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Reiseverlauf 2024

1. Tag 1

   Barcelona

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   Beinvenido – welcome to Spain! Your adventure begins in Barcelona, a city overflowing with iconic architecture and superb cuisine. You will be collected from the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel, where you will meet your leader and small group for a 7pm welcome meeting. If you arrive early, you may like to visit Sagrada Familia, one of Gaudi's masterpieces and a wonderful icon of the city, or venture into the narrow medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter. Barcelona is known for a diverse and creative food scene utilising the freshest market ingredients. Tonight you’ll head to a wonderful local restaurant away from the tourist trail and taste some of the city’s best dishes. Perhaps try some la bombas, tasty potato croquettes, or esqueixada, a salad made with salted cod.
2. Tag 2

   Barcelona / Valencia

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   It's all about food this morning, so loosen that belt and venture forth to the morning markets with your leader who will have the best tips on all things food related. They'll talk you through both traditional Iberian foods and the new trends, then have you tasting some of the most delicious things on the planet: three types of olives, pickled garlic, lomo Iberico de Belotta, manchego cheese and olive oil. Enjoy some time out for lunch then bid farewell to Barcelona and travel to Valencia, your base for the next two nights. Spain’s third largest city, Valencia has a unique cultural identity and a wonderful old town centre that dates back 2000 years. On arrival, you’re free to explore the city and discover the harmonious mix of Roman, Muslim and Christian influences in its buildings, monuments and magnificent gardens.
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   Albufera Lake / Valencia

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   Start the day with a short drive south of Valencia to discover Albufera Lake, an important ecological site of the region. The lake is surrounded by beach, dunes, lagoons, wetlands and Mediterranean forest, and is home to six small islands. You will visit the island of El Palmar and discover its typical ‘barraca’ houses. Travel by boat to the middle of the lake and learn about the important agricultural crop of the area, namely the local rice. Finish off with an included lunch of the most famous Valencian dish – paella. The rest of the day is yours to explore Valencia. You may like to visit the city's major landmark – the City of Arts and Science, a large and futuristic museum complex designed by Calatrava. Or perhaps head out to a local cafe to enjoy the treats that Valencia has to offer – from horchata to artisan chocolates, the city is a gastronomical heaven.
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   Elche / Granada

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   Depart Valencia and travel to Granada. Along the way you will travel through the distinctive countryside of the region and pass through Elche, capital of the region of Bajo Vinalopó. The historic quarter of Elche preserves part of its Muslim past and Baroque splendour. Walk around palm tree grove, one of the largest and the only one in Europe. Your leader will explain how the grove was established by the Phoenicians and expanded by the Arabs in the 8th and 9th centuries. The palmeral consists of several parts spreading across downtown. Then it's on to the city of Granada, one of the jewels of Andalucia.
5. Tag 5

   Granada

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   This morning you will get acquainted with Granada during an orientation walk with your leader. Learn the fascinating history of the city and discover Islamic architecture and Arab influences at every turn. Enjoy some time for your own explorations of the city – perhaps head to a local teahouse to sample some Moorish pastries. The evening will be spent exploring Granada’s impressive Alhambra Palace, the former home to Granada’s Nasrid emirs and one of the world’s great architectural masterpieces. Dating back to the 11th century, Alhambra represents Muslim art in its final European stages. First, meet with an expert local guide and tour the palace’s perfectly manicured gardens. Take a break and enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant, then return to the palace for an evening tour with your local guide – by now the crowds have dispersed and you will be free to explore the site in all its glory. Your guide will bring history to life and provide expert insight as you explore the dominating red fortress towers, opulent palace décor and a multitude of architectural styles. With ancient defensive walls, turrets and fountains set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, touring this magnificent site by night is an experience that will stick with you.
6. Tag 6

   Seville

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   Farewell Granada and head for Seville this morning. Today you will learn more about the importance of olive oil production in the Andalucia region by visiting an oil farm on your way to Seville. Let the passionate owner of the family-run business walk you through the process of olive oil production, and taste some different variations of the final result yourself, along with some cheese Iberian ham and wine. Continue on to Seville. The largest city in southern Spain, Seville is famous for its cultural vitality and dazzling architecture. On arrival, check in to your Feature Stay accommodation, a gorgeous family-run boutique hotel. Converted from an 18th-century mansion, the hotel celebrates its roots with its elegant décor and antique furnishings. Personal touches are everywhere, from incredibly friendly service to hand painted details in the rooms and the owner’s great-grandmother’s shawl hanging in reception. Not to mention, the hotel boasts an unbeatable location on the Alameda de Hercules, lined with cafes, restaurants and music venues. This evening, perhaps head out to explore the lively neighbourhood on your doorstep.
7. Tag 7

   Seville

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   This morning, meet with a local guide who’s an expert on all things Seville and get to know the city during a walking tour. Explore narrow streets, hidden squares filled with orange trees and flower-adorned patios as your guide provides local insight into the history of the city and how it’s enjoyed today. Visit the Alcazar of Seville, a grand royal palace, and uncover its secrets with your guide. Known as one of the most beautiful in Europe, the Spanish royal family still to this day use the Alcazar as their residence in Seville. The rest of the afternoon is yours for further discoveries - you may wish to take an optional visit to the Giralda Tower and the famous Seville Cathedral, one of Europe’s largest cathedrals and home to Christopher Columbus’ elevated tomb. This evening, join your group for a live flamenco show – a traditional Spanish style of dance with roots in Seville. This colourful, lively and rousing performance will certainly be one to remember.
8. Tag 8

   Cordoba

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   Today you will journey to the city of Cordoba, where Muslim, Jewish and Christian influences are present in the architecture, culture and cuisine. Cordoba is also home to the Mezquita – a rare site which has served as both a mosque and a cathedral throughout the centuries. Today a cathedral stands within the centre of this amazing mosque – an interesting example of the interplay of Christian and Muslim cultures in Spain. Discover this supreme example of Islamic architecture on a comprehensive guided tour with your leader which continues outside of the Mezquita and explores the charming quarters and hidden corners of Cordoba. The city is bursting with traditional tapas bars – this evening be sure to ask your leader for tips on the best place to grab a bite to eat.
9. Tag 9

   Madrid

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   Travel from Cordoba to Madrid by high-speed train. Upon arrival in Madrid, settle into your hotel before heading out on a walk through the Old Quarter of Spain’s capital with your leader. Uncover the history of the city as your leader points out significant buildings, monuments and architecture. The rest of the day is free for further explorations. If you're feeling artsy, while away the hours on the Art Walk, which offers 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 the 19th century. 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.
10. Tag 10

    Toledo / Madrid

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    Travel to the city of Toledo this morning. The unique old town of this city sits on a high craggy rock and is encircled by the Tagus River. As a former capital of Spain, Toledo has immense historic significance and holds many architectural treasures. Examples of buildings from most architectural periods in Spain’s history can be seen here, from the Gothic to the Baroque. Today you’ll experience Toledo’s culture in the form of a marzipan tasting. While a few countries compete for the rights, the Spanish argue that marzipan was invented in Toledo. Either way, the sweet treat made from almond meal, honey and sugar has been produced in this city for generations, and is undoubtably some of the world’s best. Find out how it’s made, its significance to Toledo, and taste some yourself. Return to Madrid for a free afternoon – you may like to check out the Royal Palace, or stroll around the Parque del Retiro. This evening, get together with your group for dinner at a fantastic local restaurant.
11. Tag 11

    Casablanca

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    Today you will fly from Madrid to Casablanca to begin the Moroccan leg of your journey. A meeting will take place at 6pm this evening to welcome any new travellers who will be joining you in Morocco. This evening, get to know your group over a wonderful banquet style dinner, set in the courtyard of a gorgeous riad. Nowhere is Morocco’s cultural heritage more evident than in its food, and tonight you’ll have the chance to try classic dishes like tagine, couscous and pastilla.
12. Tag 12

    Meknes

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    This morning you will visit one of the most impressive sites in Casablanca - the massive edifice of the Mosque of Hassan II. Second only in size to the great mosque at Mecca, the huge building sits partly on land and partly over sea, and is one of the only religious sites open to non-Muslims. Later, leave Casablanca and drive north along the coast to Rabat, the elegant capital of Morocco and its first Imperial city. Start your visit with a walk through the medina and souks, then explore the lovely walled quarter known as the Kasbah des Oudaias, where you’ll enjoy an included mint tea in a little treasure of a café overlooking the ocean and Bou Regreg river. Afterwards, continue the walk to visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the vast minaret of the Mosque of Hassan II. In the late afternoon, continue on to Meknes, the former capital of Morocco.
13. Tag 13

    Fes

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    This morning you will discover the charming streets of Meknes’s medina - the old walled section of the city. There’s something particularly special about exploring this lesser-known medina as the locals go about their daily lives. Walk to the shrine of Moulay Ismail, visit the granaries and stop by a local market selling vegetables, olives and sweets. Drive on to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, where a local guide will show you around and help you imagine the bustling city that once was. Enjoy a picnic lunch of fresh bread, cheese and seasonal fruits and olives from the market. Continue on to the city of Fes and arrive at the Riad Salam, a beautifully restored oasis in the heart of the medina and your Feature Stay for the next two nights. From dramatic mosaic floors to carved cedar wood ceilings and everything in between - this building is a treat for the eyes. Relax in spacious rooms with modern comforts, unwind in the hammam or head to the roof terrace for sweeping views of Fes. Prepare for a treat this evening as you are warmly welcomed into the home of a local family for a pastilla dinner. Learn how the iconic Moroccan pie is made as you chat with your friendly hosts about life in Fes.
14. Tag 14

    Fes

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    Today head into Fes’s huge, well-preserved medieval old city and the mother of all medinas. Walk through the twisting streets and alleyways, passing donkeys piled high with goods, and explore the speciality sections that divide the souk as your leader talks you through interesting customs and traditions of Moroccan people. Filled with historic khans, madrasas and dye-pits, stalls loaded with fruits, herbs and soups, and where the squawk of chickens, smell of spice and sound of hammering of copper fills the air, it’s not hard to imagine yourself back in the Middle Ages. Explore the old city, visiting El-Attarine Madrasa, the tanneries and Funduq al-Najjarin, a splendid 18th-century inn.
15. Tag 15

    Bin el Ouidane

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    Travel from Fes to Bin el-Ouidane, with plenty of breaks along the way to appreciate the ever-changing Moroccan landscape. Visit with an Amazigh (Berber) family in the Middle Atlas Mountains for a truly memorable experience and a priceless insight into their unique way of life. The family will demonstrate how to make the perfect brew of mint tea and will provide a home-cooked cous cous lunch using locally grown ingredients. Learn about their customs, traditions and what life looks like on the edge of these cloud-piercing peaks. Arrive in Bin el-Ouidane, a small settlement perfectly placed on the bank of the lake, surrounded by sheer rocks. Your accommodation sits at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, perched on the edge of the huge, glittering lake. There’s a blissful afternoon to be had floating in the paradisiacal swimming pool or soaking in your surroundings on the fabulous terrace.
16. Tag 16

    Marrakech

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    Today you will travel from Bin el-Ouidane to Marrakech. There’s no rush as the scenery on the way is always interesting, and you will enjoy a stop en route at the impressive Ouzoud Falls. On arrival to Marrakech, head to the great square of Djemaa el-Fna, one of the largest public spaces in the world and unique to this city. The food here is best experienced like a local, so be sure to bring your appetite as this afternoon your leader will take you for a special tasting session where you’ll try a range of seasonal delights such as freshly squeezed orange juice and stuffed Moroccan pancakes. Nights here are just as fun as the days as the square transforms into a hive of activity. The evening is yours to explore, perhaps enjoy a meal on one of the restaurant balconies overlooking the humming square with views of the Koutoubia Mosque.
17. Tag 17

    Marrakech

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    After breakfast today, meet your leader and set off on a morning tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks that are the lifeblood of the city. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. Stop by the Koutoubia Mosque; the inside is for Muslims only, but the famous minaret is a sight to behold. Then walk back through the streets of the old medina to Djemaa el-Fna. The rest of the day is free to explore further. Perhaps visit Le Jardin Secret, a traditional medina garden with a magnificent courtyard, or head back into the medina and practice your haggling skills. For your final evening, perhaps join your group for a farewell dinner - your leader will be able to recommend some fantastic local restaurants that are worth raising a toast to.
18. Tag 18

    Marrakech

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    Your trip ends today after breakfast. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring here. Speak to your leader about the wealth of extra activities to do around Marrakech.