Spain, Morocco & Portugal Whirl - 12 Days

Duration

12 Days

Difficulty
Balanced
Start

Madrid

End

Lisbon

Rating

***

Operator

Trafalgar Tours

12-Day Iberian tour of Spain, Morocco and Portugal

From the grand plazas of Madrid to the spice-filled souks of Tangier and the sunlit shores of Lisbon, this journey takes you across three countries rich in history and tradition. Explore medieval fortresses, wander through white-washed villages and stand beneath Moorish palaces as you uncover the diverse cultures that have shaped Spain, Morocco and Portugal...

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to Madrid

Arrival Transfer: Depart Madrid-Barajas airport at 10:30, 13:00, 15:30

Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 17:30

Hit the ground running in Madrid with an orientation drive, getting your first glimpse of the capital city’s grand plazas and historic landmarks. Sit down to dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers — your chance to properly get to know each other over great food and local flavours.

VOCO Madrid Retiro
Dinner

Day 2: Explore Madrid

Kick off the day with a city tour of Madrid alongside a Local Specialist, uncovering its rich history and iconic sights. The afternoon is yours to explore the city at your own pace or join an optional trip to Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see its towering Roman aqueduct, medieval Alcázar and impressive Gothic cathedral.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).     

Segovia World Heritage Site - Its Ancient Aqueduct & Fairytale Castle - EUR 60 pp

Enjoy a visit to Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits on a rocky outcrop between two rivers. With your Local Specialist, you’ll visit the 13th-century castle, reputed to have inspired Walt Disney, as well as seeing the best-preserved Roman aqueduct which has remained intact for 2,000 years.

Dinner and Discovery in Downtown Madrid - EUR 75 pp

Explore a different side of Spain’s capital city, away from the main boulevards and well-known landmarks. Discover local streets and stories that reveal another layer of the city before sitting down to dinner with live entertainment.

VOCO Madrid Retiro
Breakfast

Day 3: Madrid to Granada Via Toledo

Leave Madrid behind for Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its sword-making heritage. With a Local Specialist, visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco’s masterpiece ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz’, and explore a historic synagogue. Watch artisans at work at Damasquinados Suarez, a sword-making workshop, before continuing to Granada, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, where dinner awaits.

Barcel Granada Congress Hotel
Breakfast Dinner

Day 4: En Route to Costa del Sol

This morning, step into the world of emirs and kings with a guided tour of the Alhambra, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture. Built in 1238, it later became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492. Leaving Granada behind, travel to the Costa del Sol, where golden beaches and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere await. Settle into your surroundings and enjoy a free evening to unwind, stroll along the promenade, or savour fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).     

Mijas Andalusian Hilltown & Mediterranean Dinner - EUR 77 pp

Visit this charming hilltop village, perched up high with splendid views of the coastline. With our Local Specialist, we'll traverse its narrow streets, pass white-washed houses and see the oval bullring, with time for hunting hidden gems in the shops. Our evening finishes with a Mediterranean dinner at a coastal restaurant.

Melia Costa Del Sol
Breakfast

Day 5: See Sunny Costa del Sol

Spend the day your way on the Costa del Sol — relax on the beach or stroll the promenades soaking up the sun and the lively atmosphere. For those keen to explore this morning, an optional trip to Málaga offers a chance to discover the city’s rich history, from its Moorish past to its connection with Picasso.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).     

Experience Málaga - EUR 54 pp

Uncover Málaga’s rich history with your Local Specialist in the city where Pablo Picasso was born. Take in panoramic views from the Moorish Gibralfaro fortress, see the Alcazaba ramparts and ancient Roman theatre, then round off your visit with an aperitif in one of the city’s most famous taverns. 

Melia Costa Del Sol
Breakfast

Day 6: From Spain to Morocco

Cross the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry, leaving Spain behind for Tangier. With a Local Specialist, follow in the footsteps of Matisse, Jack Kerouac and Cézanne as you uncover the city’s rich history and blend of Moroccan and Spanish influences, from lively souks to grand colonial architecture. This evening an Optional Experience offers a Moroccan dinner overlooking the medina, with traditional dishes, drinks and live local entertainment.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).     

Moroccan Dinner with Berber Entertainment - EUR 69 pp

Enjoy a dinner in a traditionally decorated dining room overlooking the medina. Taste dates, soup, tagine and jourhara cake, served with Moroccan wine, beer or soft drinks. Watch musicians, dancers and belly dancers perform, adding rhythm, colour and energy to your evening.

El Minzah Hôtel Tangier
Breakfast

Day 7: Explore the Blue City

Venture into the Rif Mountains to explore Chefchaouen, the famed Blue City. Wander its maze-like streets, browse colourful souks and visit the Kasbah Fortress, a historic stronghold now home to a museum and peaceful gardens. Meet women from a local weaving cooperative for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, hearing how their craft helps preserve Rif Mountain traditions and create income within the community. Later, return to Tangier for one last night in Morocco.

El Minzah Hôtel Tangier
Breakfast Dinner

Day 8: Cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Seville

Sail back across the Strait of Gibraltar, swapping the spice-scented souks of Morocco for the sun-drenched landscapes of Andalusia. By evening, arrive in Seville, where the night is yours.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).     

Discover The Origin Of Tapas & Evening In Old Seville - EUR 69 pp

Join us for a dinner of mouth-watering tapas-style specialities. You’ll get the chance to taste different flavours and wines and dine like a local in the charming old quarter of Seville.

Hotel Ribera de Triana
Breakfast

Day 9: Historic Seville

Join your Local Specialist for a journey through Seville’s history. See the Giralda Bell Tower, visit Seville Cathedral, the resting place of Christopher Columbus, and wander the former Jewish Quarter. Stroll through María Luisa Park, then admire the grand architecture of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. For a true taste of Spain, why not join an Optional Experience at a flamenco show, where music, dance and passion ignite the stage?

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).     

The Moorish Alcázar and Plaza América - EUR 57 pp

Today, with a Local Specialist, you'll visit the elegant 14th-century Moorish Alcazar, set in its own beautiful gardens. The gardens were used as the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne in the Game Of Thrones series. We'll also journey to the famous exhibition site of Plaza América - a must for any visitor to Seville.

Flamenco, the Best Show in Town With a Three-Course Dinner - EUR 80 pp

This evening you’ll discover the magic, rhythm and passion of flamenco, while being served a three-course dinner of Andalusian specialities with drinks included. We've organised tickets to the best show in town. You won't soon forget this incredibly memorable ninety-minute experience.

Hotel Ribera de Triana
Breakfast

Day 10: Across the Border to Lisbon

Travel through Portugal’s Alentejo region for a Be My Guest experience with your hosts Tiago and Vera on their family’s stud farm. Stroll past grazing cattle, sheep and horses, and hear the story of their ancestor’s unrequited love for a Portuguese queen. Later, arrive in Lisbon, with the evening free to get your first glimpse of Portugal’s capital.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).     

Portuguese Fado Evening Of Music & Song With Dinner  - EUR 83 pp

Fado is the expressive national song of Portugal, often called the soul of their identity. Tonight, we'll visit one of the famed local Fado houses for an unforgettable performance and savour a typical Portuguese meal, with drinks included.

VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & SPA
Breakfast Lunch

Day 11: Get to Know Lisbon

Uncover Lisbon’s rich history on a city tour with your Local Specialist, followed by a delicious Pastel de Nata tasting, the country’s famous custard tart. The afternoon is yours—explore at your own pace or join an optional trip through the Golden Triangle, visiting Estoril, Cascais and one of Lisbon’s stunning royal palaces. Your final night is here, join your travelling companions and Travel Director for one last delicious meal together.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).     

Excursion to the Royal Portuguese Riviera - EUR 60 pp

We'll venture outside Lisbon with our Local Specialist today. After passing through the fashionable resort of Estoril, we'll explore the picturesque fishing village of Cascais, with its beautiful array of mansions and exclusive residences. To complete the Golden Triangle, we'll visit one of the impressive Royal Palaces of Portugal.

VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & SPA
Breakfast Dinner

Day 12: Goodbye Lisbon

It’s time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers, your Travel Director and the incredible sights of Spain, Morocco and Portugal.  You can, of course, extend your stay.

Departure Transfer: Arrive at Lisbon Airport at 07:00, 09:30

Breakfast

Includes

  • 11 nights in handpicked 3 & 4 star hotels in great locations
  • Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
  • 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
  • Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary 

Excludes

  • Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
  • Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
  • Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour

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Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?

A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.

The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.

For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.

The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice. 

Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.

YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.

CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.

What does the tour cost include?

The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.

Can i book flights through you?

Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines.

When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind. 

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for any flight requirements. 

You are, of course, welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.  

Can i add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?

Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.   

Can i book twin beds or triple/quad rooms?

Yes, we have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.

If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.

For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.

For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.

How much is the solo/single supplement?

Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement. 

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

How many guests will be on this tour?

Trafalgar welcomes guests from all over the world to have an amazing, shared travel experience. While we can’t share details of who you’ll be travelling with and how many people are on your tour in advance of your tour, you can see our average group sizes below.  You’ll meet your group at your tour welcome when you start your trip.

Europe trips: An average of 40 to 45 guests and a maximum of 53

United States and Canada trips: A maximum of 52 guests

Australia and New Zealand trips: A maximum of 50 guests

Asia trips (except Sri Lanka): A maximum of 32 guests

Sri Lanka trips: A maximum of 48 guests

Africa trips: A maximum of 36 guests

Latin America trips: A maximum of 40 to 45 guests   

How much walking will be on this tour?

With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.

Leisurely: Tours will typically have 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs. 

Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs. 

Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.   

Do your coaches have on-board wifi and bathroom faclilites?

Regardless of where in the world your tour visits, we do our best to ensure your coach is as comfortable as it can be. However, there can be differences depending on where in the world you're visiting:

Europe, North & South America, Australia & New Zealand trips:-

We pride ourselves on having the best-in-class fleet of fuel-efficient coaches. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city centre. Facilities you’ll enjoy are:

  • Reclining seats
  • An on-board restroom
  • Charging points (please note that these are power points, and not USBs)
  • WiFi
  • Air-conditioning

Africa & Asia trips:-

Africa and Asia tour vehicles do not have Wi-Fi. On Asia trips, there are no onboard rest rooms, but we always ensure there are regular rest stops.

Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?

Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.  

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.

Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.

Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.

We suggest that your insurance covers the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
  • Loss or damage to your property and baggage
  • Loss of cash, credit cards etc
  • Medical costs and personal accidents

Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive. 

Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel. 

Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.

What does a guaranteed departure mean?

A guaranteed departure means the tour will operate no matter how many people are booked to travel on that departure. 

In the slim case that a guaranteed departure you are booked on has to be withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid, or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.

What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?

Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.

Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:

Europe trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.

Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.

Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.

Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc. 

United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:

From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel. 

UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.   

USA trips incl transiting travellers: 

US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.

ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website. 

Canada trips:

Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.   

eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.

Rest of the World trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them. 

What if I have mobility issues?

Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.

What if I have food allergies?

Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.

You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.

How much luggage can I bring?

Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). 

In addition guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).

Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.

Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.  

GBP £2,869.00 GBP £2,519.00 / Adult
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