Culinary & Cultural Discovery of Spain, Portugal & Morocco - 21 Days

Highlights

• Taste tapas in Madrid and pintxos in San Sebastián  
• Visit a cider house, cheese farm, and family vineyard in Basque Country
• Learn to make Spanish, Portuguese and Moroccan food with cooking classes
• See the sights of Lisbon, Casablanca, Madrid, Porto, Bilbao, and Rabat
• Take day trips to Ávila, Sintra, Essaouira, and Chefchaouen

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid (Spain), Tapas Culinary Experience

Hola! Welcome to Spain, where endless rounds of tapas and fun await. You've landed in Madrid, where a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Drop your bags, refresh, and set out for your first taste of the nation's capital. Madrileños love to eat traditional dishes from their beloved city, and on this evening's culinary walking tour, you'll experience the city like a local as you master the art of picoteo. Originating from the verb picar, which means eating small bites from several shared plates, a picoteo is also known as tapeo, or a tapas crawl.

Meet your expert guide and start your culinary journey at a traditional bodega serving delicious Spanish tapas, a local favorite that's been around for decades. Over the next three stops, you'll try some amazing meat and fish dishes from Madrid, finishing at a traditional restaurant featuring cuisine from the north of Spain. 

Day 2: Private Walking Tour of Madrid, Free Afternoon

Get to know Madrid on foot with a tour of the Spanish capital's loveliest and most emblematic places in the Habsburg district, the oldest part of the city (known in Spanish as El Madrid de Los Austrias). Admire striking buildings such as the Palacio Real de Madrid (Royal Palace), the Cathedral, the main square of Plaza Mayor, and some hidden corners and mysteries of Madrid's Old Town. Stop for a drink in an authentic tavern and say farewell to your guide.

This afternoon is yours to explore Madrid as you wish. Embark on a self-guided foodie adventure at a local mercado, seeing where people come to buy and sell fish, bread, and seasonal produce. Mercado de San Miguel is a popular market-turned-gourmet food hall; Mercado Ildefonso has a beautiful roof terrace; and Mercado San Antón is a creative food market with three levels. Or escape to Retiro Park, a retreat originally created for the royal family that opened to the public in the late 1700s. Hire a rowboat, see Casita del Pescador, and check out the Crystal Palace.

Day 3: Day Trip to Ávila, Private Sweets Workshop

After breakfast, make your way to Madrid's train station and board a 90-minute train to Ávila, a small city nestled in the rolling green hills northwest of Madrid. Ávila is famous for its imposing medieval city walls featuring eight monumental gates, 88 watchtowers, and more than 2,500 turrets—making it one of the best-preserved medieval bastions in Spain. Your expert local guide will lead you through the city center, showcasing the many Gothic and Romanesque churches and explaining the rich history of this deeply pious city.

While you can find yemas de Santa Teresa across Spain, the original sweets recipe dates back to 1860 and is the specialty of Ávila, the birthplace of the namesake saint. This afternoon you'll join a special workshop focused on this traditional egg-yolk-based sweet, whose recipe has been passed down through generations. A pastry chef will teach you the centuries-old technique to make these rich and creamy confections. After the hourlong workshop, enjoy your sweets while wandering Ávila before taking a return train to Madrid.

Day 4: Train to San Sebastián, Pintxo Experience

Today you'll catch the train north to San Sebastián, a picturesque coastal city in Basque Country. San Sebastián is known for its stunning beaches, world-renowned cuisine, and vibrant pintxo culture—which you'll experience this evening.

A local guide will take you on a foodie tour of this famous culinary city. Admire the iconic City Hall and Playa La Concha with its elegant promenade before diving into the famous Parte Vieja (Old Quarter). The Basque region is known for a type of tapas called pintxos (pronounced "peenchos"). Hop between bars, cafés, and restaurants serving these bite-sized delicacies, which naturally pair best with local wines like txakoli. Graze until your heart's content on pintxos from the alluring countertop, or order hot pintxos from the menu.

Day 5: Self-Guided Walking Tour, Basque Cider House Experience

Embark on a self-guided walking tour of San Sebastián to explore the city's unique blend of old and new. From medieval fortresses to modern sculptures, the city has something to offer for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and art lovers alike. Discover the city's stunning beaches, parks, squares, and architecture, and gain a deeper understanding of how the sea has shaped the local culture and history.

Later today, you'll discover one of the great traditions of Basque culture. First, explore the Cider Museum in Astigarraga, then visit a working cider house. Gather around long wooden tables within the cider house where a hearty meal of salted codfish, T-bone steak, and chorizo will be served while guests sample ciders direct from the large barrels. Listen for the "Txotx!" cry, letting you know a new barrel has opened. Race over with your glass and catch the stream of cider, just like the locals. Safe to say, the festive and fun atmosphere will make this one of your favorite trip memories.

Day 6: Basque Cheese & Wine Tour

This morning a private transfer will take you to a sheep farm in the countryside, where you'll learn how Basque cheese is made. Walk among the farm's facilities before tasting different cheeses, such as idiazabal, paired with local wines or cider. Continue the fun at a local winery in the Txakoli region. Famous for its white wines, explore the vineyards of a family-owned estate where grapes grow along the slopes on the surrounding hills, facing the sea. After learning about the production of these local wines, you'll taste them alongside some local tuna, chili peppers, and a pintxo.

After the half-day tour, your transfer will take you back to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You could take a self-guided pintxo tour, join a surf lesson, or explore the vintage Mount Igeldo amusement park.

Day 7: Transfer to Bilbao via Coastal Route

The coast of Gipuzkoa, between Zarauz and Mutriku, hides incredible natural settings and some of the greatest beauty of the Basque Country. Today's full-day tour will take you from San Sebastián to Bilbao via slow coastal roads. First up is Zarauz, where you'll walk on its long beach to soak up the sun and admire the beautiful surroundings that once attracted Queen Elizabeth II. Next up is Guetaria, where you'll explore the town's streets, port, church, and houses. You'll also see El Raton de Guetaria, a famous landmark of this seafaring town.

After, you'll head to Zumaia to learn about the evolution of the earth over the past 120 million years through one of the most fascinating geological phenomena found along the Basque coast. Finally, you'll reach Mutriku, a fishing village of medieval origin. Here, you'll explore its palaces, tower houses, and steep, cobbled streets that lead to the port. After an adventurous day of exploring the Basque coast, finish the day at your hotel in Bilbao, where you can relax and reflect.

Day 8: Guggenheim Museum, Free Time

Any visit to Bilbao should include a stop by the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, this stunning titanium building resembles a modern sculpture with its fluid curves and sleek lines. Inside, the museum boasts an impressive collection of artwork from some of the world's greatest artists, including Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor, Jeff Koons, Louise Bourgeois, and Eduardo Chillida. The museum's vast 260,000-square-foot (24,000-sq-m) space offers plenty of room to explore and soak up the incredible art and architecture.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy free time. Explore the Old Town on foot, home to the city's oldest landmarks as well as many excellent bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Major sights include the 18th-century Baroque Church of San Nicolás with its two imposing cupolas, and the 16th-century Church of San Antón, dedicated to Anthony the Great, an Egyptian saint and the father of monasticism. Drop by the Mercado de la Ribera, the largest covered marketplace in Europe, then take the funicular up Mount Artxanda for a breathtaking panoramic view. 

Day 9: Fly to Porto (Portugal), City Tour, Introduction to Portuguese Wines

This morning a private driver will take you to Bilbao airport for your flight to Porto, Portugal's second-largest city. On arrival, a private driver will be waiting to whisk you off to your hotel in the city center. This afternoon a local guide will share the history, battles, and how Porto gained the nickname Invicta (Unbeaten City). Explore the city center—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—to admire renowned Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and neoclassical monuments and sites, including São Bento Railway Station, Clerigos Tower, Lello Bookshop, Bolhão Market, and Porto Cathedral.

Your walking tour will finish by the Douro River with views of the Dom Luís I Bridge. If it sounds like it might be wine o'clock, you're correct! Portugal has one of the most diverse collections of native grapes in the world, and with this introduction, you'll learn about Portuguese wines and taste six top drops. Discover zesty and effervescent vinho verde whites through to rich and complex reds from the hot Alentejo region. You'll leave this class with a phenomenal base to explore Portuguese wines on your own.

Day 10: Private Porto Cooking Class & Market Visit

Today starts with a visit to the local market to meet the locals, see what's in season, and pick up produce for your private cooking class with a top Portuguese chef. Your four-hour hands-on workshop starts with buying everything you need before diving into the traditional flavors and secrets of Portuguese cuisine. Discover unique cooking techniques that you can bring back home, and—of course—afterward, you'll sit down to taste everything you've created, paired with local wines and spirits.

This afternoon, take your time getting lost in Porto's narrow, cobbled streets. A top spot to start is the Ribeira neighborhood, which sits by the Douro River and is one of the city's oldest parts. Famed for its narrow and colorful dockside houses and views of the iconic double-decked Dom Luís I Bridge, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see. If you're curious about port wine, pop across the river to Gaia and visit one of the dozens of traditional port wine cellars on the southern bank for a tasting.

Day 11: Dão & Bairrada Wine Tour with Lunch

Embark on a full-day tour of the Dão and Barraida wine regions. The adventure begins in the Dão DOC, one of the country's oldest established wine regions. The Dão vineyards occupy a plateau sheltered below mountains that enjoys a temperate climate and produces generally acidic, fruity reds and flavorsome fruity whites. Enjoy a tour through a world-renowned winery, explore the lush vineyards and cellar, and indulge in a premium tasting of exceptional wines. After, enjoy a delicious winery lunch featuring the region's famous suckling pig, perfectly paired with sparkling wines.

Next, the wine journey continues as you meet the incredibly charming and charismatic family winery who have helped make the Bairrada DOC internationally sought out for its wines, such as the intense, late-ripening red baga variety. Expect a memorable tasting and entertaining conversation with the winemaker, a brilliant end to your full-day wine tour of the Dão and Barraida region.

Day 12: Transfer to Lisbon via Coimbra

Today, after breakfast and checkout, you'll be transferred to Lisbon. About halfway through the trip, your driver will stop in Coimbra, where you'll have free time to explore and eat lunch. Coimbra is the medieval capital of Portugal and the site of the country's greatest university: the University of Coimbra, established in 1290. The city wears its weighty importance in Portuguese history with dignity and pride, witnessed by its multicolored collage of buildings that span nearly a millennium. The historic core cascades down toward the east bank of the Mondego River.

After your exploration in Coimbra, you'll continue to Lisbon. Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the Portuguese capital on your own. You could take in UNESCO World Heritage sites at Bélem, like the 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery, then taste the world-famous Pastéis de Bélem custard tarts. Browse for curiosities from the past at the twice-weekly Feira da Ladra, Lisbon's biggest flea market. Or check out the craft breweries and galleries of the up-and-coming Marvila district.

Day 13: Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour, Dinner With a Local

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

After, explore Lisbon at your pace and enjoy free time before a special evening. Tonight you'll experience the warm hospitality of a local Portuguese family when you join them for a traditional meal at home. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the local cuisine and culture while breaking bread with the family and other guests in an intimate setting. Exchange stories and experiences, forge lasting connections, and immerse yourself in daily life with this authentic and enriching dining experience.

Day 14: Day Trip to Sintra, Sailing Experience from 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 15: Fly to Marrakesh (Morocco), City Tour, Evening Street Food Tour

This morning you're destined for Marrakesh, "the Red City." Take a transfer to the Lisbon airport for your flight to Morocco. On arrival, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Drop your bags and join a private guide to explore 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 (walled old town), visiting different artisan areas within the souks where you can barter for souvenirs or gifts.

When night falls, venture to Jemaa el-Fna Square for an energetic and exciting food-focused evening in Morocco. Arrive with an empty stomach and open mind—this street food tour goes beyond Jemaa el-Fna, diving down streets and back alleys of the medina. Follow your guide to their favorite haunts, stopping to taste dishes only made there or at unassuming spots the locals have loved for 30 or more years. 

Day 16: 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 17: Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Cooking Class at Amal Center

Witness the desert landscape of Marrakesh from above with a hot-air balloon ride. Despite the early wake-up call, it's worth it to witness the sunrise over the red desert. The serene atmosphere created by the pastel colors, soft lighting, and crisp early-morning air offers a stark contrast to the vibrant hustle and bustle of Marrakesh. Admire the stunning scenery as you float over arid hills, quaint villages, and patches of greenery, all set against the stunning mountain backdrop. Indulge in a delicious Moroccan breakfast pastry while still in the air, then float back to earth.

Discover the unique and varying flavors of authentic Moroccan cuisine with a cooking class. Later today, you'll learn how to cook traditional chicken tajine with olives and pickled lemons in a shady corner of the Amal Center's garden. While your tajine cooks, you'll hear stories of the center, an NGO that helps women from disadvantaged backgrounds to become independent by teaching them social and cooking skills, along with reading, writing, and hospitality.

Day 18: Transfer to Rabat, Self-Guided Tour

This morning, take a comfortable transfer to Rabat, the capital of Morocco since 1956. After three hours, you'll arrive at the bustling UNESCO World Heritage city. Embark on a self-guided tour, starting at the Royal Palace of Rabat and the medieval fortification of the 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. This abandoned 12th-century project features the minaret of an incomplete mosque and some 200 columns.

Take a stroll through Rabat's historic medina and immerse yourself in the souks. Browse the colorful array of goods, from rugs to spices to slippers to leather and beyond—and don't forget to bargain for the best price! Afterward, find tranquility at the Andalusian Gardens, a 20th-century oasis with lush terraces filled with exotic plants, flowers, and fruit trees. Finally, head to the magnificent Kasbah des Oudaïas and the Musée des Oudaïas handicrafts museum, and marvel at the stunning white and blue architecture before returning to your accommodation to relax.

Day 19: Day Trip to Chefchaouen, "The Blue City"

Chefchaouen, also known as the "Blue City," is waiting for you to explore its colorful streets, sites, and monuments on today's day trip. The town, which translates to "two horns," is nestled among the majestic and raw peaks of the Rif mountains and was founded in the 15th century as a stronghold against the Portuguese. Chefchaouen is one of the prettiest towns in Morocco, an artsy, blue-washed mountain village that feels like its own world.

The city's old medina is a delight of Moroccan and Andalusian influence, with red-tiled roofs, bright-blue buildings, and narrow lanes converging on the busy Plaza Uta el-Hammam and its restored kasbah. As a holy town, Chefchaouen has eight mosques and numerous zaouias and marabouts (religious schools and teachers). Spend the day snapping pictures along the blue streets, shop the souks, and enjoy a local meal before returning to Rabat for the evening.

Day 20: Transfer to Casablanca, Dinner with Locals

Today you'll take a private 2.5-hour transfer to Casablanca, one of Morocco's four Imperial Cities. Casablanca is known as the Art Deco capital of Africa, and the city is famous for the Hassan II Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Morocco and the only one open to non-Muslim tourists. Use your free time to join a guided tour of the space of worship or knock over any last-minute souvenir shopping on your final day in Morocco.

This evening you'll be treated like a VIP at a Moroccan home. Join a local family for an indulgent and traditional family-style meal expertly prepared by a skilled home cook. Arrive with an empty stomach, curiosity, and a hunger for local flavors. With all the normal fixings and dishes, this immersive dining experience will give you an authentic view of Moroccan culture and hospitality, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your trip.

Day 21: Depart Casablanca

It's time to say goodbye. Your three-week adventure through Spain, Portugal, and Morocco has come to an end. At the designated time, a driver will pick you up at your hotel for transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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