Two Continents Grand Explorer: Portugal, Morocco, Gibraltar & Spain - 23D/22N

• Arrive in Porto and enjoy your first introduction to this charming riverside destination. Built along the right bank of the Douro River, Porto spreads gracefully across rolling hills, preserving its medieval character. Wander through the old districts that stretch along the river, filled with traditional shops and lively open markets on the quay. Porto embodies tradition, resilience, and the spirit of the Portuguese people. Its very name—meaning “port”—reflects its deep-rooted maritime identity. The city also has strong historical ties to a British community that played a key role in cultivating grape varieties used to produce the world-famous Port wine. From here, this iconic wine was exported to Great Britain and across the globe, shaping Porto’s legacy as a center of trade and culture.
• 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.

• Today marks a seamless transition in your journey, as the experience evolves from North Africa back into Europe.
• Get ready to step into the vibrant landscapes and cultural richness of Spain as the next chapter begins.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Tour of the city. The charm of Seville, capital of the Spanish south and the region of Andalusia, is captivating. Surely this is due to its unique monuments, which reflect its successive possessions by various peoples and coexist harmoniously, shaping its unique character. But it is also due to its unique neighborhoods, the narrow streets that are buzzing with life, the blinding white and vibrant yellow of the buildings that sparkle under the Mediterranean sun, the sounds of the flamenco castanets that join the Spanish guitars, to the smell of jasmine that mingles with the scent of orange trees in enclosed courtyards, to the dozens of flavors of delicious tapas accompanied by a glass of Fino or Manzanilla wine.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• The capital of Extremadura is nothing like a Spanish city. An aura of Italy and Rome blows through the narrow streets and cobblestones, between temples and historical buildings that are considered among the most important Roman monuments in the country.
• It was founded by the Romans in 25 BC. It began as a colony of veterans of the 5th and 10th Legions, flourished and gradually occupied a leading role as the capital of the province. With a population of 50,000 inhabitants, it was the largest Roman city in the Iberian Peninsula, the political and cultural center of the entire peninsula.
• The center of its life is the arched Plaza de España, decorated by the 13th century church of Santa Maria la Mayor.
• In front of the Roman Triumphal Arch, with the four rows of columns that formed the northern gate of the Roman city, we can see the Archaeological Museum of Visigothic Art, which is worth a visit to admire objects from the Visigoth era.
• Next is the Temple of Artemis, dedicated to Caesar Augustus.
• Next stop south of the square, on the banks of the Guadiana River, which runs through the city. The Alcazaba fortress, a Moorish castle from 855, was built by extending an early Roman and Visigothic building that was later converted into a monastery of the Order of Santiago.
• The emblem of the city is the Roman theater that we find on José Ramόn Melida Street. The architectural masterpiece, the work of Agrippa, is located on the San Albin hill and is still preserved in excellent condition. It is a miniature of the great theaters of Rome, with a capacity of 6,000 spectators and decorated with statues of gods and emperors.
• You wouldn't call a Roman city without a hippodrome. Located at the end of Avenida Extremadura, the Circus Maximus could accommodate up to 30,000 spectators, who flocked to enjoy chariot races.
• Arrival at the hotel and check in.
• It is dinner time. Many people choose to visit various tapas bars and try a beer or a drink, accompanied by delicious appetizers, instead of large restaurants. Cooked meat and soup remain important components of the local cuisine.
• Also try cold soup with tomato, peppers, cucumber, garlic (gazpacho), almonds and bread (ajoblanco), hare and partridge, stuffed trout, trout with garlic, smoked goat cheese, pig's ears, wild asparagus. And for dessert dulces abrillantados, that is, glazed sweets. Fruity wines accompany the tasty feast.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• Breakfast and depart for Toledo. The "Walled City", as its name implies, was also the center of the Βisigoths kingdom and the Catholic Spanish many centuries later, as well as the religious and cultural center of the country for many years.
• It is a fortress city, built on a large rocky outcrop, whose three sides are washed by the Tagus River. The former Spanish capital is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an amalgam of three different civilizations, a crossroads where diverse cultures coexisted and where it is Moorish, Jewish and Christian history is still perfectly preserved.
• The Cathedral has been a medieval symbol of the city since 1493, when it was completed. As soon as you pass one of its three main spectacular gates, you will find that the perfection of the Spanish Gothic exterior gives way to the French Gothic interior, which reaches an impressive length of 120 meters.
• Alcázar is the city's symbol-fortress. Overlooking Toledo from its highest point at 550 meters, the fortress built by the Arab conquerors as the city's main fortress is located on the site where the Roman governor was based centuries ago and is the city's most recognizable landmark.
• Museo de Santa Cruz is the city's most important museum. It is housed in the former Santa Cruz hospital.
• Part of the city's rich cultural heritage is due to the fact that the great painter Domenicos Theotokopoulos linked his name with Toledo. Τhe great representative of Mannerism from Crete spent almost 40 years in Toledo, until his death in 1614, creating some of his most outstanding works. In the Casa de El Greco, which consists of two simple houses with a common courtyard, the visitor comes into contact with Theotokopoulos' last artistic period and some of the most important works he created, perfecting his characteristic personal style.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• We will begin our wanderings from Plaza Mayor, the central square of Madrid and one of the most popular attractions for both locals and visitors. It is a huge enclosed block of 129 by 94 meters, surrounded by three-story buildings, which have 237 balconies and are part of a uniform architecture overlooking the square.
• There are three emblematic museums of Madrid - Prado, Thyssen-Bornesmisza and Reina Sofia. We will visit one of them. Here you will admire works by Dali, El Greco, Goya, Picasso and countless other artists. The Royal Palace of Madrid is an 18th century palace, one of the most magnificent and best preserved palaces in Europe.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

• The Queen of Spain is a modern metropolis with many hidden treasures and a strong pulse in every corner. Point 0 is in the cosmopolitan Puerta Del Sol. Everything is around. The day is free for shopping and relaxing.
• There are many shopping areas in Madrid, each one different and unique. The exclusive Salamanca, the youthful Argüelles, the trendy Fuencarral, and the ancient Preciados La Salle and Rastro are all popular.
• Arguelles is a fashion and youth clothing area. All the boutiques in the neighborhood are concentrated on either side of Princesa Street. The trendy shops blend perfectly with the local 19th century architecture.
• Quatro-Caminos is the shopping district of Spanish brands. Shoes, clothes, jewelry and luxury fabrics. The trendy shops are complemented by a variety of cafes and restaurants, offering the perfect place to relax after a long walk through the corridors.
• El Rastro is Madrid's most famous open-air market.
• For those who haven't had enough of museums and archaeological sites, another good idea is to visit the famous Prado Museum.
• Breakfast & Dinner Included.

After Breakfast, Transfer to the airport. Flight back home.