France, Spain, Portugal & Morocco
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 31-day journey that takes you through the heart of Europe and North Africa. This multi-day tour is designed to immerse you in the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes of France, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. From the romantic allure of Paris to the ancient Roman monuments of Nimes, the bustling markets of Marrakech to the tranquil mountain village of Aroumd, each day presents a new adventure. Experience the thrill of a camel ride through the Sahara, the serenity of a traditional Moroccan hammam, and the culinary delights of Spanish tapas. Whether you're exploring the labyrinthine streets of Fes, marveling at the architectural wonders of Barcelona, or soaking up the sun in the Algarve, this tour promises a wealth of unforgettable experiences.
Included
24 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative.
Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
EUROPEAN LEADERS:
Intrepid trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe.
We also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Paris - Hidden Montmartre Urban Adventure
Visit Pont du Gard (Museum, Bridge and Swimming Time and Free Time for Lunch)
Sagrada Familia Admission
Churros Stop
Coimbra - Evening Fado Performance
Lisbon - Sao Jorge Castle
Algarve - Culatra Island Day Trip by Boat
Chefchaouen - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Fes - Medina walking tour
Aroumd - High Atlas Mountains guided hike
Ait Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walk
Tamegroute - Ancient Library
Tamegroute - Underground kasbah guided tour
Tamegroute - Medfouna lunch (Amazigh pizza)
Sahara Desert - Sunset Camel Ride
Taroudant – Argan oil women coop visit
Essaouira - Guided walking tour
Essaouira – Local fisherman visit
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
EUROPEAN HOTELS:
Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms can be rather small, especially by American or Australian standards.
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Camp site (1 night), Gite (1 night), Hotel (25 nights), Riad (3 nights)
camping: 1 night(s), hotel: 25 night(s);
TRANSPORT IN EUROPE:
Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.
There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from the main tourist routes. High passes, windy roads, and rough surfaces make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days, we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort. The best part about all of these long drives is the spectacular views and fun stops en route such as mountain passes, kasbahs, palmeries, sand dunes, goats up trees, etc.
We also use public transport on some of our trips around Morocco. Be it a train or a public bus, remember that the best part of it is the possibility to interact with local people traveling along with you.
Train , Ferry , Metro , Private vehicle , Public bus , Taxi
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Paris
- Paris - Arrival day
- More
Bonjour and welcome to Paris, the City of Lights! Your journey begins with a welcome meeting at your hotel at 6 pm. After introductions, you're free to explore the city's romantic neighborhoods or join your fellow travelers for an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Paris
- Paris
- More
- Louvre Museum
- Sacré-Cœur
- Eiffel Tower
- Musée de Montmartre
- More
After breakfast, we'll journey to the historic district of Montmartre, known for its artistic heritage. Enjoy a guided tour that includes a visit to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica and a chance to sample a delicious croissant. After lunch at a traditional French brasserie, spend the afternoon exploring Paris at your leisure. You might choose to visit the iconic Louvre Museum or ascend the Eiffel Tower for panoramic city views.
Day 3 – Day 3: From Paris to Nimes
- Nîmes
- Paris
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- Obélisque d'Arles
- temple of Diana
- Museum of ancient Arles and Provence
- More
Today, we leave Paris behind and travel by fast train to Nimes, a city renowned for its well-preserved Roman monuments. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour that includes the Arena of Nimes and the Maison Carree. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your leisure, perhaps visiting the lively Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle or the charming Place d'Assas.
Day 4 – Day 4: Day Trip to Pont du Gard
- Nîmes
- More
- Pont du Gard
- More
After breakfast, we'll embark on a day trip to the magnificent Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct bridge that spans the Gardon River. Explore the site's museum to learn about its history, then enjoy a leisurely walk across the bridge for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. In the afternoon, we'll return to Nimes where you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 5 – Day 5: From Nimes to Barcelona
- Barcelona
- Nîmes
- More
This morning, enjoy some free time in Nimes before we board a local train to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia in Spain. Upon arrival, we'll head to a local tapas restaurant for a group dinner where you can sample an array of delectable Spanish dishes and immerse yourself in the heart of Spanish cuisine.
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Barcelona
- Barcelona
- More
- Palau Güell
- Museu Picasso
- Sagrada Família
- Can Deu
- Casa Batlló
- More
After breakfast, join a guided walking tour of Barcelona, where you'll visit some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the La Sagrada Familia Cathedral and the Camp Nou football stadium. In the afternoon, you're free to explore the city at your own pace. You might choose to visit the Guell Palace, the Casa Batlo, or the Gaudi House Museum. End the day with a traditional Spanish wine tasting.
Day 7 – Day 7: From Barcelona to Madrid
- Madrid
- More
- Puerta de Alcalá
- Royal Palace of Madrid
- Main Square
- More
Today, we'll travel by train to Madrid, Spain's vibrant capital city. Upon arrival, join a guided walk to discover the city's most iconic landmarks, including the bustling Puerta del Sol, the historic Plaza Mayor, the grand Royal Palace, and the serene Almudena Cathedral. In the evening, join your group for a celebratory farewell dinner at one of the city's top restaurants.
Day 8 – Day 8: Welcome to Madrid
- Madrid
- More
- El Rastro
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Welcome to Madrid, a city known for its elegant boulevards, expansive parks, and vibrant energy. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, followed by an optional group dinner. If you arrive early, consider exploring the city's renowned art museums, including the Museo del Prado, the Museo Reina Sofia, and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Day 9 – Day 9: From Madrid to Salamanca
- Salamanca
- Madrid
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- Plaza Mayor
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Today, we'll leave Madrid and travel northwest to the historic university town of Salamanca. Upon arrival, join a guided walk to explore the central Plaza Mayor and admire the city's beautiful Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. You might choose to visit the Casa de Las Conchas or enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Day 10 – Day 10: From Salamanca to Coimbra
- Coimbra
- More
- Barbican Gate
- Turismo da Universidade de Coimbra
- More
Today, we'll cross the border into Portugal and travel to the laid-back city of Coimbra. Upon arrival, join a guided walk to explore the city's maze of alleyways and discover its rich royal heritage. Don't miss the chance to visit the University of Coimbra, the oldest in Portugal, and the famous baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina.
Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Coimbra
- Coimbra
- More
- Sé Nova
- CAE - Performing Arts Center
- More
Enjoy a free day of exploration in Coimbra before witnessing a traditional Fado performance in the evening. During your free time, you might choose to visit the ancient Roman ruins of Conimbriga or take a short boat tour to view Coimbra from a different perspective.
Day 12 – Day 12: From Coimbra to Lisbon
- Lisbon
- More
- Museu do Fado
- Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara
- More
Today, we'll travel by bus to Lisbon, one of Europe's most pleasant and affordable capital cities. Upon arrival, join a guided walk to explore the city's main sights, including the medieval Citadel of Sao Jorge Castle. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. You might choose to visit the grand Naval Museum or roam through the charming narrow streets of local neighborhoods.
Day 13 – Day 13: Day Trip to Sintra
- Lisbon
- More
- Praia da Mata
- More
Today, take a 45-minute train ride to the mountainous region of Sintra, home to the beautiful Pena Palace. This area offers great walking trails, stunning cliff-top palaces, and unique Moorish architecture. After exploring the palace and its surroundings, we'll return to Lisbon in the afternoon.
Day 14 – Day 14: From Lisbon to Olhao
- Olhão
- More
Today, we'll travel by bus to the southern coastline of Portugal, the Algarve. Our destination is Olhao, the Algarve's biggest fishing port. Upon arrival, you're free to explore the city's Moorish buildings, bustling old quarters, and active waterfront. Don't miss the chance to try the city's famous fish restaurants along the waterfront.
Day 15 – Day 15: Day Trip to Ilha de Culatra
- Olhão
- More
- Ilha do Farol
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Today, we'll board a local passenger boat and head out to Ilha de Culatra, one of the barrier islands that separate Olhao from the Atlantic Ocean. Spend the day exploring the island's boardwalks, dunes, and lagoons. In the afternoon, we'll return to Olhao where you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 16 – Day 16: From Olhao to Seville
- Olhão
- Seville
- More
Today, we'll leave Portugal behind and return to Spain, traveling by private vehicle to the charming city of Seville. Upon arrival, you're free to explore the city at your leisure. Seville is famous for its vitality and flamboyance, and is the city of Carmen, Don Juan, and Figaro. Don't miss the chance to try the city's famous oranges, tapas, and flamenco.
Day 17 – Day 17: From Seville to Chefchaouen
- Seville
- More
This morning, we'll leave Seville and embark on a long journey to Chefchaouen, a mountain town in Morocco known for its blue-washed buildings. Upon arrival, you're free to explore the city at your leisure. You might choose to visit the 15th-century Grand Mosque, the medina, or simply soak up the unique ambiance of this remote village.
Day 18 – Day 18: Exploring Chefchaouen
Day 18: Exploring Chefchaouen
Today, join a local guide for a walking tour through the maze of streets in Chefchaouen, one of the prettiest places in Morocco. After the tour, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. You might choose to visit the city's handicraft shops, enjoy a traditional Moroccan hammam, or simply relax and soak up the city's unique atmosphere.
Day 19 – Day 19: From Chefchaouen to Fes
Day 19: From Chefchaouen to Fes
Today, we'll leave Chefchaouen and travel to Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Upon arrival, you're free to explore the city at your leisure. Fes is a vibrant, noisy, fascinating, and overwhelming city that is a feast for the senses. You might choose to try some Moroccan specialities like a camel burger or harira (chickpea soup) for dinner.
Day 20 – Day 20: Exploring Fes
Day 20: Exploring Fes
Today, join a guided walking tour of Fes, one of the world's oldest cities. Visit the Medersa Bou Inania, the Belghazi Museum, the Medresse el Attarine, and the Funduk Nejjarine. After the tour, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. You might choose to visit the city's famous tannery or a ceramics factory.
Day 21 – Day 21: From Fes to Marrakech
Day 21: From Fes to Marrakech
Today, we'll travel by train to Marrakech, a city that combines the best elements of Moroccan life. Upon arrival, join a guided walk to explore the city's main sights, including the medieval citadel in the city center. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. You might choose to visit the grand Naval Museum or roam through the charming narrow streets of local neighborhoods.
Day 22 – Day 22: Welcome to Marrakech
Day 22: Welcome to Marrakech
Welcome to Marrakech, a vibrant city that pulsates with energy. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, followed by an optional group dinner. If you arrive early, consider exploring the city's renowned art museums, including the Museo del Prado, the Museo Reina Sofia, and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Day 23 – Day 23: From Marrakech to Aroumd
Day 23: From Marrakech to Aroumd
Today, we'll take a short drive into the High Atlas Mountains to the village of Imlil. From there, we'll trek to the peaceful village of Aroumd, where we'll spend the night in a family-run mountain gite. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the village and the surrounding farmlands.
Day 24 – Day 24: From Aroumd to Ait Benhaddou
Day 24: From Aroumd to Ait Benhaddou
Today, we'll journey along mountain roads and over Morocco's highest pass, Tizi n'Tichka, to Ait Benhaddou on the edges of the Sahara. Upon arrival, join a guided walk to explore the city's main sights, including the historic Plaza Mayor. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure.
Day 25 – Day 25: From Ait Benhaddou to Zagora
Day 25: From Ait Benhaddou to Zagora
Today, we'll journey through the lush Draa Valley to Zagora, a small oasis town on the Sahara fringe. Upon arrival, you're free to explore the city at your leisure. You might choose to stroll through the palm groves, explore the ksars, or wander around the surrounding countryside.
Day 26 – Day 26: From Zagora to Erg Chigaga
Day 26: From Zagora to Erg Chigaga
Today, we'll leave Zagora and travel to the massive Erg Chigaga dunes in the Sahara Desert. Upon arrival, experience the thrill of a camel ride into the Saharan sunset. Spend the night under the stars at our desert camp and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner.
Day 27 – Day 27: From Erg Chigaga to Oulad Berhil
Day 27: From Erg Chigaga to Oulad Berhil
Today, we'll journey through the countryside of central Morocco to Oulad Berhil. Along the way, we'll stop at a local woman's cooperative specializing in argan oil production. Upon arrival in Oulad Berhil, you're free to explore the city at your leisure. You might choose to visit the city's famous fish restaurants along the waterfront.
Day 28 – Day 28: From Oulad Berhil to Essaouira
Day 28: From Oulad Berhil to Essaouira
Today, we'll travel west to the coastal town of Essaouira. Upon arrival, join a guided walk to explore the city's main sights, including the historic Plaza Mayor. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. You might choose to visit the city's famous fish restaurants along the waterfront.
Day 29 – Day 29: Exploring Essaouira
Day 29: Exploring Essaouira
Today, join a local guide for a walking tour through the old medina, Jewish mellah, port, and skala of Essaouira. After the tour, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. You might choose to visit the city's handicraft shops, enjoy a traditional Moroccan hammam, or simply relax and soak up the city's unique atmosphere.
Day 30 – Day 30: From Essaouira to Marrakech
Day 30: From Essaouira to Marrakech
Today, we'll return to Marrakech by bus. Upon arrival, you're free to explore the city at your leisure. You might choose to visit the city's famous tannery or a ceramics factory. In the evening, join your group for an optional farewell dinner at one of the city's top restaurants.
Day 31 – Day 31: Farewell Marrakech
Day 31: Farewell Marrakech
Your adventure ends after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time exploring Marrakech, additional accommodation can be pre-booked. Just speak to your booking agent.
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