Extension Trip was Fantastic

The tour through Portugal, Spain, and Morocco was extremely fast paced so believe them when they say this is "challenging." We didn't see a lot of Portugal but Lisbon's monuments and old city was interesting. We were on the bus quite a bit; some days up to 12 hours. We did get stops for sightseeing and "comfort" but it still makes for a very long day. The longest time we spent at any location was 2 nights but the pace was so fast that it was probably plenty. If you a light traveler and like to wash things out as you go, it can get a little hectic. Morocco was a beautiful country and much cooler than Spain or Portugal. Casablanca was a quick stop and then a long drive to Marrackesh. Honestly, I think I could have by passed Marrakesh and just made do with Fes, Meknes, and Rabat. Meknes was a much more interesting city than Marrakesh. When we got to Barcelona, the extension, it was finally like I was on vacation. We did a couple of tours (I skipped Montserrat) and the rest was free time. I loved the city, especially the food and ambiance. Of course, Gaudi was remarkable and I would have been happy to see more of his work. The hotels were generally good with the typical problems that arise in hotels. Noise, water temperature, no a/c (but it was unusally warm for the time of year so I didn't fault them for that). There were some things that went wrong: not getting a deposit back on a safety box, hotel staff being rude (especially about bottled water) and some meals were much below standard compared to other hotels on the trip. I would say there was considerable inconsistency between hotels within each country. The negative reaction I had with the trip is the tipping. Our director was good and I liked her very much but she did function as a director, not a guide. We had so many 'local guides' that I hadn't budgeted appropriately for all the people we dealt with. Sometimes there were 'assistants' to the bus drivers and the guides. In Morocco, we had a director, a guide that traveled with us, and then local guides. I thought that was very confusing. My previous tours with other companies had only a director/guide and one bus driver.

Wonderful Trip

It was a really great way to see and learn lots about the history and culture of Portugal, Spain and Morocco. The pace was quick but we were really taken very good care of by our tour guide.

More work than relaxation.

The sights were awesome, the pace very active. The bus drivers are the best in the world. Our guides gave us great stories and information. Be in great physical condition and willing to pack very light. Buy lots of bottled water, a must for Morocco. Add the additional days in Barcelona for a relaxing end to your trip.

Portugal, Spain, & Morocco

Enjoyed the tour, but too many people on one bus...39 people makes hard for stops, on & off, etc. Makes it hard on seeing the sites with such a large group.

Spain, Portugal, & Morocco

Southern Spain was a delight, Gibraltar was a nice surprise. Morocco was interesting, and the Prado in Madrid was outstanding. However, I will never go on another bus tour with 39 people...TOO MANY people...logically it took too much time to get on/off, luggage, etc. Tour would have been fantastic if with 20-25 people! I would NOT recommend this or any tour with 40 people!

Great scenery, but very challenging.

The sights and cities visited were wonderful. I didn't pay attention to the "challenging" rating of the trip, however, and was totally worn out by the fast pace and minimal free time. I felt rushed constantly for meals and even bathroom stops. Changing hotels every couple days is grueling. If you take this tour, pack extremely light and be in excellent physical condition.

Poor Hotel in Marrakech

The hotel selected in Marrakech is owned by a strict Muslem who does not permit any alcoholic beverages and does not supply drinking water for the rooms. The staff was not the least bit friendly and breakfast was cold every day. In fact our last morning we had an early meal and not one person was to be seen from the hotel. Plastic wrap was on each item put out and we had to remove it to eat. If the coffee had not been warm I would have sworn they put it all out the night before!!! If any of us asked to change a large bill we were told no but locals were taken care of without a hassell.

I loved it and was so excited everyday until...

Unfortunately in the southern part of Spain, I had my first serious asthma attack and not knowing what the medical facilities would be in Morocco, opted for an emergency plane trip home from Madrid. I also had a cast on my hand from a previously broken thumb! But no matter, I enjoyed Portugal (first) more than I ever thought I would have. You know, it's one of those small, hardly-noticed countries... but I loved Lisbon, I loved the Fado concert extra, and I loved all the "history" in the country, and all the authentic small historical towns. Did not care for Sintra though. Then on into Spain, with the flamenco dancers (more extras) and the beautiful architecture and its voluminous history. I am a historian and I've seen most of Europe under that pursuit. My Spanish is pretty good, and I got a chance to use it with the townsfolk. Missing Morocco altogether was a bummer, but maybe I'll go back!

Not my best trip ever

Spain and Portugal were excellent Morocco,on the other hand, is not a trip I would advise anyone to take-except under these criteria- 1-One must be very interested in seeing multiple Mosques-both finished and in ruins 2-One must be very interested in Islamic history 3-One must not have reservations about visiting a 3rd world country

Unexpected gem

It was fascinating to see how this whole region is tied together in history with the Moors, the Reconquista and the Jews. These themes could be developed more by Go Ahead as the dynasties in Morocco carried over to Spain. Seville was a particular gem. Our tour director was outstanding. I thought Morocco got a bit long and the drive from Marrakech to Fes was particularly long. It is tough being a vegetarian on this tour although our tour director tried mightily to find suitable options. Ironically, Moroccans eat lots of vegetables but tend to give their guests lots of meat. Not sure how you get around that problem.