Recently updated on March 20th, 2024 at 07:08 pm
Each month we put the spotlight on one of our most popular trips, and December is all about our 16-day Spain, Morocco and Portugal tour. From the plains of Spain to the medinas of Morocco, this action-packed trip squeezes a grand adventure across three countries and two continents into a little more than two unforgettable weeks. Let’s dive into 8 incredible highlights from this popular tour and hear from our guests who have taken this very same trip with us.
What’s so great about our Spain, Morocco and Portugal trip?
Starting in marvellous Madrid, explore the best of Spain before crossing continents over the straight of Gibraltar. Here the colours, sights and smells of Morocco await and you’ll shop up a storm before returning to Europe to explore postcard-perfect Portugal. Set over 16 days, this trip is the best way to explore the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco in one big trip.
“We have just returned home from our Trafalgar tour of Spain, Portugal and Morocco, exhausted but ecstatic. Overall we had an amazing trip and created great memories and we will definitely use only Trafalgar for any future tours.”
EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: Spain, Morocco & Portugal
Highlights of Spain, Morocco and Portugal
Magical Madrid
You’ll kick off this trip in the fiery Spanish capital of Madrid. Explore the city’s vibrant streets with a Local Specialist who will show you the great sights, from the iconic Cibeles fountain and Paseo de la Castellana, to the Royal Palace and famous Retiro Park, which was originally created as a retreat for the royal family. From here you can choose to follow your interests – shop up a storm in downtown Madrid, see Spanish greats at the El Prado art museum, or join an Optional Experience to the UNESCO-listed city of Segovia.
“Worth every cent. We love travelling on a very comfortable, clean tour bus seeing the countries first hand as we travel through the various countries. It was a large group but well organized and we made lifetime friends.”
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Toledo awaits
An hour south of Madrid lies Toledo, the ancient imperial city where the influence of Christians, Muslims and Jews has collided for centuries. A Local Specialist will lead a special walking tour through the historic centre before you Dive Into Culture. The invincible swords of Toledo have protected this ancient hilltop city for centuries, and you’ll celebrate the tradition of forging steel at a local workshop and see craftsmen at work. Afterwards, it’s back on the road towards Granada.
RELATED TRIP: Treasures of Spain & Portugal
Cross the Strait of Gibraltar
After cruising around beautiful southern Spain and along the sun-kissed shores of the Costa del Sol it’s time to journey to North Africa. Tick crossing continents by boat off your bucket list when you board a ferry and cross the famous Strait of Gibraltar. Before you know it, we’ll arrive in Morocco and make the journey south to Fes. Along the way enjoy views of the Rif Mountains.
“The tour of Spain, Portugal and Morocco covered a huge amount of kilometres but took in all the necessary places to get a feel for each country. The schedule is hectic and you need to take a few days at the end to recover but it was absolutely worth it to see a lot in a short space of time.”
RELATED TRIP: Treasures of Spain & Portugal
Morocco’s imperial cities: Fes, Marrakech and Rabat
This trip explores not one but three of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Explore the UNESCO-protected maze-like medinas of Fes, Marrakech and Rabat. Along the way you’ll admire traditional Moroccan handiwork and learn to barter for special souvenirs. Pick up unique leatherwork, metalwork, rugs and ceramics, or dive into the beauty of Morocco’s palaces and medieval buidlings. End your Morroco journey in Tangier, the gateway between Africa and Europe, at the sumptuous El Minzah. This Stays With Stories hotel was built in 1930 in Spanish-Moorish style and overlooks the Bay of Tangiers and the sparkling Mediterranean.
RELATED BLOG: 13 mind-blowing facts about Morocco
Flamenco in Seville
Return to the European continent by boat and hit the road for Seville, the capital of Andalucía region. You’ll stop through Jerez region, the origin of Spanish sherry, before reaching the city. Here you’ll start to notice how the Moorish left their mark on southern Spain, influencing art, architecture and culture. Tonight, choose to join an Optional Experience and feel the passion, rhythm and magic of flamenco. You Travel Director can organise tickets to the best show in town, and a night you’ll never forget.
“The destinations we covered gave a great overview of each of the countries and the extra excursions were absolutely worth the money for a more authentic experience of each destination.”
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Be My Guest in Andalusia
Adventures in Andalusia continue with the Albaserrada family. Your Trafalgar tour family will venture out to the countryside, a land of olive groves and grapes vines, to this farm near the whitewashed village of Gerena. Meet the horses at this Be My Guest experience as you Connect With Locals over a dinner loaded with fresh regional ingredients and the local sangria.
RELATED BLOG: 5 jewels of Spanish architecture, by Travel Director Alex Rodrigues
Postcard-perfect Lisbon
After ticking off Spain and Morocco it’s time to hit Portugal. With its colourful tiled buildings and hilly cobbled streets, Lisbon is a city loaded with charm. Explore the gleaming Monument to the Discoveries, tour the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery with a Local Specialist, and enjoy free time in the Portuguese capital. You might choose to dive deeper into Portugal’s centuries-old seafaring heritage, or set off on an Optional Experience exploring magical Sintra and coastal Cascais.
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Hola, Salamanca!
Head north from Lisbon towards Fátima for a quick prayer to the Virgin Mary before continuing to the historic university city of Salamanca. Its nickname is La Dorada, thanks to its golden, orange and pink façades. Step into Salamanca’s magnificent Plaza Mayor, voted the most beautiful square in all of Spain. You’ll spend the night here before returning to Madrid for your final night and a grand farewell dinner.
“Our Tour Director, Giuseppe was very organised and ensured we arrived at each destination on time so that we could get the most out of each place before moving on. His attention to detail with little personal touches such as birthday celebrations helped create a lovely family atmosphere for the whole group.”
EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: Spain, Morocco & Portugal
Have you been on our Spain, Morocco & Portugal tour, or are you planning to join us in 2023 or 2024? Let us know what you’re thinking in the comments…