Home > Tours > Europe Tours > Morocco and Spain with Douro Discovery

Morocco and Spain with Douro Discovery

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Morocco and Spain with Douro Discovery
Morocco and Spain with Douro Discovery
Morocco and Spain with Douro Discovery
Fully Guided Locally Guided Coach River Cruise
Our Price From
Sold Out
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
30 Days
 Cruise Starts
Casablanca
 Cruise Finishes
Porto
30 Day Morocco and Spain with Douro Discovery Itinerary (Travelmarvel)
Countries Explored: Morocco, Spain, Portugal
Trip Style
River Cruise
Accommodation
4 Star
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
EUTCOPMS30
Cruise Line
APT
Ship
Passengers
120
Crew
-
Launched
2024

Overview

Experience a 30-day adventure from Casablanca to Porto. Explore Morocco's imperial cities, the Sahara Desert and Marrakesh, before discovering Spain's landmarks in Barcelona, Madrid and Seville. Finish with a seven-night Douro River cruise on board the MS Estrela, visiting picturesque villages.

Itinerary

Be met at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Later this evening, meet your Travelmarvel Tour Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception followed by dinner. Stay: Movenpick Casablanca (D)

Today, embark on a guided tour of Anfa Boulevard, United Nations Square and witness the magnificent exterior of the Hassan II Grand Mosque. Marvel at the minaret that stands at 210 metres, towering over the Atlantic Ocean. Bid farewell to enchanting Casablanca and head to Rabat where you will visit the outside of the Royal Palace, the Mohamed V Mausoleum and the Hassan Tower. Afterwards, continue to Fez. Stay Three Nights: Fez, Les Merinides (B/D)

Insider Experience - traditional Moroccan dinner Visit the souks of Fez for a traditional Moroccan dinner with traditional entertainment including belly dancing.

Enjoy a morning city tour of Fez, the oldest of Morocco's four imperial cities. Fez boasts one of its most striking landmarks: the magnificent royal palace, distinguished by its famous bronze doors. The Seven Gates of the Royal Palace, symbolising each day of the week, also feature imposing brass door knockers. You'll visit the Jewish Quarters of Mellah and the stunning gate of Bab Bou Jeloud. Take a mesmerising walking tour of the ‘Medina' (Old City), declared a World Heritage Site. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before dinner at your hotel this evening. (B/D)

Perched atop Northern Morocco's Jebel Zerhoun plateau, the Roman ruins of Volubilis offer a captivating glimpse into ancient history, renowned as one of the best-preserved sites in Northern Africa. Continue to the Imperial City of Meknes, home to the grand Walls of Bab el Mansour and the unique Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Fez. (B/L/D)

Embark on a scenic journey through the serene landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Erfoud, on the edge of the vast Sahara Desert, and visit a date farm. Later, consider enhancing your experience with an optional 4WD excursion into the mesmerising sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. Stay: Erfoud, Palms Hotel Club (B/D)

Enhance Your Journey - 4WD Excursion Feel the exhilaration of a thrilling 4WD excursion as you navigate this vast, ever-changing landscape, and take in the breathtaking beauty of one of the world's most iconic natural wonders.

Today, we'll encounter one of your journey's most stunning natural wonders, the Todra Gorges. Conclude the day in Ouarzazate with dinner at your hotel. Stay: Ouarzazate, Hotel Karam Palace (B/D)

Travel to the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This picturesque city, crafted from adobe and nestled on a hillside, has starred in renowned films such as Gladiator (2000). Continue to Marrakesh, the Moroccan Southern Capital, set amid an expansive oasis amid the Atlas Mountains and the pre-desert region. Stay Three Nights: Marrakesh, Kenzi Rose (B/D)

Insider Experience - Visit Tawesna Salon de Thé Visit Tawesna Salon de Thé, a cooperative eatery led by local women preserving regional culinary heritage.

Embark on a city exploration, visiting landmarks like the Koutoubia Tower, reminiscent of Seville's Giralda. Discover Bay Palace and Dar Bacha Museum. Stroll through the lively medina, bustling souks, and vibrant Jamaa El Fna Square, an open-air theatre with fortune tellers, snake charmers, and acrobats. This evening, you may wish to join an optional tour of a nearby Berber Village for dinner, immersing yourself in local culture. (B)

Today, relish a leisurely day in Marrakesh. Perhaps opt for an optional full-day tour to nearby Essaouira or an optional half-day visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Gather in the evening for a Farewell Dinner at a charming local restaurant. (B/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Yves Saint Laurent Museum Located next to the Jardin Majorelle, this museum is dedicated to the influential designer's life. Yves Saint Laurent was inspired by Marrakesh's colours and shapes, and often designed his collections there.

Enhance Your Journey - Essaouira Head to the relaxed coastal city of Essaouira, which has retained its traditional culture and character. Discover the palm-fringed streets of the fortified medina, as well as lanes teeming with boutiques and art galleries, luring you in with a scent of exotic spices in the air.

This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Barcelona. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. This evening you'll meet your Spain and Portugal Tour Director at a Welcome Dinner. Stay Two Nights: Barcelona, Hotel Catalonia Eixample 1864 (B/D)

Explore Barcelona's famous landmarks on a city tour today. Drive to the famous Montjuïc Hill, visit the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, then admire the striking exterior of the iconic Sagrada Família. On foot, your guide will take you through the Old Town and show you the wonders of this beautiful city. (B)

Today, travel by train to Madrid, Spain's lively capital. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore before sitting down to a tapas dinner at a local restaurant. Stay Two Nights: Radisson RED Madrid (B/D)

On a guided tour this morning, visit Palacio Real, residence of the Spanish Royal Family, then see a selection of Madrid's best-loved attractions. With the rest of your day at leisure, perhaps wander the lawns of Parque del Retiro or browse the Prado Museum. (B)

Today, travel to Toledo for an escorted tour. Explore the Old Town's winding cobbled streets and its majestic 13th-century cathedral before continuing to Córdoba. Stay: Córdoba, NH Amistad (B/D)

Enjoy a guided tour of Córdoba, during which you'll admire the Mezquita of Córdoba, a medieval mosque converted to a cathedral. Continue to Granada, where you'll embark on a tour with an expert guide. Experience a revival of grand Spanish hospitality at Hotel Alhambra Palace. Stay Two Nights: Granada, Alhambra Palace Hotel or similar (B/D)

This morning, pay a visit to the magnificent Alhambra Palace. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore Granada. (B)

Travel to Ronda, stopping along the way for your authentic Insider Experience. Set off on a guided tour of Ronda and see the Puente Nuevo and the Plaza de Toros. Stay: Ronda, Catalonia Ronda (B/L)

Insider Experience - Local Olive Oil Farm Immerse yourself in the idyllic countryside surrounding a local olive oil farm. Learn about organic olive oil production and indulge in a tasting. Then, savour a homemade lunch of traditional flavours and regional ingredients.

This morning after breakfast, travel to Jerez and visit the famous Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Then, continue to Seville. Stay Two Nights: Seville, Catalonia Santa Justa (B/D)

Today, experience the beauty of Seville with a local guide. Then, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may wish to join an optional to the royal palace of Alcázar. (B)

Enhance Your Journey - Alcázar Royal Palace Tour the royal palace of Alcázar. The Palacio de Don Pedro, built for King Peter of Castile in the 14th century, is the centrepiece of the Alcázar.

Enter Portugal and stop to admire the architecture of World Heritage-listed Evora, before arriving in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. Stay Three Nights: Lisbon, Altis Grand Hotel or similar (B)

Explore the Alfama district and visit the iconic Castelo de São Jorge. Then, head to the Belém district to see the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery and the historic Belém Tower. (B)

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps Enhance Your Journey with an optional visit to nearby Sintra. (B)

Enhance Your Journey Travel to the mountain range of Serra de Sintra. After a guided tour of the charming town of Sintra, visit the World Heritage-listed Pena National Palace.

This morning after breakfast, you will travel by coach to Porto where you'll board your river ship. Later this evening, meet your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception as you take in the sights along the Douro River on a sunset cruise. Stay Seven Nights: aboard your river ship, the MS Estrela (B/D)

Begin cruising along the spectacular Douro River. Flowing from the northern reaches of Spain, through Portugal and into the Atlantic, this river is bordered by countless vineyards. As you cruise this morning, you'll take part in a Portuguese language lesson, during which you'll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language. This afternoon you'll visit the picturesque village of Lamego and the elaborately decorated baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. While in Lamego, visit one of Portugal's best museums. You may also like to sample one of the town's famous specialties, Bola de Lamego, a delicious smoked ham roll. On arrival in Pinhão, you will enjoy an Insider Experience. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience - Portuguese Quinta Dinner Enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local quinta, a Portuguese winery.

Today, cruise across the border into Vega de Terrón in Spain. Enjoy some time at leisure before joining an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo. This tiny village sits atop a hill overlooking both Spain and Portugal, and features a number of well-preserved ruins, an impressive castle and a magnificent stone statue of Santiago Matamoros. After exploring this charming little town, you'll board a coach and return to your ship. (B/L/D)

Today you'll disembark and board a coach to set off for the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca. This gorgeous city is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain, and boasts sunlit sandstone buildings along with a majestic city square and an ancient university. After your Insider Experience, return by coach back over the border to Barca d'Alva, the last Portuguese village along the Douro, where your ship awaits. Back on board this evening, enjoy a traditional Portuguese barbeque dinner. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience - Flamenco Show Enjoy a flamenco show and lunch and be entranced by captivating flamenco dancers as they astound you with their stomping feet in a fiery performance.

Join an excursion to the splendid Gardens and Palace of Mateus. Tour this living museum which is still owned by the Count of Vila Real. Discover the connection between this beautiful 18th-century palace and Mateus Rose wine for yourself. Rejoin your ship, which is now docked in Régua. (B/L/D)

This morning, enjoy an Insider Experience. Afterwards, continue to the riverside town of Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this gorgeous, vibrant town as you please. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience - Portuguese Quinta Port Tasting Head to a local quinta, which boasts outstanding views over the Douro Valley. Here, you'll enjoy a tasting of local port wine, Portugal's most famous tipple.

After breakfast, return to the charming city of Porto. Join a captivating guided tour, taking you past the city's iconic sights, before visiting a local port winery for an informative tour and tasting. This afternoon, there's ample time for you to step back out to explore Porto at leisure. You may like to visit a Portuguese boutique to buy authentic, local souvenirs. Or perhaps take a stroll through the city's historic Bolhão food market. Alternatively, you can take an excursion to the nearby city of Guimarães. This evening back on board your ship, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Visit Guimarães Take an optional excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Guimarães, known as ‘the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality'. See Guimarães Castle and and other historic landmarks that highlight the city's rich heritage.

After enjoying a final breakfast on board, transfer to the airport in Porto for your onward flight. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Olive Oil Farm Lunch: Immerse yourself in the idyllic countryside surrounding a local olive oil farm. Learn about organic olive oil production and indulge in a tasting. Then, savour a homemade lunch of traditional flavours and regional ingredients.
  • Portuguese Quinta Dinner: Enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local quinta, a Portuguese winery.
  • Flamenco Show: Enjoy Seville's flare for flamenco at the Flamenco Dance Museum.
  • Portuguese Quinta Port Tasting: On arrival in Régua, head to a local quinta, which boasts outstanding views over the Douro Valley. Here, you'll enjoy a tasting of local port wine, Portugal's most famous tipple. 
  • Moroccan Feast with Cultural Entertainment: Visit the souks of Fez for a sumptuous Moroccan dinner with traditional entertainment including belly dancing
  • Visit Tawesna Salon de Thé: Visit Tawesna Salon de Thé, a cooperative eatery led by local women who uphold the region's culinary heritage.

  • Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
  • Prices are for land/cruise and rail only. Flights not included (unless specified)

Life Onboard MS Estrela

MS Estrela
MS Estrela

Wind through heavenly scenery and discover Portugal by river aboard a brand-new Travelmarvel river ship, the MS Estrela, launched in 2024. Cruise through the sun-kissed Douro Valley, visiting riverside villages and family-owned quintas.

Cruise Inclusions
Cruise Inclusions

Onboard water stations, tea and coffee, soft drinks, beer & local wine during lunch and dinner are included, along with transfers, tipping and the services of your Travelmarvel Cruise Director and local guides.

Onboard Dining
Onboard Dining

Experience a delicious range of Portuguese, Mediterranean and international flavours, expertly prepared by chefs on your river ship. Dine in the main restaurant, savour a light meal in the ship's lounge or dine alfresco on the main lounge's deck.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Travelmarvel. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.