Journey Through History: Portugal, Spain & Morocco - 21 Days

Highlights

• Tour the architectural highlights of Lisbon and Porto
• Visit a mountain palace in Sintra and go wine tasting
• Marvel at the Alhambra and alcázars in Seville and Granada
• Spend time in romantic Toledo and go on an olive oil tasting
• Experience the best of Morocco, from Marrakesh to Chefchaouen

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Porto (Portugal), Foodie Tour

Welcome to Portugal! Founded in 1143, this sliver of a country on the Iberian Peninsula is older than any other European country. You can see this medieval history written on the streets of towns and cities throughout the country—none more so than Porto. Upon arrival at the airport in this romantic northern city on the Douro River, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.

After checking in, you'll venture out and discover a city that perfectly showcases Portugal's rich history and culture. Porto was founded in 1123, which makes it even older than the country it resides in. The highlights are its historic landmarks, grand plazas, and colorful waterfront skyline lined with old merchant houses. On the river, colorful wooden rabelo boats line up in front of the old port wine cellars and pass under Porto's iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, an iron-arched bridge that rises 279 feet (85 m) over the water.

The adventure begins when you meet a local guide for a 3.5-hour walking tour of Porto's historic downtown. This small-group excursion focuses on the culinary renaissance the city is experiencing. The tour includes stops at a few family-run eateries, cafés, and food purveyors focusing on simple ingredients and recipes passed down over generations. In the evening, you'll sample another staple of the region: port wine. You'll taste three different versions, including one vintage, as you learn about the history of this timeless drink.

Day 2: Porto Architecture Tour & River Cruise

In the morning, you'll embark on a half-day walking tour of Porto. This excursion focuses on the architectural marvels and historical landmarks that have contributed to Porto earning UNESCO World Heritage Status. And what better person to point out these highlights than an expert local architect? 

That's who you'll have as your guide today as you start in the heart of the historic center on Aliados Avenue. From there, your guide will lead you to Art Deco gems, the Rivoli Theater and the Old Cinema Batalha. Then visit the Portuguese Center for Photography, which is located in a former prison and exhibits works from both local and foreign photographers. The last stop on the tour is along the Douro River and the waterfront Ribeira neighborhood, which is known for its colorful houses and buzzing nightlife scene. You'll also have the option to take a scenic cable car ride over the waterfront.

After the walking tour, you'll head over to the Ribeira Quay and hop on a boat and enjoy the famous "Six Bridges Cruise." This one-hour ride follows the same route used by wine merchants who, for hundreds of years, transported barrels from the Douro Valley up to Porto's waterfront wine cellars. The route will take you east past the city and up to the affluent Foz do Douro neighborhood, which sits at the mouth of the river. Then you'll turn back and return to the quay.

Day 3: Day Trip to Braga & Guimarães

After breakfast, you'll head out on a day trip to some of the country's most historic locales. The first stop is the city of Guimarães, located about an hour northeast of Porto. It's known as the birthplace of Portugal because Alfonso I, the country's first monarch, was born here in the 12th century. The well-preserved historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with wonders, the star of which is a 10th-century castle. On a tour, you'll visit this hilltop fortification and landmarks like the 15th-century Dukes of Bragança Palace and the 13th-century Church of São Miguel do Castelo.

After lunch in Guimarães, you'll continue north to Braga, one of the oldest cities in Portugal. Braga, or "Bracara Augusta," was the capital of the province of Gallaecia during the Roman Empire. The Braga Cathedral, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, is the oldest in the country and was the seat of power for the first bishop of Portugal in the 11th century. Other highlights include Braga Tower, the Archbishops' Court, and the Baroque Palácio do Raio, the grandiose home of a wealthy 18th-century merchant. At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to Porto.

Day 4: Transfer to Lisbon via Tomar & Knights Templar

In the morning, your driver will pick you up, and you'll begin the drive south to Lisbon. The trip takes about 3.5 hours in total, but you'll stop along the way to tour more historical wonders of Portugal. The first is Constância, a charming little village where Luis de Camões (considered Portugal's greatest poet) lived and wrote some of his most famous lyrical poems. From there, stop nearby at Almourol Castle, which sits atop an islet in the Tagus River and is a fine example of 12th-century military architecture.

Next up is Tomar, known as "Templar City." Here, you'll visit the 12th-century Convento de Cristo, which was once the headquarters of the legendary Knights Templar and is a curious example of Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architecture. You can also stop at the 15th-century Tomar Synagogue, which became a haven for the Jewish population expelled from Spain in 1492. Afterward, you'll continue to Lisbon and check into your hotel.

Day 5: Guided Tour of Lisbon

Today you'll discover Lisbon. Located at the mouth of the Tagus River, Portugal's capital is four centuries older than Rome (the Phoenicians first settled in Lisbon around 1200 BCE). As such, there's plenty of history written on the cobbled streets here in the form of castles, forts, monasteries, plazas, and more.

In the morning, you'll meet your guide for a private walking tour during which you'll explore unique and historic buildings spanning three centuries, from the 18th century to the present day. First, you'll visit the downtown Baixa district, which stretches from the waterfront to the main thoroughfare of Avenida da Liberdade. The area was almost totally rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1755.

Then head to the north of the city to see the unique architecture created during the Estado Novo dictatorship of the 1940s. These include public works buildings, the airport, municipal markets, middle-class housing projects, and more. Finally, you'll visit the site of the Expo '98, the World Trade Fair hosted in Lisbon in 1998. The massive investment revitalized a once-poor district that is today one of the trendiest areas in the city.

Day 6: Day Trip to Sintra & Wine Tasting

Join your driver this morning for the ride to Sintra. Located half an hour east of Lisbon, this resort town in the Sintra Mountains is known for its forested hills, upscale villas, and Moorish palaces. Your day tour begins with a visit to the Palacio Nacional da Pena (Pena Palace). This 19th-century romanticist castle mixes Moorish and Portuguese late-Gothic architectural styles with distinct features like gargoyles, ornate battlements, and colorful terraces.

After lunch, you'll head to the nearby wine region of Colares and visit an 18th-century estate famous for wine production in the region. During a tasting, you'll sample top-quality varietals that have earned DOC status, which is Portugal's highest wine classification. Highlights you'll taste include malvasia (white) and ramisco (red) wines. Afterward, you'll return to Lisbon.

Day 7: Transfer to Mérida (Spain), Optional stops

In the morning, your driver will pick you up for the three-hour drive from Lisbon, over the Pyrenees, and into Spain. On the way, you can make a couple of optional stops. One can't-miss locale is Évora. This Portuguese city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with historic landmarks, including a 12th-century cathedral and a 16th-century aqueduct. Another World Heritage Site worth visiting is Elvas. This fortress town lies near the border with Spain and dates to the 17th century. It has an extensive network of stone bastions, aqueducts, barracks, and outlying forts.

Eventually, you'll arrive in Mérida. This city in western Spain's Extremadura region boasts a long and storied history. The Romans founded it in the first century BCE, and many ancient landmarks from this era remain. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel. 

Day 8: Private Tour of Mérida

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, then don your comfortable shoes and meet a local guide for a walking tour. On this three-hour tour, you'll visit Mérida's historic center, which features more Roman ruins than anywhere else in Spain. This history runs deep—Mérida was founded in 25 CE by Emperor Octavio Augustus. As a provincial capital, it featured all the architectural hallmarks of a great city, and many ruins remain. Because of these many archaeological sites, Mérida was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your guide will lead you to many top sites, including the open-air Roman Theater, the Puente Romano (stone bridge over the Guadiana River), and the Alcazaba, a ninth-century Muslim fortification. Other highlights include the Circo Romano (ancient hippodrome) and the Casa del Mitreo, the remains of a residential house with well-preserved frescoes. Plus, you'll stop in at the National Roman Art Museum of Mérida. All entrance fees are included.

Day 9: Transfer to Seville, Stop at Zafra & Italica

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Hop back in the car this morning for the two-hour ride south to Seville, the capital of Spain's Andalusia region. This city boasts over 2,000 years of history, much of it written on its cobbled streets and its medieval cathedrals and alcázars (Moorish fortresses). Before you arrive, however, you'll make a stop in the town of Zafra. Known for its Gothic castle that dates to 1443, Zafra is a pleasant place for a rest and a bite to eat. You can also take a quick stroll around its famous Plaza Grande and Plaza Chica, two 16th-century arcaded squares rimmed by whitewashed buildings, centuries-old homes, and authentic tapas bars. 

Then, just north of Seville, you'll stop at the archaeological site of Italica, an ancient Roman city in the province of Hispania, which dates to 206 BCE. Here, you'll meet a guide and tour the site's Roman baths, ruins of stately homes, and the major highlight: the Amphitheater of Italica. Dating to the second century CE, this former venue for gladiatorial fights has a three-level vaulted gallery that once accommodated 25,000 spectators. After the tour, you'll continue to Seville and check into your hotel.

Day 10: Self-Guided Tour of Seville

Today you'll uncover the treasures of Seville on a self-guided tour. Hit the streets on foot, bicycle, or scooter and visit landmarks like the Metropol Parasol. This large, fungi-shaped wooden structure towers over the Plaza de la Encarnación and offers panoramic city views. Other must-visit destinations include the Plaza de España, the most famous square in Seville, and the scenic Guadalquivir Riverfront.

The most impressive landmark is easily the Seville Cathedral, a 15th-century Roman-Catholic church home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest Gothic church in the world, and an awe-inspiring testament to pious grandiosity. Also, here is La Giralda, the cathedral's looming bell tower. This 12th-century pillar was originally built as a minaret for the Great Mosque back when the Moors ruled Andalusia.

Later you can visit fashionable Santa Cruz, once the Jewish Quarter. It's a colorful part of the historic center, with many cafés and tapas bars—the perfect excuse to take a break and enjoy some small plates and local wine. You can also visit markets and local shops where artisans produce intricate silverwork and elegant garment embroidery. In the evening, be sure to take in a flamenco show at a local tablao (performance hall). Andalusia is the birthplace of this evocative and passionate musical styling, and Seville is a great place to catch a show. 

Day 11: Transfer to Granada via Córdoba

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for the three-hour drive east from Seville to Granada. On the way out of town, you'll stop in Córdoba to experience more medieval and Moorish history. You'll meet a local guide upon arrival and take a private walking tour.

Highlight landmarks you'll see include the Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba), a pagan temple that in the eighth century was converted into the Great Mosque of the Ummayad caliphate (later it was transformed into a Catholic church). From the Mezquita, visit the 14th-century Alcázar de los Reyes. This is where Christopher Columbus met with the Catholic monarchs and was granted approval for his voyage west in search of the Indies. Its terraced gardens, fish ponds, flower beds, and orange trees offer great photo opportunities.

You'll also stroll the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. Within this historic neighborhood is the Córdoba Synagogue, which dates to 1315. After the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492, the building served different functions. At various times, it was a hospital, a chapel, and a nursery school. After the tour, you'll continue to the mountain city of Granada and check into your hotel. 

Day 12: Tour the Alhambra & Generalife Gardens

In the morning, you'll visit Granada's most impressive landmark: the Alhambra. This 26-acre (12 ha) Muslim fortress (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) was built atop a hill overlooking Granada and dates to the ninth century. It was rebuilt in the 14th century by the Nasrid Dynasty and served as a Moorish palace until 1492. After the Christian reconquest, it became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella.

On a three-hour group tour, you'll walk its grand halls and stroll the Generalife Gardens, which are filled with colorful flowers and fountains and offer panoramic views of the city below. At the end of the tour, you'll return to your hotel and will have the rest of the day free.

Day 13: Transfer to Toledo, Swordsmith Tour

Transfer to the train station this morning for the 4.5-hour trip north from Granada to Toledo. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates to Roman times and was the capital of Spain in the 16th century. Toledo's cluster of clay-roofed buildings, cobbled lanes, and church spires sit atop a hill overlooking the Tajo River and are encircled by stone walls with massive iron gates. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Then you'll head out and discover a cultural phenomenon unique to this corner of Spain. During medieval times Toledo was a renowned producer of steel weapons, particularly swords. The local swordsmiths were regarded as the best in the country, and their weapons were among the most sought-after. Today, you'll meet a guide for a fun historical tour to learn the intricacies of the sword-making process and what made Toledo steel special. Afterward, you can pick up a sword or knife as a souvenir.

Day 14: Guided Tour of Toledo, Olive Oil Tasting

Meet your guide this morning for a walking tour of Toledo. Known in the Middle Ages as the "City of the Three Cultures," in Toledo, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities all peacefully coexisted. As such, the city is packed with religious buildings, including the 12th-century church, Iglesia de Santo Tomé, the Moorish Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca (considered the oldest synagogue in Europe), and the grand 13th-century Toledo Cathedral.

You'll also visit the former Roman palace Alcázar de Toledo and the 15th-century Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, a cloistered monastery now returned to the Franciscan order and inhabited by monks. As you wander the streets and central plaza, Zocodover, you'll pass shops selling Toledo's famous marzipan and medieval weapons.

Afterward, you'll hop in the car and drive to the countryside and an olive grove first planted more than 200 years ago. During this 1.5-hour excursion, you'll walk amid rows of olive trees while learning about the process of planting and cultivation. Only through time-tested organic farming methods do these trees produce the highest standards of fruit used in Spain's top-quality olive oils. The tour finishes with a tasting, where you'll sample different olives and oils as you learn to differentiate them. Later, you'll return to Toledo.

Day 15: Fly to Marrakesh (Morocco), Guided Tour

Bid Spain farewell today as you transfer one-hour north to Madrid and the airport. Then you'll catch a two-hour flight to Marrakesh. The second-largest city in Morocco, this is also one of the country's four Imperial Cities—places that, at one time or another, were the country's capital. Marrakesh was the capital at various times, starting with its founding in the mid-11th century. Today, the nation's capital is Rabat.

Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Then you'll head out on a half-day tour of the "Red City." Your local guide will lead you to popular areas like bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square in the city's medina (walled old town). Nearby is the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, which dates to 1147. Just south of it is the kasbah (fortress), home to historic landmarks like the Saadien Tombs, Bahia Palace, and the Jewish Quarter.

Throughout the tour, you'll browse the souks and vendors in the merchant districts. You'll also visit Marrakesh's famous tanneries. The city is known for its leather goods; local families have been plying this trade since the 11th century. Another fun stop is at Majorelle Garden, which isn't too far from the hustle and bustle of the Medina. You can wander around this 2-acre (1 ha) garden filled with subtropical plants, bamboo, lilies, and palms. At the end of the tour, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 16: Day Trip to Aït Benhaddou & Ouarzazate

Meet your driver/guide for a day trip outside Marrakesh. First, you'll travel 113 miles (183 km) southeast to Ouarzazate province and Aït Benhaddou. This 11th-century ksar (fortified village) was once a major plot point on a former caravan route that linked the Sahara Desert with Marrakesh. On your way there, you'll travel over the scenic Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass, the highest in Morocco at 7,414 feet (2,260 m).

Once in Aït Benhaddou, you'll tour its ancient earthen buildings. This village is made up of residential dwellings encircled by defensive walls, angled towers, and an armored gate. These comprise Morocco's most famous kasbah, which enjoys UNESCO World Heritage Status. Fun fact: Aït Benhaddou also served as a filming location for films and television shows like "Gladiator," "Lawrence of Arabia," "The Mummy," and "Game of Thrones." During the tour, you can wander the alleys and hike up to rooftops for great views of the Ouarzazate Valley.

Day 17: Jardin Majorelle & Breadmaking Workshop

Head out on a half-day tour of the gardens and museums around Marrakesh. First, you'll visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which is dedicated to the work of the famous French fashion designer. Saint Laurent's connection to Morocco is seen in the adjacent Jardin Majorelle. This garden was created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and purchased by Saint Laurent in 1980. Today it's the most-visited garden in Morocco.

After a stop at the garden, you'll visit the nearby Musée Berbère Jardin Majorelle. This fine museum recounts Berber (Indigenous) history in Morocco and features exhibits dedicated to Berber culture. On a visit, you'll learn about their heritage through hand-made crafts, traditional dress, and artifacts.

Day 18: Transfer to Rabat, Guided Tour

In the morning, your driver will pick you up at the hotel for the 3.5-hour drive northeast to Rabat. This dynamic city is filled with rich history, as seen in its many Islamic and French colonial landmarks. It's also another of Morocco's four famous Imperial Cities and has been the country's official capital since 1956.

Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and meet a local guide for a tour. During this three-hour excursion, you'll visit 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 Hassan Tower, a 12th-century minaret. Across from it, you'll find the Mausoleum of Mohamed V. It contains the tombs of the Moroccan king Mohamed V (who died in 1961) and his two sons.

Throughout the tour, stop at the souks to browse local goods such as rugs, spices, slippers, jewelry, leather, and more—remember that bartering is part of the fun! Then head over to the Andalusian Gardens, a tranquil green oasis where you can sit down and relax. There are walking paths here amid green terraces filled with exotic plants, flowers, and fruit trees reminiscent of the famous gardens at the Alhambra in southern Spain. Finish the tour at the 12th-century Kasbah of the Udayas, home to the city's oldest mosque and one of a few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rabat.

Day 19: Day Trip to Chefchaouen

Hit the road again today, this time on a four-hour transfer north to Chefchaouen, Morocco's famous "Blue City." Nestled in the foothills of the Rif mountains, its name translates to "two horns," referencing the two mountain peaks looming over the city. It's most famous for its small-village feel and blue-washed buildings that look straight out of Biblical times (though the city was founded in 1471). For these reasons, Chefchaouen is regarded as one of the prettiest cities in Morocco, and it draws an artsy, bohemian crowd.

Upon arrival, you'll hit the streets and tour the highlights. Visit the delightful medina, a neighborhood of Moroccan and Andalusian influences seen in its red-tiled roofs, bright-blue buildings, and narrow lanes converging on the busy Plaza Uta el-Hammam. In recent years Chefchaouen has seen its share of gentrification, which means there's a diversity of good eateries and activities to keep you busy. Other highlights during your trip here include perusing the souks (markets) and dining in local restaurants. At the end of the tour, you'll return to Rabat.

Day 20: Day Trip to Meknes & Volubilis

This morning, your driver/guide will collect you at your hotel in Rabat, and you'll head to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Explore the remains of this 2,000-year-old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruins. Wander amid the large merchant homes and temples as you admire the colorful mosaics. In its heyday, Volubilis was one of the most remote parts of the Roman Empire and was abandoned around 285 CE.

Continue to the nearby town of Moulay Idriss, one of Morocco's holiest cities. Walking its narrow streets, you'll see where the ruler Moulay Idriss I introduced Islam to the region in 789 CE. Next, transfer to Meknes, a city founded in the 11th century by imperial Berbers as a military settlement. Explore the medina and visit the monumental city gates, which date to the 18th century.

You'll also stop at the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. It contains the tomb of the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, founder of the Alaouite Dynasty who ruled Morocco from 1672 until his death in 1727. The last stop is at the Museum of Moroccan Art. Housed in a late 19th-century palace, it houses various art and artifacts from throughout Morocco. Afterward, you'll return to Rabat.

Day 21: Depart Rabat

Today marks the end of your Iberian and North African adventure. If you like, wake up early for one last Moroccan breakfast followed by a stroll on the beach. Then, at the appropriate time, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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