Your itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Barcelona
Arrive at any time. Meet your CEO and group in the evening; the meeting time and place are posted in the lobby or available from reception. Join the group for drinks and explore nightlife in El Raval, El Born or the Gothic Quarter. A local meal afterward is optional. Full day free to explore Barcelona.
Day 2
Day 2: Barcelona/Madrid
Take an orientation walk along Las Ramblas and stop at Boqueria market. Free time to visit Gaudí buildings or explore the Gothic Quarter, then travel by afternoon train to Madrid.
Day 3
Day 3: Madrid
Take an orientation walk with your CEO. Free afternoon to explore Madrid, including its historical landmarks, museums or parks. Enjoy a night out with the group.
Day 4
Day 4: Madrid/Granada
Travel to Granada in the morning, then take an afternoon orientation walk with your CEO.
Day 5
Day 5: Granada
Free time in Granada; optionally relax in a hammam or visit the Alhambra (tickets must be booked in advance). In the evening, join the group for a tapas bar crawl; the first drink is included.
Day 6
Day 6: Granada/Seville
Travel to Seville and take an orientation walk with your CEO. Free time to explore; optional activities include visiting the Real Alcázar or attending a flamenco show.
Day 7
Day 7: Seville/Lagos
Travel across the border into Portugal to Lagos. Free time to enjoy the Algarve coast.
Day 8
Day 8: Lagos
Full day free on the Algarve for hiking, water activities or relaxing by the ocean.
Day 9
Day 9: Lagos/Lisbon
Travel up the coast to Lisbon and take an orientation walk. Free afternoon to visit Cristo Rei, explore the monuments of Belém or relax in a café. Celebrate with the group on a Big Night Out.
Day 10
Day 10: Lisbon/Casablanca
Fly to Casablanca and enjoy free time. Optional sightseeing includes Hassan II Mosque or the old medina. New travellers may join the group; an evening group meeting is available.
Day 11
Day 11: Casablanca/Chefchaouen
Travel by private vehicle from Casablanca to Rabat. Enjoy free time to explore the old quarter’s ramparts and alleys, see Kasbah des Oudaias and have lunch. Continue by private vehicle to Chefchaouen and take an orientation walk through its blue-washed streets.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12
Day 12: Chefchaouen
Full day free to explore Chefchaouen and its surroundings. Optional activities include a pre-booked Rif Valley Mountains hike or visiting the Spanish Mosque for sunset views.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13
Day 13: Chefchaouen/Fès
Travel by private vehicle to Fès. Free time to explore, including an optional visit to an Amazigh (Berber) pharmacy and the ancient tanneries.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14
Day 14: Fès
Free day to explore Fès, including its medina, food carts and artisan quarters, or the new city. Only certified local guides may guide visitors in the medina; your CEO cannot accompany you there.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15
Day 15: Fès/Marrakech
Travel by private vehicle to Marrakech. Spend the evening exploring the gardens, souks and other sights.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 16
Day 16: Marrakech
Tour ends in Marrakech. An optional hot-air-balloon excursion offers sunrise views; allow time to return before onward travel. A departure flight around 15:00 is suggested.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s included
What’s not included
Additional information
Meals Included
6 breakfasts
Group Size
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. A typical breakfast may include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.
Moroccan breakfasts tend to be different from your usual cereal and toast morning fare – most will be very simple – a croissant or sweet roll with jam and instant coffee and some hotels will have buffets where you will have more variety.
While you are experiencing what a Moroccan family would eat, some travellers do find the provided breakfasts a bit “bread heavy” and enjoy buying fruit the day before to supplement their breakfast.
Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients.
Moroccan cuisine is world famous and your CEO will be taking the chance to show you the best of it.
Staples include cous cous, a type of grain topped with stew, tagine which is actually the name of the pot this tasty dish is cooked in, and brochette, bbq skewers of meat. These meals will generally cost between 45- 70 MAD depending on the type of restaurant and which part of the country you are in.
Other tastes not to be missed include pastilla, a sweet pasty with a savoury filling which is traditionally pigeon and harira, a delicious soup based on chick peas and filling enough when teamed with fresh bread to be a whole lunch. If you are heading to the coast the fresh seafood cooked at one of the local markets is a must eat!
Morocco’s fresh orange juice is highly recommended and you should not leave without trying a glass. The brave can try the tiny snails which are perhaps the local’s favourite snack but you might prefer a cone of piping hot bite-size fried cake donuts.
For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Local Dress
While visiting mosques and other religious monuments you should dress modestly, cover your shoulders and you shouldn’t wear short shorts or skirts. Outside of capital cities and the more touristic centres, local dress is often more conservative and as a matter of respect we ask that both men and women are aware of this and recommend loose-fitting clothes with your shoulders covered. Ask your CEO for more specific advice.
Important Notes
1. It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides, all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places.
2. In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.
3. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
4. This is a very fast paced itinerary which covers lots of ground. While this is great as it allows us to see a huge amount in the available time, it also means some early starts, some long drives in the mini van and less free time than many other G Adventures. We feel that if you enter this trip with this knowledge and expectation, you will appreciate even more the variety of locations we are able to include in this itinerary.
5. Please note that the climate in Morocco can be both very hot during the day in summer months (up to 50°C) and cold at night in the mountains in autumn, early spring and winter (down to -6°C). Summer months, from April to September are very hot throughout Morocco. Winter months November to March can be cool to cold, especially in the Atlas Mountains, with high probability of snowfall. Most Moroccan buildings are not equipped with heating, so without proper layers you will be cold at night. Please bring appropriate clothing for the months in which you are travelling and check temperatures before you leave. Bedding is provided in the desert camp and the gîte, but in winter months if you feel the cold you may wish to bring a sleeping bag too.
6. RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Mar 11th – Apr 8th 2024, and Mar 1st – Mar 29th 2025. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can’t at that time.
7. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.
8. AID AL-ADHA
During your visit to this country, we would like to inform you about an important celebration called Aid Al-Adha. This holiday may impact your travel experience, as most shops and restaurants are closed during the celebration. Some of the historical places we visit might also be closed during this time. There will be a shorter number of staff at the hotels and less crowded streets on the day of the celebration. Aid Al-Adha will fall between Jun. 16th-17th 2024, and Jun. 6th-7th 2025.
Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a CEO (Chief Experience Officer).
As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of Morocco, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
We also use certified local city guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.
About Accommodation
All accommodation in Europe will be multi-share. This may involve 4-6 group members sharing and even (on rare occasions) dormitory-style rooms for the whole group. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities.
Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken.
In Morocco, you can expect to stay in local hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights.
Please note that Morocco is a developing country and as such the infrastructure is not as reliable as you would expect at home. Expect quirky plumbing and the odd cold shower! For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.
What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.)
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Lisbon Orientation Walk & Big Night Out
Get oriented in Lisbon on a short walk with your CEO, learning your way around Portugal’s hilly capital. The included Big Night Out also gives the group a chance to experience the city’s late-evening social scene together.
Lisbon’s viewpoints, tiled streets and neighbourhood bars give it a character distinct from the Algarve coast. The night out may involve a pub crawl, drink specials or club entry; its exact format can vary, and additional purchases are not stated as included.
Barcelona Welcome Gathering & First Night Out
Meet your CEO and fellow travellers at a welcome gathering in Barcelona, where you can get to know the group and ask questions about the journey. The included First Night Out brings everyone together in the city.
Explore Barcelona’s nightlife in an area such as El Raval, El Born or the Gothic Quarter. Their narrow streets, lively bars and late-evening atmosphere offer a sociable introduction to local life. Drinks and any meal you choose to have are not stated as included.
Barcelona Las Ramblas & Boqueria Market Orientation Walk
Walk along Las Ramblas with your CEO and stop at La Boqueria market, where stalls display fruit, seafood and other produce in the heart of Barcelona. This included orientation walk helps you find your bearings in the city centre.
The market has long been part of everyday life beside this busy pedestrian boulevard. Expect a brief introduction to the area rather than an in-depth guided tour or entry to Barcelona’s Gaudí landmarks.
Madrid Orientation Walk
Get your bearings in Madrid on a brief walk with your CEO. Learn how to navigate the capital’s central streets and squares, and pick up practical pointers for exploring independently.
Madrid’s public spaces are central to its daily rhythm, from morning café stops to late-night gatherings. This is an orientation walk, not a specialist historical tour; museum visits and other sightseeing are separate choices.
Granada Orientation Walk
Find your way around Granada on a short CEO-led orientation walk. Get a practical introduction to the city and its central meeting points before exploring its streets and neighbourhoods independently.
Set beneath the Sierra Nevada, Granada carries a visible legacy of centuries of Islamic and Christian history. The walk is designed to help you navigate, rather than provide a detailed guided account of that heritage; Alhambra admission is not included.
Granada Tapas Bar Crawl
Join your group for a tapas bar crawl through Granada and discover its tradition of serving a small plate of food with a drink. The first drink is included; further drinks are at your own expense.
Each bar offers a different setting and selection of snacks, making this a sociable way to experience the city’s evening food culture. Share conversation over drinks and tapas in a place known for lively bars and music.
Seville Orientation Walk
Explore central Seville with your CEO on a brief orientation walk that introduces the city’s layout and helps you locate useful services. It is a practical starting point for independent visits.
Seville’s historic centre is known for winding lanes and layers of Andalusian architecture. This included walk is an orientation rather than an official guided tour; entry to sights such as the Real Alcázar and attendance at a flamenco show are optional.
Chefchaouen Blue Medina Orientation Walk
Walk through Chefchaouen’s blue-washed streets with your CEO on an included orientation of the medina. Find your bearings among stairways, small squares and lanes beneath the Rif Mountains.
The town’s varying shades of blue create a striking setting for everyday life, with doorways, walls and steps offering a different view around each corner. This is a brief orientation walk, leaving room to explore the town independently.
Fès Medina & Souks
Explore the medina and souks of Fès, a dense network of lanes lined with market stalls and artisan workshops. Look for traditional crafts and take in the colours, sounds and aromas of one of Morocco’s historic urban centres.
Fès is often regarded as a cultural heart of the country, and its old city rewards curious, unhurried exploration. The visit is listed among the tour’s inclusions, but a guided medina tour is not specified; only certified local guides may guide there.
Alhambra Visit, Granada
Visit the Alhambra independently to see Granada’s celebrated palace and fortress complex, set above the city. Its courtyards, intricate decoration and gardens reveal the artistic legacy of the Nasrid dynasty.
This is a purely optional visit at additional cost and is not included in the tour. Tickets commonly sell out: the operator advises booking online at least three months in advance, rather than relying on availability during the tour.
Granada Hammam Bath
Relax in a Granada hammam during independent time, moving between warm baths in a setting inspired by the city’s historic bathing traditions. It offers a quieter contrast to Granada’s busy streets and evening tapas bars.
Bathing culture formed part of life in Islamic-era al-Andalus, a heritage reflected in the experience offered by hammams today. This is optional at additional cost; ask about booking possibilities on tour, as availability and the services offered vary by venue.
Real Alcázar of Seville
Visit Seville’s Real Alcázar independently to explore a royal palace complex shaped by centuries of building and adaptation. Its courtyards and richly decorated rooms show the influence of Mudéjar craftsmanship.
The Alcázar remains associated with Spain’s monarchy, while its gardens offer a calmer setting beyond the city streets. Admission is optional at additional cost. Ask about arrangements on tour, but consider reserving popular entry times in advance during busy periods.
Seville Flamenco Show
Watch a flamenco performance in Seville and experience the interplay of singing, guitar and percussive footwork. An evening show offers a focused introduction to a performance tradition closely associated with Andalusia.
Flamenco draws its force from musical expression and the exchange between performers, whether staged in an intimate venue or a larger theatre. This show is optional at additional cost; ask about bookable performances on tour, with availability depending on the venue.
Hassan II Mosque Visit, Casablanca
Visit the Hassan II Mosque during independent time in Casablanca to see its monumental architecture beside the Atlantic Ocean. The mosque’s minaret rises above a vast complex finished with detailed Moroccan craftsmanship.
Completed in the late twentieth century, it is one of Casablanca’s defining landmarks. This visit is optional at additional cost; ask about visiting arrangements on tour, and check current opening times and access requirements before setting out.
Rif Valley Mountains Hike
Hike in the Rif Mountains around Chefchaouen for a closer look at the landscape beyond its blue medina. Mountain paths offer a different perspective on the region’s valleys, slopes and settlements.
The Rif provides the dramatic backdrop to Chefchaouen, making this an appealing choice for travellers who want active time outdoors. The hike is optional at additional cost and the itinerary recommends pre-booking it; check the route, difficulty and availability before travel.
Spanish Mosque Sunset Viewpoint, Chefchaouen
Walk up to the Spanish Mosque above Chefchaouen for a wide view across the blue medina and surrounding Rif Mountains. The hilltop viewpoint is particularly appealing as the light changes toward sunset.
This is an independent outing rather than an included hosted excursion. It is optional and at your own cost; ask your CEO about the route during the tour, allow time for the uphill walk and consider your return before dark.
Marrakech Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight
Rise above the Marrakech area at sunrise on an optional hot air balloon excursion. The early light offers a broad view of the landscape and a peaceful contrast to the movement of the city’s souks.
This flight is at additional cost and should be pre-booked. It takes place on the tour’s departure morning, so allow enough time to return before onward travel; the operator suggests booking a departing flight no earlier than 15:00.