Highlights
- Watch a flamenco show inside a natural cave in Granada
- Hike along elevated walkways on Spain's Caminito del Rey
- Travel between southern Spain and Tangier, Morocco, by boat
- Hike to the spectacular Akchour Waterfall outside Chefchaouen
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Granada (Spain), Tour the Alhambra, Flamenco Show | Granada |
| Day 2 | Hike in the Las Alpujarras Mountains | Granada |
| Day 3 | Explore the Sierra Nevada on an E-Bike | Granada |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Málaga, Hike the Caminito del Rey | Málaga |
| Day 5 | Ferry to Tangier (Morocco), Private Guided Tour | Tangier |
| Day 6 | Discover the Blue City of Chefchaouen | Chefchaouen |
| Day 7 | Trek to the Akchour Waterfall | Chefchaouen |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Fes via Volubilis & Meknes | Fes |
| Day 9 | Explore the Medieval Medina of Fes | Fes |
| Day 10 | Depart Fes |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Granada (Spain), Tour the Alhambra, Flamenco Show
Welcome to Granada, Spain! After checking in at your hotel, you'll head off on a guided tour to explore the city's unique cultural history. Granada was the last bastion of Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) when the Moors ruled it, and you'll see striking examples of this history as you walk. For instance, keep your eyes open for the hand of Fatima around town, with fingers outstretched to ward off evil.
Your first stop is the Alhambra, an imposing Muslim fortress dramatically positioned on a hilltop, dating back to the ninth century. It served as a Moorish palace until the Christian conquest in 1492. Tour the monument and stroll around the enchanting Generalife park and gardens, filled with flowers, fountains, and pathways.
Day 2: Hike in the Las Alpujarras Mountains
Today's adventure takes you one hour away from Granada into the idyllic Las Alpujarras Mountains, which stretch south from the Sierra Nevada range. Historically, the name was sometimes spelled "Alpuxarras," suggesting that it may derive from the Arabic word for "grassland." This verdant upland certainly lives up to the name, with water from snowmelt tinting the area in greenery despite the foothills below remaining arid. Enjoy a three-hour hike through tiny mountain villages, many with only a few hundred inhabitants.
The villages were the last stronghold of the Spanish Muslims or Moors, who were forced to convert to Christianity or flee in 1492. Those who refused to convert took to the hills, settling in this remote, inaccessible area. Today the region has a far-reaching reputation for its refined gastronomy built around high-quality local produce. Bird-watching is also a popular pursuit in the area. One of the avian highlights is the distinctive hoopoe, with a haunting cry that often echoes through the mountain valleys. Return to Granada and spend the evening at your leisure.
Day 3: Explore the Sierra Nevada on an E-Bike
This morning, you'll be picked up at your hotel and start a 45-minute journey into Sierra Nevada National Park. Hop on an e-bike and descend down the north face of Sierra Nevada, taking in stunning views of the surrounding landscape from the second-highest mountain range in Europe. Marvel at the lofty peaks of Mulhacén, towering 12,605 feet (3,482 m) above sea level, and look for local wildlife, including the mountain goats that make the rugged landscape their home.
Ride at your own pace under the careful supervision of your guide, and get a better appreciation of the beauty of the mountains and ancient forest. Pedal through some famous white villages to experience a slice of local life. Finally, you'll enter the Sierra de Húetor Natural Park. You'll return to Granada late afternoon and enjoy one last evening in the city before moving on tomorrow.
Day 4: Transfer to Málaga, Hike the Caminito del Rey
Today you'll embark on a road trip through some of Andalusia's most enchanting destinations. Enjoy the views as you ride past olive groves, rolling meadows, cork forests, and mountains. Your destination is Málaga, located about two hours from Granada. But you'll stop along the way for some adrenaline-pumping hiking at the Caminito del Rey, a network of walkways built along a deep gorge carved out by the Guadalhorce River. At times, the canyon reaches depths of 2,297 feet (700 m).
You'll arrive at the northern entrance and put on your safety equipment. Then it's time to head off along the trail. As you hike, take in incredible views of the gorge, river, and valley below. The one-way trail typically takes about 3-4 hours to complete. Afterward, you'll continue to Málaga, checking into your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and recharge.
Day 5: Ferry to Tangier (Morocco), Private Guided Tour
After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up to transfer you to Tarifa to start your ferry journey to Tangier, Morocco. Once you're in Tangier, a driver will wait for you to take you to your hotel for check-in. Then it's time to explore the city on a three-hour guided tour! Begin with a stroll around the 17th-century Sultan's Palace which has been recently turned into a museum offering a vast collection of fascinating antiquities, including Roman remains, crafts, pots, chandeliers, rugs, and more.
Stop at Bab Bhar (Gate to the Sea), offering stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar, the vibrant port of Tangier, and the Ville Nouvelle. You'll enter the medina, or old town, through one of several decorative gates. Wander around the bustling alleyways while appreciating the cultural diversity and unique lifestyle passed on from generation to generation. You'll see the communal ovens used for baking bread, the weavers' district, tiny artisan shops, and much more. Enjoy a Moroccan meal before getting some rest tonight.
Day 6: Discover the Blue City of Chefchaouen
Enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Chefchaouen this morning, including a stop at an archaeological cave complex known as the Hercules Caves. Then arrive in the "Blue City," an artsy, blue-washed mountain village perched beneath the peaks of the Rif Mountains that feels like its own world. Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 by descendants of the Prophet Muhammad as a stronghold in the fight against the Portuguese. Esteemed as a holy town, it has eight mosques sprinkled around whitewashed houses with tiny balconies, tiled roofs, and patios with citrus trees.
The old medina is a delight of Moroccan and Andalusian influence, with red-tiled roofs, bright-blue buildings, and narrow lanes converging on the busy Plaza Uta el-Hammam and its restored kasbah. Peruse the nearby souks (markets) or head to the Grand Mosque and Kasbah. Although non-Muslims can't enter the mosque, anyone can admire its structure and tour the gardens. Walk past the walls and through its historic gates toward the Hotel Atlas for an exceptional city view. Then, if you have the time, continue up the path for another 30 minutes to enjoy the sunset from the Spanish Mosque.
Day 7: Trek to the Akchour Waterfall
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
After an early breakfast, you'll meet your local guide for a 45-minute drive to the trailhead of Akchour Waterfall, a scenic cascade near Chefchaouen. You'll learn more about the surrounding region and the day's adventure before you start hiking along a well-marked trail, following your guide as you trek through the Rif Mountains' dense forests. Keep your camera ready, as the area is home to Barbary macaque monkeys.
When you reach your destination, marvel at the waterfalls, take photos, and/or swim in natural pools. After the roundtrip hike, which takes approximately 3-4 hours, you'll return to Chefchaouen for the rest of the day.
Day 8: Transfer to Fes via Volubilis & Meknes
Hit the road again today as you take a private transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes. Along the way, your driver will stop at Volubilis. The UNESCO World Heritage Site contains Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruins. Wander through the massive complex, exploring large merchant homes with visible heating systems, temples, and colorful mosaics. This town was one of the most remote parts of the Roman Empire: the Romans ruled for 200 years before leaving in 285 CE.
Next, continue to Meknes, the imperial city of Moulay Ismail. Under Moulay Ismail's reign (1672-1727 CE), Meknes grew from a small town to a magnificent capital. Enjoy strolling through the compact medina, which is less busy than other cities and offers a more laid-back atmosphere. Visit the 14th-century Medersa Bou Inania and the impressive 19th-century palace of Dar Jamaï. In the Ville Impériale area, explore gardens, palaces, the impressive gate of Bab al-Mansour, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables. Your final stop is Fes, where you'll have a free evening to rest before tomorrow's tour.
Day 9: Explore the Medieval Medina of Fes
On the last full day of the trip, explore Fes, the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities and perhaps the most interesting and exciting to explore. With a private local guide, you'll walk through the medina. The roads are much narrower, windier, and steeper than those of other imperial cities, making it almost impossible not to get lost. This is part of the fun—keep walking until the flow of people increases, and you find yourself on one of the main streets.
Shop at the souks for various spices, vegetables, leather goods, ceramics, pewter, shoes, scarves, medicines, and more. Make sure to visit the Karaouine Mosque, founded in 859 CE by Fatima Al-Fihri, and the Chouara Tannery. The best way to end your day of exploring Fes is by watching the sunset from the Merenid Tombs in the north or Borj Sud in the south. Both viewpoints offer fantastic views of this dynamic city with timeless roots.
Day 10: Depart Fes
It's time to say goodbye to Morocco! Take any extra free time to explore Fes on your own today. At the appointed hour, your driver will transfer you to the airport. Enjoy a safe and pleasant journey home or to your next destination!
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