18 Day Inspiring Spain, Morocco & Portugal

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Spain. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6.00 pm. Please confirm this time by asking hotel reception or checking for a note in the hotel lobby. There may be some free time before your welcome meeting to get your bearings in Barcelona, the Catalan capital known for its art and architecture. Special InformationAirport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Hotel check-in time is at 3 pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.

After breakfast, we'll depart around 8:30 am and head from Barcelona to Madrid, making a stop in Zaragoza along the way. As we travel inland, we'll reach Zaragoza, a city rich in history and charm. Enjoy some free time and explore Zaragoza at your own pace. You will have the chance to admire the impressive Basilica del Pilar, known for its stunning baroque architecture and panoramic views of the Ebro River. Don't miss the Aljafería Palace, a beautiful example of Moorish design. Take a leisurely walk through the historic center, where you'll discover hidden gems like the Cathedral of La Seo. After exploring, we'll continue our journey back to Madrid, arriving in the late afternoon. You'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax at your leisure, soaking in the lively atmosphere of Madrid's plazas, shops, and vibrant energy. Inspiring Highlights Zaragoza Basilica del Pilar Aljafería Palace Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

After breakfast, embark on a guided walking tour through the heart of Madrid. An expert guide will lead you to iconic landmarks, uncover hidden gems, and share the city's rich history, offering captivating stories and local insights at every stop. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to discover Madrid and you'll have ample time to explore the city at your own pace. You might choose to visit the iconic Palacio Real, the breathtaking Royal Palace, where you can admire its magnificent architecture, lavish interiors, and beautiful gardens. If you're a food and culture enthusiast, why not book a tapas tour? Wander through Madrid's historic streets, sampling delectable local tapas while discovering the city's rich culinary heritage. Whether you're immersed in royal history or indulging in traditional Spanish flavors, your day in the heart of Spain's capital is sure to be unforgettable!

After breakfast, we travel from Madrid to Granada, with a stop in Consuegra, a charming town in the heart of La Mancha. Famous for its iconic windmills and medieval castle, Consuegra offers a unique peek into Spain's history and literary legacy, particularly celebrated in Don Quixote. We'll visit the Molinos, where you can explore the windmills dotting the rolling hills and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Afterward, you'll have some free time to discover the city at your own pace. Then we'll continue our journey south toward Granada, a city nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Arriving in the evening, you'll be welcomed by the stunning beauty of Granada, where Moorish palaces, winding streets, and vibrant tapas bars await, offering a rich history that will captivate you throughout your stay. Inspiring Highlights Consuegra Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

Today, it's time to explore the renowned Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. With the vastness of this stunning complex, be prepared for about three hours of walking—don't forget your comfortable shoes! The Alhambra stands as a living testament to Granada's Arab heritage. This impressive palace and fortress complex, with its towers, palaces, patios, and gardens, is one of the most visited sites in Spain. Dominating Granada's historic Arabic quarter, the Alhambra boasts exquisite palaces, peaceful pathways, and breathtaking gardens. You'll be mesmerized by the intricate details—sumptuous interiors, stunning Islamic geometric patterns, delicately carved wood, and extraordinary ornamental features. Originally built by the Moors as a fortress during their rule in Spain, this complex reflects their opulent lifestyle. After your visit, the rest of the day is free for you to explore Granada at your own pace. The city is famous for its tapas bars, so why not spend some time sampling delicious local bites? Wander through the Albaicín, Granada's old Arab Quarter, with its maze of narrow alleys, fountains, squares, and whitewashed houses. Stop by the Alcaicería, a bustling bazaar in the heart of the city that once served as the Moorish silk market, where you can shop for handmade crafts like ceramics, marquetry, and leather goods. Enjoy a short walk through the ancient Moorish neighbourhood of Albaicin that ends at one of the most famous viewpoints in Granada that offers a breathtaking view of the Alhambra. Enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure. If you're looking to unwind, consider booking a hammam experience and a relaxing massage. Your tour leader will be happy to assist with the arrangements. Inspiring Highlights Alhambra and Generalife Gardens Guided Tour Special Information Today will involve approximately 3 hours of walking.

After an early breakfast, we'll set off for a full day of travel, transferring to Algeciras to board the ferry across to Tangier, Morocco. A packed breakfast will be provided. Accompanied by your European guide, you'll sail from Europe to Africa, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. The ferry ride takes approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, meet your Moroccan guide and journey by bus along the coast. We'll stop in Asilah, a small city on the northwest tip of the Atlantic coast. The city is a living art gallery, thanks to its renowned month-long art festival every summer, where artists paint wall murals throughout the medina. Here you'll have free time to explore. We'll then head to Rabat, the diplomatic and administrative capital, for the night. Inspiring Highlights Cross the Strait of Gibraltar Asilah Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 9.5 hours, including 1.5 hours on the ferry. Please note ferry delays can happen, and passport control often involves very long lines. Keep your passport ready as you will pass international border controls in both Morocco and Spain. During the ferry transfer, it is essential to be aware that travellers are responsible for carrying their own luggage for a significant distance. This includes navigating through immigration building halls, using stairs (not escalators), and tackling steep staircases on the ferry itself. Please ensure that your luggage is packed in a way that allows you to carry it comfortably and unassisted throughout the journey. Today your group will say goodbye to your Spanish tour leader who will accompany you on the ferry, and you will be joined by a new tour leader in Morocco. Our tour leaders will be in contact with each other to ensure a smooth changeover.

This morning after breakfast, your tour leader will help you explore Rabat's main highlights: the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a striking masterpiece of modern Moroccan architecture and the Kasbah of the Udayas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Morocco, is another of the city's beautiful landmarks. We'll then set off for romantic Casablanca. This busy port city is famous for its art deco buildings and the modern-day masterpiece, the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa (entrance not included).It took more than seven years to build this impressive site. Decorated with intricate tiles – more than 10,000 m2 of zellige was used – beautiful carvings and an unusual glass floor, allowing worshippers to feel like they're praying directly over the ocean. This huge building is part on land and part on sea. Afterward, we'll set off for ancient, exotic Marrakech – a feast for the senses. Be enticed by the alluring scents and brilliant colours of the spice markets, the sounds of the musicians, the rich folds of carpets, delectable foods, acrobats, and perfumed gardens. Marrakech won't disappoint – it's eclectic, beautiful, and a modern fusion of Moroccan and international culture. Depending on arrival time, once you've settled into your hotel, we'll head to the old medina to catch a glimpse of this bustling destination at night. Inspiring Highlights Mausoleum of Mohammed V Kasbah of the Udayas Royal Palace The Hassan II Mosque Old Medina Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

After breakfast, meet your local guide and set off for a morning tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks that are the lifeblood flowing through the city. A medina is the historic heart of a city. Shops, restaurants, markets and homes line the twisting and turning streets. This is the trading centre of the city and the sights, sounds and fragrant smells are almost overwhelming. The walls surrounding the medina, made of a distinct orange-red clay and chalk, were built in the 12th century. We'll stop by Koutoubia Mosque; its famous minaret is the prototype for others of its kind around the world, including La Giralda in Seville. The mosque is surrounded by beautiful gardens.Walk back through the streets of the old medina to the famous Djemaa el-Fna, the main square of Marrakech in the heart of the medina. It's big and frantic, with scores of people shopping, eating, getting henna tattoos, and watching snake charmers. Packed with locals and tourists alike, it's certainly memorable. The rest of the day is free to explore further or shop in the bazaar. No doubt you're becoming familiar with Moroccan delicacies, like aromatic tajines, couscous, and the street food favorite pastilla. Moroccan food is as exciting as you'd imagine – spicy, full-flavored, and often boasting a mix of contrasting textures and flavors. You'll find street vendors and waiters at restaurants all eager – almost too eager – to win your custom. Make like a local and sip sweet mint tea at a cafe as you watch the world go by. Inspiring Highlights Old Medina Koutoubia Mosque Djemaa el-Fna

This morning after breakfast we'll begin our journey to the Sahara along mountain roads today, crossing over Morocco's highest pass, Tizi n'Tichka (2,260 meters), to arrive at the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou – you may recognize this from Game of Thrones. Centuries ago, this was an important stop for caravans carrying salt across the Sahara. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site remains a striking example of southern Morocco architecture. We'll take a walking tour of its grand kasbah, a fine example of clay architecture. Then, a drive out to Ouarzazate reveals dramatic landscapes where productions like Lawrence of Arabia, The Sheltering Sky, and Black Hawk Down were filmed. This charming village, once an old military enclave, is now home to two movie studios. We'll then continue onwards for the night in the Dadès Valley, where you will enjoy a Moroccan dinner as a group. Inspiring Highlights Ait Benhaddou Ouarzazate Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

This morning after breakfast, we'll depart for Todra Gorge, a breathtaking natural wonder with towering cliffs rising over 250 metres. Here, we'll enjoy a walk through the dramatic gorges before stopping for coffee. Our journey continues to Erfoud, known as the gateway to the Sahara. Upon arrival, the group will have free time, often spent in the desert to witness a stunning sunset. Later, we'll return to the hotel for a delicious buffet dinner. Inspiring Highlights Todra Gorge Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

After breakfast, we'll journey to Midelt, a market town originally built as a base for mining in the area. It's the perfect spot to break up the journey back from the Sahara. Surrounded by natural wonders, like the imposing Mount Ayachi looming over the town, it's a refreshing place to take a breath and relax. Then it's onto the Living Museum of Fes. The well-preserved medieval labyrinth of Fes is the country's cultural capital, surely the spiritual heart of Morocco.You'll have free time here – perhaps a chance to explore the old city, stop by one of the city's famous tanneries, or see the oldest university in the world. Inspiring Highlights Midelt Fes Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

This morning, your guide will take you on a tour of the beautiful imperial city of Fes.We'll see the grand seven golden gates of the impressive royal palace and the walled old Jewish Quarter. You'll see the distinctive, ornate city gate, Bab Bou Jeloud. This iconic blue gate is the entrance to the old medina, where you'll take a walking tour. Walk in the narrow maze-like streets of the city passing artisans at work, vendors selling leather and oils, and locals gathering to eat, shop, and pray. The winding paths – no cars allowed, instead you'll see donkeys – seem to go on forever in this 540-acre medina. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure. Inspiring Highlights Royal Palace Jewish Quarter Bab Bou Jeloud

Enjoy a leisurely morning, and in the afternoon, we'll head to Tangier, the coastal town that serves as Europe's gateway to Africa. Just a short boat ride from Spain, Tangier offers a unique blend of African and European influences. Once you arrive, the rest of the day is yours to explore. The medina, a major highlight, is exactly what you'd imagine—vibrant, with narrow, maze-like alleyways filled with shops, teahouses, and homes. For some great people-watching, head to the Grand Socco, a spacious square at the entrance to the medina, and a popular gathering spot. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the port to meet your European guide and board the ferry to Spain. On arrival in Algeciras, you'll be taken to Seville, capital of Andalusia. This bustling port is known for being a joyous town; famous for oranges, tapas and flamenco. Seville is another Andalusian city that has roots linked to North Africa as seen through its architecture and cuisine. But it is flamenco for which Seville is truly famous. Originating as an expression of oppression by the region's gypsy population, this area is the birthplace of the guitar, first designed for use in flamenco music. Today, the town is still the world capital of flamenco. Special Information Today's total travel time will be approximately 6 hours, including 1.5 hours on the ferry.Please note ferry delays can happen, and passport control often involves very long lines. Keep your passport ready as you will pass international border controls in both Morocco and Spain. During the ferry transfer, it is essential to be aware that travelers are responsible for carrying their own luggage for a significant distance. This includes navigating through immigration building halls, using stairs (not escalators), and tackling steep staircases on the ferry itself. Please ensure that your luggage is packed in a way that allows you to carry it comfortably and unassisted throughout the journey.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided orientation tour in the irresistible city of Seville. Seville is home to the country's best Fiestas and the site of some well-known scenes in big films. Afterward, perhaps visit the city's colossal Gothic cathedral and its famous Giralda, or bell tower. The Seville Cathedral is the third largest church in the world as well as the largest Gothic church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also the final burial place of Christopher Columbus. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure further discovering this enchanting city. Inspiring Highlights Plaza de España Santa Cruz Seville Cathedral Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

After breakfast, we'll set off for Portugal today. On the way, we'll stop in the charming town of Faro in the heart of the Algarve. Enjoy lunch and explore the old town at leisure. On arrival in Lisbon, you will have the evening to relax after a long day of travel. Inspiring Highlights Faro Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

This morning after breakfast we will set out on a morning orientation tour of charismatic Lisbon. We'll visit traditional neighborhoods and take in the Belem district, a relaxed area on the Tagus River known for its fresh seafood restaurants and colorful houses. We invite all our travellers to try a “Belem cake”, an exquisite local delicacy. This area is the birthplace of the great Portuguese navigators who sailed the oceans in the Fifteenth Century. Along our tour, we will see Belem Tower and the beautiful Jeronimos Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon following our guided tour is free for you to relax or explore this great city independently. Inspiring Highlights Belem district Belem Tower Jeronimos Monastery

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your adventure comes to an end after checking out of your hotel. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.