Cultural Highlights of Portugal, Spain & Morocco - 14 Days

Highlights

• Immerse yourself into city life in Lisbon on a food tour
• Travel to the Douro Valley for wine tasting and a river cruise
• Enjoy watching a flamenco show at one of Madrid's most famous tablaos
• Take in spectacular views on a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over Marrakesh
• Snap photographs galore in the "Blue City" of Chefchaouen

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon (Portugal), Lisbon Roots, Food & Cultural Walk

Welcome to Portugal! Upon arrival at Lisbon airport, your private driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the city center. After checking in and enjoying some downtime after your flight, you'll head out on a small group food tour to explore two of Lisbon's most ancient neighborhoods: Mouraria and Alfama.

Day 2: Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour, Dinner With a Local

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

You can explore Lisbon at your own pace this afternoon. For street art, head to the trendy former cloth and textile factory, LX Factory, where you can dip in and out of restaurants, bars, and shops. Or treat your tastebuds at Timeout Market, where you'll find the shining stars of Lisbon's gastronomy scene under one roof. In picture-perfect Belém, Jeronimos Monastery is one of Lisbon's highlights. Wander around its ornate cloisters or vast chapel and take in one of the city's most magnificent buildings. Meanwhile, Lisbon's standout museum is Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, which is a must-visit for art lovers.

After a busy day sightseeing, enjoy a homemade Portuguese dinner this evening in the home of a local family. Your hosts will prepare a three-course meal, and you can enjoy a relaxed evening with them, learning about daily life in Portugal and exchanging experiences and stories over wine.

Day 3: Train to Porto, Guided Architecture & World Heritage Tour

Make your way to Lisbon's train station first thing today to travel 3.5 hours north to Porto. Check into your central hotel on arrival, then head out for a guided walking tour of the city. In Porto's UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic city center, old and contemporary architecture co-exist. Your guide will point out some of its fascinating architectural highlights, showing you things you would probably otherwise miss, even in much-visited parts of the city.

Day 4: Day Excursion to the Douro Valley with Wine Tasting & River Cruise

Escape from the city this morning to the mountains and valleys of the famous Douro Valley wine region. Your private driver will be waiting to whisk you there first thing. When you arrive, you'll visit traditional wineries accompanied by an expert guide. After wine tasting, you'll enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the valley's famous quintas (estates).

After lunch, you'll hop aboard a riverboat for an hour-long cruise down the tranquil Douro River. As you sail, relax and admire the beautiful scenery of the valley and the rolling hills along the riverbanks. Afterward, you'll return to Porto, where you can spend the evening at leisure. Carry on with your day of indulgence in the city's lively Ribeira area.

Day 5: Fly to Barcelona (Spain), Tapas Culinary Experience

It's time to swap Portugal for Spain today. Your driver will meet you in the morning to take you to the airport in Porto to catch a flight to Barcelona. When you arrive, you'll be driven to your centrally-located hotel.

A great way to get to know a city is through its food, and you'll be immersed straight into Barcelona's tapas scene this evening on a three-hour tapas tour. A knowledgeable guide will take you through some of the city's neighborhoods, telling you about their history and how locals eat, live, and do picoteo (meaning to pick or share plates) in Barcelona. You'll be taken to some of Barcelona's most authentic and popular restaurants and bars and will be able to savor the centuries-old local food culture. You'll try food and drink over five stops as you venture beyond the typical tourist trails.

Day 6: Barcelona by Bike, Sagrada Família, Sailboat Experience & Guitar Concert

Explore Barcelona on two wheels today on a private guided bicycle tour. On your three-hour tour, you'll cycle through the medieval Gothic Quarter, trendy Raval, and atmospheric El Born, with your guide pointing out out the city's historic highlights, including Roman ruins, the grand Plaça Reial, and the Gothic Barcelona Cathedral. You'll also cycle through Ciutadella Park, one of the largest green spaces in the city, all the way to Barceloneta Beach. This is Barcelona's main urban beach, and it's always a hub of activity. Riding along the waterfront promenade is the perfect way to end your tour.

After lunch, visit one of Barcelona's greatest monuments, La Sagrada Família, on a self-guided tour. The spectacular Roman Catholic church and UNESCO World Heritage Site was designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. To end your day in style, head to the port early evening to board a sailboat for a sunset cruise off the coast. Enjoy a glass of cava while the sun goes down and admire the city bathed in color. You'll enjoy a Spanish guitar concert as you sail, as well as an assortment of cheeses, olives, bread, and other snacks. Afterward, head back to your hotel to relax or enjoy the rest of the evening in Barcelona.

Day 7: Train to Madrid, Insider's Old Madrid Tour, Flamenco Night

Catch a 2.5-hour train to the Spanish capital of Madrid today, and head straight to your central Madrid hotel when you arrive. After you've checked out your new room, you'll be guided around Madrid's oldest barrio (district), the Austrias neighborhood. Travel back to the year 711 CE when Madrid was under the Iberian Caliphate's reign and find out what life was like in the city then. You'll also discover how Madrid became the capital of Spain in 1561, will discuss the dark days of the Inquisition, then finish in 1725, when the oldest restaurant in the world first opened its doors: Restaurante Sobrino de Botín.

Taking in a flamenco show is a must on a visit to Spain, and this evening you'll enjoy watching one at one of Madrid's most famous tablaos (flamenco venues). This musical style enjoys a rich heritage that dates back to the ninth century when the music and dances of immigrants in the Andalusia region mixed with the cultures of local Moors and Jews. Over the centuries, the intermingling of these various influences synthesized to produce the style of flamenco that has come to define Spanish folkloric music.

Day 8: Free Day to Explore Madrid or Toledo

Today is free for you to explore Madrid at your own pace. On a Sunday, El Rastro Market, an open-air flea market, is a great place to wander around until around 3 pm. You can also visit lesser-known museums such as Reina Sofia, to see modern and contemporary Spanish art; Sorolla, dedicated to the Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla; and Thyssen Bornemisza, where you can learn more about the history of European painting. For relaxing activities, row a boat and take a stroll in El Retiro Park, or simply people-watch from a café in the La Latina or Chamberi districts.

Alternatively, travel around an hour south by train to the handsome UNESCO-listed city of Toledo. It's known as the "City of the Three Cultures" as Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities peacefully coexisted here, and you'll find many remnants of this history throughout its religious monuments. Wander the ancient streets and visit historic landmarks with an expert guide, seeing the grand 13th-century Toledo Cathedral and the 12th-century Church of Santo Tomé. There's the option to see the city from a different perspective, too—on a zipline that crosses the Tagus River.

Day 9: Fly to Marrakesh (Morocco), Evening Street Food Tour

This morning you'll be picked up and driven to Madrid airport to catch a flight to Marrakesh in Morocco. Once you've arrived, you'll be met by a private driver who will take you to your Marrakesh hotel. Relax and freshen up after you've checked in, then get ready to go out on an evening street food tour which will take you beyond Jemaa el-Fna, the main square of the city.

You'll be guided around the city by local experts who have created a tour visiting their favorite eating spots in the back alleys and streets around the city's medina (the walled old town). You'll learn all about street food culture in Marrakesh, tasting dishes in spots loved by locals, and you'll even learn how to make a classic Moroccan dish. Make sure you arrive hungry, as you'll have eaten a full meal by the end of the tour!

Day 10: Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Private Tour of Marrakesh

Your early wake-up call will be well worth it today as you board a hot-air balloon to see the desert landscape of Marrakesh from above. You'll watch the sunrise over the desert, which is a tranquil experience and very different from the hustle and bustle of vibrant Marrakesh. Admire the pastel colors and soft lighting as you float over arid hills, quaint villages, and pockets of green, all with a gorgeous mountain backdrop. After sunrise, you'll relax with breakfast and a Moroccan pastry in the air. This is truly a memorable experience and a wonderful way to see Marrakesh in a different way.

After you've returned to your hotel, head out for a half-day guided tour of Marrakesh, focusing on the city's cultural side. You'll visit main historical sites such as the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadien Tombs, Bahia Palace, and the Jewish Quarter and explore the different artisan areas within the souks (markets). After the tour, you'll have spare time to visit other areas of the city at your own pace. 

Day 11: Excursions to Nearby Coast, Mountains, or Desert

You have a free day today to explore the countryside surrounding Marrakesh in contrast to life in the busy city. With desert, mountains, and rugged coastline nearby, you have a good selection of day trips to choose between. You could head to Ouarzazate, southeast of Marrakesh, and across the spectacular Tizi n' Tichka mountain pass. End the day watching the sunset at the UNESCO-listed red earthen fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, which you may recognize as a filming location for "Gladiator" and Game of Thrones. 

Alternatively, go on an excursion to the Ourika Valley. On this day trip, you'll stop at a Berber market in Asni as well as Setti Fatma, a village that's known for its seven waterfalls. You'll eat by the river and will end the day enjoying a camel ride at sunset, admiring the scenery. If you're craving some time by the sea, the port city of Essaouira is less than a three-hour drive west. The drive will be worth it when you have the sea breeze in your hair and are wandering around its UNESCO-listed medina with its narrow maze of alleys and souks.

Day 12: Transfer to Rabat, Self-Guided Tour 

Bid farewell to Marrakesh this morning as your private driver picks you up for your transfer north to Rabat. Check in and freshen up when you arrive, then head out to explore. Despite being Morocco's capital and one of the largest cities in the country, Rabat tends to attract fewer tourists than other Moroccan hubs. But thanks to its signature white architecture, Rabat earned UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2012, and there's much to do and see in the city. Start at the Royal Palace of Rabat and the medieval fortification of the Chellah Necropolis, where you can wander around Roman and Islamic ruins.

Next, stroll through the medina to find the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohamed V. This abandoned 12th-century project features the minaret of an incomplete mosque and 200 columns. Allow some time to explore the historic medina itself and barter for some souvenirs, then retreat to a serene spot, the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens. End your sightseeing at the grand door of the Kasbah des Oudaïas, the gate out of Rabat's old city center, which is home to the city's oldest mosque and Musée des Oudaïas handicrafts museum. 

Day 13: Day Trip to the "Blue City" of Chefchaouen

Today you will discover the sites, streets, and monuments of Morocco's famed "Blue City," Chefchaouen, or simply "Chaoeun," as the locals call it. It's one of the prettiest towns in Morocco, and you'll want to snap plenty of photos of its blue-washed buildings. Perched between the peaks of the Rif mountains, it was founded in 1471 by the Idrissid Shorfa, descendants of the Prophet Mohammed, as a stronghold in the fight against the Portuguese. Chefchaouen, esteemed as a holy town, has eight mosques and several zaouias (religious buildings), and marabouts (Muslim religious leaders and teachers).

Explore the narrow lanes of its old medina, which has the town's characteristic blue buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a combination of Moroccan and Andalusian influence. At its heart is Plaza Uta el-Hammam with its restored kasbah. There's a good choice of places to eat, so allow time for a lazy lunch. After a busy day exploring, your private driver will take you back to Rabat so you can enjoy the final evening of your trip.

Day 14: Depart Rabat

It's the last day of your tour today. A driver will pick you up from your hotel at a pre-arranged time to take you to Rabat–Salé Airport for your flight to your onward destination. Safe travels!

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