Customer Reviews for Go Ahead Tours Portugal, Spain &amp; Morocco

Gold World Traveler Club Member

Overall Rating

1 / 5

Tour Value

2 / 5

Tour Director

4 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by KMORRISSEY3 |

Number of past tours:1

Traveled on:04/13/2012

Location:RI

Age:60+

Gender:Female

I traveled:with my spouse/significant other

by KMORRISSEY3 |

May 10, 2012

Could Have Been Better

Skip Portugal altogether and spend more time in Madrid.

0points

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Review 2 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Overall Rating

3 / 5

Tour Value

3 / 5

Tour Director

4 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by RDONNELLY2 |

Number of past tours:4

Traveled on:03/09/2012

Location:PA

Age:60+

Gender:Female

I traveled:with my spouse/significant other

by RDONNELLY2 |

April 7, 2012

grueling trip

This trip tries to include far too much for the traveler. Of 17 trip days, 8 were spent on bus, train or plane getting from one place to another--one bus day was 11+ hours. Altho we saw wonders and I don't know how all could be incorporated otherwise, it was like a forced march. What we saw was outstanding, but the arduousness of the trip as a whole causes me to rate it average. There were 5 people who had not understood the challenging aspect that should not have been on this trip, plus 39 was far too big a number. In addition, altho our guide was a sweetheart, she needs work on organizational skills.

Recommended for: Active Travelers, Experienced Travelers

+6points

7out of 8found this review helpful.

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Review 3 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Overall Rating

3 / 5

Tour Value

3 / 5

Tour Director

4 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by ANITAR |

Number of past tours:1

Traveled on:03/09/2012

Location:KS

Age:50-59

Gender:Female

I traveled:with friend(s)

by ANITAR |

April 6, 2012

Extension Trip was Fantastic

The tour through Portugal, Spain, and Morocco was extremely fast paced so believe them when they say this is "challenging." We didn't see a lot of Portugal but Lisbon's monuments and old city was interesting. We were on the bus quite a bit; some days up to 12 hours. We did get stops for sightseeing and "comfort" but it still makes for a very long day. The longest time we spent at any location was 2 nights but the pace was so fast that it was probably plenty. If you a light traveler and like to wash things out as you go, it can get a little hectic.

Morocco was a beautiful country and much cooler than Spain or Portugal. Casablanca was a quick stop and then a long drive to Marrackesh. Honestly, I think I could have by passed Marrakesh and just made do with Fes, Meknes, and Rabat. Meknes was a much more interesting city than Marrakesh.

When we got to Barcelona, the extension, it was finally like I was on vacation. We did a couple of tours (I skipped Montserrat) and the rest was free time. I loved the city, especially the food and ambiance. Of course, Gaudi was remarkable and I would have been happy to see more of his work.

The hotels were generally good with the typical problems that arise in hotels. Noise, water temperature, no a/c (but it was unusally warm for the time of year so I didn't fault them for that). There were some things that went wrong: not getting a deposit back on a safety box, hotel staff being rude (especially about bottled water) and some meals were much below standard compared to other hotels on the trip. I would say there was considerable inconsistency between hotels within each country.

The negative reaction I had with the trip is the tipping. Our director was good and I liked her very much but she did function as a director, not a guide. We had so many 'local guides' that I hadn't budgeted appropriately for all the people we dealt with. Sometimes there were 'assistants' to the bus drivers and the guides. In Morocco, we had a director, a guide that traveled with us, and then local guides. I thought that was very confusing. My previous tours with other companies had only a director/guide and one bus driver.

Recommended for: Active Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers

+7points

7out of 7found this review helpful.

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Review 4 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Overall Rating

4 / 5

Tour Value

5 / 5

Tour Director

4 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by JSPRYNCZYNATYK1 |

Number of past tours:2

Traveled on:03/09/2012

Location:WA

Age:60+

Gender:Female

I traveled:with my spouse/significant other

by JSPRYNCZYNATYK1 |

April 5, 2012

More work than relaxation.

The sights were awesome, the pace very active. The bus drivers are the best in the world. Our guides gave us great stories and information. Be in great physical condition and willing to pack very light. Buy lots of bottled water, a must for Morocco. Add the additional days in Barcelona for a relaxing end to your trip.

Recommended for: Active Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers

+3points

3out of 3found this review helpful.

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Review 5 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Overall Rating

4 / 5

Tour Value

4 / 5

Tour Director

4 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by CSHAUSER |

Number of past tours:1

Traveled on:03/09/2012

Location:TX

Age:60+

Gender:Female

I traveled:with my spouse/significant other

by CSHAUSER |

April 5, 2012

Spain, Portugal, & Morocco

Southern Spain was a delight, Gibraltar was a nice surprise. Morocco was interesting, and the Prado in Madrid was outstanding. However, I will never go on another bus tour with 39 people...TOO MANY people...logically it took too much time to get on/off, luggage, etc. Tour would have been fantastic if with 20-25 people! I would NOT recommend this or any tour with 40 people!

Recommended for: Active Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers

+4points

4out of 4found this review helpful.

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Review 6 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Overall Rating

4 / 5

Tour Value

4 / 5

Tour Director

4 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by JHHAUSER |

Number of past tours:1

Traveled on:03/09/2012

Location:TX

Age:60+

Gender:Male

I traveled:with my spouse/significant other

by JHHAUSER |

April 5, 2012

Portugal, Spain, & Morocco

Enjoyed the tour, but too many people on one bus...39 people makes hard for stops, on & off, etc. Makes it hard on seeing the sites with such a large group.

Recommended for: Active Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers

+3points

3out of 3found this review helpful.

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Review 7 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Overall Rating

4 / 5

Tour Value

4 / 5

Tour Director

5 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by JKRISKO3 |

Number of past tours:1

Traveled on:03/09/2012

Location:MI

Age:50-59

Gender:Female

I traveled:with my spouse/significant other

by JKRISKO3 |

April 5, 2012

Wonderful Trip

It was a really great way to see and learn lots about the history and culture of Portugal, Spain and Morocco. The pace was quick but we were really taken very good care of by our tour guide.

Recommended for: Active Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers

+3points

3out of 3found this review helpful.

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Review 8 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Gold World Traveler Club Member

Overall Rating

3 / 5

Tour Value

4 / 5

Tour Director

5 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by NSPRYNCZYNATYK1 |

Number of past tours:2

Traveled on:03/09/2012

Location:WA

Age:60+

Gender:Male

I traveled:with my spouse/significant other

by NSPRYNCZYNATYK1 |

April 4, 2012

Great scenery, but very challenging.

The sights and cities visited were wonderful. I didn't pay attention to the "challenging" rating of the trip, however, and was totally worn out by the fast pace and minimal free time. I felt rushed constantly for meals and even bathroom stops. Changing hotels every couple days is grueling. If you take this tour, pack extremely light and be in excellent physical condition.

Recommended for: Active Travelers, Experienced Travelers

+4points

4out of 4found this review helpful.

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Review 9 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Overall Rating

2 / 5

Tour Value

3 / 5

Tour Director

2 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by 58368459 |

Number of past tours:4

Traveled on:3/9/2012 12:00:00 AM

Location:PA

Age:60+

Gender:Male

I traveled:with my spouse/significant other

by 58368459 |

March 29, 2012

Poor Hotel in Marrakech

The hotel selected in Marrakech is owned by a strict Muslem who does not permit any alcoholic beverages and does not supply drinking water for the rooms. The staff was not the least bit friendly and breakfast was cold every day. In fact our last morning we had an early meal and not one person was to be seen from the hotel. Plastic wrap was on each item put out and we had to remove it to eat. If the coffee had not been warm I would have sworn they put it all out the night before!!! If any of us asked to change a large bill we were told no but locals were taken care of without a hassell.

+3points

3out of 3found this review helpful.

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Review 10 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Gold World Traveler Club Member

Overall Rating

4 / 5

Tour Value

4 / 5

Tour Director

5 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by DJOHNSON318 |

Number of past tours:4

Traveled on:12/5/2008 12:00:00 AM

Location:OK

Age:50-59

Gender:Female

I traveled:solo

by DJOHNSON318 |

February 21, 2012

I loved it and was so excited everyday until...

Unfortunately in the southern part of Spain, I had my first serious asthma attack and not knowing what the medical facilities would be in Morocco, opted for an emergency plane trip home from Madrid. I also had a cast on my hand from a previously broken thumb! But no matter, I enjoyed Portugal (first) more than I ever thought I would have. You know, it's one of those small, hardly-noticed countries... but I loved Lisbon, I loved the Fado concert extra, and I loved all the "history" in the country, and all the authentic small historical towns. Did not care for Sintra though. Then on into Spain, with the flamenco dancers (more extras) and the beautiful architecture and its voluminous history. I am a historian and I've seen most of Europe under that pursuit. My Spanish is pretty good, and I got a chance to use it with the townsfolk. Missing Morocco altogether was a bummer, but maybe I'll go back!

Recommended for: Active Travelers, Anniversary Trips, Solo Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Food & Wine, Family Vacations, First Time Travelers, Relaxing Retreat, Experienced Travelers

+2points

2out of 2found this review helpful.

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Review 11 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Diamond World Traveler Club Member

Overall Rating

3 / 5

Tour Value

3 / 5

Tour Director

5 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by FMORENO19 |

Number of past tours:25

Traveled on:11/04/2011

Location:NY

Age:60+

Gender:Male

I traveled:with my spouse/significant other

by FMORENO19 |

December 1, 2011

Not my best trip ever

Spain and Portugal were excellent
Morocco,on the other hand, is not a trip I would advise anyone to take-except
under these criteria-
1-One must be very interested in seeing multiple Mosques-both finished and in ruins
2-One must be very interested in Islamic history
3-One must not have reservations about visiting a 3rd world country

+6points

7out of 8found this review helpful.

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Review 12 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Overall Rating

4 / 5

Tour Value

4 / 5

Tour Director

5 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by JRETZER2 |

Number of past tours:2

Traveled on:11/04/2011

Location:OR

Age:60+

Gender:Male

I traveled:solo

by JRETZER2 |

November 30, 2011

Unexpected gem

It was fascinating to see how this whole region is tied together in history with the Moors, the Reconquista and the Jews. These themes could be developed more by Go Ahead as the dynasties in Morocco carried over to Spain. Seville was a particular gem. Our tour director was outstanding. I thought Morocco got a bit long and the drive from Marrakech to Fes was particularly long. It is tough being a vegetarian on this tour although our tour director tried mightily to find suitable options. Ironically, Moroccans eat lots of vegetables but tend to give their guests lots of meat. Not sure how you get around that problem.

Recommended for: Active Travelers, Art, History, & Culture

+6points

6out of 6found this review helpful.

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Review 13 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Diamond World Traveler Club Member

Overall Rating

4 / 5

Tour Value

4 / 5

Tour Director

5 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by FPERKINS6 |

Number of past tours:7

Traveled on:11/04/2011

Location:MA

Age:60+

Gender:Female

I traveled:with my spouse/significant other

by FPERKINS6 |

November 30, 2011

Wonderful sights, long days

This is a tour that includes a wide range of spectacular scenery and architecture and offers a window on a broad spectrum of history. You will see wonderful art and architecture, some of the most beautiful sights I have seen anywhere. The food is mostly very good and the hotels as well. However as other reviewers have said, this is a very strenuous tour which requires a lot of walking and long bus rides. Sometimes the bus rides were longer than necessary and it would improve the tour if they could be shortened by shortening or eliminating some of the stops. I would also suggest eliminating the Gibraltar stop and replacing it with a town such as Ronda. The theme of the tour is Moorish/Spanish art and architecture and the history of the three major religions in Spain and Morocco. Gibraltar has nothing to do with that theme.

Another contradiction within the tour is being taken to places where there are vendors who want to sell goods. At times I enjoyed seeing what was for sale and the environment in which items were made but at times this process interferes with enjoying the tour. We sometimes had to wait while others in the group shopped and sometimes had to cut short other aspects of the tour in favor of shopping. I felt this was more of an issue on this tour than others I have taken.

Recommended for: Active Travelers, Solo Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers

+4points

4out of 4found this review helpful.

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Review 14 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Overall Rating

5 / 5

Tour Value

5 / 5

Tour Director

5 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by PMORENO6 |

Number of past tours:26

Traveled on:11/04/2011

Location:NY

Age:60+

Gender:Female

I traveled:with my spouse/significant other

by PMORENO6 |

November 30, 2011

Morocco should be first.

The tour was very exhilarating, but was not in the right order. We should have landed first in Morocco when we were full of anticipation and excitement. It was also a good historical beginning for then going to Portugal and Spain.
The local tour director in Morocco needed the support of our tour director or many incidents could have occurred. Thank you for sending him there with us.
Would recommend this trip for those who love to travel and not as a quick vacation.

Recommended for: Active Travelers, Experienced Travelers

+3points

3out of 3found this review helpful.

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Review 15 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Overall Rating

4 / 5

Tour Value

4 / 5

Tour Director

5 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by CROSENBERG7 |

Number of past tours:7

Traveled on:11/04/2011

Location:MA

Age:50-59

Gender:Male

I traveled:with my spouse/significant other

by CROSENBERG7 |

November 30, 2011

Get all your sleep before you go on this tour

Images for this Review

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Our tour director, Sam Frew, was wonderful and we really enjoyed the trip but it's not for everyone.

Be prepared for long bus rides and for getting up early each morning and for dinners that are often scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. At least one of the optional tours (Toledo) although it was worth it, didn't return to the hotel until 11:00 p.m. and offered little opportunity for dinner. Take a snack along with you if you go.

You will be surprised to learn that when you get to Morocco, in addition to getting a new bus driver, you will get an additional tour guide that will be with you throughout the time there. Apparently this is the law in Morocco. In addition to the bus driver, the bus driver also has a helper, so keep this is mind when planning your budget for tips. I suspect the Moroccan guide makes a pretty good living on the commission he gets for taking you to shop at the carpet store and other forced shopping events so save your tip money for the driver and the driver's helper (especially the helper).

I would refuse the optional tour to Evora and use the time in Sevilla instead. Evora is nice but Sevilla is amazing and you have little time there as it is.

The stop in Gibraltar was another waste of time for me but the folks that went to the top of the rock to see the monkeys really enjoyed it. We found a nice Indian restaurant and enjoyed lunch there but would have rather skipped Gibraltar completely. I am not sure why GA stops there.

In general this tour suffers from going to too many places. Madrid, Seville, Granada, Marakesh, and Fez are all wonderful but you really don't get enought time to enjoy any of them. The tour would benefit from dropping some destinations and spending more time at some of the amazing places along the way.

If you depend on access to the Internet, you won't be happy in Morocco. Expect to pay 15 Euros for access in some hotels or to sit in the lobby in other hotels to get online.

Most hotels don't provide bottled water except for $4.50 in the mini-bar so stock on at a grocery store when you have time.

Any time you are presented with a restaurant bill in Morocco, look at it carefully to make sure you are charged the right amount. Then look carefully to make sure you get the proper change. Keep your Euros separate from your Moroccan money. It's easy to mix them up and get taken advantage of.

Vegetarians won't starve but for the most part you won't be too excited by the offerings. If you don't like what they suggest as a meat alternative, push back and ask them what else you can have or just ask for what you want, use the menu as a guide even though the group is not eating off the menu per se.

Recommended for: Active Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers

+9points

9out of 9found this review helpful.

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Review 16 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Overall Rating

5 / 5

Tour Value

4 / 5

Tour Director

5 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by RCLARK236 |

Number of past tours:2

Traveled on:11/04/2011

Location:WA

Age:60+

Gender:Female

I traveled:with friend(s)

by RCLARK236 |

November 30, 2011

Moroccan Experience

I was fascinated with the whole experience in Morocco! The mosques and other sites we visited had so many intricate designs in both wood and stone and colorful mosaic work. The medinas were right out of the MIddle Ages or earlier. I really couldn't believe the tannery in Marrakesh! It was a feast for all the senses. I learned that the Moroccans have a rich history but one that we hear nothing about. It was especially interesting to visit the Al Hambra in Granada which was my favorite site in Spain, and then travel to Morocco to learn more about the Moors.

Recommended for: Active Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers

+4points

4out of 4found this review helpful.

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Review 17 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Overall Rating

4 / 5

Tour Value

4 / 5

Tour Director

5 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by MADELEINESHAW |

Number of past tours:1

Traveled on:09/16/2011

Location:BC

Age:60+

Gender:Female

I traveled:with my spouse/significant other

by MADELEINESHAW |

October 13, 2011

Fabulous Spain Portugal and Morocco

Terrific trip - yes fast-paced but we covered a lot in 16 days. Lisbon - a beautiful city that we chose to arrive 2 days ahead of the tour. Well worth it. then on to Seville, beautiful, Gibralter...a quick tour to the top of the rock and a visit with the barbery apes. :) then on to Granada, Cordoba and Madrid..... Madrid a beautiful city with the wonderful Plaza Major. Fond memories there. Then on to Morocco, Casblanca (oh yes and Rick's Cafe) and Marrakech. On our own we chose a fabulous restaurant Al Baraka just off Jamaa El Fna Square. A fabulous evening and delicious Moroccan food. Also a nice visit to a Berber community; then onto a long drive to Fes. Fes and its Medina and Mosques and tanneries, etc. Quite the experience. Then last but not least on to Rabat. It was great to use our French in Morocco. Then back to Madrid and bullet train to Barcelona. Ahhh Barcelona. What a fantastic and fabulous city. Loved it. with all the Gaudi creations, especially the "La Familiale" still a work in progress, and museums. And also a trip to Monserrat - beautiful mountain terrain and monastery. Weather was exceptional the whole time. One cloud in the sky over Gibralter that quickly dissipated by noon. And not to go unmentioned, one of Go Ahead's best tour directors - Fernando. He became a dear friend to us all.

Recommended for: Active Travelers, Solo Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers

+7points

7out of 7found this review helpful.

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Review 18 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Overall Rating

5 / 5

Tour Value

4 / 5

Tour Director

5 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by OCHASE1 |

Number of past tours:3

Traveled on:09/16/2011

Location:IN

Age:60+

Gender:Female

I traveled:with friend(s)

by OCHASE1 |

October 13, 2011

Morocco was an extraordinary learning experience-

Morocco will stay on my mind for a long time. It is so interesting and so contrasting: Modern and rich looking in the north with a bright new bullet train while donkeys and even camels seem to be the main source of transportation further south.
...Bought a lovely rug in Morocco which everybody admires.. So happy I went there!.

Recommended for: Active Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers

+2points

2out of 2found this review helpful.

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Review 19 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco

Overall Rating

5 / 5

Tour Value

5 / 5

Tour Director

5 / 5

Leisurely

Challenging

by MREYNOLDS49 |

Number of past tours:7

Traveled on:09/16/2011

Location:TX

Age:60+

Gender:Female

I traveled:with a group coordinator/organization

by MREYNOLDS49 |

October 12, 2011

Beautiful and enlightening!

I truly enjoyed seeing the historical sites in Spain. The Alcazar in Seville,
the Mesquita in Cordoba, and the Alhambra in Granada are incredible!

Recommended for: Active Travelers, Art, History, & Culture, Experienced Travelers

+3points

4out of 5found this review helpful.

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Review 20 for Portugal, Spain & Morocco