Your Itinerary
Day 2 - Arrive Casablanca
‘Ahlan Wa Sahlan’ to Casablanca, Morocco's largest and most modern city. This city was made famous by the movie of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart. Located on the shores of the Atlantic coast, Casablanca’s French colonial past can be seen in its gorgeous Mauresque architecture, mixed delightfully with modern Morocco.
We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your hotel by 5.00pm
This evening, meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a welcome drink.
Day 3 - Casablanca - Marrakesh
Marrakesh is one of the four Imperial Cities of Morocco and was founded in the 11th century by the Berber dynasty Almoravid. It soon became the capital of the Islamic Empire that stretched as far as Spain and Western Africa. During the rule of Yousef Ben Tachfine, Marrakesh was blessed with fine gardens, palaces, mosques and legendary walls, and was influenced by the Almoravid conquest of southern Spain. Morocco was colonised by the French in the 20th century and the strong influences from these countries can be felt today.
We begin the day in Casablanca, visiting the Hassan II Mosque, the largest in Morocco and second largest in the world. We also explore the Quartier Habous, a unique marriage of traditional Moroccan architecture and French ideals.
After some free time for lunch, we’ll drive to Marrakesh.
Special Experience
We experience the atmosphere of Marrakesh’s main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, as we pass through a wondrous mix of food, music and entertainment, getting a taste of this lively city.
We’ll experience a real taste of Morocco at dinner, complete with dancers and musicians, in a local restaurant.
This morning we’ll explore the enchanting Jardin Marjorelle, gifted to the city of Marrakesh by famous French fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent. The gardens are an eclectic mix of over 3,000 varieties of plants from five continents and includes the famous electric blue coloured Musee Berbere, showcasing the rich history of the people of Morocco.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in the magical ‘Rose City’. Why not shop for carpets and crafts in the city’s labyrinth of souks?
Optional Excursion
Hot Air Balloon Ride. Embark on an unforgettable journey across the enchanting landscapes of Morocco, offering a unique perspective on the country's marvels as panoramic views of the majestic Atlas Mountains unfold beneath you. Includes return transfers, a flight of approx. 60 minutes, and a Berber breakfast. From Euro 230pp (minimum 2 people)
The red royal city of Marrakesh is the real heartbeat of Morocco, set within sight of the snowy peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. Our entire day is dedicated to sightseeing here.
First, we visit the 16th-century monument site of the Saadian Tombs which remained sealed until 1917 when they were rediscovered. The tombs are brilliantly decorated with intricate carvings, colourful tiles and Arabic scripts.
We’ll then continue to the aristocratic Bahia Palace which functions as a royal residence, and the Koutoubia Mosque, considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Its minaret is even a reference point for international architecture – the 12th century 70-metre-high tower is the prototype for Seville’s La Giralda and Rabat’s Le Tour Hassan.
Special Experience
We’ll take a cooking lesson in a beautiful Moroccan riad, then enjoy the food we’ve prepared for lunch.
Day 6 - Marrakesh - Boumalne
Today we venture to the Berber town of Boumalne, which, over the past century, has grown from a very basic settlement to its current size. Most notable is the Muslim cemetery, site of the domed shrine of Sidi Daoud who is commemorated in an annual festival. As part of the festival, bread is baked from flour left at the grave and then fed to husbands to ensure their fertility.
We make our way to Ouarzazate, the ‘door of the desert’, via the scenic Atlas Mountains and the twisting Tizi n’Tichka pass. Ouarzazate is also a noted film-making location with films such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven shot here.
En route, we’ll stop in the picturesque, fortified Berber village or ‘ksar’ of Ait Ben Haddou. This traditional mudbrick city is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and is a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco.
Once we arrive in Ouarzazate, we visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a majestic structure built by the Glaoui and one of the most beautiful in Morocco.
This afternoon we continue to Boumalne.
Day 7 - Boumalne - Merzouga
The town of Merzouga is often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Sahara’ and is the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. The dunes are among the largest in Morocco and measure up to 160 metres high.
Our drive to Merzouga takes us past the city of Tinghir and to the momentous Todra Gorge, a limestone river gorge that reaches depths up to 300 metres. Now that the river has dried up, you’ll have to use your imagination to picture the incredible natural power it once needed to forge its way through.
Arriving in Merzouga, we check into our accommodation for the next two nights – a traditional Moroccan kasbah!
Optional Excursion
Merzouga Camel Ride - Admire the magnificent Saharan sand dunes whilst riding on a ‘Ship of the Desert’. Each sand dune takes on a unique shape as no two are the same. 1hr – from Euro 25pp (minimum of 4 pax)
Special Experience
Experience a breathtaking sunrise over the endless dunes of the Sahara Desert.
After breakfast, we depart for Khamlia, a small desert village where we’ll enjoy a cup of Moroccan tea in a traditional home setting with local Gnaoua music as entertainment. Gnaoua music (or Gnawa music as it is also known) is a combination of Berber, Sufi and sub-Saharan African religious songs and rhythms combined with acrobatic dancing.
We’ll also visit the traditional artists’ village of Tissirdmine for lunch amongst the palms.
Fez is arguably the symbolic heart of Morocco, set in the gentle rolling countryside of the mid Atlas Mountains. The World Heritage-listed medina of Fez el-Bali (old Fez) is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world, and its gates and walls are truly magnificent.
En route to Fez we cross the desert again and make our way to the small village of Midelt, driving through the spectacular wooded Middle Atlas Mountains. Midelt is a market town and former French administrative post and is also one of Morocco's principal cities for the mining of several minerals. Here we’ll stop and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Sit back and enjoy the mountainous scenery this afternoon as we continue to Fez, one of the oldest Imperial Cities. Fez is also a great place to purchase beautifully decorated ceramics, make sure you barter though!
After breakfast we’ll spend the day discovering the sights of the city. We visit the famous medina which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed in 1981, where the narrow lanes and colourful traders make for some fantastic photo opportunities. This includes the Karaouine Mosque and the fountains of Carpenter's Square. The mosque is one of the oldest of its kind in the western Muslim world and does not allow non-Muslims to enter, so the best place to view this magnificent building is from the top of Medersa Attarine (when open).
After our morning sightseeing, we’ll enjoy lunch at a private palace inside the medina.
This afternoon we’ll also visit the famous operation tannery, processing the hides of sheep and goat in stone vessels filled with a range of colourful dyes.
The rest of the evening is at leisure for you to further explore.
Day 11 - Fez – Meknes – Volubilis – Fez
From Fez we head north to Morocco’s smallest imperial city, Meknes, via the ancient archaeological site of Volubilis. UNESCO World Heritage-listed Volubilis is a partly excavated Roman city, developed from the third century BC as a Phoenician settlement. Volubilis was a central administrative city for this part of Roman Africa, responsible for grain production and exports to Rome.
Volubilis is in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh’s Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Here it is quiet and free from the hordes of locals and tourists, providing the perfect opportunity to stop and reflect whilst soaking up the impressive Roman ruins and preserved mosaics.
The city of Meknes was founded in the 11th century. Quieter and smaller than Fez, it’s also more laid-back but still has the winding narrow medina streets and grand buildings of an imperial city. Here we’ll enjoy an orientation tour of the old city known as the ‘Versailles of Morocco’ and see the old medina, Royal Stables and the Bab el-Mansour Gate, before returning to Fez.
Day 12 - Fez – Chefchaouen – Tangier
This morning we travel to the town of Chefchaouen, undoubtedly one of the prettiest in Morocco, awash in hundreds of shades of blue. We’ll explore the town’s picturesque streets on foot. Wandering the streets is an indulgence for the senses – the variety of colours from different wares and shops contrast with the dazzling blue buildings. This town is also the perfect place to shop for souvenirs such as woven blankets and wool that are not commonly available elsewhere in Morocco.
After our walking tour we continue to the port city of Tangier. Situated on the edge of the Strait of Gibraltar, it is the gateway between Europe and Africa.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a group dinner to farewell Morocco.
Day 13 - Tangier – Seville
Today we bid farewell to Morocco, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain and venturing north to vibrant Seville, the birthplace of tapas and the capital of Andalusia. Once called ‘Hispalis’ by the Romans and ‘Ishbiliya’ by the Muslims, Seville's Roman and Muslim past is still evident today. Nowadays Seville is very much a modern city, yet it has retained a majority of its past. This is most prominent in the old town where you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to an old Spanish village.
We’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour of Tangier before we board our ferry this afternoon to Seville. Our coach will meet us at the port in Spain, and we’ll then continue to Seville.
According to legend, Seville was founded by Hercules and has origins linked to the Tartessian civilisation. Famous for its joyous and passionate locals, it is the city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro.
After breakfast we discover some of the highlights on a city tour. We visit the Royal Alcázar, a string of royal palaces built by the Catholic kings during the 14th century which is today home to the Spanish Royal Family. We’ll also see the stunning exterior of the Cathedral of Santa Maria and Giralda Bell Tower – the biggest cathedral in Spain and the site where Christopher Columbus is buried. We finish our tour exploring the historical Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz.
This afternoon is at leisure for you to discover the delights of this beautiful city.
Optional Excursion
Flamenco Show, 'El Palacio Andaluz’ - Located in the beautiful city of Seville is El Patio Andaluz, a place where passionate Flamenco dancers (known as bailaores or bailaoras) perform group and solo dances. The Flamenco style of dance originated in the Andalusian region and is expressed by the performer with intricate hand, arm and body movements whilst clapping their hands and rhythmically stomping their feet. The dances are usually accompanied by guitars and as the song builds so does the tempo and volume. Enjoy a traditional Flamenco show accompanied with one drink (beer, wine or soft drink) on arrival and return bus transfers.. 1hr 30mins - from Euro 48pp (no minimum number required)
Day 15 - Seville – Zahara de la Sierra – Setenil de las Bodegas – Granada
Found in the eastern part of the Andalusia region with a spectacular backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada has long inspired the spirit of romance among its inhabitants and visitors alike. With its rich history and Moorish influences, the city boasts some breathtaking landscapes and steep, narrow streets where one could easily lose themselves amongst the hidden nooks.
On the way to Granada today we’ll visit some of Andalusia’s famous ‘white’ villages. Our first stop is in Zahara de la Sierra, a quaint mountain-top hamlet overlooking a stunning crystal blue reservoir.
Special Experience
Visit an olive oil mill in Andalusia, taking a tour of the grounds and enjoying a degustation of local produce.
Next is Setenil de las Bodegas, a unique town where the dwellings have been built into the cleft of rocks cut by the Guadalporcún River.
Arriving in Granada, we’ll take a short orientation tour before dinner.
Special Experience
Taste traditional Spanish tapas, enjoying a range of delicious bite-sized savoury dishes, richly seasoned with local spices.
Our sightseeing today includes entry into the famous Alhambra Palace complex, a Moorish citadel dating back to 13th century Nasrid dynasty and named because of its reddish coloured walls (it translates to Red Castle in Arabic). Comprising the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba, the Palace of Charles V, and the Bath of the Mosque to name a few, it is one of Spain's most famous attractions.
Throughout its long history, the palace has served multiple purposes. It was used as a fortress during the 9th century and then became a Royal residence during the 13th century. During its time as a Royal residence, many buildings were added to the complex such as a Mosque (later the site was turned into the current Church of St Mary), public baths and patios.
When the Catholic Monarch Charles V took over, he ordered the demolition of part of the complex to rebuild the palace with an Emperor's chamber, and a Queen's dressing room added. The palace was abandoned during the 18th century and sadly part of the fortress was destroyed. Restoration of the palace began in the 19th century and is still maintained today.
Just a short stroll from the main Alhambra buildings, you will wander through its stunning Generalife Gardens, the tranquil summer gardens of the Kings of Granada.
We’ll also walk through the old part of the city and see the outside of the Royal Chapel, where King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth are buried.
The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure.
Day 17 - Granada – Córdoba – Madrid
We make tracks for Madrid today, the capital of the Spanish Empire and once the richest and most powerful city on Earth. Today, its palaces, museums and concerts are up there with the best in the world.
Before arriving in Madrid, we first make our way to the city of Córdoba. Here we’ll visit the incredible Mezquita Mosque, otherwise known as the Cathedral of Córdoba. One of the most important monuments in the Western Islamic world, it evokes the ‘Omeya’ style, as well as elements of Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture.
Enjoy free time to explore and to grab some lunch before transferring to the train station and taking the AVE high-speed train to the grand city of Madrid.
It’s time to explore Madrid today with a guided city tour, beginning with a drive past Plaza de Colon to Calle Serrano in the Salamanca quarter. We’ll also see sights like Puerta de Alcala, Retiro park, Paseo del Prado, Neptuno fountain, the avenue of Gran Via and Plaza de Oriente.
Our next stop is at the Royal Palace, a beautiful baroque structure with some 3,000 rooms, making it one of Europe's largest castles. Although the royal family no longer lives here, the Palacio Real still serves as the king and queen's official residence, a venue for state ceremonies, and a place for tourists to get a peek into the fascinating royal history of Spain.
Our sightseeing tour concludes with visits to ‘Mercado de San Miguel’, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.
The afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to sit back and relax at a cafe and be entranced by Madrid's energy as you people-watch, view eclectic architecture along the Gran Via and savour Spanish fare in Puerta Del Sol. If you enjoy art, take some time to visit the Reina Sofia Art Museum, famous for housing Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica', or the Museo del Prado, known for having one of the finest art collections in the world.
Special Experience
Participate in a cooking class, learning traditional methods and discovering the delights of typical Spanish cuisine. You’ll leave with a new repertoire of delicious recipes to take home.
Day 19 - Madrid – Barcelona
Today we travel to Barcelona, one of the world's most stylish and cosmopolitan cities, on the cutting edge of architecture, food, fashion, style and music. The city features buildings by the genius and eccentric Antoni Gaudí, significant art collections of Picasso and Miro, and the exuberant locals will enchant you. The city's main tree-lined pedestrian mall, Las Ramblas, runs all the way from the quayside through the heart of the city and will lead you to the Gothic Quarter.
We’ll enjoy the morning at leisure in Madrid, before heading to the station to board our train.
Arriving in Barcelona in the afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure to begin exploring this magnificent city at your own pace.
Begin exploring the sights of Barcelona today, entering including Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia. Our tour visits Plaza Cataluña where we’ll see Gaudí's renowned buildings Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, along Passeig de Gracia, one of Barcelona’s largest avenues.
The afternoon is at leisure to further explore before our group farewell dinner this evening. Why not take some time to visit the popular Las Ramblas Street with its cafes, restaurants and street artists?
Day 21 - Depart Barcelona
Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our new friends and to Morocco and Spain. We hope you leave with the memories of a lifetime.
Day 22 - Arrive Australia
Day 22 - Arrive Australia
