Highlights of Spain & Morocco - 21 Days

Highlights

• Witness a live flamenco performance in Seville
• Access hidden rooftops in Madrid on a guided tour
• Wander the blue-colored streets of Chefchaouen
• Ride a camel at sunset in the deserts of Merzouga

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona (Spain), Tapas Culinary Experience

Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting at the airport to take you to your hotel in central Barcelona. Take some time to get settled before heading out for a gourmet experience early in the evening. This capital of Spain's autonomous Catalonia region is known for its innovative cuisine, and on this three-hour walking tour an expert local guide will introduce you to some of the city's best bars, cafés, and restaurants.

During this tapas tour, you'll enjoy small plates, tasty snacks, and refreshing cocktails at five different venues. Discover a side of Barcelona that few can see, savoring the centuries-old legacy of local food culture. Your guide will share their tips and insider knowledge along the way. It's the perfect way to start your three-week adventure!

Day 2: Gaudí Architecture Walk, Visit Park Güell

Today you'll see some of Antoni Gaudí's many architectural works on a half-day walking tour. From streetlights to fountains, parks, museums, and of course, the Sagrada Família, Gaudí's vast collection of works in Barcelona is both impressive and extensive.

You'll start on the famous Passeig de Grácia boulevard, home to upscale boutiques and two buildings by Gaudí. Stop at Casa Batlló, a modernist masterpiece of a residential building. After admiring its façade, continue to the Casa Milà apartment building. Finish the tour with a visit to the iconic Sagrada Família, a Gothic-Art Nouveau basilica. Construction began in 1882, but the church technically remains unfinished.

Break for lunch, then pay a visit to Park Güell. Located atop Carmel Hill in north Barcelona, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fine example of Gaudí's boundary-pushing modernist style. Marvel at each building as you stroll the walkways and gardens, and enjoy incredible views over the city.

Day 3: Day Trip to Montserrat & Penedès Region Wine Tasting

Join your guide this morning for a day trip to the ancient heart of Catalonia in Montserrat, located about one hour by car from Barcelona. Tour the Santa Maria de Montserrat Benedictine Monastery, home to the famous Black Virgin, a sculpture many believe was carved in Jerusalem in the early days of Christianity (although it is more likely a 12th-century Romanesque carving). Walk around the fascinating Museum of Montserrat, a treasure trove of archaeology, modern painting and sculpture, and artworks related to the Bible.

Another highlight of visiting Montserrat is hearing one of Europe's oldest boys' choirs, La Escolania de Montserrat. They usually sing at 1 pm on weekdays and noon on Sundays. Then explore a network of scenic trails leading to small chapels and hermitages near town. After lunch, visit the Penedès wine-growing region to taste cava, the famous local sparkling wine, and a variety of other wines produced here. After your winery visit, you'll return to Barcelona.

Day 4: Train to Madrid, Afternoon Guided Tour

This morning you'll travel by train (a 2.5-hour trip) to Madrid. Once settled at your hotel, you'll get to know the Spanish capital's loveliest and most emblematic places with a tour of the Habsburg district, the oldest part of the city (also known as El Madrid de Los Austrias). See the Royal Palace, the cathedral, and the main square of Plaza Mayor. Your guide will also show you some hidden and overlooked corners of Madrid's Old Town and take you to a local bar or café. Take the evening to relax or continue exploring Madrid at your own pace.

Day 5: Guided Visit of Museo del Prado, Rooftops Walking Tour

Today you'll visit the magnificent Museo del Prado, home to one of the world's finest collections of European art. Accompanied by your local expert guide, dive into an immersive morning of art history as you explore the collection, which spans the 12th through the 20th century and features the works of masters like Goya, Bosch, El Greco, Titian, and Diego Velázquez, among others. 

Take a break for lunch, then get a bird's-eye view of the city with a walking tour across its rooftops. This fun and unusual tour allows you to take in beautiful views of the skyline and see the city from a variety of perspectives as you access unassuming buildings with incredible terraces and lookout points. You'll stop for tapas and drinks with a view along the way. 

Day 6: Transfer to Seville, City Walking Tour

After breakfast, head to the train station for your 3.5-hour journey from Madrid to Seville. Drop your luggage at your hotel, then get acquainted with Seville on a guided walking tour, learning about its 2,000-year history along the way. During the tour, you'll admire the Seville Cathedral, a 15th-century Roman Catholic church that's home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Gothic church in the world. You'll also see La Giralda, the cathedral's looming bell tower.

Tour the Alcazar, with a set of palaces and gardens representing a harmonious synthesis between Christian and Muslim cultures. You'll then walk to the orange tree-filled Santa Cruz neighborhood, known as the Jewish Quarter, with its narrow streets and quaint squares. It's a colorful and well-preserved part of the historic center, with many cafés and tapas bars—the perfect excuse to take a break and enjoy some small plates and local wine. Conclude your walk at the banks of the Guadalquivir River.

Day 7: Visit an Andalusian Olive Oil Estate, Flamenco Experience

Today you'll be picked up by a private driver and transferred to a beautiful Andalusian olive oil estate, where you'll witness first-hand the production process of olive oil, one of Spain's most popular high-quality food exports. As you'll soon discover, the estate has quite the history: it was here that Christopher Columbus' son Hernando began exporting olive oil to the New World.

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. Your excursion ends with a tasting of olive oils from the estate.

Return to Seville in the evening to experience one of Spain's premier cultural offerings: flamenco. This musical style enjoys a rich heritage that dates back to the ninth century when the music and dances of immigrants in the Andalusia region mixed with the cultures of local Moors and Jews. Tonight you'll attend a show in one of the city's most famous tablaos, venues specifically designed to host flamenco performances.

Day 8: Day Trip to Córdoba, Walking Tour

Catch a train from Seville's station this morning and embark on a 40-minute journey northeast to Córdoba. This romantic city in the Andalusia region is filled with historic Mudéjar architecture, and you'll delve right in with a four-hour private walking tour with an expert guide. Along the way, you'll visit many historical sights, like the breathtaking Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba). This pagan temple was converted into the great mosque of the Ummayad caliphate and later transformed into a Catholic church.

You'll also meander around the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. Within this historic neighborhood is the Córdoba Synagogue, which dates to 1315. After the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492, the building served different functions. At one time or another, it was a hospital, a chapel, and a nursery school. Visit the Alcázar de los Reyes, a palace built in the 14th century. The terraced gardens, fish ponds, flower beds, and orange trees make great photo opportunities. You'll take the train back to Seville later in the day.

Day 9: Transfer to Málaga via Ronda

Join your driver this morning for the three-hour journey to the vibrant city of Málaga, stopping in the village of Ronda along the way. Built astride a huge rift in the mountains carved out by the Guadalevín River, Ronda has a dramatic history littered with outlaws, bandits, guerrilla warriors, and rebels. It's also the place where modern bullfighting was invented in the late 18th century, and you can visit a bullfighting museum in town to learn more.

South of the gorge, Ronda's Old Town largely dates from Islamic times, when it was an important cultural center filled with mosques and palaces. Farther north, the grid-shaped New Town is perched atop cliffs, with parks and promenades looking regally over the surrounding mountains. Don't miss the famous bridge views at Ronda Bridge View Point, the 13th-century bathhouse, and a walk along the old Walls of Ronda. Then hop back in the car for the final leg of the journey to Málaga.

Day 10: Tour Málaga, Sunset Cruise

On today's private half-day tour, you'll delve deeper into the coastal city of Málaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Located at the top of the Costa del Sol, this ancient metropolis has more culture and history than many of the resort towns farther south on Spain's famous Riviera. Málaga dates back a whopping 3,000 years to Phoenician times, and you'll see evidence of this rich heritage as your guide shows you the Roman Theater, the Alcazaba, and the majestic Cathedral of Málaga.

Leave the bustle of Málaga's city center behind for a peaceful sunset cruise in the evening. This catamaran excursion takes you on a 1.5-hour voyage along the coast, taking in glorious views across the water and the region's fantastic beaches as the sun gradually disappears behind the mountains. Sip a glass of champagne and toast this memorable experience!

Day 11: Transfer to Tangier (Morocco), City Tour

It's time to swap Spain for Morocco! After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up to transfer you to Tarifa, where you'll board a ferry for the one-hour crossing to Tangier. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel—then it's time to start exploring 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 the unique lifestyle that has been passed on from one generation to another. 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 12: Transfer to Chefchaouen via Hercules Caves

Meet your driver this morning and head a few miles outside of Tangier to the famous Caves of Hercules. This dramatic cavern complex is part human-made and part natural, and local legend states that the Greek god Hercules once took a rest here between his famous exploits. Then sit back and enjoy the scenic 2.5-hour transfer to Chefchaouen, known as Morocco's "Blue City."  Beautifully perched beneath the peaks of the Rif mountains, this artsy, blue-washed mountain village feels like its own world.

After settling into your hotel, set out to explore narrow alleys lined with whitewashed houses—complete with tiny balconies, tiled roofs, and patios with citrus trees. The old medina is a delight of Moroccan and Andalucian influence, with red-tiled roofs, bright-blue buildings, and narrow lanes converging on the busy Plaza Uta el-Hammam and its restored kasbah (fortress). Peruse the nearby souks (markets) or head to the Grand Mosque and Kasbah.

Day 13: Transfer to Fes via Volubilis & Meknes

Get back on the road today with a four-hour transfer south from Chefchaouen to Fes. During the drive, you'll stop for a tour of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing 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, one of Morocco's famous Imperial Cities. Before settling into your riad (traditional Moroccan house with an interior courtyard), you'll drive up to the Marinid Tombs. The ruins of these monumental tombs are perched on a hill overlooking the city and from which you can enjoy panoramic views of Fes' medina. On the hillside below, you may even see leather drying in the sun—the last step in the tanning process. Then make your way into the bustling medina and spend time wandering Fes' charming streets. Enjoy dinner at your riad, followed by some well-deserved relaxation.

Day 14: Discover the Medieval Medina of Fes 

After breakfast, you'll meet your personal guide for a half-day walking tour of Morocco's oldest Imperial City (founded in the eighth century). You'll focus on Fes' medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most well-preserved in the Arab world. 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 a variety of 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 15: Transfer to Midelt via the High Atlas 

Your driver will take you through the scenic High Atlas mountain range today, passing picturesque alpine villages on the 3.5-hour journey to Midelt. This area of Morocco is known as "Little Switzerland." Built by the French in the 1930s, the hamlet of Ifrane mimics quintessential French and Swiss mountain architecture, and the town is a great stopping point if you need a break!

As you continue, you'll pass through the village of Azrou and climb to an elevation of 7,146 feet (2,178 m) over the Col du Zad Pass. Enjoy the views as you enter the dense cedar forests of the mountains. Keep an eye out for the local Barbary macaque monkeys, which can be spotted socializing in the trees. You'll weave through more towns, including traditional Berber villages, passing the nearby Moulouya River and its surrounding fruit orchards. Arrive at your accommodations in Midelt, known as the "Apple City," where you'll have a free evening.

Day 16: Transfer to Merzouga, Sunset Camel Ride & Desert Camp

Today's destination will be a highlight of the trip as you journey 4.5 hours east and into the Sahara Desert to reach your luxury Bedouin-style tent accommodation in Merzouga. Just before reaching the bustling market town of Erfoud, you'll glimpse the ever-shifting Saharan sands of Erg Chebbi in the distance. This extensive series of dunes covers almost 14 square miles (35 sq km), with some peaks rising over 650 feet (200 m)—the color and shape change depending on the time of day and the wind.

Near Merzouga, you'll go for a camel ride through the dunes, reaching your luxury camp just before sunset. Have dinner and enjoy a night by the campfire with traditional Berber music. Before climbing into bed, check out an incredible view of bright stars in the clear night sky overhead. 

Day 17: Transfer to Boumalne Dades 

Consider waking early to catch a spectacular desert sunrise in Merzouga. Then begin the transfer to Boumalne Dades, which takes about 4.5 hours. You'll have views of desert plains, high mountains, and endless plateaus along the way and make several scenic stops. Explore Khemliya, an authentic Saharan village, where you can observe traditional music, drumming, and dancing while strolling around the village. Next, you'll go to the town of Rissani, known for its livestock auction. Observe the donkey "parking lot" and walk around the town's famous market.

Continue to the desert town of Tinghir and the Todra Gorge, located at 984 feet (300 m) and featuring stunning red-stained limestones. Take a leisurely walk through the gorge or relax in the cool, shallow water below. You'll then enter the Dadès Valley, where cultivated farmland plots border rose bushes used to make rose water and rose oil. Stop at the rose collective to watch the distillation process in action. Finally, arrive in Boumalne Dades, which sits on a lush stretch along the Dades River.

Day 18: Explore Ouarzazate & Aït Benhaddou, Transfer to Marrakesh

Enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Boumalne Dade to Marrakesh, which takes about six hours. Take a break in the picturesque town of Ouarzazate, which gained popularity thanks to the film industry. Moviemakers regularly set up shop in this sprawling desert crossroads with broad, palm-fringed boulevards. Next, you'll reach the medieval Aït Benhaddou, home to Morocco's most famous kasbah and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the town's alleys and passageways, or climb up to the old granary for incredible views over historic camel caravan routes.

Continue over the Atlas mountains via Tizi n'Tichka Pass. Enjoy sweeping vistas over the peaks, noting the range's highest summit of Mount Toubkal, which sits at 13,671 feet (4,167 m). As you descend and leave the pass, you'll notice how the rocks soon transition to foothills and again into flat plains. After a scenic and tranquil drive, you'll join the hustle of vibrant Marrakesh.

Day 19: Discover Marrakesh, Street Food Tour

Get to know Morocco's "Red City" of Marrakesh today with a private guide. Stroll over to Jemaa el-Fna, the main square, surrounded by colorful souks. Visit historical sites like the Saadian Tombs, where the oldest tomb dates back to 1557. Enter through a very narrow passage, and discover a small garden, graves, and three decorative pavilions. Check out the sunken gardens at El Badi Palace and the courtyard and gardens at Bahia Palace, the city's largest and most luxurious palace of its day.  

Take a break in the afternoon, then get ready for a food tour along the streets and back alleys of the medina. Your Moroccan guide will teach you about Marrakesh's street food culture, stopping along the way to sample delicious local delicacies. Come with an empty stomach and an open mind for this immersive gastronomic experience!

Day 20: Foodie Experience in Essaouira

Head to the coast again with a day trip to charming Essaouira. You'll leave Marrakesh in the morning for the 2.5-hour drive to this relaxed, artistic enclave, where the economy is based on fishing and traditional crafts. When you arrive, you'll set out on a food tour, enjoying multiple gourmet experiences throughout the day as you stop to try local specialties and visit the picturesque port with its bobbing blue boats. Enter a local home for a memorable cooking class and a meal, then finish with a walking tour around the historic center. After some free time to wander around the medina, your driver will take you back to Marrakesh.

Day 21: Depart Marrakesh

It's time to say goodbye to Morocco! At the designated 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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