16 days Barcelona to Marrakech From Barcelona's towering Sagrada Familia to the colourful medina of Marrakech, join us on this spectacular 16-day journey through northern Spain and Morocco. Indulge in San Sebastian tapas and tour the museums of Bilbao in Spain, before crossing the Mediterranean to Morocco for Imperial Cities, Sahara camel trekking and amazing Ait Benhaddou. HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Small group tour, with maximum group size of 16, and unique hotels Barcelona - visit the city's most famous landmark, the Sagrada Familia Castell Del Remei vineyard - learn about the production of local wines and enjoy wine tasting at this historic winery Pamplona -enjoy a walking tour in this beautiful Basque city close to the Pyrenees mountain range with a bustling old town. San Sebastian - explore Spain's beautiful gastronomic capital, with its incredible Old Town tapas and our wonderful mountaintop hotel - 16 days Bilbao - discover wonderful contemporary art at the world famous Guggenheim Museum Bodegas Marques de Riscal vineyard - taste the fine wines of the Rioja region Salamanca - visit Spain's oldest university, with its stunning architecture Avila - roam around one of Spain's oldest towns, surrounded by an imposing, medieval wall, with more than 2500 turrets Madrid - take in the highlights of Spain's vibrant capital on a tour of the city Marrakech wander through the UNESCOlisted medina, mosque, palaces and souks Casablanca - enjoy the spectacle of Morocco's largest city, also home to its largest mosque (the Hassan II Mosque) Rabat - take in the sights of the lively capital city such as the Chellah necropolis and whitewashed kasbah Meknes - roam the streets of a great Imperial city, once dubbed the "Versailles of Morocco" Fes immerse yourself in the oldest medieval city in the world, its medina packed with dye pits and tanneries Sahara Desert - camel trek across the dunes and camp under a blanket of stars Todra Gorge - the towering red canyon with spectacular limestone walls on the road to the High Atlas will leave you speechless Ait Benhaddou - gaze upon this UNESCOlisted ancient kasbah, immortalised by Hollywood in film and television Volubilis admire the UNESCO-listed ruins of this ancient Roman provincial town What's Included 15 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 7 dinners (including a traditional Berber meal at our Sahara camp) Specialist local guides at some sights of interest Spain - 7 Nights 3 & 4 star hotels. Morocco - 7 nights 3-4 star hotels & riad, 1 night camping - Berber desert camp in the Sahara Desert (Hotel Upgrade available) Escorted by a local English speaking tour leader in Spain and Morocco (or a driver guide in Spain for groups of 2 6) All private transportation in air conditioned vehicles in Spain and Morocco Arrival transfer from Barcelona airport on day 1 and Marrakech airport on day 8 Transfer to Madrid airport on day 8 Guided sightseeing: Barcelona, Zaragoza, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Burgo, Salamanca, Avila, Pamplona, Madrid, Casablanca, Rabat, Volubilis, Fes, Merzouga, Todra Gorge, Ait Benhaddou and Marrakech Cider House visit & tasting San Sebastian Vineyard visit and wine tasting in Zaragoza and Rioja Guggenheim Museum entry Camel trek into the Sahara What's Not Included -1-
Tipping Kitty: Euro 55-60 (for Morocco, paid locally in Euro, USD or Dirham) Entrance Fees: Euro 40-50 (for Spain, paid locally) International flights and visas Tip for your tour leader and guides - an entirely personal gesture Please note the flight between Madrid and Marrakech is not included and needs to be booked separately - see Trip notes for more information leisure; we recommend trying the local tapas. Overnight - Zaragoza (B) we return to Bilbao, where you have free time. Overnight - Bilbao (B:2, D:1) Day 3 : Pamplona & San Sebastian Day 6 : Burgos & Salamanca ITINERARY Day 1 : Arrival into Barcelona Saturday. Arrival in Barcelona - welcome to Spain! Transfer from Barcelona airport to hotel is included. This afternoon at 2pm, our guide will take us on a scenic tour of Barcelona. We'll visit sites including the Hill of Montjuic and the famous Sagrada Familia before ending the night with a tapas welcome dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight - Barcelona (D) Zaragoza - San Sebastian. This morning we travel to Pamplona, a beautiful Basque city made famous by the Ernest Hemingway novel 'The Sun Also Rises'. After a walking tour with our local guide and a break for lunch, we continue on to San Sebastian. This stunning bayside city is a food lover's paradise, and our hotel on Monte Igueldo boasts spectacular views. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure - relax at the hotel resort, or venture down to the city's many bars & restaurants. Overnight - San Sebastian (B) San Sebastian - Bilbao. Heading towards the port city of Bilbao, we stop at a traditional family run Sideria (Cider House) for tasting. Once in Bilbao, we visit the world famous - 16 days Salamanca (B) Day 7 : Avila Medieval City Days 4-5 : Bilbao & Rioja Wine Tasting Day 2 : Zaragoza & Vineyard Barcelona - Zaragoza. We depart Barcelona early this morning, stopping at a vineyard for a wine tasting and lunch. After arriving in Zaragoza and checking in to our hotel, we'll go on a guided walking tour, seeing the spectacular Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar and 11th-century Palace of Aljaferia. The rest of the day is at Bilbao - Salamanca. Bidding farewell to the Basque Region, we head to Burgos to see its World Heritage Listed Gothic cathedral on a walking tour. In the afternoon we arrive in Salamanca, where Spain's oldest university is located. A guided tour takes us through the beautiful and varied architecture of the city, with free time in the evening. Overnight - Guggenheim Museum and explore the many delicious delights of the city during our free time. Salamanca - Madrid. This morning we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Avila and enjoy a walking tour of its sights, including the spectacular Medieval city walls, which are over 2.5km long. After a leisurely lunch, we continue our journey to the capital. In Madrid we're joined by a local guide for a coach tour of this cosmopolitan city, taking in sights such as the Royal Palace. Spend your final night in Spain, sampling Madrid's wonderful nightlife. Overnight - Madrid (B, D) The following day we venture into the world famous Rioja region and visit the renowned Marques de Riscal bodega (vineyard), to taste some fine wine. After a local lunch in Logrono (which is part of the Camino de Santiago trail), -2-
Day 8 : Marrakech We'll see sights including the Djemaa el-fna and Koutoubia Mosque. Overnight - Marrakech (B, D) Day 10 : Ait Benhaddou in the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, where we spend the night camping under the stars. </br> If you would prefer the comfort of a hotel with en-suite facilities this evening, opt for our Sahara Hotel Upgrade. Overnight - Berber Camp (B, L, D) Day 12 : Journey to Fes Saturday. Madrid - Marrakech. Your tour of Spain and Portugal ends today. Complimentary transfer to the airport for your flight to Marrakech. Upon arrival at Marrakech airport, you ll be met and transferred to our hotel in the town centre. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure - perhaps discover the delights of Djemaa el-fna, the city's main square and marketplace. Please note: The flight from Madrid to Marrakech is not included in the cost of this tour. Ryan Air and Iberia both fly direct. Please provide us with your flight details so we can arrange your airport transfers. Overnight Marrakech (B) Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate. We leave Marrakech this morning, crossing the Haouz plains and High Atlas mountains. Our first stop is Ait Benhaddou, an ancient fortress and medieval city featured in movies such as <i>gladiator</i> and <i>lawrence of Arabia</i>. Then we continue to the nearby town of Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of North Africa" for its studios which have filmed blockbusters including <i>the Living Daylights</i>, <i>the Mummy</i> and more recently <i>game of Thrones</i>. Overnight Ouarzazate (B, L, D) Day 11 : Camel trek into the Sahara Day 9 : Marrakech City Tour Today we discover the city of Marrakech. After breakfast we visit the Majorelle Gardens, designed in the 1920s-30s and the current resting place of Yves Saint Laurent. The garden contains numerous bird and plant species, and a museum of Berber culture. This afternoon you will meet up with the rest of the group who are coming in from Casablanca before embarking on a guided walking tour. - 16 days Ouarzazate - Todra Gorge - Merzouga (Sahara). Our journey into the Sahara begins today as we travel from Ouarzazate to Todra Gorge, Morocco's own Grand Canyon, surrounded by spectacular sharp stone cliffs. After time to wander through Todra we drive to Merzouga, our base for the evening. Depending on the time of year, we may spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming before beginning our camel trek into the desert. Aboard our camels, we'll watch the sunset and travel to a remote Berber camp Merzouga (Sahara) - Fes. Experience a wonderful sunrise early this morning as we return to Merzouga on our camels. After breakfast we begin the long but scenic drive to Fes - keep an eye out for Barbary monkeys in the lush forests, and Berber nomads setting up camp as we pass through the Middle Atlas mountains. We stop at Ifrane, a clean red-roofed town reminiscent of a Swiss Alpine resort, before arriving into Fes in the early evening. Overnight - Fes (B, L) Day 13 : Fes Sightseeing As Morocco's oldest city and its former capital, Fes is an unmissable destination. In the morning we tour the old walled district of Fes el-bali try not to get lost in the thousands of alleys which comprise its vibrant, crowded medina! We enjoy lunch and a visit to the dye-pits and tanneries before spending the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps try a tagine-making class, or some Moroccan entertainments and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight - Fes (B) -3-
Day 14 : Volubilis & Meknes Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia The Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia is a stone's throw away from its namesake, one of Barcelona's greatest landmarks. Offering a choice of rooms with free Wi-Fi and ensuite facilities. The nearest metro station is only 2 minutes' walk away. Its rooftop solarium offers wonderful views of the city. Fes - Volubilis - Meknes - Rabat. Leaving Fes we visit the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins at Volubilis, a prominent Roman provincial town dating back to AD 40. The grandeur continues with our next stop at Meknes, an imperial city once dubbed the "Versailles of Morocco". After lunch and free time, we continue to Morocco's capital Rabat for the night. Overnight - Rabat (B) Day 15 : Rabat & Casablanca Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech. This morning we experience the main highlights of Morocco's capital city, including the sprawling Chellah necropolis, the Royal Palace, and Mausoleum of Mohammed V. We continue to Casablanca after lunch, and visit the Hassan II Mosque, the world's third-largest mosque. Afterwards, we say goodbye to our fellow passengers leaving us in Casablanca and return to Marrakech for our final night. Overnight - Marrakech (B) Day 16 : Marrakech Sunday. Our incredible journey ends today after hotel checkout.(b) HOTELS The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary. - 16 days Hotel Oriente Nestled right in the centre of Zaragoza, Hotel Oriente is a perfect base for exploring and discovering the amazing sights of the city. The hotel is located just 100 yards from El Tubo, Zaragoza's famous Tapas street, offering many dining options. The hotel boasts large rooms, comfortable beds and friendly staff, as well as wifi throughout. Monte Igueldo San Sebastián is one of Spain's most beautiful cities, and the Mercure hotel, situated on the western coast of the Concha Bay, lives up to this reputation. Built on the peak of the Igeldo mountain, its rooms combine stunning seaviews with classic decor and modern facilities. Monte Igueldo's antique amusement park and scenic lighthouse are right next door, or you can ride the funicular down to the city to hit the beach. End the day feasting on Basque cuisine at the El Torreon restaurant or enjoying the outdoor pool. Hotel Silken Indautxu Taking its name from the Indautxu district where it's located, Hotel Silken Indautxu is in the very heart of the city, only a short walk away from the world famous Guggenheim museum. The hotel is housed in a traditional Bilbao-style building with a delightful terrace where you can sit back and relax to some live music in the evening. It offers stylish air conditioned rooms all equipped with free wifi. Gran Hotel Corona Sol Gran Hotel Corona Sol is a well placed modern hotel. Offering bright and spacious rooms equipped with Satellite TV and free wifi, this hotel will ensure a comfortable stay. Within walking distance of the hotel you'll find the lively area of Van Dyck street as well Salamanca's main shopping area. The beautiful Salamanca university is just 750 yards away. Hotel Puerta de Toledo Named after a local monument marking the site of Madrid's 18th-century gates, the Hotel Puerta de Toledo is near a metro station and within walking distance of the city's many attractions. All rooms offer free Wi-Fi and bright, modern furnishings contributing to a clean and quiet stay. -4-
experience, due to the lack of light pollution, the stars come out in abundance and really are a sight to behold. terrace where guests can view the whole of the city whilst enjoying a refreshing drink. At night you can view the famous Djemma El Fna pulsating in the distance. Well located just 10 minute walk into the centre of the Medina. Hotel Farah Marrakech Set amongst beautiful gardens, the Hotel Farah Marrakech offers modern accommodation in the Hivernage area of the city. Guest rooms are well equipped with comfortable interiors, en suite facilities and balconies. An outdoor pool is located at the back of the property and is perfect for a refreshing dip. The hotel also benefits from an on site spa where a range of treatments can be booked. The hotel benefits from being just a 10 minute walk into the medina and less than a 30 minute (traffic permitting) drive from the airport. Riad Al Makan Situated inside the Fes medina, Riad Al Makan is designed in a beautiful Moroccan style. All of the en suite guest rooms are individually designed with beautiful mosaic patterns and marble floors. the riad also benefits from complimentary wi-fi, an onsite restaurant, 24 hour front desk assistance and a gift shop. There is also an outside terrace perfect for enjoying a cup of Moroccan tea on. PRICES / DATES INFO Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price. If you are happy to Riad dar Chamaa In the classic kasbah style, Riad dar Chamaa is set within the Ouarzazate palm grove with fantatsic views of the surrounding Atlas mountains. All guest rooms are air conditioned with en suite facilities. They are designed in a classic Moroccan riad style with marble floors. The riad boasts a beautiful central courtyard and a refreshing outdoor pool complete with sun loungers for relaxing. The riad also boasts a tea lounge, restaurant and pool bar. Desert Camp Set amongst the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi, the Berber camp is designed with a traditional Moroccan theme. The permanent tents include multiple beds and electricity (after night fall) Camping out in the desert is a wonderful - 16 days Hotel des Oudaias On the edge of the medina in Rabat, Hotel des Oudaias is a beautiful riad style property. Guest rooms are spacious and beautifully furnished in a typical Moroccan style with wooden furnishings, marble floors and en-suite bathrooms. Rooms are air-conditioned and have flat screen TVs. The property also boasts complimentary wi-fi throughout and an on site restaurant. share a room with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, thus avoiding the single person supplement. PRICES / DATES 2018 Date 02 Jun 30 Jun 21 Jul 25 Aug 15 Sep Twin Share Single Riad Imilchil Traditional and stylish, the Riad Imilchil is a beautiful example of boutique Moroccan accommodation. The 6 rooms and 1 suite are beautifully decorated with colourful interiors and gorgeous en suites. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and there is a stunning rooftop -5-