Madrid, Costa del Sol, and Morocco in 18 days

After arriving at Madrid-Barajas Airport, we will be greeted and transferred to our hotel.

We will have the rest of the day to relax and begin enjoying the capital of Spain.

Madrid, lively and awake at all hours, is famous for being an open city where people of all kinds and from anywhere come together.

In addition to its well-known museums, lively avenues with all kinds of shops, world cuisine restaurants, and incomparable nightlife, Madrid surprises with quiet historic corners full of charm for strolls.

There, we will find centuries-old taverns with family traditions where friends gather for a drink, neighborhoods of all styles, and alternative cultural centers away from the more touristy circuits.

At the same time, this city has an authenticity that is hard to match. It is hospitable, diverse, and undoubtedly one of the most interesting in Europe.

Greca Tip: As in any other large city, the center of Madrid offers a diverse variety of gastronomic venues to suit all tastes, where you can taste the traditional local tapas.

The morning begins with the promise of discovering a city that beats between past and present. After breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on a captivating panoramic tour of Madrid. You’ll walk through the Morería quarter, where the echoes of its Andalusian origins still linger, and feel the soul of age-old taverns hidden among medieval alleys. Next, Habsburg Madrid will reveal its Renaissance and Baroque plazas, a legacy of Philip II. Then, the grandeur of Bourbon Madrid unfolds with landmarks like the Royal Palace, the Cibeles Fountain, and the Puerta de Alcalá, shaped by the enlightened vision of Charles III. The elegance of the 19th century shines through in Plaza de Oriente and the Prado Museum, before giving way to the modern pulse of Gran Vía, Paseo de la Castellana, and the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy an excursion to Toledo, a magical city where Christians, Jews, and Muslims once lived in harmony. As you stroll its narrow streets, you’ll admire the majestic Gothic cathedral, the Church of Santo Tomé with El Greco’s Burial of the Count of Orgaz, living relics of a time of cultural coexistence.

At the end of the day, return to Madrid and overnight in the selected hotel category.

Greca Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and take a moment to admire Toledo from the Mirador del Valle. The view of the old town rising above the Tagus River is one that will stay with you forever.

The morning unfolds with the thrill of setting out westward, toward Extremadura, cradle of daring conquistadors who once dreamed of distant worlds. After a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, your journey takes you through landscapes of timeless beauty until you arrive in Mérida, a city where the past refuses to fade.

Once the Roman capital of Lusitania, Mérida still wears its history with pride. As you explore during your free time, you’ll walk the same paths once trodden by emperors and gladiators. The Roman theatre stands majestic and silent, as if awaiting the next performance, while the vast amphitheater whispers tales of courage and spectacle. The ancient bridge over the Guadiana River connects not only two shores, but two eras.

In the afternoon, the road leads you to Córdoba, city of philosophers, poets, and caliphs. Once the glittering capital of Al-Andalus, Córdoba invites you to lose yourself in its narrow streets and centuries-old soul.

Upon arrival, settle in for the evening in your selected hotel category accommodation.

Greca Tip: Don’t rush Mérida. Even a brief pause at the theatre steps, eyes closed, can transport you back two thousand years, no ticket required.

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will start the panoramic tour to Córdoba, you will visit the city including the interior of the famous Mosque/Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter.

Córdoba was an important Roman city and a great Islamic center during the Middle Ages. Its buildings and architecture reflect the coexistence of various religions throughout its history: Christian, Jewish, and Islamic.

After visiting this beautiful city, you will continue the route to Seville where you will have free time to start knowing the city and then check in the hotel where you will stay.

Greca Tip: Seville is the cradle of tapas and although many cities dispute this title, it is said that the origin of tapas goes back to the 16th century when King Alfonso XIII to prevent dirt from getting into his glass, the waiter used a slice of ham to cover the glass.

After a delicious breakfast, we will visit the city accompanied by our guide and explore its most important landmarks. Seville is an emblematic city with a rich historical, cultural, and artistic heritage, making it a favorite destination for visitors from around the world.

We will start our visit at Maria Luisa Park, designed by the French landscape architect Forestier for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. Here, you can appreciate the "neosevillian" style that served as inspiration and influence for other Spanish public parks in the early 20th century.

Next, our tour will take us to the Plaza de España, a semi-elliptical square symbolizing Spain's embrace of its former American territories. It is known as the masterpiece of Sevillian architect Aníbal González and covers a total area of 50,000 square meters, making it undoubtedly the most colossal square in Spain.

The tour concludes with an exterior view of the impressive Cathedral and the Giralda (the name of the bell tower) and a visit to the typical Santa Cruz neighborhood with its streets, squares, and narrow alleys.

The rest of the day will be free for you to continue enjoying this wonderful city.

Greca Tip: Don't forget to visit an authentic Sevillian "tablao" to enjoy a typical regional dance show, "las sevillanas."

After a delicious breakfast, we will head towards our next destination, Ronda, along the White Towns Route.

Ronda is a charming town situated on a gorge overlooking the Guadalevín River. Its historic center is a treasure trove of iconic monuments, including its renowned bullring, one of the most famous in the world. The town is also known for its ancient bridge and Arab baths, adding to its historical and monumental appeal.

You will have free time to explore this beautiful Andalusian town before continuing your journey to the Costa del Sol, a modern and popular tourist destination.

Greca Tip: Don't miss the Puente Nuevo, also known as the New Bridge or El Tajo, a majestic structure with over 200 years of history, symbolizing the city of Malaga.

After breakfast, we will head to the city of Granada. As we reach Sabikah Hill, prepare to be captivated by the rosy walls of the Alhambra Palace. With our "skip-the-line" access, we will enter the palace without delay and embark on a tour of this extraordinary masterpiece.

The Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, will transport you to a realm of opulence and beauty. From the royal palace to the palatial city and fortress, every corner tells a fascinating story.

Accompanied by our guide, you will explore the intricately designed rooms, courtyards, and gardens, discovering the rich history of this 9th-century fortress. The Alhambra showcases a unique blend of Islamic and Renaissance architecture, with the Nasrid and Charles V Palaces showcasing the harmony of these different styles.

Greca Tip: The name "Alhambra" derives from Arabic, meaning "red castle," owing to the reddish hues of its towers and walls.

After a delicious breakfast, we will head north, gradually watching the magnificent city of Madrid emerge before us. Upon arrival, we will go to our hotel to rest after a long day of travel.

Greca Tip: if you still have some energy left, take advantage of the sunset to enjoy a short walk around the hotel area; Madrid reveals itself even in the smallest details.

You will enjoy your breakfast and, at the indicated time, you will be transferred to Madrid-Barajas International Airport to board your next flight.

After you arrive in what was formerly called "Anafé" until the 18th century, to be later rebuilt and renamed by Sultan Mohamed Ben Abadía as "Dar el Beida", Casablanca, an English-speaking person will be waiting for you at your exit to assist you, communicate with you all the details of your itinerary, as well as clear up any doubts or queries you may have and make a brief presentation of the city and its day-to-day life.

The transfer to your hotel will be carried out by one of our air-conditioned vehicles. Once you arrive at the hotel, your assistant will help you with your registration. The rest of the day is for you to relax, and if you wish, start enjoying Casablanca.

Greca Tip: Consult the best gastronomic options in Casablanca with our assistant.

After a tasty breakfast, we will visit Casablanca, starting with the Boulevard of the Corniche, the seafront promenade, and the coastal road, through which we'll reach Anfa (old quarters of the historic city), a famous neighborhood in which its luxurious houses stand out.

The tour will lead to the exterior of the Great Mosque of Hassan II, a monumental and modern work (sliding roof and resistance to earthquakes) that holds the title of the third largest mosque in the world after Mecca and Medina (optionally, you can visit the inside). It is the most representative monument of the 20th century.

We will depart from Casablanca through the road and fertile valleys until we reach Meknes, a World Heritage Site and one of the four imperial cities along with Marrakesh, Fez, and Rabat, the former capital of Morocco.

You will visit the fortified city starting with its walls and great gates: Bab El Mansour Laalej, the largest gate in the country and North Africa; the Agdal pond, built for irrigation in the area; and the Lahdim Square, the epicenter of the city's activity. Then you will have free time for lunch (optional).

Finally, we will arrive in Fez, where we will have dinner and stay overnight.

Greca Tip: It is worth sitting in one of the restaurants in Bab Lahdim Square and watching life go by while having tea or cane juice.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will start our journey with a visit to Fez Royal Palace with its magnificent golden doors. These seven bronze doors, each of different sizes, represent the seven days of the week and the seven levels of the monarchy.

Next, we will explore the Medina, also known as the Old Quarter. Here, we'll have the opportunity to visit the Madrasa Bou Inania, which is an Islamic school. We'll also see the Nejjarine Fountain, one of the most beautiful fountains in the medina and the oldest in Fez.

Additionally, we'll visit the Al-Karaouine Mosque, a significant cultural center of Islam, housing a library with over 30,000 copies. This mosque is also the headquarters of the University of Fez. Lastly, we'll visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, the most revered saint in Morocco.

During our journey, we'll make a stop in the famous neighborhood of the Tanners, which is truly unique in the world.

Later, there will be an optional lunch opportunity. In the afternoon, we will continue our exploration of Fez, visiting its beautiful artisan neighborhoods that are divided by guilds.

Finally, we will return to our hotel to relax and unwind.

Greca Tip: We recommend finding a seat at one of the restaurants in Bab Lahdim Square. From there, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere and observe life in the city while sipping on tea or cane juice.

After a tasty breakfast at the hotel, we will go to the imperial city of Rabat, the capital of the kingdom and the second most populous city in Morocco. The visit will begin with the Royal Palace of Rabat and the seat of government, Dar-el-Makhzen, where more than two thousand people reside.

Later we will visit the Kasbah of the Oudaya, a fortified space of Berber origin dating back to the 12th century, a World Heritage Site. You will continue through the Mausoleum of Mohamed V (10 years of work and the collaboration of more than 400 artists), the unfinished Mosque and the Hassan Tower, and monuments of the Berber dynasty of the 12th century.

At the end of the visit, we will have free time for lunch (optional) and then continue the route to Marrakech, where we will have dinner and stay overnight at the hotel. 

Greca Tip: The Arabic term ribat or rábida refers to the building that functioned as a fortress and monastery in the center of the city.

After a delicious breakfast, we will begin your visit to the city of Marrakech, the magical red city.

Our visit will begin with the Menara Gardens, on the outskirts of the city. These gardens with a 14-hectare park in the center of which is an immense 12th-century pond. Later you will go to the city center to see the majestic Koutoubia minaret, the twin tower of the Giralda in Seville. You will also visit the Bahia Palace, built in the 19th century.

We will have lunch in the hotel and, later, you will continue the tour in a magical place: the Yemaa el Fna Square, declared a World Heritage Site.

In the morning, you will find sellers of orange juice and other fruit, wicker baskets, souvenirs, sweets, jewelry, dentists, healers, and commissioned writers. This universe becomes particularly fascinating at nightfall when the square is lit up with a thousand lights.

We will have free time on the afternoon and we will retourn to our hotel for accommodation.

Greca Tip: Try a fabulous orange juice in Djemaa el Fna Square, you won't regret it.

After enjoying our breakfast, With hearts full of anticipation, we set off toward the legendary fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, crossing the majestic Tizi N’Tichka pass, located at 2,260 meters above sea level. Along the way, the stunning High Atlas Mountains offer breathtaking landscapes.

Upon arrival, we will explore the iconic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This marvel of traditional Moroccan architecture has served as a filming location for major productions such as Lawrence of Arabia, Troy, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones, among many others.

After the visit, you will have the option to enjoy a free lunch in this historic setting. In the afternoon, we continue our journey south, crossing the vast and fertile Draa Valley, dotted with palm groves and ancient Berber villages.

By evening, we will arrive in Zagora, where a well-deserved dinner and overnight stay at the hotel await you, surrounded by the enchanting atmosphere of the approaching desert.

Greca Tip: Ait Benhaddou is not only captivating for its beauty; if you look closely, you may notice symbols of protection carved into the clay doors—an inheritance of ancient Berber wisdom.

We will enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then, we say goodbye to Zagora and begin our journey toward Erfoud, immersing ourselves in increasingly arid and mysterious landscapes, filled with the unmistakable charm of southern Morocco.

Our first stop will be in Tamgroute, a small village renowned for its traditional pottery center, where ancestral techniques are still used to create green-glazed ceramics, unique to Morocco.

The route continues through the picturesque villages of Tansikht, Nkob, Tazzarine, and Alnif, offering spectacular views of the pre-Saharan scenery, dotted with oases and red-hued mountains. In Alnif, you will have the option to enjoy a free lunch before we carry on.

In the afternoon, we head toward Erfoud, with a brief stop in Rissani, birthplace of the influential Alaouite dynasty, the current royal family of Morocco.

By the end of the day, we will arrive in Erfoud, where a comforting dinner and overnight stay at the hotel await you.

For adventurous souls, we recommend purchasing an unforgettable 4x4 excursion to the Merzouga dunes, where you can truly feel the immensity of the desert.

Greca Tip: In Tamgroute, don’t miss the chance to visit its mystical Koranic library, a hidden gem that houses centuries-old manuscripts written on leather and palm bark.

After relishing an exquisite breakfast, if the clouds permit, we will have the wonderful opportunity to attend the captivating sunrise show amidst the breathtaking dunes of Merzouga (optionally).

At the agreed time, we will depart for Tinghir, where we will discover one of the most magnificent landscapes of our trip—the Todra Gorges. This remarkable rocky canyon is renowned as one of the world's most spectacular, attracting climbers from far and wide.

We will have some free time for lunch (optional) before continuing our journey towards Ouarzazate, also known as the "door of the desert." Along the way, we will traverse the famed "route of the kasbahs," a series of impressive adobe fortresses featuring battlemented towers made of raw brick.

Additionally, we will pass through the enchanting "City of Roses" (Kelaa de los Mgguna), a small fortified village known for cultivating the damask rose—a highly prized species that thrives even in harsh conditions. Its blooming season extends from mid-April to mid-May, adding to the village's allure.

Upon our arrival in Ouarzazate, we will embark on a brief panoramic tour of this captivating city before heading to the hotel, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night.

Greca Tip: A visit to the City of Roses presents a wonderful opportunity to purchase rose water or fragrances, allowing us to bring home a cherished memento of our journey.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will be picked up to start your journey back to Casablanca. We will make a stop on the way for lunch (optional) in Marrakech and then you will continue to Casablanca where you will check in at the hotel and have the rest of the day free, to rest and say goodbye to the city.

At night you will have dinner at the hotel and stay overnight.

Greca Tip: Remember that you can include lunches for the entire tour by purchasing the "Full Board" supplement when making your reservation!

After an exquisite breakfast and at the agreed time, we will be transferred to Casablanca's Airport.

After spending a few fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see you again to enjoy some wonderful moments that will remain forever in your memory.

Have a good trip! Or, as you will say yourself: "Rihlat saeida!".

Greca Tip: If you think that your stay was too short, you can add additional nights at the time of your booking.