Duration: 13 Days
Variety is the spice of life—and of every great holiday. In addition to the ports, sherries, and sangrias for which Spain and Portugal are famous, this tour of the Iberian Peninsula adds the tantalising taste of Morocco to your rich itinerary. Following the scent of fresh mint, ginger, and turmeric through the narrow streets of Tangier—and the scenic winding roads to the dramatic views of Cap Spartel—adds just the right kick to your tasty tour of Spain and Portugal. Beyond Portugal’s lively Lisbon, the pilgrimage site of Fátima, and the cork farms of Azaria, we pop open the fun in Spain with visits to artsy Madrid, ancient Seville, storied Granada, medieval Toledo, and the famous Costa del Sol where you’ll have a full day at leisure for your choice of sunbathing, boutique browsing, people watching, or all of the above.
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Welcome to Madrid! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Masterpieces in Madrid
MADRID Guided sightseeing includes the Prado Museum and sights of Cibeles Fountain and Calle Alcala. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE The Prado Museum houses one of the world's largest art collections, including its amazing assortment of masterpieces by historic artists like Velasquez, Goya, and El Greco. The famous museum also displays the works of renowned European masters, including Rubens and Rembrandt, along with a stunning collection of Greco-Roman statues.
Spectacular Spain
SEGOVIA See the Roman Aqueduct.
AVILA Visit the medieval walled town.
SALAMANCA Take an orientation walk to Plaza Mayor. [LF] Enjoy a wine tasting with dinner at Hacienda Zorita, which once hosted Christopher Columbus. (B,D) 180 mi / 290 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES A former monastery overlooking the River Tormes, Hacienda Zorita is a magnificent wine resort with an impressive history dating back to the 14th century. Experience culinary delights and a wine tasting in the cellars of this blissful vineyard retreat in the Duero Valley.
The Legends of Portugal
Scenic drive through the Serra da Estrela Mountain range en route to Fatima.
FATIMA Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary with free time for lunch before departing for Lisbon. (B) 329 mi / 530 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & MYSTERY Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, one of the Catholic faith's most visited pilgrimage site for its legend of apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children in 1917.
Lovely Lisbon
LISBON Guided sightseeing includes Jeronimos Monastery and cloister, a photo stop at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS The stunning capital city of Portugal is a treasure trove of historic and architectural masterpieces. Lisbon is home to the 16th-century Monastery of Jeronimos, adorned with its 100-foot facade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belem. See the 16th-century Belem Tower, which served as a fortress but also as an embarkation point for sailors and was their last sight of land before the start of their journey. Lisbon's Monument to the Discoveries pays monumental homage to great Portuguese explorers with a spectacular carved prow of an ancient ship.
Timeless Traditions
AZARUJA [LF] Visit a cork factory.
Scenic drive into the Andalusia region to Seville. (B,D) 273 mi / 440 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Did you know that Portugal produces half the world's cork? Harvested from its bounty of cork trees, this spongy natural resource is used to create bottle corks, flooring, and even cricket balls. Visit a Cork Factory in Evora to learn about this traditional artisanship of generations in Azaruja.
The Squares of Seville
SEVILLE Visit Plaza de Espana. Guided sightseeing includes Casa de Pilatos, and a walk through the Santa Cruz quarter. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Walk through Seville's picturesque Plaza de Espana, originally built for Seville's Ibero-American Expo at the 1929 World's Fair, the 540,000-square-foot plaza features a sprawling mosaic patio. Explore the historic Santa Cruz quarter and its magical maze of tapas, flamenco, and cafes.
Strait to Morocco
STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR Ferry crossing to Morocco.
TANGIER Guided sightseeing includes a [LF] panoramic drive to Cap Spartel and enjoy mint tea with biscuits. Join your travel companions for a dinner with Moroccan entertainment at your hotel. (B,D) 155 mi / 250 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
EPIC RIDE See the striking beauty of Morocco on a panoramic drive to Cap Spartel. This lofty promontory sits at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, with sweeping views of the sea. Mint tea and biscuits are the perfect refreshment along the way.
Cobblestones & Kasbah Streets
TANGIER An orientation walk includes Grand Socco square. Free time to explore the narrow streets of the kasbah before boarding a ferry back to Spain. (B) 81 mi / 130 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Explore Tangiers and stroll around the Grand Socco - the historic circular roundabout separating the old Medina with its vibrant markets and blue and white buildings from the modern downtown area.
Sea & Sun
COSTA DEL SOL Enjoy a free day on the coast. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Endless beaches to stroll along, hidden caves, white villages that scatter the mountains, historical landmarks with centuries of culture, evenings spent sipping cocktails by the sea, pleasant temperatures all year round and happy friendly people that make you feel at home. These are the many ingredients of the area. Take your pick!
Splendid Spain
GRANADA Guided walking tour includes the Alhambra complex and the Water Gardens of the Generalife. Lunch at a local restaurant. Free time this afternoon. (B,L) 87 mi / 140 km
NOTE: Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHITECTURAL GEMS Granada's Alhambra Complex stands as one of the largest ancient aristocratic sites of Western Muslim culture. Its leafy lanes and streams enhance the grand water gardens of Generalife, at the once summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers.
City of Three Cultures
TOLEDO Join a walking tour with a Local Guide. Visit a Damascene steel workshop.
MADRID Enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D) 292 mi / 470 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Known as the "City of Three Cultures" Toledo gets its nickname from the ancient influences of the Romans, Visigoths, and North African Moors - evident in the city's well-preserved synagogues, mosques, and cathedrals. See the Gothic cathedral, Santo Tome Church with one of El Greco's masterpieces, and Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue on a walk through this dynamic city.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
