Incredible Spain & Portugal & Morocco

Welcome to Spain! Meet in the lobby around 6:00pm for an informal meeting with your guide and other tour members. Afterwards, join us for an optional group dinner to get to know your new travel mates.

Discover the energy of Spain’s capital city. Embark on a guided morning walking tour showcasing the grand Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor and the bustling Puerta del Sol. Spend your afternoon wandering the world-class halls of the Prado Museum or relaxing beneath the green canopy of Retiro Park.

Leaving Madrid behind, we 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, we continue our journey 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.

We 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, we board our private coach for a short afternoon drive to Municipality of 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, passionate live Flamenco performance.

We 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.

Explore the historic maritime wonders of Lisbon. Visit the stunning Belém District to see the Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower, celebrating Portugal's Age of Discovery. Spend your afternoon at leisure exploring the historic Alfama neighborhood or taking an optional afternoon trip to the fairytale palaces of Sintra.

Travel north today toward Portugal's second city, Porto. Nestled along the banks of the Douro River, this historic city is famous for its soaring bridges and historic port wine cellars. Enjoy an afternoon orientation walk along the vibrant, colorful Ribeira waterfront district.

Discover the old-world charm of Porto. Our morning walking tour visits the beautiful São Bento Train Station, famous for its historic blue azulejo tiles, and the grand Clerigos Tower. In the afternoon, cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge for a wine tasting experience in Vila Nova de Gaia.

We wave goodbye to Portugal this morning and take a flight to Madrid. The afternoon is yours to explore the city on your own.

Bid farewell to mainland Europe today as we transfer you to the airport for your flight across the Mediterranean into Morocco. Upon arrival at the airport, enjoy a comfortable, coordinated transfer straight to your hotel. After settling into your rooms and shaking off any travel fatigue, gather in the hotel lounge for a relaxed, informal evening meeting to meet your tour leader, review the magical Moroccan routing ahead and connect with fellow travelers.

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.

Continue 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. Our journey now continues with Todra Gorges to witness the jaw-dropping gorges and limestone river canyons. Later we make our way to Dadès Valley. You can put on your hiking shoes and get set for an afternoon filled with adventure and trek through Dadès Valley.

Today we’ll depart for Ouarzazate. Known as the gateway to the desert, Ouarzazate has been made famous in modern-day for its spectacular ‘Ouallywood’ studios and landscapes which have provided a convincingly exotic backdrop for movies such as Gladiator, Lawrance of Arabia, Games of Thrones, and plenty more. Take it easy in the evening at the 4-star hotel accommodation, relaxing with your new travel mates.

Leave the film capital of Ouarzazate behind this morning and journey a short distance to the spectacular fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou. This breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site, made of traditional red clay bricks, is famously recognizable as the backdrop for iconic Hollywood epics. Join an expert local guide to climb up through the ancient, narrow streets within the kasbah walls, taking in the sweeping views over the desert valleys below.

After a relaxed lunch break nearby, board your private coach for a scenic overland drive twisting through the high Tizi n'Tichka pass of the dramatic Atlas Mountains. Arrive back in the vibrant, bustling "Red City" of Marrakech by late afternoon to check into your hotel for your final evening.

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!