With 16 days to uncover the exotic jewels of the Iberian Peninsula, you’ll have ample time to fall for Lisbon, Western Europe’s fastest-growing city.  The capital of Portugal has a rich history, as it was ruled by both Caesar and Napoleon. In Spain, witness Seville, view the glorious Alhambra and wander through Madrid. Then wrap yourself up in the mystique of Morocco.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Lisbon

Fly through the night to Portugal.

Day 2 - Lisbon

Touch down in Lisbon, where a Go Ahead representative greets you and helps with hotel check-in. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Lisbon

Your guided tour of Lisbon includes a visit to the Jerónimos Monastery. Then join an optional excursion to the vacation retreat of Sintra. Later, enjoy dinner and the soulful melodies of traditional Portuguese music at our optional Fado Evening. (B)

$99 USD

Fado Evening Enjoy dinner at a traditional Portuguese tavern, and get swept away in the beautiful and haunting strains of fado music, arguably the oldest urban folk music in the world. Said to capture sentimentality coaxed from the rolling waves by homesick sailors and fishermen, fado music is the heart of the Portuguese soul. Please note: This optional requires advance booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.

$99 USD

Sintra Travel westward to the area known as the Portuguese Riviera. Your destination is Sintra, a resort considered one of Portugal’s most beautiful areas.

Day 4 - Seville

Journey to Seville, the gateway to Andalusian Spain and the Iberian coast. (B, D)

Day 5 - Seville

On your guided tour of Seville, visit the Moorish-influenced Alcázar, built in the 14th century and still considered Spain’s finest example of mudéjar architecture. Afterwards, tour Seville’s colossal Gothic cathedral. This evening, attend our optional Flamenco Show and Carriage Ride. (B)

$75 USD

Flamenco Show and Carriage Ride Experience the exciting aura surrounding flamenco dancing. A unique dance form, flamenco combines guitar playing, singing, clapping and dancing.

Day 6 - Granada

Travel south to Gibraltar, a British outpost at the edge of Spain. In ancient times, this was known as one of the two Pillars of Hercules—markers set up by Hercules to mark the edge of the known world. Arrive later in Granada. (B, D)

Day 7 - Granada

The highlight of today’s guided tour of Granada is a visit to the Alhambra, the last headquarters of the Moorish sultans, with its colorful courtyards and dazzling mosaics. (B)

Day 8 - Madrid

Explore the Mezquita, once the largest Mosque west of Mecca, during a guided sightseeing tour of Córdoba. Continue to Madrid, the Spanish capital. (B, D)

Day 9 - Madrid

Your guided tour of Madrid includes visits to the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum, featuring works by Goya and El Greco. Enjoy a free day to explore Madrid or join an optional excursion to the ancient city of Toledo. (B)

$89 USD

Toledo *A Go Ahead Favorite excursion!* One of Spain’s oldest and most beautiful cities, Toledo served as the Spanish capital until 1561. After a chance to explore the labyrinth of medieval alleyways that make up the heart of the city, visit one of Europe’s oldest synagogues at El Tránsito.

Day 10 - Marrakesh

Fly to Casablanca and enjoy a guided tour of this world-famous city. Have a look inside the spectacular Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Arrive later in Marrakesh. (B, D)

Day 11 - Marrakesh

A professional guide leads an in-depth tour of Marrakesh, the former Moorish capital situated on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Pass by the exotic souqs (open-air markets), and visit the Saadian Tombs and the El Badi Palace. (B)

Day 12 - Fes

Say goodbye to Marrakesh and drive along the Atlas Mountians toward Fes. Upon your arrival in Fes, savor an included meal this evening. (B, D)

Day 13 - Fes

On today's guided tour of the beguiling city of Fes, you'll see the Kairaouine University and the wonderful Souk el Attarin. Explore the labyrinthine passages of the medina (old town) and visit the city's colorful bazaars. (B)

Day 14 - Rabat

Cross the desert landscapes of Central Morocco to reach Meknes, where you'll embark on a guided tour. Then continue to Rabat, where a local guide introduces you to the capital city before tonight's included dinner. (B, D)

Day 15 - Madrid

Travel to Casablanca to board your flight to Madrid. This evening, gather with your group for our Farewell Dinner. (B, D)

Day 16 - Madrid

Board your flight home or extend your stay in Barcelona. (B)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 USD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

In order to enter Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Gibraltar (a British colony), U.S. citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return to the United States. No visa is required for U.S. citizens. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no major health risks when traveling to Portugal, Spain and Morocco. In fact, Morocco is one of the healthiest African countries, although
some traces of malaria exist in rural northern regions. During the summer months, travelers should take extra care for sun exposure. It is advisable to check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and requirements at least eight weeks before you travel.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in Lisbon and depart from Madrid. Included transportation on “Portugal, Spain & Morocco” is by plane (from Spain to Morocco) and private motorcoach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the major cities by public transportation. Many destinations (including the city centers of Seville, Granada and Córdoba) are all easily accessed on foot.
Take local buses and taxis to reach outlying areas.

Madrid’s center is compact and walkable, but you’ll want to use the fast and efficient metro system for most attractions. Buses and taxis (which are inexpensive compared to most European cities) are also readily available and well-regulated.

Lisbon is also a very walkable city (although sometimes
hilly), but you may want to break up your walking with rides on trams, metro and buses. Allinclusive travel passes are available.

In Marrakesh and Rabat, local buses serve most areas. “Petit taxis”—small taxi cabs fitting a maximum of three passengers—can be found throughtout town.

Clothing & Packing Tips

Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear. Also, remember that it is
preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Currency

The euro (in Spain and Portugal) and the Moroccan dirham are the currencies you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in your destination countries rather than in the United States, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. Dirhams are usually only available in Morocco, however, so it is advisable to wait until arrival to exchange for them and to re-exchange them when leaving the country. We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks, as needed.

You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international
purchases for fraudulent charges. Please note: With the conversion to the euro, it has been increasingly difficult to exchange traveler’s checks
outside of Europe’s major cities—both at banks and shops—and they often attract higher fees.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity.

We recommend €2 per person per day for your driver and €4 to €6 per person for your tour director. If applicable, we also recommend €1 per local guide.

Tips may only be paid in cash.