As you journey along the open roads of Spain and Morocco, you will be immersed in the grand palaces, the preserved medieval alleyways, and the dunes of the Sahara. During your customizable itinerary to these two countries, you can bask in the scent of the aromatic spices that fill the markets of Marrakech, and then discover the brilliant frescoes that decorate the rooms of Spain’s Royal Palace. Sample decadent Moroccan cuisine and then develop a personal connection to the passion of flamenco....
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Barcelona – Arrive in the Welcoming City of Barcelona
The majesty of Barcelona emanates from the relaxed ambiance and effortless beauty. The sapphire waters of the Mediterranean Sea lap against the sandy beaches in view of the many lively restaurants. Cafes place tables and chairs along the cobblestones of the historical Gothic Quarter in view of the soaring towers and preserved façade of the Cathedral. Your flight will land at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, where your private transfer will greet you upon your arrival. The 15th-century hall of Ajuntament de Barcelona borders Plaça Sant Jaume and contrasts with the 18th-century neoclassical façade of the Generalitat Palace.
Black and gold murals crafted in the 1920s show an Art Nouveau style that depicts the Catalan fighting campaign in Byzantium and Greece and celebrates the strong, independent tradition of Catalonia. Take your time to settle into the comforts of your luxurious accommodation at the center of Barcelona before venturing to Las Ramblas for an immersive stroll around the cultural heart of the city. The street reaches nearly a mile long and connects Port Vell with Plaça Catalunya. Mosaics decorate the walkways beside the boutique shops and bustling cafes, as the aromas of oranges and strawberries float beneath the wrought-iron frame of La Boqueria Market.
What's Included:
Day 2
Barcelona – Delight in a Full Day Guided Tour of Art, Culture, and Cuisine
Day 3
Madrid – Enjoy a High-Speed Train to Madrid with a Half-Day Exploration
Day 4
Madrid – Relish the Imperial Splendor of Madrid and the History of Toledo
Day 5
Seville – Transfer to Andalusia at Seville by way of Captivating Cordoba
Day 6
Seville – Discover Charm and Flamenco on a Full Day Tour of Seville
Day 7
Marrakech – Venture to the Stunning Marrakech for an Introductory City Tour
Day 8
Marrakech – Explore the Marvels of Marrakech’s Medina and Take a Cooking Class
Day 9
Dades Gorge – Revel in Landscapes and Kasbahs en route to Dades Valley
Day 10
Erg Chebbi – Continue into the Desert for a Sunset Tour of the Sahara
Day 11
Casablanca – Revel in Sunrise over the Sahara and Fly to Casablanca
Day 12
Casablanca – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Wander along the palatial grandeur of Moorish and Christian kings in the Alcazar of Seville
- Discover the preserved Moorish architecture and culture of Toledo that has been shaped by the cohabitation of the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities
- Indulge in the colors of sunrise and sunset over the rolling sand dunes of the Sahara Desert during a luxury camping experience at Erg Chebbi
- Taste the distinctive flavors of Moroccan cuisine with a private cooking class in Marrakech
- Traverse the trails found along a hidden oasis in the Dades Valley and experience the marvels of the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs
- Delight in the relaxed atmosphere of Barcelona, accentuated by the enchanting architecture of Antonin Gaudi
- View a captivating flamenco performance while in stunning Seville
- Enjoy an immersive stroll through the opulence of the Spanish monarchs during a private tour of the Royal Palace
- Tour the former merchant roads between Marrakech and Mali while inside a small museum that features historical artifacts
Detailed Description
The pleasure of a road trip is always the promise of discovery, and your 12-day itinerary through Spain and Morocco with your private driver will offer indelible majesty and ineffable adventure embodied through the culture, artistry, and history. Your road adventure will begin in Barcelona with your arrival at Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Your private transfer will greet you upon arrival and escort you to your hotel that is located in the heart of the enchanting city. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure to relish the seaside ambiance and the distinctive culture of the city along the avenue of Las Ramblas. The next day, your guide will lead you on a private, in-depth tour of Barcelona to follow the architectural splendor of Antonin Gaudi and the treasured revolutionary works of Pablo Picasso.
Wake the next morning to board your first-class car of a high-speed train to reach Madrid, the capital of Spain. If you’d prefer, you could also continue with your own private driver and car. After checking into your hotel, you will have a half-day tour of the beautiful monuments of the city, including the Plaza del Sol and the Basilica de San Francisco. Visit the Royal Palace the next day to experience the opulence of Spanish kings, and then continue to Toledo for a half-day tour spent strolling along the medieval lanes as shaped by Moorish, Jewish, and Christian culture. The next day, you will take a scenic drive into Andalusia, stopping in the gorgeous city of Cordoba en route to Seville. Visit the famous Mezquita and explore the enchanting lanes that are lined with whitewashed walls before settling into Seville for the evening.
The following day, your guide will lead you on a fabulous tour of the city that will encompass the Cathedral and the beautiful Alcazar. In the evening, look forward to a fabulous flamenco show for a captivating introduction to the historical dance. Fly from Seville to Marrakech, Morocco the next day, and your private transfer will greet you at Marrakech Menara Airport to escort you to your luxurious riad hotel inside the Medina. Relish a half-day tour of the fabled city to experience the bustling, maze-like streets and the fascinating Musee Tiskiwin. The next morning, your guide will introduce you to the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace before you partake in a fascinating cooking class that will bring insight into the staples of Moroccan cuisine.
Travel along the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs the next day en route to the Dades Valley. Stop in Ait Benhaddou to explore the antique Kasbah that once protected the roadway that leads to Marrakech. The following day, you can spend time in the lush oases of the Dades Valley before traversing Todra Gorge. Visit the Merzouga, the last town before the Sahara Desert, before taking to the sand dunes for sunset. Wake the next morning and bask in the sunrise found along the dunes. Return to Merzouga for a brief flight to Casablanca, and then the remainder of the day will be yours to explore the cosmopolitan contemporary city that offers insight into the French colonial era and the urban culture of country’s largest city. Conclude as your private transfer will greet you at your hotel and escort you to Mohammed V International Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$15,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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