Day 1: Madrid
Day 2: Madrid
Day 3: Madrid - Granada
We will depart from Madrid early in the morning, heading south through La Mancha. Our first stop will be in Puerto Lápice, a charming Manchego village evocative of Don Quixote. We will then continue into Andalusia via Despeñaperros, arriving in Granada, where lunch will be included. In the afternoon, if you have chosen the option that includes a visit to the Alhambra, we will explore the magnificent Alhambra Palace and its beautiful Generalife Gardens, both built during the Arab period, with a local guide.VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The number of visitors allowed into the Alhambra is strictly regulated by law. To ensure your admission, tickets will be issued upon confirming your tour reservation. It´s essential to provide accurate personal details (full name and passport/ID number) at the time of booking. Please be aware that ticket costs are non-refundable in case of cancellation. In rare cases where the Alhambra visit is not possible, we will instead tour the Royal Alcázar of Seville, which offers similar historical and architectural significance.
Day 4: Granada - Tangiers - Asilah - Rabat
Departing from Granada, we´ll traverse the Costa del Sol. Upon reaching Algeciras or Tarifa, we´ll board a modern ferry to cross the Strait of Gibraltar (tickets included). Passengers will need to carry their own luggage as the bus typically does not make the crossing. Upon arrival in Morocco, we´ll journey through breathtaking landscapes. Our first stop will be Asilah, a charming walled city nestled on the Atlantic coast, once a historic port and pirate stronghold, now bustling with vibrant life. There will be time for lunch before we head to Rabat. Upon arrival in Rabat, dinner will be included.
Day 5: Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech
We’ll go on a panoramic tour of Rabat to visit the immense Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the mighty Kasbah of the Udayas. At midday, we’ll head to Casablanca, where we’ll go on a short city tour with a local guide. The tour will include a visit to the exterior of one of the most important mosques in the Arab world, the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. Later, we’ll go to Marrakech. After arriving at the hotel, you will be able to experience a traditional Kalesa ride up to the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Dinner will be included.
Day 6: Marrakech
Today, we´ll explore one of the most fascinating places in the world, the city that gave Morocco its name. Our city tour will take us through its strong walls, the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the Medina, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Bahia Palace (tickets included). Afterward, you´ll have free time for lunch (included) and to relax by the pool or in the hotel garden, or to shop in the souks. In the evening, you can join the Fantasy Party, an optional excursion offered by Europamundo.
Day 7: Marrakech - Ait benhadou - Ouarzazate - Boumalne dades
We’ll set out to cross the Atlas Mountains, where lofty peaks often covered in snow bid us farewell as we leave the palm groves of Marrakech. You’ll see small Berber villages clinging to the edges of deep gorges. Our journey includes a stop at the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, renowned for its appearances in numerous movies. As we travel through landscapes reminiscent of biblical scenes, we´ll pause in Ouarzazate, known for its impressive Kasbah. Continuing through the Valley of Roses, we´ll reach Boumalne Dades where dinner will be included. Note: Occasionally in winter, roads may close due to snowdrifts. If necessary, this part of the itinerary will be rescheduled according to our alternative plan. (Access to the Sahara Desert depends on road conditions).
Day 8: Boumalne dades - Todra - Erfoud
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the Sahara Desert: traverse the Valley of the Kasbahs, river valleys surrounded by thousands of palm trees, rocky plains merging into lush oases and adobe villages, and formidable fortresses guarding ancient thoroughfares. Our visit includes the awe-inspiring Todgha Gorge, a majestic canyon with towering walls rising more than 100 meters on both sides. En route, we´ll stop at a small adobe town near Khorbat, where you can learn about the desert community supported by the Europamundo Foundation (access may be affected by weather conditions such as river flooding). We’ll proceed towards Erfoud. For those interested, an off-road excursion to the Sahara Desert sand dunes offers a breathtaking sunset experience. Lunch will be included.
Day 9: Erfoud - Fez
We’ll depart early from Erfoud, crossing the Atlas Mountains amidst impressive gorges and stunning landscapes. We´ll traverse a high, cold plateau inhabited by nomadic shepherds. Our first stop will be in Midelt, located at the heart of this region. After lunch, we´ll continue our journey towards the Middle Atlas, where the scenery changes dramatically to a region characterized by forests and frequent winter snowfall. Near Azrou, in the National Park, we´ll visit "The House of Cedars", a small museum providing insights into the region. Here, we´ll also see the colonies of monkeys that inhabit the area. We’ll continue to Bahlil, a small and quiet village home to Berbers of the Middle Atlas. Its old center is very picturesque, with colorful streets. Traditionally, the population lived in caves, which have now been integrated into the houses. Continuing onward, we´ll head to Fez. Before reaching our hotel, we´ll take in the panoramic view of the city from the Marinid Tombs. Dinner will be provided.
Day 10: Fez - Tangiers
We’ll go on a tour of Fez, entering through the Bronze Gates of the Royal Palace and exploring the Jewish quarter, its lively souks, and the Tanners´ Quarter. The cultural capital of the country is renowned for its impressive Medina, which preserves the traditional Arab atmosphere like no other. We’ll conclude our visit with an included lunch at a historic palace in the Medina. In the afternoon, we’ll journey north through Morocco on a modern highway, reaching Tangier by evening. Dinner will be included.
Day 11: Tangiers - Seville
Free time in Tangier – do you feel like doing some last-minute shopping? We’ll take a ferry back to Spain. The bus will not be on board, so each passenger must take their luggage on the ferry. We’ll arrive in Algeciras or Tarifa and continue to Seville. We´ll arrive in the evening and dinner will be included.
Day 12: Seville
In the morning, we´ll embark on a city tour of Seville, where you´ll see the cathedral with its famous Giralda, the banks of the Guadalquivir River, and the popular neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Guadalquivir River offering stunning panoramic views (included). In the evening, you´ll have the option to attend a popular flamenco tablao.
Day 13: Seville - Merida - Evora - Lisbon
We’ll leave Seville, traveling through pleasant landscapes of rolling hills and expansive pasturelands as we head towards Extremadura. In Mérida, admission is included to the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida, which features a Roman Theater and Amphitheater. This site is renowned for its excellent preservation and its designation as a World Heritage Site. You´ll have time for lunch and a stroll through the vibrant pedestrian historic center, filled with restaurants and local charm. We will then continue to Portugal, stopping in Évora, another World Heritage Site, known for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces, and cathedral. We’ll arrive in Lisbon in the evening.
Day 14: Lisbon
In the morning, we´ll embark on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon, exploring the Portuguese capital of the seven hills, with its charming alleys, iconic tiles, the feeling of "saudade," and the beautiful Atlantic light. We’ll also visit the Belem neighborhood, from where the great Portuguese navigators set sail to cross the oceans in the 15th century. Free time in the afternoon to walk and go to the Bairro Alto and its viewpoint; if you’d like to, you could take an optional trip to the towns of Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we’ll return to the hotel from the lively Restauradores Square, filled with vibrant bars and cafes.
Day 15: Lisbon - Fatima - Porto
We’ll head to the north of Portugal to visit Fátima, a revered sanctuary. Our journey will then take us to Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. After lunch, we’ll take a 50-minute boat ride along the Douro River on a traditional Portuguese "Rabelo" to admire the city from the water while we drink a delicious Port wine. Afterwards, you’ll have free time.
Day 16: Porto - Bom jesus do monte sanctuary - Cambados - Santiago de compostela
Today, we´ll travel through stunning landscapes. In Braga, we´ll take a ride on the world’s oldest water-operated cable car to reach the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, where breathtaking views await. After exploring the sanctuary, we recommend descending via its picturesque staircase. Our journey continues into Galicia, where we´ll visit the historic town of Cambados in Rías Baixas. Here, we´ll embark on a glass-bottom boat trip along the Ría de Arousa, learning about mussel and oyster production. Enjoy wine and mussel tasting onboard. At lunchtime, we´ll arrive in Santiago de Compostela for a city tour led by a local guide, exploring its medieval streets and renowned pilgrimage sites dating back to the Middle Ages.
Day 17: Santiago de compostela - Lugo - O cebreiro - Leon - Madrid
We´ll journey along the Way of St. James, stopping in Lugo to explore the historic town center and the Roman Walls of Lugo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continuing our route, we´ll stop in O Cebreiro, a charming Galician stone village. By lunchtime, we´ll reach León, where we´ll visit the Gothic cathedral renowned for its stained-glass windows and take a leisurely stroll through the historic town center. Departing around 5:00 p.m., we expect to arrive in Madrid by approximately 9:00 p.m.Note: Depending on the group size, the journey from León to Madrid may be done by train or regular transport.
Day 18: Madrid
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
