Highlights of Morocco & Portugal

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Fez, Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh, Lisbon & Sintra, Porto & Douro Valley

This luxurious private tour is perfect for those seeking to experience the highlights of Morocco and Portugal. With your own private guides and drivers, enjoy comprehensive touring of vibrant cities, stunning countryside, UNESCO World Heritage sites and places of historical, cultural and culinary interest. Accommodation is at the best luxury hotels in each location.

Begin in Fez, the intellectual and religious heart of Morocco. During private touring, explore Fez el-Bali ("Old Fez") and its medieval medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site crammed with narrow streets, tiny squares and busy workshops. See centuries-old mosques and universities, as well as the open-air tanneries. If desired, also visit studios where artisans create traditional carpets, copperware, leatherwork, ceramics and zellij tilework. Also tour Fez el-Djedid ("New Fez") to see the Royal Palace and explore the mellah, the largest Jewish quarter in Morocco.

Next, spend two nights in the Atlas Mountains at Kasbah Tamadot, one of Morocco's most acclaimed luxury resorts. Designed like a traditional Moroccan fort, the hillside resort has beautiful grounds and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. During your stay, enjoy private visits to local Berber villages and markets, as well as time to relax at the resort pool and spa.

Continue to Marrakesh, a beautiful city of pink buildings, bustling souks (markets), and upscale shops and restaurants. During private touring, explore exquisite Moorish gardens and architectural highlights such as Jardin Majorelle, Jardin Menara, the Palmeraie and the Bahia Palace. See important historic monuments and districts, including the Jewish quarter, Koutoubia Mosque, and Ali ben Youssef Mosque and Medersa. If desired, also visit museums such as Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts. Take an insider tour of the massive souks where shops offer local products such as argan oil, Berber carpets and Moroccan slippers. Also visit the spice souks, which are stocked with locally harvested saffron, cumin and other ingredients. Relax with a glass of Moroccan mint tea at one of our favorite spots, and enjoy reservations at elegant restaurants in restored ryads (guesthouses). One night, explore Djemaa el-Fna, the city's lively main square, which transforms each evening into a multisensory pageant of energetic street performances and tantalizing food stalls. If desired, visit the best boutiques and galleries in Gueliz. One evening, enjoy an exclusive excursion into the nearby Agafay Desert for a sunset camel ride, traditional Berber entertainment, and a private candlelit dinner under the stars. There will also be time to enjoy your luxurious resort, one of the most exclusive hotels in Morocco.

Next, fly to Portugal. Experience Lisbon as an insider during private touring with an expert local guide. Tour the historic Alfama district, the sophisticated Bairro Alto and Lapa districts and the riverside Belem district. See St. George's Castle, Mosteiro dos Jeronimos monastery, Belem Tower and other impressive monuments of Moorish and Manueline architecture. Browse select shops offering Portuguese specialties such as azulejo tiles, embroidered linens, Indo-Portuguese furniture, gold jewelry, Portuguese design products and antiques. Sample local food specialties such as pasteis de nata custard tarts. Also tour museums according to your interests, including options such as the National Tile Museum, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, the National Coach Museum and the Museum of Folk Art. Other touring options include vibrant food markets, botanical gardens, scenic viewpoints overlooking the city and a private appointment to visit the Ricardo do Espirito Santo Silva Foundation, which is dedicated to the preservation and reproduction of traditional Portuguese design and decorative art. One evening, enjoy a memorable fado music performance at a local club. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange dinner reservations at Lisbon's best restaurants.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to Sintra, an aristocratic town of fairy-tale palaces and gardens among forested hills. During private touring in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the romantic National Palace of Pena, the spectacular National Palace of Sintra and the narrow streets in the historic center of the town, including the former Jewish quarter. Another option is visiting Quinta da Regaleira, a villa and park. If desired, Artisans of Leisure can make lunch reservations at a wonderful restaurant in the seaside town of Cascais.

Next, stop at favorite locations, such as picturesque villages with buildings covered in colorful tiles, important religious sites, historic towns or fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites. Continue to Porto, the capital of Port wine and a city with a fascinating mix of architectural styles, including Roman, medieval, Baroque and contemporary. Stay in a luxurious hotel on a hillside overlooking wine cellars and the Douro River. During private touring, explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See highlights such as the Palacio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange), the Se do Porto (Porto Cathedral) and the Livraria Lello, a historic bookstore with ornate woodwork. Browse specialty shops selling porcelain and Portuguese design products, and perhaps opt to visit additional places such as the Serralves Museum, the Casa da Musica, attractions with beautiful Portuguese tiles, or the riverside neighborhood of Ribeira. Artisans of Leisure will also arrange a private tour and Port tasting at one of the city's most renowned cellars.

One day, take a private excursion to the beautiful Douro Valley, a hilly wine region along the Douro River. Visit the best local quintas (wine estates), take an exclusive private river cruise in a traditional rabelo boat, and enjoy spectacular views of hills covered with terraced vineyards.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world