11 Day Inspiring Morocco, Spain & Portugal

Welcome to Morocco! Make your own way to your hotel. 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. 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. 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.

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.