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Europe

Spain, Morocco and Portugal -14 days

Highlights

Madrid, Granada, Fez , Marrakesh, Casablanca, Rabat, Seville, Lisbon, Salamanca.

Itinerary

Day 1    Arrive into Madrid City tour of Madrid
Welcome to Madrid, one of Europe's most vibrant cities. Arrive into Madrid and check into your hotel in Madrid on your own, anytime after 2 p.m. Contact the SOTC Tour Manager upon arrival at the number given on your Tour Information sheet. Later in the afternoon we take you on a panoramic city tour of Madrid conducted by the local Guide. See the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Cibeles Squares and Plaza Espana. For a taste of the real Spain we drive through the main streets and visit Cortes Square, Neptune Fountain, Alcala Street and Gran Via, the most popular commercial street. Tonight, explore Madrid's numerous restaurants and dine on your own. Overnight at Hotel Holiday Inn or similar in Madrid.

Day 2    Onto Granada Visit Alhambra Palace
After a continental breakfast, we drive to Granada, home to Spain's greatest Moorish monuments. Splendid Moorish palaces and fortifications contrast sharply with churches of more recent origin. Later we take you to visit Alhambra Palace, Spain's outstanding symbol of Moorish heritage. It is one of the country's most visited tourist attractions. Walk around the fortress, palace, patios and gardens which are undoubtedly some of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic architecture. Enjoy magnificent views of this fort city from top of the towers of the Alcazaba. You can also stroll around the Moorish district and visit the archaeological museum and the Arab baths. Enjoy an Indian veg / non veg dinner. Overnight at hotel Alixares or similar in Granada.

Day 3    Ferry to Tangier- Onto Fez
After a continental breakfast, we begin with a Mediterranean coastal drive to Algericas for the ferry crossing to North Africa. Upon arrival into Tangier we continue our journey to Fez.We experience a different world as we enter Morocco, driving past the Rif mountains to the imperial city of Fez. You have free time to explore this historic city on your own. Enjoy an Indian veg / non veg dinner. Overnight at hotel Minzah Zalagh or similar in Fez.

Day 4    City tour of Fez- Onto Marrakesh
After a continental breakfast, we proceed on a walking tour of Fez conducted by the local guide. We take you to visit Fez el-Bali (Old Fez) which is indubitably the core fascination of this Imperial City. A quick trip uphill to the Merenid tombs is worth it for the stunning view back across the biblical bowl that is Fez. Later, we take you to see the Royal Palace, and the Mellah (Jewish quarter) in Fez el-Jdid (New Fez). You have to Shop for beautiful Moroccan carpets an everlasting souvenir! We continue our journey by driving through the foothills of Atlas Mountains to Marrakesh. Enjoy an Indian veg / non veg dinner. Overnight at hotel Tikida Garden or similar in Marrakesh.

Day 5    City tour of Marrakesh
After a continental breakfast, we proceed for an orientation tour of Marrakesh accompanied by a local guide. We take you to visit the El Bahia Palace which was built by the black slave Abu Ahmed with the intention to make it the greatest palace of its time. We also take you to Jemaa l-Fna, the famous town square of Marrakesh. Youhave free time toenjoy fascinatingperformances by acrobats, comedians, magicians and snake charmers, also ideal for a photo shoot. Later on, you have time for bargain hunting in the souks and bazaars. Enjoy an Indian veg / non veg dinner. Overnight at hotel Tikida Garden or similar in Marrakesh.

Day 6    Onto Casablanca Orientation tour of Casablanca Onto Rabat City tour of Rabat
After a continental breakfast, we drive to Casablanca, scene of Bogart's most magical moments and some of North Africa's best beaches. We take you for an orientation tour of Casablanca conducted by a local guide. Drive through the city and its beautiful avenues flanked by tall palms. See the port with its imposing rampart and the nearby medina. The medina contains a labyrinth of streets and barbers, butchers, ironmongers and grocers. We also see the Hassan II Mosque, a jewel of modern architecture, situated right in the heart of the city. The structure dominates the entire city and the prayer hall can accommodate 25,000 of the faithful, and the esplanade another 80,000. It has the world's tallest minaret (200 m/656 ft) and a retractable roof. The amount of decoration, plaster and wood used to construct this mosque is astonishing. Stroll through the colorful malls and the super market and shop for carpets, silver jewellery and more. Later we continue our journey along the Atlantic coast to Rabat, the political and administrative capital of Morocco. On arrival in Rabat, we proceed for an orientation tour of the city, where you can see the Royal mosque, Mausoleum and Royal Palace. Enjoy an Indian veg / non veg dinner. Overnight at hotel Belere or similar. Add: Hotel Belere, Rabat, 33 Ave Moulay Youssef, Rabat Morocco.

Day 7    Onto Tangier Ferry to Algericas Onto Seville
After a continental breakfast, we drive to Tangier for our ferry crossing to Algericas. We bid goodbye to Morocco and re-enter Spain. Upon arrival, we continue our journey to Seville - Spain's fourth largest city and the capital of Andalusia. It is one of the most alluring cities in Europe. Enjoy an Indian veg / non veg dinner.
Overnight at hotel Bellavista or similar in Seville.

Day 8    City tour of Seville
After a continental breakfast, we take you on a city tour of Seville conducted by a local guide. We begin with a visit to the cathedral, which is the largest and highest cathedral in Spain. It is also the largest gothic building in the world , and the world's third largest church after St. Peter's in Rome and St.Paul's in London. You get an opportunity to pay respects to Christopher Columbus, whose mortal vestiges are said to be enshrined in the flamboyant mausoleum in the south aisle. We also see the Giralda, adjacent to the cathedral, a splendid example of Moorish art and now a symbol of Seville. Next, we take you to Maria Lusia Park which is a wonderful blend of formal design with wild vegetation, shady walk ways, and sequestered nooks. You can spend some time feeding the white doves that gather around the fountains of the lovely Plaza de America. Enjoy an Indian veg / non veg dinner. Overnight at hotel Bellavista or similar in Seville.

Day 9    Onto Lisbon
After a continental breakfast, we proceed to Lisbon, The capital of Portugal. With a population of only around a Million, Lisbon is a small capital by European standards. Upon arrival, we take you to visit St.Georges'. Inhabited since Phoenician times, the site of this castle has witnessed countless visitors from the Romans to the Moors. This ruined 13th-century palace also served as the principal palace of Portuguese kings for more than 300 years. The 360 degree view of Lisbon and its environs from the castle ramparts is simply stunning. Enjoy an Indian veg / non veg dinner. Overnight at hotel Mercure Lisbon or similar in Lisbon.

Day 10    City tour of Lisbon
After a continental breakfast, we take you on a city tour of Lisbon conducted by a local guide. We take you to visit the Jeronimos Monastery, regarded as Lisbon's most important landmark. The construction of this stunning monastery began in 1502 and was completed before the end of the century. It managed to survive the great earthquake in 1755, unlike most of the city. Also see the The Belém Tower which is located on the banks of the Tagus River. Built in 1521 as a monument to the Portuguese discoveries and as a lookout tower, it resembles a miniature castle. See Lisbon's cathedral which was built by Portugal's first king, Dom Afonso Henriques (1109-1185). It was damaged extensively during the great earthquake of 1755 and rebuilt in an earlier style. Later in the afternoon, we take you to visit the Portugal's largest aquarium which was opened in 1898 during the Expo events in Lisbon. It houses more than 200 species. There are exhibitions of aquatic life from all over the world as well as a special exhibition on invertebrates from the Portuguese coastline. Enjoy an Indian veg / non veg dinner. Overnight at hotel Mercure Lisbon or similar in Lisbon.

Day 11    Onto Salamanca
After a continental breakfast, we journey to 'The province of Salamanca' situated in the South-west corner of Castile & León on the borders with extremadura and Portugal. Relax in the comfort of your coach and enjoy the scenic drive. Salamanca, is an ancient and gorgeous city, and even your first glimpse of it is bound to be unforgettable. You have free time to explore this city on your own. Enjoy an Indian veg / non veg dinner. Overnight at hotel Petit Palace Las Torres or similar in Salamanca.

Day 12    City tour of Salamanca
After a continental breakfast, we proceed for an orientation tour of Salamanca conducted by a local guide. We take you to visit the Plaza Mayor which is the city's crowning glory. Built by Alberto and Nicolas Churriguera, it is widely thought the most beautiful Plaza Mayor in Spain. You can browse in stores offering typical Charro jewellery or head down the adjoining streets in search of colorful Tapas bars. Later we continue our journey to Madrid. Upon arrival the evening is free for you to relax at the comfort of your hotel room or just spend time at the busy streets of Gran Via. Enjoy an Indian veg / non veg dinner. Overnight at Hotel Holiday Inn or similar in Madrid.

Day 13   Visit to Prado Museum 'Optional Grand Evening in Madrid'
After a continental breakfast, we take you to visit the Prado museum. It is Madrid's numberone cultural site, one of the world's most important art museums. Get mesmerized by viewing the paintings of El Greco, Velazquez, Goya, Peter Paul Rubens, Hieronymus Bosch and numerous other famous artists. Enjoy an Indian vegetarian lunch The evening is free for you to relax and explore this fascinating city on your own. Or, treat yourself to a 'Grand Evening in Madrid' an exciting Optional package that combines fun and entertainment. Experience a 'Tablao Flamenco' the traditional Flamenco Show while you have your sumptuous dinner. Enjoy a complimentary drink as the vibrant costumes and graceful dancers enchant you. Overnight at Hotel Holiday Inn or similar in Madrid.

Day 14    Return home with wonderful memories
Enjoy a continental breakfast. Your tour ends as you check out of the hotel in Madrid. Its time to say goodbye to all the new friends you have made. We hope you take back happy memories of your SOTC tour. We would like you to spare a few minutes of your time to write and tell us how you enjoyed your tour and any suggestions you may have for the future.