Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 4 out of 5
Packed itinerary with maximum exploration: Embark on a whirlwind sightseeing tour with minimal downtime. This tour maximises your exploration, keeping you on the move and ticking off must-see locations. A good fitness level and mobility are required to keep pace with this action-packed adventure!
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including a Douro River cruise in Porto, Madrid, Lisbon, Cordoba (Mosque entrance included), Seville (including the magnificent cathedral), Granada’s Alhambra, the old town of Toledo, Morocco’s delights including Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat and Fes
✓ Small, personal group experience, no more than 24 guests
✓ 20 nights in quality, 4-star accommodation
✓ 4 nights relaxing on the famous Costa Del Sol
✓ Breakfast daily plus 8 dinners, including welcome tapas, flamenco experience and memorable farewell dinner
✓ Cross the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry from Europe to Africa and back
✓ Fully escorted by an expert, English-speaking tour leader
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ Comfortable, luxury coach transportation
Our CEO just travelled to Spain! Click to follow Paul’s journey through this vibrant destination:
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Spain! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
You’ll meet your tour guide and fellow travellers tomorrow morning. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore this energetic city. Make like a Madrileño and take a paseo por la noche, a cherished evening stroll. Puerta del Sol, the heart of the city, is a busy plaza where you can find street performers, loads of restaurants and shops and the iconic statue ‘The Bear and the Strawberry Tree’.
Gran Vía, also known as the street that never sleeps, is the main shopping and tourist artery in the centre of the capital. On this lively strip you’ll find great restaurants, theatre, shopping and more. Look up – the buildings are exquisite. Calle Cava Baja is the city’s famed tapas street. Patatas bravas, anyone?
Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
This morning, meet your tour guide and the rest of your group. Enjoy breakfast before heading out to explore Madrid on a guided city tour.
Explore Barrio de la Morería, the Hapsburgs District, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa; the Madrid of the Bourbons and the complex town planning schemes of Charles III, the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains and the Puerta de Alcalá.
Continue on to contemporary Madrid with areas such as Gran Vía, Castellana, the district of Salamanca, Plaza Castilla and Parque del Oeste, as well as commercial and financial areas of Modern Madrid, the emblematic Las Ventas Bullring and the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium.
After breakfast we’re off towards Salamanca. Enjoy free time to take in the great architectural wealth of this World Heritage University city. The Universidad Civil reached the peak of its renown in the 15th and 16th century. The entrance boasts a tapestry in sandstone. Plaza Mayor is considered to be one of Spain's most beautiful central plaza’s.
We travel on towards the Portuguese border and our destination for the day - Porto.
Located along the Douro River estuary in northern Portugal, Porto is one of Europe’s oldest cities, and was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.
After checking our hotel take a stroll around the local neighbourhood.
This morning enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Porto. Admire the Cetedral de Portol, known locally as Se, this hilltop cathedral was built between the 12th and 13th Centuries. We continue to the British Classical styled old Stock Exchange building and seemingly austere Santa Clara church, inside is a masterpiece of gilded woodwork.
Later we enjoy a Douro River Cruise before tasting a range of local tipples at the famous Port Wine Cellars. The rest of the day is at leisure to make your own discoveries.
After breakfast, we depart for Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe and the birthplace of Fado.
We continue to Fatima, one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the world. Made famous in 1917 when the Virgin Mary was said to have appeared to three shepherd children over several visits. Pilgrims flock here to visit its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared. We visit the Chapel of the Apparitions in the heart of the sanctuary where the tombs of the three children, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta rest.
This evening we may be able to attend the procession of the candles (availabilty pending)
We visit the Batalha Monastery this morning, a masterpiece in the Gothic and Manueline style . We continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré, enjoying some free time exploring the waterfront before heading off to yet another World Heritage site at Alcobaça with its Gothic church and Cistercian monastery, whose origins date back to the 12th Century. We continue on to Lisbon for the evening.
After breakfast, join a city sightseeing tour of the ancient Olissipo. Drive through Lisbon's main squares and avenues, visiting Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, the Coach Museum, Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square and Liberty Avenue.
This afternoon is at leisure to catch the nostalgic corners of the Alfama Quarter, the old city gathered next to its Castle, with buildings nested in narrow twisting Ruas, housing genuine “tabernas” where locals gather.
Tonight we enjoy a typical Portuguese dinner visiting one of the oldest Fado venues in the city and located in one of the most interesting cultural neighborhoods in the area.
Today we head for Andalusian soils, back in Spain, we drive to Caceres, considered a World Heritage site due to the city’s blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. Walk through Plaza Mayor and the Old Town with its famous Medieval Quarter. We continue towards Cordoba - an important Roman city and major Islamic centre in the Middle Ages.
This morning we embark on a guided tour of Cordoba’s impressive Mosque.
Later, stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, located in the historic city centre. The Jewish quarter of Cordoba retains the traditional urban layout of a medieval city. This afternoon, we continue journey towards Seville.
Explore the city on a morning tour of the Andalusian Capital, Seville.
We visit Seville Cathedral, the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peters in Rome.Its a testament to the historic health and importance of Seville. Continue to The barrio de Santa Cruz - the former Jewish quarter of Seville. It's then off to Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España. This afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the city of light.
After breakfast we drive south passing through typical Andalusian villages to reach Ronda. Enjoy some free time to admire this town with Celtic origins. Take it the marvelous view of the nearby valley and mountain range. We continue our journey before enjoying an authentic olive oil experience at a local Almazara. (local oil mill) Walk through fields of olive tree and taste organic olive oil, fresh from production. We continue to the 'sun coast' Costa del Sol later today.
Enjoy a free day relaxing at the beach or ecploring the many resort towns of the Costa Del Sol.
Make sure you have your passport handy today. After breakfast, we drive along the picturesque coastal route of the Costa del Sol, arriving in ancient Tarifa, the gateway to Morocco. Board the ferry, for the short crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar towards North Africa. Arriving in Tangier, we disembark, clear customs and drive south to Casablanca. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this vibrant modern city.
Today, we set out on a city tour of Casablanca. Visit Anfa Boulevard, Nations square, and the imposing Hassan II Grand Mosque. Afterwards we continue towards Marrakech; the capital of the south and located between the Atlas Mountains and desert. Enjoy a city sightseeing tour, including the Koutoubia Tower, twin tower of the Giralda in Seville, Saadines Tombs and Bay Palace. We explore medinas and souks on foot before walking into the magic of Jma El Fna, packed with fortune tellers, smoking food stalls, fresh juice sellers, acrobats and residents of this great city, all making for the best open air theater. Don’t forget your camera.
This morning we depart early for Morocco’s modern capital - Rabat. Visit the Royal Palace, Mohamed V Mausoleum and the Hassan Tower on a driving city tour. Later we continue to Meknes. Often overlooked, this small Imperial city holds plenty of secrets. We visit the Imposing Gates of Bab el Mansour and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, who ruled the city in the 17th Century. We continue to Fez this afternoon.
Enjoy a morning city tour of Morocco's oldest and most monumental Imperial City. The car-free narrow alleys and laneways of this ancient city are wonderful to explore. Stumble upon cooling fountains in tiny medinas, mosques and minarets, watch dough being carried off to communal bakeries, and gaze at fortified city gates. Fez gives you a strong indication of what it feels like to step back in time. This afternoon is free to continue exploring this ancient city.
After breakfast we head back to Tangier. Its a long day of travel today, we transfer to the pier and board the ferry to Spain. After disembarking we drive towards the Costa del Sol for a well earned rest.
Another stunning day at leisure to enjoy the wonderful beaches of the Costa del Sol and surrounding areas.
Today is another major highlight of our trip across the Iberian Peninsula. We visit one of the jewels of Spain, Granada. Enjoy a guided tour of the world famous Alhambra. The showpiece palaces, the 14th-century Palacios Nazaríes, are among the finest Islamic buildings in Europe and, together with the Generalife gardens, form Alhambra's great headline act.
After some time at leisure, join your fellow travellers to experience an authentic Gypsy Flamenco dinner show.
Today it's off to the impressive Imperial city of Toledo, where Christian, Moor and Jewish residents have lived together for centuries. Enjoy a guided city tour of this historical old town, wandering through its narrow streets. After that we continue back to Madrid. After some time to freshen up, we meet for a farewell market experience dinner.
Unfortunately today marks the end of your phenomenal tour through three extraordinary countries. After breakfast, spend a few free moments at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This package is sold as land only, however you do have the option of adding international airfares to your booking. Simply click on’ book now’, and under upgrades , you will be asked “Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?”
By selecting this option Inspiring Vacations will contact you to discuss adding flights to your chosen destination. We can assist with flying the airline of your choice to turn your booking into a flight inclusive package.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “4”.
4 - Lively: This is considered a fast-paced tour. In order to explore as much as possible, this tour may require early starts and long travel days. One to two nights at one destination is standard. While some free time may be scheduled, most sightseeing is included throughout this tour. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage. To ensure this trip is right for you, any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aid, then this tour is not suitable.
Spain, Portugal and Morocco Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. At the commencement of your tour, your Tour Leader will suggest contributing towards a ‘tipping kitty’ which can then be used to tip local guides, hotel staff, driver, etc. You will have complete visibility over amounts tipped and any funds left will be distributed back to travellers. This tipping kitty is not mandatory, however, over time we’ve found it frees travellers from the stress of keeping the right change at hand and not knowing appropriate tipping amounts. We suggest EUR2 for hotel staff, EUR3-4 for local guides and EUR2-3 for the driver (suggestions are per person per day).
Please note that this tipping is not for your Tour Leader. If you are happy with the service provided by your Tour Leader we recommend tipping EUR2-4 per person per day.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $524.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Local Tourist Tax
A local city/tourist tax may be applicable each night during your stay. This cost can vary between €0.50 to €4.30 per person, per night (the higher standard of accommodation, the higher the tax will be). Please note that this tax is dictated by the government entities, can only be paid locally and can change without any warning to Inspiring Vacations.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Group Size
Maximum of 24 people.
Trip Style - Group Tour
Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Upgrade your accommodation to below Inspiring Vacations Collection properties for an extra USD $477 per person (Twin/Double) or USD $1566 (Single).
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
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