Iberia to Morocco

Madrid – Merida – Cordoba. Depart Madrid along the highway towards Extremadura, birthplace of several explorers who journeyed to the New World. We arrive in Merida, the regional capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its outstanding Roman remains. You will have free time to see highlights such as the Roman Theatre, Amphitheatre and the impressive Roman Bridge. We then continue to Cordoba, once the capital of the Caliphate. Overnight at the hotel.

Cordoba – Seville. After breakfast, we visit the remarkable Mosque - now a Cathedral - one of the greatest examples of Islamic architecture in Spain. We also stroll through the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter, a maze of whitewashed streets and hidden courtyards. In the afternoon, we travel to Seville, a journey of approximately two hours. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we enjoy a panoramic tour of Seville, including entrance to its Cathedral - the second largest in the Catholic world after St Peter’s in Rome. We explore the charming Barrio de Santa Cruz, the natural setting of "Carmen" and the place where the myth of Don Juan developed. We continue to María Luisa Park and the grand Plaza de Espana. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your own pace and sample its distinctive flavours. Overnight at the hotel.

Seville – Ronda – Costa del Sol. After breakfast, we drive south through picturesque white villages to Ronda. You will have free time to admire this historic town, dramatically set above a deep valley. Take in views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Later, we continue to the Costa del Sol, one of Spain’s leading international tourist areas. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast and overnight at the hotel. Today is at leisure. You may wish to relax on the beaches of the Costa del Sol, explore nearby towns, or join one of our optional excursions.

Costa del Sol – Tarifa/Algeciras – Tangier – Fes. We travel along the Costa del Sol tourist route to Tarifa or Algeciras, where we board the ferry for a short crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar towards Morocco. On arrival in Tangier, we complete customs formalities before continuing by coach to Fes. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. We visit Fes, the oldest and most monumental of Morocco’s Imperial Cities. Explore the most interesting sites, including the gates of the Royal Palace, the Mellah and the Bab Bou Jeloud gate. We walk through the grand Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest living medieval cities in the world. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Fes– Rabat – Casablanca – Marrakech. After an early breakfast, we depart for Rabat, Morocco’s capital. We see the exterior of the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Hassan Tower. We then continue to Casablanca to explore the United Nations Square, the Corniche Boulevard and the exterior of the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Enjoy free time to have lunch on route. Proceed to Marrakech. This evening, you may choose to attend an optional Fantasia Chez Ali dinner under traditional caidal tents. Overnight at the hotel.

Marrakech – Casablanca. Breakfast at the hotel. Our city tour of Marrakech - often called the "Pearl of the South" - begins at the Menara Gardens, set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. We see the exterior of the Koutoubia Minaret, architectural twin of Seville’s Giralda, and visit the Bahia Palace located in the old part of the city. We then explore the bustling Jemaa el-Fna Square, heart of the city, with access to the souks and medina where traditional crafts such as woodwork, ceramics, leather and spices are displayed. Lunch at the hotel before we travel to Casablanca. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Casablanca – Tangier – Tarifa/Algeciras – Costa del Sol. After breakfast, we depart for Tangier and transfer to the port for our ferry crossing the Strait of Gibraltar back to Spain. On arrival, we continue to the Costa del Sol. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast and overnight at the hotel. The day is free for you to enjoy the beaches and surrounding areas, or to join one of our optional excursions.

Costa del Sol – Granada. After breakfast, we travel to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms until 1492. We visit the world-famous Alhambra and the beautiful Generalife Gardens, whose palaces and courtyards inspired Washington Irving’s "Tales of the Alhambra". In the evening, you may choose to attend an optional Flamenco Zambra performance. Overnight at the hotel.

Granada – Madrid. Breakfast at the hotel. We depart northwards to Madrid.