We’re dreaming up a first big trip linking Portugal, Spain and Morocco and I’m nervous we’re being too ambitious. The rough plan is a few days in Lisbon, down to Seville, then over to Marrakech with a night in the desert before flying home - about two weeks. Is that a sensible loop for a first go, or are we setting ourselves up to be worn out? For those who’ve linked the three, would you keep it as is or drop one?
Seriously?
Of course it’s doable, if you like travelling but not really visiting the countries.
I have visited all three, but it took a little longer than two weeks.
If it’s just about an ‘open-jaw’ (into Portugal and out of Morocco), highlights ‘taster’, I’d cut Lisbon’s three days and hit Porto as well.
Logistics
How do you intend to travel between Lisbon and Seville, and Seville to Marrakech?
There are no direct trains between Lisbon (or Porto) and Seville.
If adding Porto, while reducing Lisbon, is it possible to fly in to Porto?
Tour Radar
I’d probably be inclined to do something like a Charming Portugal (8 days) - from Lisbon; which includes Sintra and Cascais on Day Three; along with Tomar, Fatima, and Batalha on the way to Porto the following day.
From Porto, a Douro Valley is included, along with visits to Aveiro, Nazara, and Obidos on the way back to Lisbon on Day Seven.
Cut out Morocco
Just concentrating on the Iberian Peninsula makes more sense, with more time to discover the rest of Andalusia and Southern Spain.
If Morocco is a Must
If a visit to Marrakech is non-negotiable, it’s probably better to add another week.
Making The Most of Three Weeks
To really enjoy a visit to all three countries in one visit along with a little more time in Morocco, you could try a 21 Days tour of Spain, Portugal and Morocco with Eskapas - and just buy a return ticket to Madrid from your departure point (which is?).
If I had the time and money, it’s the option I’d choose.
Alternatively, with a fly in to Lisbon and out of Madrid, you could try a 16-Day Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco with Insight Vacations.
This will give you Lisbon, Seville and Marrakech, and although more of Morocco is included, it doesn’t give you an overnight in the desert.
As a side note, I have heard some complaints about Morocco accommodations; so it’s best to lower your expectations, if travelling on a budget, or invest in a more luxurious upgrade.
Sahara Desert Tours
If Desert Dreams are top of your list, you might want to think about how you’re going to be travelling around.
Good luck with putting this all together.
Hi Kristin.
We haven’t done those three together, but went to Lisbon and more of Portugal as well as Seville and more of Spain, not to mention parts of France. It was too busy, with frequent moving around with luggage, unpacking and packing, instead of enjoying wherever we were…
This year, we adjusted to spend more time in any city, with some day trips to see the surrounding area. And our experience was markedly better.
My recommendation is to spend your two weeks in Lisbon and Seville, with some day trips. Or alternatively, spend the time visiting more of Morocco (Marrakech, Casablanca and Tangiers and parts on between). The fact that your big first trip is to Europe or Africa (Morocco) is already ambitious, but trying to do it all will only check off a list, and not necessarily make the experiences and memories that would last a lifetime.
That my idea, but my first few trips were always too rushed, trying to see and do everything possible no matter the amount of running around. I appreciate the in-depth visits more now. Imagine having the time to lounge at a cafe, have a cool drink, and watch the world go by and enjoy that feeling of actually being present.
Good luck, I hope you get it figured out.
Pierre