Morocco

From the rolling vineyards and colonial villages of Portugal to the lively souks and dramatic vistas of Morocco, get ready for 11 days of incredible diversity on this Detours - OUTstanding Travel. With centuries of history on display around every corner, today’s Portugal is a treat whether you’re coming for the world-class food and wine, the picturesque little villages with their clay roofs, or the lively social scenes in Porto and Lisbon. Spend your days exploring a hilltop castle, boating through the Douro Valley, or tasting pasteis de belem on a patio in the sunshine, and your nights being entertained by passionate Fado singers or in the many gay bars open into the wee hours.
On our 7th day together we’ll trade charming Western Europe for fascinating Northern Africa for a taste of something completely different in Morocco. As we explore the souks of Marrakech we’ll find snake charmers in Jemaa el Fnaa square, endless colorful stalls in the marketplace, and opulent palaces hidden in the winding pathways. As a feast for the senses in every way, there’s no wonder that Marrakech has been such a popular destination for both adventure-seeking and pampered travelers.

Day 1, 2 and 3 - Porto and Douro Valley

We’ll meet at our hotel near the bank of the Douro River at 4:00pm on day 1 to start our experience together in Porto – the heart of the country’s incredible culinary and cultural scene, looking like something out of a fairy tale. Surrounded by the beauty of this city, we’ll be spoiled with stunning views, fabulous meals, and unique history. We’ll be joined by a local guide on a food-and-wine-focused walking tour as they take us to the hidden gems for the best port and Francesinhas in town. We'll also take a trip through the Douro Valley together to check out the region's beautiful scenery and stunning vineyards with a tour and tasting at a quaint mom and pop winery.
Included Activities: Food and wine tour of central Porto with local guide • Winery tour and tasting in the Douro Valley
Optional Activities: Explore Gaia • 6 bridges water cruise • Port winery tasting tour

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Day 4, 5 and 6 - Lisbon

After a 3-hour train journey (which will surely be spent gawking at the beautiful Portuguese countryside) we’ll arrive to the capital city of Lisbon, a colonial masterpiece along the Tagus River, full of charming neighborhoods, impressive architecture, and fabulous restaurants and bars. It’s a place you’ll swear you’ll move to after experiencing the warmth of the community and the beauty of every new street you turn. But with the hilltop palaces of Sintra just 30 minutes outside of the city and the beachside communities along the way it’s not just the central Lisbon that you’ll want to explore while you’re here. We’ll rack up an impressive step-count as we explore hilltop castles and cobblestone neighborhoods, then reward ourselves with their famous custard tarts and pastries before enjoying the many nightlife options if you’ve still got the energy. We ensure a weekend stay in Lisbon to ensure we can take in all the nightlife opportunities here.
Included Activities: Lisbon walking tour with local gay guide
Optional Activities: Sintra (and castles) • Day trip to Fatima and the coast • Bike tour of Lisbon • Fado Show

Day 7, 8 and 9 - Marrakech

It’s only a short flight over to Africa but you’ll feel a world away as we arrive to Marrakech on our 7th day. Donkeys pulling carts through the streets, food stalls selling colorful snacks, snake charmers entertaining passersby, all with the call to prayer in the air several times per day. But among the action of the souks is one oasis after another of incredible beauty, from secret gardens to ornate palaces covered in gold to indulgent hammams. Through all the unique contradictions on display across the city, the genuine welcoming culture of the Moroccans is impossible to ignore. We’ll explore much of the city together with a local guide, and we'll do a local group cooking class in a beautiful courtyard then encourage you to haggle for trinkets in the Medina, visit the YSL Museum, pamper yourself at a gorgeous hammam, or take in a cultural show in the desert on the edge of the city.
Included Activities: Medina and souk tour of Marrakech with local guide • Group cooking class in Marrakech
Optional Activities: Yves Saint Laurant Museum and Gardens • ATV desert tour • Camel riding in the desert

Day 10 - Atlas Mountains

Although it's only a quick couple of hours from the action of Marrakech, the mud-brick homes, waterfalls, and clifftop villages scattered around the Atlas Mountains can't be missed. We'll do some moderate hiking, stop for tea and snacks in a local home, visit local craft shops, and wander the remote town of Imlil, all against a backdrop of the imposing mountain peaks. After spending the day exploring we surely deserve a stop at a local Kasbah - our reward for a full day of sightseeing before returning to Marrakech for our final night together.
Included Activities: Waterfall hike, tea and snacks at a local home • Lunch at a local Kasbah • Tour of Atlas Mountains

Day 11 - Marrakech

After countless new experiences shared together through Portugal and Morocco our group time sadly comes to an end on the 11th day here in Marrakech. You're welcome to book your departing flight from Marrakech for any time on this 11th day as there are no group activities planned. Staying later into this day or spending some extra nights here? It's a fabulous city with plenty to keep you busy! Maybe take a day trip down to the coastal town of Essaouira or take one last hammam before you go?

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Hotels and rates

PORTO: Hotel Moon & Sun
In the heart of Porto, this 4-star hotel is ideal for discovering the heritage and gastronomy of this beautiful city. All the main attractions are nearby: UNESCO-listed old town, the famous Clérigos Tower, Galerias de Paris, Church of the Order of São Francisco, and many more! Each room features air conditioning, a room safe, complimentary wifi, and flat-screen TV.

LISBON: Hotel Beautique Figueira
Hotel Beautique Figueira is located in the heart of Lisbon, right off of Figueira Square and only a short walk from Lisbon's iconic districts; Bairro Alto, Chiado, Praça do Comércio and Rua Augusta. With its stylish restaurant & bar ready to cater your culinary needs, feel at home as all rooms breathe comfort, and design in an atmosphere of elegance and serenity. Each room has air conditioning, complimentary wifi, minibar, and smart TVs.

MARRAKECH: Riad Palais Blanc
Set in the old city and just a 15-minute walk to the famous medina, sits this beautiful bright riad. This upscale mansion will be the perfect serene escape from the busy streets of Marrakech with on-site hammam & spa services as well as a delicious restaurant for culinary exploration. With a centralized pool for swimming, each room faces the interior and features a private veranda with a sofa, air conditioning, room safe, satillite TV, and mini bar.

April 3 - 13, 2024

April 15 - 25, 2024

Sept. 23 - Oct. 3, 2024

Our rates include

• All taxes
• All group transport between itinerary destinations
• Accommodations for your 11-day Detours experience
• All full breakfasts
• One-way international flight from Lisbon to Marrakech
• Food and wine tour of central Porto with local guide
• Lisbon walking tour with local guide
• Day trip to the Atlas Mountains with roundtrip transport
• Medina and souk tour of Marrakech with local guide
• Group cooking class in Marrakech
• Welcome dinner and drinks
• Knowledgeable and fun Detours trip leader

Our rates exclude

• Meals and drinks outside of those listed above
• Activities outside of those listed above
• International Airfare
• Arrival/departure airport transfers
• Optional gratuities

Cancellation policy

We will require a $500 non-refundable deposit upon booking and full payment 60 days before departure.
60 days prior to trip departure the entire trip becomes non-refundable. However, we can often retain a chunk of your paid amount for you to use on a future trip and this all depends on what we can negotiate back from our suppliers at the time of cancellation.

We do recommend taking Travel Insurance to cover any unforeseen events that would prevent you to partake in this trip; as well as the cost of assistance (including repatriation) in the event of accident or illness, loss of baggage and money, and other expenses.

It is your responsibility to fulfill the passport (which should be valid for six months beyond the intended length of your stay abroad), visa, and other immigration requirements applicable to your itinerary. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. We do not accept any responsibility in the case of you being unable to travel due to not complying with any such requirements.

Payment

It is our company policy to receive a $500 deposit upon booking, and full payment 2 months prior to arrival.

Morocco | 11D | Group trip to Portugal and Morocco

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