This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.
This is considered a fast-paced tour. In order to explore as much as possible, this tour may require early starts and long travel days. One to two nights at one destination is standard. While some free time may be scheduled, most sightseeing is included throughout this tour. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage. To ensure this trip is right for you, any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aid, then this tour is not suitable.
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
✓ Intimate small group experience with up to 24 guests
✓ Incredible sightseeing including the lavish UNESCO-listed Alhambra complex in Granada, Morocco’s ancient medinas and Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech, dreamy Andalusian landscapes of Spain’s southern coast and Portugal’s icons
✓ 18 nights in centrally located, 4-star accommodation
✓ 1 night in deluxe 5-star accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily plus 8 dinners, including welcome tapas and memorable farewell dinner
✓ Fully escorted by a professional, English-speaking tour guide
✓ Flight from Madrid to Casablanca
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
¡Bienvenido! Welcome to Madrid! Upon arrival, you will be met in the arrivals hall and transferred to your hotel. Meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers, and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
This morning, meet your tour guide and the rest of your group. Enjoy breakfast before heading out to explore Madrid on a guided city tour.
Explore Barrio de la Morería, the Habsburgs District, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa; the Madrid of the Bourbons and the complex town planning schemes of Charles III, the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains and the Puerta de Alcalá. We continue on to contemporary Madrid with areas such as Gran Vía, Castellana, the district of Salamanca, Plaza Castilla and Parque del Oeste, as well as commercial and financial areas of Modern Madrid, the emblematic Las Ventas Bullring and the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium.
Tonight, join your fellow travellers for an authentic Tapas dinner at a local restaurant.
Your Iberian adventure commences today as we drive into the Castilla region towards Salamanca.
En route, the first stop will be the city of Segovia, known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Aqueduct of Segovia, which dates back to Roman times. Whilst here, you will have time to explore at your own pace before we continue west towards Avila.
One of the most well-preserved fortifications in Spain, the UNESCO-listed town of Avila has a fully fortified town centre, parts of which can be walked atop. Here you will have enough time to enjoy lunch and explore the fortifications at your leisure.
This afternoon, we will arrive in Salamanca – renowned for its architectural heritage, historical University of Salamanca and a popular stop on the Vía de la Plata path of the Camino de Santiago.
Today, Portugal beckons.
Our first stop in Portugal is the quaint town of Pinhão. Nestled on a bend of the Duoro River, surrounded by terraced hillsides, the regions around Pinhão are known as being the centre of port production and home to some of the best wines in the world. It is worth mentioning the beautiful train station ornate with vintage harvest images.
Heading west, we will arrive in Porto, one of the oldest European cities. Be in awe of the beautiful buildings that line the Duoro River, the iconic Portuguese trams and the double-deck metal arch Luís I Bridge.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Today, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Porto. Catedral de Portal, known locally as Se, is a hilltop cathedral built between the 12th and 13th centuries. We continue to the British Classical-styled old Stock Exchange building and seemingly austere Santa Clara Church, a masterpiece of gilded woodwork.
Departing Porto, we head south en route to Lisbon via Coimbra – birthplace of the folk music genre, fado. Whilst in Coimbra, embrace the historic centre, the cathedral and famous University of Coimbra, all whilst hearing the traditional music through the city.
In Coimbra you will witness how student traditions and symbolic practices are preserved. Students in their long black coats enter monumental buildings that still serve as study houses. Walk through the narrow beautiful streets and admire the Roman ruins, the city walls and the special nooks and crannies of the typical neighbourhoods of the historical centre.
Continue onto Lisbon. Spread across seven hills and known for its decorative arts, Lisbon is one of Europe’s most interesting capital cities.
This afternoon is at your leisure, however we recommend venturing to the Alfama Quarter, the old city, and marvelling at the Arco da Rua Augusta.
After breakfast, join a city sightseeing tour of the ancient Olissipo. Drive through Lisbon's main squares and avenues, visiting Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, the Coach Museum, Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square and Liberty Avenue.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure.
Today we bid farewell to Portugal – no doubt you will return one day – as we make our way to Seville via Merida. Enjoy the heritage bequeathed by the city's inhabitants over the centuries. Its streets and buildings reflect the passage of Roman, Visigoth, Arab and Christian culture, transporting us to the past. Augusta Emerita archaeological site stands a symbol of great Roman city features, including the amphitheater, the circus and the theater.
In the afternoon, our journey continues towards Seville, capital of Andalucía, and the essence of Spanish tradition.
Explore the city on a morning tour of the Andalusian capital, Seville.
We visit Seville Cathedral, the second-largest in the Catholic world after St. Peters in Rome. It is a testament to the historic health and importance of Seville. Continue to the barrio de Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter of Seville. From here, we continue to Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España.
This afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the city of light.
Leaving Seville today for Granada, we stop at Cordoba to explore its Jewish Quarter, narrow winding streets and also Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba.
Afterwards, we continue onto Granada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The time has come to explore the famous Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. Given the vastness of this sprawling complex, this involves approximately three hours on foot – don’t forget your walking shoes!
The Alhambra is the contemporary history of Granada’s Arab past. Its buildings, towers, palaces, patios and gardens make this palace and fortress complex one of the most visited monuments in Spain. It towers over Granada’s historic Arabic quarter. Within the fortress you’ll find exquisite palaces and serene pathways weaving through amazing gardens and courtyards. The detail is next level – sumptuous interiors, beautiful Islamic geometric patterns, exquisitely carved wood, incredible ornamental features. First built by the Moors as a fortress during the Muslim rule of Spain, the complex is testament to their decadent lifestyle.
The rest of the day is free for you to see more of Granada at your own pace. The city is home to a huge number of tapas bars – what better way to pass the time?
Today, we bid farewell to Granada, and set our sights on Madrid, but not before stopping in Toledo en-route.
The Imperial City of Toledo, where the Moors, Christians and Jews have lived together for centuries, invites you to a guided city tour, including its iconic Old Town.
This morning, we will head to Madrid Airport for our flight to Casablanca, Morocco.
On arrival into Casablanca, join a transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Embark on a morning tour of the seaside city of Casablanca, taking in the sites of Anfa Boulevard and Nation’s Square, before concluding outside of Hassan II Mosque. The area of the mosque is large enough to accommodate over 200,000 worshippers, both inside and outside.
In the afternoon, we travel north along the coast towards the capital of Morocco, Rabat.
This morning, we will explore the capital of Morocco. Visit the exterior of the Royal Palace, the Mohammed V Mausoleum and Hassan Tower.
After lunch, depart for Meknes to visit Moulay Ismaïl Mausoleum and the monumental gates of Bab Khemis and Bab el Mansour, then continue onto the historic city of Fes.
Enjoy a full day of touring through Fes, considered the religious capital of the country. Founded in the eighth century by Idriss II, it is considered one of the four imperial capitals.
Be guided through the most emblematic places, the exterior of the Royal Palace and its seven gates, the Jewish Quarter, the fortress that has the best view of Fez el Bali, and a visit of the Medina or old city where we will access the famous Bab Bou Jeloud Gate. The city walls create a labyrinth that protect its interior formed by hundreds of organised alleys. Your senses will be almost overwhelmed by the vibrant colours, market sounds, fresh produce and fragrant spices.
Trade the hustle and bustle of Fes for the Middle Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert, as we reach the remote regions of the country.
We will pass Irfane, a small mountain village known for its ski resort, before arriving at Midelt, the capital of this region. Here you will have time to enjoy the scenery of the surrounding area.
In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Erfoud, located on the edge of the Sahara Desert.
This morning we will continue to the grand oasis of Tinerhir and Todra Gorge, a massive trench rising over 250 metres to form a dramatic and spectacular natural sight.
Tonight we will stay overnight in Ouarzazate, an area famous for having such movies filmed as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven and parts of Games of Thrones.
We will depart for the Kasbah Taourirt this morning, once owned by the Pacha Glaoui, then continue to the fortified city of Ait Benhaddou for a visit to its famous ancient kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From here, cross the High Atlas Mountains at the Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 2,260 metres.
On arrival in Marrakech, we will enjoy a guided tour of the city, starting off in the grandiose Menara Gardens, which feature a side pavilion and countless olive trees. Visit the exterior of the minaret of the Koutoubia, twin sister of the Giralda of Seville. Once inside the semi-ancient part of the city, marvel at the Bahia Palace, owned by a nobleman of the city. Finally, reach Jemaa el Fnaa square, one of the most interesting places in Morocco from where we will access the souks and medina, home to artisans of wood, ceramics, furriers and so much more!
Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening with your fellow travellers, to celebrate your time in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring trip. You will be transferred to Casablanca Airport in time for your departure flight.
Please note, drive time from Marrakech to Casablanca Airport is approximately 2 hours and 45 mins.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”4”
Active Tour: A very good level of fitness and mobility is required for you to enjoy all aspects of the itinerary, as this is considered a fast-paced tour. While there is some free time scheduled either in the morning or afternoon, there are many full days of sightseeing with minimal rest and some early starts. You will be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Suggested amount for your guide, is from EUR2-4 per person per day. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $2,212.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Local Tourist Tax
A local city/tourist tax may be applicable each night during your stay. This cost can vary between €0.50 to €4.30 per person, per night (the higher standard of accommodation, the higher the tax will be). Please note that this tax is dictated by the government entities, can only be paid locally and can change without any warning to Inspiring Vacations.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
12-24 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Internal Flights - Luggage Allowance:
Please note checked luggage allowance is 23kg.
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
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