LisbonPortobarcelona SevilleMarrakech Fes

Embark on a magnificent journey through three stunning countries: Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse cultures, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. From the charming cities of Lisbon, Madrid, and Marrakech to the rugged coastlines of Morocco, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Discover the historic castles, vibrant markets, and delicious cuisine.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Explore the rich history of some of the oldest cities
  • Learn the art of Moroccan Cuisine.
  • Cruise on the Douro River
  • Go port wine tasting
  • Immerse yourself in Berber culture.

What’s included

  • Private tours for most included activities
  • Meet & greet airport service
  • Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
  • Expert guides in each destination

flexibility

This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.

21

Nights

Price Guide

$POA

Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more

Day 1

Fly to Lisbon

plan line
Day 2

EXPLORE LISBON

This morning’s tour will start at the Castle of St. George above the Moorish quarter of Alfama, which provides one of the finest panoramic views over the city and Tagus estuary. A visit to its ramparts may be followed by a stroll through the labyrinthine streets of Alfama, where you will be surprised with such sights as the 10th-century Moorish defensive walls and views of the Monastery of St. Vincent and the National Pantheon. Next, a 100-year-old tram will take you past the Romanesque Cathedral, built where the Great Mosque once stood for four centuries, through the Baixa quarter, rebuilt after the Great Earthquake of 1755, to the intellectual Chiado quarter. There, a stop may be made at the famous Café Brasileira, a rendezvous for intellectuals at the outset of the 20th century.

You may also stroll along the elegant Garrett shopping street with its ancient churches, also rebuilt in the 18th century. Next, you will visit the riverside quarter of Belém, where the majestic 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery is Portugal’s greatest testament to the Golden Age of the Discoveries. A visit to a 19th-century pastry factory nearby may follow a visit to its stunning decorative cloister and church. From here, continue to the former Palace of Belém to visit the world’s most famous coach museum, which was installed in the former Lusitanian Riding School and houses the elaborate 18th century Papal Embassy Coaches.

Following lunch, stop at the emblematic Belém Tower, built to defend the harbour entrance and considered the city’s most beautiful monument.

The rest of the day may be spent visiting the private art collection of the Armenian oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian, which was brought to neutral Portugal before World War II for its own safety. This unexpectedly rich collection may be admired in a modern museum purpose-built by what continues to be a very rich foundation

Lisbon and Madeira
Highlights of Portugal
Day 3

OBIDOS / ALCOBACA AND COIMBRA

This morning, you will meet your private vehicle and English-speaking guide for your transfer to Coimbra via Obidos, Alcobaca and Nazaré.

First stop will be the ancient citadel of Óbidos, a town that was always given to the queens of the country in their wedding dowries since the 13th century. It is most picturesque with whitewashed houses, a well-preserved medieval castle and ramparts, charming chapels, many handicraft shops and flowered streets.

After a stroll through the town, we will leave for Alcobaça, at the confluence of two streams and the seat of a wealthy Cistercian monastic domain until the 19th century. Its enormous Romanesque church and cloisters have many stories to tell, especially that of the Portuguese queen crowned after her death, a 14th-century love story of passion, intrigue and vengeance. There will be time for lunch at leisure.

Next we will head to the fishing village of Nazaré where the fishermen’s wives still wear their traditional clothes showing Celtic traditions. Here, there is an excellent opportunity to have a fish or shellfish lunch in one of the traditional restaurants, followed by fine views of the coast, lighthouse and offshore islands, or a stroll along the wide sandy beach. The seafront pavement is busy with women selling handicrafts, dried mackerel and fruits and nuts.

Day 4

AVEIRO AND SANTA MARIA DE FEIRA

This morning, you will be transferred to Porto by private vehicle with your English-speaking guide en route; you will go sightseeing in the water city of Aveiro and the fairy-tale castle at Santa Maria da Feira. Aveiro’s history is inextricably linked to the sea, with its trade linked to the salt pans and cod fishing. An attractive town, the buildings combine quaint fishermen’s cottages and Art Nouveau townhouses.

Highlights of Portugal
Highlights of Portugal
Day 5

Porto

Starting at the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral, with its dark interior, you will descend the hill towards the riverside through the oldest quarter. By the Jesuit Grilos Church, there is a wonderful view of Vila Nova de Gaia on the other bank of the Douro River, where all the port wine lodges are situated. A little further down, you will come to the 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace, the seat of the Oporto Commercial Association. Next, you will visit the heavily gilded 15th-century church of St. Francis, arriving at the Cais da Ribeira, the old medieval wharf that is effectively the city’s centre. Lunch will be taken at leisure.

After lunch, you may take a 50-minute river cruise along the Douro to admire the superb bridges, one built by Gustave Eiffel. Sometimes, it is possible to alight on the other bank (upon request) at the end of the cruise, where a short climb will bring you to Graham’s Wine Lodge, where you may enjoy a tour explaining the whole process of port wine production in the Douro Valley, followed by a tasting.

Day 6

Fly to Barcelona

Today, enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Barcelona with your English-speaking guide and private vehicle to discover the masterpieces of Catalonia’s most famous architect, Gaudí: the Casa Mila with its wave-like facade and the impressive but unfinished Sagrada Familia Basilica. Alternatively, you may prefer to visit the Parc Guell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Gaudi’s most colourful creations.

Spain from City to Coast
Spain from City to Coast
Day 7

TAKE THE TRAIN TO SEVILLE

Today, your driver will privately transfer you to Barcelona station to board a first-class AVE train to Seville. Upon arrival at Seville station, your driver will meet you, and you will be privately transferred to your hotel.

Day 8

Seville

Meet your English-speaking guide today for a 4-hour walking tour of Seville. Visit the 15th-century cathedral, one of the most breathtaking in Christendom, and see La Giralda, Seville’s most famous monument. The Moorish tower was erected as a minaret in the 12th century. Visit the Alcazar, a magnificent 14th-century Mudejar palace that is still in use and one of the oldest royal residences in Europe. You will also enjoy a walk through the Barrio de Santa Cruz, a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, small squares and flower-filled patios.

Your driver will take you to the Tablao El Arenal this evening for an authentic flamenco show. The Tablao El Arenal is situated in a building dating from the 17th Century, and its architecture and decoration are typically Andalusian. Enjoy a complimentary beverage during the show. After the show, transfer back to your hotel by private vehicle.

Spain from City to Coast
Spain from City to Coast
Day 9

Cordoba

Depart Seville this morning with your private vehicle and English-speaking driver for a half-day excursion to Córdoba. Upon arrival in Córdoba, meet your local guide for a 2½-hour walking tour of the attractive, whitewashed streets of this medieval Moorish city, the heart of which is the old Jewish quarter. Visit the magnificent Mezquita, built between the 8th and 10th centuries and considered one of the most extraordinary buildings in Europe. In the 1520s, a Christian Baroque nave was constructed in the heart of the mosque, which fortunately is so large that this resplendent but anomalous addition did not destroy the unity of the building. After your walking tour, enjoy leisurely exploring the city further on your own, and perhaps enjoy a leisurely lunch before being transferred back to Seville.

Day 10

Marbella

Depart Seville this morning with your English-speaking driver and transfer to Marbella. En route, enjoy a leisure stop in Ronda, situated on a rock high above the River Guadiaro. Ronda is famous for its position and views. It is built around a ravine 360 ft deep and 210 ft across, dividing the old Moorish town from the “new town”, which came into being after the Christian Reconquest of 1485. You may wish to stroll the narrow streets and visit the Plaza de Toros (bullring), one of the oldest in Spain, before continuing to Marbella.

Spain from City to Coast
Spain from City to Coast
Day 11

Gibraltar

Meet your private vehicle with the driver and assistant for a transfer to the Gibraltar border. Your assistant will assist you with the border crossing, after which you meet your next private vehicle and English-speaking guide for a half-day tour of Gibraltar. Take the cable car up the Rock. See the famous Barbary apes. Visit Michael’s Cave, a series of underground chambers with stalagmites and stalactites. After your tour, you must walk back across the border to meet your Spanish vehicle with the driver and continue into Algeciras and your Ferry to Morocco.

Day 12

Take the Ferry to Tangier

After breakfast, your North African Adventure begins. Meet with your private driver, who will take you to your Ferry. Crossing the Med takes about 90 minutes. After you clear customs, your Morccoan driver will meet you and take you to your hotel in Tangier.

22 Days <br>
Places Visited; Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona, Seviile, Cordoba, Marbella, Tangier, Fes, Fes, Casablanca, Marrakech
Day 13

TANGIER AND TETOUAN

Explore the coastal city of Tangier, which dominates the north of Morocco and is the gateway to Europe. Here you can visit the colourful markets, gardens and the famous Kasbah located at the highest point of the Medina and was the former Sultan’s Palace. Or choose to stroll down through the narrow streets of the medina to the Jewish Quarter, where you can see the old Jewish Synagogue and the Jewish Cemetery.


Another great option is a day trip to Tetouan, Small Jerusalem. Uncover the country’s history when you visit the Jewish quarters and the Moorish synagogue. Learn about local life and culture and walk through the modern town to see landmarks such as the Royal Palace, mosques, palm-fringed squares, and Spanish-style buildings.

Day 14

CHEFCHAOUEN

Chefchaouen (the blue city due to its blue-rinsed houses and buildings); was founded in 1471 by Moorish exiles from Spain led by Moulay Ali Ben Mouss. You could journey through time, visiting the cobbled medina. Appreciate striking blue-and-white homes, and visit the 18th-century kasbah, with its tower, garden, and museum. See the endless options for the central mosque, mellah, the former Jewish quarter, and the energetic Utta El Hamam main square.

Day 15-16

FES

Exploring Fez, the cultural heart of Morocco, is an unforgettable experience for any holiday in Morocco. Your tour can be tailored to your experiences, from a journey through the lanes, alleys and souks comprising the labyrinth of the city’s old quarter. Or maybe you would like to delve into the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site and visit Nejjarine Square, with its exquisite fountain created with mosaics and detailed tilework. No visit to Fez would be complete without the sights and smells of the tanneries that will reveal how the country’s highly esteemed leather is dyed.

Day 17

Rabat

Rabat is a city full of rich history and culture. You can explore iconic landmarks like the stunning Chellah Necropolis and the imposing Hassan Tower, discover hidden gems like the charming Andalusian Gardens, or learn about the traditions and customs that shape this unique city. There is a chance to explore the ancient walls of the Medina, the historic fortification dates to the 12th century, made of sandstone and reinforced with bastions, gates, and towers, then wander around the Kasbah des Oudaias, known for its narrow streets, white and blue walls, tiny houses, and flower-filled courtyards. The Kasbah has several landmarks, including a mosque and a museum.

Day 18

Casablanca

Discover the port city of Casablanca, the country’s cosmopolitan and commercial hub. Here you can choose different ways to discover the rich cultural heritage of Casablanca with a walking tour of the Old Medina, perhaps where you could stroll through the winding alleys of this historic neighbourhood, have the chance to explore traditional souks, ancient mosques, and historic buildings. See the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, The largest mosque in Africa, with its beautiful Moorish architecture.

Day 19-21

Marrakech

Marrakech has endless tour options, from the old Medina to the modern Nouvelle Ville. We can include options such as visiting landmarks such as Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, and Jemaa el-Fnaa, or you have the choice of including to explore the many galleries or museums with an experienced curator or even learning about the unique blending of spices in a cooking class.


Or you could leave the busy city behind you and see the Jardin Majorelle (Majorelle Gardens). Designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle, this garden is a tropical utopia featuring hundreds of plants, tranquil lily-covered pools, and colossal sculptural cacti. At its heart is Majorelle’s cobalt blue-painted studio, now a museum. Wander through this peaceful haven before visiting the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. The renowned fashion designer first visited Marrakech in the 60s, and the museum is dedicated to his fashion and the country that inspired him.

dot joiner for itins
Day 22

Fly home

A note on price

The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.

Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).

Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.

Price Guide $POA

When to travel

jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec

The best time to travel to Gibraltar is during the summer months of June to September when the weather is warm and sunny. During this time, temperatures range from 18°C to 27°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, it’s worth noting that this is also the peak tourist season, so prices for accommodation and flights may be higher. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and save some money, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of March to May or October to November. During these months, temperatures are milder, ranging from 14°C to 22°C, but you’ll still be able to enjoy the sights and attractions without the summer crowds.

Add on’s

One option is France, which is located just north of Spain and offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Palace of Versailles. Another possibility is Italy, which is situated to the east of Spain and is known for its delicious cuisine, stunning architecture, and beautiful countryside.

If you’re interested in exploring more of North Africa, you could also consider visiting Tunisia or Egypt. Tunisia is located just to the east of Morocco and is home to ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and vibrant markets. Egypt is located further to the east and is famous for its pyramids, temples, and rich history.

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