Two Continents Explorer: Portugal, Morocco, Gibraltar - 17D/16N

• Arrival at Porto and first meeting with the city.
• Built on the right bank of the Douro River, the city spreads harmoniously over the hills, still retaining its medieval appearance. The old districts stretch along the river with many traditional shops and the open market located on the quay. Porto represents tradition, human values, hard work and the strength of the soul of the Portuguese Nation. The name of the city means "PORT", which reveals its true character. A British community developed in this port, which guided the cultivation of the grape varieties from which the famous "PORT" wine is produced. From this port, wine was traded and shipped to Great Britain and all over the world.
• Dinner Included.

• Tour of the city. The Porto Cathedral is one of the most important sights of the city. Its long history begins with its foundation in the 12th century, its construction was completed in 1737, but since then it has undergone multiple additions and reconstructions. The Cathedral is one of the oldest and most historic buildings in Porto, and is considered the most valuable example of Romanesque architecture. The large square is a historic spot in the center of Porto, which has undergone many transformations since 1718 to acquire its characteristic elongated shape. It is surrounded by a series of historic buildings, and ends at the imposing building of the city's City Hall.
• In the afternoon, when we start to get hungry, we will visit the Cais da Ribeira area, which is the heart and most characteristic image of the city of Porto.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Departure for Aveiro. The city dates back to the 10th century, while the area was a maritime center and salt production area since Roman times, known by the Latin name Aviarium.
• It is also known as the "Venice of Portugal" and is one of the small surprises of the country. There are the canals and the colorful boats (barcos moliceiros) that resemble gondolas. However, we recommend a boat ride. We continue to Coimbra. In the heart of the Beira Atlantico region is founded Coimbra of the 100000 citizens. The Upper Town is a journey back in time.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Continue to trip south with first stop at Nazare. It is Portugal's most famous fishing village, it attracts visitors for its glorious beach and lively village life. You will be fascinated by the traditional costumes that the locals still wear. In Nazare, extreme surfers test their skills in waves that often reach great heights.
• Second stop at Obidos which is considered like one of Europe's most romantic villages due to its colorful bougainvillea-filled houses, Gothic-cobbled streets and whitewashed churches surrounding the 12th-century castle. Then visit to Sintra. It is 45 minutes from Lisbon and is the city where the wealthy chose to build their palaces. It has 33000 inhabitants and is included in the treasures of the UNESCO World Heritage. The Park and national Palace of Pena and Palacio National de Sintra are the most famous which we will visit. Pena Park is a whole forest of flowers and beautiful plants and a walk there is definitely worth it.
• Traditional old houses, narrow streets and historical buildings like the Cathedral. Sit in one of the many small cafes and restaurants and experience the relaxed vibe of the neighborhood.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Tour of the city. Visit of Castelo de Sao Jorhe. This is a castle on the highest hill in the city offering unlimited views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. Beyond that, of course, this castle-fortress has a history that starts from the time of the Visigoths.
• Belem Tower, especially on a sunny day, takes you back to the time of the knights. It was built in the 16th century and beyond its defensive use, it also had a symbolic meaning as it was considered a monument dedicated to the discoveries of the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama. After we will go at elevator de Santa Justa. Today it is used more as a tourist attraction and not so much as a means of transport. The main reason it's worth going up is the panoramic view it offers! On one side you can enjoy Lisbon from above and on the other an unreal medieval church (Carmo Convent) without a roof that survived the 1755 earthquake.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Another excursion to Lisbon, more relaxed today. The bridge Ponte 25 de Abril is characteristic and much photographed, which strongly reminds us of the bridge San Francisco in the USA.
• Among the most popular things a visitor can do in Lisbon is a ride on the famous yellow trams, which have been moving on the rails of the old, cobblestone streets of the Portuguese capital for decades. This is one of the most picturesque experiences you will have in the city, the most famous being the tram 28, which runs through historic districts such as Alfama and Graça. In one of Lisbon’s most famous squares, Praça do Império, just a few minutes’ walk from the Torre de Belém Tower, you will visit a masterpiece of Portuguese architecture. The truly stunning Catholic Jerónimos Monastery dates back to the 16th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will give you plenty of free time and we are sure you will spend most of it at the wonderful Time Out Market Lisboa, the liveliest food market in the city.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• At the crossroads of Europe-Africa and the Mediterranean-Atlantic, Morocco has known many conquerors and settlers during its long history, each of whom left their mark on the culture and habits of its inhabitants. Desert, mountains and oases, colorful markets, kasbahs and medinas, imperial cities, picturesque villages and Bedouins, we have a journey ahead of us on the borders of West and East! Its history dates back to the 11th century. To this day, the city has been influenced by many cultures, including the Arabs and Berbers. Wandering through the ancient Medina, you’ll come across towering piles of spices, donkey-drawn carts and stalls selling aromatic dishes.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Tour of Marrakesh which is known as the “Red City” or “Daughter of the Desert”.
• Next to the central square begins the labyrinth of souks, with covered alleys, which are filled with the homonymous small shops that sell everything. In essence, however, the Medina area is full of streets or neighborhoods that specialize in whatever you might be looking for, e.g. metal, leather, fabric, etc.
• The alleys of the Medina, however, have no names, signs or numbers. That is why you should not go in alone. Either you will get a guide from the hotel (never from the street) or you will decide to do it together with your group, but with great care and making constant signs about where you are turning. A good trick is to constantly enter and exit the alleys in the square, so that you can orient yourself. Drivers, even those from hotels, receive a commission from specific shopkeepers and will try to take you wherever they want. Some of the shopkeepers may also try to make fun of you, while there are also street vendors who will follow you around. It is best to avoid them.
• The same happens in all cities. Keep these tips in mind.
• The bazaar is a way of life for Moroccans, so don't even think about skipping it. They will give you a price, you will lower it, you will give another price and after a game between serious and funny, they will sell you something, you will buy something and everyone will be happy.
• The Bahia Palace is the most important attraction in Marrakech. Fountains, beautiful tiles, arabesques in plaster and wood, make up a magnificent building. For many years it was the seat of the king of Morocco, while, during the years of French rule, it was the residence of the French governor.
• The second most visited attraction in Marrakech is the art deco house of Yves Saint Laurent, in the Majorelle Gardens. Wonderful gardens, with exotic bamboo and cacti, a space of harmony and tranquility. The ashes of its two creators, the legendary Yves Saint Laurent and his wife, were buried in the space.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• We leave for a daily trip to Quarzazate. The "Gate of the Desert" was a fortress of the French Legionnaires. About five kilometers west of the city is the infamous film studio "Atlas", where scenes from many films and television series have been filmed - Gladiator, Alexander the Great, Asterix and Cleopatra, Prison Break, The Mummy, Game of Thrones, etc. It is the largest film studio in the world, as well as a popular tourist destination. In fact, many of the sets of famous films remain intact.
• On the way back to Marrakech we will stop at the amazing fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here the caravans carrying gold, salt and other valuable cargo stopped to rest, being safe and protected from robber raids. Due to its location and its picturesqueness, it has often been used as a film set.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Morning departure for Essaouira, a city on the Atlantic coast, dressed in white and blue, which today is an important center of Moroccan artistic creation. Climb the castle and enjoy the magnificent view, walk along the ocean and listen to the chirping of seagulls... The life of the fishermen around the port is impressive, the smell is certainly somewhat repulsive.
• Then going to the North, we reach Casablanca which is the financial capital of Morocco.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• City tour. We learned about Casablanca from the film of the same name with Jeffrey Bogart, but you get to know the real Casablanca by walking through the city's "labyrinths", the small winding alleys with countless workshops and small shops inside the Medina, the old walled city. It has about 3.7 million inhabitants. Casa, as the locals call it, is also home to the largest religious monument in the Arab world after Mecca.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Depart to the capital of Morocco, Rabat which is just 90 km away. It is small and "packed" in size, but with labyrinthine alleys, a wonderful Medina and an impressive Kasbah, which in 2012 was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
• The Rue des Consuls leads from the south to the heart of the old city, which in the 17th century linked its name to the white slave market of the Berber pirates. Foreign diplomats arrived here to "buy" their compatriots and essentially grant them their freedom. It is even said that a French diplomat was so good at it that the local rulers expelled him from the country because he... spoiled their work. Later, all foreign diplomats were forced to live on one street instead of scattered throughout the city, and that is how Rue de Consuls got its name, although now the houses mostly belong to powerful merchant families.
• The Kasbah of Udaya is a city within a city where about 2,000 people live today. It is a fortress built in the 12th century by the Almohad dynasty and is now a residential area. The view of the Atlantic from its highest points is impressive.
• The biggest “mistake” one can make in Morocco is… to watch their diet.
• The day starts with harsha, semolina pancakes with butter and honey, or amalou (ground almonds, honey and argan oil), while at lunch he will try freshly fried fish of the day accompanied by shlada (salad with chopped tomato, cucumber, onion, vinegar, olive oil), louvia and khubz (Moroccan bread). Be sure to try tangia (a type of thick soup with meat, vegetables and spices, simmered for hours in a ceramic pot) with plenty of bread, indulge in a portion of fried lamb cheeks, tongue and brains, served with chopped onion, and for dessert try fragrant halva. And of course, before you leave, you will drink several liters of green tea with mint, the refreshing beverage that the locals love.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Depart for Meknes. It is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco. One of the most iconic sights of the city is Bab el-Mansour, an impressive gate dating back to 1732. This monumental gate is not only known for its size, but also for its exquisite design.
• Next stop is the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Volubilis. The ancient Roman ruins, dating back to the third century BC, offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the region. Walk along the cobblestone streets, admire the well-preserved mosaics and imagine what life was like in this western outpost of the Roman Empire. Then we will arrive in imperial Fez. Fez is one of the most important cities in Morocco and the third largest, with about one million inhabitants. It comes from the union of two smaller cities that were separated by a wall, until the wall was torn down and bridges were built to connect the two parts of the now unified Fez. It is included in the list of cities that prohibit car traffic in their center, which is also on the list of UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites. The largest ecclesiastical school in the world has been operating continuously in Fez since 859 AD. The presence of Spanish aristocrats is evident throughout the city, having created an excellent mix of Spanish and Arab architecture and culture. It is called the "Mecca of the West" and the "Athens of Africa".
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Tour of Fez. Madrasah "Bou Inania" is a historical building of religious importance that functions as a place of Islamic teaching and learning of the Quran. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered one of the top examples of Islamic architecture in Morocco. Here future state officials are trained.
• In the southern part of the historical center of Fez, in the Mellah district, one finds the imposing building of the Royal Palace of Fez. Its foundation dates back to 1275 AD. A symbol of the Moroccan Monarchy with rich architectural beauty.
• Very close to the Royal Palace of Fez, is the Ibn Danan Synagogue. It was founded in the 17th century by a wealthy merchant, Mimon Boussidan. We will see the lively souks of Fes, where artisans make ceramics, leather goods, metalwork and textiles. We will watch live demonstrations by local artisans.
• Free time to visit the old city, the center of commerce and entertainment.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Departure for Chefchaouen, due to its special color, it is one of the most special Moroccan cities. It is also called the blue city, as the houses of the Medina, the old city, are painted in blue, which, according to theories, repels mosquitoes or according to others symbolizes the color of the sky and spiritual life, while in recent years its preservation is due to the fact that it is the tourist attraction of the city. Here in the souks and alleys of the city you can do your shopping for woolen clothes, textiles and blankets, as well as local handicrafts that you will not find anywhere else in Morocco. The fate of the legendary and highly mysterious Tangier, opposite Gibraltar, was determined by its strategic location, for which many claimed and occupied it. The gateway to the Mediterranean was inhabited by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Portuguese, Spanish, British and French.
• Those who have seen the film "Tea in the Sahara" have entered the atmosphere of Tangier at the time when it became a place where almost anything was allowed. The bohemian life with an exotic background attracted all kinds of immigrants, mainly Europeans, who came here to reinvent themselves and create a new identity, literally and figuratively. Sex, prostitution, drugs, homosexuality, everything was allowed. The city evolved into an endless field of debauchery and pleasures for hedonists, tolerant of all those who ended up creating a universe entirely their own there. Burroughs, an iconic figure in American literature, wrote that "Tangier is one of the few places in the world where, apart from serious crimes or acts of violence, you can do exactly what you want." We will tour the Medina of Tangier. At the highest point of the Medina is the Kasbah, the fortified citadel that protected the city. In the heart of the Kasbah is the Museum of Mediterranean Civilizations, housed in the former palace of the Sultan, Dar el Makhzen, with collections that concern the history of the region from prehistoric times to the 19th century.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Transfer to the port and departure for Gibraltar. It is the 5th most densely populated place in the world. It is also called "the rock". Its inhabitants are of Spanish origin.
• Starting our tour we will head straight to the cable car.
• The first stop of the tour is at the Upper Rock of Gibraltar Nature Reserve, The Pillars of Hercules the best spot to see Africa on a clear day. Then we arrive at the floating platform known as the Skywalk. It is 340 meters above sea level, made of transparent glass, one of the main attractions of the rock that offers you a 360-degree view of two continents. It is built on the foundations of a World War II structure, and capacity is limited to 50 people.
• The San Miguel Cave is one of the main tourist attractions of Gibraltar.
• It is impressive not only because of the scenery full of stalactites and stalagmites and the falling drops, but also because of the light and sound show, called "Awakening". During the tour of the cave, which lasts about 15 minutes, the projection of lights on the walls will fascinate you, especially since some of the rocks seem to come to life. The ancient Greeks believed that this cave was the entrance to a mythological underworld, although others believed that it was a temple of Hercules. The Tunnels of Gibraltar are the highest point of the Rock and the view is unbeatable through the numerous windows.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

After Breakfast, Today marks the conclusion of your memorable journey, as guests proceed to the airport for their onward travels, taking with them cherished experiences from across continents.