Spain and Portugal, and then diving into Morocco with Stephen Scourfield

eTravel readers get to hear about our tours and events before they go to print … and today we are sharing our next tour, which is in partnership with Intrepid Travel.

While based on Intrepid’s excellent tours in these three countries, our Travel Club Tour has bespoke touches — and Travel Editor Stephen Scourfield will join the group for the Morocco section.

The group is limited to just 16 travellers, and we will have two pre-departure events with Stephen and an Intrepid representative, so that everyone has all the information they need, and the group has already started forming friendships.

It will be announced in print next weekend.

The 16-day, 15-night trip starts in Madrid, Spain, on October 20, 2025.

It ends in Marrakech, Morocco, and all accommodation is in comfortable hotels. It includes 15 breakfasts, three dinners and one lunch.

The full itinerary is below, but in Spain there is time in Madrid, Salamanca and Seville, and in Portugal, in Coimbra, Lisbon and Olhao.

One of Intrepid’s most experienced leaders will guide the group through Spain and Madrid, offering information and suggestions for things to do and see, recommending great local eating venues and introducing you to local friends.

On day 10, everything changes, as the group leaves Europe and sails to Africa.

The tour leader will take the group to Tarifa Port in Tarifa, and put them on the ferry to Tangier, where Stephen Scourfield and our specialist Moroccan tour leader will be waiting, ready to travel the two hours or so by road to Chefchaouen.

The blue city of Chefchaouen gives an enchanting start to the time in Morocco, before the group travels on to Fes and Marrakech.

+ The trip will be announced in the Saturday Travel on Saturday, April 5, 2025, and Sunday Travel on Sunday, April 6, 2025. This gives you, an eTravel reader, a few days to consider and perhaps follow up, before the news goes to our wider print readership.

BOOKING

The tour is $7180 per person, twin share. There is a single supplement of $2000 per person.

This excludes international airfares, but the Intrepid travel expert can book these for travellers. They can also book extra nights before and after the tour

Email info@westtravelclub.com.au and we will get an Intrepid travel expert to contact you and help. Or call 1800 429 000.

ITINERARY

Madrid (Spain)

Day 1: Monday, October 20, 2025

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Spain. Your adventure begins in Madrid, the central capital known for its boulevards and expansive, manicured parks. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6pm tonight to meet your group and local leader. After the meeting, head out for an included group dinner where you can get to know your fellow travellers. As there’s limited time for sightseeing in Madrid, consider flying in a few days early to explore and maybe while away the hours along the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) or maybe discover more about the modern Spanish masters like Picasso and Dali, in the Museo Reina Sofia.

Included Welcome meeting with Tour Leader. Welcome dinner.

Accommodation Hotel Catalonia Las Cortes or similar.

Madrid, Salamanca (Spain)

Day 2: Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Head out on a street art tour today with a local guide. You’ll walk through the streets of Madrid’s Lavapies neighbourhood and explore the district to really experience the art culture like a local. Learn some backstories of local artists and maybe even try your hand at some stencil graffiti too (if you’re lucky)!

Say farewell to Madrid this afternoon and head north-west to the university town of Salamanca. Sitting among pastures and rolling green hills on Spain’s northern plateau, the medieval town of Salamanca is great to explore on foot. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk when you arrive, where you can explore the central Plaza Mayor and the Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The rest of the evening is free. Perhaps climb to the top of the Old and New Cathedrals to get a view across the terracotta-coloured rooftops. Thanks to the large student population the town has a vibrant nightlife, so maybe soak up the vibe tonight, go dancing or grab a couple of drinks.

Included Breakfast. Madrid — Street Art Tour. Salamanca — Orientation Walk, led by tour leader.

Accommodation Hotel Soho Boutique Salamanca or similar.

Coimbra (Portugal)

Day 3: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Head further west today and cross the border into Portugal to the laid-back city of Coimbra — your base for the next two nights. Sitting on the banks of the River Mondego, Coimbra was once the capital of the country, and its royal heritage can be felt in its ancient streets. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the maze of alleyways to see the University of Coimbra — the oldest in Portugal — and to visit the famous baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina.

Included Breakfast. Coimbra — Orientation Walk (leader led). Biblioteca Joanina visit.

Accommodation Hotel Oslo or similar.

Coimbra (Portugal)

Day 4: Thursday, October 23, 2025

Today is a free day to explore Coimbra. Half the fun of Coimbra is wandering and exploring, so maybe use your free time getting to know the city on foot. Coimbra features many white stone buildings with excellent examples of the colourful azulejos tiling. Some of the historical structures were originally built in the 12th century (like the Cathedral Se Velha), and you can find some of Portugal’s best examples of Romanesque churches and elegant museums here. In the evening, you’ll head to a traditional Fado performance. Fado songs must follow a particular structure, and though this traditional music can really be about anything, it popularly features mournful tunes with lyrics about the sea or the life of the poor. In Coimbra, university students would often serenade their sweethearts with this music!

Included Breakfast. Fado Show.

Accommodation Hotel Oslo or similar.

Lisbon (Portugal)

Day 5: Friday, October 24, 2025

Today, travel through the countryside of central Portugal to Lisbon. As one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, Lisbon combines the best elements of Portuguese life, offering a multicultural population, delicious seafood and non-stop nightlife. When you arrive, meet your local guide for a guided walking tour.

Much of Lisbon’s character lies in its beautifully renovated buildings, grand boulevards and impressive castles and churches. Make a stop to taste the local beverage, Ginjinha, with or without the cherries. Your evening is free to explore at your own pace. To get an insight into the local nightlife, head to Bairro Alto.

Included Breakfast. Lisbon — Guided Walking Tour. Ginjinha Tasting.

Accommodation Dos Reis by the Beautique Hotels or similar.

Lisbon, Belem (Portugal)

Day 6: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Catch a tram and make your way to Belem. Join your tour leader for an orientation walk past the main sights. No visit to Belem is complete without a taste of the famous egg custard tart. Afterwards you can enjoy some free time to visit the nearby museums, such as the grand Navel Museum for an insight into the history of Portuguese navigation or return to Lisbon city centre and continue to explore at your own pace.

Included Breakfast. Belem Orientation Walk (leader led). Lisbon – Pasteis de Belem Tasting.

Accommodation Dos Reis by the Beautique Hotels or similar.

Olhao (Portugal)

Day 7: Sunday, October 26, 2025

Travel to the southern coastline of Portugal — the Algarve. Your base will be in Olhao, a traditional and charismatic Portuguese fishing town. When you arrive, head out with your tour leader to get your bearings. In the evening, why not have dinner in one of the local restaurants, and try a tasty Cataplana?

Included Breakfast. Olhao — Orientation Walk (leader led).

Accommodation Hotel Cidade de Olhao or similar.

Olhao (Portugal)

Day 8: Monday, October 27, 2025

Olhao is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a series of barrier islands, creating a beautiful landscape of canals, salt pans, lagoons and sandbanks. Today, you’ll board a local ferry and head out to one of these islands where you can wander along a series of boardwalks leading away from the Sherman’s settlements. You’ll cross over dunes to beaches that are so long that they disappear into the horizon. Return to Olhao for your overnight stay.

Included Breakfast. Olhao — Island day trip by boat. Accommodation Hotel Cidade de Olhao or similar.

Seville (Spain)

Day 9: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Leave Portugal behind and return to Spain, travelling by private vehicle to the city of Seville. If the legends are to be believed, Seville was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. To the Romans it was Hispalis, and to the Moors it was Isbiliya. After the Christian reconquest, it became thought of as the portal to the ‘New World’ and today is the largest city in southern Spain, well-known for its oranges, tapas and flamenco. When you arrive, head out to visit the Alcazar of Seville — a grand royal palace. Known as one of the most beautiful in Europe, the Spanish royal family still use the Alcazar as their residence! Tonight, join your group for a live flamenco show — a traditional Spanish style of dance with roots in Seville.

Included Breakfast. Real Alcazar, Flamenco Show.

Accommodation Hotel Las Casas de la Judería or similar.

Tarifa (Spain), Tangier & Chefchaouen (Morocco)

Day 10: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

This morning, rise early to start your long journey to Chefchaouen. You’ll head toward Tarifa and then leave Europe behind as you make your way to Africa. After leaving the ferry, say farewell to your European tour leader, as you’ll be picked up by the Moroccan crew and Stephen Scourfield.

Begin your Moroccan adventure with a pick-up from Tangier port. From there, enjoy a scenic transfer to the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation and take some time to rest and unwind after your journey. Spend the evening exploring the charming streets of Chefchaouen, known for its striking, blue-washed buildings and relaxed atmosphere.

Included Breakfast.

Accommodation Riad Dar Baibou or similar.

Chefchaouen (Morocco)

Day 11: Thursday, October 30, 2025

This morning, you’ll discover Chefchaouen beneath the blue during a tour of the medina with a local guide. Tour its winding alleyways, cobbled plazas and unique doorways and find out what makes the city so alluring. Stop off for a tasting of goat’s cheese — you’ll see there’s no shortage of goats in Chefchaouen and this soft, creamy goat’s cheese is some of Morocco’s best. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore further at your own pace. You may like to snap some more pictures of the city’s blue-hued buildings, shop for handicrafts or simply sit at a cafe and enjoy the pleasure of time passing by. Speak to your leader about the option for a home-cooked meal for dinner this evening.

Included Breakfast. Walking Guided Tour, Goat Cheese Tasting.

Accommodation Riad Dar Baibou or similar.

Fes (Morocco)

Day 12: Friday, October 31, 2025.

Say goodbye to Chefchaouen and make the journey to Fes — the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. When you arrive, take some time to unwind in a local hammam (spa) — speak to your leader for some great recommendations. This evening you’ll have the unique opportunity to see a different side of Moroccan life as you are warmly welcomed into the home-turned-restaurant of a local family for a pastilla dinner in a private after-hours experience. One of the country’s most celebrated dishes, this sweet and savoury delight is made with layered pastry and meat, cooked with eggs, caramelised onions, lemon and sugared almonds. Learn how the iconic Moroccan pie is made as you chat with your friendly hosts about life in Fes, then end the night with a traditional sweet treat.

Included Breakfast, dinner. Home Cooked Pastilla Dinner.

Accommodation Riad Dillar or similar.

Fes (Morocco)

Day 13: Saturday, November 1, 2025

This morning, head into the Old Town, known locally as Fes el Bali. Medieval Fes was one of the world’s great centres of education and culture, both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and libraries are legendary, and its mosques are renowned. Your leader will share stories of the city’s history as you walk through the twisting streets and alleyways, passing donkeys piled high with goods. Filled with historic khans, medresses and dye pits, there are stalls loaded with fruits, herbs and soups and the squawk of chickens, smells of spice and sounds of hammering copper fill the air. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the medina for a traditional mint tea in a family-owned tea house. Spend the morning exploring the old city, visiting Al-Attarine Madrasa, the tanneries and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine — a beautifully restored 18th-century inn. The afternoon is then free to explore more of what this charming city has to offer.

Included Breakfast. Medina walking tour Fes, Funduq al-Najjarin Fes, Medersa El Attarine Fes Tea Break.

Accommodation Riad Dillar or similar.

Marrakech (Morocco)

Day 14: Sunday, November 2, 2025

Begin your day with a scenic train journey from Fes to Marrakech. Enjoy a comfortable and picturesque view of the Moroccan landscape along the way. Upon arrival, check-in to your accommodation and take some time to relax and settle in. In the evening, embark on a tasting foodie tour through the medina. This guided tour will lead you through the bustling streets and hidden alleys, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of local delicacies. From savoury street food to sweet treats, this culinary adventure will give you a true taste of Marrakech.

Included Breakfast. Medina foodie tasting tour.

Accommodation Grand Plaza or similar.

Marrakech (Morocco)

Day 15: Monday, November 3, 2025

Today after breakfast, start your culinary adventure by learning to prepare Moroccan Tagine, at the amazing Amal Association cooking centre — a non-profit empowering women through culinary skills and education — where you’ll learn the secrets of preparing this iconic Moroccan dish. After your cooking class, feast on your creations for lunch. In the evening, head to Chez Zineb for a special home-cooked farewell dinner. You’ll be treated to a delicious meal prepared with love, featuring traditional dishes and the delightful company of the Houwariate, a group of local women known for their culinary expertise. This memorable dinner will be a perfect way to end your day in Marrakech.

Included Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Amal Cooking Class, Home-cooked dinner at Chez Zineb with Houwariate.

Accommodation Grand Plaza or similar.

Marrakech (Morocco)

Day 16: Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Your trip comes to an end today. Depending on your flight details, you will be transferred to Marrakech airport for your departure.

Included Breakfast, departure transfer.