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Explore Spain, Portugal and Morocco: Coastal Waves & Desert Dunes

26 days, Barcelona to Marrakech

Map of the route for Explore Spain, Portugal and Morocco: Coastal Waves & Desert Dunes
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.

Your flight must arrive by or before: Arrive at any time.
Your flight must depart no earlier than: 16:00 on Day 26

Itinerary

Day 1Barcelona

Arrive at any time.

Because first impressions matter, begin your journey the right way - by heading out with your CEO and group for drinks. Explore and unwind in Barcelona’s most renowned neighbourhoods for nightlife - El Raval, El Born, or The Gothic Quarter.

We highly recommend arriving a day early to experience all that this incredible city has to offer.

Please note: if popular sights like La Sagrada Família or Parc Güell are on your must-see list in Barcelona, we highly recommend purchasing tickets online several months prior to your trip to guarantee admission.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Evening

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Your Discover Moment
Barcelona Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Barcelona, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visit to the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, and the Picasso Museum. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask

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Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow

La Barceloneta Visit
Barcelona30m-1h
Free

Take a stroll on the boardwalk in the neighbourhood of La Barceloneta, an area known for its beaches and waterfront walkway. Visit local restaurants and nightclubs or check out the monuments while there.

Gothic Quarter Visit
Barcelona2h-3h
Free

Uncover a different side of Barcelona. Visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars, and cafés.

La Sagrada Família Visit
Barcelona1h-2h
17-37EUR per person

Visit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.

Las Ramblas Visit
Barcelona

See and be seen on Las Ramblas, a large tree-lined pedestrian boulevard perfect for people watching and window shopping that ends at the harbourfront facing the Mediterranean Sea.

Parque Güell Visit
Barcelona2h-2h30m
10EUR per person

Get away from it all with a visit to the imaginative Parque Guell. The fantastical works of Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) are scattered throughout Barcelona, a grouping of these including Parque Guell, Casa Mila, and the Crypt of La Sagrada Familia were established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Stroll the tree-lined paths and admire Gaudi’s creative genius at play.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Generator Barcelona (or similar)
Hostel

Day 2Barcelona/Madrid

Enjoy an orientation walk along Las Ramblas. Take some time to visit the Gaudí buildings, or explore the Gothic Quarter before boarding an afternoon train to Madrid.

Orientation Walk
Barcelona15m-45m

Enjoy an orientation walk along Las Ramblas and stop at the famous Boqueria market.

Train
Barcelona – Madrid2h-3h

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Your Discover Moment
Barcelona Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Barcelona, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visit to the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, and the Picasso Museum. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask

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Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow

Gothic Quarter Visit
Barcelona2h-3h
Free

Uncover a different side of Barcelona. Visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars, and cafés.

La Barceloneta Visit
Barcelona30m-1h
Free

Take a stroll on the boardwalk in the neighbourhood of La Barceloneta, an area known for its beaches and waterfront walkway. Visit local restaurants and nightclubs or check out the monuments while there.

La Sagrada Família Visit
Barcelona1h-2h
17-37EUR per person

Visit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.

Parque Güell Visit
Barcelona2h-2h30m
10EUR per person

Get away from it all with a visit to the imaginative Parque Guell. The fantastical works of Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) are scattered throughout Barcelona, a grouping of these including Parque Guell, Casa Mila, and the Crypt of La Sagrada Familia were established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Stroll the tree-lined paths and admire Gaudi’s creative genius at play.

Accommodation

Cats Hostel Madrid Sol (or similar)
Hostel

Day 3Madrid

Enjoy Spain's beautiful capital on an orientation walk. Free time to visit its many sites, from art museums to sprawling squares. Enjoy a night out with the group. Madrid's nightlife is world renowned!

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Free Time
Madrid Afternoon

Head out and start exploring the city. Visit historical landmarks, tour a museum or head to a park for a picnic.

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Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Madrid1h-2h
13EUR per person

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum displays an overview of art from the 13th century to the late 20th century.

Gran Vía Visit
Madrid1h-2h
Free

Shop, stroll, and people watch on the capital's most exciting street, Gran Via. Go early or late, the street stays awake all hours.

Reina Sofia Museum
Madrid2h-3h
12EUR per person

The Reina Sofia is Spain's national museum of 20th-century art, and currently boasts an art collection of over 21,000 works.

Museo Nacional Del Prado Visit
Madrid30m-1h
15EUR per person

Take in some culture with a trip to the Museo del Prado, one of the greatest art galleries in the world, and a definite highlight of any Madrid trip. Be inspired by its collections and exhibitions: the museum's main emphasis is 15th to 19th century Spanish, Flemish, and Italian art, but there is plenty of Goya and a wealth of paintings by Diego Velázquez.

Plaza Mayor Visit
Madrid15m-30m
Free

Enjoy some spectacular people watching with a visit to the Plaza Mayor, the true heart of the city. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafes and watch the world go by.

Royal Palace (Palacio Real) Visit
Madrid1h-2h
12EUR per person

See how kings and queens live, with a visit to the Palacio Real, the official (and uninhabited) palace of the King of Spain. Wander the rooms to take in some of the most elaborately decorated and furnished rooms you'll ever see.

Accommodation

Cats Hostel Madrid Sol (or similar)
Hostel

Day 4Madrid/Granada

Transfer to Granada in the morning, then dive into the city's vibrant life with an afternoon orientation walk.

Local Bus
Madrid – Granada4h12m420km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Orientation Walk Granada
Granada

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Accommodation

Nest Style Granada (or similar)
Hostel

Day 5Granada

Enjoy a free day in Granada. Opt to relax in one of the many hammam baths around town. In the evening, join your group for a tapas bar crawl. First drink's on us!

A trip to Granada wouldn't be the same without a night on the town; the city is filled with trendy tapas bars and has a lively music scene.

Please note that if you wish to visit the Alhambra, you must pre-book your tickets at least 3 months in advance through this website: https://www.alhambradegranada.org

Tickets always sell out in advance, so be sure to pre-book a ticket to ensure access. This is a purely optional activity.

Free Time
Granada Afternoon

Set out and see the sights.

Tapas Bar Crawl
Granada1h-3h

Head out on the town to experience all culinary Granada has to offer. Enjoy a tapas bar crawl with the group in the evening. With each drink, a new plate of snacks arrives. With enough drinks, you won't have to buy dinner!

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Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow

Albaicín (El Albayzín) Visit
Granada1h-2h
Free

Wander through the historic quarter of the Albaicin. Try to head there for sunset. With its narrow lanes and fantastic views back to the Alhambra, visitors are rewarded with a spectacular colour-washed skyline when the sun goes down.

Granada Cathedral (Cathedral of the Incarnation) Visit
Granada30m-1h
5EUR per person

Be taken by the beauty of one of the largest cathedrals in Spain on this visit to the Cathedral of Granada. Tour its beautiful facades and interiors that house a grand altar and numerous chapels. Built by Queen Isabella, it is a masterpiece of Spanish-Renaissance style.

Accommodation

Nest Style Granada (or similar)
Hostel

Day 6Granada/Seville

Journey to Seville and take an orientation walk with your CEO before some free time to explore. Opt to visit the Real Alcázar, a Moorish palace, or take in an evening flamenco show.

Local Bus
Granada – Seville4h-5h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Free Time
Seville Afternoon

Explore the winding alleyways and attractions of Seville.

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Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

The Golden Tower (Torre del Oro)
Seville30m-45m
3EUR per person

Dating to 1220, the Golden Tower is the last major building constructed by Seville's historic Muslim population.

Alcázar Palace Visit
Seville2h-3h
13.50EUR per person

Explore the wonderful interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a royal palace that was originally a Moorish fort. Arrive during the evening in the summer months (until mid-September) and enjoy a series of concerts in the beautiful setting of the Reales Alcázares.

Flamenco Show
2h-3h
18-30EUR per person

Enjoy a flamenco performance in the city known for the energetic dance. Be swept away by the flamenco's passion, fire, and grit!

Ronda Day trip
Seville6h-8h
100-150EUR per person

Described by Ernest Hemingway as the most romantic town in Spain, Ronda is a quaint city 2 hours outside of Seville. Take a day trip to tour highlights such as a traditional Spanish bullfighting ring, incredible views of the El Tajo River gorge, and the wine museum.

Casa de Pilatos
Seville1h30m-2h
10-12EUR per person

Take a visit to marvel at one of the grandest mansions in Seville. The home is still inhabited by the Medinaceli family, but remains open to visitor tours during operating hours.

Santa Paula Convent
Seville1h30m-2h
2EUR per person

Take a visit to this beautiful historic convent. Established in 1475, this convent is still home to the Jerónimas nuns. Infrequent tours in Spanish are run here, but visitors are welcome to the modest museum displaying 16th-18th century ecclesiastical art and sculpture.

Santa Cruz Quarter Visit
Seville15m-45m
Free

Visit the true heart of Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter. A charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares, you can wander, shop, or just soak in the neighbourhood's quaint atmosphere while enjoying a refreshing drink (sangria, perhaps) at one of the local restaurants.

La Giralda Visit
Seville1h-2h
9EUR per person

Climb the tower known as La Giralda, adjacent to the world's largest Gothic cathedral, for spectacular views and a walk among historic walls. The 76m (249 ft) Giralda was constructed by the Moors as a mosque between 1184 and 1197. In 1568, after the reconquest, Christians fit the minaret with its bell tower.

Accommodation

Joy Plaza De Armas Hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Day 7Seville/Lagos

Cross into Portugal, and enjoy the Algarve Coast.

Free Time
Lagos

Spend the day enjoying the beautiful Algarve coast.

Local Bus
Seville – Lagos2h45m-3h275km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

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Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow

Coastal Hike in Algarve
Lagos 5km
Free

Enjoy a hike along the famous golden cliffs and sandy coves of the Algarve. Pack water, sunscreen, and a camera, and you're good to go!

Benagil Sea Caves
Faro30m-1h

Explore these amazing caves lining the beaches of the Algarve.

Swimming

Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.

Accommodation

Tag Hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Day 8Lagos

Spend the day on the Algarve with free time for hiking, water activities, or chilling out oceanside.

Free Time
Lagos Full Day

Spend free time today exploring the landscape on a hike or splashing in the waves.

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Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

Swimming
Lagos

Head to one of the five spectacular beaches around Lagos to spend some time floating in the waves. Dona Ana Beach is a golden sand oasis nestled between enormous rock formations boasts the best view, while Meia Praia and Batata Beach are near the town centre.

Coastal Hike in Algarve
Lagos 5km
Free

Enjoy a hike along the famous golden cliffs and sandy coves of the Algarve. Pack water, sunscreen, and a camera, and you're good to go!

Accommodation

Tag Hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Day 9Lagos/Lisbon

Journey up the coast to Portugal's vibrant capital, and enjoy an orientation walk. Free time to visit Cristo Rei for sweeping views of the area, check out the monuments of the Belem neighbourhood, or relax in a café. Indulge in the town's great nightlife on your Big Night Out.

Local Bus
Lagos – Lisbon4h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Free Time
Lisbon Afternoon

Enjoy a free afternoon to explore.

Your Big Night Out Moment:

Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or entry to a club, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

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Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow

Belém District Visit
Lisbon1h-2h30m
Free-10EUR per person

Discover Belém, a western suburb that's linked to Portugal’s Golden Age of Discoveries – it was the site where famous navigators once set sail to discover the world. While there, take some time to tour nearby must-see attractions: the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the Tropical Botanical Garden, and the Berardo Museum of contemporary art. Please note: most attractions in Belém are closed on Mondays.

Alfama District Visit
Lisbon1h-2h
Free

Explore Lisbon’s past in Alfama, one of the city’s oldest quarters. Wander along narrow medieval streets lined with typical tile-covered façades and take a step back in time; the area largely survived the great earthquake of 1755, and still retains much of its original layout. Listen for Portugal's traditional music, fado, gracing the streets at night.

Praça da Figueira Market
Lisbon30m-1h
Free

Take a wander through this traditional open-air market, established in 1755.

Sao Jorge Castle
Lisbon
15EUR per person

Climb up to this Moorish castle for a wander around the impressive grounds on a guided tour, and a great view over Lisbon and Tagus River.

Rossio Square
Lisbon
Free

Stop in this lively square to get a taste of the local hustle and bustle.

Santa Justa Lift
Lisbon
6EUR per person

Take a ride up 147ft from the lowest to highest points of Portugal. Sit back and enjoy the views.

Belém Tower
Lisbon
8EUR per person

Take a trip to the coastline to see this charming fort, built to protect Lisbon from raiders invading from the sea. Climb up the tower for great views of the ocean and surrounding city.

Accommodation

Sant Jordi Hostel Lisbon (or similar)
Hostel

Day 10Lisbon/Casablanca

Fly to Casablanca and enjoy free time in Morocco's largest city.

Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening.

Plane
Lisbon – Casablanca1h30m

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Free Time
Casablanca

Today provides the perfect opportunity for sightseeing in Casablanca. Opt to visit the largest mosque in Africa, Hassan II Mosque Visit, or wander through the old medina.

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Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow

Hassan II Mosque
Casablanca1h-2h
130MAD per person

See Africa’s largest mosque and the world’s tallest minaret (210 m, 689ft) with a visit to Hassan II Mosque. Admire this massive work of art completed in 1993, and strikingly located on land jutting into the Atlantic. If you wish to experience the mosque from inside, it must be done via the guided tours that run several times a day.

Accommodation

Hotel Campanile Casablanca (or similar)
Hotel

Day 11Casablanca/Chefchaouen

With a good night's sleep behind you, set out from Casablanca. With the bright blue waters of the Atlantic to your left and the sun drenched wonders of Morocco to your right, travel up the coast to Morocco's capital city, Rabat. Stretch your legs as you wander the ramparts and colourful alleys of the city's old quarter. Take in breathtaking views from Kasbah des Oudaias, then indulge in lunch. After you've eaten the hangry away, continue toward Chefchaouen. Here, beneath the soaring Rif mountains, feeling the blues takes on a different meaning. Take an orientation walk through the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen before settling in for the night.

Private Vehicle
Casablanca – Rabat1h45m86km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Rabat

Stretch your legs and explore Morocco's capital.

Private Vehicle
Rabat – Chefchaouen3h45m250km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Chefchaouen Orientation Walk
Chefchaouen

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Accommodation

Hotel Madrid Chefchaouen (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 12Chefchaouen

Hoping for free time to explore all Chefchaouen has to offer? Wish granted! Spend your day taking in the splendor of the city and it's surrounding geography. If the (Rif) Mountains are calling, you should definitely answer. Opt to pre-book the Rif Valley Mountains Hike. Or, later opt to visit the Spanish Mosque for breathtaking sunset views of the city.

Free Time
Chefchaouen Full Day

Nature or culture — why choose? Explore everything on your must-experience list during free time.

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Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow

Rif Valley Mountains Hike
Er Rif3h-4h

Lace-up your hiking boots, and trek through the scenic Rif Mountains – the perfect natural playground for adventure seekers. Hike along lush mountains, passing small waterfalls and streams en route to the Spanish Mosque for spectacular panoramic views of Chefchaouen. Continue on through the mountains, passing plantations and stopping for a traditional lunch at a local gîte. Once you reach the piste, jump in a jeep and head back to the main road to meet your driver.

Accommodation

Hotel Madrid Chefchaouen (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Chefchaouen/Fès

Fès awaits! Upon arrival, put your free time to good use by visiting an Amazigh (or Berber) pharmacy (a far cry from the kind of pharmacy you may be used to at home). Wander the many mazes of Fès's colourful, ancient tanneries.

Private Vehicle
Chefchaouen – Fès5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Fès Full Day

Get out and explore Fès, one of Morocco's most interesting cities.

Accommodation

Hotel Mounia Fes (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 14Fès

With so much to see, another free day in Fès is always a good idea. Breathe in decadent spices (oxygen is for the weak anyway, right?) as you sample treats from the many food carts scattered throughout the medina. Explore the artisan quarters as you take in the city that is often referred to as the cultural heart of Morocco.

Only certified local guides are allowed to act as guides in the medina, so your CEO cannot go with you to the medina during free time.

Free Time
Fès Full Day

Wander in the medina or explore the new city. The choice is yours.

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Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow

Fès Medina Guided Tour
Fès
250MAD per person

Follow a local guide through the Fès medina, one of the world’s largest medinas with more than 9000 winding streets lying within 365 hectares. See buildings in the medina that date back to the 9th century; there are 350 mosques in the medina that are still in use today.

Enter through one of the great gates into the chaos. Explore the artisans’ quarters as well as the many carpenters, bakers, butchers, and spice sellers. Visit the mausoleum and the Al Qarawiyin University.

A highlight of the tour is the view of the famous Fès tannery from the balcony of a leather shop, where you can observe the men hard at work treating and dyeing the different hides. Take some time to shop for leather goods before returning to your hotel.

Shop Fès Medina
Fès1h-2h
Free

Spend some time in the medina checking out carpet shops, sampling local delicacies at the food stalls or shopping for leather goods. Prepare to bargain, just don't get lost wandering the passage ways!

Accommodation

Hotel Mounia Fes (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 15Fès/Marrakech

After getting back on the road and watching the scenery roll by, arrive in vibrant, bustling Marrakech. Spend the evening exploring the gardens, souks, and other wonders of Marrakech.

Private Vehicle
Fès – Marrakech6h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow

Djemaa el Fna Market Square Visit
Marrakech1h-3h
Free

Wander past fresh orange juice stalls and water sellers in colourful costumes reminiscent of an era past. See storytellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines as the day progresses. When the sun sets, the square fills with dozens of food stalls, and is packed with locals, entertaining chefs, and waiters. Grab a spot on a bench with other diners and try the “tanjia” (slow cooked lamb), harira soup, grilled seafood, famous Moroccan couscous, tajine, snails, or even sheep’s head (for the truly adventurous). Wash it all down with some spiced tea.

Accommodation

Hotel Gomassine Marrakech (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 16Marrakech

Spend the day exploring Marrakech on your own. Your CEO can help out with some recommendations for sights and activities in the area.

Accommodation

Hotel Gomassine Marrakech (or similar)
Hotel

Day 17Marrakech/Skoura

Depart Marrakech in the morning and transfer to Skoura, one of Morocco’s beautiful oases. While Ouarzazate, further west is now the region’s commercial centre, Skoura’s historic mud-brick castles remain a testament to the past. Explore the area on a guided visit, soak up the atmosphere of this green haven, and listen to the wind catching in the palm trees lining the streets. During your visit you will see different Kasbahs in the area, and learn about their historical and cultural significance. Later, spend free time at the hotel and enjoy a swim in the pool before an included dinner this evening.

Private Vehicle
Marrakech – Skoura4h45m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. There will be free time for lunch upon arrival to Skoura.

Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs Guided Visit
Skoura1h

Skoura is a fertile oasis lined with large palm groves and this is where the group will set off on a guided city tour of the Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs. Enjoy the views of the snowcapped Atlas Mountains in the distance alongside a desert landscape. Along the way your guide will offer commentary on Skoura's significance, and provide an overview of the landscape and its defining features. There will be stops along the way at key interest points so that photos can be taken. The walk will start and end at the hotel.

Accommodation

Skoura Lodge (or similar)
Lodge

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 18Skoura/Merzouga

Leave Skoura behind and journey into the vast, golden reaches of the desert. Along the way stop to spend some time walking in Dades Gorge before continuing on to Tinghir for a lunch stop on your own. Later, saddle up and travel by camel to the perfect perch atop the dunes to view the sunset as it paints the sky hues of red, blue, and yellow. Under a canopy of stars, enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment by the campfire. Let your imagination run wild as you listen to traditional music on the drums alongside stories about the region. We dare you to top this campfire experience!

Private Vehicle
Skoura – Merzouga4h30m-5h

Sit back and enjoy the scenery from your private vehicle, there will be a stop en route to explore the Dades Gorge and a stop for lunch before arriving at the desert camp.

Dades Gorge Visit
Gorges du Dadès1h

Explore the winding Dades Gorge. Take in the dramatic landscape, the rising mountains in the distance, and spend time here stretching your legs on a walk through the gorge. Max elevation 1400m (4593ft) above sea level.

Camel Ride
Merzouga

Hold on and enjoy a ride on this even-toed ungulate, also known as the desert horse. Bring your camera for some fantastic photos of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Local guides will teach you how to mount and dismount and other handy camel-related safety tips.

Accommodation

Camp- Auberge Dunes D'Or Camp (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 19Merzouga

Have breakfast at camp before returning to civilization. Then, opt to spend time further exploring the undulating golden sand of the dunes, and discovering the surrounding communities on a land cruiser desert excursion, or simply relax at the hotel. Later, attend a cooking class to learn about local cuisine and taste your creations. Cap off the day with a sunset sand boarding experience from the highest dunes with the sun turning everything a shining gold!

You can pre-book this optional 4x4 desert excursion when booking your tour on the check-out page.

Sunset Sand Boarding
Merzouga

Enjoy an epic sand boarding experience in the dunes during sunset. As the light turns the undulating hills a deep gold, you will be boarding down the slopes and laughing with your friends!

Cooking Class - Merzouga
Merzouga3h

Attend a cooking class and learn how to make the locally loved dish of Medfouna, and hear stories about traditional dishes and Moroccan cuisine. Medfouna is a regional delicacy in eastern Morocco which is best described as a stuffed pizza sans cheese. Stuff the flatbread with various meats and spices before baking it in a fire pit.

Free Time
Merzouga Afternoon

Spend free time enjoying the dunes on a 4x4 excursion or sit by the pool and cool off in the desert heat.

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Optional Activities - Day 19 HideShow

Merzouga 4x4 Desert Excursion
Merzouga

View the golden dunes of the Sahara desert on a land cruiser excursion. You'll be driven around the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in land cruiser cars, taking in the views of the seemingly endless sea of sand. Pass a kohl mine en route to the village of Khamlia. Witness the delightful sounds of the African music of Gnawa - played by members of the community - as you enjoy a cup of mint tea with the locals.

Accommodation

Auberge Dunes D'Or (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 20Merzouga/Aït Ben Haddou

Leave right after breakfast and travel along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs to Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most iconic and beautiful kasbahs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the narrow alleys and admire the uniqueness of this place both in traditional architecture and historical significance. At the end of the visit, climb to the highest point of the kasbah and witness the views of the surrounding desert and the Ounila River around golden hour and sunset. In the evening, you can choose to join an optional cooking class to make tajine. Otherwise, dinner will be on your own.

Private Vehicle
Merzouga – Aït Ben Haddou6h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah Tour
Aït Ben Haddou2h-3h

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, the most famous ksar in the Ounila Valley, located in the foothills of the southern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains. Of all the remaining kasbahs in Morocco, the walls and interior of this area are the most intact. It's a collective grouping of dwellings inside defensive walls and was once one of the many trading posts on the route linking Sudan to Marrakech. The kasbah still houses a few families, but many now live in the adjacent village. Like many of the earthen built fortresses in Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou has been used in many film and television productions like Gladiator, Babel, and Game of Thrones.

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Optional Activities - Day 20 HideShow

Tagine Cooking Demonstration
Aït Ben Haddou
120MAD per person

Learn all about the quintessential Moroccan dish — tagine. Learn about the tagine itself (a clay pot) and different ingredients and spices. Enjoy the fruits of your labour for dinner.

Accommodation

Auberge La Baraka (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 21Aït Ben Haddou/Marrakech

Journey to the "Red City," Marrakech. Unlock the many secrets this ancient city has to offer in its maze-like alleys, ornate palaces, and lush gardens. Enjoy a guided visit of the medina and see the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and Jamaa el Fna square. End the day with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna.

Private Vehicle
Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech4h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Marrakech Medina Guided Tour
Marrakech

Head into the maze of tiny streets and alleyways of the ancient medina to really get a taste of everyday life in Marrakech. Shop to your heart’s content in the souk and search out spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or the famous Moroccan lanterns. Visit the Saadian Tombs - a complex of sepulchers and mausoleums that house the remains of Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahb. The tombs were sealed off until their re-discovery in 1917. Tour the grounds of the Bahia Palace, marvelling at the intricate decoration, and experience the sights and sounds of the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

Accommodation

Hotel Gomassine Marrakech (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 22Marrakech

Enjoy a full free day in Marrakech. Choose from a variety of optional activities in the area.

Accommodation

Hotel Gomassine Marrakech (or similar)
Hotel

Day 23Marrakech/Taghazout

Today we make our way through the High Atlas Mountains and visit the market town of Taroudant. Concealed within striking red walls, Taroudant is often called “Little Marrakech.” Wander through the old town at leisure and browse its lively markets before continuing on to the fishing village of Taghazout.

Private Vehicle
Marrakech – Taroudant

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Taroudant

Spend your free time exploring the sights and sounds of the markets of Taroudant.

Private Vehicle
Taroudant – Taghazout

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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Optional Activities - Day 23 HideShow

Amazigh Villages Visit

Explore the picturesque villages of Aourir, Imouzzer and Izourki Oufella. Begin with a drive through the banana plantation village of Aouir. Visit the small town of Imouzzer, a small picturesque town with white houses, surrounded by almond, olive, and argan trees. See Izourki Oufella, known for producing a highly refined form of honey using thyme, orange blossom, and cactus.

Accommodation

Dar Surf (or similar)
Lodge

Accommodations at this property are multi-share.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 24Taghazout

Wake to the soft tones of waves crashing along the shoreline, then suit up for a surf lesson. Hit the waves for a free afternoon of surfing or swimming. Prefer land surfing? Opt to go hiking or do yoga. After a day of embracing your wild side, what could be more fitting than gathering around a bonfire on the beach as the sun kisses the horizon goodnight?

Surf Lesson
Taghazout

Never surfed before? No worries! Learn the basics from a qualified surf instructor and get ready to ride the waves!

Sunset Beach Bonfire
Taghazout

Beach sunsets are always epic. Beach sunsets by a bonfire are even better!

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Optional Activities - Day 24 HideShow

Yoga
Taghazout

Learn various stretches, postures, and breathing exercises during a yoga class on the coast.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 25Taghazout/Essaouira

Take coastal living northward to colourful, sun-drenched Essaouira. After an orientation walk around the city, enjoy free time to get to know the ramparts and rocky beaches of Essaouira further. No rest for the weary? Not true here — opt to pre-book the Traditional Hammam Experience and enjoy a spa experience that is ritual for the many of the locals.

Essaouira Orientation Walk
Essaouira

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Free Time
Essaouira

Don't waste a minute — get going and explore this seaside city.

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Optional Activities - Day 25 HideShow

Shopping
Essaouira1h-2h

Pop into brightly coloured shops selling leather shoes and purses, slippers, scarves, Moroccan lanterns, and mosaics...you name it. Visit an artists' co-op and shop for handmade silver jewellery. Try not to get overwhelmed by choice – with dozens of shops lining the narrow winding streets, there's a lot to choose from.

Traditional Hammam Experience in Essaouira
Essaouira

Visit a hammam, a great way to get squeaky clean and soothe sore muscles. Enjoy a body scrub and massage in a traditional Moroccan bathhouse. Begin with a dry or hot room to prepare your skin and body, followed by a hot steam room. Enjoy a body scrub and massage followed by a traditional mint tea.

Accommodation

Hotel Cap Sim (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 26Essaouira/Marrakech

Hit the road one final time and return to Marrakech. Even though your trip ends on arrival, make sure you take the time to take plenty of photos with newfound friends to commemorate the memories made. (Morocco scrapbook, anyone?)

This tour will end upon arrival in Marrakech at approximately 12pm. We suggest booking any onward travel after 4pm.

Private Vehicle
Essaouira – Marrakech3h190km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Explore Spain, Portugal and Morocco: Coastal Waves & Desert Dunes

| 26 days - Barcelona to Marrakech - from $3549 USD