Trip Region: Europe, Africa
Country(ies): Portugal, Morocco
Partners Trek? No
Cost: $2350
Airfare Estimate: $1200
Structure:   •   Lodging:   •   Nightlife: 7   •   Activity: 5

Join us and fully immerse yourself in the culture of two unique countries on two continents: Portugal and Morocco. If you’re interested in authentic local cuisine, wine tastings and tours, riding camels, or glamping in the desert, then this is the trip for you! You’ll be joined by a crew of fun-loving MBA2s who can’t wait to lead what will definitely be the best MTrek this year.

We’ll start off in northern Portugal in the colorful city of Porto, a great introduction to Portuguese history, art, and wine. After tasting several types of wine while overlooking incredible views of the Portuguese countryside, you’ll take a boat tour to see more incredible views of the valley and vineyards. After Porto, we’ll head to Lisbon, where you’ll take a walking tour with a focus on food, as well as the history and architecture of the city. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a boat party at sunset to round out your experience in Portugal with a beach day. Next up, we’ll kick off our stay in Marrakesh with a VIP club experience, followed by a tour of the medina the next day. After falling into food comas from yet another food tour, enjoy hammam massages at the local spa. Next, lace up your shoes for a hike through the beautiful Atlas mountains before we finish out the week with glamping in the desert, which wouldn’t be complete without a camel ride, private dinner, and open bar!

Day 1 — Saturday, Aug 15

And we’re off! Plan to depart from Ann Arbor on Saturday evening to arrive in Porto by Sunday morning.

Day 2 — Sunday, Aug 16

Welcome to Porto! After checking in at your hotel in Porto, enjoy an Orientation Walk to discover the area near your hotel. Porto is a charming city divided by the Douro river. On the other side of the Douro we can find all famous Port Wine wineries, and after the walk you can try some.Then we’ll all grab some shut-eye to stave off the jetlag and energize us for our first full day together.

Day 3 — Monday, Aug 17

Get excited for your first full day in Portugal! We’ll start off the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to learn about the wine making process at Douro Valley. It wouldn’t make sense to come to Porto without sampling its most famous export: Port wine. Embark on a private tour and visit two different wineries. Breathe the fresh air in the countryside, discover the vineyards, and taste some local wines in the wineries. You will enjoy a local lunch in a restaurant and before going back to Porto you will enjoy a boat tour with the amazing views of the valley and the vines.

Day 4 — Tuesday, Aug 18

Today we travel to Lisbon, the Portuguese capital. After your arrival you will enjoy a walking tour with a focus on food. Learn about the history and architecture in Lisbon, but also about the local liquors, pastries and sandwiches and try some of these along the way. In the evening you will enjoy a boat party on the Tejo river. Enjoy the sunset and the amazing views of Lisbon with music and the best company.

Day 5 — Wednesday, Aug 19

Today is yours at leisure. For those interested in having a beach day, our tour guide will show you the best beaches in the area so you can enjoy some sand and sun. There will be a list of other optional activities for those interested in more cultural experiences or visits to other sights around the city. Tonight, enjoy a delicious meal in the city center with your new best friends.

Day 6 — Thursday, Aug 20

Today we’ll bid farewell to Portugal and fly south to Morocco. Welcome to Marrakesh! After settling in and grabbing dinner, enjoy your time in a famous night club.

Day 7 — Friday, Aug 21

We’re getting big time some steps in today! After breakfast, meet your local guide and set off on a afternoon tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks that are the lifeblood flowing through the city. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. Onward, stop by the Koutoubia Mosque; its famous minaret is the prototype for others of its kind around the world. Then walk back through the streets of the old medina to Djemaa el-Fna. Afterward join a passionate local foodie for a true insider's guide to the medina and a tasting tour of the incredible Djemma el Fna. This is one of the largest public spaces in the world and unique to Marrakech. Snake-charmers, henna-painters, performers and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar of stalls laden with Moroccan delicacies – it’s sure to be a memorable start to your time in this city.

Day 8 — Saturday, Aug 22

Get your Insta captions ready! After lunch we will head to Agafay the rocky desert for glamping. Once you get settled in and relax at the camp, you will get to enjoy a camel ride at sunset. Afterwards, you will have a delicious Moroccan meal with an open bar to party the night away.

Day 9 — Sunday, Aug 23

Sadly, all good things must come to an end and today we will head back to Marrakesh for our last day of the trip. Enjoy a cooking class and learn how to make some famous Moroccan dishes such as a Chicken Tagine. There will also be the option to hit the spa and enjoy Hammam massages. Lastly, we’ll finish out the week with a farewell celebration.

Day 10 — Monday, Aug 24

You are free to depart Marrakesh for Ann Arbor at any time today. But don’t worry, we’ll be sure to see each other again during our MTrek reunions in Ann Arbor.