3 Weeks in Portugal & Morocco - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Gems of Portugal & Morocco

Perfect for first-timers to Portugal and Morocco, you'll cover the countries' highlights on this itinerary. You'll experience everything from foodie tours in Porto, Lisbon, Marrakesh, and Fes, a wine tasting in the Douro Valley, a visit to the wonders of Sintra, an exploration of Kasbah Amerhidil, the largest oasis in Morocco's Dadès Valley, and even a two-night luxury stay at a Saharan desert camp.

Begin in Portugal's charming city of Porto, where you'll enjoy a foodie experience and explore the city on an e-bike before taking a day trip to the Douro Valley for wine tasting and a river cruise. From Porto, you'll head to Lisbon, getting to know the cobblestone streets of its cosmopolitan and literary Chiado and bohemian Bairro Alto neighborhoods. Here, you'll also join a Portuguese cooking class and take a day trip to Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. Next, you'll venture south to the Algarve for a blend of beach relaxation and rural exploration, visiting Lagos and the Benagil Caves before enjoying a sunset experience in Sagres.

Your adventure continues on Day 10 in Évora, the cultural and gastronomic capital of the Alentejo region. Engage in a cork and olive oil Jeep safari before flying to Marrakesh in Morocco for a street food tour. You'll explore the different artisan areas within the maze-like souks of the medina and journey to the famous kasbah of Aït Benhaddou. Head to Boumalne Dades via Skoura's Amerhidil Kasbah and oasis before traveling to Merzouga, the gateway to the rolling dunes of Erg Chebbi. After a desert adventure in the Sahara and a sunset camel ride, continue to Fes for a guided city tour and join a cooking class at the market. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Culinary Journey Through Portugal & Morocco

Indulge in a culinary journey through Portugal and Morocco. Perfect for foodies and culture enthusiasts, you'll explore urban and rural landscapes, taste local wines, learn to cook traditional dishes and engage in immersive cultural experiences. Highlights include a foodie tour through Porto, wine tasting in the Douro Valley, a cooking class in Lisbon, a desert adventure in Merzouga, and a market cooking class in Fes.

In Porto, Portugal, embark on a foodie experience, a vintage car tour, and take the opportunity to participate in a private cooking class. From Porto, travel to the Douro Valley for a wine tasting and river cruise before a guided tour of Lisbon. In addition to a market cooking class in Lisbon, you'll enjoy a wine-tasting and sightseeing trip to Sintra before heading to Évora for a tasting tour. Your Portuguese adventure concludes with a Jeep safari in Évora, a transfer to the beautiful Algarve along the southern coast; an exploration of laid-back Lagos; a cruise to Benagil Cave; and a discovery of nearby beaches.

As you move on to Morocco, start your journey in Marrakesh with a street food tour and a tour of the city's medina. From Marrakesh, you'll take a day trip to Ijoukak Valley for a unique Berber lunch experience. Then, travel to Boumalne Dades and Merzouga, where you'll have the chance to ride a camel at sunset and experience a desert adventure amid the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Continue with a transfer to Midelt with the Middle and High Atlas mountains in view, and then Fes. On your last full day, you'll take a guided city tour and then shop for produce to prepare ingredients in a cooking class before readying for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Explore the History & Heritage of Portugal & Morocco

Explore Portugal and Morocco's historical highlights and heritage with this trip that includes times spent in Morocco's capital, Rabat, coastal Casablanca, and the "Blue City" of Chefchaouen. This itinerary offers a deep dive into the rich heritage of these two countries, from the ancient cities of Braga and Guimarães in Portugal to the Imperial Cities of Marrakesh, Rabat, and Fes in Morocco. Highlights include visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Aït Benhaddou and Volubilis, a stroll through the blue-hued alleys of Chefchaouen, and a series of foodie experiences in Porto and Marrakesh.

Your adventure begins in Porto, Portugal, where you'll engage in a foodie experience and a private tour covering the city's cultural landmarks, like São Bento Railway Station and Porto Cathedral. Your journey then takes you to Braga and Guimarães, followed by a trip to Coimbra via Buçaco Forest and Aveiro. In Coimbra, you'll embark on a private tour, and the following day, you'll head to Évora via Tomar—where you'll visit the Knights Templar's headquarters. Explore Évora and learn about the Roman Empire at Templo Romano before transferring to Lisbon for a night of Fado, a full-day tour, and a day trip to Sintra and Pena Palace.

You'll then fly to Marrakesh, Morocco, where you'll indulge in street food and a private city tour. From Marrakesh, you'll take a day excursion to Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, Morocco's desert Hollywood, followed by a foodie experience in Essaouira. Continue to Rabat and then to Fes via Meknes and the UNESCO-protected, sprawling Roman ruins of Volubilis. In Fes, you'll join a private tour of the city and embark on a day trip to Chefchaouen, also known as the "Blue City." You'll then transfer to Casablanca to marvel at the intricate tile work of the Hassan II Mosque and enjoy a free day in the city before departing. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Journey Along the Atlantic Coast: Portugal to Morocco

On this coastal journey, you'll follow much of the coastline from the storied streets of Porto and Lisbon to the golden beaches of the Algarve and Comporta and farther still to Tangier, Casablanca, and El Jadida in Morocco. This itinerary is perfect for explorers who love a mix of cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, and beach relaxation. Highlights include a guided food tour in Porto, a catamaran cruise to the Benagil Cave in the Algarve, a visit to the hauntingly beautiful Portuguese cistern in El Jadida, and a hot-air balloon ride over Marrakesh.

Your journey begins in Portugal's picturesque city of Porto, where you'll indulge in a foodie experience and take a half-day walking tour. Venturing on to Lisbon, you'll tour the city's highlights, like the historic Alfama, one of the oldest neighborhoods, and explore the beaches of Costa da Caparica. Enjoy a scenic drive to Comporta, where you'll relax on the beach, and then continue to the Algarve region. Here, you'll explore Lagos, a charming coastal destination, take a catamaran cruise to tucked-away Benagil Cave, and hike along the coastal Fisherman's Trail.

Next, you'll journey by ferry from Tarifa Port in Spain to Tangier, Morocco, immersing yourself in local culture with food and private city tours. Carrying on south, following the coast, you'll arrive at the artistic town of Asilah and then to Morocco's capital, Rabat, for a self-guided tour of the Royal Palace and the medieval Chellah Necropolis. Next, you'll transfer to Marrakesh to enjoy a hot-air balloon ride followed by a day trip west to coastal Essaouira, a hub for the artsy and young surfer crowd. Finally, you'll head to Casablanca, visiting the Hassan II Mosque, the country's largest, before your departure. Learn more

More Great 3-Week Portugal Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Portugal? Check out these other three-week Portugal itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and culinary tours for foodie highlights.