Custom Tour of Spain & Morocco

Upon arrival at the Madrid airport, a driver will greet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel. You will be staying at a hotel located in the center of Madrid near world-class museums and some of the best restaurants in the city. After you check in and take some time to relax, you’ll be greeted by your guide for an afternoon tour of the Habsburg Quarter. Enjoy the charm of this historic quarter, as your guide shares all the legends of the city. You’ll have a chance to see some of the palaces that reflect Madrid’s glory days under Habsburg rule in the 16th century. After your guided tour, you’ll have the evening free to enjoy Madrid’s culinary delights. Try some of the excellent tapas bars near your hotel.

Today you’ll enjoy a half-day guided excursion to the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site of Toledo, Spain’s most perfectly preserved medieval city. One of the Spanish cities with the greatest wealth of monuments, Toledo’s historic center is packed with medieval synagogues, palaces, fortresses and mosques. Wander the atmospheric ancient streets and visit the awe-inspiring cathedral, which is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture (built on the site of the former Great Mosque). The cathedral will dazzle you with its sumptuous chapels and precious art of El Greco. To visit Toledo is to get lost in the world of another era. Absorb the fascinating aura as you stroll through the city’s maze of narrow cobblestone streets. After the tour of Toledo, you’ll return to Madrid in the afternoon with free time to explore the city on your own.

This morning you’ll take a short flight from Madrid to Barcelona, the capital of Spain’s Catalonia province. When you arrive, you’ll be provided a private transfer to your nest accommodation. This boutique hotel may be within walking distance of Las Ramblas Boulevard, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral and some of the most famous Gaudí monuments. There are also many boutiques, gourmet restaurants and elegant cafés nearby. After checking in to the hotel and taking some time to relax, you may begin exploring Barcelona. To discover Barcelona’s unique ambience, start out in the atmospheric Gothic Quarter. The grand medieval buildings and narrow cobblestone streets take you several centuries back in time. Then go for a stroll down the bustling Las Ramblas (translates to “stream” in Arabic), the grand boulevard that teems with people and action at almost all hours of the day. Las Ramblas gives you the feel of Barcelona’s vibrant and joyous energy.

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Barcelona’s Gaudí monuments. The city’s most famous architect, Antonio Gaudí, created spectacular Modernist buildings that are so distinctive in Barcelona. You’ll visit the Sagrada Familia Cathedral to see the detailed work Gaudí created for the facade. Another highlight of the tour is the fantastical Palau Güell in the El Raval neighborhood. This over-the-top mansion was designed by Gaudí for the industrial tycoon Eusebi Güell. It is a breathtaking and surreal experience to visit this place. After the tour, you’ll have some free time.  In the evening, you’ll have a chance to sample Barcelona’s exceptional gastronomy—the regional Catalan cuisine. Because of Barcelona’s location by the Mediterranean Coast, many dishes feature seafood, as well as fresh tomatoes, red peppers, eggplant and artichokes that grow abundantly in the area.

Today you’ll take a driving excursion to two highlights of Catalonia. First, you’ll make a stop in Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí to visit the Dalí Museum, one of Spain’s most-visited museums. Next you’ll visit Girona, a town of cultural and historic significance. Take a self-guided tour of this historic city that is packed with medieval mansions and a jumble of narrow cobblestone streets. Overlooking the city from high above, Girona’s magnificent cathedral will inspire you. Girona also boasts Roman walls, old Arab baths and an excellently preserved ancient Jewish quarter.

Enjoy a leisurely day trip to the beautiful Catalonia countryside including a private winery visit and wine tasting. After your wine country excursion, you’ll return to Barcelona in the afternoon. You will have free time to visit the city’s expansive green belt located on Montjuïc Mountain. Take a ride up to Montjuïc Mountain by cable car, which allows you to take in exceptional panoramic views of Barcelona. Once you arrive in the lovely Parc de Montjuïc, you can visit an ancient castle that was once a military fortress. There is also an interesting Miró museum where you can see the famous artist’s Modernist masterpieces.

This morning take a short flight from Barcelona to Málaga. You’ll be provided transfers to and from the airports and will pick up a rental car in Marbella. Once you arrive in Marbella, check into your accommodations at a luxury hotel perfect for relaxing. Enjoy the leisurely Costa del Sol lifestyle and be sure to take advantage of the hotel’s private pools and beach.

This morning you’ll travel from Marbella to Granada, one of the most spectacular capital cities in Spain. Its history and monuments are a testimony to its importance in the old Moorish kingdom. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be the most important Islamic monument in Europe. You’ll spend a few hours on a guided tour of this exquisite palace and through the elaborate gardens. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to visit the Albaicín, the old Arab quarter that is a jumble of ancient streets, pleasant courtyards, careens and charming houses with lovely gardens. Stop at the Plaza San Nicolas to admire the beautiful views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada Mountains. After your excursion to Granada, return to Marbella for more seaside relaxation and pampering.

Just a short ferry ride from Marbella is a place that seems much further away. Tangier will give you a taste of Northern Africa’s exotic culture. Morocco has been described as "a land of Arab culture, situated in Africa with its roots in Europe." Tangier became part of the Kingdom of Morocco in 1956 and has a diverse mix of Muslim, African, French and Spanish influences. One highlight of your visit is the Cape Spartel, a colorful “kasbah” (ancient quarter) filled with a mishmash of narrow streets, where artisans create handicrafts and traders sell their wares. You’ll also visit the city’s ancient “medina” (the old section of the city) and the Royal Palace.

Enjoy a free day of seaside activities and sunbathing at a private beach. You could also visit a spa, play tennis, try jet-skiing or paddle boating. Treat yourself to gourmet tapas and local wine at the hotel’s terrace bar. We recommend spending the afternoon in the charming and sunny village of Marbella, one of the most popular resort towns on the Costa del Sol, only a short drive away from your hotel. A paradise by the sea, Marbella is located on a beautiful bay where some of the finest yachts in Europe are docked. You’ll be charmed by Marbella’s historic center, which has the typical Andalusian style of whitewashed houses, bougainvillea-draped alleyways and fragrant orange trees that line the streets and squares. Listen for the tiny birds that chirp musically from the trees. Stay in Marbella for dinner and sample the local cuisine at one of the stylish gourmet restaurants.

After dropping off your rental car, you’ll travel by high-speed train from Málaga to Madrid. Today you’ll have a chance to continue exploring Madrid. Take time to visit one of the city’s world-class museums: the Museo Prado for an awe-inspiring look at the finest masterpieces of Spanish art. To view contemporary art collections, visit the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía or the Museo de Arte Thyssen-Bornemisza. Those who enjoy shopping will want to visit the elegant Barrio de Salamanca, known for its upscale designer boutiques. Another wonderful sight is Madrid’s Escurial Monastery, a registered UNESCO site. Located in an exceptionally beautiful site in Castile, the monastery was built in the 16th century and is renowned for its imposing and austere architecture. Celebrate your last night of vacation with a tour of nearby tapas bars and then enjoy a proper dinner later in the evening in Spanish style.

The tour concludes today after breakfast at your hotel. You’ll be provided a private transfer to the airport in time for your return flight home.