Barcelona to Marrakech A Cultural Odyssey

Welcome to the start of your exciting journey! Upon your arrival in the vibrant city of Barcelona, you will be transferred to your hotel. Here, we will ensure you have all the necessary information about your upcoming tour, conveniently displayed on informative boards at the hotel reception. Your afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace or simply unwind as you adjust to your new surroundings. Whether you choose to soak up the local atmosphere or relax, the choice is yours as you begin your adventure in this captivating city. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Today begins with a panoramic tour of Barcelona, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and unique architectural heritage. Situated by the Mediterranean, this lively city is celebrated for the modernist masterpieces of Antoni Gaud, the pulsating energy of Las Ramblas, and its historical significance as host to the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. This morning, we will guide you through these highlights and more, providing a sweeping insight into one of Europe's most captivating capitals. The afternoon is yours to explore further or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere at your own pace. As evening falls, we'll transport you to Maremagnum, a modern entertainment and dining destination located by the sea near Plaza de Coln. Here, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the waterfront and savour dinner from a selection of enticing restaurants.

On day 3, we travel south along the stunning Mediterranean coastline, pausing in Pescola, a delightful seaside town known for its charming walled architecture and picturesque surroundings. Enjoy some free time here to soak up the charming atmosphere. We then continue our journey to Valencia, a lively port city on Spain's Levantine coast, arriving around lunchtime it's the perfect opportunity to sample the renowned local paella. At approximately 16:30, we set off towards Madrid, with a brief visit to Valencia's cutting-edge City of Arts and Sciences. We plan to reach Madrid between 20:30 and 21:00. To welcome you to this vibrant capital, we offer a transfer to the bustling Plaza Mayor, where you can savour pinchos or a glass of wine at one of its many inviting restaurants. Please note, depending on the group size, our travel from Valencia to Madrid may be via a high-speed train.

On the fourth day of our journey, we shall embark on a comprehensive tour of Madrid's city centre. Our exploration will take us past renowned landmarks such as the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcal, Plaza de Coln, and the lively Plaza Mayor. We will then visit Retiro Park, a beautiful urban oasis in the heart of Madrid, where you'll have the chance to admire its serene lake and the stunning Palacio de Cristal. Highlighting our day is a visit to the Santiago Bernabu Stadium, the celebrated home of Real Madrid, considered by many to be the world's premier football club. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, allowing you to delve further into Madrid's vibrant streets or perhaps enjoy some of its culinary delights. As the evening draws near, we will provide a comfortable return transfer to your hotel, ensuring you end the day with ease.

We begin our day early, departing from Madrid and heading south through the picturesque region of La Mancha. Our first stop is Puerto Lpice, a quaint Manchego village that brings the timeless adventures of Don Quixote to life. Continuing our journey, we pass through the dramatic landscapes of Despeaperros, entering the region of Andalusia before finally arriving in Granada. Here, we will enjoy an included lunch.In the afternoon, those of you who have chosen to visit the Alhambra can look forward to a guided exploration of this magnificent palace complex, along with its stunning Generalife Gardens. Both were constructed during the Arab period and are rich in history and beauty. Its crucial to note that access to the Alhambra is strictly controlled, so please ensure your tour reservation details, including your full name and passport or ID number, are accurate. Admission fees for this excursion are non-refundable if you choose to cancel.If, in the rare circumstance, the Alhambra visit cannot go ahead, we will instead tour the Royal Alczar of Seville, which offers an equally fascinating insight into the region's historical and architectural heritage.

On day six, we leave Granada behind as we travel along the stunning Costa del Sol. Upon reaching either Algeciras or Tarifa, we board a modern ferry to cross the iconic Strait of Gibraltar ferry tickets are included in the tour. Please note that you will need to carry your own luggage during this crossing, as the bus typically does not accompany us. Once we arrive in Morocco, we begin our journey through mesmerising landscapes, with our first stop being the captivating coastal town of Asilah. This charming walled town, once a historic port and stronghold for pirates, now buzzes with vibrant life. We will have some free time here for lunch and exploration before we continue our journey to Rabat, where dinner awaits upon our arrival.

Today, we'll start with a panoramic tour of Rabat, where we'll visit significant landmarks, including the impressive Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the fortified Kasbah of the Udayas. Around midday, we'll make our way to Casablanca for a brief city tour guided by a local expert. You'll have the opportunity to view the stunning Hassan II Mosque one of the largest mosques in the Arab world from the outside. Our journey will then continue to Marrakech. Upon arrival at the hotel, you'll have the chance to enjoy a traditional Kalesa ride leading up to the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Dinner will be included later, offering a delightful taste of local cuisine.

Today we will delve into the enchanting city of Marrakech, a place so iconic it lent its name to the country. Our guided tour will navigate through the city's ancient fortifications and lead us into the heart of the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square. We'll explore the vibrant Medina, admire the grandeur of the Koutoubia Mosque, and visit the exquisite Bahia Palace, with entry tickets included. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely lunch, also included, before choosing how to spend your afternoon. Whether unwinding by the hotel pool or exploring the lively souks at your own pace, the choice is yours. In the evening, you might wish to partake in the optional Fantasy Party, offering a unique cultural experience.

After enjoying breakfast, our adventure concludes, leaving you with cherished memories to take home.