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Madrid to Marrakech

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Madrid to Marrakech

Was From $ 5,870 AUD
Now From $ 4,496 AUD
Sale!

Description

Enjoy a first-hand experience of Spanish, Portuguese and Moroccan lifestyles on this 15-day adventure through three vibrant countries. Travelling from Madrid to Marrakech, immerse yourself in the history of each destination, exploring ancient cultures through art, design, language and religion, trying local delicacies along the way. Experience a collision of old and new, European and African when you visit Seville (the birthplace of flamenco), sail to an island off the Algarve coastline and see fascinating Islamic architecture in Morocco. See a traditional Fado performance, explore museums, watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean and discover bustling medinas that overwhelm the senses.

Trip Name
Madrid to Marrakech
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
15
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • See the highlights of medieval Salamanca by day on a guided walk with your expert local leader, then wander around the illuminated Plaza Mayor by night.
  • Enjoy an unforgettable Fado performance in Coimbra. Fado is an emotional form of Portuguese music which often expresses the hard realities of daily life, balancing both resignation and hopefulness.
  • Spend two days exploring Seville, home to flamenco, delicious tapas and the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Visit the Alcazar (royal palace), then maybe head to the Plaza de Espana or taste your way through as much gazpacho and jamon iberico as you can!
  • Buy fresh local produce at the morning market during your stay in the Algarve and soak up the sun on the beaches. As the day winds down, experience the magic of an unforgettable sunset over the vast Atlantic Ocean.
  • Explore the colourful, twisting streets of the Fes and Marrakech medinas with local guides to lead you to all of the best spots and ensure you don't get lost!

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Madrid
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Spain. Your adventure begins in Madrid, the central capital known for its boulevards and expansive, manicured parks. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your group and local leader. After the meeting, head out for an optional group dinner where you can get to know your fellow travellers. As there's limited time for sightseeing in Madrid, consider flying in a few days early to explore and maybe while away the hours along the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) or discover more about the modern Spanish masters like Picasso and Dali in the Museo Reina Sofia.
Day 2 - Salamanca
Say farewell to Madrid this morning and head north-west by public transport to the university town of Salamanca. Sitting among pastures and rolling green hills on Spain's northern plateau, the medieval town of Salamanca is great to explore on foot. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk when you arrive, where you can explore the central Plaza Mayor and the Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free. You could explore the Casa de Las Conchas (House of the Shells), named for the 300 shells decorating its facade, or see the contrasting Old and New Cathedrals, where you can climb to the top to get a view across the terracotta-coloured rooftops. Thanks to the large student population, this town has a vibrant nightlife, so maybe soak up the vibe tonight, go dancing or grab a couple of drinks.
Day 3 - Coimbra
Head further west on your private bus today and cross the border into Portugal, headed to the laidback city of Coimbra – your base for the next two nights. Sitting on the banks of the River Mondego, Coimbra was once the capital of the country, and its royal heritage can be felt in its ancient streets. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the maze of alleyways. Half the fun of Coimbra is wandering and exploring, so maybe spend your free time getting to know the city on foot. Coimbra features many white stone buildings with excellent examples of the colourful azulejos tiling. This evening, you’ll watch a traditional Fado performance. Fado songs must follow a particular structure, and though this traditional music can really be about anything, it popularly features mournful tunes with lyrics about the sea or the life of the poor. In Coimbra, university students would often serenade their sweethearts with this music!
Day 4 - Lisbon
This morning is free for you to explore Coimbra. Some of the city’s historical structures were originally built in the 12th century (like the Cathedral Se Velha), and you can find some of Portugal's best examples of Romanesque churches and elegant museums here. The University of Coimbra – the oldest in Portugal – and the famous baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina are great places to start. Or maybe head into the countryside in search of ancient Roman ruins – the ruins of Conimbriga are rich in well-preserved mosaics and offer a great insight into Roman life. You could also take a short boat tour to see Coimbra from a different angle or head out to Porto for the day. Stretching along the banks of the River Douro, Porto is one of Portugal's most romantic cities, known for its medieval riverside district with its cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes. This afternoon, take a train to Lisbon, where you’ll have a free evening. One of Europe's most affordable capital cities, Lisbon offers delicious seafood and non-stop nightlife. If you want to jump into the local nightlife, head to Barrio Alto.
Day 5 - Lisbon
This morning, set out on a leader-led walk through Belem, one of Lisbon’s most historic and enchanting districts. Wander past grand riverside monuments and ornate Manueline architecture that speaks to Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in the city’s most famous treat – the warm and flaky pasteis de nata, fresh from a centuries-old bakery. From early afternoon, your day is free. Explore more of Lisbon or take a 45-minute train ride out to the mountainous region of Sintra – a jewel of Portugal where you’ll see the Pena Palace. This area offers great walking opportunities, cliff-top palaces and unique Moorish architecture. The 8th-century Castle of the Moors looks down on the Old Town, and the views from the battlements across the Serra de Sintra Mountain Range make it well worth the trip.
Day 6 - Algarve
Take a train to the southern coastline of Portugal – the Algarve, known for fertile plains rich with orange and olive groves, fig trees, almonds and maize fields. Your base will be in Faro – the capital of the region known for its Old Town, which you enter through the neoclassical Arco da Vila. When you arrive, check into your home for the next two nights and use the rest of the day to explore. Maybe wander the cobbled streets, see the 13th-century Faro Cathedral or head to the Municipal Museum set in a 16th-century convent, which displays prehistoric and medieval artifacts as well as religious art.
Day 7 - Algarve
Faro is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a series of barrier islands, creating a beautiful landscape of canals, salt pans, lagoons and sandbanks. Today, you’ll board a local passenger boat and head out to one of these islands where you can wander along a series of boardwalks leading away from the fishermen’s settlements. You'll cross over dunes and lagoons to beaches that are so long that they disappear into the horizon. Return to Faro in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Maybe use the area's great walking paths to access some of the Algarve's lesser-known spots or find a good place to watch the sunset.
Day 8 - Seville
Leave Portugal behind and return to Spain, travelling by private vehicle to the city of Seville. If the legends are to be believed, Seville was founded by Hercules, and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. To the Romans it was Hispalis, and to the Moors it was Isbiliya. After the Christian reconquest, it became thought of as the portal to the 'New World' and today it's the largest city in southern Spain, well-known for its oranges, tapas and flamenco. When you arrive, head out for a short orientation walk around the main sites, including Alcazar. Then enjoy some free time in the late afternoon and evening to explore at your own pace.
Day 9 - Seville
Spend a full day exploring Seville your way. A flamenco performance is a must-see while you’re in town – this traditional Spanish style of dance originated here in the Andalusia region sometime between the 9th and 14th centuries and is still thriving today. Recognised by UNESCO for its Intangible Cultural Heritage, this art form incorporates poetry, cante (song), baile (dance), guitar, finger snapping and polyrhythmic handclapping to create a truly captivating performance. It’s highly recommended you visit La Giralda (a 12th-century bell tower with 24 bells) or the Seville Cathedral – the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, with its impressive gilded wood altarpiece. The Plaza de Espana is a great spot to see azulejos (decorative ceramic tiles typical of this region) and the 48-tile mosaic representing each of Spain’s provinces. This evening, why not seek out some typical local fare like salmorejo (cold tomato soup), pescaito frito (fried fish) or berenjenas con miel (fried eggplant drizzled with honey). Ask your leader about the best spots to eat.
Day 10 - Chefchaouen
This morning, rise early to start your long journey to Chefchaouen. You'll head toward Tarifa, then leave Europe behind as you make your way to Africa. After leaving the ferry, you'll be picked up by the Moroccan crew and make your way to a mountain town peppered with blue-washed buildings and ambient restaurants – Chefchaouen, the centre of an agricultural region. There may not be much time to explore this rural retreat by the time you arrive today, but you might just have time to look over the 15th-century Grand Mosque and the medina. Tonight, maybe tuck into some popular local goat cheese or a tajine before settling into your hotel.
Day 11 - Chefchaouen
Meet your local guide early in the day to explore the maze of streets in Chefchaouen. The ‘blue city’ is arguably one of the prettiest places in Morocco. Set against a wide valley and nestled between two peaks in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen’s medina has been well-preserved, with striking blue and white-washed houses, red-tiled roofs and artistic doorways. The medina is filled with handicrafts, while the main square has shops selling woven goods and sweets. Learn about general life in a small Moroccan community, visit a communal bakery and walk up to a former mosque for a great view over the town. As a popular shopping destination for handicrafts, carpets, blankets or woollen garments, you may also see the local artisans at work. After your walking tour, maybe head to a traditional Moroccan hammam to relax.
Day 12 - Fes
Say farewell to Chefchaouen today and travel by private minibus to the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Arrive in the city of Fes and step back in time in the medieval medina, thick with tantalising smells, tastes and sounds. Vibrant, noisy and fascinating, the medina is a feast for the senses. With your free afternoon, maybe have a glass of mint tea and some sweet Moroccan dates to refuel, then continue exploring. Tonight, you might like to try some local specialities like harira (chickpea soup) or chicken-stuffed pastilla. Watch the sunset over the medina, then head back to your accommodation for a night’s rest.
Day 13 - Fes
Take a guided walking tour of the Old City, known locally as Fes el Bali, and step back in time to the labyrinth of the medina. Alive with craftsmen, markets, tanneries and mosques, you’ll pass donkeys piled high with goods (this is one of the largest car-free urban zones in the world) and explore the specialty sections that divide the souks. Medieval Fes was one of the world's great centres of education and culture, both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions, libraries and mosques are of great renown. Look out for the Medersa Bou Inania, one of the city's most beautiful buildings, and pass the Belghazi Museum, Medresse el Attarine and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine – a beautifully restored 18th-century inn. You'll also see the famous tannery, known for the iconic view overlooking its dye pits, and a ceramics factory where you can see potters using traditional techniques. After the tour, the afternoon is free for you to enjoy as you please.
Day 14 - Marrakech
Travel by train this morning to Marrakech. When you arrive, head out with the group for a quick visit to the main square – Djemaa el-Fna. The square is filled with a hive of activity. Henna painters, performers and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar packed with stalls loaded with Moroccan delicacies. From a distance, you'll see the Koutoubia Mosque and its minaret – famous throughout the world as one of the greatest minarets and the 'sister' to the Giralda in Seville. You can have dinner here or ask your local leader for a great restaurant recommendation and celebrate a trip well-travelled with your group.
Day 15 - Marrakech
After breakfast this morning, your adventure comes to an end. As there's not much time spent in Marrakech, we recommended staying another night or two. Please speak to your booking agent if you'd like to book additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 4,496-
08-08-202622-08-2026AUD $ 4,852-
15-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 5,283-
22-08-202605-09-2026AUD $ 6,795-
29-08-202612-09-2026AUD $ 5,890-
01-09-202615-09-2026AUD $ 6,600-
03-09-202617-09-2026AUD $ 5,016-
07-09-202621-09-2026AUD $ 5,330-
10-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 4,721-
12-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 5,466-
14-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 6,960-
17-09-202601-10-2026AUD $ 6,390-
19-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 6,395-
21-09-202605-10-2026AUD $ 6,890-
24-09-202608-10-2026AUD $ 6,390-
29-09-202613-10-2026AUD $ 6,290-
03-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 6,490-
06-10-202620-10-2026AUD $ 6,760-
10-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 6,165-
13-10-202627-10-2026AUD $ 6,560-
24-10-202607-11-2026AUD $ 5,795-
31-10-202614-11-2026AUD $ 5,795-
07-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 6,195-
14-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 5,345-
12-12-202626-12-2026AUD $ 6,530-
09-01-202723-01-2027AUD $ 5,580-
23-01-202706-02-2027AUD $ 5,580-
13-02-202727-02-2027AUD $ 5,580-
06-03-202720-03-2027AUD $ 5,580-
09-03-202723-03-2027AUD $ 5,580-
12-03-202726-03-2027AUD $ 5,580-
27-03-202710-04-2027AUD $ 5,580-
03-04-202717-04-2027AUD $ 5,580-
13-04-202727-04-2027AUD $ 5,580-
17-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 5,745-
20-04-202704-05-2027AUD $ 5,745-
24-04-202708-05-2027AUD $ 5,745-
27-04-202711-05-2027AUD $ 5,745-
01-05-202715-05-2027AUD $ 5,915-
04-05-202718-05-2027AUD $ 5,915-
06-05-202720-05-2027AUD $ 5,915-
08-05-202722-05-2027AUD $ 5,915-
13-05-202727-05-2027AUD $ 5,995-
15-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 5,995-
18-05-202701-06-2027AUD $ 5,995-
20-05-202703-06-2027AUD $ 5,995-
22-05-202705-06-2027AUD $ 5,995-
25-05-202708-06-2027AUD $ 5,995-
29-05-202712-06-2027AUD $ 5,915-
01-06-202715-06-2027AUD $ 5,915-
08-06-202722-06-2027AUD $ 5,745-
12-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 5,745-
19-06-202703-07-2027AUD $ 5,580-
22-06-202706-07-2027AUD $ 5,580-
26-06-202710-07-2027AUD $ 5,580-
29-06-202713-07-2027AUD $ 5,580-
03-07-202717-07-2027AUD $ 5,580-
10-07-202724-07-2027AUD $ 5,580-
17-07-202731-07-2027AUD $ 5,580-
20-07-202703-08-2027AUD $ 5,580-
27-07-202710-08-2027AUD $ 5,580-
31-07-202714-08-2027AUD $ 5,580-
07-08-202721-08-2027AUD $ 5,580-
14-08-202728-08-2027AUD $ 5,580-
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $ 5,745-
31-08-202714-09-2027AUD $ 5,745-
02-09-202716-09-2027AUD $ 5,915-
04-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 5,915-
06-09-202720-09-2027AUD $ 5,915-
07-09-202721-09-2027AUD $ 5,995-
09-09-202723-09-2027AUD $ 6,115-
11-09-202725-09-2027AUD $ 5,995-
13-09-202727-09-2027AUD $ 5,995-
16-09-202730-09-2027AUD $ 5,995-
18-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 5,995-
20-09-202704-10-2027AUD $ 5,995-
23-09-202707-10-2027AUD $ 5,995-
25-09-202709-10-2027AUD $ 5,995-
27-09-202711-10-2027AUD $ 5,995-
28-09-202712-10-2027AUD $ 5,995-
30-09-202714-10-2027AUD $ 5,995-
02-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 5,915-
05-10-202719-10-2027AUD $ 5,915-
07-10-202721-10-2027AUD $ 5,915-
09-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 5,915-
12-10-202726-10-2027AUD $ 5,915-
16-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 5,915-
19-10-202702-11-2027AUD $ 5,915-
23-10-202706-11-2027AUD $ 5,745-
26-10-202709-11-2027AUD $ 5,745-
30-10-202713-11-2027AUD $ 5,745-
06-11-202720-11-2027AUD $ 5,580-
13-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 5,580-
27-11-202711-12-2027AUD $ 5,580-
04-12-202718-12-2027AUD $ 5,580-
14-12-202728-12-2027AUD $ 5,745-
08-01-202822-01-2028AUD $ 5,860-
22-01-202805-02-2028AUD $ 5,860-
12-02-202826-02-2028AUD $ 5,860-
04-03-202818-03-2028AUD $ 5,860-
07-03-202821-03-2028AUD $ 5,860-
10-03-202824-03-2028AUD $ 5,860-
25-03-202808-04-2028AUD $ 5,860-
01-04-202815-04-2028AUD $ 5,860-
11-04-202825-04-2028AUD $ 5,860-
15-04-202829-04-2028AUD $ 5,860-
18-04-202802-05-2028AUD $ 6,030-
22-04-202806-05-2028AUD $ 6,030-
25-04-202809-05-2028AUD $ 6,030-
29-04-202813-05-2028AUD $ 6,030-
02-05-202816-05-2028AUD $ 6,210-
04-05-202818-05-2028AUD $ 6,210-
06-05-202820-05-2028AUD $ 6,210-
11-05-202825-05-2028AUD $ 6,295-
13-05-202827-05-2028AUD $ 6,295-
16-05-202830-05-2028AUD $ 6,295-
18-05-202801-06-2028AUD $ 6,295-
20-05-202803-06-2028AUD $ 6,295-
23-05-202806-06-2028AUD $ 6,295-
27-05-202810-06-2028AUD $ 6,210-
30-05-202813-06-2028AUD $ 6,210-
06-06-202820-06-2028AUD $ 6,210-
10-06-202824-06-2028AUD $ 6,030-
17-06-202801-07-2028AUD $ 6,030-
20-06-202804-07-2028AUD $ 5,860-
24-06-202808-07-2028AUD $ 5,860-
27-06-202811-07-2028AUD $ 5,860-
01-07-202815-07-2028AUD $ 5,860-
08-07-202822-07-2028AUD $ 5,860-
15-07-202829-07-2028AUD $ 5,860-
18-07-202801-08-2028AUD $ 5,860-
25-07-202808-08-2028AUD $ 5,860-
29-07-202812-08-2028AUD $ 5,860-
05-08-202819-08-2028AUD $ 5,860-
12-08-202826-08-2028AUD $ 5,860-
22-08-202805-09-2028AUD $ 5,860-
26-08-202809-09-2028AUD $ 5,860-
29-08-202812-09-2028AUD $ 6,030-
31-08-202814-09-2028AUD $ 6,030-
02-09-202816-09-2028AUD $ 6,210-
04-09-202818-09-2028AUD $ 6,210-
05-09-202819-09-2028AUD $ 6,210-
07-09-202821-09-2028AUD $ 6,295-
09-09-202823-09-2028AUD $ 6,295-
11-09-202825-09-2028AUD $ 6,295-
14-09-202828-09-2028AUD $ 6,295-
16-09-202830-09-2028AUD $ 6,295-
18-09-202802-10-2028AUD $ 6,295-
21-09-202805-10-2028AUD $ 6,295-
23-09-202807-10-2028AUD $ 6,295-
25-09-202809-10-2028AUD $ 6,295-
26-09-202810-10-2028AUD $ 6,295-
28-09-202812-10-2028AUD $ 6,295-
30-09-202814-10-2028AUD $ 6,295-
03-10-202817-10-2028AUD $ 6,210-
05-10-202819-10-2028AUD $ 6,210-
07-10-202821-10-2028AUD $ 6,210-
10-10-202824-10-2028AUD $ 6,210-
14-10-202828-10-2028AUD $ 6,210-
17-10-202831-10-2028AUD $ 6,210-
21-10-202804-11-2028AUD $ 6,210-
24-10-202807-11-2028AUD $ 6,030-
28-10-202811-11-2028AUD $ 6,030-
04-11-202818-11-2028AUD $ 5,860-
11-11-202825-11-2028AUD $ 5,860-
25-11-202809-12-2028AUD $ 5,860-
02-12-202816-12-2028AUD $ 5,860-
12-12-202826-12-2028AUD $ 6,030-

Accommodation

Hotel (14 nights)

Transport

Train, Ferry, Metro, Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi

Map