Trip Overview
Worth noting…
Pssst... we’ve organised a resident Topdeck Representative to meet you in Morocco – joining forces with your Trip Leader for allll the local insights, historic low-downs and hidden gems. Sweet!
Tales From Topdeckers
Trip itinerary
-
Barcelona – Valencia
2Rise and shine! You’ve just woken up in Barcelona, and there’s a free morning ahead to spend doing your own spontaneous this-is-what-I-came-for thing, amigos. If you need some suggestions your expert local Trip Leader’s got your back. Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia are straight-up must-sees. Alternatively: explore the crazy that is Las Ramblas or get lost amongst the maze of winding alleys in the Gothic Quarter. Lose yourself, find yourself, then grab some churros for the road – we’re heading to Valencia where there’s something pretty spesh in store. Here we’ll be taking a jaunt around the chill Albufera lagoon in a traditional-style boat (as long as the weather plays ball). And finally? Dinner’s on us this eve. NICE.
-
Included Today
- Boat ride along the Albufera lagoon (weather permitting)
-
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
-
Included Today
-
Valencia
3Ready to make like Dora? We’ll head out early for a walking tour of this unique city – ticking off the Gothic gateway of Torres de Serranos, lively Plaça de la Mare de Déu (that’s plaza to me and you), the Cathedral and then onto the foodie heaven that is Central Market. Looking to delve deeper? Valencia’s Old Quarter packs some serious old-school charm. Hire a bike and check out the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. Or opt for some R&R at the Thermal Springs of Montanejos. Get ready for alll the natural beauty, oh-so-soothing waters and awesome stories of legend. Tonight, get the gang together and head to El Carmen for colourful street art, hipster bars and live music. This is what you came for.
-
Included Today
- Walking tour of Valencia with Trip Leader
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Optional extras
- Thermal Springs trip including lunch: from €79
-
Included Today
-
Valencia – Granada
4Today we’ll make the scenic journey to Granada – trading the glittering coast for the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Glue your face to the window as your fact-filled Trip Leader gives you the low-down on the last Moorish city in Spain to fall to the Christians. Then: discover what makes this place the hottest destination in Andalusia on a walking tour. And tonight? You’re in the home of tapas. Order a beer. Be patient. And your drool-worthy tapas will arrive. Fact: locals toss their paper napkins on the floor, the messier the floor = the more happy locals. Seriously.
-
Included Today
- Walking tour of Granada with Trip Leader
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Included Today
-
Granada
5You wanted free time to delve deeper and experience more – so here it is. 24 hours of uninterrupted exploration time in this incredible city. Need some suggestions? Tour the Alhambra (pro tip: book in advance). Part Moorish palace, part fortification – this UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with exquisite gardens, intricate medieval architecture and a fascinating Arabic history. Just book your tix well in advance, this one is on everyone’s bucket-list. Rather stay in town? Take in the impressive Moorish architecture of the Albaicín district. Walk up the Mirador San Nicolas viewpoint for some of the best views in Europe (no joke). Then head to Heladeria Los Italianos for the best dang ice cream you’ve ever had. Then tonight, it’s tapas bar hopping time. What are you going for? Sizzling paella? Fresh prawns? Peppery jamón ham. Or spicy patatas bravas. *wipes drool from face*
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Meals
-
Granada – Chefchaouen (Morocco)
6Ready to tick off another continent? We’re off to Morocco after breakfast. Disembark the ferry and say g’day to your Moroccan Topdeck Rep – they’ll be joining forces with your Trip Leader to give you allllll the local insights. Then: we’ll be swapping glittering blue coasts for bluer-than-blue cities this afternoon. Nestled between the looming peaks of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is totally out of this world. Brilliant sapphire-coloured buildings. A maze of narrow alleyways. And authentic local vibes. Get your bearings on a stroll around town – then tuck into an included dinner at a local restaurant with the gang. This city's sure got the blues, but in the best way ever.
-
Included Today
- Meet your Moroccan Topdeck Representative
-
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
-
Included Today
-
Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Fes
7Time to don your archaeology hat, ‘cos we’re off to Volubilis to check out the Roman ruins with a local guide. This ancient site dates back to 40 AD and was once the ruling centre of the Roman province of Mauritania. Your inner history nerd just geeked out, right? Then: more history. We’ll be heading deep into the heart of old Morocco on our journey to Fes. Finally, something special’s in store as we check into our digs for the next two nights: a traditional Moroccan riad (think boho vibes, ornate tiles and leafy courtyards).
-
Included Today
- Walking tour of Volubilis with local guide
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Included Today
-
Fes
8Mausoleums, mosques and medinas are on the cards today as we hit the streets on a whip around the city with a local guide. The 9,000 narrow cobbled streets in Fes el-Bali are lined with spices, food stalls and tanneries, so don’t waste a second – get exploring! Visit a local tannery (hint: say yes to the mint, you’re gonna need it). Head over to the Ruined Garden for Moroccan tapas in an awesome setting. Hike up Mount Zalagh for all the views. Or hunt down a hammam for a body shine and polish. It’s a tough life. Tonight, tuck into a camel burger (or chicken couscous if that’s not your jam) at Café Clock.
-
Included Today
- Walking tour of Fes with local guide
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Included Today
-
Fes – Asilah
9Grab that included brekkie cos our morning hits with a guided visit to the Roman Ruins of Lixus. Mood: allll the ancient feels, including a sanctuary dedicated to HER-CU-LEEEES. Then: say as-salaam alaykum to the whitewashed wonder that is the seaside town of Asilah. This place oozes Greek island vibes and we’ll have plenty of time to check out the Old Town on a walking tour with a local guide. Think: colourful street art and 15th-century ramparts. After? Head to the port for fresh seaside vibes and sunset over the Atlantic. This is livin’.
-
Included Today
- Roman Ruins of Lixus guided visit
- Walking tour of Asilah with local guide
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Included Today
-
Asilah – Seville (Spain)
10Didn’t quite meet your quota of authentic Spanish churros? Never fear, Seville is up next! Fact: according to legend, the city was founded 3,000 years ago by Hercules. And we’ve got a bit of a Herculean drive day today – so pass round the AUX cord, catch up on some zzzs and text your ‘rents from the ferry back to Spain. You’re gonna be too busy later. Then: time to meet your date tonight – a hot and spicy flamenco show PLUS an included dinner. Ay, caramba!
-
Included Today
- Flamenco show in Seville
-
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
-
Included Today
-
Seville
11Time to see what all the fuss is about – this morning’s all about Seville’s A-listers and hidden gems. And what better way to delve deeper than with our expert Trip Leader? Thank us later. Tick off the likes of Plaza de Toros, Torre del Oro, the University and Plaza de España on a walking tour – then the rest is 100% up to you. Need some suggestions? Visit the Real Alcázar (book your tix in advance!). This palace is the most stunning example of Mudéjar architecture found on the Iberian Peninsula. Explore the old gypsy quarter of Triana. Go boating along the Guadalquivir river. Check out the massive Gothic Cathedral. Tonight: dinner’s on you (literally – we’ve seen how you eat tapas).
-
Included Today
- Walking tour of Seville with Trip Leader
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Included Today
-
Seville – Lisbon (Portugal)
12Flirt with Spain's girl next door and discover why Lisbon is basically the San Francisco of Europe. History. Culture. Food. And some seriously booty-burning hills. Spend a month here, and you wouldn’t have seen it all – but we’re sure as hell gonna try! Strap in for a combo walking-driving tour of this electric city. Head to Belém and tick off the likes of Jerónimos Monastery, Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument and the World Heritage-listed Belém Tower. Then: it’s past the Monumento aos Restauradores through Praça Dom Pedro IV and across Praça do Comércio to tonight’s final dinner together. We’re gonna give this trip the send-off it deserves!
-
Included Today
- Lisbon highlights drive
-
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
-
Included Today
-
Lisbon
13And just like that, it’s over. You tried the food. You met the locals. You said yes to culture. Yes to history. What. A. Ride. Swap those socials – next year’s reunion trip isn’t going to plan itself. Where to next?
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Meals
What's included
Included experiences
- - Boat ride along the Albufera lagoon (weather permitting)
- - Walking tour of Valencia with Trip Leader
- - Walking tour of Granada with Trip Leader
- - Local Topdeck Representative in Morocco
- - Walking tour of Volubilis with local guide
- - Walking tour of Fes with local guide
- - Flamenco show with dinner in Seville
- - Walking tour of Seville with Trip Leader
- - Lisbon highlights drive
- - Roman Ruins of Lixus guided visit
- - Walking tour of Asilah with local guide
Accommodation
- 10 nights in hotel-style accommodation (double or twin), 2 nights in a Moroccan riad (double or twin) and 2 nights in hostel (double or twin).
Transport
Optional activities
- FYI: these are optional activities available locally. Things might change – prices are here to give you a rough idea.
- Thermal Springs trip including lunch: from €79
Views & Reviews
Latest Reviews
Average rating based on 3 reviews
-
Anonymous May 2023
-
Hayley Cu April 2023
Spain was incredible, everything that was organised through Spain was just so memorable. I quickly added Spain to my list of favourite places I've visited, highly highly recommended!
I booked this tour because it went to Morocco, as I was under the impression I shouldn't do it alone and it was high on my bucket list.
Morocco sure was a letdown unfortunately, I 100% put this down to the trip leader we had for that leg of the trip. He was nice enough but I believe he is used to showing around an older demographic, he skipped over the history and ruins but would constantly point out 4&5 star hotels, which we were all super confused about.
He also recommended places for lunch/dinner, which were massive disappointments, especially the 50 euro dinner and show he'd organised.
On our Fes city tour, he took us to all the places he's obviously pre-organised, which is to be expected, but these were all super touristy places, again probably because he's used to an older demographic that likes that kind of thing. We were told not to go off on our own as it was too dangerous, and after speaking with locals that live there, this is just not true. I believe we were scared into not wanting to leave the group so we went to the places he wanted us to go to.
The three cities we visited were so far away from each other too, the first stop was Chefchauen, which we didn't arrive at until 9 PM, and that was with an on-time ferry, so we only got a few hours the next day to explore, and we weren't allowed to do this on our own either, the trip leader took us on a walking tour, and would get very upset if people fell behind. At one point a few of us broke away from the tour, because we are adults and perfectly capable of looking after ourselves, he'd made everyone stand in one spot for about 20 minutes while he tried to find us. Being hand-walked around the city is not my idea of travel, I was there to explore and be present were I was, not walk past, take a photo, and leave.
The third city we went to was Asilha, while it was super beautiful, again we only has a few hours at night and a few hours the next morning to explore, it was a very small city with not much to do, so this was so bad, but felt like we could have skipped this city and had more time in Chefchauen.We then went back up to Spain and had an included dinner with Flamenco show that evening, which was absolutely amazing, and very memorable. Then onto Portugal the next day, the included dinner that night was at an Italian restaurant, which was odd, we were in Portugal and were taken for Italian, the food was pretty poor too, with a few getting a tad sick the next day.
In summary and in my opinion, this trip needs to be split up, either Spain and Morocco, with more time in these places, and most definitely get a different tour operator in Morocco, it was the biggest letdown.
Or Spain and Portugal, with more time in Portugal.
Trying to fit in all three meant far too much driving time, and Morocco was left unexplored.
Also, for those who struggle to see famine and animal abuse, Morocco will be difficult to explore without seeing these things. -
Anonymous April 2023
Comparably to my 2019 experience with topdeck I was rather disappointed. Being twin accommodations I thought there would be a higher quality that was not the case. The local tour guide provided in Morocco wasted a lot of our time taking us to sightsee 4 and 5 star hotel (because of this we only had 1 hour the next morning to go on a walking tour of CHEFCHAQUEN which we all would have wanted to spend more time and he didn’t bother to answer the question we had he kept saying later. We missed the status of Hercules because it was closed? He took us to “shop” where we were ripped off by the merchant found the exact same item 10 times less but that wasn’t as big a deal just annoying. If you are going to call a tour Spain morocco, and Portugal then I feel like you should spend more than the night in Portugal, otherwise call it a morocco Spain tour. last comment if we have a bus driver it would be nice to use the bus when possible not having to pay to get to the walking tour another added cost which was not a thing in the past
Crazy-good combinables
Europe | Delve Deep
Delve Deep: Spain & Portugal
10 days / 2 countries
Start: Lisbon
End: Barcelona