Spain, Morocco and Portugal
16 Day Tour of Madrid, Granada, Marrakesh | Operated by Trafalgar
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16 Days
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3 Countries
Spain, Morocco, Portugal -
14 Cities
Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Costa del Sol, Fes, Marrakesh, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Seville, Panoias-Ourique, Lisbon, Fátima, Salamanca -
22 Meals
6 Dinners, 15 Breakfasts, 1 Be My Guest -
Pace: Active
Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
Trip Itinerary
Color outside the lines on this unforgettable encounter with the intoxicating lands of Spain, Morocco and Portugal. Kick off your unforgettable journey in the fiery Spanish capital of Madrid. This evening, explore the city's vibrant streets, before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner and orientation drive.
Join your Local Specialist on this day of discovery, which includes views of the iconic Cibeles fountain and Paseo de la Castellana. Admire the Royal Palace and Retiro Park, originally created as a retreat for the royal family, before spending the rest of the day at leisure indulging in la buena vida. Consider an Optional Experience to the medieval UNESCO-listed city of Segovia or encounter the greatest collection of Spanish art in the world at El Prado.
Witness the influence of Christians, Muslims and Jews that has spanned centuries in the imperial city of Toledo. Join your Local Specialist for a walking tour, during which you’ll visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco's most famous painting - 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz'. Then, visit the synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca, believed to be the oldest one still standing in Europe. Celebrate the tradition of steel and Damascene manufacturing and moulding as you Dive Into Culture at a local workshop, before your journey continues through the soul-stirring Andalusian landscape to Granada, where we'll spend the night.
Tread in the footsteps of Spain's last emirs and admire the impressive Alhambra - a collection of palaces and fortresses dating from the 12 century. We join a Local Specialist to explore its intricate designs, tranquil gardens and colossal walls, believed to have been inspired by poetry and reflecting the description of paradise found in Islamic verse. Later, we leave this 'paradise on earth' behind and continue to the Costa del Sol.
We travel along the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean and cross to North Africa by ferry. A memorable drive past the Rif Mountains brings us to Fes, a storied hub of traditional craftsmanship and our home for the next two nights.
Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through the cultural and spiritual center of Morocco. Stroll through the Medina of Fes, view its fortifications and Royal Palace, and admire traditional Moroccan handiwork during a visit to a carpet cooperative. Spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure. Tonight, maybe join an Optional Experience Arabian dinner in a traditional riad – a night of heartfelt local entertainment, including belly dancing, awaits.
Departing Fes, we journey west through the golden landscape which turns to rusty red, bound for vibrant Marrakesh. Past and present collide in the world-famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Embrace the unrivaled energy of this cultural and economic hub.
Visit the elegant Dar El Basha Palace during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. See Jemaa el-Fnaa Square in the Old Quarter with its palm-readers, storytellers and snake charmers. Visit a traditional Moroccan pharmacy and Dive Into Culture, gaining insights into the blending of creams and cosmetics using regional ingredients. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Don't miss the chance to shop for bargains in the souks (markets) and bazaars, or perhaps visit a local Berber village.
We journey north to Casablanca and enjoy views of the Hassan II Mosque, with the world's second tallest minaret, before arriving in the country's capital city - Rabat. Stop at the opulent Mohammed V Mausoleum and admire Rabat's cityscape, its historic and modern centers traversed by the Bou Regreg River below. Continue to Tangier, a gateway between Africa and Europe as prominent today as in Phoenician times. Our unique Stays With Stories this evening is the sumptuous El Minzah, an icon of the city overlooking the Bay of Tangiers and the sparkling Mediterranean beyond. The grand property, built in the Spanish-Moorish style in 1930, has welcomed the rich and famous over the past century. You’ll get to experience its warm hospitality for yourself as you contemplate the building's colorful history.
Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry, we return to Spain and journey past the region of Jerez, renowned as the origin of Spanish sherry. We drive through Andalucía and arrive in Seville. What better way to experience this lively city than witnessing the passion of flamenco? Immerse yourself in the spectacle of colorful swirling skirts and fervent rhythm of castanets during an unforgettable optional Flamenco performance this evening.
Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour which will take you past the iconic Giralda Bell Tower. Admire the tiled fountains and pavilions in the Maria Luisa Park, the showcase for the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929, and see the imposing Plaza de España. Visit the ornate tomb of Christopher Columbus in the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, then enjoy a walk through the lovely historic Jewish Quarter.
Your panoramic journey continues through the province of Huelva, famous for Jabugo jamón and the Rio Tinto mines. Cross the golden fields of the Alentejo on your way and meet Tiago, Vera and their horses as our Be My Guest experience. Continue on to your hotel in the waterfront city of Lisbon and opt to enjoy a seafood dinner by the Tagus River.
We Dive Into Culture at the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery built in the 16 century. This afternoon, consider an Optional Experience to discover Portugal's 'Golden Triangle' of Sintra, Cascais and the Estoril coast.
We trace the path of pilgrims, who for decades have ventured north to the shrine at Fátima to pray to the Virgin Mary, and see the site of a celebrated religious miracle. Departing Portugal, we arrive in the historic university city of Salamanca – La Dorada, so named for its golden, orange and pink façades, which we will have an opportunity to see in the magnificent Plaza Mayor - voted by the locals as the most beautiful of all squares in Spain.
Traversing the dramatic Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains, we arrive in Madrid, Europe's highest capital. Indulge in some last-minute shopping on the Gran Vía, or join our Local Specialist to uncover Spain's recent history, the Civil War and the Royal Family. This evening we join our travel companions and Travel Director for a memorable Farewell Dinner.
Our epic journey through Spain, Morocco and Portugal comes to an end this morning. All that's left is to say a fond farewell to your newfound friends and an unforgettable experience shared.
Price Includes
What's Included- - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- - Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- - All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- - Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- - Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- - Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- - Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- - Return ferry crossings between Spain and Morocco
- - Optional Experiences and free time
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 6 Dinners (D)
- - 15 Breakfasts (B)
- - 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
- Drive through central Madrid and see some of the city's famous features during an orientation with your Travel Director.
- See the highlights of the city with your Local Specialist. Visit the Old Town, traveling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain, Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace.
- Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Specialist and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco masterpiece.
- Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. Explore with a Local Specialist keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
- Led by your Local Specialist, wander the maze of streets in Fes' ancient Medina. Witness hidden courtyards, mosques and workshops before continuing through the souks, an array of vendors selling food, clothes, leather goods and traditional handicrafts.
- Your Local Specialist guides you past Jemaa el-Fnaa Square with its intriguing characters, and through the seemingly entangled streets of the Medina with its many souks.
- See the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche.
- See the Mohammed V Mausoleum, a masterpiece of traditional Moroccan art and one of the very few Islamic religious buildings open to non-Muslims.
- Guided by your Local Specialist, see the Giralda Tower, former minaret of the Great Mosque and now the cathedral's belltower. Explore the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter and emerge by the great walls of the Alcazar.
- Explore with your Local Specialist, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower.
- Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions or see the basilica.
- See the Salamanca's golden Plaza Mayor, voted one of the most beautiful central plazas in Spain.
- The invincible swords of Toledo have defended cities for centuries. Visit an inlaid steel factory in Toledo to see local craftsmen forging the highest quality steel.
- Visit a Moroccan pharmacy to learn about local healing creams and cosmetics made from regional ingredients.
- Visit the Hieronymite Monastery, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome and exquisite example of Manueline architecture.
- Immerse yourself in the proud heritage of El Minzah Hotel, a famous Hispano-Moorish hotel in the heart of the city commissioned by the fourth Marquis of Bute in the 1930s.
- Saddle up for a superb stud farm visit, the tragic story of unrequited love and a traditional home-cooked Be My Guest lunch with Tiago and Vera in Portugal's beautiful Alentejo.
Optional Experiences
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Segovia World Heritage Site - Its Ancient Aqueduct & Fairytale Castle (Available on Day 2)Enjoy a visit to Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits on a rocky outcrop between two rivers. With your Local Specialist, you’ll visit the 13th-century castle, reputed to have inspired Walt Disney, as well as seeing the best-preserved Roman aqueduct which has remained intact for 2,000 years.
Adult Price: €55 Jet-set Marbella: Puerto Banús & Mediterranean Dinner (Available on Day 4)Enjoy strolling through the atmospheric whitewashed townhouses and cobbled streets of Marbella's old town with our Local Specialist. Following a drive along Marbella's Golden Mile, we'll explore jet-set Puerto Banús. Then, we'll round the evening off with a delicious dinner of Mediterranean specialties in a well-known local restaurant.
Adult Price: €67 Mijas Andalusian Hilltown & Mediterranean Dinner (Available on Day 4)Visit this charming hilltop village, perched up high with splendid views of the coastline. With our Local Specialist, we'll traverse its narrow streets, pass white-washed houses and see the oval bullring, with time for hunting hidden gems in the shops. Our evening finishes with a Mediterranean dinner at a coastal restaurant.
Adult Price: €70 Bhalil Revealed (Available on Day 6)Explore Bhalil village, where local people live in dwellings carved from the rock face. Warm in winter but cool in summer, they are perfect for the local climate. You’ll also visit local craftsmen at a traditional ceramic tile factory.
Adult Price: €32 Arabian Dinner and Entertainment in a Riad (Available on Day 6)Enjoy delicious local Arabian food, a live band and traditional entertainment including belly dancing, in a spectacular Moroccan setting.
Adult Price: €51 The Square at Night and Traditional Dinner (Available on Day 7)You will visit the magical Jemaa el Fna Square and enjoy the exotic sights and sounds of Marrakesh by night. Then we’ll have dinner in a typical local Moroccan restaurant, with music and entertainment.
Adult Price: €66 Ourika Valley And Berber Village Home Visit (Available on Day 8)We’ll enjoy a scenic drive into the high Atlas Mountains valley of Ourika to enjoy legendary Berber hospitality. We'll visit a local family at home in an adobe village and enjoy tea together.
Adult Price: €30 Discover The Origin Of Tapas & Evening In Old Seville (Available on Day 10)Join us for a dinner of mouth-watering tapas-style specialties. You’ll get the chance to taste different flavors and wines and dine like a local in the charming old quarter of Seville.
Adult Price: €60 Flamenco: Experience the Best Show in Town (Available on Day 10)Discover the passion, rhythm and magic of an Andalusian flamenco show with us this evening. We've organised tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience 90 minutes of memorable entertainment with an included drink.
Adult Price: €44 Flamenco, the Best Show in Town With a Three-Course Dinner (Available on Day 10)This evening you’ll discover the magic, rhythm and passion of flamenco, while being served a three-course dinner of Andalusian specialties with drinks included. We've organised tickets to the best show in town. You won't soon forget this incredibly memorable ninety-minute experience.
Adult Price: €74 The Moorish Alcázar and Plaza América (Available on Day 11)Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll visit the elegant 14th-century Moorish Alcazar, set in its own beautiful gardens. The gardens were used as the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne in the Game Of Thrones series. We'll also journey to the famous exhibition site of Plaza América - a must for any visitor to Seville.
Adult Price: €52 Seafood Dinner By The Tagus River (Available on Day 12)Take a ferry across the mighty Tagus River and enjoy typical Portuguese seafood and fish specialties at a local restaurant. After dinner, we’ll cross the impressive suspension bridge for a sweeping view over the Portuguese capital.
We'll venture outside Lisbon with our Local Specialist today. After passing through the fashionable resort of Estoril, we'll explore the picturesque fishing village of Cascais, with its beautiful array of mansions and exclusive residences. To complete the Golden Triangle, we'll visit one of the impressive Royal Palaces of Portugal.
Adult Price: €55 Portuguese Fado Evening Of Music & Song With Dinner (Available on Day 13)Fado is the expressive national song of Portugal, often called the soul of their identity. Tonight, we'll visit one of the famed local fado houses for an unforgettable performance and savor a typical Portuguese meal, with drinks included.
Adult Price: €76 Discover "El Escorial" Palace/Monastery & The 'Valley Of The Fallen' (Available on Day 15)Come with us, along with a Local Specialist, to the royal city of El Escorial, where the great monastery palace was built in the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains. We’ll also visit the incredible Spanish Civil War memorial, which is cut into the rock face.
Adult Price: €57