Day 1. (Thursday) BARCELONA

Hola! Welcome to Europe! Benvinguts to Barcelona! Upon arrival at the airport, our staff will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel in Barcelona. We recommend you to leave your luggages in the hotel and take advantage of this free day in the City of Gaudí. Below we give you several ideas to organize your time: visit the famous Park Güell: a park full of sculptures, structures and mosaics designed by the great Gaudí (at certain times the visit is free), visit Casa Batlló built by the same architect, you may visit the Ciudadela Park with its museums, its navigable lake and its zoo. For football lovers, we suggest you visit the Camp Nou Stadium, home of the Barcelona Football Club. If you prefer to enjoy one of the best views of Barcelona, ​​it is highly recommended to go up to the Tibidabo Mountain, full of modernist buildings and with a small vintage-style amusement park that is also the oldest amusement park in Spain and the third one in Europe. Crowning the park is the Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart, which reminds us of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, located in Paris. Other options are visiting the Fundació Joan Miró, with multiple works by the artist, strolling through the romantic labyrinth park in Horta, or taking advantage of the day with one of our excursion to Monserrat Monastery, excursion to Girona and Figueres, or spending an unforgettable day touring the rugged Costa Brava, activities that you can book on our website. In the afternoon you will receive information for the start of your circuit or you can consult it on the information boards located in the hotel reception area. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 2. (Friday) BARCELONA

We wake up in Barcelona. After breakfast, we get on the bus to visit Barcelona with a local guide, discovering its main avenues decorated with impressive modernist buildings of Antoni Gaudí. We’ll make a short stop to see the impotent Gaudí’s Great Basilica of Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) from outside, a unique creation that has become Barcelona’s most universal symbol. We’ll take a walk into the city’s historic central area with its Gothic neighbourhood dating back to the Middle Ages. Next destination is Montjuic and the Olympic Ring, a legacy of the 1992 Olympics Games that took place in Barcelona. From this moment you’ll have free time to explore in depth what you couldn’t see before. We recommend you to book in advance your tickets to see the Sagrada Familia from inside if it is of your interest, or if you prefer, you may explore other parts of the Gothic Quarter… there are many options: visit the Cathedral of Barcelona, Plaça del Pi, the Plaza Real or take a walk on the famous Rambla de los Capuchinos, an emblematic street and a must-see for any visitor to Barcelona. In the evening we provide transfers to Las Ramblas and Plaza Catalunya area for dinner, where you can select from a great variety of restaurants. Return to the hotel and accommodation.

Day 3. (Saturday) BARCELONA – PEÑISCOLA – VALENCIA

Breakfast. We leave behind us the capital of Catalonia and travel south along the Mediterranean Coast. Our first stop will be at Peñiscola, a medieval walled town that stands as a delightful balcony over the Mediterranean. You’ll enjoy some free time for lunch and to have a walk through its old town, which enters the Mediterranean Sea forming a small peninsula, crowned by the imperial Castle of Papa Luna.The route along the Mediterranean continues to reach Valencia, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city on the Mediterranean coast, that harmoniously combine the remnants of its farthest past, with the most innovative and avant-garde buildings from the new millennium. We’ll enjoy the breath-taking avant-garde architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences, one of the largest scientific and cultural complexes in Europe, then we’ll make a time jump and discover the old part of Valencia strolling through its historic center, full of fascinating monuments. You’ll enjoy some free time to visit if you wish Valencia’s Gothic Cathedral, the World Heritage Silk Exchange Building, its beautiful Central Market, Serranos and Quart Towers… At night we’ll take you close to Valencia’s Bullring, an area with lots of restaurants where you can taste the paella, Valencia’s most well-known dish world-wide. Return to hotel and overnight in Valencia.

Day 4. (Sunday) VALENCIA – ALICANTE – CARAVACA DE LA CRUZ – GRANADA

After breakfast, we continue exploring the highlights of the Region of Valencia. Arrival to Alicante, located in the middle of the Costa Blanca, a beautiful harbour city, which sits at the foot of the Castle of Santa Barbara, a silent witness to the numerous civilisations to have settled here. We’ll have some time to stroll in this active and very pleasant city to discover its religious and civil architectural legacy and to enjoy its exquisite gastronomy. We continue our route southward to reach the Region of Murcia, home of the fertile garden of the Segura River. Our next destination will be Caravaca de la Cruz, a town considered by the Catholic Church as one of the 5 holy cities, its church holds a Relic of Christ’s Cross. We include a ride up to the historic area on the tourist train. After this we will carry on along an attractive scenic road to Andalusia, a region with a huge heritage from a splendorous past. Arrival in Granada, an incredible and amazing monumental environment, the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdom up to 1492. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation.

Day 5. (Monday) GRANADA

Breakfast. We’ll start our full day in Granada with a guided tour of the world-famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens (entrance ticket and local guide included). Its fountains, gardens and patios (courtyards) have inspired several authors with their sounds and sights, such as the “Tales of the Alhambra” by W. Irving. After knowing this architectural wonder, you will enjoy free time for lunch. We recommend you in the afternoon to take a walk through the Monumental area of ​​Granada, strolling through the origins of this city that still retains all the magic of its Arab past. There are some must-see places: the Royal Chapel of Granada, the place chosen by the Catholic Monarchs for their last rest, the Cathedral, with its impressive facade of Spanish Baroque style and also the Alcaiceria, the old Silk Market in the Nasrid era, a network of narrow streets filled with shops selling handicrafts from Granada. Optionally you can see a Gipsy Flamenco Show held in a cave-house at Sacromonte Quarter. Accommodation at the hotel. Note: Within the Alhambra, the Nasrid Palaces allow the entry of a limited number of people. In case of not being able to visit this area of the Alhambra, a visit with a local guide of the city of Granada would be included and also the Real Alcazar of Seville with similar characteristics will be visited.

Day 6. (Tuesday) GRANADA – TANGIER – ASILAH – RABAT

After breakfast we leave Granada heading south towards the Mediterranean. Drive along the picturesque tourist route of Costa del Sol via internationally renowned places as Marbella and Puerto Banus, arrive to Tarifa or Algeciras where a ferry boat will be used for a short and interesting crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar towards Africa. Arrival to Tangier, disembark, clear customs and continue on by coach through beautiful landscapes to reach Asilah, a picturesque small walled city facing the Atlantic. Asilah was an old pirate port, nowadays, being a bit off the tourist track, is a quiet and peaceful place. Its artistic murals, beaches, walls overlooking the Atlantic and marine gastronomy stand out. You’ll enjoy some free time for lunch or to grab a sandwich and wander to explore the medina. We continue our journey along the Atlantic Coast to Rabat, diplomatic and administrative capital of Morocco, official residence of the King Mohamed VI. Arrival at the hotel, dinner and accommodation.

Day 7. (Wednesday) RABAT – CASABLANCA – MARRAKECH

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning guided tour of Rabat where we will visit from outside the Royal Palace of Rabat (Dar al-Makhzen), the official residence of the king of Morocco, we’ll head then to the Yacoub al-Mansour esplanade to discover the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of modern Alaouite dynasty architecture, with its white silhouette, topped by a typical green tiled roof. Opposite the Mausoleum we will discover the Hassan Tower, a minaret of an incomplete mosque which has converted in the symbol of the city. Our next destination will be Casablanca, the largest city that represents the modern face of today’s Morocco. Upon arrival, we will do a sightseeing tour of Casablanca, to discover Casablanca’s highlights such as the Anfa boulevard, the Nations Square, we’ll visit from the outside the impressive Hassan II Mosque (interior visit offered as optional activity), a showcase of the finest Moroccan artisanship, Casablanca’s city landmark, only surpassed by Mecca in importance and size. After the visit we will continue to Marrakech, a fascinating and mysterious city where Europe, Africa and the Middle East mingle and merge. After arriving at the hotel, you will be able to experience a traditional Kalesa ride up to the famous ‎Jemaa el Fnaa Square. Free time at your disposal to explore the mystical atmosphere of this charming city. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 8. (Thursday) MARRAKECH

Breakfast at the hotel. We will start the day with an amazing sightseeing tour of Marrakech. We will see from outside the Koutobia Minaret, twin sister of the Giralda in Seville (Spain), the Bahia Palace, one of the city’s most eye-popping sights, we’ll walk around its Medina and souks and will end at the great Djemaa El Fna Square, a symbol of Morocco and meeting point for different kind of personalities of the city: storytellers, snake charmers, musicians and dancers. After the guided visit of Marrakech, you’ll experience the exquisite Moroccan cuisine as we’ll include a lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is at your disposal. We recommend you visiting the impressive Saadian Tombs, or the Musée de Marrakech which exhibits a collection of beautiful Moroccan art, or just walk around the Medina Maze and haggling in Marrakech souks. Your guide may offer you an optional excursion to Marrakech Palm Grove where you can enjoy a camel ride. Accommodation at the hotel. Optionally you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and an equestrian show that includes odalisque, flying carpets and fireworks in an atmosphere that recreates the Thousand and One Nights.

Day 9. (Friday) MARRAKECH – AÏT BEN HADOU – OUARZAZATE – BOULMANE DE DADES

After breakfast we’ll head towards the desert. We leave the city behind us and enter the nature… tranquility and silence floods the soul of peace and tranquility. We cross the winding road that crosses the Tizi n’Tichka, the highest road crossing in North Africa (7,415 ft) that connects Marrakech with the pre-Saharan oases and where we will have several stops to enjoy the wonderful panoramic views. We continue towards Ouarzazate. First stop to visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortress considered the most beautiful in the country and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and where famous films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, The Jewel of the Nile or Gladiator have been shot, between others. Our route continues along spectacular landscape in which the desert and the mountain meet, combining all the shades of ocher and red, the rivers create gorges that transform into fertile valleys or oases with green palm groves. Here you can find from the most arid and rocky places to the greenest oasis. We will go through the Roses Valley where you can find Kelaa M’Gouna, a fortified village famous for its distillery of roses water and then we’ll cross the Gorge of Dades, an impressive defile that takes us to Boumalne du Dades, in the Berber land. Arrival at the hotel, free time at your disposal, dinner and accommodation.

Day 10. (Saturday) BOULMANE DE DADES – TODGHA – KHORBAT – ERFOUD

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we propose you a stage full of emotion in the Sahara Desert. We will see the Kasbahs Valley, river valleys with miles of palm trees, stone plains followed by oases and adobe villages, powerful fortresses defending the way. We visit the Gorges of Todra, an impressive gorge. On our route we stop in a small adobe town near Khorbat to visit a desert town (sometimes access is not possible due to weather conditions and the river is rising). We continue to Erfoud, land of fossils and juicy dates. Lunch included. Passengers who wish can take an excursion to the dunes of the Sahara in all road 4*4 vehicles (we recommend witnessing the beautiful spectacle of the sunset between the dunes with a mint tea).

Day 11. (Sunday) ERFOUD – FEZ

We will have our breakfast between dunes enjoying our last moment in the desert before leaving for the Middle Atlas. Today we will cross the Middle Atlas and experience a new landscape change along the way. We leave the Sahara Desert and ripping the mountains, we’ll travel along nomadic areas sheltered in high and cold landscapes. We travel through the Cedars of Azrou Nature Reserve, with its impressive cedar forest and the funny Beberia monkeys, a species almost extinct and that survives thanks to the tourist attraction that they are. Arrival to Fez, the most monumental of the Moroccan Imperial Cities, its University of “Karaouyne” is the largest Islamic sanctuary in Morocco and the oldest religious education center. Free time to enjoy calmly the great and labyrinth Medina of Fes el-Bali, composed by more than 9.000 streets, it’s the best-preserved Medina of the Arab world and the largest monument of Morocco. Distribution of rooms upon arrival, dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 12. (Monday) FEZ – TANGIER

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning we’ll do a monumental and panoramic city tour of Fez. We will see the 7 gates of the Royal Palace, the Jewish neighbourhood also known as Mellah, the Gate of Bab Bou Jeloud, which gives access to the Medina or the old city, one of the most impressive of Morocco. We will walk along its streets and souks. We will get to know the tanner neighbourhood and the Medersa, the oldest university of the world and its Karaouyne Mosque. We conclude the visit by including lunch in an ancient palace in the Medina district. At the beginning of the afternoon, we depart towards the north of Morocco, heading to Tangier, the Moroccan capital of the Strait of Gibraltar, a cosmopolitan city that has always been pretended for many civilizations due to its strategic location, at the main gate of Europe and Africa. Arrival, distribution of rooms, dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 13. (Tuesday) TANGIER – SEVILLE

Breakfast and free time to make the last shopping or to visit the charming corners of Tangier, its beautiful medina and its souks. Here our senses are sharpened: sounds, smells and alleyways that move us in time. At the indicated time we’ll leave for the harbour and board the ferry to return across the Strait of Gibraltar back to Spain. Drive inland heading back to Sevilla, capital city of Andalusia. Arrival at the hotel, free time at your disposal and accommodation. At night we recommend you to go out for Tapa-hopping, an unbeatable way to experience Andalusian culture and savour the charms of its bars and taverns. Tapas are an exquisite, varied and choice example of popular gastronomy which allows you to share a variety of dishes and try a wide range of different products for reasonable prices. Hotel accommodation.

Day 14. (Wednesday) SEVILLE

After breakfast we’ll do a monumental and panoramic visit of Seville. Lead by an expert guide you will discover the Cathedral of Seville, the second largest in the Catholic world after San Pedro in Rome and its famous Giralda Tower, the old seminar of the Arab mosque, also the popular neighborhoods of Santa Cruz, the natural setting of “Carmen” as well as the place where the myth of “Don Juan” developed and Triana, of deep popular flavor and cradle of bullfighters and artists. After the visit we will include a boat trip on the Guadalquivir River to enjoy the panoramic views that exist from the boat. We recommend you to take a nice walk along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, the “great king of Andalusia”, as the poet Luis de Góngora y Argote called it. Afternoon free to discover different perspectives and specific flavors of this active city full of lights. At night, optionally you may enjoy an exquisite flamenco show.

Day 15. (Thursday) SEVILLE – MERIDA – EVORA – LISBOA

Breakfast at the hotel. We leave for Portugal, crossing the Region of Extremadura, land of the best cured ham, good wines and tasty cheeses. Travelling along large meadows of evergreen oaks and cork oaks groves where the Iberian pig roams freely, we arrive at the ancient Augusta Emerita, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Admission included to the archaeological site to visit at your leisure the imposing Roman Theater of Mérida, a symbol of the city, which continues to function after 2,000 years of history and which hosts the International Classical Theater Festival on summer nights. After that, among beautiful landscapes of the Alentejo Region we arrive at Évora, capital of the region, a city declared a World Heritage Site with its important historical heritage evoking times past: the ruins of the Roman Temple of Diana, its impressive Gothic cathedral, its palaces Renaissance and also the Church of San Francisco with its adjacent Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos), where all its walls are covered with skulls and human bones, symbolizing how ephemeral human existence is. We’ll continue to Lisbon, the capital and largest city of Portugal. Arrival at the hotel and accommodation.

Day 16. (Friday) LISBON

Breakfast at the hotel. We’ll have a full day to explore each corner of Lisbon. We’ll start the day with an in-depth sightseeing tour of Lisbon. We’ll visit Lisbon’s traditional neighbourhoods, which take us into the Belem district, on the northern bank of the Tagus River estuary, the birthplace of many great Portuguese navigators who sailed the oceans in the Fifteenth Century to explore and trade with India and the Orient. We will walk around the Monument of the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), a monument that celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery, we’ll see the Belem Tower, a medieval defensive fortification and a prominent example of the Portuguese Manueline style. We will finally see the beautiful gothic style Jeronimos Monastery, Vasco da Gama’s resting place, classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the nearby Tower of Belen. Enjoy some free time at leisure to explore Lisbon at your own pace, to discover the nostalgic corners of the Barrio de Alfama, the old city grouped next to its Castle with its old buildings in narrow and twisted “ruas” full of color and housing the genuine “taverns” where Fado music sounds like a lost past. Late in the afternoon, we’ll include a transfer to the Restauradores Square, a public square with lots of restaurants. We suggest you to take the Elevador Da Gloria, a cable-car that climb the steep hill into the Bairro Alto district, from the viewpoint of San Pedro you can enjoy the best views over Lisbon. Return to the hotel.

Day 17. (Saturday) LISBON – CACERES – MADRID

Our last breakfast in Portugal. Departure towards the Spanish border crossing beautiful green plains that extend as far as the eye can see, dotted with cork oaks and olive trees that resist time. Once in Spain, we will enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Extremadura Region, extensive areas of holm oaks and cork oaks known as “dehesas” and where Iberian pigs roam freely in search of acorns. Arrival in Cáceres, a magical medieval city, capital of the province, in the west of Spain. Free time to walk through the old town with its walls and watchtowers and its well-known medieval quarter, considered a World Heritage Site. We recommend that you follow the narrow paths that will transport you to another century and captivate you with its ancient charm. You will discover the main square of Cáceres: the Plaza Mayor and the Bujaco Tower, known locally as the Clock Tower, the Arco de la Estrella, which is one of the five access gates of Cáceres, the beautiful Palacio de los Golfines… Continuation to Madrid. Arrival at the hotel and accommodation. Towards the end of the day, we’ll do a transfer to Plaza Mayor, a vibrant district where you’ll find a great variety of restaurants for dinner.

Day 18. (Sunday) MADRID

Breakfast at the hotel. Escorted by a local guide, we’ll start a guided tour of Madrid discovering Paseo del Prado, one of the main boulevards in Madrid, Cibeles Square, the most emblematic square in Madrid with the fountain of the Greek goddess Cibeles, place where Real Madrid and Spain national team fans celebrate their victories, the Neptuno Square, the Gate of Alcala, one of the old royal gates that gave access to the city, Cristofor Columbus Square and the Plaza Mayor, once the centre of Old Madrid, is one of the prettiest open spaces in Spain. Our city tour of Madrid continues with the visit to Retiro Park, an oasis in the city centre, where we will see its lake and the Glass Palace. You’ll have the chance then to visit Las Ventas Bullring, one of the most famous bullrings in the world where we will learn about the tradition of “corridas” in the Bullfighting Museum. The afternoon will be at your disposal to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of Spain Capital. At sunset we’ll take you to Plaza de Oriente, opposite the Royal Palace, an elegant and bustling area with many restaurants serving different exquisite cuisines (Indian, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Spanish, International) in which to enjoy a pleasant dinner. Return to hotel and accommodation.

Day 19. (Monday) MADRID – BARCELONA (train)

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, presentation on your own at the Puerta de Atocha – Almudena Grandes Station to take the included high-speed train to Barcelona. Pleasant and short journey with the comfort and speed of this AVE train. Arrival and end of our services.