Tour of Spain, Portugal, Morocco

Welcome to Madrid! Our adventure begins with a welcome meeting between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. After the meeting, we'll join together for an optional group dinner where we can get to know our fellow travelers. The free time available during the day can be used to visit the Paseo del Arte, or Art Walk, the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum.

This morning we say goodbye to Madrid and head northwest by public transport towards the historic university city of Salamanca (about 3 hours). Nestled among beautiful pastures and gentle green hills on the northern plateau of Spain, the rosy medieval city of Salamanica is fantastic to explore on foot. We can explore the central Plaza Mayor and discover the stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture the city is famous for. We can admire the intricate detail of the Casa de Las Conchas, or 'House of Shells', look at the contrasting Old and New Cathedrals and climb to the top to enjoy the terracotta rooftops. Thanks to the large student population, the city has a lively nightlife, so perhaps we'll enjoy the vibrant atmosphere tonight.

Today we head further west on a private bus and cross the border into Portugal to the tranquil city of Coimbra (about 4 hours). Coimbra will be your base for the next two nights. Sitting dignified on the banks of the river Mondego, Coimbra was once the capital of the county and its royal legacy can be felt in its ancient streets and buildings. Upon arrival, we take a walk around the city for an initial orientation tour. Coimbra features typical white stone buildings with several excellent examples of colorful azulejos tiles. Highlights include the University of Coimbra, the oldest in Portugal, and the famous baroque library, the Joanina Library, with its 18th-century bell tower.

Today we dedicate the morning to exploring Coimbra before attending a traditional performance of Fado. Fado songs must follow a particular structure, and although this traditional music can really be about anything, it commonly features plaintive melodies with lyrics about the sea or the life of the poor. In your free time, there is the opportunity to visit the ruins of Conimbriga, which are rich in well-preserved mosaics and offer a glimpse into ancient Roman life. Another option is to take a short boat trip to admire Coimbra from a different angle.

Today we're getting on a bus through the countryside of Portugal up to Lisbon (about a 3 and a half hour journey). Being one of the most pleasant and affordable capitals in Europe, Lisbon combines the best elements of Portuguese life, offering fantastic architecture, a multicultural population, delicious seafood, and non-stop nightlife. Upon arrival in the city, we start with an orientation walk around Lisbon, a city located on the banks of the Tagus River. Much of the character and charm of Lisbon lies in its beautifully renovated buildings, grand boulevards, and imposing castles and churches. We visit the medieval citadel in the city center, the Sao Jorge castle citadel, which dates back to the Moorish period and is situated at the highest point of the old city. The afternoon and evening are free.

Today is a free day to explore Lisbon, or perhaps take a 45-minute train ride to the mountainous region of Sintra, an absolute jewel of Portugal where you will see the beautiful Pena Palace. This area offers fantastic walks, stunning cliff-top palaces, and unique Moorish architecture. The 8th-century Moorish Castle dominates the historic center and the view from the battlements over the Serra de Sintra mountain range is breathtaking.

Our journey continues by bus for about five hours towards the southern coast of Portugal, the Algarve. Known for its fertile plains filled with orange and olive groves, figs, almonds, and cornfields, this region is perfect for exploring. Our base is Olhao, the largest fishing port in the Algarve. With a lively seafront, Moorish buildings, and vibrant old quarters, the city has a North African atmosphere.

Today we board a local passenger ship and head towards one of these islands, Ilha de Culatra, where we can walk along a series of boardwalks that lead away from the fishermen's settlements and cross dunes and lagoons to beaches so long they disappear into the horizon's mist. We return to Olhao in the afternoon.

We leave Portugal behind and return to Spain, traveling by bus to the fascinating city of Seville. Seville is famous for its oranges, tapas, and flamenco, all three deeply embedded in the fabric of the city and its proud people. Enjoy a short orientation walk around the main attractions, then we'll enjoy some free time.

This morning we get up early for an optional visit to the Tarifa Castle or to take a walk on the beach. Then we leave Europe behind and head towards Africa. The ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to the port of Tangier takes about 1 hour. After leaving the ferry we travel for three hours towards Chefchaouen.

Meet your local guide at the start of the day to explore the maze of streets in Chefchaouen. The "Blue City" is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Morocco. Nestled in a wide valley and tucked between two peaks in the stunning Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen amazes every visitor! Its medina has been lovingly maintained with picturesque white and blue houses, red-tiled roofs, and artistic doorways, and is full of handicrafts, while the main square features shops selling textiles and small sweets. We can relax in a traditional Moroccan hammam.

We say goodbye to Chefchaouen today and hop on a private minivan journey for about five hours into the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Arrive in the city of Fez and take a step back in time into a medieval medina brimming with exotic smells, tastes, and sounds. Vibrant, noisy, fascinating, and overwhelming, Fez is the mother of all medinas. The rest of the day is free to explore Fez. The more adventurous might want to try some Moroccan specialties such as a camel burger or harira (chickpea soup) and chicken-stuffed pastilla with couscous for dinner.

Let's take a guided walking tour of the old city, locally known as Fes El Bali. Step back in time in the labyrinth of the Medina, teeming with craftsmen, markets, tanneries, and mosques. Medieval Fes was one of the world's great centers of education and culture: both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and libraries are legendary. Its mosques are highly renowned. Look for the Medersa Bou Inania, one of the city's most beautiful buildings, which has been recently restored and is now open to tourists. We'll also pass by the Belghazi Museum, Medresse el Attarine, and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine, an 18th-century inn beautifully restored. We will also see the famous tannery, known for the iconic view overlooking its dye pits, and a pottery factory where you can watch potters working in a traditional way. After the tour, the afternoon is free.

Our tour continues with a train journey this morning to Marrakech (about 8 hours). We make a quick visit to the main square Djemaa El Fna before dinner. Henna painters, artists, and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar, brimming with stalls laden with Moroccan delicacies. From a distance, we will see the Koutoubia Mosque. Let's be enticed by the seductive scents and bright colors of the spice markets, the sounds of musicians, the rich folds of carpets, the exquisite foods, the acrobats, and the fragrant gardens.

Our adventure from Madrid to Marrakech ends this morning. Until the next tour!