Cultural sights of Portugal, Spain and Morocco - 21 days (2023)

Reflection

• Dine with the locals and go on food tours in Porto and Lisbon.
• Go on a river cruise in the Douro Valley and enjoy wine tasting.
• Explore the top sights of Madrid, Barcelona and Seville
• Walk through the medinas of Morocco's historic cities, such as Marrakesh
• Explore the markets of Tangier, Fez and Chefchaouen

short itinerary

detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon (Portugal), gastronomic and cultural walk

Welcome to Portugal! This country on the brinkIberian Peninsulamaybe small, but don't let that fool you. It boasts a rich heritage and the longest empire in European history: almost 600 years. You are coming to the capitalLisboa, a city founded by Christians in 1147, although its actual established history goes back about 2,700 years. This makes Lisbon even older than Rome. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel in the city center.

After settling in, head out on the cobbled streets for a half-day guided food tour. You and your small group will step back in time as you stroll through the old districts such as the center and the city.moros, also known as Barrio Moro. During the expedition you will taste authentic Portuguese dishes and appetizers such ascod(salt cod) and famousbifana(fried pork sandwich). In total, you will stop at six local places where, in addition to tasting delicious snacks, you will also learn the history of Portuguese cuisine.

Day 2: Guided tuk-tuk tour, dinner with a local

Explore the "City of Seven Hills" today in style in an electric tuk-tuk. Guided by an expert guide, you will visit the modern and historical districts of the charming capital, from neoclassical avenues toShortto the cobbled streets of bohemiaUptown. Discover the fascinating history and hidden corners of the city, stopping at panoramic viewpoints such asSaint Pieter van Alcantara,Edward VII-Park,mountain lady, uSanta Luzia.

Then explore Lisbon at your own pace. Later, experience the warm hospitality of a local Portuguese family while eating a traditional meal in their home. This is a unique opportunity to get to know local cuisine and culture while sharing bread with family and other guests in an intimate setting. Exchange stories and experiences, create lasting connections and immerse yourself in everyday life over a three-course meal accompanied by local wine.

Day 3: one-day trip to Sintra, walk in the forest

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for a 30-minute drive outside the city.Sintra. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located at the wooded foot of the mountainSintra Mountainsand is dotted with fairytale palaces and extravagant mansions. You explore the area during a 10 km walk that takes you toCastillo Moro, which originates from the 8th century.

You will also enjoy a beautiful view on the walkPena National Palace, standing on a hill. This bright yellow and pink building, built in 1854, has spiers and ornate sculptures. At the end of the walking tour, there will be lunch and return to Lisbon.

4. dan: Transfer do Porta preko Coimbre

Leave Lisbon in the morning and head northLuka. The trip takes about four hours, but you will stop halfway.Coimbrastretch your legs and have lunch. Sitting on a hill overlooking therio mongodo, this former medieval capital wears its prominent role in Portuguese history on its sleeve, as evidenced by its magnificent buildings that date back nearly a millennium.

The star of Coimbra is the 13th century university, which is considered the largest in the country. You can visit the Baroque library, which houses an incredible collection of more than 200,000 books. In the neighborhood is the 12th century.Michael's Chapel, which is also worth a visit. After visiting the prominent sights and having something to eat, you will continue towards Porto. sit onDouro River, the history of this colorful and romantic city goes back more than 2000 years. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 5: tour of Porto architecture, visit to Matosinhos beach

In the morning you start a half-day walking tour of Porto. This tour focuses on the architectural wonders and historical sites that have contributed to Porto's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And who better to highlight these features than an expert local architect?

This is what you will have as a guide today when you go to the heart of the historic center.Allied Avenue. From there, your guide will take you to the Art Deco jewel.Rivoli Theatreistaro kino battle. Then visitPortuguese Center for Photography, which is located in a former prison and exhibits the works of local and foreign photographers. The last stop on the tour is along the Duero River and the promenade.Riveroeverdistrict, known for its colorful houses and colorful nightlife. You also have the option of riding a scenic cable car over the water's edge.

Later, you will travel a few kilometers from the center of Porto to the coast and the resting placeMatosinhos-playa. This beach is where the residents of Porto come to play. As the main source of seafood in the region, it is home to a large market and many restaurants specializing in fresh fish. It is also a popular spot for surfing and offers many surf schools and board rentals. After spending some time on the beach, return to Porto at the end of the day.

Day 6: day trip to the Douro Valley, wine tasting and river cruise

Your driver will pick you up this morning in Porto for a 1.5 hour drive from the city toDolina Douro, a fertile wine region that produces some of the best wines in Portugal. This full day tour includes a visit to afifth(winery). Here you will tour the vineyards, production facilities and winery and enjoy a tasting.

You will then drive to a nearby town where your guide will recommend the perfect restaurant for lunch with authentic Portuguese dishes. Then hop aboard a riverboat for a one-hour cruise on the tranquil Douro River. Relax and admire the beautiful scenery of this valley, with hills covered with vineyards and old farms. The Douro Valley is so beautiful that it is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then you will return to Porto.

Day 7: Flight to Barcelona (Spain), Tapas Tour

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for the two-hour flightBarcelona. Welcome to Spain! You are now in the capitalCataloniaregion. This coastal gem is full of history, culture and entertainment, so much so that it is one of the most popular holiday cities in Europe. Upon arrival at the airport, the driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel.

We hope you've worked up an appetite, because now it's time to start the three hourstapasroute. Tapas bars are an integral part of the social fabric in Spain: places where friends, family and colleagues gather for a few small plates of food combined withwhite hair(glasses of beer) and wine. After meeting your guide, you will walk through some of Barcelona's historic districts, such asGothic quarter, stopping at local wineries, bars and restaurants. This is really authenticdick(tapas tura).

In this culinary adventure you must try the tapasseasoned potatoes(fries with aioli),shrimp(prawns), squid, prosciutto, croquettes, mussels and chorizo. Be sure to save room for a traditional Spanish dessert like crema catalana, a sweet orange and cinnamon custard, Spain's answer to the classic crème brûlée. At the end of the tour, you will return to the hotel.

Day 8: Tour of Barcelona by bike, visit to the Sagrada Familia

Embark on a guided cycling tour of Barcelona this morning. It's just you and your guide on a three-hour tour that passes through popular and historic neighborhoods such as the medieval Gothic Quarter and the modern Raval and El Born. Along the way, your guide will point out historical sights, including Roman ruins, largePlaza Real, i gothicCathedral in Barcelona, which dates from the 13th century.

But the journey does not end here. Pedal through the Gothic Quarterciudadella-park, one of the largest green areas in the city, up toBarceloneta Beach. This is the town's main beach and is always a hub of activity, with a range of cafes, beaches, bars and nightclubs. Cycling along the coast is the perfect end to your two-wheeled tour of the city.

After that, leave your bike and head to the biggest monument in the city,holy family, a spectacular Roman Catholic church and UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. During the tour of the building, you will learn all about Gaudi and his impressive masterpiece. Although the construction of the church began in 1882, technically it is still under construction, and it was opened only in 2010.

Day 9: Free day in Barcelona

Today it's your turn to enjoy Barcelona at your own pace. If you wish, you can also visit other Gaudí architectural complexes, such asPark GuellUHouse Milan. Other must-see sights include the open-air architectural museumpueblo spanishULas Ramblas, a pedestrian street that runs through the heart of Barcelona's medieval Gothic quarter. At the end of the day, enjoy delicious tapas and drinks before returning to the hotel.

Day 10: Train to Madrid, tour of old Madrid

In the morning, head to Barcelona train station for the 2.5-hour train ride to Barcelona.Madrid. The capital of Spain has a rich history that goes back long before the Middle Ages. From approximately the 8th to the 11th century, this area was under Muslim rule, and before that it was the site of the Roman conquest that began in 218 BC. Kr. Upon arrival inAtocha station, the driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel in the city. You will then embark on a very special walking tour to learn more about Spain's deep history.

You will meet your guide atin Austriadistrict, the oldest in Madridneighborhood. Here you will walk through the traces of history and get a glimpse of what life was like in the golden age of the 16th century under the Habsburg dynasty. You will visit the most famous places in the old city of Madrid, includingMain square. Along the way, your guide will reveal historical details, such as what the city looked like during the darkest days of the Inquisition. The 1.5 hour tour ends appropriatelyBotin Restaurant. It opened its doors in 1725 and is the oldest restaurant in the world.

Day 11: Free day in Madrid

This is another free day to enjoy the city, and there are also many opportunities for culture and entertainment. Madrid has more than 80 museums and thousands of historical monuments and places of interest. However, a museum you should not miss.De Weide. It has one of the best collections of European art in the world, including works by Velázquez, El Greco and Goya. For deeper diving there is alsoart walk, an art walk that, along with El Prado, also includes a stop atReina Sofia National MuseumiMuzej Thyssen-Bornemisza.

If you want, you can go shopping and watch the show in the flashgreat way, Madrid's answer to Broadway. Here you will find many theaters where plays and musical productions are performed. And when it gets late, you can enjoy the night life of the city. Some of the best areas for bars and clubs includeorchardsUbent.

Day 12: One day trip to Toledo, guided tour

Hop on the train this morning for a half-hour journey through nature toToledo. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to Roman times and was the capital of Spain in the 16th century. A group of buildings with clay roofs, paved streets and church capitals of Toledo is piled on a hill that dominatesTagus riverand surrounded by protective ramparts, one enters through a huge iron gate.

Once here, meet your guide for the 'City of Three Cultures' tour. Toledo got this nickname because throughout history Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities have peacefully coexisted here. As such, the city is full of religious buildings, including those from the 12th century.Santo Tomekerk, MaurSanta Maria la Blanca Synagogue, which is considered the oldest synagogue in Europe, a large one from the 13th centurycathedral in toledo.

You will also visit the ancient Roman palace.Alcazar of Toledoand the fifteenth centurySamostan San Juan de los Reyes, an isolated monastery now returned to the Franciscan order and inhabited by monks. As you wander the streets and the main square,Zocodover, you will pass shops selling famous products from Toledo: marzipan and medieval weapons. Add an optional blacksmith experience or a zip-line adventure across the river to round out your Toledo adventure, then return to Madrid in the evening.

Day 13: Train to Seville, guided bike tour

After breakfast, return to Atocha station. This time he takes the train south to southern Spain.Andalusiaregions and the capitalSevilla. At the end of the three-hour journey, transfer to your hotel in the city and have time to relax and unwind.

Later, meet a local guide and hop on a bike for a half-day cycling tour of one of Spain's most romantic cities. Get out and drive through this ancient metropolis, whose historic center dates back to the 8th century BC. Cycle through nature reserves and interesting places such asSpanish Square,In front of the Guadalquivir River,Mushroom market,Sint-Franciscusplein, and the most beautiful gardens and parks in Seville.

During the excursion, your expert guide will tell you anecdotes and explain the mysteries and stories that characterize Seville. Overall, it's a fun, educational and rewarding way to get a feel for the city. After the tour, you have the rest of the day at your leisure. If you want, take some timepaseo(walk) through the old streets of Seville.

Day 14: Olive oil tasting and flamenco experience

In the late morning, head to the historic center of Seville to visit an olive oil workshop. Spanish olive oils are among the most valued in the world, and you will discover their quality during a tasting organized by a local producer of extra virgin oil. During this fun workshop you will learn the characteristics of the different varieties of Andalusian olives, such as picual, arbequina, hojiblanca and picudo. After the one-hour tasting, enjoy a traditional Andalusian lunch of various tapas, complemented by even tastier olive oil.

After free time in the afternoon, get ready for an evening flamenco experience. This style of music has a rich heritage dating back to the 9th century, when the music and dances of immigrants in Andalusia mixed with the cultures of the local Moors and Jews. Over the centuries the combination of these different influences was synthesized to produce the style of flamenco that has come to define today's Spanish folk music. You will witness this amazing performance in one of the famoustabs— (Flemish place).

Day 15: Transfer to Tangier (Morocco), sightseeing with a guide

Get up early and meet your driver for the 2.5-hour journey from Seville toBowl, the southernmost point of continental Europe. At the port, board a ferry for the six-hour journey across the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco. it's your destinyTanger, a dynamic coastal city full of contrasts. Here you will find everything that characterizes Morocco with a touch of French and Spanish culture. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and embark on a journey full of discovery.

On the three-hour tour, your personal guide will take you past historical districts such as the kasbah (fortress) and the medina. (walled old town). You will visit highlights such as the 17th century.sultan's palace, today a museum with an extensive collection of antiquities from the entire Moroccan civilization. Continue walking through the narrow streets that lead toBab Bhar(Puerta del Mar), from where there is a fantastic view of the Strait of Gibraltar, the Iberian Peninsula,refuge of Tangier, iNew city(New town).

During the tour, your guide will take you to the hidden corners of the city full of small restaurants, textile workshops, communal kilns and other cultural details away from the tourist track. By the end of the experience, you'll begin to understand the city like a local.

Day 16: Transfer to Chefchaouen, visit to caves and Tetouan

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for a wonderful two-hour road trip to the stunning siteRifthat of the mountainsChefchaouen, the famous "Blue City" of Morocco. The name translates as "two horns" and refers to the two mountain peaks that tower over the city. Attracting an artsy and bohemian crowd, Chefchaouen is known for its small-town atmosphere and blue-painted buildings that look like they're straight out of biblical times (even though it was founded in 1471). For these reasons, it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco.

Along the way, you will stop several times at prominent places in the region. This first is knownCaves of Hercules, located a few kilometers from Tangier. This spectacular cave complex is part man-made and part natural. The ancient Phoenicians are said to have carved out a spectacular opening overlooking the sea, and local legend has it that the Greek god Hercules once rested here between his glorious exploits. After the caves where you stopTetouan, a gem of a city at the foot of the Rif mountain near the sea. The old medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and looks like it hasn't changed in centuries.

After exploring Tetouan, continue to Chefchaouen and check into your hotel. You will then be able to stroll through the city's charming medina, known for its mix of Moroccan and Andalusian influences. You can see it in the red-tiled roofs, light blue buildings and narrow streets that merge with the busyUta el-Hammam-punwith its restored kasbah. You'll also want to visit the souks (markets) and dine at the local restaurants, of which there are many.

Day 17: Transfer to Fez, optional activities

In the morning, meet your driver for the four-hour drive south from Chefchaouen toFes. This is one of the famous imperial cities of Morocco, places that used to be the capital of the country. Fez was the capital for more than four centuries, starting in the 13th century, and remains a cultural and religious center today.

During the excursion you will stop for a guided tour.Fickle, a world heritage site with the best preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Stroll through this 42-hectare archaeological site and explore the grand merchant houses and temples of the ancient city while admiring the many colorful mosaics. Then continue to a nearby town.moulay idrisssee where ruler Moulay Idriss I introduced Islam to the region in 789. Then change tomequinez, a city founded by the imperial Berbers in the 11th century as a military settlement. Explore the medina and visit the monumental city gates dating back to the 18th century.

Your last stop is Fes. Before settling into yourRiad(traditional Moroccan house with terrace), drive toMerinidski grobovi. The ruins of these monumental tombs are located on a hill overlooking the city and from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the medina of Fez. On the hill below, you can even see the hides being dried in the sun, the final step in the tanning process. Then head to the bustling medina and spend time strolling the charming streets of Fez. Enjoy dinner in your riad, followed by a well-deserved rest.

Day 18: tour of Fez Medina

After breakfast, meeting your personal guide for a half-day walking tour of Morocco's oldest imperial city (founded in the 8th century). The Medina of Fez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best preserved in the Arab world. That's because little in Fez has been reformed over the centuries, meaning that wandering the maze of narrow streets is like stepping back in time.

Your guide will take you through two districts of the Medina:do BaliUFez el Jdid. Here you can browse the legendary souks (markets) whose vendors sell everything from spices and fresh produce to leather goods, ceramics, medicine and more. Many are concentrated together and you will definitely see artisans working in their small shops. Visit andMosqueUAl-Qarawiyyin University, founded in 859 and the oldest functioning university in the world.

After a lunch break, explore the medieval masterpiecesBou InaniaUal-attarinemadrasas, eventales ofNajarín Fountainwith its charmzelligemosaic patterns The best way to end the day is watching the sunset from the Merenid Tombs in the north or the 16th century.Borj isfortress in the south. Both viewpoints offer a fantastic view of this dynamic city with timeless roots.

Day 19: Transfer to Marrakech, guided tour

Get up early today and leave Fez with a 5.5-hour transfer toMarrakech. The second largest city in Morocco, this is also one of the country's four imperial cities, places that used to be the country's capital. Marrakesh has been the capital at various times, beginning with its foundation in the mid-11th century. Today it is the capital of the countryRabat.

Upon arrival at the airport, the driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel. Then follows a half-day tour of the 'Red City'. Your local guide will take you to popular areas such as the bustlingTrg Djemaa el Fna, the main square of the city medina. Nearby is a cultMezquita Koutoubia, which dates back to 1147. Just to the south is the kasbah, which contains historical sites such asSaadian engraving,bahia-paleis, iJewish quarter.

During the tour, explore the markets and vendors in the shopping districts. You will also visit the famous tanneries in Marrakech. The city is famous for its leather goods; Local families have been practicing this craft since the 11th century. Another fun stop is uMajorelle Tuin, which was once owned by the French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. You can walk through this 1 hectare garden filled with subtropical plants, bamboo, lilies and palm trees. At the end of the tour, you will return to the hotel.

Day 20: Optional day trips

Marrakech is surrounded by vast deserts and spectacular mountain scenery, making it an excellent day trip. You can choose from a number of fun day trip options. Maybe on the way toDolina OurikaUAtlasmountains, where you can visit Berber markets, waterfalls and enjoy camel rides at sunset. Another scenic drive takes you throughTizi n´Tichkamountain pass toUarzazat, a beautiful adobe city that has starred in productions such as 'Gladiator' and 'Game of Thrones'.

Or, if you prefer, travel to the coast andEsauira, a well-preserved fortified city overlooking the ocean. Here you can relax on the nearby beaches and walk along the promenade. Be sure to visit the famous defensive fortifications from the 18th century, such asBorj El BarmiliSkala de la Kasba.

Day 21: Departure from Marrakech

Your epic journey through Portugal, Spain and Morocco has come to an end. Enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast in Marrakech before transferring to the airport for your flight home. Till next time!

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