Spain, Portugal & Morocco Highlights - 24 Days

Welcome to our adventure through Spain, Portugal, and Morocco! We begin in Madrid, where you'll meet your tour leader before we set off for our first destination—Toledo. On arrival, we enjoy an orientation tour of this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage city, known for its rich tapestry of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences.

We then travel to Granada. Immerse yourself in the city's history with another orientation tour, exploring the intriguing layers of its past. Don't miss the chance to enhance your evening in Granada by booking the Local Food & Wine Pairing excursion in advance.

Today, you have the option to visit the stunning Alhambra. This iconic site requires advance booking—please contact us to arrange this. Afterwards, we travel to the Costa del Sol.

En route, admire the impressive Aqueduct Eagle and later explore the delightful seaside town of Nerja. Our journey then takes us to the enchanting city of Malaga, where we enjoy an orientation tour followed by some free time to explore. This evening, we gather for dinner.

Begin your day with breakfast before we set off for Ronda, a stunning mounaintop city renowned for the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge. Afterwards, we travel to Seville, often referred to as the "Pearl of Andalusia".

Here, a local guide will introduce us to its enchanting attractions, including the Torre del Oro, the innovative Metropol Parasol, and the remarkable Plaza de España. In the evening, savour an authentic local dinner.

Today, you have the freedom to explore Seville at your own pace. For a deeper cultural experience, we recommend an optional excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Alcázar and Seville Cathedral.

This evening, you might choose to attend an optional Flamenco dinner show, offering a vibrant display of music and dance that captures the essence of Andalusian culture.

Say goodbye to Spain as we cross into Portugal, venturing through the scenic Algarve region. In Tavira, we'll embark on an orientation tour to explore its charming highlights, including the historic Old Bridge and Tavira Castle. Our journey continues with a visit to a cork factory, where we'll learn about the cork industry and enjoy a tasting of traditional liqueurs.

Our final stop is Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Here, we'll take an orientation tour of its historic centre, featuring architectural gems like the Faro Cathedral.

Depart from the Algarve and head to Lisbon, Portugal's lively capital. We will embark on a scenic drive through the city, showcasing its colourful architecture and cultural highlights.

As we follow the Tagus River, we will see iconic sites including the Monument to the Discoveries, Jeronimos Monastery, and Belem Tower—each a testament to Portugal's Age of Exploration.

Enjoy some leisure time in the afternoon to explore the city further. In the evening, savour a three-course dinner featuring delicious local cuisine.

Today, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Lisbon. Alternatively, you can join our excursion to Fátima, a famous pilgrimage site. Here, we'll admire the impressive limestone Coin Caves and visit the Sanctuary of Fátima.

In the afternoon, we highly recommend an optional half-day trip to Sintra, known as Portugal's Romantic capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, you can explore the vibrant Pena Palace at your leisure.

As we travel to Porto, we'll start our journey with a visit to the medieval town of Óbidos, famed for its well-preserved fortifications and charming streets. Our next stop is the coastal town of Nazaré, known for its stunning waves, some of the largest in the world.

Upon arrival in Porto, we'll join a local guide for a combined driving and walking tour of this historic city, highlighting its rich cultural heritage. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a tasting of Port wine, Portugal's signature drink, with a toast of "saúde." Our day concludes with a group dinner before we check into our hotel.

Spend today discovering Porto at your leisure, delving into its rich history and lively local culture. If you prefer a different experience, join us for an interactive workshop where you'll master the art of making pastel de nata, Portugal's famous custard tart, and savour it with a glass of Port wine.

This evening, you might choose to attend an optional event: a live Fado performance accompanied by a three-course meal of local specialities, all with stunning views over the Douro River.

This morning, we depart Portugal and re-enter Spain, making a stop at the historic town of Ciudad Rodrigo, renowned for its 12th-century fortifications. We then proceed to Salamanca, a city recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Here, a guided tour will reveal the city's renowned golden architecture and captivating history. This evening, savour a three-course dinner showcasing regional specialities.

Before heading back to Madrid, we'll explore Avila, renowned for its stunning Romanesque architecture. Here, you can take in the breathtaking countryside views and admire the impressive medieval city walls and a blend of Romanesque and Gothic churches.

Upon returning to the lively capital, Madrid, we will meet a local guide to explore its highlights, including the bustling Plaza Mayor, the vibrant Mercado de San Miguel, and the majestic Royal Palace.

This evening, join us for a final group dinner to savour the flavours of Spain.

This morning marks the conclusion of our Spain & Portugal adventure. It's time to say goodbye to your tour leader as a new one will accompany us in Morocco. We will fly from Madrid to Casablanca, arriving in the afternoon, where we will transfer to our hotel. The evening is yours to either relax or explore the vibrant city at your leisure.

After breakfast, meet the new travellers joining our tour. We will embark on an orientation tour to explore the highlights of Casablanca. Capture memorable photos at the iconic Rick's Café and the majestic Hassan II Mosque.

Next, we'll travel to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a guided city tour. This evening, relish a Moroccan feast at a local restaurant, sampling delicious traditional cuisine.

Travel to Chefchaouen, Morocco’s renowned Blue City, with a visit to the charming town of Asilah along the way. In Asilah, we will explore the Medina, where travellers can appreciate vibrant murals and striking ocean vistas, providing a perfect balance of culture and coastal scenery.

Upon arrival in Chefchaouen, enjoy a guided tour of the "Blue Pearl." Here, you'll discover the distinctive blue-tinted homes that contribute to the city's unique allure.

Travel to the 13th-century city of Fes, famously known as the "Yellow City". With more than 9,000 streets, it is one of the world's oldest and largest pedestrian cities. We'll start our visit with a guided tour of Seffarine Square and the intricately tiled Nejjarine Fountain from the 18th century. Afterwards, explore a local tannery to learn about the traditional leather-making process. The day concludes with a buffet dinner at your hotel.

Today offers a wealth of possibilities. You might choose to explore the Fes Medina, delve into its vibrant souks for souvenir shopping, or savour some delectable Moroccan cuisine.

If you're interested in history, consider our optional excursion to Volubilis. Here, a local guide will lead us through the fascinating ruins of this ancient Roman city. Afterwards, we visit a regional winery for a leisurely lunch paired with local wines.

Begin your journey into the desert today. We'll first visit Ifrane, often referred to as "Little Switzerland" for its alpine-style architecture and tidy streets. Continuing, we will pause for a photo opportunity in the sprawling Atlas Mountains as we drive through the Ziz Valley towards Erfoud. Our route takes us across the rugged landscapes to Merzouga.

Upon arrival, you'll have the chance to partake in a lively, traditional bonfire before retiring to your comfortable tent in an idyllic desert camp, perfect for stargazing under the vast desert sky.

Start your day with a stunning sunrise over the expansive desert landscapes. En route to Ouarzazate, we'll pause to admire the breathtaking Todra Gorge, renowned for its impressive limestone canyons and towering cliffs.

Afterwards, we proceed to our hotel for the evening. This evening, we will have dinner together at the hotel, providing an opportunity to unwind and discuss the day's highlights.

Discover Ouarzazate on a guided walking tour, where we'll visit the stunning Taourirt Kasbah. Next, we'll explore the captivating, fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, renowned for its earthen clay architecture and historical significance as a former caravan route.

We'll then traverse the winding Tizi n' Tichka mountain pass, famed for its breathtaking vistas at every turn. Upon reaching Marrakesh, enjoy a traditional dinner featuring tangia, a slow-cooked regional meat stew.

Marrakesh, recognised as one of Morocco's most renowned Imperial cities, is yours to explore over the next two days. We begin with a guided city tour to visit key attractions, including the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the bustling Jemaa el Fna Square, and the vibrant souks.

Afterwards, you have the freedom to discover this captivating city on your own. We highly recommend today's optional culinary excursion, where you can delve into the rich flavours of Moroccan cuisine.

Maximise your free time in Marrakesh with our optional Marrakesh+ excursion. We'll visit the splendid Jardin Majorelle gardens and explore the Musée Berbère. In the Medina, you can tour the impressive Medersa Ben Youssef, a historic Islamic college renowned for its stunning architecture.

In the evening, immerse yourself in Moroccan culture by enjoying an array of traditional dishes while experiencing a Fantasia and folklore show—a vibrant display of local performance arts.

We depart Marrakesh and head towards Essaouira, a vibrant port city where Jimi Hendrix once stayed before his iconic Woodstock performance. En route, we will visit an Argan Oil cooperative to learn about the production of this renowned oil.

Upon arrival in Essaouira, we'll embark on a guided tour of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the enchanting Old Medina and soak in its rich history and culture.

In the evening, you might choose to enjoy fresh seafood paired with stunning seaside views at your leisure.

Return to Casablanca for the final night of our tour. This afternoon, we visit some of Casablanca's essential sites, such as the bustling Central Market. This evening, you have the option to join a farewell dinner, where you can savour traditional dishes and reminisce about the memories created over the past 23 days.

After 24 unforgettable days filled with adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, our tour concludes after breakfast today. We trust you've made lasting memories and perhaps even lifelong friends along the way. From all of us at Expat Explore, we wish you continued incredible journeys and more memorable experiences in the future!