Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

Europe’s Gateway to Africa From Sunny Spain to Mesmerising Morocco

Spain – Morocco – Barcelona – Seville – Tangier – Rabat – Fes

Starting from between £2400 to £3350 per person for 10 days depending on the season of travel, advance booking time and the accommodation and activities chosen

Itinerary Highlights

  • Chart a captivating course through Spain and Morocco on this ten-day cross-continental adventure
  • Wield skip-the-line tickets to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
  • Enjoy a private tour of the Kasbah in Tangier with a local guide
  • Discover the delights of Rabat on a private tour of the city
  • Journey to Fes via a hat-trick of heritage in Volubilis, Meknes and Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
  • Benefit from our Original Services: expert guides, local Concierges, 100% carbon absorption and more
Embrace the contrast of two continents on this ten-day trip between the sunny sites of Spain and the majestic medleys of Morocco. Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, seamlessly switch between Europe and Africa while hitting up a slew of UNESCO-listed cities along the way, including Barcelona, Seville, Rabat, Volubilis, Meknes and Fes – a pretty impressive line-up.

Hit the ground running in buzzy Barcelona, spending a day dotting between architectural showstoppers before riding the rails to Seville, where traces of Arab heritage already start to peek through in the art lining the city’s walls and the dishes populating its menus.

Next, cruise across the Strait of Gibraltar to land in Tangier, Morocco’s lively port city, then travel down the coast to Rabat for more seaside scenes and rich history. Finally, trade the tracks for the road as you head east to Fes via the storied sites of Volubilis, Meknes and Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. Your next pub quiz opponents aren’t going to know what hit them…
Park Guell - Barcelona - Spain © Getty Images/iStockphoto
Park Guell - Barcelona - Spain © Getty Images/iStockphoto
Seville - Spain © Fabian Navarro/Unsplash
Seville - Spain © Fabian Navarro/Unsplash
Barcelona - Spain © Droits reservés
Barcelona - Spain © Droits reservés
Train - Spain © Thanos Pal/Unsplash
Train - Spain © Thanos Pal/Unsplash
Barcelona - Spain © Gunnar Knechtel/LAIF-REA
Barcelona - Spain © Gunnar Knechtel/LAIF-REA
Seville - Spain © Michael Martinelli/Unsplash
Seville - Spain © Michael Martinelli/Unsplash
Tangier - Morocco © Faustine Poidevin
Tangier - Morocco © Faustine Poidevin
Tangier - Morocco © Faustine Poidevin
Tangier - Morocco © Faustine Poidevin
Rabat - Morocco © Birgit Sfat
Rabat - Morocco © Birgit Sfat
Train © Christian Lue/Unsplash
Train © Christian Lue/Unsplash
Rabat - Morocco © Birgit Sfat
Rabat - Morocco © Birgit Sfat
Fes - Morocco © Birgit Sfat
Fes - Morocco © Birgit Sfat
Morocco © Birgit Sfat
Morocco © Birgit Sfat
Volubilis - Morocco © Framopia/Unsplash
Volubilis - Morocco © Framopia/Unsplash
Fes - Morocco © Carlos Leret/Unsplash
Fes - Morocco © Carlos Leret/Unsplash
Tarifa - Spain © Tom Lorber/Unsplash
Tarifa - Spain © Tom Lorber/Unsplash

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Double-check you have your passports, suncream and camera, because today, you’re off to northern Spain for the European leg of your cross-continental adventure. Head to the station, hop aboard the Eurostar and travel to Paris, where you’ll transfer to a Barcelona-bound train. The journey takes around two-and-a-half hours, but don’t worry – the Spanish tend to enjoy a late dinner, so you’ll have no problem scouting a spot.

When you arrive, check in for one night in a central hotel, then drop your bags, grab some fantastic food and hit the hay to prepare for the adventures of tomorrow...

Rise and shine – it’s time to lay your eyes on an icon. Tuck into a delicious breakfast this morning before heading to the Sagrada Familia, armed with coveted skip-the-line tickets. A superstar of a monument, this beautiful building is the tallest in the world and is (technically) still being built.

Once you’ve oohed and aahed at this stunning site, wander across the street to one of Gaudi's most famous facades: Casa Battlo. This colourful and eccentric masterpiece was designed in 1904 and offers regular guided tours, along with some truly tasteful merch.

This afternoon, bid Barcelona a fond farewell as you ride the rails six hours south to Seville. Arrive, check in for two nights in the historic city centre and, having paused to unpack and divvy up the sides of the bed, venture out in search of dinner – your trusty Concierge will be on hand to point you in the right direction.

Proudly perched on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Seville is brimming with well-worn beauty and religious charm. As the birthplace of painters like Diego Velazquez and Bartolome Murillo, it’s also a certified capital of European art. This, combined with the healthy smattering of bars and taverns that line the streets, makes the city a delight to discover on foot.

While you’re strolling between Seville’s stunning sites, be sure to take a detour to the world-famous Maestranza bullring, where you can delve into the country’s longstanding love affair with the sport through a series of fascinating exhibits.

To refuel after your wanderings, don’t forget to stop for some tasty tapas – an iconic component of the Spanish culinary scene.

Adios, Spain – the African leg of your cross-continental adventure starts today. After breakfast, meet your private driver and transfer to the port of Tarifa, where you’ll don your seafaring caps to catch the ferry to Tangier.

Having cruised across the Strait of Gibraltar, strap in for another private transfer (lucky you), head to your hotel and check in for the next two nights.

This evening, work up an appetite for dinner with a stroll to the beachfront, where you can gaze out over the point where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Unsurprisingly, seafood is the standout star on the menus here.

Affectionately known as Europe’s gateway to Africa, Tangier has historically acted as a bridge for people, trade and culture between the two continents. Today, immerse yourself in this beautiful blend of cultures with a private tour of the Kasbah.

Accompanied by a friendly local guide, venture out into the citadel’s vibrant streets. Among the local icons, visit the Tangier Donkey Museum (dedicated to the country’s national animal), the historical Dar Niaba Museum and the Mandoubia Gardens, where you can learn about the area’s political past while admiring the oldest and largest tree in the city.

Feeling peckish after all that walking? Put rumbling stomachs to rest with a mouth-watering medley of grilled seafood and tasty tagine this evening.

Feast on a final Tangier breakfast this morning to fuel up before today’s adventures. After being privately transferred to the train station, stock up on snacks and board the one-hour-and-30-minute train to Rabat – time to break out those long-journey playlists.

When you pull into the station, meet your private driver, who’ll whisk you away into the heart of the city – your home for the next two nights. Then, drop your bags and set off on an evening exploration of the medina’s medley of attractions.

Today, it’s time to embark on a private walking tour of Rabat, diving deep into the rich history and vibrant culture of the Cherifian capital.

Start at the Oudaya Kasbah, an impressive ribat (fortified outpost) built by the Almohads in the 12th century. From here, head to Hassan Tower, a 144ft minaret perched atop an incomplete mosque, then continue to the archaeological site of Chellah, where the remains of a Roman city and the traces of the Merinid Berber settlers have been preserved in a fortified necropolis. Spooky.

Round out your ramble around Rabat with a visit to the Dar al Makhzen, a ravishing royal palace built in the 19th century. Once you’ve wandered through these regal rooms, revive yourself with a coffee break (or, since you’re on holiday, a refreshing cocktail) before turning your thoughts towards dinner.

Enjoy one last breakfast overlooking the coast this morning before meeting your private driver for the final leg of your trip. The journey to Fes takes two hours, giving you plenty of time to dip into our destination-specific playlist and ramp up the road trip vibes.

Along the way, stop to visit Volubilis, Meknes and Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, enjoying private tours of each in the company of a local guide.

First, head to the archaeological estate of Volubilis, full of mosaics, Roman remains and olive oil (yes, really), then visit UNESCO-listed Meknes, a former imperial city dating back to the eighth century. Finally, set your sights on Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. This sacred town is home to the tomb of Idriss I, the founder of Fes, who died in Volubilis – quite the full-circle moment.

When you reach Fes this afternoon, settle in for two nights at yet another charming hotel before feasting on some fabulous food and sinking into bed.

Wake bright and early this morning, because today is the last full day of your cross-continental adventure.

After breakfast, hit the ground running with a private tour of the city. Known as Morocco’s artistic, intellectual and spiritual hub, Fes is an immersive labyrinth of winding alleys, vibrant colours and rich aromas – and how better to uncover the secrets of this enticing landscape than with the guidance of a clued-up local?

Between explorations of the city’s historical, architectural and spiritual icons, you’ll meet a series of local musicians, Sufis (practitioners of the mystical branch of Islam) and craftsmen to learn about their stories, talents and expert know-how. Talk about a behind-the-scenes experience.

To end your day of discovery, satisfy your taste buds with a classic Moroccan meal. Just ask your Concierge for restaurant recommendations and prepare to be served plates stacked with pomegranate-studded couscous, simmering kofta meatballs and perfectly crisp baklava. Yes, please.

Sadly, the day has come to leave the picturesque pastures of Morocco behind and head home. Wake to the golden sunlight this morning and take one last look at the views before heading to the airport, whizzing through security and settling into the lounge to wait for departure.

The return flight takes just over three hours, giving you plenty of time to whittle down your camera roll and start drafting up that envy-inducing holiday post.

Suggestions

Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included

PRIVATE TOUR OF HISTORIC SEVILLE

Add some context to your cavorting around Seville with a private tour of the city with a local guide. Along the way, stop to admire the cathedral and its bell tower, then head to the Royal Alcazar for some majestic Mudejar architecture. You can also explore the Jewish quarter and the Casa Lonja de Mercaderes (the mercantile exchange building), which houses the General Archive of the Indies.

WITH A FEW MORE DAYS...
SWAP THE RETURN FLIGHT FOR A RAIL JOURNEY

If you fancy extending your time on the tracks, swap your return flight from Fes for one last epic train journey (plus a few road transfers). You’ll ride the rails via Chefchaouen, Morocco's famous Blue City, Cordoba, which has the highest concentration of UNESCO sites in any city worldwide, and Barcelona, which needs no introduction. This one’s for those who want to lean into that age-old adage: it’s about the journey, not the destination.

Why visit Spain with Original Travel ?

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

Enquire now

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Spain

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

Why visit Morocco with Original Travel ?

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

Enquire now

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Morocco

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

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Estimated Price

Dependent on the season of travel, advance booking time and the accommodation and activities chosen

The cost for this trip starts from £2,400 to £3,350 per person.

The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote.

The average starting price for this trip is £2,800 per person.

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