Ultimate 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.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight south to Morocco, arriving in the economic powerhouse and coastal metropolis of Casablanca. In the afternoon, meet in the lobby for an informal meeting, followed by an optional group dinner.

After breakfast, depart for a scenic northern drive along the coast, stopping first to see the royal landmarks of the imperial capital, Rabat. Continue north through the historic international port city of Tangier along the Strait of Gibraltar, before checking into your relaxing resort hotel base near Tetouan.

After breakfast, depart for a magical day trip into the rugged Rif Mountains to visit the world-famous "Blue Pearl" of Morocco, Chefchaouen. Spend hours wandering through dreamy, completely blue-washed alleyways, vibrant markets and picturesque hidden squares, before returning to your hotel near Tetouan for the evening.

After breakfast, travel south through history by visiting the beautifully preserved ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, famous for its grand archways and detailed floor mosaics. Stop to admire the monumental imperial gates of Meknes before concluding your journey in Fes, the cultural heart of Morocco.

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!

After breakfast, escape into the Middle Atlas region, climbing past peaceful alpine lakes like Dayet Aaoua and the unexpected Swiss-style chalet architecture of Ifrane. Drive through the high mountain plains of Timahdite and stop in the ancient cedar forests of Azrou to meet the wild, friendly Barbary macaque monkeys that live in the canopy.

After breakfast, descend from the mountains through the dramatic, palm-filled oases of the rugged Ziz Valley. Pass through the desert gateway town of Erfoud, famous for its ancient fossils and watch the landscape completely transform as you arrive at your desert base amidst the massive, golden dunes of Merzouga.

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.

After breakfast, travel west away from the desert dunes toward the towering limestone cliffs of the Todra Gorge. Take a spectacular walk along the canyon floor beneath sheer, massive rock walls rising over 300 meters high, before continuing along the winding roads into the striking landscape of the Dades Valley.

After breakfast, travel through the tranquil, green palm groves of Skoura, keeping an eye out for ancient, crumbling kasbahs along the roadside. Arrive in Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Morocco, and tour a local film studio to see real movie sets that have served as the backdrop for legendary films like Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven.

After breakfast, depart for Marrakesh and visit the spectacular fortified Berber village of Aït Ben Haddou. The site is well known for its stunning Kasbah used in many world-famous Hollywood films, a perfect example of traditional Moroccan clay architecture. After exploring the site, cross the high-altitude peaks of the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n'Tichka pass to arrive in vibrant Marrakesh.

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.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour in the medina. The afternoon is yours to explore the charming, breezy port city of Essaouira. Walk along the historic stone sea walls where old brass cannons look out over the ocean, wander through the calm, easily navigable, blue-and-white medina and relax at a seaside cafe watching local fishermen bring in the daily catch.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the coast and take a highly scenic return route toward Marrakesh. Pass through the tranquil, green landscapes of the Ouirgane Valley nestled in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, allowing for excellent photo stops and a peaceful afternoon break before arriving back in the heart of Marrakesh.

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!