Culinary & Cultural Discovery of Spain, Portugal & Morocco - 14 Days

Highlights

• Eat tapas in Madrid and pintxos in San Sebastián
• Enjoy an authentic Basque cider house experience and visit a cheese producer 
• Join cooking classes and learn to make Spanish and Portuguese food
• Go deeper with a street food tour of Marrakesh
• Share dinner with local families in Lisbon and Marrakesh

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid (Spain), Tapas Culinary Experience

Hola! Welcome to Spain, where endless rounds of tapas and fun await. You've landed in Madrid, where a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Drop your bags, refresh, and set out for your first taste of the nation. Madrileños love to eat traditional dishes from their beloved city, and on this culinary walking tour, you'll get to experience the city like a local as you master the art of picoteo. The origins of the word picoteo lie in the verb picar, which means eating small bites from several shared plates. This is also known as tapeo, or a tapas crawl.

Meet your expert guide and start your culinary journey at a traditional bodega serving delicious Spanish tapas, a local favorite that's been around for decades. Over the next three stops, you'll try some amazing meat and fish dishes from Madrid, finishing at a traditional restaurant featuring cuisine from the north of Spain. 

Day 2: Private Walking Tour of Madrid, Free Afternoon

Get to know Madrid on foot with a tour of the Spanish capital's loveliest and most emblematic places in the Habsburg district, the oldest part of the city (known in Spanish as El Madrid de Los Austrias). Admire striking buildings such as the Palacio Real de Madrid (Royal Palace), the Cathedral, the main square of Plaza Mayor, and some hidden corners and mysteries of Madrid's Old Town. Stop for a drink in an authentic tavern and say farewell to your guide.

This afternoon is yours to explore Madrid as you wish. Embark on a self-guided foodie adventure at a local mercado, seeing where people come to buy and sell fish, bread, and seasonal produce. Mercado de San Miguel is a popular market-turned-gourmet food hall; Mercado Ildefonso has a beautiful roof terrace; and Mercado San Antón is a creative food market with three levels. Or escape to Retiro Park, a retreat originally created for the royal family that opened to the public in the late 1700s. Hire a rowboat, see Casita del Pescador, and check out the Crystal Palace.

Day 3: Train to San Sebastián, Pintxo Experience

Today catch the train north to San Sebastián, a picturesque coastal city in the Basque Country. San Sebastián is known for its stunning beaches, world-renowned cuisine, and vibrant pintxo culture—which you will experience this evening.

A local guide will take you on a foodie tour of this famous culinary city. Admire the iconic City Hall and pass Playa La Concha with its elegant promenade before diving into the famous Parte Vieja (Old Quarter). The Basque region is known for a type of tapas called pintxos (pronounced "peenchos"). Hop between bars, cafés, and restaurants serving these bite-sized delicacies, which naturally pair best with local wines like txakoli. Graze until your heart's content on pintxos from the alluring countertop, or order hot pintxos from the menu.

Day 4: Cheese Farm Visit, Basque Cider House Tour

This morning you'll visit a sheep farm in the countryside to learn how Basque cheese is made. Walk among the farm's facilities before tasting different cheeses paired with local wines or cider. Then, visit a sidreria (cider house) to discover one of the longest and deepest traditions of Basque culture. First, explore the Cider Museum in Astigarraga to discover the manufacturing process of this particular and traditional product. Next, visit a working cider house for an authentic, traditional, and atmospheric experience.

Gather around long wooden tables within the cider house where a hearty meal of salted codfish, T-bone steak, and chorizo will be served while guests sample ciders direct from the large barrels. Listen for the "Txotx!" cry, letting you know a new barrel has opened. Race over with your glass and catch the stream of cider, just like the locals. Safe to say, the festive and fun atmosphere will make this one of your favorite memories from the Basque Country. Afterward, return to San Sebastián to take a self-guided pintxo tour, join a surf lesson, or explore the vintage Mount Igeldo amusement park.

Day 5: Basque Cooking Class Experience

Learn from one of the best in the food business with this special cooking experience led by a professional local chef. San Sebastián has a reputation for its innovative and world-leading culinary scene, and on today's foodie adventure, you'll rub shoulders with some of the best. Start with a visit to a bustling food market to meet local fishmongers and farmers who will help you select the freshest ingredients for the class.

Once back in the kitchen, your chef will guide you through the process of creating a variety of mouth-watering dishes, sharing their tips and tricks for achieving the perfect flavors and textures. When your Basque dishes are complete, sit down and enjoy lunch paired with local wines. This immersive experience is perfect for anyone who loves food and wants to take their culinary skills to the next level, all while discovering the unique flavors of the Basque Country.

Day 6: Fly to Porto (Portugal), Private Guided Tour, Introduction to Portuguese Wines

Plan your trip to Portugal
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Get Started

This morning a private driver will take you to San Sebastián's airport for your flight to Porto, Portugal's second-biggest city. On arrival, a private driver will be waiting to whisk you off to your hotel in the city center. This afternoon a local guide will share the history, battles, and how Porto gained the nickname "Invicta" (Unbeaten City). Explore the city center—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—to admire renowned Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and neoclassical monuments and sites, including São Bento Railway Station, Clerigos Tower, Lello Bookshop, Bolhão Market, and Porto Cathedral. 

Your walking tour will finish by the Douro River with views of the Dom Luís I Bridge. If it sounds like it might be wine o'clock, you're correct! Portugal has one of the most diverse collections of native grapes in the world, and with this introduction, you'll learn about Portuguese wines and taste six top drops. Discover zesty and effervescent vinho verde whites through to rich and complex reds from the hot Alentejo region. You'll leave this class with a phenomenal base to explore Portuguese wines on your own.

Day 7: Private Porto Cooking Class & Market Visit

Visit the local market to meet the locals, see what's in season, and pick up produce for today's private cooking class with a top Portuguese chef. Your four-hour hands-on workshop starts with buying everything you need before diving into the traditional flavors and secrets of Portuguese cuisine. Discover unique cooking techniques that you can bring back home, and—of course—afterward, you'll sit down to taste everything you've created, paired with local wines and spirits.

This afternoon take your time getting lost in Porto's narrow, cobbled streets. A top spot to start is the Ribeira neighborhood, which sits by the Douro River and is one of the city's oldest parts. Famed for its narrow and colorful dockside houses and views of the iconic double-decked Dom Luís I Bridge, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see. If you're curious about port wine, pop across the river to Gaia and visit one of the dozens of traditional port wine cellars on the southern bank for a tasting.

Day 8: Train to Lisbon, Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour

After breakfast, make your way to Porto's São Bento train station for your 3.5-hour journey to Lisbon. It's best to arrive early, not only so you don't miss your train but to admire the incredible entrance hall, which is decorated with more than 20,000 azulejo tiles depicting historical scenes and events in Portugal's history. On arrival in Lisbon, take a transfer to your hotel and freshen up.

This afternoon you'll explore the "City of Seven Hills" in style by electric tuk-tuk. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you'll zip through the charming capital's modern and historic districts, from Baixa's neoclassical avenues to the bohemian Bairro Alto's cobblestone alleys. Discover the city's fascinating history and hidden corners, and stop at stunning panoramic viewpoints such as São Pedro de Alcântara, Parque Eduardo VII, Senhora do Monte, and Santa Luzia.

Day 9: Lisbon Markets, Pastel de Nata Baking Class, Dinner With a Local

After breakfast, set out to meet the locals at a market. Each Tuesday and Saturday, the Feira da Ladra flea market offers everything from vintage clothing to quirky antiques. For fresh food, try the city's biggest traditional market, the daily Mercado da Ribeira, and then visit the buzzing Time Out Market food hall next door. But don't eat too much—you're about to learn how to make Lisbon's iconic sweet pastry dessert, the pastel de nata. Under the guidance of an experienced pastry chef, you'll cook up custard tarts, best enjoyed warm from the oven with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Day 10: Fly to Marrakesh (Morocco), Private Guided Tour, Evening Street Food Tour

This morning you're destined for Marrakesh, "the Red City." Take a transfer to the Lisbon airport for your flight to Morocco. On arrival, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Drop your bags and join a private guide to explore historical sites such as the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadien Tombs, the 19th-century Bahia Palace, and the Jewish Quarter. Wind your way through the colorful and lively UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina (walled old town), visiting different artisan areas within the souks where you can barter for souvenirs or gifts.

Day 11: Foodie Experience in Essaouira

Visit the charming coastal city of Essaouira on a private, full-day trip and experience a different side of Morocco. The city has a long history of different influences, including Indigenous Berbers, Phoenicians, Romans, and most recently, an artsy and young surfer crowd. After a 2.5-hour drive, you'll reach the city. Twist through the medina's wide and bright streets, which cover 75 acres (30 ha), with your guide.

Taste local specialties like ma'akouda, sfinge, or nougat, visit the infamous port with its bobbing blue boats and fortifications, go to a local Saouri home for a mini-cooking class and meal, and enjoy a walking food tour across the afternoon. Use your free time to enjoy the souks, street vendors, leafy plazas, and whitewashed houses with ornate wooden doors. Stop into various traditional shops to pick up ceramics, spices, leather goods, and shoes before the return journey to Marrakesh.

Day 12: Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride over Marrakesh, Cooking Class at Amal Center

View the desert landscape of Marrakesh from above with an incredible hot-air balloon ride. The early wake-up call is worth it, as you'll watch the sunrise over the red desert. The pastel colors, soft lighting, and crisp early-morning air create a tranquil experience very different from the typical hustle and bustle of vibrant Marrakesh. Enjoy the scenery as you float over arid hills, quaint villages, and pockets of green, all with a gorgeous mountain backdrop. After sunrise, enjoy a Moroccan breakfast pastry in the air! 

Day 13: Transfer to Casablanca, Dinner with Locals

Today you'll take a private 2.5-hour transfer to Casablanca, one of Morocco's four Imperial Cities. Casablanca is known as the Art Deco capital of Africa, and the city is famous for the Hassan II Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Morocco and the only one open to non-Muslim tourists. Use your free time to join a guided tour of the space of worship or knock over any last-minute souvenir shopping on your final day in Morocco.

This evening you'll be treated like a VIP at a Moroccan home. Join a local family for an indulgent and traditional family-style meal expertly prepared by a skilled home cook. Arrive with an empty stomach, curiosity, and a hunger for local flavors. With all the normal fixings and dishes, this immersive dining experience will give you an authentic view of Moroccan culture and hospitality, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your trip.

Day 14: Depart Casablanca

It's time to say goodbye. Your two-week adventure through Spain, Portugal, and Morocco has come to an end. At the designated time, a driver will pick you up at your hotel for transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

More Great Portugal Itineraries