After enjoying a full buffet breakfast at your hotel, you’ll set out for a morning city tour to experience the passionate energy of Madrid. Your guided discovery will showcase the city’s famous highlights, giving you a perfect introduction to one of the world’s most exciting capitals.
The afternoon is yours to continue exploring the wonders of Madrid at your own pace. You can choose to join an optional excursion to the nearby Imperial city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Christian, Moorish, and Jewish cultures coexisted for centuries. A guided tour will lead you through the narrow, historic streets of this incredible old town.
In the early evening, rejoin your group for an authentic Welcome Tapas Dinner at a local restaurant. It’s a fantastic opportunity to sample one of Spain’s most famous culinary traditions and connect with your fellow travellers.
After breakfast, your Iberian exploration begins as you journey into the historic soils of Castile, a region of medieval castles and ancient cities.
Your first stop is the incredible city of Avila, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its perfectly preserved medieval fortifications. You will have time at leisure to walk its formidable 11th-century walls, imagining the centuries of history they have witnessed and admiring the views from the ramparts.
In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Salamanca, a vibrant University City also granted World Heritage status. Known as ‘The Golden City’ for the glow of its sandstone buildings, you’ll have free time to wander its historic streets and perhaps get a first glimpse of its grand Plaza Mayor before settling in for the night.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
Enjoy breakfast this morning before your journey continues west, crossing the border from Spain into Portugal and into the heart of the world-renowned Douro Valley.
You will make a stop in the charming village of Pinhao, nestled in a picturesque bend of the Douro River. The village is surrounded by steep, terraced hillsides where some of the world’s best Port wines are produced. You’ll also have a chance to see the town’s beautiful train station, which is famously decorated with ornate images of the local harvest.
From the Douro Valley, you will continue to the coastal city of Porto. As one of Europe’s oldest towns, its historic centre was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your hotel, and the rest of the day is at your leisure to get your first taste of this vibrant riverside city.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
After breakfast, you’ll discover the vibrant city of Porto. Your guide will lead you to some of the city’s most important landmarks, including the Porto Cathedral, the magnificent Stock Exchange building and the beautiful Santa Clara church.
The highlight of your day is a cruise along the Douro River on a traditional Rabelo boat, the historic flat-bottomed vessels once used to transport barrels of wine. From the water, you’ll gain a unique perspective of the city’s famous bridges and the colourful houses of the Ribeira district. The experience concludes with a tasting of the city’s most famous export: Port wine.
The rest of the day is at your leisure to continue exploring Porto on your own.
Douro River cruise
After breakfast, your journey continues south towards Lisbon, with a fascinating stop in the historic city of Coimbra. Known as the birthplace of Fado music, Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe.
You will enjoy an included visit to the world-renowned University of Coimbra, where you’ll discover its monumental buildings and one of the oldest and most beautiful libraries in Europe. Afterwards, you will have time to walk through the narrow, beautiful streets of the historical center.
In the afternoon, you will continue to Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, a city spread across seven hills. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is at your leisure. You may wish to get your first taste of the city by exploring the nostalgic corners of the Alfama Quarter, the old city located next to its castle, with narrow, twisting streets full of colourful buildings and genuine ‘tabernas’ (taverns).
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours
EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel five-star stay
After breakfast, embark on a morning sightseeing tour of Lisbon, the ancient city of ‘Olissipo’. Your guided tour begins with a drive through the city’s main squares and avenues, including the grand Marquis of Pombal Square and Liberty Avenue.
You will then journey to the historic Belém district, a riverside area rich with monuments from Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Here, you will admire the iconic Belém Tower, the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, and the impressive Monument to the Discoverers, which celebrates the country’s seafaring past. The afternoon is yours to explore Lisbon at your own leisure.
This evening, you can choose to immerse yourself in the heart of Portuguese culture with an unforgettable evening of Fado music (surcharges apply). You’ll be taken to one of Lisbon’s oldest and most authentic Fado venues for a traditional dinner. Here, in an intimate setting, you will be captivated by the soulful, melancholic melodies of Fado, a musical style that tells stories of love, loss, and saudade (longing). It’s a truly moving and quintessentially Lisbon experience.
EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel five-star stay
Today is dedicated to exploring the enchanting towns and dramatic coastline just outside of Lisbon. You will journey to the fairytale town of Sintra, a longtime summer sanctuary for Portuguese royalty and a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its romantic palaces and lush hills. Your visit includes entrance to the mystical Quinta da Regaleira estate, where you can explore its intriguing gardens, hidden tunnels, and famous inverted tower.
The tour continues to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, where you can stand on the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. From there, you’ll visit the charming seaside resort of Cascais, a former fishing village that became a popular retreat for nobility.
After returning to Lisbon, the evening is at your leisure.
EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel five-star stay
After breakfast, you will farewell Portugal and cross the border back into Spain, journeying towards the passionate heart of Andalusia. Along the way, you’ll stop in the city of Mérida, the capital of the Extremadura region and a UNESCO World Heritage site for its incredible Roman ruins. Once known as Augusta Emerita, this was a very important city in the Roman Empire. Your visit includes entrance to the magnificent Roman Theatre, a remarkably well-preserved structure built to seat 6,000 spectators.
In the afternoon, your journey continues south to Seville, the vibrant capital of Andalusia and the essence of Spanish tradition. After checking into your hotel, the evening is yours to get a first taste of this city of light and passion.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
Today you will explore romantic Seville, the captivating capital of Andalusia.Your guided tour explores the city’s charming Jewish Quarter (Barrio de Santa Cruz), a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses and picturesque squares dating back to the time of Moorish rule and concludes at the exterior of the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Entrance to the cathedral and a guided tour is available for an additional surcharge. The afternoon is yours to continue exploring this city of light at your own leisure.
This evening, you can choose to experience Seville like a true local on an authentic tapas tour (surcharges apply). Your guide will lead you away from the main tourist squares and into the labyrinthine streets of the old town to discover the city’s beloved tabernas (taverns). Hop from one historic bar to the next, sampling a variety of delicious, traditional tapas and soaking up the lively atmosphere as the Andalusian capital comes alive after dark.
After breakfast, your journey continues deeper into the heart of Andalusia, travelling from Seville to Granada with a captivating stop in Cordoba. Once the capital of the Caliphate, Cordoba was one of the most important cities in the world. Your visit is highlighted by an included entrance to the magnificent Mosque-Cathedral (Mezquita), a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its forest of red-and-white striped arches. You will also have time to stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the city’s historic Jewish Quarter, discovering its charming courtyards and whitewashed lanes.
In the afternoon, you will continue your journey to the enchanting city of Granada, located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. After checking into your hotel, the evening is at your leisure to relax and anticipate tomorrow’s visit to the incredible Alhambra.
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours
After breakfast, prepare for the highlight of your time in Andalusia: a visit to the magnificent Alhambra, a breathtaking palace and fortress complex that stands as a testament to the brilliance of Moorish craftsmen. Your visit includes entrance to this sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on a hilltop offering stunning views across Granada, you’ll discover the ornately decorated domes, serene courtyards, and intricate archways of the Nasrid Palaces, the historic heart of the complex.
The afternoon is free for you to explore more of Granada at your leisure. You could wander through the whitewashed streets of the Albaicín, the old Arab quarter, or relax in one of the city’s charming plazas.
This evening, you can choose to prepare for an evening of passion and fiery emotion with an authentic Flamenco show in Granada (surcharges apply), the heartland of the art form. In an intimate venue, you’ll witness the power and intensity of world-class performers as they tell stories through thunderous footwork, soulful singing, and masterful guitar. Accompanied by a delicious dinner, this is an unforgettable immersion into the soul of Andalusia.
After breakfast, you will farewell Granada and journey back towards Madrid, with a unique and flavourful stop along the way. You will visit the city of Ubeda, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a beautiful historical gem. Known as the capital of Spanish olive oil, your visit includes a walk through the town and a special tasting of its unique golden Extra Virgin Olive Oil. A light lunch is also included here.
In the afternoon, you will arrive back in Madrid and check into your hotel. Tonight, you will join your group for a special Farewell Dinner, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your incredible journey through Spain and Portugal before your adventure continues to Morocco.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
After breakfast, your adventure takes an exciting turn as you say ‘adios’ to Spain and prepare to journey to a new continent. You will be transferred to Madrid Airport for your included flight to Casablanca, Morocco.
Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the legendary Rick’s Café for an included lunch. A beautiful recreation of the cafe from the classic film ‘Casablanca’, it’s a truly memorable start to your time in Morocco. After lunch, you’ll see one of Casablanca’s most impressive landmarks with an outside visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque.
From Casablanca, you will travel north to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. After checking into your hotel, you will enjoy an included dinner.
Travel time: Flight – approx. two hours / Driving – approx. one hour
After breakfast, you will explore Morocco’s political capital, Rabat. Your guided tour will take you to the city’s key landmarks, including an exterior visit to the Royal Palace, the impressive Hassan Tower, and the revered Mohamed V Mausoleum. You’ll also have some free time near the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas.
From Rabat, your journey continues to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Volubilis is home to some of the most well-preserved Roman mosaics and ruins in North Africa, which you will explore with a local guide.
In the afternoon, you will travel to the city of Fes, one of Morocco’s great imperial capitals. After checking into your hotel, you will enjoy an included dinner.
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours
After breakfast, prepare for a full-day immersion into the captivating city of Fes, considered the religious capital of the country.
Your guided tour begins with the landmarks outside the old city walls, including an exterior visit to the grand Royal Palace with its seven gates, the historic Jewish Quarter, and a viewpoint at a fortress that offers the best panoramic view of the ancient medina, Fes el Bali.
You will then step back in time as you enter the Fes el Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s largest living medieval cities. Follow your guide through the famous Bab Bou Jeloud gate and into a labyrinth of hundreds of narrow, winding alleys where countless smells and flavours fill the air. Your walk will take you to see the city’s famous tanneries and to visit the intricately decorated Bou Inania Medersa, an ancient centre of learning.
Lunch and dinner at local restaurants are included today, giving you an authentic taste of Moroccan cuisine.
After breakfast, you will embark on a day trip from Fes to explore another of Morocco’s imperial cities, Meknes, and the beautiful countryside that surrounds it.
Your guided tour of Meknes will take you to see the impressive Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl and the monumental city gates of Bab Khemis and Bab el Mansour. From the city, you’ll journey into the countryside for a unique culinary experience. You will visit a local winery for a special wine tasting and an included lunch, served in a charming setting surrounded by vineyards. It’s a wonderful opportunity to taste the unique terroir of Moroccan wine.
In the afternoon, you will return to Fez, before an included dinner is served this evening.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
Today is a truly epic travel day as you journey from the imperial city of Fes, across the magnificent Middle Atlas Mountains, and into the iconic dunes of the Sahara Desert.
Your journey south begins with a drive into the mountains, stopping for a panoramic view of Ifrane, a surprising village known for its alpine-style architecture and ski resort.
You will continue to Midelt, the capital of the Middle Atlas, for an included lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, the landscape transforms as you pass through semi-desert landscapes and vast palm groves on your way to Erfoud, the gateway to the Sahara. Here, you will switch to off-road 4x4 vehicles for an exhilarating drive through sandy riverbeds and past Berber villages, taking you into the breathtaking landscape. You will arrive in the late afternoon at the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi, where your accommodation for the night is the Golden Camp Merzouga.
As the sun begins to set, you will embark on a classic sunset camel ride, an unforgettable experience across the spectacular, shifting sands.
Your evening includes a dinner of typical desert dishes, enjoyed at your camp before you spend a magical night in your comfortable tent under the stars.
Travel time: Driving – approx. eight hours
Sahara Desert glamping
After breakfast in the desert, your journey continues towards the High Atlas Mountains, travelling along the famed ‘Road of a Thousand Kasbahs’.
You will first stop in Tinerhir to visit the spectacular Todra Gorge. You’ll have free time to walk between the immense, sheer rock walls of the canyon. Your journey continues through the beautiful landscapes of the Drâa valley and the Skoura Palm grove, a lush oasis filled with historic kasbahs.
In the afternoon, you will arrive in Ouarzazate, a city often called the ‘Hollywood of Morocco’ for its famous film studios. Here, you will enjoy a visit to the Atlas Cinema Studios, where you can see the sets from famous films and television shows. After checking into your hotel, you can relax and enjoy an included dinner.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 5.5 hours
After an early breakfast, your day begins with a visit to the magnificent Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This iconic fortified village is a spectacular example of southern Moroccan architecture, and you’ll have time to explore its ancient, earthen-clay buildings.
From Aït Benhaddou, your journey continues on a dramatic route, crossing the magnificent High Atlas Mountains via the Tichka Pass. You’ll travel through stunning mountain scenery before descending towards the vibrant plains of Marrakech.
You will arrive in the legendary city of Marrakech at the end of the afternoon. After checking into your hotel, you can spend time at leisure before your included dinner.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
After breakfast, prepare for a full-day immersion into the magic of Marrakech, the ‘Red City’. Your guided tour begins with a visit to the tranquil gardens of La Menara and the majestic Koutoubia Mosque minaret, the landmark of the city. You will then visit the Bahia Palace, a stunning example of medieval Muslim architecture, to admire its intricate decorations and beautiful courtyards.
In the afternoon, you will dive into the heart of the old city, the Jmaa el Fnaa square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians create a vibrant open-air theatre. From the square, you will explore the winding alleyways of the famous souks, and enjoy a special experience at an authentic Riad, where you will learn the art of making the perfect Moroccan mint tea.
Tonight, your incredible 22-day journey concludes with a special farewell dinner at Al Baraka, a palace in the heart of the medina. You will dine on typical Moroccan dishes while enjoying live performances, a fitting celebration of your travels through Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Enjoy one last breakfast at your hotel, then check out of your hotel. With your journey at an end, meet your transfer and make your way to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) for your onward travel.