Overview
Itinerary
Colour outside the lines on this unforgettable encounter with the intoxicating lands of Spain, Morocco and Portugal. Kick off your unforgettable journey in the fiery Spanish capital of Madrid. This evening, explore the city's vibrant streets, before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for dinner and an orientation drive. (D) Stay: Meliá Castilla, NH Collection Eurobuilding
Join your Local Specialist on this day of discovery, which includes views of the iconic Cibeles fountain and Paseo de la Castellana. Admire the Royal Palace and El Retiro Park, originally created as a retreat for the royal family, before spending the rest of the day at leisure indulging in la buena vida. Consider an Optional Experience to the medieval UNESCO-listed city of Segovia or encounter the greatest collection of Spanish art in the world at El Prado. (B)
Witness the influence of Christians, Muslims and Jews that has spanned centuries in the imperial city of Toledo. Join your Local Specialist for a walking tour, during which you'll visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco's most famous painting - 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz'.
Then, visit the synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca, believed to be the oldest one still standing in Europe. Celebrate the tradition of steel and Damascene manufacturing and moulding as you Dive Into Culture at a local workshop, before your journey continues through the soul-stirring Andalusian landscape to Granada, where we'll spend the night. (B/D) Stay: Occidental
Tread in the footsteps of Spain's last emirs and admire the impressive Alhambra - a collection of palaces and fortresses dating from the 12 century. We join a Local Specialist to explore its intricate designs, tranquil gardens and colossal walls, believed to have been inspired by poetry and reflecting the description of paradise found in Islamic verse. Later, we leave this 'paradise on earth' behind and continue to the Costa del Sol. (B) Stay: Meliá Costa Del Sol
We travel along the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean and cross to North Africa by ferry. A memorable drive past the Rif Mountains brings us to Fes, a storied hub of traditional craftsmanship and our home for the next two nights. (B/D) Stay: Marriott Jnan Palace
Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through the cultural and spiritual centre of Morocco. First, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to the non-profit American Fondouk, speak with the volunteer veterinarians who care so passionately for the welfare of the animals. Stroll through the Medina of Fes, view its fortifications and Royal Palace, and admire traditional Moroccan handiwork during a visit to a carpet cooperative. Spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure.
Tonight, maybe join an Optional Experience Arabian dinner in a traditional riad – a night of heartfelt local entertainment, including belly dancing, awaits. (B)
Departing Fes, journey west through the golden landscape which turns to rusty red, bound for vibrant Marrakesh. Past and present collide in the world-famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Embrace the unrivalled energy of this cultural and economic hub. (B) Stay: Grand Mogador Menara
Visit the elegant Dar El Bacha Palace during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. See Jemaa el-Fnaa Square in the Old Quarter with its palm-readers, storytellers and snake charmers. Visit a traditional Moroccan pharmacy and Dive into Culture as you learn about the art of blending creams and cosmetics with regional ingredients.
The rest of the day is yours to explore. Don't miss the chance to shop for bargains in the souks (markets) and bazaars, or perhaps visit a local Berber village. (B)
Journey north to Casablanca and enjoy a visit to the Hassan II Mosque with your Local Specialist, before arriving in the country's capital city. (B) Stay: Impérial Boutique Rabat
Today, you explore Rabat with your local specialist, stop at the opulent Mohammed V Mausoleum and admire Rabat's cityscape, its historic and modern centers traversed by the Bou Regreg River below.
Later, we continue to Tangier, a gateway between Africa and Europe as prominent today as in Phoenician times. Our unique Stays with Stories this evening is the sumptuous El Minzah, an icon of the city overlooking the Bay of Tangiers and the sparkling Mediterranean beyond. The grand property, built in the Spanish-Moorish style in 1930, has welcomed the rich and famous over the past century. You'll get to experience its warm hospitality for yourself as you contemplate the building's colourful history. (B/D) Stay: El Minzah
Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry, we return to Spain and journey past the region of Jerez, renowned as the origin of Spanish sherry. Drive through Andalucía and arrive in Seville. What better way to experience this lively city than witnessing the passion of flamenco? Immerse yourself in the spectacle of colourful swirling skirts and fervent rhythm of castanets during an unforgettable optional Flamenco performance this evening. (B) Stay: AZZ Sevilla Este
Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour which will take you past the iconic Giralda Bell Tower. Admire the tiled fountains and pavilions in the María Luisa Park, the showcase for the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929, and see the imposing Plaza de España. Visit the ornate tomb of Christopher Columbus in the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, then enjoy a walk through the lovely historic Jewish Quarter. (B)
Leaving the zesty scents of Seville behind, journey through the golden landscapes of the Alentejo, where the Brito Paes family awaits your arrival for a special lunch on their traditional stud ranch, which has been rearing Lusitano horses since the 18th century. This Be My Guest experience takes place in the ancestral home of the family, offering a unique glimpse into their heritage.
Later, continue to Évora for a guided sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist, including visits to the city's cathedral, Roman temple and the haunting Chapel of Bones. This evening, relax with dinner at your hotel. (B/L/D) Stay: M'AR de AR Muralhas
You can start your day exploring Evora's maze of cobblestone streets or with an Oprtional Experience visit to Monsaraz, a fortified hilltop town set deep in the Alentejo.
In the afternoon, say farewell to the cork trees of the Alentejo region and hello to the pastels of the Portuguese capital, where you'll join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour. You'll have an opportunity to Dive into Culture with a visit to the Belém Quarter and a taste of traditional Pastéis de Belém. (B) Stay: VIP Grand Lisboa
Enjoy the day sauntering along Lisbon's grand shopping boulevards and the narrow lanes of Bairro Alto or consider joining an optional trip through the Golden Triangle, visiting Estoril, Cascais and one of Lisbon's stunning royal palaces. This evening, enjoy dinner with newfound friends and your Travel Director, toasting to an epic Iberian holiday. (B/D)
Our epic journey through Spain, Morocco and Portugal comes to an end this morning. All that's left is to say a fond farewell to your newfound friends and an unforgettable experience shared. Your coach transfer will return to Madrid. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore Madrid, Toledo, Fes, Marrakesh, Casablanca, Rabat, Seville, Évora and Lisbon
- Discover Tangier
- Visit the Transito Synagogue and Church of Santo Tomé in Toledo, the Alhambra in Granada, Dar El Bacha and a Moroccan pharmacy in Marrakesh, the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Cathedral in Seville, the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon
- View the Royal Palace in Rabat, the Belém Tower and the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon
Be My Guest
- Panoias-Ourique: Visit a family ranch and learn about Portugal's Lusitano horse. Hear an ancestral story of unrequited love that defined the character (and colour) of the ranch before sitting down to a home-cooked lunch with Tiago and Vera in the heart of the Alentejo region.
Dive Into Culture
- Toledo: The invincible swords of Toledo have defended cities for centuries. Visit an inlaid steel factory in Toledo to see local craftsmen forging the highest quality steel.
- Marrakesh: Visit a Moroccan pharmacy to learn about local healing creams and cosmetics made from regional ingredients.
- Lisbon: Visit the Belém Quarter and enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years.
Iconic Experience
- Madrid: Drive through central Madrid and see some of the city's famous features during an orientation with your Travel Director.
- Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Specialist. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain and Royal Palace.
- Toledo: Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Specialist and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco masterpiece.
- Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. Explore with a Local Specialist keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
- Fes: Led by your Local Specialist, wander the maze of streets in Fes' ancient Medina. Witness hidden courtyards, mosques and workshops before continuing through the souks, an array of vendors selling food, clothes, leather goods and traditional handicrafts.
- Marrakesh: Your Local Specialist guides you past Jemaa el-Fnaa Square with its intriguing characters, and through the seemingly entangled streets of the Medina with its many souks.
- Casablanca: Visit the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche.
- Casablanca: Experience the vibrant charm of Casablanca as you embark on a captivating city tour. Discover the city's rich history and modern flair as you delve into the unique blend of cultural and historical landmarks.
- Rabat: See the Mohammed V Mausoleum, a masterpiece of traditional Moroccan art and one of the very few Islamic religious buildings open to non-Muslims.
- Rabat: On a sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist, discover key landmarks in Rabat, including the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower. Explore the city's notable sites and learn about its history.
- Tangier: Discover the enchanting city of Tangier on an orientation tour. Stroll through the vibrant medina, where narrow streets and bustling souks offer a glimpse into traditional Moroccan life. Admire the stunning views from the Kasbah and explore the city's rich history, blending influences from various cultures and eras.
- Seville: Guided by your Local Specialist, see the Giralda Tower, former minaret of the Great Mosque and now the cathedral's belltower. Explore the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter and emerge by the great walls of the Alcazar.
- Évora: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with your Local Specialist and see the famous Roman Temple. Witness the fascinating cathedral and its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
- Lisbon: With your Local Specialist, visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower.
Make Travel Matter®
- Fes: Visit the non-profit American Fondouk founded in 1927, and speak with the volunteer veterinarians who care so passionately for the welfare of the animals and the families who are so dependent on their labour. Your visit includes a donation to the clinic. Your experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Trafalgar Difference
- Tangier: Immerse yourself in the proud heritage of El Minzah Hotel, a famous Hispano-Moorish hotel in the heart of the city commissioned by the fourth Marquis of Bute in the 1930s.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Return ferry crossings between Spain and Morocco
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
- 6 Dinners (D)
- 15 Breakfasts (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more
With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you. Read more
Find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. Read more
Trip Reviews (16) View All Most Recent 'Spain, Morocco and Portugal' Reviews
There were many positives in this tour however there was also some negatives that need to be mentioned. Firstly the fact that Trafalgar was unable to secure tickets to enable our group to visit Alhambra Palace in Granada. For us Alhambra was to be one of the highlights of Spain, and to receive a letter (dated three days earlier) on the coach seat to announce this was such a disappointment. This tour had been a guaranteed departure since the brochure was printed, so who didn’t secure the tickets? Of course another tour was substituted in another city, however we didn’t get to see Alhambra Palace.
Secondly we must make mention of our tour guide Philip Rogers. Philip was very knowledgeable on the history of the countries visited and a fluent linguist. Apart from those attributes Philip did not attempt to connect meaningfully with his guests at all. His timing of pointing out highlights along the road was poor, by the time he mentioned the highlight we had passed it, or there was no mention at all until a guest asked. We were also quite concerned about the way Philip handled the situation when one member of our group collapsed on the bus and appeared to be very ill, especially in regard to Philip’s and Trafalgar’s duty of care to the guest and group. Philip's religious preference heavily swayed his commentary and he engaged more with our Moroccan guide Nile than his guests.
In closing, we would suggest that Philip has lost touch with the expectations of guests on what is a high end tour. This was our first Trafalgar tour and after speaking with fellow passengers, many of whom are regular Trafalgar travellers, by far the majority agreed Philip was disinterested and probably past his best.
Our hotel in Granada could have been more central or Richard and our grumpy bus driver could have given us a small tour of the city on arrival just to get our bearings (the last Trafalgar tour we did our tour guide and bus driver did this) then people can go for a walk after dinner. When we came down to Marbella we had a walk through the old town which we got to know very well as our tour guide lived there and we had a nice optional dinner. We asked if there was a choice of visiting Mijas, the white washed village in the mountains, and he took us there for lunch which was fantastic, but not sure if he would have if we hadn’t said anything.
In Morocco all tour dinners, first and last hotels were fantastic. The Medina in Fes was a disaster as there were 4 tour guides and the group was split - we only got one guide and the other crowd got 3. Why was this? It was the biggest push sale ever on carpets and leather goods and our guide got annoyed as no one wanted to buy anything so he made us wait in an alley for 45 minutes then rushed through the Medina out where we had to wait another 45 minutes for the others. We were all disappointed as we were all excited to buy stuff and we got nothing, as soon as I saw Richard we told him and it was brushed under the carpet. Our bus driver was a joke and as soon as it came to gratuity Richard put an envelope on our seat to give and went on and on about it, it became a bit of a joke .
All Spain then Portugal was fantastic we ended our trip in Lisbon by choice to stay an extra 3 days and saw a lot more. The food and hotels here were fantastic. The best hotels on this trip were Madrid and Seville, beautiful. Will do another trip with Trafalgar and hope we get professional guide.
The pace of the tour was full on but we knew what to expect so no problem there. There were plenty read more of optional excursions and probably too many for a 16 day tour. With the past tours we undertook all the optionals however this time round due to the pace of the tour we opted out of a couple to take a break which turned out to be a good thing. In Morocco we took on a Govt endorsed tour guide for the whole time in Morocco and picked up local tour guides in the various cities. Question why we had local guides as the Govt guide was well equip to handle the these jobs however this is how things work in Morocco - apparently. Would have liked to spend an extra day or 2 in Portugal as we only had 2 nights in Lisbon.
Overall at great tour and would highly recommend. Michelle and Madeline at Global Journeys were excellent in providing prompt assistance, feedback and organisation.
Most hotels were of very high standard with only a couple were a little inferior. We had a very friendly group of 48 made up with 40% Australians. The itinerary was very full with many and varied places to see with local guides. The only negative comment I would make is that it would have been nice to have a list of the optional extras and costs much earlier than was advised. Global Journeys through our consultant Yvonne Brookes kept us well informed continually from the time we booked our tour until the time we departed. Thank you for your excellent service.
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Trafalgar Europe (2025-26)
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