Meet at our start hotel in Madrid.

It is easy to get to. Details will be supplied upon booking.

Madrid is culturally rich and a beautiful place; you might like to arrive a few days early to explore and take advantage of being here.  

An early start off to the high-speed train for Cordoba, arriving in the middle of the day we can drop our bags and have lunch.

We’ll walk to the Medieval Tower across the river- it houses a great museum with the story of Andalusia.

Later, visit the fabulous Mesquita. Originally a Roman temple with mosaics under the floor, it was transformed into a mosque before a cathedral was built over it. 

This fabled building, with its forest of striped arches, showcases the beauty that can arise when Muslim and Christian cultures intermingle.

Welcome Dinner - we will meet up at an open-air restaurant for drinks and dinner, it is the perfect spot to watch the locals take their evening promenade and for us to celebrate our adventure.

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If you like an early start it is lovely to wander the quiet streets before breakfast.

Visit to Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, this peaceful Fort has a dreaded history to be told…later after we have seen it in daylight!

Then travel via train through the glorious countryside of olive groves, old castles and villages to Granada.

We will wander down to the Capella Real, final resting place of Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain.

Soak up the local vibe for the afternoon before gathering later in the evening to act like the locals, wandering the bars for tapas, a glass of wine or two, listen to the music and have a good laugh! 

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The Alhambra! This palace complex was built in the Muslim style to reflect paradise; elegant buildings, intricate mosaics and gardens full of scented flowers and sparkling water features– it must come very close. Our day will pan out depending on entrance times allotted to us, then we can spend time soaking up its beauty.

In the evening, we are free to daydream and sample some of the lovely restaurants near our hotel.

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So far, we have been travelling at a cracking pace, today we move onto the little seaside village of Tarifa via bus, a much slower pace and our launching point for Africa and Morocco.

Tarifa is the most southerly point in Europe; we will be able to walk out on a sand spit and have the Atlantic Ocean lapping on our right-hand side and the Mediterranean Sea on our left.

Wander the old town and relax. Great place to sketch the view or just dream of Africa, we can see Morocco across the water.

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An early ferry and we leave Europe behind and head to mystical Africa. Crossing the Straits of Gibraltar, we reach Morocco, landing at Tangiers we will be met by our Moroccan crew.

Funny thing is we arrive at the same time we leave Spain according to the clock.

Climbing into our a/c vehicle we will wind our way up into the picturesque Rif Mountains and the quaint little village of Chefchouen, a perfect start to Moroccan life.

In the afternoon we will explore this picturesque blue town.

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Off to Fez today and along the way we will visit the fabulous Roman ruins at Volubilis, reaching our Riad later in the afternoon.

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Fez or should I write FEZ! The oldest of the Imperial Cities, this ancient city has always been regarded as the religious and cultural centre of Morocco. 

Its UNESCO World Heritage Listed 9th Century Old City- Fez el-Bali- is the oldest living, breathing, functioning Medieval Islamic city in the world. 

Hicham [our man in Fez] will take us to the Medina today, and reveal such delights as the history of Fez, the tanneries and some of the wonderful monuments and souks will be uncovered. Lunch will be in the Medina…and an afternoon to explore together.

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We will start the day with a calligraphy lesson, a fine introduction to much we see around us…. learn a few letters in Arabic, at least your name. Our enthusiastic hosts make this a fun exercise.

Diving into the Medina again we will visit the house of Mme Chadia to try our hand at Fassi [Fez style] embroidery.

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Today we will visit Sefrou, an hour from Fez and spend time with the women of the Golden Button Co-operative and learn how to make buttons ourselves.

A delicious home cooked lunch today too, We will check out the village to see if the braid maker is working- he takes up the whole street if he is.

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Breakfast early and then on the way over the mountains and a big drive through the truly magnificent scenery of the Middle Atlas Mountains and the Ziz River Valley to our staging post for the Sahara, Erfoud.

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First, we will head into Rissani and the busy local market, check out the donkey parking lot, the date market and other sights. 

Walk through an old kasbah, experience how cool it is inside and see how people’s homes all fit in together.

Along the road to Merzouga and the Sahara is an informative museum and shop highlighting the wonderful fossils found in abundance in the area.  

Sunset camel rides will be arranged from our doorstep- tonight we sleep at the foot of the dunes in a lovely Auberge.

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We’ll head off to visit Todra Gorge after following the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.

When you arrive, you will be gob-smacked at the sensational scenery but also might feel a touch of déjà-vu -this is quintessential adventure country from many an exciting movie- we just need whip cracking and fast-moving horses rushing by!

Berber villages and palm trees dot the landscape.

Home tonight will be high up in the Dades Valley at a magical, sophisticated family run Auberge.

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Slow start to the day.

Lunch will be delicious today- you are helping to cook it! 

We are meeting Fatima Mellal to visit her studio and hospitality.

Roses have made El-Kelaa famous throughout the Middle East and we are passing through in the rose season, should smell good as we head further down the Valley of A Thousand Kasbahs through desert, past palm groves, oasis and ancient forts or Kasbahs.

As we pass through Ouarzazate we’ll spot where the movies Gladiator, Mummy I & II, Kingdom of Heaven and many others have came to life. You might remember our village tonight from Gladiator. 

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This village has been seen in many a movie, sunrise is a magical time to wander down and cross the river to look around World Heritage Aït Benhaddou before we leave.

Then off to Marrakech, we arrive in time to wander through the Djemma-el-Fna before a fabulous dinner cooked by the ladies who run our riad.

This amazing marketplace has been declared by UNESCO to be of world cultural importance for Oral Traditions and Performances. Keep a handful of coins in your pockets to give the many performers. 

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A wander through the Souq to The Musée de Marrakech and Ben Youssef Medursa.

After the early tantalizing meander through the souks, there is free time to explore before Djemma el-Fna starts to come alive- it is a great place to choose dinner from the hundreds of stalls or visit a nearby restaurant.

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This morning, we will visit a Women’s Training facility and take a baking class- learn how to make some delicious Moroccan Pastries to wow them back home.

There are so many places to explore in the Medina, perhaps you'd like to head to the Secret Garden this afternoon or visit a haman?

We will meet to go out for dinner this evening.

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An early visit to The Jardin Majorelle and associated museum before the crowds arrive. In 1980, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, who first arrived in Morocco in 1966, purchased the Jardin Majorelle to save it from destruction at the hands of hotel developers. 

Then head out to Casablanca. We’ll wander along the Corso this afternoon, view the Atlantic and have lunch.

Evening time we will head along to Rick’s Cafe for a drink…for those nostalgic about the movie Casablanca it is on the screen here in this elegant restaurant, a fitting setting for our farewell dinner.

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Departures from Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca

We will organize airport transfers in time for your flights.

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Physical Fitness for Sightseeing.

NOTE - In Spain/Andalusia we use public transport - you need to be able to manage your suitcase on and off the trains. Once we hit Morocco we are use an air-conditioned mini-bus each day.

This adventure is crafted for enthusiastic, active travellers with a good general level of health and mobility.

To make the most of your experience, you’ll need to be comfortable walking for 3–4 hours a day — sometimes over uneven ground, up hills, and climbing a few flights of stairs.

You may also find yourself getting in and out of local transport and navigating the occasional over-the-bath shower.

If you enjoy a bit of daily movement and love discovering new places on foot, you’ll thrive on this tour.

Just a friendly heads-up: we need to walk at an average pace - it will not be suitable for those who prefer a slow pace or need frequent rest stops.

Etiquette

• Be mindful of people’s privacy when taking photos

• Taking photos of people – how would you feel with a camera in your face?

• A good approach – say hello, perhaps ask for a selfie, show them, then ask for a portrait – works well

• Learn a few local courtesies – always appreciated

• Dress modestly in Morocco, particularly in smaller towns and religious areas

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Workshops

• Small sewing kit – needles are supplied, though your own may suit you better

• Our hosts love to look at your sewing kit and anything you’ve made

Art / Sketch

• A suggested materials list will be provided for sketching tours

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Food

• Food is an integral part of culture – we are here to try it all

• Group meals are shared, with a range of dishes and local specialties

• Morocco – cooking is from scratch using fresh ingredients, so it’s easier to know what you’re eating

• Spain – regional and varied; meals may be later than you’re used to

• Vegetarian – Morocco can feel limited; expect plenty of vegetables, consider bringing a protein supplement (nuts are easy to find)

o Spain – more options, especially in towns and cities

• Vegan – Morocco: vegetable tagines are suitable; Spain: possible with some awareness

• Onion/garlic-free – challenging in both

• Wheat-free – manageable; avoid breads in Morocco, Spain improving in awareness

• Dairy-free – manageable, though alternatives are limited in Morocco

• Breakfast often bread-based – you may wish to bring an alternative

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Power

• 230–240 volts

• European adaptor plugs required

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Health

• Morocco – drink only filtered or bottled water, not tap (even for brushing teeth)

• Spain – tap water generally safe, but bottled is always an option

• Aim for at least 2 litres of water daily

• Visit your doctor or travel specialist before departure

• Bring required medications and prescriptions

• Menstrual products – available in Spain, more limited in Morocco (pads easier to find than tampons)

• Bring insect repellent and sunscreen

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Money

• Notify your bank before travel (including transit stops)

• Travel cards can be useful – check they work before departure

• Carry a backup card, stored separately

• ATMs – widely available in both countries

• Cash – essential in Morocco, useful in Spain

• Credit cards – widely accepted in Spain; less so in Morocco

• Additional fees may apply

Currency

• Morocco – Moroccan Dirham

• Spain – Euro

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Shopping

• There are treasures to find – textiles, ceramics, leather, spices

• It supports the local economy

• Morocco – bargaining is standard in markets

• Spain – mostly fixed pricing, occasional markets

• If there are specific items you’re after, a little research helps

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Suitcase

• Start with a medium suitcase and bring a soft bag for extra purchases

• You will need to manage your own luggage throughout

• Spain – particularly on and off trains and through stations

• Morocco – hotels, riads, and uneven streets can involve carrying bags

• Pack so you can lift and move your suitcase comfortably

Recommended size

• Medium: 60–70 cm (H) x 40–50 cm (W) x 25–30 cm (D)

• Approx. 24–28" x 16–20" x 10–12"

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Weather

• Generally warm, though mornings and evenings can be cool

• Morocco can vary year to year – from cool conditions to very warm, even extremes

• Layers are essential

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Clothing

• Lightweight, loose layers work best

• 3–4 outfits are usually sufficient

• Pack socks and a cardigan for cooler mornings

• A warm jacket is useful

• Morocco – dress modestly (mid-calf or longer, tops not too revealing)

• Spain – more relaxed, though practical comfort still key

• A scarf is very useful – warmth, sun, air conditioning, or covering when needed

• Leave expensive jewellery at home

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Shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or strapped sandals)

• Surfaces can be uneven – cobbles, medinas, stations – good footing matters

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Laundry

• Any 2-night stop is a good opportunity

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Fitness

• Frequent stops, getting on and off transport

• Managing your own luggage

• Walking is part of the experience – often 1–2 hours at a time

• Expect steps, uneven ground, and busy streets

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Begging

• Best not to encourage

• Avoid giving sweets or gifts to children

• If you wish to give, we can pass items to a school or organisation

• In Morocco, a small gesture to an elderly or disabled person can be appropriate

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Tipping

• Morocco – customary; carry small change

• Spain – not expected, but appreciated

• Small services (bags, tea, laundry) – tip where appropriate

• Guides, performers, photos – tip as you feel

• Set something aside for your driver

• A good guide: the equivalent of a coffee per day, per person

• A group collection at the end works well

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Environment

• Step lightly – conserve water and power

• Take rubbish with you where possible

• Say no to plastic

• Bring a cloth carry bag