From CAD 3,386 Was CAD 4,515
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Enjoy a first-hand experience of Spanish, Portuguese and Moroccan lifestyles on this 15-day adventure through three vibrant countries. Travelling from Madrid to Marrakech, immerse yourself in the history of each destination, exploring ancient cultures through art, design, language and religion, trying local delicacies along the way. From Spanish dancing to the Algarve coastline to the fascinating Islamic architecture in Morocco, you’ll experience a collision of old and new, European and African. See a traditional Fado performance, explore museums, watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean and discover bustling medinas which overwhelm the senses.
Highlights
- Wander around Salamanca's lit up Plaza Mayor by night and explore the cobblestoned streets of Seville by day – Andalusia's largest city.
- Enjoy an unforgettable Fado performance in Coimbra. Fado is an emotional form of Portuguese music which often expresses the hard realities of daily life, balancing both resignation and hopefulness.
- Make the most of your free time in Lisbon – this city has so much to offer, from its beautiful museums, monuments and parks to its famous trams, bars and restaurants.
- Buy fresh local produce at the morning market during your stay on The Algarve and soak up the sun on the calm beaches. As the day winds down, experience the magic of an unforgettable sunset over the vast Atlantic Ocean.
- Explore the twisting, colourful labyrinthine streets of the Fes and Marrakech medinas with a local guide to lead you to all of the best spots and ensure you don't get lost!
Trip Details
Product Code: 3244
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train,Ferry,Metro,Private vehicle,Public bus,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: ZMSH
Starts: Madrid, Morocco
Finishes: Marrakech, Morocco
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (12),Accommodation: Hotel (14 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3386 (CAD 226 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Spain. Your adventure begins in Madrid, the central capital known for its boulevards and expansive, manicured parks. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your group and local leader. After the meeting, head out for an optional group dinner where you can get to know your fellow travellers. As there's limited time for sightseeing in Madrid, consider flying in a few days early to explore and maybe while away the hours along the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) or maybe discover more about the modern Spanish masters like Picasso and Dali, in the Museo Reina Sofia.
Optional Activities:
- Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza (13 EUR)
- Madrid - Museo del Prado (15 EUR)
- Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico (6 EUR)
- Madrid - Museo Reina Sofia (12 EUR)
- Madrid - Royal Palace (14 EUR)
- Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure (99 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Say farewell to Madrid this morning and head north-west by public transport to the university town of Salamanca. Sitting among pastures and rolling green hills on Spain's northern plateau, the medieval town of Salamanca is great to explore on foot. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk when you arrive, where you can explore the central Plaza Mayor and the Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free. You can explore the detail of the Casa de Las Conchas (House of the Shells), see the contrasting Old and New Cathedrals, or climb to the top to get a view across the terracotta-coloured rooftops. Thanks to the large student population the town has a vibrant nightlife, so maybe soak up the vibe tonight, go dancing or grab a couple of drinks.
Included Activities:
- Salamanca - Orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Salamanca - Art Nouveau & Art Deco Museum (5 EUR)
- Salamanca - Unamuno House Museum (4 EUR)
- Salamanca - New Cathedral (5 EUR)
- Salamanca - Old Cathedral (5 EUR)
- Salamanca - University of Salamanca (10 EUR)
- Salamanca - Casa de Las Conchas - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Head further west on your private bus today and cross the border into Portugal to the laidback city of Coimbra – your base for the next two nights. Sitting on the banks of the River Mondego, Coimbra was once the capital of the county, and its royal heritage can be felt in its ancient streets. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the maze of alleyways. Half the fun of Coimbra is wandering and exploring, so maybe use your free time getting to know the city on foot. Coimbra features many white stone buildings with excellent examples of the colourful azulejos tiling. Some of the historical structures were originally built in the 12th century (like the Cathedral Se Velha), and you can find some of Portugal's best examples of Romanesque churches and elegant museums here. The University of Coimbra – the oldest in Portugal – and the famous baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina are great places to start.
Included Activities:
- Coimbra - Orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day to explore Coimbra. Maybe head into the countryside in search of ancient Roman ruins – the ruins of Conimbriga are rich in well-preserved mosaics and offer a great insight into Roman life. There are several options to return, including a 3-km walk through the countryside to the rural town of Condeixa or a half-hour bus ride. If you have time, you can take a short boat tour to see Coimbra from a different angle. Alternatively. head out to Porto for the day. Stretching along the banks of the River Douro, Porto is one of Portugal's most romantic cities, known for majestic bridges, medieval riverside district with its cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes. Back in Coimbra for the evening, you’ll head to a traditional Fado performance. Fado songs must follow a particular structure, and though this traditional music can really be about anything, it popularly features mournful tunes with lyrics about the sea or the life of the poor. In Coimbra, university students would often serenade their sweethearts with this music!
Included Activities:
- Coimbra - Evening Fado Performance
Optional Activities:
- Coimbra - Mondego River Boat Trip (10 EUR)
- Coimbra - Cathedrals (5 EUR)
- Coimbra - Conimbriga Ruins (10 EUR)
- Coimbra - Portugal Dos Pequenitos (15 EUR)
- Coimbra - Joanine University Library (14 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, take a train through the countryside of central Portugal to Lisbon. As one of Europe's most affordable capital cities, Lisbon combines the best elements of Portuguese life, offering a multicultural population, delicious seafood and non-stop nightlife. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk on the banks of the Tagus (Tejo) River. Much of Lisbon’s character and lies in its beautifully renovated buildings, grand boulevards and impressive castles and churches. Visit the medieval citadel in the city centre, the Citadel of Sao Jorge Castle, which dates back to Moorish times and sits on the highest point of the Old Town. Your evening is free to explore at your own pace, so maybe head to the grand Naval Museum for an insight into the history of Portuguese navigation. If you want to jump into the local nightlife, head to Barrio Alto.
Included Activities:
- Lisbon - Sao Jorge Castle
- Lisbon - Orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is free for you to explore more of Lisbon, or you can take a 45-minute train ride out to the mountainous region of Sintra – a jewel of Portugal where you’ll see the Pena Palace. This area offers great walking opportunities, cliff-top palaces and unique Moorish architecture. The 8th-century Castle of the Moors looks down on the Old Town, and the views from the battlements across the Serra de Sintra Mountain Range are worth the trip.
Included Activities:
- Lisbon – Canned-fish tasting
- Lisbon - Traditional Boat Tour
Optional Activities:
- Sintra - Palacio Nacional (13 EUR)
- Sintra - Palacio da Pena (20 EUR)
- Sintra - Day Trip (10 EUR)
- Sintra - Castelo dos Mouros (12 EUR)
- Lisbon - Naval Museum (7 EUR)
- Lisbon - Oceanarium (25 EUR)
- Lisbon - Fado Show with Dinner (50 EUR)
- Lisbon - Gulbenkian Museum (10 EUR)
- Lisbon - Folk Art Museum (5 EUR)
- Lisbon - National Art Museum (8 EUR)
- Lisbon - Puppet Museum (5 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a bus journey to the southern coastline of Portugal – the Algarve, known for fertile plains rich with orange and olive groves, fig trees, almonds and maize fields. Your base will be in Faro – the capital of the region known for its Old Town, which you enter through the neoclassical Arco da Vila. When you arrive, check into your home for the next two nights and use the rest of the day to explore. Maybe wander the cobbled streets, see the 13th-century Faro Cathedral of head to the Municipal Museum set in a 16th-century convent, which displays prehistoric and medieval artifacts as well as religious art.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Faro is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a series of barrier islands, creating a beautiful landscape of canals, salt pans, lagoons and sandbanks. Today, you’ll board a local passenger boat and head out to one of these islands where you can wander along a series of boardwalks leading away from the fishermen’s settlements. You'll cross over dunes and lagoons to beaches that are so long that they disappear into the horizon. Return to Faro in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Maybe use the area's great walking paths to access some of the Algarve's lesser known spots or find a good spot to watch the sunset.
Included Activities:
- Algarve - Island Day Trip by Boat
Optional Activities:
- Algarve - Birdwatching Tour (35 EUR)
- Algarve - Marine Wildlife Watching Tour (45 EUR)
- Algarve - Boat Trip Rio Formosa (30 EUR)
- Algarve - Fishing Trip (40 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Portugal behind and return to Spain, travelling by private vehicle to the city of Seville. If the legends are to be believed, Seville was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. To the Romans it was Hispalis, and to the Moors it was Isbiliya. After the Christian reconquest, it became thought of as the portal to the 'New World' and today is the largest city in southern Spain, well-known for its oranges, tapas and flamenco. When you arrive, head out for a short orientation walk around the main sites, then enjoy some free time in the late afternoon and evening to explore at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Seville - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- Seville - Real Alcazar (14 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, rise early to start your long journey to Chefchaouen. You'll head toward Tarifa and then leave Europe behind as you make your way to Africa. After leaving the ferry, you'll be picked up by the Moroccan crew and make your way to a mountain town peppered with blue-washed buildings and ambient restaurants – Chefchaouen, the centre of an agricultural region. There may not be much time to explore this rural retreat by the time you arrive today, but you might just have time to look over the 15th-century Grand Mosque and the medina. Tonight, maybe tuck into some popular local goats’ cheese or a tajine before settling into your hotel.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Meet your local guide early in the day to explore the maze of streets in Chefchaouen. The ‘blue city’ is arguably one of the prettiest places in Morocco. Set against a wide valley and nestled between two peaks in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen’s medina has been lovingly cared for with striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs and artistic doorways. The medina is filled with handicrafts, while the main square has shops selling woven goods and sweets. Learn about general life in a small Moroccan community, visit a communal bakery and walk up to a former mosque for a great view over the town. As a popular shopping destination for handicrafts, carpets, blankets or woollen garments, you may also see the artisans at work. After your walking tour, maybe head to a traditional Moroccan hammam to relax.
Included Activities:
- Chefchaouen - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Optional Activities:
- Chefchaouen - Hammam (public baths) (150 MAD)
- Chefchaouen - Henna Tattoo (50 MAD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Say farewell to Chefchaouen today and jump on a private minivan trip to the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Arrive in the city of Fes and step back in time to the medieval medina, thick with tantalising smells, tastes and sounds. Vibrant, noisy and fascinating, the medina is a feast for the senses. With your free afternoon, maybe have a glass of mint tea and some sweet Moroccan dates to refuel, then continue exploring. Tonight, you might like to try some local specialities like harira (chickpea soup) or chicken-stuffed pastilla with couscous. Watch the sunset over the medina, then head back to your accommodation for a night’s rest.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a guided walking tour of the Old City, known locally as Fes el Bali, and step back in time to the labyrinth of the medina. Alive with craftsmen, markets, tanneries and mosques, you’ll pass donkeys piled high with goods (this is one of the largest car-free urban zones in the world) and explore the specialty sections that divide the souks. Medieval Fes was one of the world's great centres of education and culture, both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and its libraries are legendary. Its mosques are of great renown. Look out for the Medersa Bou Inania, one of the city's most beautiful buildings, which has recently been restored and is now open to tourists. Pass the Belghazi Museum, Medresse el Attarine and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine – a beautifully restored 18th century inn. You'll also see the famous tannery, known for the iconic view overlooking its dye pits, and a ceramics factory where you can see potters working in the traditional way. After the tour, the afternoon is free for you to enjoy as you please.
Included Activities:
- Fes - Medina walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by train this morning to Marrakech. When you arrive, head out with the group for a quick visit to the main square – Djemaa el-Fna. The square is filled with a hive of activity. Henna painters, performers and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar packed with stalls loaded with Moroccan delicacies. From a distance, you'll see the Koutoubia Mosque and its minaret – famous throughout the world as one of the greatest minarets and the 'sister' to the Giralda in Seville. You can have dinner here or ask your local leader for a great local restaurant recommendation and celebrate a trip well-travelled with your group.
Optional Activities:
- Marrakech - Saadian Tombs (70 MAD)
- Marrakech - Palais Badi (70 MAD)
- Marrakech - Palais Bahia (70 MAD)
- Marrakech - Hamam (public baths) (250 MAD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, your adventure comes to an end. As there's not much time spent in Marrakech, it’s recommended you book an extra few nights of accommodation. If you would like to extend your stay, maybe explore the ruins of Palais Badi – once one of the most beautiful palaces in the world – or head to the bazaar, where every step to a new souq brings a new smell, a new sight or a new gift. If you need to organise additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Optional Activities:
- Marrakech - A Taste Of Marrakech: Inside the Medina Urban Adventure (605 MAD)
- Marrakech - Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure. (640 MAD)
- Marrakech - Cascades d'Ouzoud Day Tour (2207 MAD)
- Marrakech - Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage (750 MAD)
- Marrakech - Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day trip with lunch (2000 MAD)
- Marrakech - Medina, Palaces & Tombs Urban Adventure (650 MAD)
- Marrakech - Palmery Cycling Tour (540 MAD)
- Marrakech - Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour (438 MAD)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Emily - Traveled, February 2024
This trip was really fun and a great way to see Spain and Portugal as well as exploring Morocco, the leaders Catarina in Europe and Abdellah in Morroco were both fantastic as well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/23/2024
Leanne - Traveled, January 2024
The Madrid to Marrakech trip was a great introduction to Spain, Portugal and Morocco. I met some amazing people, saw some incredible sights, ate some wonderful food and expanded my horizons. The leaders, Catering and Abdellah were so knowledgeable and kind. I highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/31/2024
Sarah - Traveled, December 2023
Spain & Portugal sections were well organised & a nice taster to these countries. Luke, our leader on this leg, was awesome, so helpful and catered to individual interests. Morocco was an amazing experience, recommend the south for the differing culture, environment & history. Accomodation in Morocco was a bit rough & very basic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/09/2024
Anne - Traveled, December 2023
Fabulous trip. Fast paced but well organised and interesting. Both leaders (Luke in Europe and Mouhcine in Morocco) were wonderful. Intrepid trips are always the best and this one lived up to expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/26/2023
Valerie - Traveled, November 2023
A fabulous and highly recommended tour. Spain and Portugal were a surprising delight as we had anticipated Morocco to be more of a highlight. Both trips were fabulous
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Marion - Traveled, October 2023
We have just completed the Madrid to Marrakesh trip. We enjoyed it very much and our two leaders Tiago and Salim were excellent. We learned a lot about each country and had a wonderful time. Highly recommend the trip and if you, like me and perhaps not as fit as you might be it is still a wonderful trip and you will not be disappointed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/05/2023
Sarah - Traveled, October 2023
The Madrid to Marrakesh trip was fantastic! Our tour leaders were knowledgeable, approachable, and very keen to ensure we had a great trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
William - Traveled, October 2023
We recently travelled in two tours (one basic and one premium) to Spain, Portugal and Morocco with Intrepid. Our overall experience was excellent and Intrepid delivered what their travel brochures described (and more). The level of knowledge of the team leaders was good and our accommodation was excellent and well placed. They took the stress out of travelling to a foreign country. We felt safe and secure with them and will definitely book with them again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Beverley - Traveled, October 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed our Madrid to Marrakech tour and what made it extra special were the opportunities to travel on public transport with the locals, having a small group to travel with, great local knowledge from our guides and enjoying the local culture of each new place we visited.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Rachel - Traveled, October 2023
Had a great time and saw and experienced a lot in a short amount of time, with downtime too. Loved our guides.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/06/2023
Cynthia - Traveled, September 2023
Great itinerary for Spain, Portugal and Morocco. I would recommend booking an extra day in Madrid and in Marrakech to spend a little more time in those locations. A good mix of structured activities and free time. Great experiences and memories every day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Adam - Traveled, September 2023
Elhoussain and Sophie were brilliant leaders. They were considerate of all people, kind and caring. What an absolute pleasure! Europe was better because of Sophie and Morocco was better with Elhoussain.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2023
Fiona - Traveled, September 2023
Luv every minute of it so far. Weather has been great . Tour guides very helpful and knowledgeable. Will to another tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2023
Andrew - Traveled, September 2023
Travelling in small groups provides time to know your companions, with different points of view and similar motives. Intrepid provides that and I would definitely attend one again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2023
Nicole - Traveled, September 2023
The was my first international trip on my own and it was amazing! The tour guides were friendly and knowledgable. A good balance of group activities and solo time to explore. Excellent!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023
Terry - Traveled, September 2023
This well paced trip represented great value for money, was brilliantly lead by 2 very accomplished tour guides. Thank you Elena and Abderrahim.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2023
Dawn - Traveled, September 2023
Intrepid is a brilliant way to see the country and knowing you have such experience in your guides for your travel, accommodation and food plus history knowledge of the region
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2023
Georgina - Traveled, September 2023
I think this trip covered some amazing cities and really got you deeper into each of the 3 countries and their cultures. I would recommend this tour for this!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2023
Peter - Traveled, August 2023
Well organised and balanced trip, actually perfect. Planned to perfection, got to see and learn lots, tour leader was a gem.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2023
Myles - Traveled, August 2023
First tour completed with intrepid was amazing, our guides were faultless and catered for us faultlessly
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/25/2023
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