Mediterranean Marvels From Barcelona to Madrid
Begin in Barcelona – Gaudí icons and seaside strolls – then follow the Med to Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences and Alicante. In Andalusia, take in Granada’s Alhambra before sailing the Strait to Morocco for Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech – souks, palaces and the buzz of Jemaa el Fnaa. Cross the Atlas to Ait Benhaddou, Todgha Gorge and desert oases, with an optional Sahara sunset. Return via Fez and Tangier to Spain’s Seville – cathedral, river cruise and flamenco. Continue through Roman Mérida and Portugal’s Lisbon and Évora, finishing in Madrid with Retiro and the Bernabéu – a 19 day journey you’ll love across Iberia and Morocco.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
19 daysHotel Rating
3-5 star hotelsStarts
BarcelonaEnds
MadridMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Spain that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
Spain, Morocco, PortugalPassengers
$7,284.50
$500.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Barcelona
Peniscola
Valencia
Alicante
Caravaca de la Cruz
Granada
Tangier
Asilah
Rabat
Casablanca
Marrakech
Ait Benhadou
Ouarzazate
Boumalne Dades
Todgha
Erfoud
Fez
Seville
Mérida
Évora
Lisbon
Cáceres
Madrid
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Barcelona
Welcome to Barcelona. On arrival, we’ll provide a transfer to your hotel so you can settle in. The rest of the day is free – you can relax after your journey or take a short stroll nearby. In the afternoon, please check the information board at hotel reception for details about the start of your tour.
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.
Day 2 - Barcelona
In the morning, we take a panoramic tour of Barcelona – widely regarded as one of Europe’s most fascinating capitals. Open to the Mediterranean, the city is renowned for Gaudí and its modernist architecture, its lively Ramblas and the legacies of the World Expositions and the Olympic Games. The tour ends by the sea at Maremagnum, next to Columbus Square, where you can stroll the waterfront. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore as you wish. We return to the hotel at the end of the day.
Day 3 - Barcelona - Peniscola - Valencia
We travel south along the Mediterranean coast, stopping in Peñíscola – a medieval walled town surrounded by beaches – with time for a stroll. We continue to Valencia, arriving around lunchtime. In the afternoon, we join a local guide for a tour of this port city on Spain’s Levantine coast, where over 2,000 years of history sit alongside the modern City of Arts and Sciences. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore. A traditional local dinner is included.
Day 4 - Valencia - Alicante - Guadix - Granada
We continue south through the Valencian Community to Alicante – a Mediterranean city of golden sands and a charming historic quarter, dominated by the imposing Castle of Santa Bárbara. You’ll have free time for a stroll. We then cross the arid landscapes of Murcia, stopping en route for lunch. Entering Andalusia, we make our first stop in Guadix, known for its inhabited cave houses and historic quarter, where the Renaissance cathedral and traditional neighbourhoods sit against views of the Sierra Nevada. We continue to Granada, arriving in the late afternoon – dinner included.
Day 5 - Granada
We spend the day in Granada. If your tour includes tickets, we visit the Alhambra and its exquisite Generalife Gardens – masterpieces from the Arab period. In the afternoon, you have free time to explore the city at your own pace – you could visit the cathedral, which houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs.Important note: Entry to the Alhambra is strictly regulated by law. To secure admission, tickets are issued when your tour reservation is confirmed, and you must provide your full name and passport or ID number at the time of booking. Ticket costs will not be refunded if you cancel. In the rare event the Alhambra visit cannot be arranged, we will instead tour the Royal Alcázar of Seville, which offers similar historical and architectural significance.
Day 6 - Granada - Tangier - Asilah - Rabat
We leave Granada and follow the Costa del Sol to Algeciras or Tarifa to board the modern ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar – tickets included. The coach usually does not make the crossing, so you’ll need to carry your own luggage on board. On arrival in Morocco, we continue to Asilah, a walled Atlantic town – once a historic port and pirate stronghold – where you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll. We then travel on to Rabat, where dinner is included.
Day 7 - Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech
We begin with a panoramic tour of Rabat, taking in the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Around midday we continue to Casablanca for a short city tour with a local guide, including the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque – exterior only. We then travel on to Marrakech. After arriving at the hotel, you can choose to take a traditional kalesa ride to the famous Jemaa el–Fnaa square. Dinner is included.
Day 8 - Marrakech
Today we explore Marrakech – the city that gave Morocco its name – on a guided tour that takes in the city walls, the lively Jemaa el–Fnaa square, the medina, the Koutoubia Mosque and the Bahia Palace, with tickets included. After the visit, lunch is included and you’ll have free time to relax by the hotel pool or in the garden, or to browse the souks. In the evening, you can choose to join the optional Fantasy Party.
Day 9 - Marrakech - Ouarzazate - Boumalne Dades
We depart Marrakech and cross the Atlas Mountains, leaving the palm groves behind for peaks often snow‑capped in season. We pass small Berber villages perched on the edges of deep gorges. We stop at Ait Benhaddou – a fortified village featured in many films – then continue to Ouarzazate, known for its impressive kasbah. Travelling on through the Valley of Roses, we reach Boumalne Dades, where dinner is included. Please note that in winter some roads may close due to snow – if this occurs, we will adjust the route according to our alternative plan. Access to the Sahara also depends on road conditions.
Day 10 - Boumalne Dades - Todgha - Erfoud
We travel from Boumalne Dades deeper into the south along the Valley of the Kasbahs – palm‑fringed riverbeds, rocky plains that open into oases and adobe villages, and historic fortresses that once guarded trade routes. We visit the spectacular Todgha Gorge, a narrow canyon with sheer walls rising more than 100 metres. On the way, we stop at a small adobe town near Khorbat to learn about daily life in a desert community – access can be affected by weather, especially river flooding. We then continue to Erfoud. Lunch is included. In the evening, you can choose an off road excursion into the Sahara dunes to watch the sunset.
Day 11 - Erfoud - Fez
We depart early from Erfoud, crossing the Atlas once more through gorges and wide mountain plateaus where nomadic shepherds graze their flocks. We pause in Midelt, then continue into the Middle Atlas for an included lunch by a lakeside in a peaceful natural setting. The landscape shifts to dense forest – snow is common here in winter – and near Azrou we visit the House of Cedars museum in the national park, with time to observe the lively monkey colonies. We then head to Bhalil, a small Berber town known for its colourful old quarter and houses that incorporate former caves. Reaching Fez, we stop at the Marinid Tombs for sweeping views of the ancient city before continuing to the hotel. Dinner included.
Day 12 - Fez - Tangier
This morning, we explore Fez, entering through the bronze gates of the Royal Palace and continuing into the Jewish quarter, the lively souks and the Tanners’ Quarter. The visit concludes with an included lunch at a historic palace in the Medina. In the afternoon, we travel north on a modern motorway to Tangier, arriving by evening – dinner is included.
Day 13 - Tangier - Seville
Enjoy free time in Tangier – perhaps for a final stroll or some last minute shopping. We then take the ferry back to Spain. The coach does not travel on the ferry, so you will need to take your luggage with you. On arrival in Algeciras or Tarifa, we rejoin the coach and continue to Seville, arriving in the evening. Dinner is included.
Day 14 - Seville
This morning we explore Seville on a guided tour – the cathedral with its famous Giralda, the banks of the Guadalquivir, and the characterful neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, we include a leisurely cruise on the Guadalquivir, offering panoramic views of the historic skyline and bridges. In the evening, you can choose to experience a traditional flamenco tablao.
Day 15 - Seville - Merida - Evora - Lisbon
We leave Seville and travel through rolling hills and open pastureland towards Extremadura. In Mérida, we include admission to the Archaeological Ensemble – the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre – an exceptionally well‑preserved UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll have time for lunch and a stroll through the pedestrian historic centre. We then cross into Portugal, stopping in Évora, another World Heritage city known for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces and cathedral. We continue to Lisbon, arriving in the evening.
Day 16 - Lisbon
In the morning, we take a sightseeing tour of Lisbon – the Portuguese capital of seven hills – exploring its characterful alleys, viewpoints and iconic tiles. We also visit the riverside Belem neighbourhood, from where Portuguese navigators set sail in the 15th century. The afternoon is free – you can wander at your own pace or head to Bairro Alto for its viewpoint – and you may choose to join the optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we provide a return transfer from Restauradores Square – a lively area of bars and cafes – back to the hotel.
Day 17 - Lisbon - Caceres - Madrid
We depart Portugal early, travelling across the Alentejo. We pause for coffee in Estremoz – a charming town with a medieval castle, cobbled streets and graceful architecture. Crossing into Spain, we arrive in Cáceres, where you can have lunch and take a stroll through its historic centre – an exceptionally well preserved medieval and Renaissance ensemble. We then continue to Madrid, reaching the city in the evening with a transfer to Plaza Mayor – a vibrant square filled with restaurants and local life.
Day 18 - Madrid
This morning we take a panoramic tour of central Madrid, passing the Paseo del Prado, the Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, the Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. We then visit Retiro Park – a major green space in the city centre – to see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission is included to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon free. In the evening, we provide a transfer back to the hotel.
Day 19 - Madrid
After breakfast, we bring the tour to a close – please check out of the hotel and make your own onward travel arrangements. Thank you for travelling with us – we hope you leave with lasting memories of your journey.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Madrid
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Barcelona
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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