Madrid to Marrakech via Portugal
Late availability on these dates: 15 Aug, 22 Aug, 29 Aug, 01 Sep, 03 Sep, 07 Sep, 10 Sep, 12 Sep, 14 Sep, 17 Sep, 19 Sep, 21 Sep, 24 Sep, 29 Sep, 03 Oct, 06 Oct, 10 Oct, 13 Oct, 24 Oct, 31 Oct, 07 Nov
Description of Madrid to Marrakech via Portugal
This two week Madrid to Marrakech holiday must be one of the most culturally eclectic journeys that one can take so close to home. We use a mix of public and private transport options to traverse the three countries of Spain, Portugal and Morocco that we have featured on our carefully crafted itinerary.
Starting in Spain’s capital, Madrid with its fine collections of art galleries and all round metropolitan chic, we then take some time in historic Salamanca before heading across the border into Portugal. Here we spend two nights in the 12th century and ancient university city of Coimbra. We then head south to spend a couple of days roaming around Portugal’s stunning capital of Lisbon, with its eclectic quarters, some chic and cosmo, others with markets and myriad music venues.
After a couple of days on the Algarve coast, we pop back into Spain for 24 hours so that we can take the boat to Morocco, taking a quick visit to the sumptuous city of Seville, where you can start to feel the Moroccan influences already, with its Moorish architecture standing proudly alongside flamenco and tapas bars.
From here to Tarifa, where we take the one hour ferry crossing over to Tangier, although we spend our first night in the stunning Rif Mountain town of Chefchaouen. Every city in Morocco is different, and all exciting in their own ways, as two days in Fez will show, with its well preserved ancient Islamic heritage and car-free Fez el-Bali medina. And finally, we take a train to Marrakech, a city that needs little introduction but which leaves the most memorable mark for its vibrant, sense awakening and exciting atmosphere.
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2 Reviews of Madrid to Marrakech via Portugal
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2018 by Leslie Lessenger
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being in the square in Marrakech in the evening.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack light, with layers. Bring a hair dryer if needed.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
With staying in locally-owned establishments.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Terrific.
Reviewed on 23 Aug 2017 by Patricia Deza
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
From Salamanca in Spain to Coimbra in Portugal to the end of the experience in Marrakesh, all was just beautiful and nutritius. I keep great memories of the trip, thank you!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
To avoid thinking the modern part of Fes will look alike all over the country. This idea made me take a bad decision to avoid staying longer in Marrakesh which I would very much enjoyed. Stay longer in Marrakesh and do the Sahara!!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt we really did not give enough importance to local people, for instance when going to buy artisan we allways went to big places who actually hire the work
of local people yes but not buying directly to the one who makes the product. I would encourage to ask your clients going to Marrakesh to avoid taking pictures of cobras, snakes and monkeys in the market in the plaza. This is so harmful for this animals!! they suffer so much by passing from one hand to another.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I loved it!!. I wish I could stayed connected to you to decide the trip to the dessert!!. Next time, for sure. :)
Responsible Travel
Planet
We use public transport throughout this trip, not only minimizing the environmental impact of our journey but also creating concrete opportunities to interact with the locals. You'll contribute directly to local economies and help develop cross-cultural understanding. In others words, enjoy a real life experience.We provide all our travellers with specific information about how to be a responsible traveller on this trip. Our group leaders are passionate about responsible travel. Taking these small steps, we're able to make a big difference. And that goes for the whole trip experience too. Our travellers get the chance to meet local people and really get to know their culture first hand.
Those who wish to contribute further after their travels can do so through the our company's foundation which supports environmental and social projects, making a difference to communities around the world. In 2007 the foundation donated over £100,000 to make a difference in local communities in terms of health care, education, human rights, child welfare and in environmental and wildlife protection in all our destinations worldwide.
Wherever we go in the world, we take a responsible attitude with us. That means travelling in a way which both respects and benefits local people, their culture and the environment. We travel with an average group size of just 10 people and mostly take public transport.
People
We stay and eat in small-scale locally-owned establishments. In keeping with our Responsible Travel policy you will stay in carefully selected locally-owned accommodation - we put your money into the local economy and small businesses, not state-owned companies or corporate chains.In Marrakesh we have the option of visiting the SPANA animal hospital which is a charitable organisation providing free health care and education for animals and their carers in the Marrakesh region.
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