Spain, Morocco & Portugal: Self-Launched 16-Day Route (Madrid Loop)
16 days · Spain, Morocco & Portugal
Trafalgar charges £3,050
No-markup version: ~£1,345 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
A self-launched, solo-friendly version of Trafalgar's 16-day Madrid-to-Madrid coach tour through Spain, Morocco and Portugal. You cover the same headline sights — Madrid's Royal Palace, Toledo's old town, Granada's Alhambra, the Costa del Sol, Fes and Marrakesh medinas, Casablanca's Hassan II Mosque, Rabat, Tangier, Seville, Évora and Lisbon — but you build it yourself with hostels and guesthouses, public buses and trains, the Gibraltar ferries, and self-booked guided day tours from GetYourGuide or direct with the monuments. Expect a fraction of the coach price, more freedom, and a proper taste of each country.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Madrid
Madrid, Spain
Land at Madrid-Barajas and take the Metro Line 8 + Line 10 into the centre (~€5, about 40 mins) or the Airport Express bus (~€5). Check into a hostel or budget hotel around Sol, La Latina or Malasaña. Ease in with a self-guided evening walk past the Cibeles Fountain, down the Paseo del Prado, and grab dinner — a menú del día or tapas at a stand-up bar in La Latina for £10-15.
🚌Airport Metro/bus ~£5
🛏Hostel or budget hotel in central Madrid (dorm £18-25, private £40-55)
- →Self-guided evening walk: Cibeles Fountain and Paseo del Prado
- →Tapas dinner in La Latina
Madrid: Royal Palace, Retiro Park & Prado
Madrid, Spain
Book the Royal Palace and the Prado online ahead of time (Prado is free 6-8pm Mon-Sat and 5-7pm Sunday; Royal Palace ~€14 or free on certain weekday late slots for EU citizens). Do a free walking tour with a tip (~£8-10) for the Cibeles fountain and Paseo de la Castellana orientation, then spend the afternoon in El Retiro Park and the Golden Triangle of Art. Optional side-trip: AVE train or bus to Segovia is doable but long — if you want it, save a full day; otherwise stay in Madrid.
🚌Walking + Metro ~£5
🛏Hostel or budget hotel in central Madrid
- →Royal Palace entry ~£12
- →Prado Museum (free window or ~£13)
- →El Retiro Park walk
- →Free walking tour (tip ~£8)
Madrid to Toledo by train, then on toward Granada
Toledo & Granada, Spain
Take the early Avant train from Madrid Atocha to Toledo (~35 mins, ~€13 one-way). Drop bags at the station lockers or a café. Wander the old town, visit the Church of Santo Tomé (El Greco's 'Burial of the Count of Orgaz', ~€4) and the Santa María la Blanca Synagogue (~€4). Watch a damascene steel workshop demonstration — many in Toledo offer free demos with pieces for sale. Mid-late afternoon take the train back to Madrid and connect onward to Granada — either the direct regional train (~4.5 hrs) arriving evening, or overnight in Madrid and travel early Day 4. Most travellers do the latter.
🚌Madrid-Toledo return train ~£22, Madrid-Granada train ~£30-40
🛏Budget guesthouse/hostel in Madrid or Granada (dorm £18-25)
- →Toledo old town walk
- →Santo Tomé Church ~£4
- →Santa María la Blanca Synagogue ~£4
- →Damascene steel workshop demo (free)
Granada: The Alhambra
Granada, Spain
The Alhambra is the single most important pre-book on this trip — tickets (~€19) sell out weeks ahead; book on the official alhambra-patronato.es site or via GetYourGuide with a guide (~£30-40 for a 3-hour tour). Give yourself the full morning or afternoon there (palaces are timed-entry). Afterwards explore the Albaicín quarter and Mirador de San Nicolás for sunset, with a free tapas crawl in the evening (Granada's tapas culture is famously cheap).
🚌City buses/walking ~£4
🛏Hostel in Granada (Albaicín or centre, dorm £16-22)
- →Alhambra entry ~£17
- →Albaicín walk & Mirador San Nicolás
- →Tapas crawl
Granada to Costa del Sol (Málaga/Torremolinos)
Costa del Sol, Spain
Bus or train to Málaga, then local Cercanías to Torremolinos/Benalmádena if you want the resort strip the tour uses. Málaga itself is cheaper and far more interesting — the Alcazaba, Picasso Museum and beach are all walkable. Spend the afternoon on the sand, swim, and eat a cheap chiringuito lunch of pescaíto frito. Save a relaxed evening.
🚌Granada-Málaga bus ~£8 (ALSA), local Cercanías ~£2
🛏Hostel or budget beach-side guesthouse (£20-30)
- →Beach afternoon
- →Málaga Alcazaba exterior/Mirador
- →Chiringuito seafood lunch
Cross into Morocco: Costa del Sol to Fes
Fes, Morocco
This is a long travel day — the real version of the tour's coach transfer. Get from Málaga to Algeciras by bus (~£12, 2.5 hrs) or train, then the fast ferry Algeciras to Tanger Med/Port Tanger Ville (~£30-40, 1.5 hrs; FRS or AML). From Tangier take the ONCF high-speed Al Boraq train to Kenitra or Rabat and connect to Fes (~£25-35, total 4-6 hrs). Realistically plan an overnight in Tangier if you get a late ferry, or depart early to reach Fes by evening. Border formalities are quick for UK/US passports but allow buffer. Check into a riad or guesthouse in the medina or ville nouvelle (dorm £12-18, private £30-45).
🚌Bus ~£12, ferry ~£35, train ~£30
🛏Riad/guesthouse in Fes (dorm £12-18, private £30-45)
- →Gibraltar Strait ferry crossing
- →Al Boraq high-speed train ride
Fes: Medina Day
Fes, Morocco
Book a licensed local guide for the Fes medina — GetYourGuide half-day medina tours run ~£20-30, or negotiate direct with a guide at Bab Boujloud (~250-350 MAD). You'll see the tanneries, madrasas, carpet cooperatives and the Royal Palace gates. Skip pre-agreed 'shopping stops' if you're not interested — a good guide will drop them. Optional: visit the American Fondouk animal welfare charity (free, donations welcome) if the vet schedule allows. Evening: rooftop dinner of pastilla and harira, ~£6-10.
🚌Walking + petit taxi ~£5
🛏Riad/guesthouse in Fes
- →Guided Fes medina walk ~£25
- →Tanneries viewpoint
- →Royal Palace gates
- →Rooftop dinner
Fes to Marrakesh
Marrakesh, Morocco
Take the ONCF train Fes to Marrakesh (~7 hrs, ~£25-30 second class; buy at station or on the ONCF app). It's a scenic route through the Middle Atlas. Alternatively CTM/Supratours bus (~7 hrs, ~£18). Arrive into Marrakesh and check into a medina riad (£20-35 private, dorms £12-18). Head straight to Jemaa el-Fnaa at dusk — storytellers, food stalls, snake charmers. Eat at stall 14 or 31 for grilled skewers, bread and orange juice (~£6).
🚌Train ~£28 (or bus ~£18)
🛏Riad/guesthouse in Marrakesh medina
- →Jemaa el-Fnaa at dusk
- →Street food stalls
Marrakesh: Palaces, Souks & the Atlas Foothills
Marrakesh, Morocco
Morning walking tour of the medina — Bahia Palace (~70 MAD), Dar El Bacha Palace/Museum (~70 MAD, plus the Bacha Coffee house next door), Ben Youssef Madrasa. Optional half-day excursion to the Ourika Valley and a Berber family home (~£25-30 via GetYourGuide or local agency) with a hike to the Setti Fatma waterfalls. Evening: the souks around Souk Semmarine, and optionally a horse-drawn calèche ride around the ramparts (~£15 shared).
🚌Walking + taxi ~£6
🛏Riad/guesthouse in Marrakesh medina
- →Bahia Palace & Dar El Bacha ~£12
- →Ourika Valley & Berber home visit ~£28
- →Souk browsing
- →Calèche ride ~£10
Marrakesh to Casablanca, then Rabat
Casablanca & Rabat, Morocco
ONCF train Marrakesh to Casablanca (~3.5 hrs, ~£12-15). Drop bags at Casa Voyageurs or a station locker, then taxi/ tram to the Hassan II Mosque for the guided interior tour (slots at set times, ~130 MAD, ~1 hr). Continue by train to Rabat (~1 hr, ~£7). Overnight near the medina/ville nouvelle (guesthouse £20-30).
🚌Trains ~£20 total
🛏Guesthouse in Rabat (private £20-30, dorm £12-15)
- →Hassan II Mosque guided visit ~£11
- →Corniche walk in Casablanca
Rabat to Tangier
Rabat & Tangier, Morocco
Morning exploring Rabat: the Mohammed V Mausoleum and Hassan Tower (free), the Kasbah of the Udayas, and the Bou Regreg riverfront. Free walking tours run from the medina. Afternoon Al Boraq high-speed train to Tangier (~1h20, ~£15-18). Wander the Tangier medina, the Petit Socco and the Café Hafa terrace over the strait, then stay in the old town (guesthouse £20-30).
🚌High-speed train ~£16
🛏Guesthouse in Tangier old town
- →Mohammed V Mausoleum & Hassan Tower (free)
- →Kasbah of the Udayas
- →Café Hafa sunset
- →Tangier medina walk
Ferry back to Spain: Tangier to Seville
Seville, Spain
Take the morning fast ferry Tangier Ville to Tarifa (~1 hr, ~£30-35) — it's the shortest crossing and puts you closest to Seville. Bus from Tarifa to Algeciras/Seville (ALSA or Damas, ~£13-18, 2.5-3 hrs), or train from Algeciras. Check into a hostel in Seville's old town or Triana (£20-28 dorm). Evening: sunset at Plaza de España, then tapas in Triana (El Rinconcillo is the oldest bar in Seville). Optional flamenco at Casa de la Memoria (~€20) or La Carbonería (free/donation-based).
🚌Ferry ~£32, bus ~£15
🛏Hostel in Seville (dorm £20-28)
- →Gibraltar Strait ferry crossing
- →Plaza de España at sunset
- →Flamenco show ~£18 or free at La Carbonería
Seville sights & on to Évora
Seville, Spain → Évora, Portugal
Morning: Seville Cathedral and Giralda (~€12, book online), the Real Alcázar (~€15), and a stroll through the Santa Cruz Jewish Quarter and María Luisa Park. Afternoon bus Seville to Évora (ALSA/Rede Expressos ~£15-20, about 4 hrs, or via Badajoz with a change). Arrive Évora in the evening and check into a guesthouse inside the walls (£22-30). Dinner of Alentejo pork and local wine ~£8-12.
🚌Bus ~£18
🛏Guesthouse in Évora old town
- →Seville Cathedral & Giralda ~£10
- →Real Alcázar ~£13
- →Santa Cruz Quarter walk
Évora: Roman Temple, Chapel of Bones
Évora, Portugal
Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage town — walk the Roman Temple (free), the Cathedral (~€3), the Chapel of Bones (€6), the Praça do Giraldo and the aqueduct. Instead of the tour's family ranch lunch, book a small Alentejo wine tasting at a local quinta or take a GetYourGuide Alentejo wine tour (~£25-35). Hire a bike and ride into the cork oak plains if you have energy. Evening free.
🚌Walking / local bus ~£3
🛏Guesthouse in Évora old town
- →Roman Temple & Cathedral ~£3
- →Chapel of Bones ~£5
- →Alentejo wine tasting ~£28
Évora to Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal
Morning bus or train to Lisbon (~1.5-2 hrs, ~£10-13). Check into a hostel in Baixa, Alfama or Bairro Alto (£22-30 dorm). Afternoon in Belém: Jerónimos Monastery (~€10), Belém Tower (exterior free, interior ~€6), Monument to the Discoveries, and the Pastéis de Belém — join the takeaway queue, it's cheaper than sitting (~£3 for two). Evening in Bairro Alto for cheap beers and petiscos, or a fado bar in Alfama.
🚌Bus/train ~£12 + tram ~£2
🛏Hostel in Lisbon (dorm £22-30)
- →Belém sights ~£15
- →Pastéis de Belém ~£3
- →Bairro Alto evening
Lisbon to Madrid
Lisbon → Madrid, Spain
The tour loops back to Madrid, so you have two options. Fastest is a short flight Lisbon to Madrid (~1h15, usually £30-60 booked ahead on Ryanair easyJet or TAP). Alternatively the overnight train Lusitânia Comboio Hotel (Lisbon Santa Apolónia to Madrid Chamartín, ~10 hrs, couchette ~£50-70) keeps costs down and saves a hotel night. From Madrid Chamartín, Metro to the airport. If you've time before your flight, spend a final morning on a free walking tour of Alfama and Lisbon's miradouros.
🚌Flight ~£45 or overnight train couchette ~£55
🛏— (day of departure)
- →Alfama & miradouro walk
- →Lisbon tram 28 ride ~£3
Self-launched vs. Trafalgar
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Trafalgar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£1,345 | £3,050 |
| Duration | 16 days | 16 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £1,705 per person (56%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Trafalgar-style trips? Check them out here.~£1,345
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Spain, Morocco & Portugal: Self-Launched 16-Day Route (Madrid Loop) cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £1,345 per person for 16 days in Spain, Morocco & Portugal. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Trafalgar?+
Yes — Trafalgar charges around £3,050 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £1,345 — a saving of roughly £1,705 (56%) per person.
How long is the Spain, Morocco & Portugal trip?+
This itinerary runs 16 days, covering 16 day-by-day stops through Spain, Morocco & Portugal.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a culture, foodie, city-breaks trip through Spain, Morocco & Portugal, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
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