21 Day Spain, Portugal & Morocco (2019)

Today begins the adventure of a lifetime as you depart for Spain, Portugal and Morocco!

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in enjoy some free time to relax and meet your fellow travellers.

This impressive city is ours to explore today! Barcelona is a stunning metropolis right on the Mediterranean Sea. This morning we will begin an informative walking tour with a local expert. We’ll visit the city’s historic central area with its Gothic neighbourhood dating back to the Middle Ages as well as the area where the Olympic Games took place.

You’ll have the opportunity to see and photograph the unforgettable Sagrada Familia Basilica; the masterpiece designed by the architect Gaudí. Following this we’ll tour the “Poble Espanyol” (meaning “Spanish Village”). This open air architectural museum is situated in one of the most emblematic areas of Barcelona. Be delighted by the best Spanish craftsmanship and discover the architectural styles, traditions and folklore of the different communities in Spain. After our guided tour, enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own. In the evening we’ll provide transfer to Las Ramblas and Plaza Catalunya area, where you can select from a great variety of restaurants (including Indian, Chinese, Halal, International and regional Spanish cuisine). Enjoy a magnificent dinner of your choosing and take the opportunity to bond with new friends. Following dinner we will return to hotel.

Today we say farewell to Barcelona as we travel south along the spectacular Mediterranean coast. This drive would not be the same without a special stop at Peñiscola, a beautiful walled town situated on the shores of the sparkling sea. After a short introduction given by our guide, make your own way through the town, discovering the fishing port, the seaside castle and the lovely beach. After enjoying your stroll, savour some lunch at one of the local restaurants. Following this we will continue our drive towards Valencia, the third largest Spanish city. Here we will visit the City of Arts and Sciences, the most important modern tourist site in the city of Valencia. Next we’ll take a walk through the historic centre of the city where our guide will accompany us to the Cathedral, consecrated in 1238 by the first bishop of Valencia. This evening we’ll transfer to the Plaza de Toros, a bullring built in the 1850’s inspired by the Roman Colosseum architecture. Here you’ll have the opportunity to dine in line with your preferences (Spanish, Indian, international, etc.). After dinner we will return to our hotel.

After breakfast we leave the city of Valencia and continue south down the Mediterranean coast. We will be stopping for a tour in the active port city of Alicante, whose history goes back over 7000 years. Here we enjoy a panoramic tour of Alicante during which you will see the Central Market, the bull ring, Luceros square and the area of the port, followed by a guided walking tour in the old town to see the Cathedral, Town Hall, Carbonell building and Spain esplanade. We will continue on our way to the coastal Murcia Region in southeastern Spain. Here we will visit Caravaca de la Cruz, a major pilgrimage site and considered by the Catholic Church to be one of the 5 holy cities. Its castle and basilica, located at the top of the old town, holds a relic of Christ’s Cross. After an enlightening visit here we carry on along an attractive scenic road to the region of Andalusia where we will end our journey at the city of Granada.

Today we enjoy a full day in Granada, a gorgeous city at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains known for its grand examples of medieval architecture. The highlight for today will be a guided tour of the immense Alhambra Palace and its beautiful Generalife Gardens built in Arab times. Alhambra is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and the inspiration for many songs and stories. The colour of its buildings set against the surrounding woods has been described by poets as “a pearl set in emeralds”. Enjoy a local lunch before taking off on your own to explore the magnificent Granada Cathedral and its Royal Chapel containing the sepulchre of the Catholic Kings. Later this evening we will transfer to the Albaicín of Granada, another World Heritage site where you can enjoy dinner along the narrow winding streets of this captivating Medieval Moorish quarter. Following dinner you will have the option to attend a flamenco dance show in the traditional neighborhood of Sacramonte. The beautiful vocals, impressive guitar playing and passionate dancing makes this a truly remarkable and memorable experience.

Note: in the Alhambra complex, the Nazari palaces allow a limited number of people in at a time. Sometimes your visit may be in the afternoon, depending on the timetables in which we are allowed in. In the highly improbable case of not being able to visit this area of the Alhambra, a visit to the Alcázares will be included in Seville (which have similar architecture and features).

Today we depart Granada and cross the delightful Costa del Sol region, literally “Coast of the Sun”. Upon arrival in either port city of Algeciras or Tarifa we board a modern ferry to cross the Straits of Gibraltar. Enjoy a pleasurable journey sailing towards Africa as Spain disappears upon the horizon. Witness breathtaking landscapes as we approach Morocco and it’s dazzling coastline. We begin our tour of this incredible North African country in Asilah, a small picturesque walled city on the shores of the Atlantic. This ancient port was once a known base for pirates. Today the settlement is full of life. Enjoy a delicious local lunch here before we continue on to the capital of Morocco, Rabat. Upon arrival in Rabat we will be welcomed with a dinner buffet after checking in to our hotel.

Note: Depending on the number of passengers in Morocco, this tour may be conducted in bilingual (Spanish/English) groups.

This morning we will embark on a scenic tour of Rabat. Resting along the shores of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean, this phenomenal city is known for beautiful landmarks speaking to its Islamic and French-colonial heritage. Our guided tour will bring us to the immense Royal Palace, the official residence of the king of Morocco. From here we will visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum, considered a masterpiece of modern Alaouite dynasty architecture. We end our tour at the mighty Kasbah of the Udayas, built in the 12th century. At midday, we depart for the romantic coastal city of Casablanca where we’ll enjoy another brief guided tour including the great Hassan II Mosque, considered one of the most important mosques in the Arab world. We then continue from here towards Marrakech, a major economic centre and home to a stunning array of mosques, palaces and gardens. After checking in to the hotel, you will be able to experience a traditional Kalesa ride (via horse or donkey carriage) up to the famous Jemaa el Fna square, the main square and marketplace of Marrakech. A scrumptious dinner buffet will ensue.

Our day will begin with an informative guided tour of the city responsible for giving the country its name. Located to the north of the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and founded in 1062, Marrakech has become one of the busiest cities in Africa and has grown dramatically in the 21st century. The red walls surrounding the city, built in 1122-1123 and the red sandstone used in the construction of the city’s various buildings have given the city the nickname “Red City”. After our guided tour you will have some free time to relax at the pool or to discover one of the famous Marrakech Souks (local markets). In the evening, you’ll have the option to experience an authentic Fantasia dinner and cultural show illustrating traditional Moroccan folklore.

Today we journey across the frequently snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, which separate the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline from the Sahara Desert. Along the way we will pass small Berber villages artfully perched on the side of chasms. We pause at the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, a place where several well-known movies have been filmed. Ait Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its remarkable mud-brick architecture makes it look like its been magically raised from the ground itself. After our visit here we continue along our route, passing through striking so-called biblical landscapes. We pause again in the city of Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the Sahara desert and home to the Taourirt Kasbah, considered one of the country’s most impressive monuments. With over 300 rooms and a maze of passageways, steps and key-lock doors, this Kasbah is a true historical legacy of wealth and power. Following this we continue on toward the Valley of Roses, one of the most fertile locations in the Moroccan south and the biggest producer of rose oil and rose water in Morocco. Our journey today comes to an end at Boumalne Dades, a town located at the edge of the desert plateau. Here we will enjoy a delicious dinner buffet before retiring for the evening.

Note: On very rare occasions (during winter), the roads may be closed due to snowdrifts. If necessary, days 5 to 7 will be rescheduled according to our alternative itinerary. (Whether we can visit the Sahara or not will depend on road access).

Prepare for a day full of excitement in the Sahara Desert and the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, the ancient caravan route used by sultans and traders. We’ll pass through river valleys containing thousands of palm trees and stoney plains dotted with oases and adobe villages. We’ll witness powerful fortresses defending the thoroughfares and the bewitching landscape around them. A natural highlight of today’s adventure will be a visit to the stunningly magnificent Todgha Gorge. Here we will explore the series of steep limestone canyons carved out by the Todgha and Dades Rivers. Along our way we will also stop for a brief tour at a small town built from adobe next to Khorbat, where visitors will be able to learn about this desert community, which is supported by the Europamundo Foundation. (Note: Sometimes access is not possible due to weather conditions, which may involve flooding of the river). We continue from here toward the oasis town of Erfoud. Anyone who wishes can go on an adrenaline-boosting excursion through the Sahara Desert and experience dusk among the otherworldly sand dunes.

Early morning, we say farewell to the Sahara and travel through the mountains, crossing breathtaking nomadic areas situated in high, chilly landscapes. In the afternoon, the medieval city of Fes awaits us, often referred to as the country’s cultural capital and the second largest city in Morocco. Upon arrival in Fes spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure before enjoying dinner with the rest of the group.

This morning we will discover the highlights of Fes during an informative scenic tour. Fes was founded during the 8th-9th century and offers an enchanting array of historical and cultural spectacles. Fes is also home to the world’s largest car-free urban area, where mules, donkeys and pedestrians flow through the well-preserved medieval labyrinth. We conclude our visit in Fes with a lovely lunch within an ancient palace in the Medina district. Following lunch in the early afternoon we depart towards the north of Morocco. Upon arrival at the port city of Tangier, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure before appreciating your final dinner in Africa.

This morning enjoy free time in Tangier for some last minute shopping and exploring. Tangier sits on the Strait of Gibraltar and has functioned as the gateway between Africa and Europe since Phoenician times. We disembark here and sail towards Spain, making landfall in either port city of Algeciras or Tarifa, continuing via coach to Seville. Upon an early evening arrival in Seville, we will enjoy dinner before retiring for the night at our hotel.

After breakfast, a local expert will guide us on a scenic tour through the irresistible city of Seville. Seville is home to the country’s best Fiestas and the site of some well-known scenes in big films. Our guided tour will begin at the city’s colossal Gothic cathedral and its famous Giralda, or bell tower. The Seville Cathedral is the third largest church in the world as well as the largest Gothic church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also the final burial place of Christopher Columbus. We continue from here to the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Seville is the only river port in Spain and the Guadalquivir River has played a leading role in many of the city’s historic moments. Next we’ll tour the popular neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana and the beautiful Plaza de España. Upon completion of our guided tour, enjoy some leisure time to relax or continue exploring. This evening we will head to the historic city centre area (Calle Alfonso XII) where a variety of restaurants can be found. Here you may choose your favorite cuisine: Indian, Halal, Chinese, Spanish, International, and so on.

We leave Seville this morning and head towards the province of Huelva. The first stop along our journey today is the small agricultural village of Palos de la Frontera, popular for its vast trade of local strawberries and raspberries. Here we will tour the famous Wharf of the Caravels Museum, the site at which Columbus set sail on 3 August 1492 for America. The most prominent exhibits here are the replicas of the ships used on the voyage. Next we will visit the Rabida Monastery, founded in 1261 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Franciscan monastery housed Christopher Columbus for two years leading up to his voyage departure. After our tour of Palos de la Frontera we travel across the border to Portugal. Shortly after entering Portugal we will stop in the ancient Muslim city of Mertola in time for lunch. After a quick meal here we continue through pleasant white villages on our way to Evora City, another World Heritage site. This museum city has roots that go back to Roman times. We’ll tour through its wide Renaissance streets and visit the cathedral and its captivating Chapel of Bones, built with 5000 skeletons. Our journey continues from here to Lisbon, Portugal's hilly, coastal capital city, where we’ll stay for the night.

This morning we will set out on a guided sightseeing tour of charismatic Lisbon. We’ll visit traditional neighborhoods and take in the Belem district, a relaxed area on the Tagus River known for its fresh seafood restaurants and colourful houses. We invite all our travellers to try a “Belem cake”, an exquisite local delicacy. This area is the birthplace of the great Portuguese navigators who sailed the oceans in the Fifteenth Century. Here we will also visit the Monument to the Discoveries, situated along the river where the ships departed to explore and trade, celebrating the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Along our tour we will see Belem Tower and the beautiful Jeronimos Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The afternoon following our guided tour is free for you to relax or explore this great city independently. This evening we will transfer to Restauradores Square, whose numerous bars and cafes create a lively atmosphere. We suggest you take the opportunity here to take the “Elevador da Gloria” to the Upper district and its fabulous viewpoint.

Say farewell to Lisbon today as we travel to the north of Portugal and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, now the fourth biggest Catholic pilgrimage site in the world. This shrine receives around five million visitors per year. After our visit here we will travel towards the border to Spain, passing through picturesque landscapes and magnificent greenlands. Once we arrive in Spain we will continue on to the north of the Extremadura region, a remote area of brilliant mountains, forests, lakes and reserves. At the end of the day we reach our final destination, Spain’s elegant central capital, Madrid.

This morning we’ll begin a comprehensive tour through the stimulating centre of Madrid. While adopting a multitude of modern infrastructure, Madrid has done a wonderful job preserving the look and feel of many of its historic neighbourhoods. Our guided tour will take us to Paseo del Prado, one of the main city boulevards and the oldest historical urban landmark in Madrid. We’ll visit the Plaza de Cibeles, the Fountain of Neptune and the Gate of Alcalá, regarded as the first post-Roman triumphal arch built in Europe. The Gate of Alcalá is older than the similar Arc de Triomphe in Paris and Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Next we’ll tour the Gran Via, the busiest and most popular street in Madrid before seeing the Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. Following this we will visit Retiro Park, an oasis in the city centre, where we will see the lake and the magnificent Glass Palace. The final stop on our guided tour is the monumental Las Ventas Bullring, one of (if not the) most famous bullrings in the world. Here we will learn about the age-old tradition of “corridas” in the Bullfighting Museum. After this you will have the rest of the afternoon to spend at your leisure. At sunset we’ll transfer to Plaza de Oriente, opposite the Royal Palace, an elegant and bustling area with many restaurants serving different exquisite cuisines. Enjoy a pleasant dinner here and enjoy your final evening in Spain before retiring to the hotel.

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.

Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!