Gay Group Trip: Portugal And Morocco Explorer
Trip Summary:
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At a glance
Portugal and Morocco are both beautiful countries with long, fascinating histories. Our gay group tip will begin in Portugal, where you’ll discover the city of Porto. This city basically invented port, so drinkers will do well here! It’s full of colourful charming buildings. From Porto we’ll head to Lisbon, a city that’s very much on the rise. It’s fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in Europe. As tourists flood into the city and celebrities buy second homes, Lisbon is going to change. For now it still has an authentic and somewhat ramshackle charm – now is the time to see it! You can enjoy the good life for a lot less in Lisbon.
From Lisbon we’ll fly to Marrakech and explore Morrocco’s vibrant capital city. Curiously, gay travellers used to escape Europe to live more freely in Morocco – up until the 60s it was more tolerant of homosexuality than the US or the UK. How things change! Homosexuality may technically be illegal in Morrocco, but this country is famed for its hospitality. Morocco is full of contradictions, stunning landscapes, friendly people and great food. Combining Portugal with Morrocco makes for a great twin-centre itinerary. You’ll discover the charms of the Mediterranean and North Africa in one trip.
More Information
Unfortunately, Morocco criminalises same-sex sexual activity between men and between women. LGBTQ+ individuals are also urged to practice discretion and avoid public displays of affection. While the climate is gradually becoming more accepting, especially in cosmopolitan cities, there have been sporadic crackdowns and arrests in recent years.
Overall, Morocco lacks progressiveness on LGBTQ+ rights compared to other destinations, though luxury hospitality businesses make efforts to welcome gay travelers. At Out Of Office, we only work with resorts and hotels that we know are inclusive and welcoming.
- 16 Oct, 2023
- 29 Oct, 2023
- 03 Apr, 2024
- 15 Apr, 2024
- 23 Sep, 2024
- Accommodation as listed
- International Flights
- Travel insurance
In detail
Days 1, 2 And 3: Porto And Douro Valley
We’ll meet at our hotel near the Douro Valley at 4pm and explore the colourful city of Porto. It is indeed the native home of port and the culinary heart of Portugal. A local guide will take us on a food and drink tour and introduce us to the finest port and Francesinhas in town.
Porto is surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Douro Valley. We’ll take a train trip and explore the region’s stunning landscapes. Discover the vineyards, explore the surroundings by foot or bike and drink the finest port in town in the main square.
- Included – “Food and wine” walking tour with a local guide. Train travel through the Douro Valley and winery stops.
Days 4, 5 And 6: Lisbon
It’s a three-hour train ride from Porto to Lisbon. Enjoy the stunning scenery on the way. Situated along the Tagus River, Lisbon is full of charm and character. It’s the next “it” destination in Europe. Now is the best time to discover it’s faded charm before it becomes gentrified – Madonna moved to Lisbon so it must be on-trend. It’s full of charming streets, quaint bars and dreamy fado clubs.
Sintra is just thirty minutes from Lisbon and it’s a must-see when you’re in town. We’ll visit the hilltop castles, explore the cobblestone streets and try one of the famous and mandatory custard tarts. Naturally, we’ll also spend an evening at a fado club and discover Portugal’s famed melancholy sounds. If you still have some energy we’ll also explore the city’s nightlife.
Days 7, 8 And 9: Marrakech
It’s just a short flight from Portugal to Marrakech and you’ll be transported into a different world. Marrakech is full of energy and charm. You’ll see snake charmers in the market places, donkeys pulling carts through the streets and hear the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer several times a day. Among the souks you’ll find splendid palaces and gardens. Don’t forget to try the strong green tea.
This city is full of contradictions. It’s traditionalist yet liberal and modern. The people are very welcoming. We’ll explore the city with a local guide, join a cooking class, visit the YSL Museum and haggle for your life at a hammam.
- Included – Walking tour around the Medina and souk with local guide. Group cooking class.
Day 10: Atlas Mountains
Ranged along the coast of North Africa and beyond, the Atlas Mountains are a sight to behold. It takes just a couple of hours to get to the mud-brick homes and precipitous villages. We’ll go for a hike, have tea in a local home, visit local craft stores and take in the majesty of the surrounding mountains. After exploring we’ll take a trip to Richard Branson’s famous and luxurious estate. In the evening we’ll return to Marrakech for a farewell dinner.
Day 11: Marrakech
Today you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight. We can of course extend your trip so you can explore more of this fascinating country. There are so many more amazing places to see, like the former gay mecca of Tangiers and Chefchaouen, Morocco’s stunning blue city.
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