Journey Along the Atlantic Coast: Portugal to Morocco - 21 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Porto (Portugal), Foodie Experience

Olá and welcome to Porto, Portugal's second-largest city! Upon arrival, a private driver will be waiting to whisk you off to your hotel in the city center. Drop your bags and freshen up before you dive into Porto's rich culinary scene.

This afternoon you'll join a 3.5-hour walking tour of the historic downtown. A local guide will share a firsthand look at Porto's culinary renaissance, including the rebirth of specialty food shops and new restaurants adopting old methods. Stop at old-school family-run businesses to taste simple, quality products and traditional Portuguese recipes made with love. Learn why these spots are an integral part of what makes gastronomy in Porto unique. Finish the experience with an introduction to Porto's famous drink, port wine, and taste three different styles.

Day 2: Half-Day Porto Walking Tour

Discover the rich history and culture of Porto this morning with a private half-day guided walking tour. Start exploring Boavista Avenue and Foz, then head to the UNESCO-listed city center to marvel at various Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and neoclassical monuments and sites. You'll learn about the city's heroes, battles, and the reason it's called "Invicta" (the Unbeaten City), plus you'll visit the São Bento Railway Station, Clerigos Tower, the Church of St. Francis, Lello Bookshop, Bolhão Market, and more.

After visiting the imposing Porto Cathedral with its grand silver altarpiece, venture down to the wide Douro River for breathtaking views of Ribeira Plaza and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, the perfect photo spots.

Day 4: Transfer to Lisbon via Nazaré & Aveiro

Pack up and hit the road—it's time to go to Lisbon. Today you'll make a day of the three-hour transfer by stopping en route at the coastal Art Nouveau city of Aveiro and the fishing town of Nazaré, home to the world's biggest waves. An hour south of Porto, beautiful Aveiro sits at the edge of an extensive coastal lagoon and features a network of canals. Explore the energetic university city on foot or in a moliceiro—a colorful boat traditionally used for seaweed harvesting but now repurposed for canal cruises.

You'll continue to Nazaré, a traditional fishing village famous for its long, sandy half-moon beach and some of the biggest waves in the world. Admire the beautiful wooden fishing boats and the local women who still wear the traditional seven skirts. If you're lucky, the world-record-breaking waves might be pumping, attracting top surfers from all over the world. Finally, continue to Lisbon, where after check-in, you can relax and explore the streets of Portugal's colorful capital at your leisure.

Day 5: Full-Day Lisbon Walking Tour

Fill up on breakfast this morning before you join a walking tour of hilly Lisbon. Board one of the quintessential yellow trams to Bairro Alto and Chiado, where the great 20th-century writers and philosophers used to gather. Continue to picture-perfect Alfama, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon. Here, walk along narrow cobblestoned streets, and see the stunning 12th-century Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral).

After lunch, head over to Belém, one of Lisbon's most historic and monumental areas. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-protected Torre de Belém (Belém Tower), and tour the National Ajuda Palace, once home to the Portuguese royal family. Don't leave without stopping by Pastéis de Belém. This bakery claims to be the original home of the pastéis de nata, and still follows the original recipe monks in the area used in the 18th century.

Day 6: Day Trip to Sintra, Sailing Experience: Cascais to Lisbon

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sintra and its hills, dotted with fairy-tale palaces and extravagant villas, have enchanted visitors for centuries. Your guide will whisk you from downtown Lisbon to romantic Sintra, starting with Pena Palace, one of the best expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in Europe, where King Fernando II intentionally mixed architectural styles. From here, enjoy views of the Moorish Castle. It's a testimony of the Islamic presence in the Iberian Peninsula, which was built in the eighth century and conquered during the formation of the Portugal Kingdom.

Wander the picturesque village of Sintra and stop to taste the town's famous travesseiros and queijadas de Sintra before continuing to Cascais. This fishing village was once the summer destination of the royal family. Explore the Cascais Citadel, a set of 500-year-old fortifications built to protect Lisbon from pirates and corsairs, then visit a unique natural chasm in the seaside cliffs called Hell's Mouth. End the day by sailing back to Belém in Lisbon, passing historic mansions in Estoril and many golden sandy beaches along the way.

Day 8: Drive to Comporta, Beach Day

Comporta is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, with long stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters. The relaxed village has become popular with celebrities, artists, and those seeking a more exclusive holiday experience. Today you'll rent a car and make the 90-minute drive south.

Climb over sandy natural dunes to reach the wide stretches of sand, where you'll see many people practicing watersports, enjoying seafood at chic beachfront restaurants, or lazing on the sand. Choose a spot for lunch and order white sangria with local cheeses and fresh seafood, such as calamari or clams, before leaning into a slow afternoon. Beyond the tranquil and traditional village, Comporta is a biodiverse natural habitat with a wide variety of flora and fauna, including storks and flamingoes that nest close to the seaside.

Day 9: Day Trip to Setúbal & Arrábida Natural Park

If you like wandering through local markets, today's trip to Setúbal is unmissable. This morning you'll wander one of the best markets in Portugal—and the world—where you can see what's in season, explore the variety of Portuguese seafood, and pick up delicious souvenirs. After, venture up to the Forte de São Filipe for views of the Tróia Península and its resorts.

Setúbal was once a large industrial city but now shines in the shadow of the Arrábida Natural Park. Within the protected reserve, you'll find endless bushland and pristine beaches. Take a scenic drive along the hilltop, stopping by Cabo Espichel—a wild, wind-swept spot where giant waves crash against towering cliffs. It is a place to appreciate the raw beauty of nature and is often a great place for sunset.

Day 10: Drive to the Algarve, Explore Lagos

Day 12: Hike the Coastal Fisherman's Trail, Visit Ilha da Barreta

The most authentic way to explore the rural countryside and coastline of southern Portugal is with the Rota Vicentina. This network of trails runs for 280 miles (450 km) through the western Alentejo and western Algarve regions. Today you'll start in Bordeira, embarking on a self-guided hike along a portion of the epic trail. You'll follow a circular route through pine forests, sweeping beaches, and past vast sand dunes. 

The name—Ilha Deserta—literally means Deserted Island, which is a fitting name for the village-less sand island that you'll visit today. Located off the coast of Faro, the island (also known as Ilha da Barreta) is famous for its beautiful beach and unspoiled nature. It's truly a paradise in the Algarve, stretching for about 4 miles (7 km). The main appeal of this beach is its remoteness and its unspoiled nature. You'll need to catch a regular ferry service to reach the island and take your own towels. You can still rent umbrellas and loungers, and you'll find showers and a restaurant too.

Day 13: Transfer to Tarifa Port, Ferry to Tangier (Morocco), Food Tour

Day 14: Private Tour of Tangier

Day 16: Transfer to Rabat, Self-Guided Tour

This morning you'll take a comfortable two-hour private transfer to Rabat, the capital of Morocco since 1956 and a bustling UNESCO World Heritage city. Embark on a self-guided tour, starting at the Royal Palace of Rabat and the medieval Chellah Necropolis, where you can wander the Roman and Islamic ruins. Stroll through the medina to find the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohamed V, an abandoned 12th-century project that features the minaret of an incomplete mosque and hundreds of columns.

Spend time in the historic medina—stop at the souks to browse local crafts and gifts, such as rugs, spices, slippers, jewelry, leather, and more. Remember that bartering is part of the fun! Next, visit the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens and enjoy the serene space away from the crowds. The lush terraces are filled with paths, exotic plants, flowers, and fruit trees. End at the grand door of the Kasbah des Oudaïas, the gate out of Rabat's old city center and the Musée des Oudaïas handicrafts museum. Admire the white and blue architecture, then relax at your accommodation.

Day 17: Transfer to Marrakesh, Private Tour of Marrakesh

This morning take a private 3.5-hour transfer to Marrakesh, "the Red City." Later this afternoon, a guide will meet you at the hotel for a half-day guided visit, leading you past 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, visiting different artisan areas within the souks where you can barter for souvenirs or gifts.

Day 19: Foodie Experience in Essaouira

Embark on a private full-day trip to the charming coastal city of Essaouira and discover a different side of Morocco. This city has a long history of diverse influences, from Indigenous Berbers and Phoenicians to Romans, and today it's a hub for the artsy and young surfer crowd. After a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Marrakesh, follow your guide through Essaouira's medina, with bright and wide streets that cover an impressive 75 acres (30 ha).

Savor local specialties such as ma'akouda, sfinge, or nougat, visit the bustling port with its bobbing blue boats and fortified walls, and experience a mini-cooking class and meal at a local Saouri home. Then, join a walking food tour in the afternoon, exploring the souks, street vendors, leafy plazas, and whitewashed houses with ornate wooden doors. Take time to stop into various traditional shops and pick up some ceramics, spices, leather goods, or shoes before the return journey back to Marrakesh.

Day 20: Transfer to Casablanca, Private Tour of Hassan II Mosque

Early this morning, you'll take a private three-hour transfer to Casablanca, the Art Deco capital of Africa. You'll drive via the coastal route, visiting two old Portuguese fortified cities along the way. Stop at El Jadida to tour the hauntingly beautiful Portuguese cistern and walk the ramparts, then continue to Azemour, a place that has inspired many Moroccan artists over the decades. Life here is still traditional despite its proximity to cosmopolitan Casablanca. Your driver will take you to a local fish market for lunch, where nearby restaurants grill up the freshest fish from the Atlantic.

On arrival in Casablanca, join a guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque. The largest mosque in Morocco, and the only one open to non-Muslim tourists, you'll explore the superb architectural masterpiece and learn about its history. Your guide will help you admire the ornate design with beautiful green hues and mosaic tiles, lavish wood, marble and carved stone interiors, and arched ornamented ceilings.

Day 21: Depart Casablanca

It's time to say goodbye to Portugal and Morocco. If you have time before your flight today, venture into the more modern souks of Casablanca and shop for last-minute spices, slippers, and souvenirs. At the designated time, a driver will pick you up at your hotel for the 45-minute transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Portugal? Check out these other Portugal itineraries, explore different ways to spend three weeks in Portugal and Morocco, or discover the best time to visit Portugal.