Spain, Portugal & Morocco Trail - Winter

Welcome to Spain! Join up with your new crew today and we'll start our adventure by heading to Córdoba. Flowers adorn storybook balconies & charming little lanes will take your breath away in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, overflowing with history. We'll make our way to the Mezquita (The Great Mosque of Cordoba), the perfect way to spend a few hours. We’re keeping it cosy this evening, with a tasty included dinner. Good food, great company!

• Visit the Great Mosque of Córdoba

Ready to explore more of Andalucía? This morning we'll set our sights on sun-soaked Seville. 13th Century architecture and one of the world's biggest cathedrals wait for us in the passionate arms of Southern Spain's capital, Seville. We'll be seduced with a guided stroll of the city, admiring the city's river, Mudéjar palaces & aristocratic mansions. Just be sure to save some energy for our optional EatWith dining experience tonight, an authentic feast.

Another day free to explore Seville? Don't mind if we do. Take a wander through picturesque Barrio Santa Cruz, visit the Alcazar (a Game of Thrones location for those in the know) and explore winding medieval lanes to your heart's delight.

We couldn't think of a more perfect way to say goodbye to Spain, and say goodbye we must, because our agenda today sees us moving westwards on the Iberian peninsula to Portugal. Petiscos and pastéis de nata await! Welcome to yet another example of incredible Europe – how can countries sit so geographically close yet be so distinctly different? Here in Lisbon, vintage looking trams roll down cobbled streets and tiny intricate tiles make everything beautifully picturesque. With plenty of time for exploring tomorrow, you're free to take to the streets but we suggest you indulge in a Portuguese feast on your first night here!

• Get to know Belém

This morning, we'll hop on a train to Sintra, trading city streets for colourful palaces, winding lanes and a slower pace of life. Spend some time exploring this storybook town, where grand architecture, leafy hillsides and charming cafes make it easy to see why it's one of Portugal's most-loved destinations. Looking for things to do? We recommend a stop-off at Quinta da Regaleira – Sintra’s mesmerising manor house. Back in the capital, the afternoon is yours to do as you please. Wander Lisbon's atmospheric neighbourhoods, settle into a local cafe, hunt down another pastel de nata, or simply soak up the laid-back Portuguese way of life. With free time on your side, there's plenty of opportunity to explore at your own pace, or opt in to join us for delicious seafood at a local restaurant.

• Explore Sintra
• Get to know Lisbon

After breakfast this morning we'll head north to Porto, but not before stopping en route at Cascais. Our stop today is in the coastal town of Cascais, known for its stunning beaches and tasty seafood. Stroll along the marina or opt in for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER™ experience hosted by local residents: a street art tour showcasing the culture of a neighbourhood shaking off old perceptions by creating an urban art gallery unlike anywhere in the world. We'll arrive at the home of... you guessed it... Port. Relax and chat about tomorrow's Porto plans, or opt to catch a traditional Portuguese singing show!

We have a free day in Porto today which you can choose to fill with any activity that'll fill your heart's desires! Head to the beach or the famous Livreria Lello, explore Porto's culture through art museums and tours of the winding streets. Maybe you want to join the group and set off for a fabulous food tour to get your fill of all that Portuguese goodness? Hang out with your friends, take it solo - the day is 100% yours.

See ya Portugal, you've shown us all your best places and we're feeling very thankful! We'll have some free time to check out a fortified city on the Spain/Portugal border - that dates back all the way to the Roman Empire (true story!). Rolling back over the border to Spain, we'll settle for the night in Salamanca. We're just 2 hours from Madrid but somehow Salamanca feels like a whole other world, with a 13th century University, mysteriously futuristic gargoyles and characters on a 16th century Cathedral, and a Palace dotted with carved stone shells. After orienting ourselves to the city (with the option of learning about the women who shaped its history) we'll have some free time to find some food (think cheeses, cured meats, wine & sweet almond cookies) and explore more this evening.

Satisfied with our time in Salamanca, we'll make our way back to Madrid with a stop in Ávila. Ávila is best known for its perfectly preserved 11th century medieval walls, protecting the medieval UNESCO World Heritage-listed city inside. We'll stop to admire them before jumping back in the coach, bound for Madrid. Back where it all began, again! Here in Madrid you'll be able to make the most of our night together with an optional dinner of traditional food at an iconic Spanish restaurant near the Plaza Mayor.

Madrid, you've been great. But it's time to say goodbye to Europe, because we're flying a bit further down south to soak in the intoxicating vibes of Morocco. It's time to let our senses guide us as we arrive in the colourful city of Marrakesh. We'll spend the evening enjoying North African aromas and spices ahead of a full day exploring tomorrow.

Today we'll get to explore the sights and sounds of Marrakesh on a sightseeing tour and discover what this city is all about. You'll see the Koutoubia Mosque & Jemaa El-Fna along the way, and if you're craving a IG boost, sign up for an optional visit to the Bahia Palace. Then its time to move on to our next destination... Welcome the Casablanca, the iconic city of Hollywood legend. For our first adventure, we'll wander La Corniche and soak up all of those coastal views.

Today we'll get to explore the elegant city of Casablanca and admire the Moorish buildings. You'll also have the option to pay a visit to the iconic Hassan II Mosque, the largest functioning one in all of Africa. More astounding architectural sights are in store in Rabat, as we visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum, tour Hassan and see the gilded royal palace. We then make our way to Chefchaouen, keeping our eyes peeled for the iconic blue buildings. Cameras at the ready: we'll explore Chefchaouen's most iconic insta spot - the 'Blue City' - whilst also uncovering the likes of Place Outa Hamam, Kasbah, and the local markets.

• See the landmarks of Rabat
• Tour Chefchaouen with a guide

After breakfast this morning, we’ll make our way to Fes… with a stop-off in Volubilis along the way. Welcome to Volubilis – once a Roman settlement, and Morocco’s largest ancient attraction to this day (it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site). We’ll get to explore this marvellous site on a walking tour with a local guide. We'll travel through the Rif mountains to the cultural capital of Fes and check in to our hotel, ready for a full day of exploration tomorrow.

• Tour Volubilis

Welcome to Fes, Morocco's famed cultural capital - known for its medieval architecture and old-world atmosphere. Today you'll see the sights while also learning about the art of making carpets, handicrafts and how to shop medina style. Tonight, we’re off for an optional Moroccan feast… with live entertainment too.

• Tour Fes with a local guide

Today we drive into the High Atlas Mountains, North Africa's highest mountain range as we make our way over to Erfoud. Expect to see some staggering peaks and breath-taking views, whilst making some pit stops in the gorgeous towns of Ifrane and Midelt, sitting between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountains. All before making base and enjoying some dinner in Erfoud, an oasis town situated in the mist of the Sahara Desert.

• Stay at Kasbah Tizimi Hotel Erfoud

Erfoud, it's been a blast, but move on we must! We'll be making a charming stop for a home visit where we'll enjoy local Berber hospitality and plenty of Moroccan mint tea. Back on the road but we'll be making a stop in Rissani for a lazy lunch and maybe a cheeky swim (just what we need)! We've arrived, but we're not stopping yet. Enjoy an optional visit to the Barber Music Center for some culture. Then in the evening, we'll swap the coach out for some camels and trek into the Sahara Desert for some beautiful sunset views. For dinner you'll be treated to a traditional Berber feast inside a traditional Berber tent before settling in for the night.

• Stay at La Caravane Berber Camp
• Trek through desert on a camel
• Join a Berber Tea Ceremony MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

We're back on the road, and today it's time to unleash your inner Gladiator. After driving the iconic 1000 kasbahs and eating lunch at the beautiful oasis of Tinghir, we’ll head off to Todra Gorge. Here you’ll have the chance to do some hiking and visit a Date Palmerie. Afterwards, you can visit Tatefy, a local women’s cooperative on the edge of the Dades Valley, known for its tea and baked goods (a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience). Once you're full and ready to go we will explore Ouarzazate - an iconic city you'll recognise from films including Kingdom of Heaven and Gladiator.

• Visit a Women's Cooperative MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

It's the final full day and time to head back to Marrakesh. But first we'll enjoy some traditional treats, including stopping at a local traditional argan oil cooperative to learn the different techniques and traditional ways of producing this fragrant oil - which helps to support the ladies of the cooperative and their families (a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience). Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. And besides, we're not done yet. Before you bid farewell to magical Morocco, you’ll have the chance to take a cooking class with a local family learning all about Moroccan hospitality and even have the chance to get a traditional Hammam Spa treatment.

• Visit an Argan Oil Co-op MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
• Hang out at Jemaa El-Fna Square

You've seen the sights, tasted the culinary delights - It's been emotional! But all good things must come to an end. It's time for all the hugs and most likely a few tears as we bid a farewell and start planning the reunion!