Madrid, Marrakech & Fes

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.

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. We have a tasty Welcome Dinner this evening at an authentic Tapas restaurant.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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