Culinary Adventure in Spain & Morocco - 21 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona (Spain), Wine & Tapas Tour

Bienvenido—welcome to Spain! Hopefully, you brought your appetite because today kicks off three weeks of unforgettable culinary adventures on two continents. It begins in Barcelona, the capital of Spain's Catalonia region and a firm fixture on the global foodie map. A driver will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your hotel in the city.

 

After checking in, you'll meet a local guide and hit Barcelona's medieval streets on your first of many culinary tours. This half-day food hop is a celebration of the city's history and its famous tapas (literally "tops" or "taps"). These are small plates of food served in bars, tabernas (taverns), and restaurants—sometimes for free. While they originated in southern Spain, you find tapas bars everywhere, especially in Barcelona.

 

The first stop is at a traditional bar/restaurant that's a favorite among local Catalans. Start things off with a few appetizers paired with local white wine recommended by your guide. Next, walk over to an organic tapas restaurant—a popular trend in the dining scene nowadays—to sample purely organic tapas and wine. The third and final stop is at an upscale restaurant helmed by an award-winning chef. The tapas here are a bit more sophisticated but no less delicious, and like the other eateries, they celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients. 

Later, you'll embark on another tour of what is arguably Barcelona's most iconic landmark: La Sagrada Família. Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí designed this spectacular Roman Catholic church, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. During a visit to this 19th-century masterpiece of Catalan Modernism architecture (which is still technically under construction), you'll learn all about Gaudí and the massive creative footprint he left all over Barcelona.

Day 3: Local Market Tour & Cooking Class

Today you'll spend a few hours learning the intricacies of Spanish and Catalan cooking alongside a local chef. In the morning, you'll meet your guide and head to Boquería Market, Barcelona's most popular covered market, with origins dating back to the 13th century. Here, you'll source ingredients from over 200 vendors and take them to a professional kitchen to start the culinary adventure. Your expert instructor will lead you in preparing a multicourse menu of famous Spanish dishes. At the end of the experience, you'll sit down and enjoy your creations for lunch. 

Day 4: Fly to San Sebastián, Pintxos Tour

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for the ride to the airport. There you'll catch a flight a little over an hour to San Sebastián, located on the Atlantic side of the country in the Bay of Biscay. A highlight of Spain's famed Basque Country, San Sebastián is known for its stunning beaches and world-renowned cuisine starring delicious pintxos—a type of tapa (pronounced "peencho") in the Basque region. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll meet another driver, who will take you to your hotel in the city.

You'll get to taste a variety of pintxos when you meet a local guide and embark on a food and city tour. Admire the Playa La Concha, with its elegant waterfront promenade, before diving into the famous Parte Vieja (Old Town). There, you'll hop between bars, cafés, and restaurants serving the region's bite-sized delicacies, which naturally pair best with local wines like txakoli. Graze until your heart's content on pintxos from the alluring countertop, or order hot pintxos from the menu.

Day 6: Basque Cheese & Wine Tour

After breakfast, meet your private driver for a ride to a sheep farm in the countryside, where you'll learn how Basque cheese is made. Tour the farm's facilities before tasting different cheeses, such as idiazabal, paired with local wines or cider.

The fun continues at a local winery in the Txakoli region. Famous for its white wines, explore the vineyards of a family-owned estate where grapes grow along the slopes on the surrounding hills, facing the sea. After learning about the production of these wines, you'll taste them alongside some fresh local tuna, chili peppers, and a pintxo.

After the half-day tour, your driver will take you back to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You could take a self-guided pintxos tour, try a surf lesson, or explore the vintage Mount Igeldo amusement park.

Day 7: Road Trip to Bilbao & Wine Tasting

The coast around Gipuzkoa province, between the towns of Zarauz and Mutriku, is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the Basque Country. Today's full-day tour involves a leisurely drive from San Sebastián to Bilbao via these coastal roads. No need to rush, as you'll make a few stops along the way.

First up is Zarauz, where you'll walk on its long beach to soak up the sun and admire the beautiful surroundings that once attracted Queen Elizabeth II. Next is Guetaria, where you'll explore the town's streets, port, church, and houses. You'll also see El Raton de Guetaria, a famous mountain islet connected to this seafaring town by a breakwater.

Afterward, continue to Zumaia, which boasts fascinating rock formations and other geological phenomena dating back over 100 million years. Finally, you'll reach Mutriku, a fishing village of medieval origin. Here, you'll explore its palaces, tower houses, and steep, cobbled streets that lead to the port. After an adventurous day of exploring the Basque coast, you'll arrive at your hotel in Bilbao, the second-largest city in the Basque Country. 

Day 8: Fly to Seville, Tapas & Flamenco Show

In the morning, you'll transfer to the airport and catch a 1.5-hour flight to Seville, the capital of Spain's southern Andalusia region. Known for its Moorish history and mind-blowing tapas scene, Seville epitomizes Andalusia's rich culture and beauty. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the city.

In the evening, you'll experience Spain's premier cultural offerings: tapas and flamenco. First, meet your guide and head to Seville's Old Town. While there, you'll stop in at a couple of family-run bodegas and order a sampling of this city's renowned tapas, which are nothing short of mind-blowing. Throughout the experience, you'll pair the tapas with local wines and sherries.

After dinner, you'll head to a famous tablao—a venue designed to host flamenco performances. This musical style enjoys a rich heritage that dates back to the 9th century when the music and dances of immigrants in Andalusia mixed with the cultures of local Moors and Jews. Over the centuries, the intermingling of these influences melded to produce the style of flamenco that defines Spanish folkloric music. So sit down, grab a sangria, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of passionate dance accompanied by boot-heel percussion and emotional guitar notes.

Later, you'll leave the city and visit an olive-oil estate in the lovely Andalusian countryside. Here, you'll witness the production process of olive oil, one of Spain's most popular high-quality food exports. The estate has quite the history: It was here that Christopher Columbus' son Hernando began exporting olive oil to the New World. You'll tour the old manufacturing center and view the 16th-century olive-oil presses, learn about modern production methods in use today, and see gorgeous rolling hills carpeted in olive trees.

Day 10: Transfer to Málaga via Ronda

In the morning, you'll hop in the car for the 2-3 hour ride southeast to Málaga, a romantic coastal city and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. You'll break up the trip with a stop in the famous village of Ronda. Built astride a gorge carved by the Río Guadalevín and surrounded by the Serranía de Ronda mountains, Ernest Hemingway once said of this romantic village, "That is where you should go if you ever go to Spain on a honeymoon."

Ronda also boasts cultural significance, as this is where modern bullfighting was invented in the late 18th century. While on tour, you can visit a bullfighting museum in the Bullring of the Royal Cavalry of Ronda. There will also be time to walk through Ronda's historic neighborhoods and across all three of the town's famed bridges, including Puente Nuevo, right above El Tajo Gorge. After marveling at the views and snapping photos, you'll get back in the car for the final leg of the journey to Málaga and check into your hotel.

Day 12: Ferry to Tangier (Morocco), Optional Activities

After breakfast, you'll meet your driver for the two-hour ride down the coast to Tarifa, the southernmost point in continental Europe. At the port, you'll board a ferry for the six-hour ride across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. Your destination is Tangier, a dynamic coastal city full of contradictions. Here, you'll find everything that defines Morocco with a dash of French and Spanish culture. There's also a bohemian spirit here that has attracted members of the counterculture for generations.

Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel and can then head out and explore the city on a self-guided tour. Start at historic districts like the Kasbah (fortress) and Medina (walled old town). Visit highlights like the Petit Socco Square and the 17th-century Sultan's Palace, now a museum featuring antiquities from throughout Moroccan civilization. Continue strolling through the narrow lanes leading to Bab Bhar (Gate to the Sea), which offers fantastic views of the Strait of Gibraltar, the port of Tangier, and the Ville Nouvelle (New Town).

During the walk, you can explore hidden corners of the city filled with tiny restaurants, textile studios, communal ovens, and other cultural minutiae. If you like, wander up to the Place de France. This busy plaza is the center of modern Tangier and features the famous Grand Café de Paris and the Hotel El Minzah. Once upon a time, this is where you could find artists and writers such as Tennessee Williams, Jack Kerouac, Muhammad Asad, Truman Capote, and William S. Burroughs. By the end of the experience, you'll begin to understand Tangier like a local.

Day 13: Transfer to Fes, Medina Tour

In the morning, you'll leave on a 4.5-hour drive south from Tangier to Fes. This is one of Morocco's famous Imperial Cities—places that at one time were the country's capital. Fes is the oldest Imperial City (founded in the eighth century) and was the capital for over 400 years, beginning in the 13th century. Today it remains a cultural and religious center.

After checking into your riad (a traditional Moroccan house with an interior courtyard), you'll meet your guide for a half-day walking tour. It begins in Fes' medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most well-preserved in the Arab world. This is because little of Fes has been refurbished over the centuries, which means that wandering its warren of narrow streets is like stepping back in time.
 
Your guide will lead you through the medina's two quarters: Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid. Browse the iconic souks (markets), whose vendors sell everything from spices and fresh produce to leather goods, ceramics, and more. You'll also visit the Mosque and University of al-Qarawiyyin, which was founded in 859 and is the oldest operating university in the world. Next, see the medieval madrasas Bou Inania and Al Attarine, as well as the Najarin Fountain. End the day by enjoying the views from the Merenid Tombs, a group of monumental tombs on a hill overlooking Fes. 

Day 15: Transfer to Midelt via the High Atlas Mountains

In the morning, meet your driver and hit the road on a three-hour trip into the High Atlas mountains and Midelt, located on the plains. As you enter the High Atlas range, you'll arrive at Ifrane, a little Berber town nicknamed "Moroccan Switzerland" due to the chalet-style architecture reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy the mountainous scenery, and perhaps stretch your legs on a walk around the European-style Park La Prairie.

Continue driving until you reach the village of Azrou, and then head over the Col du Zad Pass at an elevation of 7,146 feet (2,178 m). During the drive, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and cedar forests. Watch for the local Barbary macaque monkeys, which can be spotted socializing in the trees. As you weave through more towns and Berber villages, you'll pass along the Moulouya River and its surrounding fruit orchards.

Arrive in Midelt around midday, where you can have lunch after checking into your accommodation. Fun fact: Midelt is known as "Apple City" due to the many orchards surrounding the town. The area was the first producer of apples in the entire country. After lunch, you'll have free time to explore the town on your own.

Day 16: Transfer to Merzouga, Sunset Camel Ride

Get back in the car this morning and transfer east from Midelt to Merzouga, a small town in the Sahara Desert. The route starts by crossing the Tizi n'Talremt pass and descending into the Ziz Valley, dotted with oases and palm clusters. You'll pass through the 984-foot (300 m) deep Todra Gorge, stopping for a leisurely walk amid its red limestone cliffs.

Continue to the Erfoud market town, known for its annual date festival, fossil mining, and artisan factories. When you arrive, you'll catch your first glimpse of the Sahara's iconic dunes with the impressive Erg Chebbi (a sea of windswept dunes) in the distance.

Upon arrival outside Merzouga, check into your luxury Bedouin-style tent accommodation and rest briefly. Then, just before sunset, hop on a camel for a ride through the dunes as the last light turns the Sahara landscape into fiery shades of red and gold. Return to camp for dinner, followed by some relaxation around the campfire as you enjoy traditional Berber music performed by locals. 

Day 17: Transfer to Boumalne Dades

After breakfast, you'll meet your driver and embark on a road trip west of Merzouga to Boumalne Dades. This city lies in the Dadès Valley of Tinghir Province, home to some of the most scenic landscapes in the country, including river gorges, mountains, and desert plains dotted with ancient towns and kasbahs. The trip takes about 4.5 hours, but you'll stop to enjoy fine views of the desert plains, high mountains, and vast plateaus.

First up is the town of Rissani, which you'll enter through its massive gate. It's the birthplace of the current Alaoui dynasty, and highlight landmarks include a 19th-century fortress, a large mosque, and a famous souk. Then continue to the desert oasis town of Tinghir. Here you'll enjoy great views of neighboring villages with traditional adobe houses and vast palm groves that stretch for 30 miles (48 km). Also, you can visit Ali Ait el Haj, the old Jewish quarter, and admire its fascinating architecture.

You'll pass Todra Gorge again before crossing the Dadès River on your way to Kelâat M'Gouna, the "Valley of the Roses." Admire the cultivated rose bushes and visit a rose collective, where you'll learn how artisans convert the petals into rose water and oil for the cosmetic industry. Your final stop is the city of Boumalne Dades, where you'll check into your accommodation. Enjoy the scenes of arid landscapes and traditional architecture contrasting with the verdant river valley.

Day 19: Marrakesh Guided Tour, Hammam Experience

In the morning, meet a local guide and take a half-day tour of Morocco's famous "Red City." It begins in popular areas like bustling Jemaa el-Fna, the main square in the city's medina. Nearby is the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, which dates to 1147. Just south of it is the Kasbah, home to historic landmarks like the Saadien Tombs, Bahia Palace, and the Jewish Quarter.

Throughout the tour, you'll browse the souks and vendors in the merchant districts. You'll also visit Marrakesh's famous tanneries. The city is known for its leather goods; local families have been plying this trade since the 11th century. Another fun stop is at Majorelle Garden, which French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent once owned. You can wander around this 2-acre (1 ha) garden filled with subtropical plants, bamboo, lilies, and palms. At the end of the tour, return to your hotel.

Later, you'll rejuvenate with a traditional hammam (Turkish bath) experience, either at your accommodation or at another locale in the city. Let the steam and heat ease any stress, and lull you into perfect relaxation in a stunning setting complimented by an exfoliating body scrub. If desired, additional spa services like massages can be arranged. 

Day 21: Depart Marrakesh

Alas, your culinary adventure through Spain and Morocco has reached its conclusion. At the appropriate time, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport in Marrakesh, where you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Morocco? Check out these other Morocco itineraries, explore different ways to spend three weeks in Spain and Morocco, or discover the best time to visit Morocco.