Exotic Morocco & Spain & Portugal

Welcome to Morocco! Keep your eyes peeled at Morocco airport for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. Freshen up and meet in the lobby around 7:00pm for an informal meeting with your guide and other tour members. Afterwards you have free time to start exploring vibrant Marrakech or go out for an optional group dinner and mingle with fellow travellers.

After a delicious breakfast, start your discovery with the key sites of bustling Marrakech such as Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace & Dar Si Said Museum. Then hop on board for destination: Essaouira. But first, make a stop at Argan Women Cooperative to learn all about the making of Argan oil. A ‘magical’ product that’s native to Morocco, it is used in delicious meals and extensively in cosmetics. As you arrive Essaouira, you can go out to explore its charming Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Follow the ocean north to the largest city and commercial hub of Morocco, Casablanca. Start off with a guided tour of the gigantic Hassan II Mosque, the largest in all Africa. Continue to impressive highlights including the United Nations Square, Anfa Residential Quarter finished with a short visit to the medina. Before dinner, have a short photo stop by Rick’s Café from the classic Hollywood movie named after the town & watch the sunset by the ocean.

Today we travel along the charming coastline to Rabat. The beautiful capital of Morocco is set in a rich, amber-colored landscape, blending ancient history and modern Moroccan culture. The guided walking tour will unfold the beauty of the imperial town as you visit the Kasbah overlooking the Bouregreg River, the Royal Palace, Chellah Ruins, Mohammed V Mausoleum and Hassan II Tower. At the end of the extensive city tour, make your way to Chefchaouen, the Blue City. Prepare your cameras and wander the narrow streets of the breathtaking blue-washed mountain village. Overnight stay in Tetouan.

Today we will continue to explore the blue-city, Chefchaouen! Roam the magical streets of the medina, Outa el-Hammam Square, visit waterfall of Ras el-Maa and the Spanish Mosque presenting an astounding view of Chefchaouen. In the afternoon, drive on to the cultural heart of Morocco, Fes. The second largest city in the country is best known for its labyrinth of souks and leather tanneries – the smell will not be forgotten!

Wear your walking shoes and embark on a cultural journey through the imperial city of Fes. Get to discover all the highlights on an intensive tour with your local guide covering Bab Bouloud Gate (Royal Palace), Bou Inania Madrasa, Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, Quaraouiyine Mosque, Najjarine Square, Spices Market, Terina Madrasa, the surroundings of Karaouine Medina, Mellah (Jewish Quarter), Pottery, and of course the famous Tannery! Share your favourite sites with your mates over dinner and rest up, you’re heading inland tomorrow!

Hop on board early and drive through Efran City in High Atlas Mountains with stunning panaromic views and Midelt to reach the desert village of Merzouga. On the way, pass via Tazzarine, the last city to be found before the mighty dunes of the desert and arrive in Ziz Valley. As Ziz River feeds the charming oases in the region, we feed ourselves over a lunch-break. Arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon and soak in the majestic sand dunes. It is the perfect depiction of the famous Moroccan desert landscape and lifestyle. Our camel ride will start here to catch the sunset. Share your highlights of the trip with travel mates and enjoy the local cuisine under a starry sky. You’ll experience the authentic desert life in the Sahara and stay in sedentary tents tonight.

Wake up to the sunrise over the golden sand dunes and take a mental picture to last forever. Have a delicious local breakfast and hop on, you’re going on a 4×4 jeep safari. Enjoy the 4-hour adventure at the astounding desert atmosphere watching the magical landscapes, isolated Berber villages, oases, dunes and real nomads. In the afternoon you can relax by the pool, sand-board or climb high up the sand dunes.

Time to bid farewell to the Sahara desert. As you drive back to the modern Morocco, pass by Ourzazate movie studios & have a panoramic photo stop at the Tichka mountain pass in the High Atlas region. Late in the afternoon you will reach the fascinating city of Marrakech. It is where the Arab city culture meets the Berber culture of the desert and mountain villages. Here, the sub-Saharan traders would trade their wares with European merchants, who would then bring them to Europe. Wear your haggling hats as you discover Djemaa el-Fna Square and brace for the mayhem! Marking the entrance to the huge bazaar, the area is packed with story tellers, snake charmers, acrobats, musicians and folk dancers.

Spend your morning exploring Marrakech's historic core, including the Koutoubia Mosque and the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight across the Mediterranean to Madrid, Spain. Arrive in the Spanish capital, check into your premium hotel, and enjoy a relaxed evening walk.

Discover the royal energy of Spain’s capital city. Embark on a guided morning walking tour showcasing the grand Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor and the historic neighborhoods. Spend your afternoon at leisure wandering the world-class galleries of the Prado Museum or relaxing beneath the green canopy of Retiro Park.

Leaving Madrid behind, head south toward the dramatic hilltop city of Toledo. Take a guided walk through its labyrinth of medieval streets, reflecting a historic blend of Christian, Jewish and Muslim cultures. After lunch, continue south through the sweeping olive groves of Andalusia, arriving in breathtaking Granada by evening.

Today is dedicated to the crown jewel of Moorish Spain. Explore the breathtaking fortress and palace complex of the Alhambra and the serene, fountain-filled Generalife Gardens alongside an expert local guide. Spend your evening exploring the winding, whitewashed streets of the historic Albaicín quarter.

Travel northwest today into the heart of the old Caliphate, arriving in the historic riverfront city of Córdoba. Take a relaxing afternoon orientation walk through the charming Jewish Quarter, famous for its flower-filled patios and narrow, sun-dappled alleys.

Step inside the breathtaking Mezquita of Córdoba this morning, marveling at its iconic forest of red-and-white striped arches. Following the tour, board your private coach for a short afternoon drive to Seville, the passionate, sun-drenched capital of Andalusia.

Soak in the sights of spectacular Seville. Our guided morning route features the massive Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the beautiful Giralda tower, and the exquisite Alcázar Palace. In the evening, immerse yourself in the local culture with an optional live Flamenco performance.

Cross the international border today, departing Spain and journeying west into Portugal. Travel through the scenic landscapes of the Alentejo region before arriving in the coastal capital of Lisbon. Settle into your hotel and catch your first glimpse of the city's iconic yellow trams and rolling hills.

Have your final breakfast on us and start bidding farewells to your travel mates before checking out of the hotel (11:00). Time to start counting days for your next adventure with Travel Talk!