37. Portugal, Spain, Morocco

Spain, Portugal & Morocco in Depth

This 18-day escorted journey offers an in-depth exploration of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, blending classic European culture with the exotic allure of North Africa. Beginning and ending in Madrid, the itinerary is carefully designed to showcase historic cities, scenic coastlines, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while balancing guided sightseeing with time to explore independently.

In Spain, the tour features the university cities of Salamanca and Toledo, the coastal charm of Vigo, the vibrant Andalusian capitals of Seville and Granada, the dramatic cliffs of Ronda, and relaxing time along the Costa del Sol. Highlights include a guided visit to the magnificent Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, one of Europe’s finest examples of Moorish architecture.

Traveling through Portugal, guests discover charming northern towns such as Viana do Castelo and Braga, the historic riverside city of Porto with its world-famous wine cellars, the academic center of Coimbra, the pilgrimage site of Fátima, and the elegant capital Lisbon, rich in maritime history from the Age of Discovery.

Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry, the journey continues into Morocco, where travelers experience a fascinating cultural blend of Arab, Berber, and European influences. Highlights include Tangier, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the Imperial Cities of Meknes, Fez, Marrakech, and Rabat, and the modern Atlantic metropolis of Casablanca. Guests explore labyrinth-like medinas, grand palaces, historic mosques, colorful souks, and iconic sites such as Jemaa el-Fna Square.

Throughout the tour, travelers enjoy expert-guided sightseeing, scenic drives, ferry crossings, carefully selected accommodations, and included meals, making this an ideal itinerary for those seeking a comprehensive and immersive experience. This journey offers a unique opportunity to discover three countries, two continents, and centuries of history in one unforgettable adventure.

Day 1 – Friday | Madrid → Salamanca → Vigo (630 km)

We depart Madrid early in the morning at 8:00 a.m., traveling northwest to Salamanca, one of Spain’s most distinguished and historic university cities. Renowned for its golden sandstone buildings and vibrant academic tradition, Salamanca offers a beautifully preserved Old Town. Enjoy free time to stroll through the historic center and admire the stunning Baroque Plaza Mayor, often regarded as one of the most elegant main squares in Spain.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey toward the Atlantic coast, arriving in the lively port city of Vigo. Overnight in Vigo.

Day 2 – Saturday | Vigo → Viana do Castelo → Braga → Porto (220 km)

After breakfast, we cross the border into Portugal and arrive in Viana do Castelo, a charming town located between the mouth of the Minho River and Porto. You’ll have free time to explore its attractive old town with cobbled streets, historic façades, and traditional architecture.

We then continue to Braga, known as the “city of archbishops” and one of Portugal’s oldest and most important cities. Enjoy free time to explore before continuing to Porto, beautifully set along the Douro River. Overnight in Porto.

Day 3 – Sunday | Porto

After breakfast, we enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage City full of character and tradition. Highlights include Porto Cathedral, the impressive Stock Exchange Palace (Palácio da Bolsa), and the ornate Church of Santa Clara. Our visit concludes at a traditional wine cellar, where we learn about the production of Porto’s world-famous port wine and enjoy a tasting.

The rest of the day is free to explore Porto at your own pace, perhaps along the riverside Ribeira district or in the historic center. Overnight in Porto.

Day 4 – Monday | Porto → Coimbra (120 km)

After breakfast, we travel south to Coimbra, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and considered the cradle of Portuguese fado music. Enjoy free time to wander through the historic center and university area, soaking in the city’s lively yet scholarly atmosphere.

Lunch is included. The afternoon is free for additional exploration. Overnight in Coimbra.

Day 5 – Tuesday | Coimbra → Fátima → Lisbon (222 km)

After breakfast, we depart for Fátima, one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the world. You’ll have free time to visit the Basilica and Sanctuary and experience the peaceful, spiritual environment.
Later, we continue to Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital city. Overnight in Lisbon. In the evening, you may optionally attend a traditional fado music performance.

Day 6 – Wednesday | Lisbon

This morning, we enjoy a panoramic tour of Lisbon, beautifully located at the mouth of the Tagus River. Highlights include scenic viewpoints, Eduardo VII Park, Rossio Square, Avenida da Liberdade, and the Madragoa district, where fado music was born.
We continue to the historic Belém district to see the iconic Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, masterpieces from Portugal’s Age of Discovery. The afternoon is free. Optional excursion available to Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. Overnight in Lisbon.

Day 7 – Thursday | Lisbon → Mérida → Seville (480 km)

After breakfast, we cross into Spain and travel to Mérida, a former Roman capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy free time to explore its remarkable archaeological remains, including the Roman Theatre and Amphitheater - among the best preserved in Spain.
Lunch is on your own. In the afternoon, we travel along the historic Silver Route into Andalusia, arriving in Seville. Dinner and overnight in Seville.

Day 8 – Friday | Seville

After breakfast, we set out on a guided tour of Seville, the passionate and elegant capital of Andalusia. Highlights include María Luisa Park, the grand Plaza de España, and exterior views of Seville Cathedral—one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world—along with its iconic bell tower, the Giralda.
We continue through the enchanting Barrio Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter filled with narrow alleys, charming plazas, and whitewashed houses. Optional activities include a cruise on the Guadalquivir River, a visit to the historic Maestranza bullring, or an evening flamenco performance. Lunch is on your own. Overnight in Seville.

Day 9 – Saturday | Seville → Ronda → Costa del Sol (190 km)

After breakfast, we depart via the scenic White Villages Route toward Ronda, dramatically perched above a deep gorge. Enjoy free time to explore its historic center and admire the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge spanning the El Tajo canyon.
Later, we continue to the Costa del Sol, Spain’s famous Mediterranean coastline. Dinner and overnight.

Day 10 – Sunday | Costa del Sol → Tangier (Ferry) (230 km)

After breakfast, we board the ferry to cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier, where Europe meets Africa. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour of the surrounding area, including Cape Spartel and views of the legendary Caves of Hercules (entrance not included).
Free time follows, with an optional excursion to Tetouan available. Dinner and overnight in Tangier.

Day 11 – Monday | Tangier → Volubilis → Meknes → Fez (350 km)

After breakfast, we travel through the Middle Atlas region to Volubilis, visiting its impressive Roman ruins, including the Decumanus Maximus and the Arch of Caracalla (217 AD).
We continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s Imperial Cities, exploring its medina, El-Hedim Square, and the monumental Bab Al Mansour gate. In the afternoon, we arrive in Fez. Dinner and overnight.

Day 12 – Tuesday | Fez

After breakfast, we explore Fez, Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual capital. We begin with a panoramic view of the Royal Palace gates (Dar Al-Makhzen), then enter the UNESCO-listed medina of Fez el-Bali—the oldest and largest in Morocco.
Walking from Bab Boujloud to Es-Seffarine Square, we discover centuries-old streets, madrasas, artisan quarters, tanneries, and copper workshops that still operate as they have for generations. Lunch is included at a traditional restaurant. The afternoon is free. Overnight in Fez.

Day 13 – Wednesday | Fez → Casablanca → Marrakech (545 km)

After breakfast, we travel to Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital. Enjoy free time for lunch, a stroll along the Corniche, or an exterior visit to the impressive Hassan II Mosque overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
In the afternoon, we continue to Marrakech. Dinner and overnight.

Day 14 – Thursday | Marrakech

After breakfast, we enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech, another of Morocco’s Imperial Cities. Highlights include the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the elegant Bahia Palace, and the historic Jewish Quarter (Mellah).
We arrive at the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, a UNESCO-recognized living cultural site filled with storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and street performers. We then explore the bustling souks, visiting artisan workshops and a traditional Berber pharmacy specializing in argan-based natural products. Lunch is included. The afternoon is free. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 15 – Friday | Marrakech → Rabat (320 km)

After breakfast, we travel to Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital and royal residence. Known for its calm elegance, Rabat welcomes us with broad avenues and historic landmarks.
We visit the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V guarded by the royal cavalry, and stroll through the Kasbah of the Oudayas along the Bouregreg River. In the evening, enjoy a panoramic night view of the city followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Rabat.

Day 16 – Saturday | Rabat → Tangier → Costa del Sol (Ferry) (480 km)

After breakfast, we travel north to Tangier and board the ferry back to Spain. Upon arrival, we transfer to the Costa del Sol. Dinner and overnight.

Day 17 – Sunday | Costa del Sol → Granada (180 km)

After breakfast, we travel inland to Granada. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided visit to the spectacular Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s greatest architectural masterpieces.
Dinner and overnight in Granada. Optional evening visit to the Sacromonte caves for a zambra flamenco show.

Day 18 – Monday | Granada → Toledo → Madrid (446 km)

After breakfast, we depart for Toledo, Spain’s former imperial capital and the historic City of Three Cultures. Lunch is included. Enjoy panoramic views from the Valley Viewpoint followed by a walking tour through the old town.

We then continue to Madrid, where the tour concludes.

Prices:

Per person in double/twin room: 2575 €

Single Supplement: 890 €

Supplement July to Oct.: 125 €

Supplement on departures on April 4 and 11 (Easter), May 2 (Feria): 125 € 

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Here you will find commonly asked questions regarding our tours.

1. Are the tours for individuals, families, or small groups of friends?

- Yes. Our tours are for single travelers, couples, families, and groups of friends whom we put together with other travelers to form a larger group.

2. How many people are normally included on a tour?

We cannot guarantee an exact number per tour. Normally, it ranges from 10 to 25 people per group, but these numbers can vary greatly depending on the time of year. In summer, groups tend to be larger as this is a popular time of year, while the winter season usually attracts fewer people, thus smaller groups are formed. There are certain tours that combine travelers if the destinations follow the same routes; e.g., you may be on a 10-day tour package with companions traveling on a 5-day package. The tour will cover the same areas, and the 5-day package guests will break off thereafter. Also, more people may be joining in for the other part of the package.

3. Is there a guide or tour leader on the bus?

- Yes. An accompanying guide (tour leader) always travels with the group during the entire tour. An exception may occur when there are minimal numbers signed up for a particular tour. These small groups will travel with an experienced, English-speaking driver-guide. In all major cities, we use local professionals and licensed guides.

4. What languages do the guides use?

English and Spanish. All our tour guides speak both languages fluently. If a tour group consists of an English-speaking group only, the tour will run in English. But most of the tours will have both English and Spanish (from Latin America and Central America) passengers, so the guides will explain in both languages.

5. Do your tours run during certain times of the year?

Most of our tours run all year. Some tours, e.g., those running to the northern regions of Spain, only run from March until October. Each tour's description provides all the relevant information needed. For example, ''Sundays all year'' means that a tour will start on every Sunday of the year, regardless of the numbers. Just look up the calendar for the specific dates Sundays are falling on, and make sure you arrive in Spain a day before.

6. What cities do the tours start from?

Tours start in Madrid or Barcelona.

7. Where are the meeting points for the tours?

In Madrid, it is Calle Ferraz 3 (Ferraz Str., 3, 28008). This meeting point is in the city center, right off Plaza España.

In Barcelona, it is in the reception of the Hotel ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' (Carrer de Muntaner, 505, 08022).

8. Do you pick them up from the hotels on the first day of the tour?

By default, no. We do not pick up from hotels because that would delay the tour launch time. However, if your hotel is en route, using the same bus route on launch day, we will pick you up. A week before travel, we require the name of your hotel in Madrid and will inform you if you can be picked up directly from your hotel or need to head over to the meeting point at 7.45 a.m.

In Barcelona, the meeting point is always in the reception of the ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' hotel.

9. What type of vehicles do you use?

We use buses for larger groups and minibuses for smaller ones. Vehicles are comfortable, modern, and equipped with air conditioning.

10. If there is Wi-Fi on your buses,?

There is Wi-Fi on all our buses in Spain and Portugal. But please keep in mind that sometimes during the transfers between the cities, the Wi-Fi signal can be weak or intermitting due to poor coverage from the main operators. Please do not expect very high Internet speed (to download or stream movies during the transfers).

11. Are meals included?

Buffet breakfasts with all the drinks are included every morning in all hotels our guests occupy during their tour.

Lunches and dinners are included anywhere that's mentioned in the itinerary (sections ''Itinerary'' and ''Included in Tour''). Normally, dinners are held in the hotel's restaurants, but many times they will be buffet (''eat as much as you want''), and only drinks will be at an extra cost. Also, sometimes lunches and dinners will be held in the restaurants.

12. If I am a vegetarian or allergic to certain products, is there any problem?

No problems at all. Inform the tour leader, and he will assist you. On a side note, many dinners are buffet-type, so you can simply choose what you prefer. For those with allergies, if in doubt, please remind the tour leader during mealtimes. Alternatively, ask the restaurant staff about the content of the dishes.

13. What time do you arrive in Madrid on your last day of travel? Can I book a flight on the same day, flying out of Spain?

Normally, we return to Madrid between 17.00 and 19.00 on the last day of the tour. However, it is not recommended to book the flight out on the same evening or night, as traffic jams in Madrid or other possible events may delay your arrival. Feel free to talk to us before starting the tour, and we'll organize your overnight stay in Madrid after the tour.

14. I need a night in the hotel or a transfer from or to the airport to be booked before or after the tour.

Sure. Just let us know at the time you organize it.

15. Can I just show up for the trip without a reservation and pay directly in the office, on the spot?

Unfortunately, not. The tour must be booked in advance, as we need to make all the arrangements beforehand.

16. How long in advance should I book a trip?

If you book at least 2 weeks in advance, the trip is guaranteed for you, though we recommend booking even earlier, if possible, as in these cases we have a wider range of hotels to accommodate the early reservations—better options.

17. Can I customize one of the tours for myself?

No, as there are more people traveling with you on the tour. However, if you represent an agency or the leader of a group of people, contact us; we'll take care of a private and customized tour for your party only.

18. What is the booking process?

It is simple. Once you have chosen the tour, there are six steps:

1. You confirm the tour by e-mail, indicating the starting date, tour code, number of persons traveling, and their names, as well as the types of rooms preferred (single, double, or triple).

2. We will send you an invoice.

3. You pay 10% to book the tour.

4. We issue the confirmation.

5. Three weeks before the starting date, you pay the rest of the money due, and

6. You show up for the tour on the appointed date and time.

19. How much should I pay and when?

We require a 10% deposit during reservation and the remaining 90% no less than 3 weeks before the tour commences.

20. How would I pay?

You can pay in one of four ways:

1. Bank wire to our company’s bank account. Our banking details are included on the invoice that you receive.

2. We can charge your credit card. Please keep in mind that, in this case, we charge an additional 2% on top of the amount (bank charges).

3. Transferwise.com is an online system allowing the transfer of funds. There is a small commission attached.

4. Western Union (normally for short-notice reservations and when the amount needs to be received urgently).

21. What is the cancellation and refund policy?

10% paid at the time of reservation is non-refundable. The other 90% is fully refundable if cancelled in no less than 2 weeks (e.g., if you paid 100% upfront, you get the whole amount right away). There are no refunds for cancellations made with less than 3 weeks to go before the trip.

22. Are there any discounts or surcharges?

Yes. Discounts are listed under the section ''Prices'', under each package.

23. Are taxes included in the tour prices?

Yes, VAT and tourist taxes for different cities are included.

24. How do I know if I need a visa for Spain or Morocco?

- Please check the visa information for Spain here. The visa requirements for Morocco can be found here. Please note that all trips to Morocco will require your Schengen visa to be of an ''multiple entry'', as you will enter Spain for the second time.

25. I am ready to go ahead and book one of your tours, but I need a visa to enter Spain.

Yes, we do help our customers get their visas after a trip is confirmed. As we are a fully licensed tour operator in Spain, after the deposit is paid, we can issue a confirmation, which you can later bring to the Spanish Embassy or Consulate. In this letter, we confirm that you booked and partially (or fully) paid for a tour with us. Please note that we do not guarantee the issue of a visa and cannot influence the process. The decision is up to the Embassy, as they have their own rules and regulations for each country. At the same time, we do our best to ensure we provide assistance where possible.