Day 1: Arrive Madrid
Touch down in Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival, be transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers before spending the remainder of the night exploring the city at your leisure.
Day 2: Madrid
Start your day with a guided discovery of Madrid. Packed full of art museums, fabulous restaurants and leafy green spaces – not to mention Europe’s largest palace – Madrid offers locals and visitors alike plenty of things to do. See major sites including the Museo del Prado, the Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza Mayor and El Retiro Park. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. This evening, join your fellow travellers for an authentic Welcome Dinner.
Enhance Your Journey – Toledo Day Trip
You may like to join an optional excursion to Toledo, an ancient city built atop a gorge and home to one of Spain's top 10 cathedrals (own expense).
Day 3: Madrid, Úbeda, Granada
En route to Granada this morning, pause in Úbeda, a World Heritage-listed town set within a lush olive-growing region. Enjoy time here to stroll among the Gothic and early Renaissance Spanish architecture. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste locally grown and produced extra virgin olive oil. Your journey continues to Granada. On arrival, check in to your hotel and prepare for an evening to remember, with an exciting Insider Experience in store.
Insider Experience – Behind-the-Scenes Flamenco Performance
Meet the family working behind the scenes of a powerful flamenco show, before sitting down to watch the performance unfold. Be regaled by the music, dancing, and costumes while you indulge in local specialties for dinner.
Day 4: Granada
No visit to Granada is complete without experiencing the Alhambra, a Moorish palace and fortress complex established in 1238. Marvel at its architecture and take in the breathtaking views – the palace was built on a hilltop overlooking the city and the River Darro. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
Enhance Your Journey – Albaicín Neighbourhood Guided Walk
You may like to join an optional guided walk through the Albaicín neighbourhood, the oldest in Granada, set in the shadows of the Alhambra. Explore narrow streets lined with whitewashed buildings and one of the best-preserved public Arab hammams in Spain.
Day 5: Granada, Córdoba
Your journey takes you to Córdoba today, a stunning city characterised by its distinctive Moorish architecture. Spend the day exploring its many sights, including time wandering through the Jewish Quarter and the colourful Calleja de las Flores (Flower Alley) — a narrow lane popular with photography enthusiasts thanks to the dozens of flowerpots adorning its whitewashed walls. This evening, revisit the impressive Mezquita to see it in a new light, where carefully placed lighting and atmospheric sound add an extra layer of fascination to this remarkable building.
Day 6: Cordoba, Seville
Begin your morning with breakfast before heading to Seville. After checking in to your hotel, spend time exploring Seville at your own pace. Renowned for its Moorish architecture, flamenco clubs, lush green parks, and mouth-watering tapas, Seville has plenty to offer. This evening, prepare for a delicious immersion into local culture and cuisine with an Insider Experience.
Insider Experience – Authentic Seville Tapas Experience
Explore Seville’s old town tabernas for some of the best tapas in the city. Popular dishes include solomillo al whisky (pork loin with whisky sauce), espinacas con garbanzos (spinach and chickpeas), and jamón ibérico de bellota (acorn-fed Iberian ham). Look out for these dishes on menus. As you wander the streets, learn about the city’s rich history and locally loved hidden gems.
Day 7: Seville
Today is all yours to explore Seville. You may like to visit the city’s must-see sights, including Plaza de España, the Royal Alcázar of Seville, and Parque de María Luisa.
Enhance Your Journey – Visit the Home of Flamenco
You might like to join an optional tour to Jerez de la Frontera, considered the home of flamenco and renowned for its world-famous Jerez wines.
Day 8: Seville, Monsaraz, Évora, Lisbon
This next part of the journey takes you into Portugal. Your first stop is Monsaraz, a medieval village encircled by ancient walls and surrounded by countryside and olive groves. After time to wander the cobblestone streets, continue to Évora, where you’ll enjoy a special Insider Experience. The capital of Portugal is next. Lisbon, with the Atlantic Ocean lapping at its heels, is the perfect blend of city and coastal living. Take time this evening to explore the hilly capital for yourself.
Insider Experience – Southern Portugal Wine Tasting
In Évora, delight in a pre-lunch wine tasting at the historic Pousada Convento Évora. This carefully restored 15th-century convent is considered one of the city’s most impressive historic buildings. Sip local wines before enjoying a sumptuous lunch in this significant setting.
Day 9: Lisbon
Discover the wonders of Lisbon as you explore its hilly streets, hop aboard an iconic tram for a scenic ride, and finish at Belém Tower — a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries — for a picturesque insight into the city’s maritime history. Belém is also renowned as the birthplace of the Portuguese tart, baked and sold at the famous Pastéis de Belém since 1837. It’s here that you’ll enjoy your special Insider Experience. This evening, savour the rich flavours of Lisbon during a Fado Farewell Dinner, where a delicious meal is paired with a powerful performance of fado — traditional folk music born in the city’s historic neighbourhoods.
Insider Experience – Portuguese Tart Making Class
At a local bakery, discover the art of making the world-famous pastel de nata (Portuguese tart). Master the culinary skills needed to create this beloved pastry during a hands-on lesson led by a local baker. As you bake, learn about the rich history behind the pastel de nata — before enjoying the best part: tasting your delicious creation.
Day 10: Lisbon, Casablanca
Your Iberia journey comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport. where you'll join an included flight to Casablanca. Arrive in Casablanca and be transferred to your hotel.
This evening, join your fellow travelers for a delicious dinner.
Day 11: Casablanca, Rabat, Fez
Begin your day with a tour of Casablanca, taking in all the must-see sights including Anfa Boulevard, United Nations Square and Hassan II Grand Mosque. The mosque is a highlight of your Casablanca city tour: with a minaret standing at 210 metres tall, it’s considered to be the highest religious building in the world. Afterwards, continue to Rabat and visit the Royal Palace to admire its striking facade made up of intricate mosaics, carved plasterwork, and eye-catching golden doors. You’ll also have time to visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Hassan Tower, both significant structures in Rabat. Your journey continues to Fez where a memorable Insider Experience awaits.
Insider Experience – Fez Souks and Dining Experience
Venture within the city’s high medina walls to the souks, where a tangle of narrow streets reveals rug-lined alleyways and stalls selling everything from bright, fragrant spices to delicate glassware, vials of argan oil, and handmade pottery. Cap off your experience with a traditional dinner of tagine and couscous at a local restaurant, accompanied by Moroccan entertainment, including belly dancing.
Day 12: Fez
Fez is Morocco’s oldest imperial city, dating back to the ninth century. It was once a hub for scholars, philosophers, mathematicians and astronomers, and this morning you can delve into the city’s history on a guided tour. Visit the magnificent Royal Palace and admire its seven golden gates, which symbolise each day of the week. Continue to the Jewish Quarter of Mellah and see the striking gate of Bab Bou Jeloud before spending time exploring the World Heritage-listed Medina of Fez. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, before dinner at your hotel this evening.
Day 13: Fez, Volubilis, Meknes
Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis this morning. Sprawled across the Jebel Zerhoun plateau, this 40-hectare archaeological site is renowned as the best-preserved in Northern Africa and offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient history. Afterwards, journey to the imperial city of Meknes, home to the grand walls of Bab el Mansour and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Fez.
Day 14: Fez, Sahara Desert
Set off on a picturesque journey across the Middle Atlas range, through landscapes covered in thick forest and past towering peaks towards the Sahara Desert. It’s here, among the vast expanse of terracotta-coloured sands, that you'll enjoy a luxury overnight camp stay. As the sun sets, savour traditional flavours at dinner before being entertained with local music and performances. Don’t forget to take a moment to look up and soak in the star-filled desert night sky.
Day 15: Todra Gorge, Ouarzazate
Discover the striking scenery of Todra Gorge today as you bid farewell to the desert and retreat to the Atlas Mountains. Todra Gorge is a natural oasis carved by the River Todra, with limestone walls reaching up to 400 metres. A haven for photography enthusiasts, the gorge is a superb spot to capture captivating shots, so be sure to bring your camera. Continue to Ouarzazate, a city often referred to as the ‘doorway to the desert’. Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner here this evening.
Day 16: Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, Marrakesh
Travel to the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This picturesque city, crafted from adobe and nestled on a hillside, has starred in renowned films such as Gladiator (2000). Continue to Marrakesh, the Moroccan Southern Capital, set amid an expansive oasis amid the Atlas Mountains and the pre-desert region.
Insider Experience – Visit Tawesna Salon de Thé
Visit Tawesna Salon de Thé, a cooperative eatery led by local women preserving regional culinary heritage.
Day 17: Marrakesh
Spend the day exploring Marrakesh in depth, beginning with a city tour to Koutoubia Tower, the Saadian Tombs, and Bahia Palace (also known as "Bay Palace"). Afterwards, stroll through the lively medina and maze-like souks, where you’ll find colourful Moroccan slippers, pyramids of spices, terracotta tagine pots, and more. Be sure to visit the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, a bustling hub that has hosted street performers, snake charmers, fortune tellers, and musicians since the 11th century.
Day 18: Marrakesh
Today, relish a leisurely day in Marrakesh. Perhaps opt for an optional full-day tour to nearby Essaouira or an optional half-day visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Gather in the evening for a Farewell Dinner at a charming local restaurant.
Enhance Your Journey - Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Located next to the Jardin Majorelle, this museum is dedicated to the influential designer's life. Yves Saint Laurent was inspired by Marrakesh's colours and shapes, and often designed his collections there.
Enhance Your Journey - Essaouira
Head to the relaxed coastal city of Essaouira, which has retained its traditional culture and character. Discover the palm-fringed streets of the fortified medina, as well as lanes teeming with boutiques and art galleries, luring you in with a scent of exotic spices in the air.
Day 19: Depart Marrakesh
Your Moroccan journey comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport.
