Ultimate Morocco & Portugal

Board your flight to Marrakesh, Morocco.

Prepare for a sensorial treat as you land in Marrakesh, one of Morocco’s most alluring cities. If you booked your flight with YMT, a representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Witness a labyrinth of alleys, busy markets and the Moorish minaret towering over the city, and later in the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner (included) with your fellow travelers. (D)

You will spend the entire day exploring the Red City of Marrakesh, set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is the intricately carved Saadian Tombs, built in the 16th century. Housing the mausoleums of rulers of the Saadi dynasty, the tombs were sealed off and rediscovered only in 1917. Next, marvel at the stunning artistry of Bahia Palace with its grand courtyards and gardens, before taking in the beauty of the historic Koutoubia Mosque. In the evening, head to Djemaa El Fna, the city’s main square. The market springs to life after sunset with food stalls, dance troupes and hikayat or storytellers taking centerstage. Stroll down the market as you feast on Moroccan specialties including babbouche (snail broth) and tagine (North African stew). (B)

Today, you will drive to Essaouira, a wind-swept city on the Atlantic Coast, three hours from Marrakesh. Formerly known as Mogador (meaning a fortress), the thriving seaport connected this part of North Africa with the rest of Europe. Take a leisurely walk around its fortified walls and gaze out at the limitless ocean with blue wooden boats lining the harbor. Essaouira is known for its community of artists. Wander the city’s lanes and visit its many art galleries and boutiques. (B, L)

You can choose to relax today or set out to explore Marrakesh on your own. If you’d like to discover more of Morocco, join us for an optional day trip to Ouarzazate. Nestled just south of the Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate is considered the gateway to the Sahara desert. A four-hour drive from Marrakesh, the highlight of this town is the UNESCO-listed Taourirt Kasbah. The fortified complex, built in the 19th century, offers sweeping views of the rugged landscape, and has also served as the backdrop to several movies including Lawrence Of Arabia, Gladiator, The Mummy, and more. (B, D)

Today, you’ll make your way from Marrakesh to Fez, past the charming town of Midelt. Sprawled across the high plains of the Atlas Mountains, this town is best known for its apples and other agricultural produce. You will also cross the Alpine-style resort town of Ifrane with ski slopes, waterfalls and cedar forests close by. The town experiences snowfall in the months between October and April, and is often referred to as Morocco’s Switzerland! After almost eight hours of driving, you will reach Fez in the evening. (B, L, D)

Set amid gently rolling countryside, Fez is one of Morocco’s most important cities. Spend the day unearthing the many treasures of this ancient city, starting with its UNESCO-listed market (one of the largest in North Africa). With its meandering lanes and vibrant shops selling everything from spices to antiques, the medina is truly atmospheric. Take in views of the majestic Karaouine mosque from vantage points such as the Al-Attarine Madrasa building. Fez is known for its leather craftsmanship and a visit to the 1,000-year-old Chouara Tannery will give you insights into the ancient technique of dyeing and tanning. You can also visit the many shops around the tannery to buy leather products. (B)

Today, your first stop is the city of Meknes. The city has two distinct parts: the old medina and the relatively modern ville nouvelle. The medina is surrounded by thick walls and features an ornate gate, Bab Al Mansour, a popular attraction. Visit the ruins of the Royal Stables, the 18th century complex that could once hold about 12,000 horses! Continue to the holy city of Moulay Idriss at the foot of Mount Zerhoun and visit the partly-excavated Roman ruins of Volubilis, before you make your overnight stop at Rabat. (B)

Set out to explore the city of Rabat. From the Kasbah des Oudaias, a fortress overlooking the Bou Regreg river and the Atlantic Ocean, to the bustling markets of the old medina, the city packs in a range of experiences. Once you’ve uncovered the city’s sights including the royal palace and the Hassan Tower, continue your journey to Casablanca. Visit the spectacular Hassan II mosque with its 688-feet tall minaret and turquoise tiles. Stroll down the bustling central market and pause to indulge in some people-watching as you savor some fresh pastries at Mohamed V Square. We recommend stopping for lunch at one of Casablanca’s many seafront restaurants. Join us later in the evening for dinner (included) at the iconic Rick’s Café (a replica of the fictitious film set from the movie Casablanca). (B, D)

Fly to Lisbon and continue your journey into Portugal! A friendly representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

After breakfast, set off for Sintra. Enjoy a guided city tour of this charming town, located in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains. The town is well known for its pastel buildings and lush terrain. Next, continue to Óbidos for a short walking tour, where guests can explore Óbidos Castle on their own. You’ll have some free time for lunch and lots of photo opportunities. Then, you’ll head to Fátima for a self-guided tour of the Shrine of Our Lady of Fátima, the location of a 1917 miracle. (B)

You’ll enjoy a self-guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Batalha. One of Portugal’s most beloved historic monuments, it was commissioned in the 14th century by King John I. Continue to Coimbra, one of the country’s loveliest college towns. Enjoy lunch on your own and perhaps visit the Universidad de Coimbra, originally founded in 1290. The university is dazzling, and you can visit many of its most impressive sites, including the Great Hall, Baroque Library, and Natural History Collection. (B)

Porto is one of Portugal’s oldest cities. With a history dating back to around 300 BC, it has since been captured by the Romans, the Moors, and even Napoleon. The historic center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a spectacular place to spend the day. Enjoy a city tour with admission to the 19th century Stock Exchange Palace (included), complete with a port wine tasting. After free time and lunch on your own, take a self-guided tour of Guimarães, whose medieval city center is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend the evening relaxing in Porto. (B)

It’s an active day in Viseu today, where you’ll have free time to walk around the birthplace of Alfonso I The Conqueror, Portugal’s first king. Enjoy lunch on your own in Belmonte, followed by an olive oil tasting and admission to the Belmonte Jewish Museum (included). Dinner is provided at your hotel in Evora. (B, D)

After breakfast, take a guided tour of the Cortiçarte factory. It’s a fascinating facility where cork is produced using traditional methods for hundreds of years. See the trees whose bark is sustainably harvested every nine years, the boiling vats where the cork is sterilized, and the gift shop with a wide variety of gorgeous products. Next, travel back to Evora, one of Europe’s finest medieval towns. See the 14 surviving columns of the Roman Temple of Diana, built around the first century A.D. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping, then taste some local wines on a winery tour (included). (B)

Start the day with an enjoyable tour of the Leiveira-Azulejos de Azeitão ceramic factory. Portugal’s Azulejo tiles are tiny, often remarkably detailed pieces of art glazed in a striking blue. They’re one of the country’s most beloved cultural signatures. You’ll learn about their 13th century roots, and how they’re now made for modern needs and trends. After a stunning photo stop at Serra de Arrabida, enjoy free time on your own with a leisurely afternoon in Lisbon. (B)

Spend the final day of your tour in Lisbon, Portugal’s hilly coastal capital watched over by seven picturesque hills. Take in Lisbon’s historic cobblestoned streets and stately ruins. Take a guided tour of the city’s highlights, including admission to the Jerónimos Monastery, a dazzling monument built in the 1500s as a potent symbol of Portugal’s immense wealth and power
at the peak of their global navigation period. Enjoy lunch on your own and an afternoon at your leisure before ending your tour with a delicious farewell feast. (B, D)