Itinerary Details
From Madrid To Casablanca
Day 1 ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN Welcome to Spain! Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Spain’s capital using your CosmosGO app. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions at the welcome meeting.
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Day 2 MADRID Discover Madrid on the guided orientation tour with a Local Guide who will help you discover the city with some insider information. (B)
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Day 3 MADRID–SALAMANCA–LEÓN Leave Madrid to explore the pearls of Castilla & León, Salamanca. Take a walk through centuries of history, art, knowledge, and landmarks such as the famous University, one of the oldest in Europe, and the Plaza Mayor, crowned with 88 arches. Continue to León. Perhaps tonight you may wish to try the local cuisine or taste the Duero region wines with tapas in the ancient streets of "Barrio Húmedo".
Today’s Distance: 260 mi/ 419 km (B)
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Day 4 LEÓN–LUGO–SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA The day starts with the visit of Lugo, a town known for the Roman wall, exceptionally well preserved and continuing to be the city's most distinctive architectural feature, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight’s host city is Santiago de Compostela, the completion point of the Saint James’ Way. Thousands of pilgrims, every year walk the Camino to reach the capital of Galicia and enter the iconic Cathedral. But Santiago de Compostela is a living city, with countless restaurants and bars to enjoy delicious Galician seafood, the old town centre, contemporary art... There's plenty to do in this city which combines history and tradition with a modern, younger side.
Today’s distance: 203 mi /327 km (B)
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Day 5 SANTIAGO–A CORUÑA–OVIEDO A Coruña’s distinctive landmark is the oldest Roman working lighthouse in the world, called Hercules Tower, but the town also boasts a rich historical centre and a scenic promenade along the Atlantic shores. Spend some time exploring and taking advantage of the Galician seafood dishes. The most famous one is Galician-style octopus (pulpo a la gallega). Overnight in Oviedo, closely linked to the Asturian monarchy since its foundation. Former capital of the Kingdom, it boasts a medieval historic quarter, transformed in modern times into a pleasant pedestrian area. Oviedo is famous for its natural cider production, one of Asturias’ specialities!
Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km (B)
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Day 6 OVIEDO–SANTANDER–BILBAO Visit Santander, capital of the Cantabria region. Santander was the destination par excellence for royalty at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries. A stroll through the old quarters, with its majestic buildings, takes us back to a distinguished past. Continue to Bilbao, in the Basque Countries. (B)
Today’s Distance: 180 mi/ 293 km (B)
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Day 7 BILBAO Spend the day at leisure in Bilbao. We suggest a visit to the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry and featuring an important private collection of modern and contemporary art. Discover the contrast of the avant-garde with the traditional feel of the city, with charming streets and bars offering “pintxos”, or explore the La Ribera Market, a beautiful building where you can have the produce that you purchase cooked for you. (B,D)
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Day 8 BILBAO–BURGOS–VALLADOLID Burgos preserves distinct signs of its medieval splendor. It was the capital city of the unified kingdom of Castile and Leon for five centuries, and boasts one of the masterpieces of Spanish Gothic, its Cathedral, declared a World Heritage Site. Castile & Leon is a region of fine wines, and a visit to a Ribera del Duero wine cellar visit is included today. Continue to Valladolid, built on the banks of the Pisuerga River.
Today’s Distance: 176 mi/ 284 km (B)
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Day 9 VALLADOLID–MEDINA DEL CAMPO–SEGOVIA–MADRID Medina del Campo’s most outstanding feature is the castle of La Mota, from the 15th century, whose silhouette dominates the town's skyline. Segovia boasts an impressive aqueduct from the days of the Roman Empire and a fortress that inspired Snow White’s Castle in Disneyland.
Today’s Distance: 152 mi/ 244 km (B)
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Day 10 MADRID–VALDEPEÑAS–CORDOBA Valdepeñas is a wine-making area with an excellent Designation of Origin. On the town orientation, see the Plaza de España Square, with its white and blue façades, and the Asunción Parish Church, a beautiful Renaissance building. Visit the local wine museum to get an insight into the history and the cultural notions surrounding wine. Drive south to Cordoba, famous around the world for its Great Mosque, where you spend three nights.
Today’s Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km (B,D)
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Day 11 CORDOBA The historic old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with little streets ready to be explored, courtyards full of flowers, inviting squares and lively taverns. Learn more about the city on the walking tour with a Local Guide who will also take you to visit the Mezquita, one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim art in Spain. After the Christian conquest in 1523, the cathedral was built inside, and features highlights such as the main altarpiece, the Baroque altarpiece, and the mahogany choir stalls. (B)
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Day 12 CORDOBA The day is free for you to discover Cordoba on your own or join an optional day trip to Seville with a Local Guide to explore this very special city for the grandeur of its monuments and charming neighborhoods such as Triana, birthplace of many flamenco artists. See the Giralda Tower, the Cathedral, the Real Alcázar, and the monumental Plaza de España, featuring 52 mosaic-tiled benches representing all the provinces of the country. (B)
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Day 13 CORDOBA–MALAGA–MIJAS Visit Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, and discover the historic spots and the hometown of painter Pablo Picasso on the guided sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. Continue south to Mijas, set on the hills overlooking the Mediterranean.
Today’s Distance: 124 mi/ 199 km (B)
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Day 14 MIJAS–TANGIER, MOROCCO Take a ferry across the legendary Strait of Gibraltar, a few miles of water separating Europe from Africa, and arrive in Tangier.
Today’s Distance (by coach): 83 mi/ 135 km (B,D)
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Day 15 TANGIER The streets of the White Tangier are lined with lime-coated houses. Just like Delacroix or Matisse did upon their arrival, get carried away by the uniqueness of the city. At the foot of the high walls of the "Kasbah," roam through the alleys and admire the fortress that dominates the medina. Enjoy a free day on your own join an optional day trip to Chefchaouen, for a dreamy day in the city painted blue. Beyond its azure beauty, Chefchaouen brims with attractions and a rich heritage. (B)
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Day 16 TANGIER–RABAT–CASABLANCA Leaving Tangier, heading towards Casablanca, stop in Rabat, capital of Morocco and one of the imperial cities. It is a cultural hub, rooted in history and boasting many artistic masterpieces. Continue to the bustling metropolis of Casablanca for a sightseeing tour with a Local Guide, with a highlight including a visit to Hassan II Mosque
Today’s Distance: 210 mi/ 338 km (B)
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Day 17 CASABLANCA
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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