Compare Voyages to Antiquity: Spain and Morocco, Ancient Neighbors by Road Scholar vs Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco - Classic Group Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: In Transit to Program

In Flight

Day 2: Arrive Madrid

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Meliá Galgos

Activity note: Check-in available from 2:00 PM

Afternoon: Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and get your room assignment. The Group Leader will be on hand to provide assistance as needed. Then take some time to freshen up and relax before Orientation. We will gather at 6:00 PM in the hotel lobby and proceed to our meeting room. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. We have set aside free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please be aware that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, enjoy a 3-course meal including wine, coffee, tea, water.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 3: Madrid, Spain

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Meliá Galgos

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.

Morning: In the company of a local expert, enjoy a morning panoramic motorcoach overview of Madrid including Paseo de la Castellana, Madrid's chic modern district, the Paseo del Prado, also known as the Triangle of Art, the Plaza de Cibeles and Town Hall, La Gran Vía, Madrid's theatre district, and Almudena Cathedral. Visit the Prado Museum which holds one of the world's finest collections of European art. The magnificent building, conceived and designed in 1785, first housed the collection of the Spanish crown. It opened to the public as Spain’s national art museum in 1819. With thousands upon thousands of paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings, other works and historic documents, only a small portion of these vast collections are on display at any given time. Highlights include masterpieces of the French, German, and Italian schools, early Flemish works, and the finest collection of works by Spanish grand masters such as El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, and many more. One of the most famous paintings in the museum is “Las Meninas” -- the family of King Felipe IV -- by Velázquez.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: You are welcome to join the Group Leader on an informal excursion to the Plaza Mayor, explore on your own, or return to the hotel and relax. This genesis of this most distinguished public space in Madrid dates back to the 1560s, when the king instructed his chief architect to turn the existing marketplace into a regal square. It was not completed until 1617 and then all the buildings surrounding it burned down on three separate occasions before the stately design we see today was implemented. The Plaza Mayor has been the site of royal coronations, great celebrations, and mass events such as the infamous autos-da-fé of the Inquisition. At its center is a bronze statue of King Philips III, cast in 1616. Moving on, we reach Puerta del Sol, one of the most well known local landmarks. Originally named for the gate in the city wall that surrounded Madrid in the 15th century, now the city's busiest plaza and the center of the Spanish road system, from which all distances are measured.

Dinner: Our dinner this evening is preceded by an introduction to Flamenco with a presentation and a demonstration followed by a simple tapas dinner with wine and a Flamenco performance.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4: Train to Seville, Spain

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Meliá Sevilla

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: This morning we transfer by coach to Madrid's Atocha station and board a high-speed train to Seville. This is one of the most picturesque high-speed routes in Europe. The roughly 300 mile journey takes approximately 2 1/2 hours with the AVE traveling at speeds of up to 193 miles per hour.

Lunch: On your own, likely on the train or at the station.

Afternoon: Check-in to hotel and enjoy some time for relaxing before our next field trip. With your Group Leader walk to nearby Maria Luisa Park and the impressive Plaza de España, built for the World Expo in 1929, and a fine example of typical Sevillan architecture and incorporating traditional Andalucían ceramic tile.

Dinner: Enjoy a 3-course plated dinner with water and a glass of wine.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5: Seville, Spain / Córdoba

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Meliá Sevilla

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Enjoy the rolling plains of the Andalucían countryside during this morning's transfer to Córdoba where you will be greeted by a local expert for a walking excursion of the old city. Begin at the Mezquita, a medieval Islamic mosque that was converted into a Catholic cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is most notable for its arcaded hypostyle hall, with 856 columns of jasper, onyx, marble and granite. Next, explore Córdoba's Jewish quarter where this population flourished between from the 10th century until their expulsion from Spain in 1492. Its historic synagogue built in Mudéjar style is a memorial to the nearly 500 years of peaceful coexistence of Christians, Jews and Muslims in this city. There will also be time to visit the Alcázar, formerly a Visigoth fortress before falling to Umayyads conquerors and much later – after its expansion – it served as one of the primary residences of Isabel I and Ferdinand II.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Following lunch, the coach departs Córdoba by about 4 PM for the return trip back to Seville.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own upon return to Sevilla.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6: Seville, Spain; embark the Aegean Odyssey

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Explore Seville's oldest neighborhood, the Barrio Santa Cruz during this morning's walking excursion. We will meander its labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys that open onto beautiful plazas. During medieval times, this neighborhood was the Jewish quarter and it is home to many of Seville's oldest churches. We will visit its cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral – and the third largest church – in the world. In 1898 it became the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Next, we will explore the extraordinary Alcázar Royal Palace and gardens. This UNESCO listed World Heritage Site incorporates architectural and artistic influences from its beginnings as a Moorish fort into the Middle Ages and on through the Renaissance and Baroque eras to the 19th century. Still used by the royal family, it is the oldest royal palace in Europe and one of the most beautiful with its striking Mudéjar (Moorish influenced) design and ornamentation.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own. Or, if you prefer, the ship offers a welcome lunch buffet following embarkation.

Afternoon: After lunch, transfer to the port to embark the Aegean Odyssey. Take some time to settle in to your cabin, freshen up, and relax. Following embarkation there will be a safety briefing provided by the ship’s staff followed by a brief orientation to the ship by your Road Scholar Group Leader. This is preliminarily scheduled for 5:00 PM, but your Group Leader will confirm timings once on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard the ship, you may choose from either the Marco Polo Restaurant or the Terrace Café on board. The former serves a variety of á là carte items while the café is buffet-style. Menus are inspired by fresh local ingredients. Wine is complimentary with dinner in both dining areas.

Evening: At leisure. Most evenings aboard ship are free to enjoy as you like whether it’s attending a shipboard guest lecture or listening to live music in the Charleston Lounge.

Day 7: Seville, Spain; cruise the Guadalquivir River, Aegean Odyssey

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Activity note: Departure time is tentatively scheduled for the late evening; however final sailing time will depend on tides.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities provided in your first Information Packet. Alternatively, the ship’s shore excursion desk as well as your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: At sea. Take advantage of the ship's well stocked library that has a wide selection of volumes covering classical history, literature, art, architecture, and philosophy as well as modern and classic novels. The ship arrives in Cádiz around dinnertime.

Dinner: Aboard the ship or explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure. Aegean Odyssey will overnight in Cádiz.

Day 8: Cádiz, Spain

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: The ship sails in the morning, cruising the Guadalquivir River, the second longest river with its entire length in Spain.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: Visit Cádiz, Europe’s oldest continually in habited settlement. For over 4,000 years, Cádiz has been a bridge between Europe and Africa and its influence has been felt far and wide. During a brief coach excursion through the old city, you’ll see its 18th-century Baroque cathedral and the Plaza España. Then on to Andalucía's 5th largest city: Jerez de la Frontera, located about 1/2 hour from the port of Cádiz. Jerez is the world capital of sherry and the city where flamenco singing began. Enjoy a sherry tasting at a local bodega and learn about the manufacture of this celebrated fortified wine.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: Attend a shipboard guest lecture. Prepare bag for an overnight stay tomorrow evening in Marrakesh.

Day 9: Casablanca, Morocco; Marrakesh, Morocco

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Atlas Medina & Spa

Activity note: The journey to Marrakesh is approx. 3 hours long.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: The ship arrives in Casablanca in early morning and will transfer guests to Marrakesh for an overnight stay.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Explore Marrakesh, Morocco’s 4th largest city. Located at the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, the historic wealth of the city is manifested in its mansions and palaces. Its medina, the old fortified city whose fortifications – 12 miles of orange-red walls – give the city its nickname “Red City.” Marrakesh is home to Morocco’s largest Berber market, or souk, and the vendors and craft people employed by these traditional open-air markets, of which there are 18 throughout the city, represent a huge portion of the city’s tourism-fueled economy. Enjoy a walking excursion of the city which will include the 14th-century Ben Youssef Medrassa, once the largest koranic school in Morocco now a historical site. From here, walk the kasbah (fortress) and Bahia Palace with its Moorish garden, finishing the walk in the famous Djemma el Fna Square.

Dinner: Buffet dinner featuring Moroccan and international cuisine at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10: Marrakesh and El Jadida, Morocco

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Upon check-out, coach to El Jadida, formerly known as Magazan, or Margazão by the Portuguese occupiers who controlled this territory from 1502 until 1769. Its architecture is unique in its synthesizing of European and Moroccan influences, for which it has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2004.

Lunch: At a local hotel.

Afternoon: Following the day's excursion, rejoin the ship in Casablanca for two overnights.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: At sea. The ship overnights onboard in Casablanca.

Day 11: Casablanca, Morocco

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Activity note: The drive from Casablanca to Rabat is approx. 2 hours long. Women must cover their heads to enter the mosque.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Begin the day with an hour's drive along the Atlantic Coast to Rabat, situated at the mouth of Bou Regreg River. From the Kasbah of the Udayas, built during the reign of the Almohads, and now a residential district, to its abandoned Hassan Tower, Rabat is a rich cultural and historical center.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch, return to Casablanca via coach to enjoy a panoramic excursion of Morocco's largest city before reembarking the ship. See the impressive Hassan II Mosque, built partially on land and partially over the Atlantic Ocean.

Dinner: Aboard the ship or explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure. Refresh overnight bag for tomorrow evening's stay in Fez.

Day 12: Fez, Morocco

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Les Mérinides Hotel

Activity note: The journey to Fez is approx. 5 hours long and will include comfort stops.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Coach transfer to Fez for an overnight stay.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: With is UNESCO-listed souks and 14th-century religious schools, Fez is a medieval marvel. Stroll through Bab bou Jeoud, "the Blue Gate," one of the main gates to Fes el Bali, home to the world's oldest university, and believed to be the largest car-free urban area in the world. This afternoon's field trip will include a visit to the 9th-century Karaouyine mosque and the 14th-century Bounania Madrasa during which you'll learn about the exchange of religious ideas between Spain and Morocco. See the tanneries and silk-dying markets to learn about local craft and industry.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 13: Fez; Coach to Tangier to reembark Aegean Odyssey

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Founded in the 5th century BC, Tangier has been part of all major empires in the region throughout history. During this morning's field trip, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Volubilis, a partly excavated Roman city located between Rabat and Fes which flourished in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD before falling to local tribesmen around 185.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch coach to Tangier to reembark the ship.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. The ship sails in the evening for Málaga.

Day 14: Málaga, Spain

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Aegean Odyssey

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Enjoy a coach ride through the Andalucían countryside from the port of Málaga to Granada. Here you will experience the majesty of the Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace. It is the most renowned building of the Andalucían Islamic historical legacy. Together with the adjoining gardens and orchards of El Generalife, this remarkable site is considered an architectural culmination of Nasrid art undertaken in the 13th and 14th centuries and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1984.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continuation of the full-day excursion to Granada.

Dinner: Aboard the ship or explore local fare on your own.

Evening: The ship will overnight in Málaga. Free evening to prepare belongings for disembarkation.

Day 15: Disembark in Málaga, Spain

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Molina Lario

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Following disembarkation, explore Málaga, a city whose history, spanning some 2,800 years, is one of the oldest in the world. Rich in archeological remains and monuments from its Phoenician, Roman, Arabic, and Christian eras, they city itself seems a museum. Visit the Alcazaba Fortress, a palatial citadel overlooking the port built in the early 11th century by the Hammudid dynasty. Explore Gibralfero Castle constructed by Yusuf I at the beginning of the 14th century.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Free time for independent exploration perhaps to visit the Picasso Museum home to over 200 works by the artist born in this city.

Dinner: Enjoy a three-course farewell dinner featuring local cuisine at a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Free evening to prepare belongings for tomorrow's departure.

Day 16: Program Concludes

Meals: Breakfast

In Flight

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Transfer to the Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) for departures. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future.

Day 1: Welcome to Madrid

Your transfer will depart Madrid airport at 09:00, 11:30, 13:30 or 16:00.Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers over an evening of delicious food and wine.

Day 2: Prado Museum and on to Golden Salamanca

With your Local Expert, travel along the main historical areas of the capital of Spain, known as Madrid of the Bourbons. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter, to discover the origins of the city. A sure highlight is when you join an art historian to explore the Prado Museum, a magnificent palace housing works by Velazquez, Goya, Rubens and other masters. Journey past the walls of Ávila en route to Salamanca, with its honey-coloured cathedral and 16th century university buildings.

Day 3: Holy Fátima and Lisbon Relaxed Start

Cross the Portuguese frontier and skirt the Estrela Mountains en route to Fátima, Portugal’s most renowned religious site.Join the pilgrims flocking into the great basilica, commemorating the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. In the heart of the Shrine of Fatima is The Chapel of Apparitions, marking the exact location of her first appearance. Other sacred sites include the Museu de Arte Sacra e Etnologia, exhibiting religious artifacts and the modern church of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity. Your travels continue to Lisbon.

Day 4: Lisbon and the Age of the Great Discoveries Relaxed Start

Your guided sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paço, the finest square in the city, named after the palace that was destroyed in the terrible earthquake of 1755, along with much of the rest of the city. Visit the Belém Quarter from where sailing ships once set forth to discover unknown lands. Enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years. See the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the more ancient Belém Tower, erected to protect Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which you visit. This afternoon is free to explore further as you wish or perhaps decide to visit the Portuguese Riviera?

Day 5: To Seville, the City of Carmen

Visit Seville's Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Colombus.Explore Seville with Insight Choice. Choose to walk through the old Jewish quarter and see La Giralda, the former minaret of the Great Mosque, which is now the bell tower of the cathedral. Alternatively, join a scenic drive around the city and enjoy panoramic views.

Day 6: Free Time and Flamenco in Seville Relaxed Start

This morning is yours to completely relax or continue exploring this fascinating city. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Córdoba and visit the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it? Later this afternoon, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a flamenco dance school and beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Their mission is to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson before witnessing emotions come to life in a flamenco performance. With some free time for dinner, wander the restaurants in Triana or try the local night market Lonja Del Barranco, selling tapas made from fresh, local produce. Why not grab yourself a refreshing sangria for a cheers to your new found dancing feet?

Day 7: The Straits of Gibraltar to Tangier Relaxed Start

Continue on to Gibraltar, an overseas territory under British control since 1704.Meet your Local Expert for a guided tour of the Rock of Gibraltar, St. Michael’s Cave and see the Barbary Apes, legendary guardians of the colony. Set sail across the Straits of Gibraltar to reach Morocco — a land of musky spices and colourful souks. Your travels continue to Tangier.

Day 8: Rabat and Casablanca Relaxed Start

Your Local Expert will show you the sights of Tangier, Morocco's great port. See the Sultan's Palace and visit the Casbah.Journey to Rabat and see the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower with your Local Expert.Continue to the west coast of Africa to reach Casablanca.Discover if Humphrey Bogart really did say 'Play it again Sam' during sightseeing with your Local Expert. You will also see the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in the country.  During your free time this evening, perhaps head to the Corniche, Casablanca's chic seaside strip, for your choice of trendy restaurants and cafés?

Day 9: Marrakesh, Pearl of the South Relaxed Start

Journey to Marrakesh, the city of dancers, storytellers and acrobats. In the evening, perhaps dine at a vibrant restaurant to enjoy classic Moroccan dishes and a belly dancing performance?

Day 10: Explore Marrakesh

Join a Local Expert to explore the Medina and see the Koutoubia Mosque, with its minaret dominating the Marrakesh skyline. Visit the intricately decorated Palais Bahia, intended to be the greatest palace of its time, when it was built in the late 19th century. With time at leisure, you are free to continue exploring, try your hand at haggling in the souks on Jemaa-el-Fnaa Square or maybe visit a museum?

Day 11: The Ancient Imperial City of Fes

Journey to the vibrant city of Fes. Upon arrival, relax in your hotel and enjoy spectacular views from your room.

Day 12: Explore Fes Relaxed Start

Your Local Expert will guide you through the ancient Medina. Explore this walled city of hidden courtyards, mosques and workshops. Walk through the souks and pass one of the world’s oldest universities. Learn about the ancient craft of carpet making and gain an insight into the motifs and colours used in the designs.

Day 13: On to the Costa del Sol

Leave Morocco and cross back over to Spain. Your travels continue through Andalucia and on to the Costa del Sol, famous for its beaches.

Day 14: At Leisure on the Costa del Sol Relaxed Start

Enjoy the day at leisure on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol. Relax by the blue Mediterranean waters, stroll along the promenade, savour the specialities in the local restaurants, or consider exploring Malaga, the birth city of Picasso.

Day 15: Dining with Locals and the Alhambra Palace

Continue to Alfarnatejo, a quiet white washed village with a population of just 500 people, surrounded by stunning mountainous landscape.Walk the town centre to see the 18th century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla.Travel to the oldest olive grove in the region and stop at the rural mill-factory of Alfarnatejo to taste a selection of different oils with locally made farmer bread.In small groups, you are invited into the home of a local family to join them for a delicious Highlight Lunch made with fresh, local produce that showcases the flavours typical of the region.Continue to Granada, where overlooking the town stands one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built, the Alhambra. Led by your Local Expert, explore this exquisite palace built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century - a fantasy of arabesque gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace. Stroll through the elegant, exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the summer residence of the Spanish royals.

Day 16: To Madrid in search of Don Quixote

Your journey continues to the north, through countryside immortalised by Cervantes fictional hero, Don Quixote.On return to Madrid, toast your travels with your newfound friends during a lively Celebration Dinner of delicious food and wine at a local restaurant.

Day 17: Farewell Madrid

After breakfast, transfers arrive at Madrid airport at 07:00, 09:00 and 11:00.