OCTOBER 9 - LEAVE WINNIPEG VIA AIR – ARRIVE MADRID, SPAIN NEXT DAY

Day 1 ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN

Transfer from the Madrid Airport and check into your hotel. Take advantage of any free time to explore lively Madrid with the help of the CosmosGO app.Tonight, meet your up with your Escort Host, Tour Director and fellow travelers. Prepare for your next days in this capital and dynamic city.

Day 2 MADRID(B)

Spaniards say the Spanish capital, situated 2,180 feet above sea level, is the nearest thing to Heaven.After breakfast, It’s certainly worth making the most of today by joining the included guided sightseeing tour: a full panoramic drive by way of the Avenida Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Parliament Square, and the picture stop outside the Royal Palace. The optional trip to Toledo is most rewarding too.The splendid setting of this old walled city above the Tagus was made famous in El Greco’s painting, and even now it’s like an great open-air museum of Spanish history and art.

Day 3 MADRID-AVILA-SALAMANCA-COIMBRA, PORTUGAL (B, D)

Visit ancient fortified Avila with its many towers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Continue to Salamanca and make sure you spend some time wandering around PLAZA MAYOR, the grandest square in Spain.Cross the frontier to Guarda, the highest town in Portugal.From here, descend to the valleys of the Serra da Estrela to Coimbra.

Day 4 COIMBRA-FATIMA-OBIDOS-LISBON (B)

Enjoy an orientation tour of Coimbra, celebrated for its beauty and ancient university. Later, travel southward to visit the SANCTUARY of Fatima, one of Europe’s most visited Marian shrines.Continue to picturesque fortified Obidos, before reaching Lisbon for two overnights.

Day 5 LISBON (B, D)

Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15^th century “Mistress of the Seas.”On the included guided tour, see his monument, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, and the impressive Commerce Square, also known as Black Horse Square.Spend the afternoon at leisure – maybe in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets, or take an optional excursion to coastal Estoril and Cascais.IE: Tonight, enjoy an unforgettable evening of classic Fado music and a delectable 3-course dinner with drinks at a local Casa de Fado (Fado restaurant).

Day 6 LISBON-SEVILLE, SPAIN (B,D)

From the rolling plains of the Alentejo with it’s woodlands of cork and eucalyptus trees, head south to the brilliant light of Andalusia. Admire its neat, white-painted villages and sun-drenched plantations of olives, figs and almonds while traveling towards magnificent Seville.

Day 7 SEVILLE, SPAIN (B)

Enjoy an included sightseeing tour on this vibrant city.Walk in the city center, see some of the main highlights and spend time to admire the impressive Plaza d’Espana. Afternoon at leisure. IE: Tonight, experience the passion and spirit of Seville on this incredible outing to a classic flamenco show!

Day 8 SEVILLE-FERRY TO MOROCCO-RABAT (B,D)

Drive through Spain’s pretty sherry wine region and head south to the coast. Here, you will embark the FERRY and cruise across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco on the African continent.Travel along what was once the infamous Barbary Coast, then continue the drive south to Rabat, one of Morocco’s imperial cities.

Day 9 RABAT-CASABLANCA-MARRAKESH (B,D)

Today starts with an included guided city sightseeing tour of the country’s lively capital, and a visit to CHELLAH GARDENS and CASBAH DES OUDAIAS.Later, reach Morocco’s westernmost city: Casablanca.Enjoy an orientation drive in this modern city and see the illustrious Hassan II Mosque.One of the largest mosques in the world, it’s minaret soars 689 feet into the sky.Continue on to the “red” oasis city of Marrakesh.IE:The perfect end of the day is this evening’s excursion, 1001 Nights. The magic of Morocco awaits during this impressive evening featuring a caliche ride, feast of local specialties and wine, and an amazing folklore show with music, belly dancing, and more!

Day 10 MARRAKESH(B,D)

Today’s included city sightseeing with a Local Guide will make you feel like you’ve been whisked back in time.Founded in the 9^th century, Marrakesh remains a tapestry of ramparts, mosques, palaces, gardens, and vibrant public squares and souks (markets) – where buying and selling and a fascinating carnival of entertainment occurs daily.Also see the BAHIA PALACE and MAJORELLE GARDENS.IE:This afternoon spend a half day exploring the scenic Ourika Valley, the most popular valley in the High Atlas Mountains, and visit a traditional Berber home to experience the Berber way of life!

Day 11 MARRAKESH-FEZ (B,D)

Today, travel through the fragrant cedar forests of the Middle Atlas mountains, where a number of peaks soar above 13,000 feet in elevation. This range is home to the endangered Barbary ape, wild boar, and polecats.On your way north to Fez, enjoy glimpses of North African village life.

Day 12 FEZ (B, D)

Ancient Fez is a city of outstanding scenic beauty.Visit the MEDINA during the included sightseeing tour this morning, and enjoy the maze of narrow streets through the colourful bazaars and exotic atmosphere. The madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques, and fountains dating back to the 13^th century are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.In the afternoon, explore further on your own. IE:This evening, you’ll feel like a sultan on this unforgettable evening featuring sightseeing through the illuminated city, mouthwatering Moorish food, and traditional Arabian, Oriental, and Bedouin music and dance.

Day 13 FEZ-FERRY CROSSING TO SPAIN-MIJAS(B,D)

Today, an early departure takes you north for the FERRY crossing back to mainland Spain to the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun). Overnight in Mijas.

Day 14 MIJAS-GRANADA(B,D)

Travel along the Costa del Sol and head to Granada in the heart of Andalusia.On the agenda: an included guided visit of the ALHAMBRA COMPLEX*, a lavish palace and fortress built by Moorish kings.You’ll marvel at it’s architectural Moorish beauty and magnificent gardens, with construction dating back to 889 AD.

Day 15 GRANADA-MADRID(B)

Travel through the very heart of Don Quixote’s La Mancha, famed for it’s castle and windmills, on your way to Madrid. Depending on the location of our final hotel stay in Madrid, we will arrange to gather for a Farewell Dinner for those who are interested.

Day 16 MADRID(B)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your visit to Barcelona for 3 nights or more, talk to me about the options available.