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Nature & Adventure in Spain & Morocco 21 Days
- This tour starts in Madrid and ends in Marrakech (21 days/20 nights)
Day 1: Arrive in Madrid (Spain), Tapas Tour
Welcome to Spain! Despite being officially formed as a nation-state in the Middle Ages, this country’s settled history dates back thousands of years. In that time, it has seen occupation by everyone from the Phoenicians and Visigoths to the Romans and Moors. You’ll arrive in the capital of Madrid, which itself was founded in the ninth century during a period of Muslim rule, yet it only became the capital of Spain in the 16th century during the reign of King Phillip II. That means there’s a lot of history and diverse cultural heritage to uncover here, and the tastiest way to do it is on a food tour.
Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in the city. You’ll meet your guide and head out to experience the most Spanish of culinary offerings: tapas (literally “tops” or “caps”). These are small plates of food served in bars, bodegas, and restaurants, sometimes for free, accompanied by beer or wine. During this three-hour flavor extravaganza, your guide will take you to the authentic spots where local madrileños eat.
During the tapeo (tapas crawl), you’ll stop at traditional family-run bodegas that have been serving fresh tapas paired with beer and wine for generations. As you hop between historic taverns and centuries-old bars, you’ll nibble on delicious tidbits and sip local wine as you learn the history of Madrid. The final stop is at a famous restaurant serving delicious cuisine from the north of Spain. All told, you’ll enjoy 12 different tapas—equivalent to a full meal
Day 2: Hot-Air Balloon Ride & Segway Tour
This morning you’ll see Madrid and its surrounding countryside from a unique perspective: in the basket of a hot-air balloon. This three-hour excursion begins with a transfer to the departure area. After hopping into the basket, you’ll float high above the city and the Meseta Central (Spanish plateau). As you travel amid silent splendor, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Madrid and the mountains to the west. After enjoying the scenery, descend from the clouds to terra firma.
Back in the city, you’ll embark on another fun ride, this time on two wheels. Hop on a Segway for a 1.5-hour ride around Madrid, hitting all the highlights along the way. Your expert guide will lead you to areas like the Habsburg district. This is the city’s historic heart, known in Spanish as El Madrid de Los Austrias. Here, you’ll see the 18th-century Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, and the expansive Plaza Mayor, which dates to the 15th century.
Other famous landmarks you’ll see on the tour include the Museo del Prado (home to a fine collection of European art), Puerta del Sol Square, and the sprawling El Retiro Park. You’ll even ride to Plaza de Santa Ana. This square is located in Barrio las Letras, a hotbed of nightlife and tapas bars.
Day 3: Hiking in Sierra de Guadarrama
After breakfast, you’ll meet your driver for the one-hour ride north of Madrid to Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. This 131-square-mile (340 sq km) protected area is known for its scenic hiking trails, which you’ll take advantage of on this half-day trip. Your destination within the park is Laguna Grande de Peñalara, a famous glacial lake nestled amid incredible alpine scenery.
Once there, you’ll hit the trail on an easy trail that takes about an hour to complete. As you go, you’ll hike through forests and over mountain ridges offering stunning views of the surrounding Castille Ranges. Throughout the route, there are lookout points where you can stop for great photos on your way to Laguna Grande, which sits on the slopes of the Peñalara massif. Another optional route up the lake takes two hours, snaking through pine forests and passing lagoons on the way to Laguna Grande. At the end of the day, you’ll transfer back to Madrid.
Day 4: Train to Seville, Guided Bike Tour
Transfer to the station in Madrid this morning and board a train for the 3.5-hour ride south to Seville, the capital of Spain’s southern Andalusia region. After checking into your hotel, you’ll meet up with a local guide and hop on a bike for a three-hour cycling tour of one of Spain’s most romantic cities.
During this three-hour, small-group tour, you’ll pedal all around this ancient metropolis, whose historic center dates back to the eighth century BCE. The route passes scenic areas and landmarks like the Plaza de España, the Guadalquivir riverfront, Las Setas Marketplace, Plaza de San Francisco, and some of the city’s most beautiful gardens and parks. A real highlight is the Seville Cathedral, a 15th-century Roman-Catholic church home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
During the excursion, your expert guide will share anecdotes and explain the mysteries and stories that define Seville. Overall, it’s a fun, educational, and healthy way to get a feel for the city. Following the tour, you’ll have the rest of the day to spend as you please, perhaps taking a long paseo (stroll) along Seville’s ancient streets.
Day 5: Day Trip to Doñana & El Rocio
Wake up early and meet your driver for a full-day excursion to Doñana National Park. One of Europe’s most vital wetland ecosystems, it’s located about 60 miles (100 km) south of Seville near the coast. This vast expanse covers 543 square miles (1,408 sq km) on the Gulf of Cádiz, and its unique ecosystem encompasses marshes, dunes, and forests, which are a habitat for many species of migratory birds like flamingoes, herons, and eagles.
Once here, you’ll meet a naturalist guide and take a short hike through Mediterranean pine forests and the marshes of Coto del Rey. Keep an eye out for the park’s abundant wildlife, including the imperial eagle, deer, wild boars, badgers, and the endangered Iberian lynx. After the walk, you’ll then saddle up for a scenic two-hour horseback ride along a windswept beach. At the end of the ride, you can enjoy a picnic lunch right on the sand or head over to a local restaurant.
After spending time in the park, you’ll transfer to the nearby village of El Rocío. This is one of Andalusia’s famous Pueblos Blancos (White Villages), so named due to the abundance of whitewashed buildings. El Rocío is a popular pilgrimage site—each spring, almost a million visitors each flock here to honor the Virgen del Rocío (Virgin of El Rocío) with music and festivities. Your guide will offer insight into the legends surrounding this sacred statue, including its discovery by shepherds wandering through Doñana National Park. After the tour, you’ll return to Seville.
Day 6: Train to Granada, Tour the Alhambra
Bid Seville farewell this morning and transfer to the station to catch a 2.5-hour train east to Granada, a city that rivals any other in Spain for history and beauty. Granada was once the last bastion of Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) during the 400-year reign of the Moors, which lasted from 711 to 1086 CE. You can see examples of this history at Granada’s most famous landmark, the Alhambra, which receives more than two million visitors annually. Upon arrival, you’ll head to this 26-acre (12 ha) Muslim fortress for a guided tour.
Built atop a hill overlooking the city, the Alhambra dates to the ninth century. It was rebuilt in the 14th century by the Nasrid Dynasty and served as a Moorish palace until 1492, when, after the Christian reconquest, it became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella. During this three-hour tour, you’ll walk its grand halls and stroll the Generalife Gardens, which are filled with colorful flowers and fountains and offer panoramic views of the city below.
After the tour, you’ll have free time to enjoy Granada on your own. You can walk around the labyrinthine streets of the Albayzin and Sacromonte quarters. In these historic neighborhoods, you can visit landmarks like the Granada Cathedral, Royal Church, Alcaicería (old silk market), and Madrasa (medieval Koranic school).
Day 7: Sierra Nevada E-Bike Tour
Another highlight of Granada is its snowcapped Sierra Nevada mountains, which loom over the city like sentinels. In the morning, you’ll head out on a trekking adventure to explore Sierra Nevada Natural Park. Besides rivers and streams, the area is home to some of the highest peaks in Spain.
The five-hour excursion begins in the morning with a pickup from your hotel. Then you’ll drive 45 minutes up to the 6,561-foot (2,000 m) park limit. Then, hop on an e-bike and begin the thrilling descent down the mountain’s north face. Because you’ll be riding around the second-highest mountain range in Europe, expect incredible scenery and plenty of sweeping viewpoints. For example, you can admire the soaring peak of Mulhacén, which at 11,423 feet (3,482 m) is the tallest in the Iberian Peninsula. And keep a lookout for mountain goats hopping around the slopes.
Throughout the trip, you can ride at your own pace, and an expert guide will ride alongside you to point out the incredible sights you pass along the way. You’ll even pedal through some of Andalusia’s famous white villages and witness a more traditional way of life. At the end of the ride, you’ll transfer back to your hotel in Granada.
Day 8: Transfer to Málaga, Hike the Caminito del Rey
In the morning, you’ll transfer 1.5 hours south to the coastal city of Malága. It’s a scenic ride that winds around mountains, olive groves, rolling meadows, cork forests, and more. You’ll stop en route to Málaga to hike the famous Caminito del Rey—a network of walkways built along a deep gorge carved out by the Guadalhorce River. At times, the gorge reaches harrowing depths of 2,297 feet (700 m).
You’ll arrive at the north entrance, put on your safety equipment, then head off on the trail. As you hike, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the river winding through the valley below. This one-way route typically takes about three to four hours to complete. Once you’ve conquered the “King’s Little Path,” you’ll continue to Málaga, where you’ll check into your hotel and take the rest of the day to relax.
Day 9: Free Day in Málaga, Sunset Cruise
Today is yours to relax and enjoy Málaga however you wish. If the weather’s right, you can laze on Málaga’s golden beach of La Malagueta, located in the neighborhood of the same name in the city center. To get away from the crowds, you can head about an hour east of the city to the fishing village of Nerja. Known for its coastal cliffs and beautiful beaches, the town is just as famous for the Caves of Nerja, a series of caverns that stretch 5 miles (3 km). They not only feature hanging stalactites and columns but also a theater that holds regular concerts.
Other sights include the remodeled Port of Málaga (perfect for a waterfront stroll) and the 16th-century Málaga Cathedral, which features 131-foot (40 m) ceilings, 15 chapels, and church organs with more than 4,000 pipes. As for culture, you can visit several museums like the Pompidou Centre, which displays works by Frida Kahlo and Francis Bacon, among others. Of course, the most famous is the Picasso Museum, which houses 200 works by the master of cubism and Málaga’s favorite son.
Later in the afternoon, you’ll head to the marina for another adventure. Here, you’ll hop aboard a catamaran and enjoy a scenic ride along the golden Andalusia coast. Feel the fresh sea breeze as you watch the sun dip behind the mountains and ignite the sky in fiery shades of red and orange. As it does, toast the scene with a glass of Champagne before heading back to port.
Day 10: Transfer to Tangier (Morocco), Optional Activities
Today you’ll say adiós to Spain as you meet your driver for the two-hour ride down the coast to Tarifa, the southernmost point in continental Europe. At the port, you’ll board a ferry for the six-hour ride across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. Your destination is Tangier, a dynamic coastal city full of contradictions. Here, you’ll find everything that defines Morocco with a dash of French and Spanish culture. There’s also a bohemian spirit here that has attracted members of the counterculture for generations.
Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel and can then head out and explore on a self-guided tour. You can start at historic areas like the kasbah (fortress) and medina (walled old town). Visit highlights like the Petit Socco square and the 17th-century Sultan’s Palace, now a museum featuring antiquities from throughout Moroccan civilization. Continue strolling through the narrow lanes leading to Bab Bhar (Gate to the Sea), which offers fantastic views of the Strait of Gibraltar, the Iberian Peninsula, the port of Tangier, and the Ville Nouvelle (New Town).
During the walk, explore hidden corners of the city filled with tiny restaurants, textile studios, communal ovens, and other cultural minutiae. And if you like, wander up to the Place de France. This busy plaza is the center of modern Tangier and features the famous Grand Café de Paris and the Hotel El Minzah. Once upon a time, this is where you could find artists and writers such as Tennessee Williams, Jack Kerouac, Muhammad Asad, Truman Capote, and William S. Burroughs. By the end of the experience, you’ll begin to understand Tangier like a local.
Day 11: Transfer to Chefchaouen via Caves & Tétouan
In the morning, your driver will pick you up for a scenic two-hour road trip into the stunning Rif mountains and Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famous “Blue City.” Its name translates to “two horns,” referencing the two mountain peaks looming over the city. Drawing an artsy, bohemian crowd, Chefchaouen is famous for its small-village feel and blue-washed buildings that look straight out of Biblical times (though it was founded in 1471). For these reasons, it’s regarded as one of the prettiest cities in Morocco.
On the way, you’ll make a couple of stops at regional highlights. The first is the famous Caves of Hercules, located just a few miles outside Tangier. This dramatic cave complex is part human-made and part natural. It’s said that the ancient Phoenicians carved its dramatic opening overlooking the sea, and local legend states that the Greek god Hercules once took a rest here between his famous exploits. After the caves, you’ll stop at Tétouan, a jewel of a town at the foot of the Rif mountains near the sea. Its ancient medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site that looks like it hasn’t changed in several centuries.
After exploring Tétouan, you’ll continue to Chefchaouen and check into your hotel. Then you’re free to walk around the city’s delightful medina, known for its medley of Moroccan and Andalusian influences. You’ll see it in the red-tiled roofs, bright-blue buildings, and narrow lanes converging on the busy Plaza Uta el-Hammam with its restored kasbah. You’ll also want to peruse the souks (markets) and dine in local restaurants, of which there are many.
Day 12: Hike to Akchour Waterfall
Lace up your hiking boots because this morning you’ll drive 45 minutes east of Chefchaouen and embark on a scenic trail in the Rift mountains. This four-hour out-and-back hike follows a well-marked trail through dense forest. Be sure to stay alert because the area is home to Barbary macaques who might jump out from the treeline to greet you.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at Akchour Waterfall. This storybook cascade is known for its crystal-clear turquoise pools and dramatic rock formations. You’ll have some time to enjoy the falls, take photos, and swim in the lagoons. Afterward, you’ll return to Chefchaouen in time for lunch, where you’ll have the rest of the day free
Day 13: Transfer to Fes via Volubilis & Meknes
In the morning, meet your driver for the four-hour ride south from Chefchaouen to Fes. This is one of Morocco’s famous Imperial Cities—places that at one time were the country’s capital. Fes was the capital for over four centuries beginning in the 13th century, and today it remains a cultural and religious center.
During the drive, you’ll stop for a tour of Volubilis, a World Heritage Site containing Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins. Wander this 103-acre (42 ha) archaeological site and explore the former town’s large merchant homes and temples as you admire its many colorful mosaics. Then, continue to the nearby town of Moulay Idriss to see where the ruler Moulay Idriss I introduced Islam to the region in 789 CE. Next, transfer to Meknes, a city founded in the 11th century by imperial Berbers as a military settlement. Explore the medina and visit the monumental city gates, which date to the 18th century.
Your final stop is Fes. Before settling into your riad (traditional Moroccan house with an interior courtyard), you’ll drive up to the Marinid Tombs. The ruins of these monumental tombs are perched on a hill overlooking the city and from which you can enjoy panoramic views of Fes’ medina. On the hillside below, you may even see leather drying in the sun—the last step in the tanning process. Then make your way into the bustling medina and spend time wandering Fes’ charming streets. Enjoy dinner at your riad, followed by some well-deserved relaxation.
Day 14: Fes Medina Tour
After breakfast, you’ll meet your personal guide for a half-day walking tour of Morocco’s oldest Imperial City (it was founded in the eighth century). The medina in Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most well-preserved in the Arab world. This is because little of Fes has been refurbished over the centuries, which means winding through its warren of narrow streets is like stepping back in time.
Your guide will lead you through the medina’s two quarters: Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid. Here, you can browse the iconic souks whose vendors sell everything from spices and fresh produce to leather goods, ceramics, medicines, and more. Many are concentrated together, and you’re bound to see artisans at work in their small shops. You’ll also visit the Mosque and University of al-Qarawiyyin, which was founded in 859 and is the oldest operating university in the world.
After a break for lunch, you’ll explore the medieval masterpieces of Bou Inania and Al Attarine madrasas, as well as the Najarin Fountain with its mesmerizing zellige tile patterns. The best way to end the day is by watching the sunset from the Merenid Tombs in the north or from the 16th-century Borj Sud fort in the south. Both viewpoints offer fantastic views of this dynamic city with timeless roots.
Day 15: Transfer to Midelt via High Atlas Mountains
Meet your driver and hit the road this morning on a three-hour trip into the High Atlas mountains and the town of Midelt, which is located on the plains. As you enter the High Atlas range, you’ll arrive at Ifrane, a little Berber town nicknamed “Moroccan Switzerland” due to the chalet-style architecture reminiscent of the Alps. Enjoy the mountainous scenery, and perhaps stretch your legs on a walk around the European-style Park La Prairie.
As you continue driving, you’ll reach the village of Azrou, and after that, head over the Col du Zad Pass at an elevation of 7,146 feet (2,178 m). During the drive, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and cedar forests. Keep an eye out for the local Barbary macaque monkeys, which can be spotted socializing in the trees. As you weave through more towns, including traditional Berber villages, you’ll pass along the Moulouya River and its surrounding fruit orchards.
You’ll arrive in Midelt around midday, and after checking into your accommodation, you can have lunch. Fun fact: Midelt is known as “Apple City” due to the many orchards surrounding the town. The area was actually the first producer of apples in the entire country. After lunch, you’ll have free time to explore the town on your own.
Day 16: Transfer to Merzouga, Sunset Camel Ride
Get back in the car this morning for the four-hour transfer south to Merzouga, a small town in the Sahara Desert. It starts with crossing over Tizi n’Talremt Pass and descending into the Ziz Valley, which is dotted with oases and palm clusters. On the way, you’ll pass through the 984-foot (300 m) deep Todra Gorge, stopping for an easy walk amid its red limestone cliffs.
Continue to the market town of Erfoud, which is known for its annual date festival, fossil mining, and artisan factories. When you arrive, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Sahara’s iconic sands. Continue farther and you’ll see the impressive Erg Chebbi (a sea of windswept dunes) in the distance.
Upon arrival outside of Merzouga, you’ll check into your luxury Bedouin-style tent accommodation and enjoy a short break. Then, just before sunset, hop on a camel for a ride through the dunes as the last light turns the Sahara fiery shades of red and gold. Return to camp for dinner, followed by time relaxing at the campfire as you enjoy traditional Berber music performed by locals.
Day 17: Desert Adventures Around Erg Chebbi
Wake early to catch a Sahara sunrise, then enjoy a 4WD ride over the Erg Chebbi dunes. Afterward, meet with the local nomads, enjoy a cup of tea with a family, and visit a house in the small village of Khemliya to listen to spiritual healing music. Traditionally practiced throughout Morocco and originating from the sub-Saharan region, Gnawa is spiritual music at its roots, although popular maâlems (master musicians) are taking the music mainstream.
In the late afternoon, you’ll have the option to rent a sandboard and test your skills on the dunes or join a quad ATV tour. Afterward, climb the nearest dune and enjoy one more vermillion sunset over the Sahara. Then head back to camp for dinner and more time by the campfire enjoying traditional Berber music under the desert sky.
Day 18: Transfer to Boumalne Dades
After breakfast, you’ll meet your driver and embark on a road trip out of Merzouga west to Boumalne Dades. This city lies in the Dadès Valley of Tinghir Province, home to some of the most scenic landscapes in the country, including river gorges, mountains, and desert plains dotted with ancient towns and kasbahs. The trip takes about 4.5 hours, but along the way, you’ll stop to enjoy fine views of the desert plains, high mountains, and vast plateaus.
First up is the town of Rissani, which you’ll enter through its massive gate. It’s the birthplace of the current Alaoui dynasty, and highlight landmarks include a 19th-century fortress, a large mosque, and a popular souk. Then continue to the desert oasis town of Tinghir. Here you’ll enjoy great views of neighboring villages with traditional adobe houses and vast palm groves that stretch for 30 miles (48 km). Also, you can visit Ali Ait el Haj, the old Jewish quarter, and admire its fascinating architecture.
You’ll pass Todra Gorge again before crossing the Dadès River on your way to Kelâat M’Gouna, the “Valley of the Roses.” Admire the cultivated rose bushes and visit a rose collective, where you’ll learn how artisans convert the petals into rose water and oil for the cosmetic industry. Your final stop is the city of Boumalne Dades, where you’ll check into your accommodation. Enjoy the scenes of arid landscapes and traditional architecture contrasting with the verdant river valley.
Day 19: Transfer to Marrakesh via Aït Benhaddou
Wake up early for the six-hour drive down from the mountains to Marrakesh. Along the way, you’ll stop to admire some historic and cultural landmarks. As you leave Boumalne Dades behind, you’ll pass through the “Valley of the Roses” once again. You might even catch the famous rose festival if you’re here in May. On the roadside, you’ll also likely see vendors selling various crafts made from the flowers.
Then continue to the picturesque town of Ouarzazat, a beautiful mud-brick city featured in productions like “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones.” You’ll even have the option to tour a movie studio here. The town also has a scenic mellah (Jewish quarter) close to the souks and kasbahs.
Soon enough, you’ll reach the medieval Aït Benhaddou, home to Morocco’s most famous kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village dates to the 11th century when it was a major point on the trans-Saharan trade route between the mountains, Marrakesh, and the southern desert. You’ll stop here to explore the old town’s alley, and you can hike up to the old granary for panoramic views of the kasbah and surrounding areas. Afterward, you’ll continue driving out of the mountains down into the plains and the city of Marrakesh, where you’ll check into your hotel.
Day 20: Marrakesh Guided Tour
Meet your local guide this morning and embark on a half-day tour of Morocco’s famous “Red City.” It begins in popular areas like bustling Jemaa el-Fna, the main square in the city’s medina. Nearby is the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, which dates to 1147. Just south of it is the kasbah, home to historic landmarks like the Saadien Tombs, Bahia Palace, and the Jewish Quarter.
Throughout the tour, you’ll browse the souks and vendors in the merchant districts. You’ll also visit Marrakesh’s famous tanneries. The city is known for its leather goods; local families have been plying this trade since the 11th century. Another fun stop is at Majorelle Garden, which French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent once owned. You can wander around this 2-acre (1 ha) garden filled with subtropical plants, bamboo, lilies, and palms. At the end of the tour, you’ll return to your hotel.
Day 21: Depart Marrakesh
You’ve packed as much culture and adventure as possible into these last three weeks. Now it’s time to take the memories home. At the appropriate time, a driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport in Marrakesh, where you’ll catch your departing flight. Bi-salāmah!
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