejo, a quiet white washed village with a population of just 500 people, surrounded by stunning mountainous landscape. Travel to the oldest olive grove in the region and stop at the rural mill-factory of Alfarnatejo to taste a selection of different oils with locally made farmer bread. In small groups, you are invited into the home of a local family to join them for a delicious Highlight Lunch made with fresh, local produce that showcases the flavors typical of the region. Continue to Granada, where overlooking the town stands one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built, the Alhambra. Led by your Local Expert, explore this exquisite palace built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century - a fantasy of arabesque gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace. Stroll through the elegant, exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the summer residence of the Spanish royals.
Day 16: To Madrid In Search Of Don Quixote
Location: Granada, Madrid
Accommodation: Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid.
Accommodation Name: Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey continues to the north, through countryside immortalized by Cervantes' fictional hero, Don Quixote. On return to Madrid, toast your travels with your newfound friends during a lively dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 17: Depart Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, bid a fond farewell to your memorable journey through Spain as you transfer to the airport and reflect on the experiences and adventures you've had.
What's Included
-
Meals
4 Dinners with Wine, 16 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners, and 1 Lunch with Wine are included.
-
Guided Tours
Guided tours with Local Experts in various cities including Seville, Madrid, Lisbon, Marrakesh, and more.
-
Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.
-
Hotel and Restaurant Tips
All hotel and restaurant tips are included.
-
Taxes and Porterage Charges
All taxes and porterage charges at hotels are included.
-
Baggage Handling
Baggage handling is included, with bags promptly delivered to your hotel door.
-
Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.
-
Wi-Fi
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available) is included.
-
Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
-
Luxury Coach
Travel in the comfort of Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
What's Not Included
-
Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a visit to Córdoba and the Mezquita are not included.
-
Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included and may be purchased separately.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
-
Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi, and benefit from physical distancing measures and freely available hand sanitizer.
Accommodation
Stay in luxurious accommodations such as the Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Alameda Palace in Salamanca, Turim Saldanha in Lisbon, Catalonia Giralda Hotel in Seville, Marriott Jnan Palace in Fes, Movenpick Mansour Eddahbi in Marrakesh, Gray Suites in Casablanca, Grand Hotel Villa de France in Tangier, Melia Costa del Sol in Torremolinos, and Gran Hotel Luna de Granada.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 16 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.
- Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique experiences can I expect in Seville?
In Seville, you can choose between two activities: a stroll through the old Jewish quarter to see La Giralda, the former minaret of the Great Mosque, or a scenic drive with panoramic views. Additionally, you will visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a flamenco dance school, where you can learn some basic flamenco steps and watch a passionate performance.
-
What special activities are included in Lisbon?
In Lisbon, you will enjoy a guided sightseeing tour with a Local Expert, which includes a visit to the Belém Quarter and a taste of the famous Pastéis de Belém from a patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years. You will also visit the National Coach Museum, which features one of the most prominent horse-drawn carriage collections in the world.
-
What can I expect during the visit to Fes?
In Fes, a Local Expert will guide you through the ancient Medina, where you will see hidden courtyards, beautiful mosques, and local workshops. You will also walk through the souks, pass one of the world’s oldest universities, and learn about the traditional craft of handwoven carpets.
-
What highlights are included in the visit to Marrakesh?
In Marrakesh, you will explore the Medina with a Local Expert, see the Koutoubia Mosque, and visit the intricately-decorated Palais Bahia. You will also have free time to explore the city further, try haggling in the souks on Jemaa-el-Fnaa Square, or visit one of the acclaimed museums.
-
What is special about the visit to Alfarnatejo?
In Alfarnatejo, you will visit the oldest olive grove in the region and taste a selection of different oils with locally made farmer bread. You will also join a local family for a Highlight Lunch made with fresh, local produce, giving you a taste of traditional regional flavors.
-
What unique experiences are included in the tour of Gibraltar?
In Gibraltar, you will have a guided tour with a Local Expert, which includes a visit to the Rock of Gibraltar, St. Michael’s Cave, and an opportunity to see the Barbary Apes, the legendary guardians of the colony.
-
What can I expect during the visit to the Alhambra Palace in Granada?
In Granada, you will explore the Alhambra Palace with a Local Expert. This includes a tour of the exquisite palace, its arabesque gardens, fountains, and the elegant water gardens of the Generalife, the summer residence of the Spanish royals.
-
What activities are available during the free time on the Costa del Sol?
During your free time on the Costa del Sol, you can relax by the Mediterranean waters, stroll along the promenade, savor local specialties in the restaurants, or consider exploring Málaga, the birth city of Picasso.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026
Saturday - Monday
Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025Saturday - Monday
Mar 22, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025Saturday - Monday
May 03, 2025 - May 19, 2025Saturday - Monday
May 10, 2025 - May 26, 2025Saturday - Monday
May 17, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025Saturday - Monday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025Saturday - Monday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 23, 2025Saturday - Monday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025Saturday - Monday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jul 07, 2025Saturday - Monday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025Saturday - Monday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025Saturday - Monday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025Saturday - Monday
Jul 19, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025Saturday - Monday
Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025Saturday - Monday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025Saturday - Monday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025Saturday - Monday
Aug 16, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025Saturday - Monday
Aug 23, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025Saturday - Monday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025Saturday - Monday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025Saturday - Monday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025Saturday - Monday
Sep 20, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025Saturday - Monday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Saturday - Monday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025Saturday - Monday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025Saturday - Monday
Oct 18, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025Saturday - Monday
Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025Saturday - Monday
Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 24, 2025Saturday - Monday
Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 30, 2026Saturday - Monday
Mar 21, 2026 - Apr 06, 2026Saturday - Monday
Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 27, 2026Saturday - Monday
Apr 18, 2026 - May 04, 2026Saturday - Monday
Apr 25, 2026 - May 11, 2026Saturday - Monday
May 02, 2026 - May 18, 2026Saturday - Monday
May 09, 2026 - May 25, 2026Saturday - Monday
May 16, 2026 - Jun 01, 2026Saturday - Monday
May 23, 2026 - Jun 08, 2026Saturday - Monday
May 30, 2026 - Jun 15, 2026Saturday - Monday
Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 22, 2026Saturday - Monday
Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 29, 2026Saturday - Monday
Jun 20, 2026 - Jul 06, 2026Saturday - Monday
Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 13, 2026Saturday - Monday
Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 20, 2026Saturday - Monday
Jul 11, 2026 - Jul 27, 2026Saturday - Monday
Jul 18, 2026 - Aug 03, 2026Saturday - Monday
Jul 25, 2026 - Aug 10, 2026Saturday - Monday
Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 17, 2026Saturday - Monday
Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 24, 2026Saturday - Monday
Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026Saturday - Monday
Aug 22, 2026 - Sep 07, 2026Saturday - Monday
Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 14, 2026Saturday - Monday
Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 21, 2026Saturday - Monday
Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 28, 2026Saturday - Monday
Sep 19, 2026 - Oct 05, 2026Saturday - Monday
Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 12, 2026Saturday - Monday
Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 19, 2026Saturday - Monday
Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 26, 2026Saturday - Monday
Oct 17, 2026 - Nov 02, 2026Saturday - Monday
Oct 24, 2026 - Nov 09, 2026Saturday - Monday
Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 23, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions