Marrakech to Barcelona

  • Days 15
  • Style Original
  • Travellers rating

    based on 157 reviews

  • spain

    86°F

    86°F

  • From HKD 2955 +

Start

11 Mar 2017

Finish

17 Mar 2017

OR
HKD 2955 +
Tour Code:858478

Travel from Marrakech to Barcelona and discover the highlights of Morocco and Spain

Travel through Morocco and Spain. From the splendidly chaotic medinas of Marrakech, through the ancient city of Seville, to the artistic streets of Barcelona, come and explore the great Moorish metropolises of Morocco and Spain. Step back in time as you wander down medieval alleyways and through crumbling Roman ruins. From spectacular sunsets to exotic spice-filled souqs - with a good dose of tapas and flamenco in between - discover age-old cultures and bright, new beginnings on this exotic adventure.

Schedule & Pricing Details

  • Date
  • Start

    11 Mar 2017

    Finish

    17 Mar 2017

    OR
  • Options

Attention

Guesthouse (1 night)
Hotel (13 nights)

  • Highlights

    Location

    City:spain

    Name:Travel from Marrakech to Barcelona and discover the highlights of Morocco and Spain

    Address:spain

    Tel: 00852-21210230

    Itinerary

    Day

    1

    Welcome
    adventure
    welcome

    Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting today at 6pm, where you'll meet your fellow travellers and group leader – check with reception to confirm the time. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand. Marrakech is a feast for the senses. After the meeting you have the option to join your leader on a jaunt to Djemaa el Fna, the square in the centre of the Medina. Huge crowds converge at night to see singers, drummers, dancers, snake charmers, fortune tellers...

    Day

    2

    three-hour
    Modelled
    Marseille

    Today take a three-hour train to Casablanca, where you'll have a free day to explore. Modelled after Marseille in France, this bustling port city is now the economic capital of Morocco. A pleasant way to spend the day is to wander the old medina and city walls, before jumping in a taxi to the Quartiers des Habous, the city's new medina. Perhaps enjoy a Moroccan coffee and practice your bargaining skills in the surrounding souqs. Casablanca is particularly famous for its Hassan II Mosque. Completed in 1993, the mosque was the late king's most ambitious project and his legacy to the city. The huge building is part on land and part on sea, and in one area water can be seen through a glass floor. It can accommodate 25,000 worshippers and the main roof is retractable to create an open courtyard – its 200 metre-high minaret is also ...

    Day

    3

    morning
    one-hour
    historical

    Today take an early morning one-hour train to the historical town of Rabat. Rabat's history is long and colourful, having been host to Roman settlements, pirates and more recently the Moroccan parliament. It contains numerous fine Arab monuments, some dating from the 10th to 15th century Almohad and Merenid dynasties, and others that are far older. The earliest known settlement is Sala, occupying an area now known as the Chellah. Store your luggage and spend a few hours strolling through the city's old quarter, then walk up to Kasbah des Oudaias and enjoy views over the Atlantic Ocean. Continue on to Fes by train (approximately 3 hours), where you'll spend the rest of the afternoon free to relax or explore this spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Vibrant, noisy, fascinating and overwhelming – a visual and pungent feast fo...

    Day

    4

    walking
    locally
    labyrinth

    Take a guided group walking tour of the old city, known locally as Fes el Bali. Step back into the Middle Ages in the labyrinth of the Medina, which is alive with craftsmen, markets, tanneries and mosques. Pass donkeys piled high with goods (this is one of the largest car-free urban zones in the world) and explore the specialty sections that divide the souk. Look out for the Medersa Bou Inania, one of the city's most beautiful buildings, which has recently been restored and is now open to tourists. Visit the Belghazi Museum, Medresse el Attarine and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine, a beautifully restored 18th century inn. You'll also see the famous tannery, known for the iconic view overlooking its dye pits, and a ceramic factory where you can see potters working in the traditional way. In the evening, enjoy a delicious group din...

    Day

    5

    Transfer
    archaeological
    Volubilis

    Transfer by taxi today to take a guided tour of the nearby archaeological site of Volubilis (approximately 1.5 hours). World Heritage-listed Volubilis was once a provincial Roman capital, a distant outpost of the empire, and the remains make an undeniably impressive sight. When it was damaged by an earthquake in the 18th century, much of the marble was taken for construction in nearby Meknes. Upon arrival, take a tour around the ruins with a local guide. Please remember to pack drinking water, hat, sunglasses and sun cream for this tour as it may get hot and you will be exposed to the sun. And, of course, don’t forget to take your camera as the town is filled with fantastic mosaics along the Decumanus Maximus, many of which remain intact. If you’re lucky, you may spot storks nesting on the ruins of this once important Roman s...

    Day

    6

    five-hour
    strategic
    importance

    Take a five-hour train north to Tangier, place of strategic importance to the Mediterranean and the gateway to Africa. Once a hotspot for artists, secret agents and millionaires, Tangier has been going through something of a renaissance of late thanks to the arrival of a new monarch in Morocco in 1999. Mohammed VI of Morocco and his forward-thinking ideas about commerce and tourism has suddenly woke up the community to the potential of this city. Today, the city's medina and kasbah are well worth exploring, as are the cafes and patisseries around the Place de la France in the Ville Nouvelle. Perhaps visit the American Legation Museum, the former palace of Dar el-Makhzen or the Caves of Hercules. The recently reconstructed beach promenade is lined with great restaurants and trendy clubs, where you can unwind and take in the char...

    Day

    7

    Gibraltar
    (approximately
    vibrant

    Take a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar and land in Europe at Tarifa (approximately 1 hour). From here travel by bus to the vibrant Spanish city of Seville (approximately 2.5 hours). If the legends are to be believed, Seville was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. To the Romans it was Hispalis, to the Moorsm Isbiliya. After the Christian reconquest, it became thought of as the portal to the 'New World', and is today the capital of Andalucia and the largest city in southern Spain. Known for its important monuments and fascinating history, Seville is universally famous for being a joyous town. Sevillians are well known for their wit and sparkle, and the city itself is striking for its vitality and flamboyance – the city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro. Seville is also famous for i...

    Day

    8

    discover
    Checking
    largest

    Today is a free day to discover Seville. Checking out the world's largest Gothic cathedral is a must. You can also the climb the cathedral's adjoining Moorish tower, known as La Giralda. While you might have to line up, it's well worth it for the views over the city. Visit the magnificent Alcazar, a complex of palaces used by Moorish and Christian rulers through the ages. Wander through the fragrant gardens and examine the Moorish and Mudejar architecture. If you feel like an injection of culture, explore Seville's Museum of Fine Arts or the Archaeological Museum, or head to the Real Maestranza Bullring for insight into the Spanish tradition of bull fighting. As Seville is the tapas capital of Spain, be sure to sample some of the tasty treats on offer in one of the city's many tapas bars. In the evening, catch a local flamenco ...

    Day

    9

    Granada
    (approximately
    Located

    Take a train to Granada today (approximately 2.5 hours). Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is packed with Moorish architecture, great tapas bars and natural beauty. Take a walk around the old Arab quarter of the Albaicin, a labyrinth of crooked alleys, fountains, plazas and whitewashed houses, or the 'Alcaiceria' (old silk market area) and observe the craftworks on sale that include ceramics, marquetry and leather goods. If you're feeling energetic, climb the steep streets up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset views over the famous Alhambra. If you have time, perhaps check out the historic Renaissance Catedral and Capilla Real, or get geeky at the city's extensive Science Park. Granada is the kind of city to leave your guidebook behind and trust your intuition. Discovering the narrow streets of A...

    Day

    10

    impressive
    Alhambra
    against

    The focus of today will be a visit to Granada's impressive Alhambra Palace, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Discover this 11th-century marvel and its dominating red fortress towers, sumptuous palace decor, multitude of architectural styles and magnificent gardens. An entrance ticket is included in the trip and grants you the visit of Nasrid Palace and the Gardens. Audio guides in multiple languages are available on the day for EUR 4. The Alhambra was first built by the Moors as a fortress during the Muslim rule of Spain. A walk through the compound's luxurious rooms and gardens gives you an idea of the decadent lifestyle of the Moorish kings. The Alhambra is made up of three parts: the Alcazaba, the 11th-century Muslim wing which features spectacular views from its towers; the Palacio Nazaries, the cent...

    Day

    11

    Granada
    (approximately
    central

    Depart Granada and travel by local bus to Madrid (approximately 4.5 hours). Enjoy a picnic lunch in Madrid, Spain's central capital, known for its elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks. It’s renowned for its rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish masters. The heart of old Hapsburg Madrid is the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, and nearby is the baroque Royal Palace and Armoury, displaying historic weaponry. As this stylish, cosmopolitan city is also well known for world-class restaurants, shopping and nightlife, enjoy your free afternoon, perhaps visiting some of these wonders. Sports fans, if you're lucky enough for your trip to fall on match day, you can don a white t-shirt and head to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to watch the mighty Real Madrid. Yo...

    Day

    12

    discovering
    Perhaps
    expansive

    Spend a day discovering Madrid in your own time. Perhaps while away the hours along the Paseo del Arte, or Art Walk, for an expansive history of Western art. Start with the Museo del Prado, home to one of the world's finest collections of European art from the 12th to 19th centuries. Discover modern Spanish masters, including Picasso and Dali, in the Museo Reina Sofia's 20th century collection. Finish at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, which displays eight centuries of European painting. Take a break in the Real Jardin Botanico, a garden wonderland dating from the 18th century. Maybe simply people watch while you enjoy a coffee in one of the atmospheric streets and squares around the famous Plaza Mayor. You could also join an Urban Adventure to get a deeper insight into the city through its food and its markets. Take a tapas adve...

    Day

    13

    Barcelona
    (approximately
    character

    Today take the train to Barcelona (approximately 2.5 hours). Barcelona's quirky character and fabulous Catalan cuisine mixes seamlessly with a groundbreaking art scene, Gothic architecture, superb dining and a non-stop nightlife, making it a city you won't soon forget. In the afternoon, there are plenty of options to keep you busy. Wander the labyrinthine streets of the old Gothic Quarter and navigate your way through the throngs of tourists along La Rambla, Barcelona's famous tree-lined boulevard. Perhaps pay a visit to the Picasso Museum, the National Art Museum of Catalonia or the Museum of City History to brush up on your local knowledge. Take the funicular to the top of Montjuic or Tibidabo for panoramic views of Barcelona and the harbour. The heart of Catalonia prides itself as a gastronomic centre and so this evening per...

    Day

    14

    partake
    optional
    activities

    Today you are free to partake in some of the optional activities on offer in Barcelona. In the morning perhaps head to the stalls of Santa Catarina Market, a huge trove of local produce beneath a colourful, undulating roof, and hang out with the locals as they select the best produce that they’ll transform in to big weekend family meals. The city is famous for its architecture, from its impressive gothic main cathedral to the houses, concert halls, palaces and basilicas designed in the unique Catalan Modernista style. The master of this movement was Antonio Gaudi, who's eccentric creations are dotted all over the city. A visit to Gaudi's masterpiece, the modern cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, is a must, even if it's just to see the outside. Gaudi worked on this hugely ambitious project for decades until his death, and it rem...

    Day

    15

    adventure
    activities
    planned

    Today your adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.

    Inclusions

    Included activities
    • Meals

      8 breakfasts, 1 lunch

    • Transport

      Bus, Metro, Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Train

    • Accommodation

      Guesthouse (1 night), Hotel (13 nights)

    • Insurance

      This day tour excludes fee of insurance.

    Important notes

    Q&A

    Supplier may change time and services due to a special circumstances,so all reply following are for reference only.Please note the relevant information on Web in case of change.

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