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Premium Spain & Morocco

Sale!

Premium Spain & Morocco

Was From $ 12,115 AUD
Now From $ 9,692 AUD
Sale!

Description

Experience the rich history and diverse culture of Spain and Morocco on an 18-day Premium adventure. Walk in the footsteps of Gaudi and Picasso, taste fine wines and tapas, and witness the white-washed villages that bring Spain to life. Travel from Casablanca to Marrakech, spend time in the Middle Atlas Mountains, share stories and food with a local family in Fes and gain unrivalled insight to the Moroccan way of life. From buzzing cities to natural wonders, this all-encompassing journey will show you the best of both countries.

Trip Name
Premium Spain & Morocco
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
19
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Taste the best of Spanish cuisine during Exclusive Experiences – sample olive oil at a family-run farm in Andalucia and taste paella in Valencia.
  • See the enchanting Alhambra Palace in Granada by night with an expert guide, a Premium Exclusive Experience. Avoid the crowds as you receive special insight into the complex’s fascinating history.
  • Experience incredible beauty, world-class hospitality during your feature stays in Bin el-Ouidane, a tranquil lakeside retreat in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, and an elegant converted 18th-century mansion in Seville.
  • Uncover the most impressive Roman ruins in Morocco during an Exclusive Experience at the World Heritage site of Volubilis, where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch made with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Lift the lid on Moroccan culture and cuisine as you’re welcomed into the home of a local family in Fes. During this Exclusive Experience, you’ll swap stories and share a traditional pastilla dinner.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Madrid
Bienvenido! Welcome to Spain. When you arrive in Madrid, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure then officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6.30 pm tonight. If you arrive early, you might like to visit the Museo del Prado and then wander the works of Picasso and Dali in the Museo Reina Sofia. After your meeting, you’ll join your local leader and small group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant that showcases Madrid’s famous tapas.
Day 2 - Madrid
This morning, get an in-depth look at Madrid as you join your leader for a tour of the city centre. You’ll visit Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace on walk that’ll bring the city’s history to life. After stopping to refuel at a local cafe, enjoy a free afternoon to relax or continue your explorations. You could wander along the along the Paseo del Arte, or Art Walk, for an expansive history of Western art. Start with the Museo del Prado, then discover modern Spanish masters, including Picasso and Dali, in the Museo Reina Sofia. Finish at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, which displays eight centuries of European painting.
Day 3 - Seville
Travel from Madrid to Seville by train this morning. The largest city in southern Spain, Seville is famous for its cultural vitality and architecture. When you arrive, check into your Feature Stay accommodation – a gorgeous family-run boutique hotel housed in 27 Sevillian cottages with patios and corridors connecting them. The hotel celebrates its roots with its decor and antique furnishings and walking through the hotel's interior is like taking a stroll through centuries-old parts of the city, with its statues, columns, jugs, all creating the impression of a living museum. Personal touches can also be found all throughout the hotel, like the hand-painted details in each room and the owner’s great-grandmother’s shawl hanging in reception. Tonight, join your group for a live flamenco show – a traditional Spanish style of dance with roots in Seville.
Day 4 - Seville
This morning, meet with a local expert on all things Seville and get to know the city during a walking tour. Explore narrow streets, hidden squares filled with orange trees and flower-adorned patios as your guide provides local insight into the history of the city. Visit the Alcazar of Seville – a grand royal palace. Known as one of the most beautiful in Europe, the Spanish royal family still use the Alcazar as their residence! The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Maybe take an optional visit to the Giralda Tower and the famous Seville Cathedral – one of Europe’s largest cathedrals and home to Christopher Columbus’ elevated tomb.
Day 5 - Cordoba
Today, journey to the city of Cordoba, where Muslim, Jewish and Christian influences are present in the architecture, culture and cuisine. Cordoba is also home to the Mezquita – a rare site that has served as both a mosque and a cathedral throughout the centuries. Today, a cathedral stands within the centre of the mosque – an interesting example of the interplay of Christian and Muslim cultures in Spain. Discover this supreme example of Islamic architecture on a comprehensive guided tour with your leader which continues outside the Mezquita and explores the charming quarters and hidden corners of Cordoba.
Day 6 - Granada
Depart Cordoba and travel to Granada. Along the way, you’ll learn more about the importance of olive oil production in the Andalucia region by visiting an oil mill. Let the passionate owner of the family-run business walk you through the process of olive oil production and taste some different variations of the final result yourself, along with olives, olive marmalade, olive pate and wine. This evening, maybe head out to explore Granada’s drinking and dining scene with your group.
Day 7 - Granada
This morning, take an orientation walk of Granada with your leader. Learn the history of the city and discover Islamic architecture and Arab influences at every turn. Then, you’ll have some time for your own explorations – maybe head to a local teahouse to sample some Moorish pastries. In the afternoon, join an expert local guide for a tour of Alhambra and its perfectly manicured gardens. Dating back to the 11th century, Alhambra represents Muslim art in its final European stages. Tonight, join your group for an included dinner at a nearby restaurant. Then, you’ll return to the Alhambra after dark and explore the famed Nasrid Palaces with your local guide. By now, the crowds have dispersed and you’re free to explore the site in all its glory. Your guide will bring history to life and provide expert insight as you explore the dominating red fortress towers, opulent palace decor and a multitude of architectural styles through the intricate Nasrid Palaces.
Day 8 - Valencia
Depart Granada and travel to Valencia. Along the way, you’ll travel through the countryside through Elche – the capital of the region of Bajo Vinalopo. The historic quarter of Elche preserves part of its Muslim past and Baroque splendour. Walk around a palm tree grove – one of the largest and the only one in Europe. Your leader will explain how the grove was established by the Phoenicians and expanded by the Arabs in the 8th and 9th centuries. Then it's on to Valencia, Spain’s third largest city. When you arrive, you’re free to explore the Old Town centre that dates back 2000 years. Discover the harmonious mix of Roman, Muslim and Christian influences in its buildings, monuments and gardens.
Day 9 - Valencia
This morning, join a local guide for a tour of Valencia. Hear the stories behind historical sites like the Puertas de Serrano, town hall and cathedral, and make visits to the central market and the Silk Exchange building. Along the way you’ll stop to try horchata, an iconic drink from Valencia, and finish off with a lunch of the most famous Valencian dish – paella. The rest of the day is yours to explore Valencia at your own pace. You might like to visit the City of Arts and Science – a large and futuristic museum complex designed by Calatrava. Or, head out to a local cafe to enjoy the treats that Valencia has to offer.
Day 10 - Barcelona
After a leisurely breakfast, bid farewell to Valencia and travel to Barcelona. The character and fabulous Catalan cuisine of this city mix seamlessly with a ground-breaking art scene, Gothic architecture, superb dining and non-stop nightlife, making it a city you won't soon forget. Once you’ve checked in to your accommodation, make a visit to Antonio Gaudi's incredible La Sagrada Familia Cathedral. The architect worked on this hugely ambitious project for decades until his death, and it remains in constant construction. Later, have dinner at a local restaurant with your group. Celebrate the final night of your trip as you dine on some of the region’s most delicious foods like olives, pickled garlic, lomo Iberico de Bellotta (pork loin), Catalan cheeses, olive oil and sweet desserts.
Day 11 - Casablanca
Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. When you arrive at Casablanca Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe visit the Villa des Arts. This gorgeous Art Deco gallery holds numerous exhibitions of contemporary Moroccan and international art. If you’re looking for a different type of cultural experience, you can also visit the Museum of Judaism. Tonight, celebrate the beginning of a new adventure over dinner with your group, trying classic dishes like tagine and couscous.
Day 12 - Fes
This morning, you’ll visit one of the most impressive sites in Casablanca – the mighty Mosque of Hassan II. Second only in size to the great mosque at Mecca, the huge building sits partly on land and partly over sea and is one of the only religious sites open to non-Muslims. Later, leave Casablanca and drive to Meknes, where you’ll explore the charming streets of the medina – the old walled section of the city. Drive on to the mosaic-filled Roman ruins of Volubilis, where a local guide will show you around and help you imagine the bustling city that once was. Enjoy a picnic lunch of fresh bread, cheese, seasonal fruits and olives from the market. In the late afternoon, continue to Fes, your home for the next two nights.
Day 13 - Fes
Today, you’ll discover Fes’s huge, well-preserved medieval Old City and medina on a morning walking tour with your leader. Wander through the twisting streets and alleyways and explore the speciality sections that divide the souq as your leader talks you through the local customs and traditions. Pass historic khans, dye pits and stalls, then take a break from the hustle and bustle at a family-owned tea house before a visit to the ornate inner courtyards of the Islamic school El-Attarine Madrasa and Funduq al-Najjarin – an 18th-century inn. You’ll then have a free afternoon before dinner tonight, where you'll be warmly welcomed into the home-turned-restaurant of a local family for a pastilla dinner in a private after-hours experience. Learn how the iconic Moroccan pie is made as you chat with your friendly hosts about life in Fes.
Day 14 - Bine el Ouidane
Travel from Fes to Bine el Ouidane, with plenty of breaks along the way to appreciate the ever-changing Moroccan landscape. Bine el Ouidane is a small settlement perfectly placed on the bank of the lake, surrounded by sheer rocks. Your Feature Stay accommodation for the night sits at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, on the edge of the huge lake. Maybe spend your afternoon soaking up the calm surroundings in the swimming pool or kick back with a drink on the terrace.
Day 15 - Bine el Ouidane
Today you’ll head out onto the water, hopping in a small boat to see more of the turquoise lake and surrounding rocky gorges. Float over the water and take in the views. Then, head to the house of a local farming family in the village that sits on the lake. Have a cup of tea as the family shares their stories on farming in Morocco and what their life is like here. You will also be treated to a home-cooked lunch, before heading back to the hotel for a free evening. Maybe lounge by the infinity pool, hike the surrounding mountain trails or treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or jacuzzi session at the health spa.
Day 16 - Agafay
Today you’ll make your way to Agafay – a red-rock desert in the South of Marrakech. Along the way, stop at Ouzoud Falls – a collective name for several waterfalls in Azilal, which all empty into the El-Abid River’s gorge. Take in the immensity of the cascades, then continue on to the rolling landscape of the desert. Arrive at your desert camp in the late afternoon, freshen up in your tents, then head out to catch the sunset as it lights up the horizon. If you like, you can also take part in an optional camel riding experience here. Later, have dinner at camp then be treated to a stargazing experience, as an English-speaking guide points out the constellations and planets above.
Day 17 - Marrakech
Wake up early this morning to catch the sunrise over the desert. After breakfast, you’ll then travel to Marrakech. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk with your leader to the great square of Djemaa el-Fna – one of the largest public spaces in the world and the city's most iconic landmark. As day turns to night, the square transforms into a hive of activity. Once you’ve got your bearings, the rest of the evening is yours to explore at your own pace. Maybe have dinner on one of the restaurant balconies overlooking the humming square with views of the Koutoubia Mosque.
Day 18 - Marrakech
After breakfast today, meet your local guide and set off on a morning tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks that are the lifeblood of the city. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. Stop by the Koutoubia Mosque – the inside is for Muslims only, but the famous minaret is a sight to behold. Walk back through the streets of the old medina to Djemaa el-Fna. The food here is best experienced like a local, so be sure to bring your appetite as your local guide will take you for a tasting session where you’ll try a range of seasonal delights like freshly squeezed orange juice and fried Moroccan donuts. The rest of the day is free. Maybe visit Le Jardin Secret – a traditional medina garden with a magnificent courtyard – or head back into the medina and practice your haggling skills.
Day 19 - Marrakech
Your trip ends today after breakfast. If you need additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
22-03-202509-04-2025AUD $ 9,692-
09-04-202527-04-2025AUD $ 9,692-
19-04-202507-05-2025AUD $ 9,692-
23-04-202511-05-2025AUD $ 10,176-
10-05-202528-05-2025AUD $ 10,468-
14-05-202501-06-2025AUD $ 10,468-
17-05-202504-06-2025AUD $ 10,076-
21-05-202508-06-2025AUD $ 10,076-
24-05-202511-06-2025AUD $ 10,076-
25-06-202513-07-2025AUD $ 9,692-
10-09-202528-09-2025AUD $ 10,468-
13-09-202501-10-2025AUD $ 10,468-
18-09-202506-10-2025AUD $ 10,468-
27-09-202515-10-2025AUD $ 10,468-
02-10-202520-10-2025AUD $ 10,076-
08-10-202526-10-2025AUD $ 10,076-
11-10-202529-10-2025AUD $ 10,076-
01-11-202519-11-2025AUD $ 9,692-
15-11-202503-12-2025AUD $ 9,692-
13-12-202531-12-2025AUD $ 9,692-

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (10 nights),Feature stay (4 nights),Riad (3 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,High-speed train,Plane

Map