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This trip starts in Madrid, Spain and ends in Marrakech, Morocco. 

Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. A typical breakfast may include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.

Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.

For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Intercity transport on this trip will be by local bus and train. The bus and train systems in Spain and Portugal are generally very good, often with seat reservations and toilet facilities. Inevitably travelling by public transport can involve delays and frustrations, though, and we ask you to keep this in mind. Unfold your map, pack in your phrase-book and mp3 player and get ready to enjoy the landscape.

Between public transport and hotels you may be required to carry your luggage short distances (up to 20mins walk), in larger cities you may travel by metro or city bus, and occasionally the group will take taxis to and from hotels.

In Morocco you will be using a private, air-conditioned van.

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

Please be aware that single room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller, and may not be to the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.

SPAIN & PORTUGAL
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.

Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.

MOROCCO
You can expect to stay in local hotels or pensions, which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. Where a town has both an ancient medina and a "ville nouvelle" we generally stay in the ville nouvelle, both because the standard of hotels is higher, and because travellers often find the medinas at night a little intimidating.

Please note that Morocco is a developing country and as such the infrastructure is not as reliable as you would see at home. Expect quirky plumbing and the odd cold shower.

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.)

Cold Weather:

• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Documents:

• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:

• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:

• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:

• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: For departures from Nov-Feb the weather can be cold, please bring warm clothing.

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your CEO where the closest laundromat is. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Spain and Portugal are in the Eurozone and the unit of the currency is the Euro. In Morocco, the local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards, but may incur a fee. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Spain - check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies. The foreign currency most commonly accepted in Morocco is the Euro. You will be able to exchange Euros, as well as GBP and USD at money exchange offices in major cities.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros and cards is best.

Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Europe:

While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers.

Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30-€40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.

Morocco:

Morocco has a strong tipping culture - it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bell boys, taxis and van drivers. Tips are regarded as an essential means of supplementing income for those working in the tourism industry.

Even though this might not be customary to you, nor such common practice in your home country, it is generally expected and of great significance to the people who will be assisting you during your travels.

Depending on your preference and/or that of the group, you may choose to tip individually, organize the tipping with your travelling companions, or, your CEO will offer to collect the tip money at the beginning of your tour and tip as a group with your participation as the tour progresses. A recommendation for tipping small service providers is about $3 USD per day, depending on the quality of the service (this does not include your G Adventures CEO).

Feel free to ask your CEO for the breakdown/distribution of the tips. Note that if you have been very disappointed by a particular service, please inform your CEO right away, and the tip will be adjusted accordingly.

Also, at the end of your trip if you felt your G Moroccan Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is also expected and appreciated. The precise amount is entirely a personal preference, however $35-40 USD per person per week can be used as a general guideline.

Madrid

• Reina Sofia Museum (12EUR per person)
• Gran Vía Visit (Free)
• Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (13EUR per person)
• Plaza Mayor Visit (Free)
• Museo Nacional Del Prado Visit (15EUR per person)
• Royal Palace (Palacio Real) Visit (12EUR per person)
• Taurino Museum (15-20EUR per person)

Porto

• Lello Bookstore (8EUR per person)
• Ribeira Square (Free)
• Sao Bento Railway Station (Free)
• Porto Ribeira Cruise (20EUR per person)
• Palacio da Bolsa (12EUR per person)

Lisbon

• Alfama District Visit (Free)
• Praça da Figueira Market (Free)
• Sao Jorge Castle (15EUR per person)
• Belém District Visit (Free-10EUR per person)
• Rossio Square (Free)
• Visit to Sintra
• National Coach Museum (8EUR per person)
• Santa Justa Lift (6EUR per person)
• Calouste Gulbenkian Museum (10EUR per person)
• Tuk Tuk Tour of Lisbon (100-250EUR per person)
• Belém Tower (8EUR per person)
• Lisbon Food Tour

Évora

• Diana Roman Temple (Free)
• Évora Museum (Free)
• Évora Cathedral and Roman Temple

Olhão

• Olhão Fish Market (Free)

Seville

• Santa Cruz Quarter Visit (Free)
• Alcázar Palace Visit (13.50EUR per person)
• La Giralda Visit (9EUR per person)
• Ronda Day trip (100-150EUR per person)
• Casa de Pilatos (10-12EUR per person)
• The Golden Tower (Torre del Oro) (3EUR per person)
• Santa Paula Convent (2EUR per person)

Chefchaouen

• Hike to the Spanish Mosque (250MAD per person)
• Ras El Maa Visit
• Chefchaouen Medina

Er Rif

• Rif Valley Mountains Hike

Fès

• Ville Nouvelle Exploration (Free)
• Shop Fès Medina (Free)
• Fes Hammam Visit (200-400MAD per person)

Marrakech

• Koutoubia Mosque Visit
• Menara Gardens Visit (Free)
• Jardins Majorelle (200MAD per person)

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.