2-Week Portugal and Morocco Grand Highlights Experience

Be sure to snack lightly on breakfast at your accommodation this morning as you will set off early with a spirited local guide on an insider’s food tour of Lisbon’s coveted gastronomic hotspots. The tour will begin at a stylish café famous for brewing tantalizing Portuguese-style pequeno almoço of coffee and pastel de nata, a sweet yellow custard tart. Your gastronomic galavant will continue along the maze of streets webbing through the popular historic neighborhoods of Baixa de Lisboa and Alfama to special stores and boutique eateries serving bifana, Lisbon’s adored pork sandwich, and local sparkling wine.

Lisbon’s scenery is best enjoyed from the evergreen hills that hang over its sparkling, sun-washed skyline in the morning, so you may wish to start your free day off with a brisk climb to the observation decks of the São Jorge Castle. Other walks lead to panoramic viewpoints all over the city, each offering a distinct glimpse of Lisbon’s dazzling neighborhoods and landmarks and even boasting access to some typical Portuguese highlights, such as the Basilica da Estrela and Largo do Carmo. The rest of the day is yours to explore Lisbon at your leisure.

Beyond the rolling hills of Lisbon lies the forested Sintra Mountain, a rugged emerald expanse that retains much history within its green coat. An expert guide will meet you in the morning and lead you to the mountain’s foothills, where pathways begin their trail through the flourishing vegetation. Water features, medieval constructions, and dim caves punctuate the forest floor en route to the summit of Sintra, where you will admire the inspiring Renaissance architecture of Pena Palace. Traveling back to Sintra, a stop in Cascais will highlight the flavors of freshly caught seafood dishes against views of shimmering golden bays.

Your belongings will be packed and stowed in your private transfer this morning headed for Lisboa - Estação do Oriente train station. You will board the train bound for the artistic city of Porto and enjoy the scenic views from your comfortable private cabin as you breeze through the countryside past a collection of charming towns peppering the pastures. You will arrive in Porto this afternoon, check into your stunning accommodation, and relish a half-day tour of the city’s historic center to heritage highlights including Praça de Batalha, Rua Catarina, Majestic Café, Igreja São Francisco, and Funicular dos Guindais.

Porto locals and foreigners alike gather in the town squares and wander the cobblestone streets from the early morning hours as the sunshine ripples through the clouds and flood the city with light. The smells of freshly baked pastries and echoes of friendly Portuguese chatter wander the walkways and ring from nearby markets. Images of Porto’s embellished landmarks and contemporary art galleries blend the country’s old-world and modern architecture. Everywhere you look, there is something fresh to discover, and you may do so freely today.

The Portuguese pearl of Porto is both a marvel itself and a portal to the folding, forest-flanked fields that compose the immaculate untouched paradise that is the Douro Valley. Today, a friendly private guide will lead you from the bustling cityscape into the quiet countryside, where you will find refuge on the balconies of the Portuguese valley's world-famous wine farms. Sommeliers at each estate will share their knowledge of the local vintages as you let the full-bodied, springy, and zesty nuances tantalize your taste buds to panoramic vistas of the sprawling Douro River.

You will return to Lisbon this morning from the Porto - Campanha train station and adore the breathtaking panoramas from your cozy private cabin as the train rolls through Portugal’s rural countryside. Adventurous travelers may wish to hop off at several stops during the journey to spend some time perusing the flurry of fabulous traditional villages dotting the hillsides, so be sure to plan ahead if you wish to see more of Portugal en route. You will arrive in Lisbon in the afternoon and spend your evening unwinding in your glamorous accommodation.

Wake up to catch the sunrise over Lisbon, a view accentuated by the scenes of early birds taking to the busy streets. Nothing will be planned today, but there is a wealth to see and do should you wish to explore more of Lisbon’s popular districts. After breakfast, you may head for the coast and stick your toes in the soft, golden sand or cycle along the shaded trails that weave through vibrant neighborhoods and up sloping hills. In the evening, you may settle in at a Portuguese restaurant and listen to the sweet symphony of Fado music during dinner.

The former imperial city in western Morocco, Marrakech, is a vibrant commercial hub rich in foreign activity and local culture that dates back centuries. Images of grand palaces, ornate spiritual complexes, and thriving medieval towns will introduce you to the marvels of Marrakech as you privately transfer from the international airport to your immaculate accommodation. You will wander the popular neighborhoods after unpacking, being sure to visit the renowned Djemaa el-Fna square, complete with a colorful bazaar brimming with melodies of local musicians, fables recounted by traditional storytellers, and modest stalls laden with trinkets and authentic Moroccan garb.

Marrakech continues to spotlight its ancient origins in decorated mosques and horse-drawn carriages clambering past old-world architecture adorning the skyline set amongst the snowy peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. A certified guide will chaperone you to regal landmarks such as the embellished Bahia Palace before you arrive at the significant ancient royal Saadian Tombs. The Jewish mellah is the next point of interest that you will discover as you continue through Marrakech to view the Koutoubia Mosque of Old Medina. Explore the souks, artifacts, and decorative objects that remain protected within the enchanting district.

Marrakech boasts a fascinating history of art and fashion, with some of the world’s most famous creators visiting the historic city to seek inspiration for their emblematic works. This is no more evident than within the exuberant districts of Gueliz and Hivernage, those of which you will explore during a behind-the-scenes art and fashion tour today. The Yves Saint Laurent and Berber Museum represent the pinnacle of design inspiration. The electric blue villas, pristine gardens, and Moroccan art galleries that you will visit will share insight into the life of the world's most memorable designers.

A marvelous desert oasis that stretches as far as the eye can see lies minutes from Marrakech. Sand dunes rise and fall with the shifting winds, buildings camouflage with the amber hues of the horizon, and plants grow sporadically amongst the parched expanse. You will bask in the desolate beauty of the Agafay Desert today after you retreat from the busy streets of Marrakech to a secluded and remote lavish accommodation pinned in the vast desert plains. Your afternoon will be spent riding camels over the dreamy dunes, relaxing in your far-flung accommodation, and taking in the starry evening sky.

Mornings in the Agafay Desert are surreal and dreamlike, elevated by the beating sunshine that illuminates the far-reaching sandy landscape. Your breakfast views will appear lifted from the set of a sci-fi film, punctuated by the endless expanse of red sand and yellow dunes. As you savor each bite of delectable Moroccan cuisine, you will reminisce about your adventures across Portugal and in Morocco and later leave from the airport having explored the best of each during this luxe 2-week highlights vacation.