Two Continents: from Barcelona to Marrakesh

Arrival
Welcome to the lively capital of Catalonia - Barcelona! Upon arrival, you are met by your private driver, who transfers you to the hotel for the check-in.

The rest of the day is free so you can either explore the fantastic center of Barcelona on your own, dine in one of the local restaurants or take a good rest before the rich sightseeing program planned for the following day.

Tour of Barcelona Gothic Quarters
After breakfast your guide meets you in the hotel lobby and takes you on a wonderful half-day walking tour around the most outstanding attractions of Barcelona.

Barcelona obtains one of the biggest and architecturally diverse Medieval districts in Europe. During the city tour you get to see Barcelona's Old Town called "Casc Antic" and its medieval landmarks.

You walk through the maze of old narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter that was formed around the Roman forum. Then you see the Barcelona Cathedral both from the outside and the inside, pass the former Jewish District "Call", the Sant Jaume Square, see the Generalitat Palace and City Hall from the outside, pass the Square of the King and the former Royal Palace.

You then proceed to the Ribera shore district where you see the Santa Maria del Mar church - the former residence of sailors, traders and craftsmen who lived and worked there in the Middle Ages.

The tour finishes on the most vivid street in Barcelona La Rambla, where you can take a rest at one of the open air terraces.

After the tour you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Gaudi Tour
Following breakfast you meet your private guide and private driver and enjoy a fantastic sightseeing tour dedicated to the world-renowned architectural works of Antonio Gaudi.

You start with a visit to the colorful Park Guell, where you spend some time strolling through its mosaic paths and enjoying the great city views.

The day is crowned with a visit to the astonishing Sagrada Familia Basilica - the most brilliant masterpiece of Gaudi that is rightfully considered the most recognizable symbol of Barcelona.

After the tour you depart from Barcelona.

Arrival
Bienvenido a Madrid - the glorious Spanish capital and one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Upon arrival, you are transferred to your downtown hotel for check-in.

The rest of the day is free so you can start exploring the magnificent old town on your own, dine in one of the authentic local restaurants or take a good rest in your comfortable room.

Madrid Old Town Tour
Today prepare to enjoy a fascinating sightseeing tour around the most brilliant attractions of Madrid de los Austrias - the amazing old town of the Spanish capital that treasures historical monuments dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries when Spain was ruled by the House of the Habsburg.

After breakfast you meet your private guide and set off on a journey around the city. You walk towards Plaza de Oriente, admire and then enter the gorgeous Palacio Real (the Royal Palace), see the beautiful exteriors of the Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Almudena and stroll through Major Street.

Next you proceed to Plaza de la Villa, pass through the always bustling St. Michel's Market and walk down the picturesque Cava de San Miguel. Your tour finishes at iconic Plaza Mayor and breathtaking
Puerta del Sol.

After the touring is over you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Exploring Treasures of Toledo & Flamenco Show
This day is devoted entirely to the exploration of Toledo - the former Spanish capital and one of the oldest towns in Europe.

Following breakfast in your Madrid hotel you walk to the train station and enjoy a 30-minute train ride to Toledo (regular class train tickets to and from Toledo are included).

Upon arrival, your local guide meets you at the train station and takes you on a city tour around the mesmerizing landmarks of the ancient Toledo.

During the tour you walk through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, explore the fortified city walls and see the famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval architecture, including the 13th-century Cathedral of Toledo and Synagogue (entrances included).

After the tour you return to Madrid by train, walk to your hotel.

In the evening you are invited to visit the most famous flamenco tablao in Madrid - the Corral de la Moreria, where you enjoy a fantastic flamenco show. The show venue is located within walking distance from your hotel.

Madrid of the Bourbons & Prado Museum and Departure
Following breakfast and check-out, meet your guide and explore the so-called Madrid of the Bourbons - the 19th-century historical area of the Spanish capital.

During the tour your guide walks you through a chain of fabulous squares - Puerta de Alcala, Plaza Cibeles and three monumental fountains: Cibeles, Apolo and Neptuno, you proceed to the Spanish Parliament building You will then see the main terminus of the capital - Atocha train station and explore the area of the Golden Triangle of Art made up of three most important art museums of Madrid - the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia.

The highlight of the tour is the visit to one of the world's greatest art galleries and Madrid's top cultural sight - the Prado Museum. This venue houses a unique collection of fine art displayed in the halls and rooms of this 18th-century Neo-Classical building. You see the most significant gems of the museum's collection, including the famous masterpieces of El Greco, Velazquez, Goya, Raphael and Rubens.

After the tour, you depart from Madrid.

Arrival
Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel, but don't rush to your room, even though you might feel a bit overwhelmed with impressions from your tour today. With less tourists around, the winding white-washed streets and gorgeous tumbledown squares of this beautiful town are an ideal place to have a short evening promenade and have dinner in one of the many local cozy restaurants.

And a little hint from us for the gourmand: eating in Cordoba is a treat - the food is fabulous and the prices are reasonable. Plus, this southern town – once the largest and most splendid city in the world – is the motherland of two delicious cornerstones of Spanish cuisine: bulls’ tail stew and salmorejo (a thicker, creamier version of gazpacho).

Exploring Cordoba Highlights
Following breakfast, you meet your private guide at the hotel lobby and enjoy a 3-hour guided walking tour around the most outstanding sights of Cordoba that used to be the largest city of Roman Spain.

While exploring the city you see how amazingly different it looks during the day as compared to your previous evening impressions. During the tour, you see the ancient Roman Bridge, the famous 14th-century Royal Castle - Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, and of course the gem of the city - the renowned Great Mosque of Cordoba. Not only is it the oldest mosque in Europe, this sacred place is the ideal reflection of Spain's unique mixture of cultures, religions and epochs. No surprise it is officially called a Mosque-Cathedral, as alongside with the most significant monument of the western Muslim world it also houses Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles in its, you won't believe it, Christian part!

After the tour of Cordoba, you have the rest of the day at leisure.

Day Trip to Alhambra of Granada
You are right, today you join the club of those lucky ones who have visited one of Spain's... no - the world's most significant attractions - the mind-boggling Alhambra Fortress that used to be the residence of the Muslim rulers and their court. 

After breakfast, you walk to the railway station for a 2-hour ride to Granada. Upon arrival, you meet your guide and driver at the train station and head towards the highlight of today's program - the majestic Alhambra. 

Together with your private guide you get to know this historical place and get awe-inspired by its numerous arabesques, porticos, pools, gardens and Islamic ornamental masterpieces of its hallways. 

After the tour and time for lunch, your driver transfers you to the station for your train back to Cordoba. Upon arrival, you walk to the hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.

Departure
Today following breakfast, you check out from your hotel and depart from Cordoba. 

Arrival and City Tour
Upon arrival, you are accompanied to your downtown hotel for check-in.

Meet with your guide in the hotel lobby and have a walking city tour of Seville.

Today you get to experience authentic Andalusian spirit in one of its most important cities. Your sightseeing program features top sights starting from the symbol of the city - the Giralda Tower that used to be a minaret back in the days. You then visit the Seville Cathedral, a Roman Catholic cathedral that is the third-largest church in the world. It was built in the 16th century to demonstrate power and wealth of the city. Next on your list is the beautiful Real Alcazar of Seville - the oldest European royal residence composed of a group of buildings from different time periods. Cathedral and Alcazar along with General Archive of the Indies are registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The rest of the day after the tour is at leisure.

Departure

Following breakfast, check out and depart from Seville. 

Arrival & City Tour
Upon arrival to Cordoba you have a transfer to the hotel, where your meet your private guide, and go on a wonderful 3-hour walking sightseeing tour of the Old Town of Malaga. 

During the tour you take a walk through its cozy narrow streets enjoying the medieval city atmosphere, see the 10th-century Moorish castle and admire the beauty of the Malaga Cathedral from both inside and outside.

After the tour you return to your hotel. The rest of the day is free, so you can continue exploring Malaga on your own (we suggest visiting the Picasso Museum), have some rest or buy traditional souvenirs.

Departure
Following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and meet your private driver for the transfer. 

Arrival
Welcome to Tangier - a Moroccan port city that is often referred to as Europe's gateway to Africa. 

Upon arrival, your driver meets you at the port/ airport and transfers you to your centrally located hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring the city on your own or simply relax in your comfortable room.

City tour
Following breakfast, you meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby and set off on a 3-hour tour of the city’s major highlights. 

Separated from Spain by only 20 miles of the Strait of Gibraltar and being at some point a protectorate of both Spain and France, Tangier has always been a melting pot of cultures.

During the tour, you stop at Bab Kasbah - beautifully decorated gate to Tangier’s fortified area, rising high above the rest of medina. Then you proceed to the Tomb of Ibn Battuta, who was born in 1304 and considered to be the greatest traveler of his time. Together with the guide, you then visit Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures currently housed in former sultan’s palace.

After the tour, your driver takes you outside the city to discover Africa’s most North Western point, Cape Spartel and visit Hercules Caves which is one of the most visited attractions in the area. Legend has it that Hercules stayed and slept in this cave before getting golden apples from Hesperides Garden. 

You are then transferred back to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Departure
Following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and depart from Tangier.

Arrival and City Tour
Today you arrive in the spiritual capital of Morocco, Fes. 

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and driver to start a 5-hour city tour.

During the tour, you see the 14th-century gates of the King Palace, the shrine of Moulay Idriss, the Mellah (Jewish quarter), and old Fes Medina with its traditional markets and tanneries.

Together with the guide, you enter the ancient Bou Inania Madrasa founded in 1351 AD.

You then proceed to the Fondouk el-Nejjarine - which was declared a national monument in 1916. Today this building is a home to the Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts.

After the tour, you return to your riad and have the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day Trip to Meknes and Volubilis 
After breakfast at your hotel, you meet your driver and set out to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Upon arrival, you meet your guide who shows you the 2000-year-old ruins, adorned with beautiful mosaics and colorful tiles depicting Roman mythology. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your next stop is the city of Meknes, where together with your local guide, you explore its major highlights in about 3 hours. You start with admiring the grand entrance to the city and as well the most beautiful gates in the world - Bab Mansour.

Then your guide takes you to the Dar Jamai Museum with its amazing local arts and crafts, following your visit to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail*.

Next, you proceed to the Royal Stables, which is a massive stable yard that was constructed to comfortably house no less than twelve thousand royal horses. After the tour, you are transferred back to your hotel in Fes.

*Note: Dar Jamai Museum and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is under reconstruction till the end of 2020 (might be prolonged). Sites are seen from the outside.

Departure
Following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and depart from Fes. 

Arrival
Upon arrival, you are taken to your hotel. You then enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant and have the rest of the day free.

Dinner included 

Departure
In the morning you have a check-out and some free time to relax and prepare for today's adventure in the Sahara Desert.  

Exploring the Sahara Desert 
At around noon, you meet your driver who takes you to the starting point of your camel trek* journey through the sand dunes.

One of the highlights of the day is a stop at a small village of Khamilia where you can watch and listen to the locals playing the typical music of the region - Gnawa. Before the sunset, you arrive at the Berber camp and enjoy a wonderful dinner by the campfire. The desert is probably the best place to gaze at the stars. Take this chance and witness the Milky Way!

Dinner included 

Note: Your luggage is transferred to the camp by vehicle. *Camel trek can be replaced with 4X4 drive to the camp. Contact your destination specialist for more information.

Departure
After hearty breakfast at the camp, your driver takes you back Merzouga town and you depart. 

Arrival
Welcome to Marrakech - Morocco's second largest city! Upon arrival your private driver takes you to the centrally located hotel. 
 

Sightseeing in Marrakesh
After breakfast at the hotel, you set off on an exhilarating sightseeing tour of Marrakech with your guide and driver. During your 5-hour tour, you see the major highlights of the ancient city.

You begin your walking tour in the old quarter of Marrakech where you visit the 19th century Bahia Palace, covered with colorful tile work, and see its eight-hectare gardens with fountains. You then proceed to Saadian Tombs - marble tombs for the Saadian dynasty. Accessible only through a small passage in the Kasbah Mosque, the tombs were neglected until aerial photography exposed them in 1917.

Your next stop is El Badi Palace located nearby and believed to have contained more than 350 opulent rooms, in addition to a large pool, sweeping courtyard, and several gardens. The pieces from the El Badi Palace were used to create a new palace in Meknes, leaving just the shell of the palace behind.

Continue to the souks, the largest you can find in Morocco. We suggest you try haggling as it is an inherent part of Moroccan trading culture. In the afternoon, you venture into the new city and visit the Majorelle Gardens - a magical petite garden estate designed by Jacque Majorelle and maintained by Yves Saint Laurent.

After the tour, you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Departure
Following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and depart from Marrakech. 

Arrival
Welcome to Lisbon - the fabulous capital of Portugal! Upon arrival, you are met by your private driver, who transfers you to the hotel for the check-in.

The rest of the day is free so you can start exploring the magnificent city center on your own, dine in one of the local restaurants or take a good rest in your comfortable room.

Exploring the Highlights of Lisbon & Fado Show
After breakfast you meet your guide and enjoy a panoramic walking sightseeing tour of Lisbon.

During the tour you see the most famous attractions, including Restauradores Square with the Obelisk commemorating the Restoration of Portugal’s independence from Spain in 1640.

You take a funicular up to the Bairro Alto and admire the view of the Mouraria district and the Sao Jorge Castle, the charming neighbourhood of Chiado abundant in old cafés, shops and theaters.

Then you proceed to Baixa including Rossio Square, where you learn how the city was destroyed in 1755 by a massive earthquake, and then totally rebuilt to become the city of today.

Continue to Alfama Lisbon’s oldest district to admire Se Cathedral - the city’s oldest church and Commerce Square.

After the tour, you return to your hotel and have some time to rest before going to the Fado Show with dinner.

Trip to Sintra & Visit to the Belem Quarter
Following breakfast you meet your driver-guide and start your journey on an exciting day-trip to one of Portugal's most beautiful destinations - UNESCO-listed Cultural Landscape of Sintra, that is famous for its fairy-tale castles and beautiful scenery. Upon arrival, you visit the Pena Palace (from the outside) with a round trip shuttle bus (up to the Pena Palace). Here you have some free time to admire the beauty of the Palace and take some amazing photos.

Then you have some free time for lunch (not included) before your driver-guide takes you back to Lisbon. Upon arrival, you visit the Belem Quarter, where you admire the Jerónimos Monastery (from the outside). You also make photo stops at the ancient Belem Tower and Monument to the Discoverers.

After the tour you are transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

*Please, note: instead of Pena Palace,you can choose to visit the Queluz Palace & Gardens or the Ajuda Palace.

Lisbon's Fishing Culture
In the morning after breakfast prepare for an exciting day of exploring Portugal’s traditional fishing heritage - an integral part of the culture which is often missed by tourists.

Together with your guide-driver you head for Fonte da Telha Beach to visit an old fishing village. Here you learn about local fishermans' traditional way of life and the different fishing techniques which they are used to apply. You continue traveling along the coast to the Arrabida Mountain Range to view the spectacular Sado estuary which is considered to be one of the most beautiful bays of the world.

You then are transferred to the city of Setubal, a home to Livramento Market famous for a huge assortment of local seafood. As the highlight of the tour you have lunch at a traditional family-run fisherman´s restaurant and enjoy a delicious typical Mediterranean meal.

After the tour, you return to your hotel in Lisbon and have the rest of the day free.

Departure
In the morning following breakfast you check out from your hotel and depart from Lisbon.