Spain, Portugal & Morocco: North to South with Marrakech - 22 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include savouring Port wine in a traditional cellar, experiencing a Flamenco performance in Spain, navigating the labyrinthine medina of Fès with a local guide, camping under the stars in the desert, chasing the sunset across dunes in a 4x4, and immersing yourself in Marrakech's medina with a cooking class.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You will be staying in hotels (21 nights). In Spain and Portugal, accommodations are typically small, family-run hotels or pensions in central locations, which may not always have elevators or air-conditioning. In Morocco, you can expect local hotels or pensions, often in the 'ville nouvelle' for higher standards, but be prepared for quirky plumbing and potentially cold showers as infrastructure can be less reliable.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The tour includes 20 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners. Generally, meals are not included when there is a wide choice of eating options, providing maximum flexibility. However, your CEO can suggest local dining options.

• What transportation will we use during the tour?

  Intercity transport in Spain and Portugal will be by local bus and train. In Morocco, you will travel using a private, air-conditioned van. The trip also involves ferries and walking, and occasionally local metro, city buses, or taxis for shorter distances.

• How large will the group be?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 12.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. It is also highly recommended that the policy covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.

• What about solo travelers and single supplements?

  Solo travelers are welcome and our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, typically pairing you with someone of the same sex, without a single supplement. If you opt for the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive a single room for all night stops, though single rooms in European hotels can sometimes be smaller or not at the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.

• What are the health considerations for this trip?

  While there are no specific health requirements, it's your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical information and potential inoculations. It is recommended to carry a First Aid kit and personal medical requirements, especially as the trip may go to remote areas away from medical facilities.

• What should I know about currency and money exchange?

  In Spain and Portugal, the currency is the Euro. In Morocco, the local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), though Euros are commonly accepted for exchange in major cities. Credit and debit cards are useful for cash advances, but always bring your PIN (many ATMs only accept 4-digit PINs) and have a combination of Euros and cards, as card acceptance cannot be guaranteed everywhere.

• What is the tipping culture in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco?

  Tipping is customary in Europe (around 10% for wait staff, €1-€2 for others). Morocco has a strong tipping culture, with small service providers (waiters, hotel staff, drivers) expecting tips, typically around $3 USD per day. For your CEO, a guideline of €30-€40 per person per week in Europe, or $35-40 USD per person per week in Morocco, is appreciated if you feel they did an outstanding job.

• What are the general safety and security considerations?

  Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in major cities and terminals, and keep an eye on your belongings. A neck wallet or money belt is recommended for valuables. Your group leader (CEO) will accompany you on included activities and can amend the itinerary for safety concerns. During free time, exercise good judgment for optional activities, and consider traveling in small groups or taking taxis for nighttime excursions. Note that buses in Morocco may not be equipped with seat belts.

• How should I dress to respect local customs?

  When visiting religious places, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and avoiding short shorts or skirts. In Morocco, outside of major tourist centers, local dress is more conservative, so both men and women are advised to wear loose-fitting clothes with shoulders covered out of respect.

• What age restrictions are there for this trip?

  You must be 18 years old to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and local guides?

  A Chief Experience Officer (CEO) accompanies the group throughout the trip, providing information, suggestions, and assistance. Local guides are also used for specific sites, offering specialized knowledge. Note that CEOs in Europe and Morocco are generally licensed for orientation walks and cannot legally share historical facts in public places like local guides can.

• What are the optional activities available during the tour?

  Optional activities are available in various cities, including museums and palaces in Madrid and Seville (e.g., Prado Museum, Alcázar Palace), Douro River cruises and Lello Bookstore in Porto, day trips to Sintra or Fado nights in Lisbon, and visits to Jardins Majorelle or Hot Air Balloon rides in Marrakech. Costs vary per activity and per person.

• How does the climate in Morocco vary throughout the year?

  Morocco has a Mediterranean climate along the coast, becoming more extreme inland. Winters (October-March) have cold nights and pleasant days. Summers (April-September) start pleasantly with moderate temperatures until mid-June when it can get extremely hot, moderating again in late September. Inland areas are very dry with high daytime temperatures for most of the year.

• What are the electricity and language details for Morocco?

  Morocco uses 220V, 50Hz electricity, with two-prong rounded plugs (European style). The official language is Arabic (Moroccan dialect), with Berber spoken by about 40% of the population. French is an unofficial second language, widely used in commerce and education, and English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. Your CEO can also direct you to the closest laundromat. It is advisable to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you plan to do your own laundry.

• How might cultural or religious events like Ramadan or Aid Al-Adha impact the tour?

  During Ramadan (approx. Mar 11th - Apr 8th 2024, Mar 1st - Mar 29th 2025), Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, which may lead to some limitations in services or disruptions to schedules. Cultural sensitivity is encouraged, with recommendations to wear loose clothing and avoid eating/drinking/smoking in public. During Aid Al-Adha (approx. Jun. 16th-17th 2024, Jun. 6th-7th 2025), most shops, restaurants, and some historical sites may be closed, and hotels may have fewer staff.

• Is this tour part of a larger 'combo' trip?

  Yes, this tour may combine with other tours. As such, some staff and travel companions may have been traveling together before your trip started, or may continue on another tour after yours concludes.

• Is it advisable to reserve tickets for popular sites in advance?

  Yes, it is highly advisable to reserve tickets in advance for popular sites like the Prado Museum in Madrid and the Alcázar Palace in Seville, especially during high season (May-September), to avoid long queues.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into impact by helping local communities generate income from tourism. They support community-owned businesses that empower Indigenous people, women, and youth, and protect the environment, integrating these projects into tour itineraries globally.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  In Spain and Portugal, you'll typically stay in small, family-run hotels or pensions, which are often in central locations. These may not always have elevators or air-conditioning. In Morocco, expect local hotels or pensions with traditional character, also in central locations. Be aware that Moroccan infrastructure may mean quirky plumbing or occasional cold showers, and hotels may not have elevators.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  Intercity transport in Spain and Portugal will be by local bus and train. In Morocco, a private, air-conditioned van will be used. You may also walk, use metro/city buses, or take taxis for shorter distances. You will need to carry your luggage short distances and up stairs.

• What meals are included in the tour?

  The tour includes 20 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners. For meals not included, you'll have flexibility to choose where, what, and with whom to eat, and your CEO can offer suggestions.

• What is the maximum and average group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 12.

• Who will lead the group during the tour?

  The trip is accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, who will handle logistics and offer suggestions. Local guides will also be utilized in specific cities to provide more in-depth knowledge where legally permitted.

• What currencies are used in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco?

  The Euro is the currency used in Spain and Portugal. In Morocco, the local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Euros, British Pounds (GBP), and US Dollars (USD) can be exchanged at money exchange offices in major Moroccan cities.

• What are the tipping customs for this trip?

  Tipping is customary in both Europe and Morocco. In Europe, a general guideline is 10% for wait staff and €1-€2 for other service providers. For local guides, €3-€5 per day is recommended. For your CEO, a guideline of €30-€40 per person per week is suggested. In Morocco, tipping is expected for small service providers (around $3 USD per day) and for your CEO ($35-$40 USD per person per week).

• Are there any health considerations or required inoculations for this trip?

  While there are no specific health requirements for this trip, it is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and any recommended inoculations well before departure. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit and personal medical requirements.

• What general safety guidelines should I follow during the tour?

  Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in major cities and transport terminals. Use common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and mind personal items. For night-time excursions, it is recommended to stay in small groups and consider taking taxis. Your group leader has the authority to amend the itinerary if deemed necessary for safety reasons.

• What is the recommended dress code to respect local customs?

  While visiting religious places of worship, you should dress modestly, covering your shoulders and avoiding short shorts or skirts. Outside of capital cities and more touristic centers, local dress in Morocco is often more conservative, and both men and women are recommended to wear loose-fitting clothes with shoulders covered. Your CEO can provide specific advice.

• How might Ramadan or Aid Al-Adha impact the tour experience?

  Ramadan (falling between March 1st and April 8th in 2024/2025) may cause some limitations to services and schedule disruptions, though food is available for non-Muslims. Aid Al-Adha (falling between June 6th and 17th in 2024/2025) may result in most shops and restaurants being closed, potential closures of historical sites, fewer staff at hotels, and less crowded streets. Increased cultural sensitivity is important during these times.

• What kind of optional activities are available during the tour?

  Optional activities include museum visits (e.g., Reina Sofia, Prado in Madrid), river cruises (Douro River in Porto), day trips (Sintra from Lisbon, Ronda from Seville), various palace and market visits, and unique experiences like a Hot Air Balloon ride in Marrakech. Costs vary for these activities.

• What are the passport and visa requirements for this trip?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the countries visited. Travel within the European Schengen area is simplified by the Schengen visa system. As of 2025, ETIAS travel authorization may be required for visa-exempt nationals for various European countries. It is your responsibility to check and obtain the correct travel documentation.

• What is the pace of this itinerary?

  This is a very fast-paced itinerary that covers a lot of ground, which means there will be some early starts and long travel days. This allows for seeing a wide variety of locations.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, so there is no single supplement for group trips. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive a single room, but be aware these can sometimes be smaller or of a different service level in European hotels.

• Are laundry facilities available on the tour?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge, or your CEO can direct you to the closest laundromat. Bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap is suggested for personal laundry.