Andalucia to the Atlas Mountains

Madrid - Caceres - Seville. We depart from the bus terminal at 7:45/8:00, heading toward the Extremadura region and arriving in Cáceres. Enjoy free time to explore Plaza Mayor and stroll through the old city, known for its famous and well-preserved medieval quarter, a recognized World Heritage site. There's free time for lunch before we continue south to Andalucía, arriving in Seville, where dinner is included.

Please note: This tour is bi-lingual, and will be conducted in Spanish as well as in English.

Meeting Point: C. de Ferraz, 3, Moncloa - Aravaca, 28008 Madrid at 8:00.

In the morning, we enjoy a city sightseeing tour, taking in María Luisa Park, Plaza de España, and the exterior of the remarkable Cathedral and its bell tower, known as the Giralda. Explore the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood with its quaint streets, squares, and narrow alleys. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

After the tour, you've got free time, or can join optional activities including a Guadalquivir river cruise, offering panoramic views of the Gold Tower and Expo 92, or a visit to the Maestranza bullring. In the evening, you have the option to attend a flamenco show.

Seville - Ronda - Costa del Sol. After breakfast, we'll depart for the Route of the White Villages and Ronda. You'll have some free time to take in sweeping views from the Puente Nuevo bridge, explore the historic bullring, or stroll through the charming old town with its whitewashed buildings and quiet plazas. Then, we'll continue on to the Costa del Sol for the night. On most departures, we stay in the town of Torremolinos, though this is subject to change.

Costa del Sol - Tangier (Morocco). Say goodbye to Spain as we take the ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier. On arrival in Morocco, we embark on a guided panoramic tour to explore the surroundings of Tangier, including the Grottos of Hercules (entrance not included) and Cape Spartel. There will be some free time available, with the option to participate in an additional excursion to Tetuan. We're staying in Tangier tonight, and dinner is included.

Tangier - Volubilis - Meknes - Fes. After breakfast, we embark on a journey through the Middle Atlas towards Fes. The first stop is at Volubilis to explore its Roman ruins, including the Decumanus Maximus, the main road stretching from the Tangier gate to the Arc de Triomphe of Caracalla, built in 217 AD. This road is paved and lined with spacious, ornately decorated houses.

We continue to Meknes, one of the Imperial cities that became Morocco's capital during Moulay Ismail's reign. Here, we visit the medina, El Hedim Square, and the renowned Bab Al Mansour gate, often considered the most beautiful in Morocco. Our final destination tonight is one of the world's most ancient cities: Fes.

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of the first of Morocco’s imperial cities - Fes, the country’s intellectual and religious capital. Our day starts with a panoramic drive past the impressive Royal Palace, Dar Al-Makhzen, with its iconic seven gates, before entering the captivating labyrinth of Fes El Bali, the oldest and most extensive medina in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Home to 785 mosques and over 2,000 narrow streets and alleys, the medina takes us on a journey through time from the 9th to the 19th century. Starting at Bab Boujloud and winding our way to Es-Seffarine Square, we’ll explore the medina’s historical structure, diverse architectural styles, and the lives of its artisan communities. We’ll pass through traditional neighbourhoods, seeing leather tanners, seamstresses, and other skilled craftsmen still using ancient techniques. We'll also visit a historic medersa before ending our walk to the rhythmic sounds of copper being hammered by potters in the same way as centuries ago.

We’ll enjoy lunch in a traditional Moroccan restaurant, with the afternoon free for you to continue exploring.

Fes - Casablanca - Marrakech. Today we depart for Casablanca, the economic hub of the country. Enjoy free time for lunch along its renowned Corniche and take the opportunity to admire the exterior of the impressive Hassan II Mosque. After our stop in this coastal city, we continue south, heading inland to Morocco's most popular destination: Marrakech. The evening is at leisure for you to head out and discover the sensual chaos of Djemaa el Fna.

We embark on a tour of Marrakech, one of Morocco's significant imperial cities. The visit begins at the Koutoubia Mosque, once used as a bookstore and now a symbol of the city. Next, proceed to the magnificent Bahia Palace, constructed in the 19th century by hundreds of artisans from Fes. The tour continues from the Jewish quarter, or Mellah, through Kissaría Square to the lively Djmaa El Fna Square, recognized as a living museum and part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Here, storytellers, snake charmers, jugglers, dancers, and more create a vibrant scene.

We then explore the souk, wandering through its bustling alleys filled with shops, workshops, and terraces, where you can discover guilds of carpenters, knife sharpeners, and a Berber pharmacy offering natural products, primarily made from argan oil and its derivatives. Returning to the square, enjoy some free time before having lunch at a traditional restaurant. The afternoon is at leisure, and we're spending another night in the city.

Marrakech - Rabat. From Morocco's most popular city to it's capital, today we're heading to Rabat. The city is also the official residence of the royal family. Upon arrival, we will explore key sites including the Hassan Tower, an incomplete mosque that stands prominently over an esplanade with over 200 columns, and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, built to honour the sultan who secured the country’s independence. The royal guard, dressed in colourful ceremonial attire, watches over the monument's entrance on horseback. The afternoon is free for you to explore the medina, the Kasbah of the Udayas, and enjoy a walk along the Bouregreg riverbanks.

Rabat - Tangier - Costa del Sol. We're heading back to Spain today. After breakfast, we depart for Tangier to board the ferry back across the Strait of Gibraltar. On arrival, we transfer back to the Costa del Sol, and the evening is at leisure.

Costa del Sol - Granada. We leave Seville after breakfast and make our way to Granada. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the stunning Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including access to the magnificent Generalife gardens.

You also have the option to visit the Sacromonte caves for a traditional flamenco show.

Please note: In the event that tickets to the Alhambra and Generalife are unavailable from the Patronato, an alternative tour of Granada will be arranged. This includes visits to the Palace of Carlos V, the Archaeological Museum, the Church of Santa María de la Alhambra, the Royal Chapel, and a stroll through the Alcaicería silk market and Cathedral Square.

Granada - Toledo - Madrid. Start the day with breakfast before we depart for the historic Imperial city of Toledo, known for its rich history and numerous monuments. Enjoy an included lunch and a guided tour of the city. Afterwards, we return to Madrid, marking the end of our services.