Madrid, Marrakech & Fes - 16 days

Welcome to Madrid, the Spanish capital! You will be collected at the airport and transferred to our hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. In the Afternoon, join your fellow travellers and your guide for a welcome tapas dinner.





2024 departures: In 2024, please note that the Welcome Tapas Dinner is not included.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off on a guided city tour to uncover the many splendours of Madrid. Our journey takes us through the historic Barrio de la Morería, the Habsburgs District, and the vibrant Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa. We’ll delve into the Madrid of the Bourbons and explore the intricate town planning of Charles III, including the majestic Royal Palace, the Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains, and the iconic Puerta de Alcalá.





We’ll also experience modern Madrid with visits to Gran Vía, Castellana, and the bustling Salamanca district, as well as its commercial and financial hubs. Along the way, we’ll indulge in a delicious taste of traditional chocolate with churros, a quintessential Madrid treat. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure, allowing you to further explore and soak up the city's vibrant atmosphere.





2024 departures: In 2024, chocolate and churros tasting is not included.

Madrid - Merida - Cordoba. After breakfast we say farewell to Madrid and head south, bound for the region of Andalusia. Before we reach mainland Spain's southernmost region, we stop in Merida. Our first stop is Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkably preserved Roman ruins, including the stunning Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre. We’ll delve into the city’s rich historical tapestry before continuing our journey to Córdoba We then climb back on board our coach and complete the journey to Cordoba, where the evening is at leisure.





2024 departures: In 2024, we visit Cáceres instead of Mérida. We will explore the Old Town of Cáceres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its mix of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic, and Italian Renaissance architecture. There will be time to stroll through the Plaza Mayor and the historic Old Town.

Cordoba - Seville. This morning we tour Cordoba, an important Roman city that was also an Islamic centre during the Middle Ages. The most important landmark here is the sprawling La Mezquita mosque-cathedral, which dates back to 988 AD. Entrance to the mosque is included on our tour and we also take a stroll through the Jewish Quarter before departing the city and travelling south-west to Seville, capital of Andalusia. After our tour, in the afternoon, we have the chance to indulge in the flavours of Andalusian cuisine at a local restaurant, sharing the experience with our fellow travellers.





2024 departures: In 2024, dinner is not included.

Today we explore Seville on a guided tour. Entrance to the city's cathedral, the second largest in the Catholic world, is included. We also visit the Santa Cruz Quarter, where the famous opera 'Carmen' is largely set. Wander through Maria Luisa Park and the picturesque Plaza Espana. In the afternoon we have free for you to further explore Seville at your own pace.

Seville - Jerez - Ronda. After breakfast, we head south through charming Andalusian villages to Jerez, where we immerse ourselves in two quintessential aspects of Andalusian culture: wine and horses. We’ll visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and enjoy a wine tasting at one of the renowned local wineries.





Continuing our journey, we reach the picturesque mountain-top town of Ronda. Here, we’ll explore the local olive oil production facility at LA Organic, walk through the olive groves, and taste their exquisite organic olive oil. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, discovering the secrets and beauty of Ronda.





2024 departures: Seville - Ronda - Costa del Sol. In 2024, we journey from Seville to Ronda, where we’ll have free time to explore the mountaintop city and visit a local olive oil mill for a tasting. We then continue to the coastal region of Costa del Sol. Please note that Jerez and the wine tasting in Jerez are not included in 2024.

Ronda - Gibraltar - Tangier - Tetouan. After breakfast at the hotel, we depart Ronda and head towards Gibraltar. On arrival, we explore the iconic "On The Rocks" in Gibraltar before enjoying some free time to discover the city. We then continue to Algeciras to catch the ferry to Tangier. Upon reaching Tangier, our first taste of Morocco, we transfer to Tetouan, known as "The White Dove," with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Medina. We’ll conclude the day with dinner and overnight accommodation.





2024 departure: We have a free day in the Costa del Sol. Today is yours to enjoy the region's sunshine and beaches. Relax on the sand, stroll along the seafront, or savour fresh seafood at a local restaurant. Please note that dinner is not included.

Tetouan - Chefchaouen - Fes. After breakfast, we set off on a panoramic tour of Tetouan, exploring its most captivating sights. We then continue our journey to Chefchaouen, famously known as the Blue City for its vibrant blue-painted houses and streets. Upon arrival, we explore the city's charm, strolling through the picturesque Uta El Hammam square, with free time to browse the local shops and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we depart for Fes, travelling through the stunning Rif mountain range and arriving in the late afternoon.





2024 departures: Costa del Sol - Tarifa - Tangier (Morocco) - Meknes - Fes. In 2024, we bid farewell to Spain and drive to Tarifa, where we board a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier. After customs, we proceed to Meknes and then to Fes. Enjoy your first evening in Morocco at leisure, with dinner included.

After breakfast, we embark on a comprehensive tour of Fes, Morocco’s spiritual heart, founded in the 8th century by Idriss II and one of the Four Imperial Capitals. We explore the city's most iconic sites, including the Royal Palace gates, the Jewish Quarter, and a fortress offering stunning views of Fes el Bali, the medina. Our walking tour will lead us to the renowned Bab Bou Jeloud gate, giving us a glimpse into a city that retains its medieval charm. We’ll wander through its ancient, labyrinthine alleys, immersing ourselves in the rich array of scents and flavours that define this UNESCO World Heritage site.





Next, we arrive at a local palace for a hands-on class in preparing one of Morocco’s most cherished dishes, couscous. We’ll assist the chefs in finishing this traditional dish before enjoying a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we visit nearby vineyards for a delightful wine tasting session.





2024 departures: In 2024, please note that the couscous cooking class and lunch, as well as the wine tasting, are not included. Dinner is also not included.

Fes - Casablanca - Marrakech. Today we travel to Casablanca. On our included sightseeing tour we will see United Nations Square, the Boulevard de la Corniche and the exterior of the iconic Hassan II mosque. The magical city of Marrakech is our final destination for today.





2024 departures: Fes - Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech. In 2024, we enjoy a stop in Rabat before Casablanca, with included sightseeing.

Our sightseeing of Marrakech today begins in the tranquil Menara Gardens. On our included sightseeing tour we also see the Koutoubia Mosque, Dar el Bacha Museum, Bahia Palace, Bay Palace, Saadian Tombs necropolis and the atmospheric Djemaa el Fna main square - where fortune tellers, snake charmers, market sellers and acrobats entertain and enthral the crowds. It's the heart of the city and a fascinating place to explore.





In the afternoon, we explore artisan guilds, including woodworkers, potters, tanners, and spice merchants, experiencing the rich crafts of Morocco. We then visit a riad in the medina for a traditional tea ceremony led by an expert, learning to prepare this iconic Moroccan beverage. Afterward, we return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.





2024 departures: In 2024, it does not include a visit to the Dar el Bacha Museum or the afternoon excursion to the riad in the medina for the traditional tea ceremony at the palace house. We will have free time for lunch and leisure before heading to Casablanca.

Marrakech - Rabat. After breakfast, we set off early for Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Our visit takes us to some of the city’s most impressive sights, starting with the grand gates of the Royal Palace. We then explore the magnificent Mausoleum of Mohammed V and marvel at the historic Hassan Tower. After a day filled with exploration, we head to our hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Rabat - Tangier - Tarifa (Spain) - Malaga. We set off for Tangier. On arrival, we embark on a panoramic tour of Cape Spartel, the historic palace route, and the ancient Kasbah, where the city's defenders once stood against pirate raids. We then head to Tangier's port to board a swift catamaran across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tarifa. From there, we continue our journey to Malaga.





2024 departures: Today is free to relax at the Costa del Sol.

Malaga - Granada. Today we head to Granada, located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. We will enjoy an included Flamenco dance masterclass before attending an included dinner and Flamenco show. After dinner, we will head to one of the city viewpoints to take in our surroundings.





2024 departures: In 2024, we travel from the Costa del Sol to Granada and visit the Alhambra Complex today. There is an included Flamenco show and dinner.

Granada - Madrid. This morning we visit the world-famous Alhambra. This stunning palace and fortress complex was built during the Nasrid Dynasty in the 13th and 14th centuries. Originally constructed as a small fortress in 889 AD on Roman remains, it was later transformed into a royal palace by the Moors. The Alhambra showcases exquisite Islamic architecture, with intricate carvings, stunning tilework, and tranquil gardens, reflecting the cultural zenith of Islamic Spain before the Christian Reconquista in 1492, when the Alhambra was surrendered to Ferdinand and Isabella.





After our included visit to the Alhmabra, we make our way back to Madrid, and there is an included farewell dinner this evening.





2024 departures: In 2024 we will visit the hilltop city of Toledo today on our way back to Madrid. There is no included dinner in the evening.

Enjoy a final breakfast in the hotel before our tour comes to an end. There is an included transfer to the airport.