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Gay Portugal and Morocco Adventure Tour (Detours)
From the rolling vineyards and colonial villages of Portugal to the lively souks and dramatic vistas of Morocco, get ready for 11 days of incredible diversity. With centuries of history on display around every corner, today’s Portugal is a treat whether you’re coming for the world-class food and wine, the picturesque little villages with their clay roofs, or the lively social scenes in Porto and Lisbon. Spend your days exploring a hilltop castle, boating through the Douro Valley, or tasting pasteis de belem on a patio in the sunshine, and your nights being entertained by passionate Fado singers or in the many gay bars open into the wee hours.
On your group’s 7th day together you’ll trade charming Western Europe for fascinating Northern Africa for a taste of something completely different in Morocco. As you explore the souks of Marrakech you’ll find snake charmers in Jemaa el Fnaa square, endless colorful stalls in the marketplace, and opulent palaces hidden in the winding pathways. As a feast for the senses in every way, there’s no wonder that Marrakech has been such a popular destination for both adventure-seeking and pampered travelers.
Itinerary
Days 1, 2, and 3 – PORTO and DOURO VALLEY
You’ll meet at your hotel near the bank of the Douro River at 4:00pm on day 1 to start your experience together in Porto – the heart of the country’s incredible culinary and cultural scene, looking like something out of a fairy tale. Surrounded by the beauty of this city, you’ll be spoiled with stunning views, fabulous meals, and unique history. You’ll be joined by a local guide on a food-and-wine-focused walking tour as they take you to the hidden gems for the best port and Francesinhas in town. You’ll also take a trip through the Douro Valley together to check out the region’s beautiful scenery and stunning vineyards with a tour and tasting at a quaint mom and pop winery.
Included Activities: Food and wine tour of central Porto with local guide • Winery tour and tasting in the Douro Valley
Optional Activities: Explore Gaia • 6 bridges water cruise • Port winery tasting tour
After a 3-hour train journey (which will surely be spent gawking at the beautiful Portuguese countryside) you’ll arrive to the capital city of Lisbon, a colonial masterpiece along the Tagus River, full of charming neighborhoods, impressive architecture, and fabulous restaurants and bars. It’s a place you’ll swear you’ll move to after experiencing the warmth of the community and the beauty of every new street you turn. But with the hilltop palaces of Sintra just 30 minutes outside of the city and the beachside communities along the way it’s not just the central Lisbon that you’ll want to explore while you’re here. You’ll rack up an impressive step-count as you explore hilltop castles and cobblestone neighborhoods, then reward yourselves with their famous custard tarts and pastries before enjoying the many nightlife options if you’ve still got the energy. Detours ensures a weekend stay in Lisbon to ensure you can take in all the nightlife opportunities here.
Included Activities: Lisbon walking tour with local gay guide
Optional Activities: Sintra (and castles) • Day trip to Fatima and the coast • Bike tour of Lisbon • Fado Show
It’s only a short flight over to Africa but you’ll feel a world away as you arrive to Marrakech on our 7th day. Donkeys pulling carts through the streets, food stalls selling colorful snacks, snake charmers entertaining passersby, all with the call to prayer in the air several times per day. But among the action of the souks is one oasis after another of incredible beauty, from secret gardens to ornate palaces covered in gold to indulgent hammams. Through all the unique contradictions on display across the city, the genuine welcoming culture of the Moroccans is impossible to ignore. You’ll explore much of the city together with a local guide, and we’ll do a local group cooking class in a beautiful courtyard then encourage you to haggle for trinkets in the Medina, visit the YSL Museum, pamper yourself at a gorgeous hammam, or take in a cultural show in the desert on the edge of the city.
Included Activities: Medina and souk tour of Marrakech with local guide • Group cooking class in Marrakech
Optional Activties: Yves Saint Laurant Museum and Gardens • ATV desert tour • Camel riding in the desert
Although it’s only a quick couple of hours from the action of Marrakech, the mud-brick homes, waterfalls, and clifftop villages scattered around the Atlas Mountains can’t be missed. You’ll do some moderate hiking, stop for tea and snacks in a local home, visit local craft shops, and wander the remote town of Imlil, all against a backdrop of the imposing mountain peaks. After spending the day exploring you surely deserve a stop at a local Kasbah – your reward for a full day of sightseeing before returning to Marrakech for your Detours’ group’s final night together.
Included Activites: Waterfall hike, tea and snacks at a local home • Lunch at a local Kasbah • Tour of Atlas
After countless new experiences shared together through Portugal and Morocco your group time sadly comes to an end on the 11th day here in Marrakech. You’re welcome to book your departing flight from Marrakech for any time on this 11th day as there are no group activities planned. Staying later into this day or spending some extra nights here? It’s a fabulous city with plenty to keep you busy! Maybe take a day trip down to the coastal town of Essaouira or take one last hammam before you go?
Accommodations
Detours doesn’t like staying in smelly shacks on our vacations and we’re pretty sure you don’t either! You work hard to go on vacation and we believe you deserve an enjoyable, comfortable place to wind down at the end of each day. Detours puts a LOT of time into finding the perfect accommodation for your trip. After rigorous Wi-fi signal testing, fluffing pillows, and taking a shower or two, they’ve narrowed down their favorite properties. Check out their approved accommodation to see where they have stayed in the past and where you likely will be staying on your trip.
PORTO: Hotel Moon & Sun
In the heart of Porto, this 4 star hotel is ideal for discovering the heritage and gastronomy of this beautiful city. All the main attractions are nearby: UNESCO-listed old town, the famous Clérigos Tower, Galerias de Paris, Church of the Order of São Francisco, and many more! Each room features air conditioning, a room safe, free wifi, and flat screen TV.
LISBON: Hotel Beautique Figueira
Hotel Beautique Figueira is located in the heart of Lisbon, right off of Figueira Square and only a short walk from Lisbon’s iconic districs; Bairro Alto, Chiado, Praça do Comércio and Rua Augusta. With it’s stylish restaurant & bar ready to cater your culinary needs, feel at home as all rooms breathe comfort, design in an atmosphere of elegance and serenity. Each room has air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar, and smart TVs.
MARRAKECH: Rias La Clé Dor
This hotel offers an authentic stay tucked away within the winding streets of Marrakech’s historic medina. Behind its traditional doorway, the riad opens into tiled courtyards, carved details, and a quiet, residential feel. Rooms are feature air conditioning, comfortable bedding, and en-suite bathrooms. The riad also offers a central courtyard, a rooftop terrace ideal for unwinding after a day in the souks.
*Please note that due to availability, these exact hotels may not all be available during all Detours trips. However, Detours will always replace these with similar hotels.
Pricing
$4,660 a Person
Pricing is per-person, based on two travelers per room. Traveling Solo? Detours will pair you up with a roommate, or take your own private room for just $1290 USD
What’s included? • All taxes • All group transport between itinerary destinations • Accommodations for your 11-day Detours experience • All full breakfasts • One-way international flight from Lisbon to Marrakech • Food and wine tour of central Porto with local guide • Lisbon walking tour with local guide • Day trip to the Atlas Mountains with roundtrip transport • Medina and souk tour of Marrakech with local guide • Group cooking class in Marrakech • Welcome dinner and drinks • Knowledgeable and fun Detours trip leader •
What isn’t included? • Meals and drinks outside of those listed above • Activities outside of the those listed above • International Airfare • Arrival/departure airport transfers • Optional gratuities •
Additional spending budget? Your big-ticket items are included through the trip, but you’ll want to budget for additional spending such as additional meals, drinks, shopping, activities, etc. These costs can vary dramatically with differing personal habits but we suggest expecting to spend an additional $950 USD at the lower end for the more budget-conscious and $1300 USD at the higher end for the splurgers. Detours suggests arriving to Portugal with a minimum of approximately 200 Euros and 2000 Moroccan Dirham.
Please review Detours’ Terms and Conditions before contacting us to book this gay Portugal and Morocco Adventure tour.
Pricing, availability and itinerary for this gay Portugal and Morocco Adventure tour are subject to change. Neither Purple Light Vacations nor Detours will be responsible for any inaccuracies.
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