Splendours of Andalucia & Morocco – 13 days land only

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- Return airport/hotel transfers
- 2 nights accommodation at the Hesperia in Madrid
- 2 nights accommodation at the Melia Sevilla in Seville
- 2 nights accommodation at the Saray in Granada
- 1 night accommodation at the AC Hotel Algeciras in Algeciras
- 2 nights accommodation at the Palais Medina in Fes
- 2 nights accommodation at the Atlas Medina in Marrakesh
- 1 night accommodation at the Golden Tulip Farah in Casablanca
- Breakfast daily
- Selected dinners
- Touring by luxury coach
- Assistance  of a Tour Director & local guides
- Highlights: Madrid, Valdepeñas, Cordoba, Gibraltar, Fes, Seville, Granada, Marrakesh, Mijas & Casablanca

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Welcome to Madrid

Welcome to Europe's highest capital, occupying the very centre of the Iberian Peninsula. Transfers depart Madrid Airport for your central hotel at 09:00, 11:00, 13:30 & 16:00. Relax & settle in before joining your Tour Director for a friendly Welcome Reception & an opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of dinner & wine

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Madrid of the Bourbons

After a restful night's sleep, a local expert introduces you to the highlights of the city! Drive along the elegant, tree-lined avenues to the grandiose Cibeles Fountain. Turn down the Gran Via to see the monument to Cervantes in the Plaza de España & the Royal Palace, then continue through the Puerto del Sol. Today's highlight is a private guided visit of the magnificent Prado Museum housing works by Titian, Botticelli, Rubens & many others. Enjoy a free afternoon.

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Journey to Moorish Cordoba & Seville

Venture through the flat plains of La Mancha today, where Don Quixote tilted at windmills as his faithful Sancho Panza looked on. Move on to the ‘bodegas' (wine-cellars) of Valdepeñas for a delicious exploration of the robust flavours & absorbing history of the local vino de mesa. Now up through the Despeñaperros pass to Cordoba, a city that reached its Golden Age under the Moors – the 850 columns of the magnificent Mezquita bear witness to their artistic genius. A local expert takes you inside the mosque, which has been used as a Christian cathedral since the 13th century. There is also time to stroll in the twisting maze of streets & cross the Roman Bridge before continuing to the stunning Andalucían capital.

Seville, the City of Carmen

Bathed in morning sunshine, admire the majestic curve of the Plaza de España in Maria Louisa Park, decorated with colourful azulejos. Then a local expert shows you through the narrow lanes & pretty squares of the old Santa Cruz quarter. Emerge by the walls of the 14th century Alcazar palace. In front of you, stands the massive Cathedral & Moorish Giralda Tower - once inside, visit the main chapel & tomb of Columbus. There is free time in the afternoon for you to explore at your own pace. This evening, experience dinner & a Flamenco show. Stare into the soul of Andalucía as the mesmerising rhythms, graceful twirls, passionate gestures & powerful song erupts on the stage.

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Scenic drive to Granada & the Alhambra Palace

A beautiful drive through gleaming white villages & a sea of olive groves brings you to Granada. Overlooking the town is one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built, the Alhambra. Join your local expert & explore this exquisite palace; a fantasy of stone cut lace, arabesque gardens & fountains, built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century. Walk on to the exotic water-gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence. Relax here in the sunshine & enjoy the fine views over the town & its three verdant hills. This evening, choose your own style of menu & ambience from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants.

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Free Time in Granada

Perhaps take a leisurely walk through the Albaicin neighbourhood this morning to explore the intriguing maze of narrow streets with whitewashed houses & patio gardens of bygone Moorish splendour. Another option might be to journey down to the Tropical Coast to visit the Caves of Nerja, a series of huge caverns that are home to the world's largest stalagmite.

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On past the Costa del Sol to Mijas, Gibraltar & Algeciras

A beautiful drive takes you through the olive groves of the fertile Genil Valley this morning, then offers superb views over mountain & sea as you drive down to the Mediterranean. Continue past Malaga & Torremolinos, two of Spain's most popular resorts, before ascending the green hills above the Costa del Sol to the white-washed village of Mijas. Stroll through the old streets & gardens & take in the views of the coast. On through exclusive resorts, frequented by film stars & millionaires, to Gibraltar, the British crown colony & heavily fortified naval base which guards the vital Straits. Tour the lively resort town, clustered beside sandy beaches at the foot of the 1,400ft rock. See the 12th century Moorish castle, St Michael's Cave & the famous Barbary Apes, legendary guardians of the colony. Then continue to Algeciras & your hotel for the night.

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Sail across to Morocco, the ‘Jewel of Africa’ & on to Fes

Set sail across the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco, an exotic world of veils, musky spices, bazaars, souks & snake charmers. Continue to Fes, Morocco's most ancient imperial city.

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The Ancient Imperial City of Fes

Guided sightseeing will show you the Medina – the walled city of hidden courtyards, mosques & workshops, the bazaar & one of the world's oldest universities. In a scene unchanged since medieval times, overlook the vivid palette of stoney vats & dyes at one of the tanneries. Also, learn about the ancient craft of carpet making, see artisans at work & gain an insight into the motifs & colours used in the designs. Then free time to enjoy at your leisure.

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The Road to Marrakesh

Travel via the Atlas Mountains, past charming villages, dense woods & green fields to the ochre-coloured city of Marrakesh

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Marrakesh, Pearl of the South

Enjoy the atmosphere in Djemaa el Fna Square where acrobats, dancers & fortune tellers entertain you. A local expert shows you the Medina with its many souks & Koutobia Minaret dominating the skyline. Also included is a visit to the Palais de la Bahia, built in the late 19th century, intended to be the greatest palace of its time. Afterwards, enjoy free time to visit a museum or haggle in the souks.

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On to Casablanca to ‘Play it Again’ in Rick’s Cafe

Say goodbye to the snake charmers of Marrakesh & head for Casablanca on the coast. Sightseeing shows you the huge Hassan II Mosque, largest in the country. To the west, stretches the très chic seaside strip known as the Corniche, lined with trendy restaurants & cafés. Tonight, ‘of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world', there really is only one place to be. Please join your Tour Director at Rick's Café, recreated from the famous movie. Enjoy a hearty Celebration Dinner including drinks & , no doubt, a rendition of “As Time Goes By”. Here's looking at you kid.

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Au revoir Casablanca

Departure transfers arrive at Casablanca Airport at 05:00, 07:00, 10:00 & 12:00.