Spain, Morocco & Portugal

(17 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Barcelona, Granada, Seville & Cordoba, Madrid, Marrakesh, Atlas Mountains, Lisbon

This incredible private luxury tour combines the best of Spain, Morocco and Portugal, focusing on culture, history, Moorish art and architecture, beautiful scenery, great food and luxury in each location.

Begin in Barcelona, Spain, the capital of the Catalonia region and a center of modern design and cutting-edge cuisine. During comprehensive private touring, discover Gaudi's fantastical structures such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo and Parc Guell. Stroll along Las Ramblas—Barcelona's most famous boulevard—and explore the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter and La Ribera. Visit excellent museums such as the Picasso Museum or Miro Museum. If desired, browse upscale boutiques along the Passeig de Gracia and design shops in the stylish Born and Raval neighborhoods. Also visit top food markets such as the Santa Caterina Market and La Boqueria Market. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange other activities in Barcelona, such as cooking lessons, Jewish touring, tickets to soccer matches, visiting favorite family attractions, private yacht charters and foodie tours.

Continue to Granada, one of the richest and most populous cities during Moorish rule. With your expert private guide, tour the Alhambra, a breathtaking Moorish castle, palace and garden complex on a hillside overlooking the city. Also visit the Generalife, the summer palace and gardens of Moorish royalty. See additional city highlights such as the opulent Royal Chapel, where monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella are buried, and the labyrinthine Albaicin (the former Arab Quarter), a world of winding streets, Moorish fountains and teterias (Arabic tearooms) in the hills. For dinner, Artisans of Leisure can make reservations at a restaurant with views of the Alhambra.

Continue to Seville, the capital of Andalusia. Enjoy an insider's tour of this beautiful city flavored as much by the sounds of flamenco and the smell of orange blossoms as by its 500-year domination by the Moors. Visit the world's largest Gothic cathedral (which contains the tomb of Christopher Columbus), explore the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood, and tour the gardens, spectacular Mudejar-style architecture, carved stuccowork and tile-covered rooms of the Real Alcazar, a Moorish palace. See additional architectural highlights such as the Plaza de España, the modern Metropol Parasol, and other historic palaces filled with azulejo tiles and decorative arts. Also, browse specialty boutiques and markets. One evening, enjoy a private tasting tour of some of Seville's most beloved tapas bars and attend a flamenco performance. If desired, additional activities can be arranged in Seville, including visits to ceramics workshops in the Triana neighborhood, carriage rides through Maria Luisa Park, private flamenco dance or guitar lessons, architecture tours of World Expo buildings, learning about Semana Santa (Holy Week) culture at the Basilica of La Macarena and excursions to nearby Roman ruins, pueblos blancos (whitewashed villages) or a bull ranch.

Next, transfer to Cordoba, a capital under the Romans and the Moors. During private touring, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center to see highlights such as the incredible Cathedral-Mosque, the ancient Roman bridge, and the narrow backstreets and whitewashed buildings of the former Jewish Quarter. Continue to by high-speed train to Madrid, the Spanish capital known for its elegant squares, stately architecture, leafy boulevards and world-class art museums. During flexible private touring, visit renowned museums such as the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia National Museum or Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and tour the majestic Royal Palace. Stroll through favorite neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and exclusive shopping and residential districts. Also visit historic squares and lively food markets, including the gourmet San Miguel Market. Other touring options include visiting the flea market, seeing the bullring or touring smaller museums. Upon request, additional experiences can be arranged such as cooking lessons, tickets to soccer matches, a behind-the-scenes tour of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium or insider shopping tours.

From Madrid, fly to Marrakesh, Morocco, 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.

Continue to the Atlas Mountains to 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.

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 azulejotiles, 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.

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, also visit the lovely seaside town of Cascais.

Daily touring can be fully customized to suit your interests. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also assist with advance dining reservations at the best restaurants in each location.

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