Tour Spain, Portugal & Morocco | Visit Spain, Morocco

Meals

19 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Guide

All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip. COMBINATION TRIP: Please note that the European part of the trip will be led by a European leader, while the Moroccan part will be led by one of our experienced local Moroccan leaders. The changeover will take place upon arrival at the port of Tangier in Morocco from where the European leader will return to Spain. Additionally, as this is a combination of two trips, your leader and the composition of your group may change in Marrakech.

Transport

Train,Ferry,Metro,Private vehicle,Public bus,Taxi TRANSPORT IN EUROPE: Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that’s why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city’s public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action. LONG TRAVEL DAYS: On this trip there are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from main tourist routes. High passes, windy roads and rough surfaces make for some challenging travel experiences. On some travel days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort. The best parts about all of these long drives are the spectacular views and fun stops en route. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: On some stretches we use public transport in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Be it a train or a public bus, remember that the best part of it is the possibility to interact with local people travelling along with you.

Others

Fado performance Lisbon Citadel Algarve beach excursion Chefchaouen - walking tour with local guide Fes - Guided walking tour Guided trek in the High Atlas Mountains Ancient library Camel ride Guided walking tour Essaouira

Accommodation

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. FACILITIES: Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don’t provide kettles or fridges. Camp site (1 night),Gite (1 night),Hotel (18 nights),Riad (3 nights)

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Flights

International flights

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Day 1 Day 1: Madrid
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Madrid

Welcome to Madrid! The sassy central capital is known for its elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks, but it also pulsates with energy, and is without doubt a vibrant city. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at either 6 or 7 pm, depending on common area availability. After the meeting we will head out for an optional group dinner where you can get to know your fellow travellers. As there’s limited time for sightseeing in Madrid, consider flying in a few days early to explore. Perhaps while away the hours along the Paseo del Arte, or Art Walk, for an expansive history of Western art. Start with the Museo del Prado, then discover modern Spanish masters, including Picasso and Dali, in the Museo Reina Sofia. Finish at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, which displays eight centuries of European painting. After your meeting, perhaps get into the mind of a Madrileno with some tapas and Rioja.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 Day 2: Salamanca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Salamanca

Say farewell to Madrid this morning and head north-west by public transport to the historical university town of Salamanca (approximately 3 hours). Situated among beautiful pastures and rolling green hills on Spain’s northern plateau, the rose-hued medieval town of Salamanca is great to explore on foot. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk on arrival, where you can explore the central Plaza Mayor and discover the beautiful Renaissance and Baroque architecture the city is known for. Plaza Mayor is a true centre of local life, perhaps the most perfect city square in Spain. Not only is it architecturally unique, but it also thrives with activity as locals meet and take coffee, tapas or cocktails on the square. The rest of your afternoon and evening is then free. You can admire the intricate detail of the Casa de Las Conchas, or ‘House of the Shells’, see the contrasting Old and New Cathedrals, and climb to the top to get a view across the terracotta-coloured rooftops. Thanks to the large student population the town has a vibrant nightlife, so maybe soak up the buzzing vibe tonight.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 3 Day 3: Coimbra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Coimbra

Head further west by private bus today and cross the border into Portugal to the laidback city of Coimbra (approximately 4 hours). Coimbra will be your base for next two nights. Sitting dignified on the banks of the River Mondego, Coimbra was once the capital of the county, and its royal heritage can be felt in its ancient streets and buildings. On arrival, your leader will escort you on a walk to help you orientate yourself in the maze of alleyways of this riverfront city. Half the fun of Coimbra is wandering and exploring, so use your free time getting to know the city. Coimbra features typical white stone buildings with several excellent examples of colourful azulejos tiling. Some of the historical structures were originally built in the 12th century (like the Cathedral Se Velha), and you can find some of the Portugal’s best examples of Romanesque churches and elegant museums here. The University of Coimbra – the oldest in Portugal – and the famous baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina, with its 18th-century bell tower, are highlights.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 4 Day 4: Coimbra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Coimbra

Enjoy a free day of exploration in Coimbra before witnessing a traditional Fado performance. Fado songs must follow a particular structure, and though this traditional music can really be about anything, it popularly features mournful tunes with lyrics about the sea or the life of the poor. In Coimbra, male university students would often serenade their sweethearts with this music, with songs here tending to be literary translations or follow themes students can relate to. In your free time, perhaps head out into the countryside in search of ancient Roman ruins, which takes around 30 minutes by bus. The ruins of Conimbriga are rich in well-preserved mosaics and offer a great insight into ancient Roman life. There are several options to return, including a three kilometre walk through the countryside to the unspoiled rural town of Condeixa (optional). If you have time, you can take a short boat tour to take in the view of Coimbra from a different angle.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 5 Day 5: Lisbon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Lisbon

Today, jump on a bus through the countryside of central Portugal to Lisbon (approximately 3.5 hours). As one of Europe’s most pleasant and affordable capital cities, Lisbon combines the best elements of Portuguese life, offering fantastic architecture, a multicultural population, delicious seafood and non-stop nightlife. On arrival to the city, head out on an orientation walk of Lisbon, city located on the banks of the Tagus (Tejo) River. Much of Lisbon’s character and charm lies in its beautiful renovated buildings, grand boulevards and impressive castles and churches. Visit the medieval citadel in the city centre, the Citadel of Sao Jorge Castle, which dates back to Moorish times and sits on the highest point of the Old Town. Look down on a city swarming with endless angular white houses and buildings with distinct red terracotta rooftops. Your afternoon and evening is free, so perhaps head to the grand Naval Museum for an insight into the history of Portuguese navigation. Or maybe you’d prefer to roam through charming narrow streets of local neighbourhoods and see local life play out. If you want to sample some Portugese nightlife, Barrio Alto is the place to head this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 6 Day 6: Lisbon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Lisbon

Today is free for you to explore more of Lisbon, or maybe take a 45 minute train ride out to the mountainous region of Sintra, an absolute jewel of Portugal where you will see a beautiful Pena Palace. This area offers great walking, stunning cliff-top palaces and unique Moorish architecture. The 8th-century Castle of the Moors looks down on the Old Town, and the views from the battlements across the Serra de Sintra mountain range are stunning.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 7 Day 7: The Algarve / Olhao
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: The Algarve / Olhao

Take a bus journey of around five hours today to the southern coastline of Portugal, the Algarve. Known for fertile plains rich with orange and olive groves, fig trees, almonds and maize fields, this region is perfect to explore. Your base is Olhao, the Algarve’s biggest fishing port. With an active waterfront, Moorish buildings and bustling old quarters, the city has a Northern African feel. Upon arrival check-in to your home for the next two nights and use the rest of the day to discover Olhao. You may wish to wander the city centre or perhaps try Olhao’s famous fish restaurants along the waterfront on Avenida 5 de Outubro, the eastern Algarve’s food mile, filled with delicious and authentic local flavours.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8 Day 8: The Algarve / Olhao
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: The Algarve / Olhao

Olhao is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a series of barrier islands, creating a beautiful landscape of canals, salt pans, lagoons and sand banks. Today board a local passenger boat and head out to one of these islands, Ilha de Culatra, where you can wander along a series of boardwalks, leading away from the fishermen’s settlements, and cross over dunes and lagoons to beaches that are so long that they disappear into the haze of the horizon. Return to Olhao in the afternoon (or earlier if you wish), and enjoy the rest of your day relaxing in Olhao. Perhaps use the area’s great walking paths to access some of the Algarve’s lesser-known spots, or maybe head towards the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve for some bird watching, or catch some fish on a fishing trip. Evenings are best spent watching breathtaking sunsets, and the best place to do so is Olhao’s Old Town.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 9 Day 9: Seville / Tarifa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Seville / Tarifa

Leave Portugal behind and return to Spain, travelling by bus to the charming city of Seville. If the legends are to be believed, Seville was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. To the Romans it was Hispalis, and to the Moors it was Isbiliya. After the Christian reconquest, it became thought of as the portal to the ’New World’, and is today is the largest city in southern Spain. Seville is famous for its vitality and flamboyance as the city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro. Seville is also well-known for its oranges, tapas and flamenco, all three of which are ingrained in the fabric of the city and its proud people. Enjoy a short orientation walk around the main sights, then enjoy some limited free time to discover as you wish. Later, travel onwards to Tarifa, where you will stay overnight before hopping over to Africa tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 10 Day 10: Chefchaouen
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Chefchaouen

This morning get up early for an optional visit to Tarifa Castle or to take a stroll on the beach. Then leave Europe behind and head to Africa. The ferry across the straits of Gibraltar to the port of Tangier takes approximately 1 hour. After leaving the ferry, you’ll be picked up by our Moroccan crew, and journey 3 hours to a sleepy mountain town peppered with blue-washed buildings and ambient restaurants – Chefchaouen, which is in the centre of a mountainous agricultural region. There may not be much time to explore this rural retreat by the time you arrive today, but you might just have time to look over the architecture of the 15th-century Grand Mosque and the medina, the walled fortress of the Kasbah. Perhaps tuck into some popular local goats’ cheese or a tajine tonight, before settling into your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 11 Day 11: Chefchaouen
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Chefchaouen

Meet your local guide early in the day to explore the maze of streets in Chefchaouen. The ‘blue city’ is arguably one of the prettiest places in Morocco. Set against a wide valley and nestled between two peaks in the stunning Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen may take you by surprise. Its medina has been lovingly cared for with striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs and artistic doorways, and it’s filled with handircrafts, while the main square has shops selling woven goods and small sweets. Much of Chefchaouen was recreated by Andalusian refugees escaping the Reconquista. Learn about general life in a small Moroccan community, visit a communal bakery, watch local women do their laundry, and walk up to a former mosque for a great view over the town that’s nestled between two mountain peaks. As a popular shopping destination for handicrafts, carpets, blankets or woolen garments, you may also see the artisans at work. Possibly relax after your walking tour in a traditional Moroccan hammam.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 12 Day 12: Fes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Fes

Say farewell to Chefchaouen today and jump on a private minivan trip for around five hours to the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Arrive in the city of Fes and step back in time at a medieval medina thick with exotic smells, tastes and sounds. Vibrant, noisy, fascinating and overwhelming – a visual and pungent feast for the senses – Fes is the mother of all medinas. Maybe fuel explorations of this imperial city with a glass of mint tea and some sweet Moroccan dates. Your day is free once you arrive, so perhaps get your bearings of the most complete medieval city in the Arab world. The adventurous may want to try some Moroccan specialities like a camel burger or harira (chickpea soup) and chicken-stuffed pastilla with couscous for dinner. Watching the sunset over the Medina while a dozen melodic prayer calls vie for attention is an experience you’ll likely remember for a long time.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 13 Day 13: Fes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Fes

Take a guided walking tour of the old city, known locally as Fes el Bali. Step back in time in to the labyrinth of the Medina, which is alive with craftsmen, markets, tanneries and mosques. Pass donkeys piled high with goods (this is one of the largest car-free urban zones in the world) and explore the specialty sections that divide the souks. Medieval Fes was one of the world’s great centres of education and culture: both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and its libraries are legendary. Its mosques are of great renown. Look out for the Medersa Bou Inania, one of the city’s most beautiful buildings, which has recently been restored and is now open to tourists. Pass the Belghazi Museum, Medresse el Attarine and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine, a beautifully restored 18th century inn. You’ll also see the famous tannery, known for the iconic view overlooking its dye pits, and a ceramics factory where you can see potters working in the traditional way. After the tour, the afternoon is free for you to enjoy as you please.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 14 Day 14: Marrakech
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Marrakech

Travel by train this morning to Marrakech (approximately 8 hours). Head out with the group for a quick visit to the main square, Djemaa El-Fna before dinner. The square is filled with a hive of activity. Henna-painters, performers and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar, packed with stalls loaded with Moroccan delicacies. From a distance you will see the Koutoubia Mosque and its minaret – famous throughout the world as one of the greatest minarets and the ’sister’ to the Giralda in Seville. If you have time the following day, explore the ruins of Palais Badi, once one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, or comb the spectacular bazaar, where every step to a new souq brings a new smell, a new sight or a new gift to buy. Be enticed by the alluring scents and brilliant colours of the spice markets, the sounds of the musicians, the rich folds of carpets, delectable foods, acrobats and perfumed gardens. Perhaps brave dinner in the unique great square of Djemaa el-Fna, when night falls.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 15 Day 15: Marrakech
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Marrakech

Today is free for you to enjoy as you please. Set out to discover Marrakech in more detail - mingle with the performers and fortune-tellers at Djemaa el-Fna or sample some Moroccan specialities alfresco-style at the night stalls. Later on, relax while sipping mint tea with locals and pick up last-minute supplies for the South Morocco stage of your adventure. Keep in mind that there will be another briefing some time today to meet some new travellers and the local leader joining you on this stage of your adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 16 Day 16: Aroumd
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Aroumd

Take a short drive into the High Atlas Mountains to the village of Imlil (approximately 2 hours). On arrival, store your main luggage and load your overnight bags onto pack mules. Make the 1-hour trek to the peaceful village of Aroumd. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the remote village of Aroumd offers stunning views across the High Atlas Mountains and a unique opportunity to experience traditional Amazigh culture. Spend the night in a family-run mountain gite where, surrounded by the smell of woodstoves and bread, you will enjoy traditional hospitality and food. Use the rest of the day to explore the village and the surrounding farmlands. If the group is up for it and weather permits, there will be a chance to hike around eight kilometres to the pilgrimage shrine of Sidi Chamharouch (approximately 4 hours return). Regardless of your fitness levels, the gentle pace of Aroumd makes it a special place to explore beyond the reach of the modern world.
Accommodation: Gite
Day 17 Day 17: Ait Benhaddou
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Ait Benhaddou

This morning, journey along mountain roads and over Morocco’s highest pass, Tizi n’Tichka (2260 metres), to Ait Benhaddou on the edges of the Sahara (approximately 6 hours). Perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century, Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco’s most iconic sites. It was once an important stop for caravans passing through as they carried salt across the Sahara, returning with gold, ivory, and slaves. The town has a long list of film and TV credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator. Enjoy a leader-led walk through the winding streets of the Old Town, making your way to the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy the views across the surrounding plains. Pop into the Tawesna teahouse on the banks of the river. This community-run establishment provides local women with income to support their families, who in turn produce delicious pastries and teas using locally sourced ingredients. Chat to the women about their stories and perhaps enjoy a sweet treat while you’re at it. Your evening is free, with the option of partaking in a local cooking demonstration and meal of Morocco’s most famous dishes: couscous and tagine.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 18 Day 18: Ouarzazate - Zagora
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Ouarzazate - Zagora

This morning you’ll journey south towards the Sahara, stopping in the regularly used film location of Ouarzazate along the way (approximately 5 hours in total). Continue to travel through the lush Draa Valley to Zagora, a small oasis town on the Sahara fringe that is perfect for an overnight stop. On arrival, take a stroll through the palm groves, explore the ksars and wander around the surrounding countryside.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 19 Day 19: Tamegroute - Erg Chigaga
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Tamegroute - Erg Chigaga

Drive along the rugged and desolate Jbel Tadrart ranges and through seas of sand and past the occasional desert oasis of date palms to the township of Tamegroute. On arrival, visit an intriguing library filled with ancient scripts of science, literature, the Koran, and stories of the prophet Mohammed (subject to unregulated opening times). Afterward, join a local guide to uncover the underground Kasbah. Then carry on driving to the frontier town of M’Hamid (approximately 1 hour). From here, take a short camel ride through the dunes, then jump into 4WD vehicles and drive to the massive Erg Chigaga dunes. Arrive in the late afternoon. Enjoy a night under the stars at your desert camp.
Accommodation: Desert Camp
Day 20 Day 20: Oulad Berhil
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Oulad Berhil

Travel to the market town of Oulad Berhil by minivan. The journey should take around 8 hours in total, including several stops. This drive goes through desert scenery and along a route that’s a reserve for the indigenous argan trees. If you’re lucky, the group might come across the famous image of goats climbing these trees in search of nuts. Arrive at your accommodation by the early evening and relax after a long day of travel.
Accommodation: Riad
Day 21 Day 21: Taroudant - Essaouira
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Taroudant - Essaouira

In the morning, take to the souqs of Taroudant and haggle with local traders for silver jewellery or colourful Moroccan ceramics and mosaics. Afterwards, head west to the coastal town of Essaouira (approximately 5 hours). The name Essaouira means image, which is appropriate since it’s such a picturesque town. Its charm is undeniable; within the stone ramparts, you’ll find whitewashed houses with bright blue shutters, art galleries and wood workshops. You’ll arrive in the early evening, so there won’t be much time to look around today.
Accommodation: Riad
Day 22 Day 22: Essaouira
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Essaouira

Today, join a local guide for a walking tour through the old medina, Jewish mellah, port, and skala (sea wall). Afterward, enjoy free time for the rest of the day. Maybe grab a freshly-cooked plate of the day’s catch at the port, or browse the plentiful shops and intriguing art galleries. If you’d prefer to relax, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in a hammam or local-style bath.
Accommodation: Riad
Day 23 Day 23: Marrakech
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Marrakech

Enjoy a free morning in Essaouira, then catch a bus back to Marrakech in the afternoon (approximately 3 hours). Enjoy free time on arrival to explore or partake in optional activities. Maybe check out the Palais Bahia, a superb example of Muslim architecture, or the ruins of the Palais Badi.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 24 Day 24: Marrakech
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Marrakech

Your adventure ends after breakfast. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Marrakech (subject to availability).

+21

24 days tour

Spain, Portugal & Morocco

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Itinerary of your trip Spain, Portugal & Morocco

Day 1: Madrid

Day 2: Salamanca

Day 3: Coimbra

Day 4: Coimbra

Day 5: Lisbon

Day 6: Lisbon

Day 7: The Algarve / Olhao

Day 8: The Algarve / Olhao

Day 9: Seville / Tarifa

Day 10: Chefchaouen

Day 11: Chefchaouen

Day 12: Fes

Day 13: Fes

Day 14: Marrakech

Day 15: Marrakech

Day 16: Aroumd

Day 17: Ait Benhaddou

Day 18: Ouarzazate - Zagora

Day 19: Tamegroute - Erg Chigaga

Day 20: Oulad Berhil

Day 21: Taroudant - Essaouira

Day 22: Essaouira

Day 23: Marrakech

Day 24: Marrakech

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