Colour and charisma in some of Europe’s hotspots – all packed into one unforgettable adventure. Spend 24 days covering Spain, Portugal and Morocco, revelling in chaotic markets, relaxing in coastal retreats and sharing conversation and cuisine with the locals. Marvel at artistic masterpieces and architectural wonders in Madrid, taste the rich history of Portugal in its delightful towns, historic performance art and complex cuisine, and be enchanted by the magic and majesty of Morocco’s metropolises and far-flung mountains. With a knowledgeable leader to recommend the best places and take you behind the tourist trail, dig a little deeper in these three countries to discover a local way of life.
Experience a memorable Fado performance in Coimbra – an emotional form of Portuguese music expressing the hard realities of the daily life and balancing both resignation and hopefulness.
Soak up the sun on the Portuguese coast’s gorgeous beaches along the Algarve, walking across rocky cliff tops, exploring remote coves and taking in a sunset over the Atlantic Ocean with your small group.
Relive a glorious medieval past in in the labyrinthine streets of Fes city, and discover the cultural capital, Marrakech, through its people – drummers, dancers, fortune tellers, jugglers and medicine men.
Scale the High Atlas Mountains and trek through scenic Berber villages, spending a night in a traditional Berber homestay to get a true sense of rural Moroccan life.
Travel through the Sahara in a camel convoy, sleeping under a blanket the North African stars and enjoy an evening beside the campfire listening to traditional Bedouin tales.
When travelling in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, summer temperatures can get extremely hot. Have a think about what time of year suits you best to travel.
Both Coimbra and Lisbon are hilly cities with a lot of steps to conquer and sometimes rather steep steps if you want to make the most out of your time and experience here.
In Morocco, you will be expected to dress conservatively in public places, especially when visiting religious sites.
In 2022, Ramadan will take place from 2 April to 1 May. Travelling during this holy month can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider your travel arrangements carefully before booking travel for this period.
There are no meals included on this day.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you can’t arrange a flight that will arrive in time for the meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you’re able to attend. We’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
There are no meals included on this day.
There are no meals included on this day.
There are no meals included on this day.
There are no meals included on this day.
Please have your passport handy as today you’ll head over to Morocco. Please note that your leader will change upon arrival into the port of Tangier. After an introduction your European leader will return to Spain, while your Moroccan leader will take care of you on the Moroccan part of the trip.
You’ll be on your feet for at least five to six hours today to explore the unique medina of Fes. This is one of the highlights of Morocco and well worth any weariness at the end of the long day. We highly recommend you wear appropriate footwear. Today’s experience will also include some visits to carefully selected shops. As the receipt of commissions or kickbacks in exchange for recommending particular shops, services or activities is ingrained in the culture of the Moroccan tourism industry, Intrepid has established a centralised system of receiving and distributing payments from these recommended suppliers. For more information, please refer to the ‘Important Notes’ section or talk to your Tour leader on the ground.
Today’s train ride will be approximately 8 hours. Moroccan trains are quite comfortable (we travel in first class), so sit back, relax, watch the scenery roll by or read a good book.
As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. There will be a welcome meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and to meet new travellers joining you. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new leader will be collecting insurance and emergency contact information. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
The optional hike to the Sidi Chamharouch shrine requires appropriate footwear. A pair of good walking shoes with rigid and grippy sole will be sufficient. You will walk over well-trodden paths that may be muddy and unstable.
Facilities at the homestay are shared (both the bathroom and sleeping arrangements) but cozy, comfortable, and definitely a unique Intrepid experience.
The camel trek through the Sahara is a highlight of the trip for many. If you’re uncomfortable with this, it’s possible to walk alongside the camels for about an hour to the camp. You would need to walk back the same distance the next morning, but it’s a gentle and relaxing walk. The camp itself is a simple affair, with bedding and basic toilet facilities provided. The blankets provided are usually sufficient for most travellers between April and October, but if you feel the cold easily you may like to bring your own sleeping bag for extra warmth, especially during the months between November and March. Electricity is not available in the camp, therefore it’s important to come prepared with fully charged phones, cameras and everything else you may need.
Please note that this is a long travel day, and you won’t arrive at tonight’s accommodation until late afternoon/early evening. The riad (house) tonight is 45 kilometres outside of Taroudant and offers the chance to relax by the pool or take a steam bath.
