Marrakech to Mediterranean A Moroccan Odyssey

Upon arrival in Marrakech, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Morocco. We’ll organise your transfer to the hotel, ensuring you settle in comfortably. As the afternoon unfolds, experience the city's magic with a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride, taking you to the renowned Jemaa el-Fnaa Square—a bustling hub of activity and culture. To conclude your first day, we’ll provide dinner, allowing you to savour the flavours of Moroccan cuisine in this enchanting setting. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Our exploration of the captivating city of Marrakech awaits today, a place that shares its name with the country itself. We’ll embark on a guided tour that takes you through the city's imposing ancient walls and lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Our journey leads us into the heart of the Medina, a bustling maze of vibrant alleys. We’ll stop at the Koutoubia Mosque, renowned for its magnificent minaret, and explore the splendidly ornate Bahia Palace, both of which are included in the itinerary. Later, you'll have some leisure time to enjoy lunch, which is provided, and unwind. Perhaps you'd like to relax by the hotel pool or in the tranquil gardens, or immerse yourself in the exotic bazaars and souks to experience the city's rich tapestry of sights and sounds. As the day winds down, there's an option for you to join a Fantasy Party, an additional evening excursion that promises to enhance your Moroccan adventure.

Today, we embark on a journey across the majestic Atlas Mountains, where snow-capped peaks wave goodbye as we leave the lush palm groves of Marrakech behind. Along the way, you'll encounter picturesque Berber villages preciously perched on the sides of steep gorges. We'll make a stop at the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, famed for being the backdrop to various films. Our route leads us through landscapes that evoke biblical times as we head to Ouarzazate, home to its awe-inspiring Kasbah. Continuing through the Valley of Roses, we'll arrive at Boumalne Dades, where dinner awaits us. Please be aware, during winter, roads may sometimes be closed due to snow; if necessary, we'll adjust this part of the itinerary accordingly. Access to the Sahara Desert is also dependent on road conditions.

Today we embark on an adventurous journey through the stunning landscapes of the Sahara Desert. We’ll traverse the captivating Valley of the Kasbahs, where arid expanses are punctuated by the verdant greenery of palm tree-lined river valleys, rocky plains that give way to lush oases, and adobe villages with mighty fortresses protecting historic routes. Our itinerary includes a visit to the majestic Todgha Gorge, where the canyon walls rise over 100 metres on each side, offering an awe-inspiring spectacle.On our way, we’ll pause in a small adobe town near Khorbat to discover more about the local desert community—though do note that access could be impacted by weather conditions like river floods. Our journey will then continue to Erfoud; from here, you have the chance to embark on an optional off-road adventure to the Sahara Desert's sand dunes, where you can witness a breathtaking sunset over the golden sands. Along the way, lunch is included, providing you with a taste of local culinary delights amidst these remarkable settings.

We depart early from Erfoud, embarking on a journey through the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. As we travel, you’ll encounter dramatic gorges and captivating landscapes, eventually reaching a high, chilly plateau home to nomadic shepherds. Our route includes a brief stop in Midelt, a key commercial town known for its agricultural focus. We continue towards the Middle Atlas, pausing for lunch by a picturesque lake amidst stunning natural scenery—this meal is included in your itinerary. The landscape transforms as we drive into a region renowned for its dense forests, commonly blanketed in snow during the winter months. In the vicinity of Azrou, we visit the "House of Cedars" in a national park—a small museum offering intriguing insights into this unique area. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to observe lively colonies of monkeys that inhabit the surroundings.Our journey then takes us to the serene town of Bhalil, inhabited by Berbers of the Middle Atlas. Known for its colourful old town and distinctive homes integrated into ancient caves, Bhalil offers a unique glimpse into local traditions. Our day concludes in Fez, but not before pausing to admire panoramic views of the city's ancient landscapes from the Marinid Tombs. Dinner is included as we settle in to reflect on the day's adventures.

Today, we embark on a journey through Fez, entering this historic city via the magnificent Bronze Gates of the Royal Palace. As we venture through the lively Jewish Quarter and the bustling souks of the Tanners' Quarter, you will witness the cultural heart of Morocco. Fez is celebrated for its well-preserved Medina, where time seems to stand still amidst the rich Arab heritage. Our exploration will conclude with lunch at a historic palace within the Medina, providing an authentic taste of the city’s culinary traditions. In the afternoon, we head northwards along a modern highway, reaching Tangier by evening. Dinner awaits to round off a day filled with discovery and culture.

Today, you have the morning at leisure in Tangier. Use this time to explore the vibrant city one last time—perhaps indulging in some last-minute shopping or simply soaking up the atmosphere. Later, we’ll board a ferry to Spain. Please note that the bus will not accompany us on the ferry; you will need to carry your luggage during the crossing. Upon arrival in Algeciras or Tarifa, we’ll continue our journey to Seville, arriving in the evening where a delightful dinner awaits.

In the morning, we embark on a city tour of Seville, a captivating city renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture. During our exploration, we shall visit the majestic cathedral, iconic for its renowned Giralda bell tower. We will stroll along the banks of the Guadalquivir River and wander through the charming neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana, each offering its own unique character and atmosphere. After the tour, join us for a delightful and relaxing boat ride on the Guadalquivir River, where you'll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the cityscape. Later in the evening, you may choose to experience an authentic flamenco show at one of the popular tablaos, immersing yourself in the passionate rhythms and vibrant dances of this Andalusian art form.

Following breakfast, we will set out for Carmona, a city with over 3,000 years of history, celebrated for its Mudejar and Renaissance-style old town. After a pleasant walk through its historical streets, our journey resumes towards Almodóvar del Río. There, we will visit the impressive Moorish castle, where tickets and a cab ride to the site are included, offering breathtaking views from its elevated position. Our next stop is Córdoba, once the capital of the Caliphate during the Islamic period. Here, you have the opportunity to explore the city's enticing charm at your own pace and enjoy lunch wherever you fancy. Later, a local guide will lead us through Córdoba's most renowned attraction, the exquisite Mosque–Cathedral, showcasing a harmonious blend of Islamic and Christian artistry. We will also explore the enchanting Jewish Quarter, famed for its narrow streets and delightful flower-filled patios, which are distinctive features of the city's identity. In the late afternoon, if the majestic palace-city of the Umayyad Caliphate, Medina Azahara, is open to the public (from 21st June to 20th September), we will partake in a captivating evening visit, with tickets provided. Should the night visit be unavailable due to seasonal restrictions or other circumstances, our panoramic city tour will be enriched by a visit to one of Córdoba’s iconic courtyards, with entry included.

Following breakfast, we journey through extensive olive groves to reach Baena, a town with a rich Roman heritage, famed for its superior olive oil. We will visit the Núñez de Prado Olive Oil Mill, one of the Mediterranean's most venerable establishments, housed in a structure dating back to the 18th century. Here, you’ll discover the intricacies of olive oil production and indulge in a tasting of 'pan con aceite' – bread with olive oil. Our adventure continues to Granada, celebrated for its stunning Alhambra – a pinnacle of Islamic architecture and a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided tour and admission are included. Lunch will be provided, allowing you ample time in the afternoon to explore the city at your leisure. You might consider visiting the impressive cathedral or wandering through the Albaicín neighbourhood, where you can take in awe-inspiring views of the Alhambra.

As we journey across the Sierra Nevada mountains, be prepared for breathtaking views that will accompany us to the Mediterranean coast, where the Costa Tropical awaits. This region, blessed with a temperate climate, supports the cultivation of exotic fruits like guavas, mangoes, and avocados. We'll stop in Nerja, a delightful coastal town renowned for its impressive cliffs. Our next stop is Frigiliana, often hailed as one of Andalusia's most picturesque villages. Here, you'll find a maze of steep, winding streets lined with charming whitewashed houses that exude Andalusian charm at every turn. Our travels will then take us to Málaga, the vibrant capital of the Costa del Sol. Known for its array of museums, the city is also famous as the birthplace of Picasso and home to the intriguing unfinished cathedral, La Manquita, which translates to "The One-Armed Lady." You'll have the afternoon free to enjoy lunch in the city centre or, if the weather is fine, perhaps indulge in a refreshing swim at the local beach.

On Day 12, after enjoying breakfast, you will conclude your journey in Malaga. We hope your adventure has left you with a collection of wonderful memories to treasure.