Culture & Adventure in Spain, Portugal & Morocco - 14 Days

Highlights

• Taste tapas in Madrid and explore the city's rooftops  
• Bike down the north face of the Sierra Nevada and around Porto city
• Sail around Lisbon at sunset in a traditional wooden boat
• Join a street food tour and hot-air balloon ride in Marrakesh
•  Explore Rabat and visit the "Blue City" of Chefchaouen

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid (Spain), Wine & Tapas Tour

Hola, and welcome to Spain! Upon arrival in Madrid, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Check in, drop your bags, and use the rest of the afternoon to explore as you wish.

This evening, discover where the locals meet and eat on a culinary journey through Madrid. Indulge in authentic Spanish tapas and wine as you fully immerse yourself in the culture of Madrid's historic bars and restaurants. Start in the Las Letras neighborhood, where a knowledgeable guide will lead you to three stops to eat, drink, and share stories. Finally, you'll end the night with a luxurious multicourse dinner at one of Madrid's most exclusive restaurants.

Day 2: Free Time in Madrid, Rooftops Walking Tour

Today is yours to explore the Spanish capital as you please. Start in the Habsburg district, the oldest part of the city, and admire striking buildings such as the Palacio Real de Madrid (Royal Palace), the Cathedral, and Plaza Mayor. Get lost in the old town, then seek out lunch at a local mercado. 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. This afternoon, escape to Retiro Park, a huge retreat originally created for the royal family.

As evening falls, you'll get a bird's eye view of Madrid on one of the most unique excursions in the city: a rooftop walking tour. This three-hour excursion will take you literally off the tourist trail as you go above the streets to the tops of buildings throughout the city. These may look like ordinary office and apartment buildings on the outside, but once on their rooftops, you'll be treated to wide vistas out over Madrid's famous skyline. Come for a sunset tour and enjoy stops at secret rooftop tapas bars, where you can nibble on delicious food as the sun gilds the tops of Madrid's Baroque buildings.

Day 3: Train to Granada, Tour the Alhambra

Granada was once the last bastion of Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) when the Moors ruled it, and today you'll see striking examples of this ancient history as you discover the evocative Spanish city. Make your way to Madrid's train station for the 3.5-hour journey to Granada, then drop your bags at the hotel and head out to explore.

Day 4: Sierra Nevada E-Bike Route

Coast down from the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park and feel the wind on your face as you explore the beautiful lakes and valleys that surround Granada. A driver will collect you for the 45-minute journey up to the 6,562-foot (2,000 m) height limit of the Sierra Nevada National Park and Natural Park. There, you'll mount a bike for the thrilling descent down the north face of Sierra Nevada. Reconnect with nature while soaking up stunning views from the second-highest mountain range in Europe.

Marvel at the lofty peaks of Mulhacén, towering 11,424 feet (3,482 m) above sea level, and look for local wildlife, including the incredible mountain goats that make the rugged landscape their home. There's no rush. Ride at your own pace with the support of a local guide, who will help you gain a greater appreciation for the local mountains and ancient forest. Pedal through famous white villages and experience a slice of local life before finishing at the Sierra de Húetor Natural Park. 

Day 5: Fly to Porto (Portugal), Foodie Experience

Say adiós to Spain and olá to Portugal. Today you will catch a flight from Granada to Porto, Portugal's second-largest city. On arrival, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Drop your bags, refresh, and start exploring. Venture down to the famous Ribeira neighborhood first. Set along the Douro River, admire the narrow and colorful dockside houses and enjoy its views of the iconic double-decked Dom Luís I Bridge. Sit on a café terrace for some wine and people-watching ahead of your foodie adventure later. 

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 6: Explore Porto by E-Bike, Enjoy the Beaches Around Porto

Those who know Porto's hilly landscape and narrow cobbled lanes may think that a bike tour around the city is something worthy of an Olympic feat—but today, you'll take to the streets in the form of electric bikes. E-bikes make it surprisingly easy to ride and explore the historic center. Your private ride will take in some of the most iconic places and highlight the best historic architecture in town over three hours.

Porto is more than wine tours and river cruises—by now, you'll have heard the seagulls flying above the city, signaling that stunning beaches are close by. Take your pick this afternoon: Praia dos Ingleses is great for people watching at sunset and is best known for its popular promenade lined with restaurants, cafés, and bars. Praia de Matosinhos is easy to reach, with surf schools and surf rentals available. Praia da Aguda, south of the river, is a laid-back fishing village accessible by train or cycle path, and Praia de Lavadores is an unbroken stretch of sand popular for coastal walks. 

Day 7: Transfer to Lisbon via Mira De Aire Caves

Day 8: Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour, Sunset Sailing Cruise

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.

Swap Lisbon's hilly viewpoints for another vantage point with a sunset cruise. Board a traditional wooden boat, once used to ferry cargo and people between the wide Tagus River's two banks. Cruise around with a glass of wine in hand and spot Lisbon's famous landmarks and skyline as the sun sets. You'll pass by Praça do Comércio, São Jorge Castle, Alfama, National Pantheon, Santa Apolónia Station, Cacilhas, Cristo Rei, 25th of April Bridge, Tower of Belém, the Discoveries Monument, MAAT, and the Palace of Ajuda.

Day 9: Fly to Marrakesh (Morocco), 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 the central square of Jemaa el-Fna 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 10: 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.

Later today, you'll discover the unique and varying flavors of authentic Moroccan cuisine with a cooking class. 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 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 11: Optional Day Excursions

Marrakesh is surrounded by dramatic desert, towering mountains, and a rugged coastline that's dotted with rushing waterfalls, idyllic Berber villages, and even ski resorts. Choose to cross the Tizi n' Tichka mountain pass toward Ouarzazate, an oasis in the red desert, and end the day at Aït Benhaddou, a famous film location used by "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones." Or explore the Ourika Valley and Atlas mountains, stopping at an authentic Berber market in Asni, a village famous for its waterfalls called Setti Fatma, and end with a camel ride at sunset.

Alternatively, head toward the coast and explore Essaouira, a vibrant port city. Enjoy the beautiful sea breezes along the coast, as well as the colorful culture and buildings of the city. 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. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and begs to be explored, while the narrow maze of alleys and souks are as quintessentially Moroccan as you can get.

Day 12: Transfer to Rabat, Private Guided Tour

This morning, take a comfortable 3.5-hour private transfer to Rabat, the capital of Morocco since 1956. Arrive at the bustling UNESCO World Heritage city, and 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. 

Head back to the 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 13: Day Trip to the "Blue City" of Chefchaouen

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 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 (fortress). As a holy town, Chefchaouen has eight mosques and numerous zaouias and marabouts (religious schools and leaders). 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 14: Depart Rabat

Your two-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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