21 Days,
Barcelona to Barcelona
Travel to Spain and beyond!
Visiting 3 countries: Spain, Morocco, Portugal
Venture to the vibrant cities, cultures and landscapes of Portugal, Spain and Morocco on this epic trip with oh-so-much flavour. As we make our way from buzzing Barcelona to metropolitan Madrid, we’ll discover Spain’s fascinating history, while sampling delectable dishes and experiencing firsthand the fabulous fiesta spirit that’s ingrained in this part of the Mediterranean. Add to that the magic of Morocco and the beachside havens of Portugal, and you’ve got yourself one tasty trip. Salud!
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Day 1:
Barcelona, Spain
Bienvenidos to the city of art nouveau, alluring accents and most importantly, tapas. Meet and greet your fellow travellers before getting your bearings on a guided tour of bustling Barca, ticking off the likes of Sagrada Familia, the Columbus Monument and Las Ramblas. Then: fuel up for the notorious nightlife with a feast of local cuisine.
Included today:
-Driving tour of Barcelona
Meals:
-Dinner
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Day 2:
Barcelona to Valencia
A whole morning in Barcelona and the chance to catch up on anything you might have missed yesterday. Then we head to Valencia with a pit stop at the Cava Caves. Lose yourself down the dark narrow tunnels and spiralling staircases of these mazy structures.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Valencia
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Explore the depths of Spain's Cava caves
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Day 3:
Valencia
We've cleared your schedule to explore the birthplace of paella (and obviously dig into copious amounts of the local dish). Check out the Old Quarter for some serious throwback charm or just, you know, hit the beach. We won't judge. Word has it that valencia is home to the paella dish. The Spaniards have been experimenting for years and have perfected the recipe. Think: a hot mix of rice, spice, seafood and everything else in between.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Nightlife tour of Valencia
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Day 4:
Valencia to Granada
Wake up to a scenic drive to Granada, the last Moorish city in Spain to fall to the Christians, and gear up to discover why this is the hottest destination in Andalusia.
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 5:
Granada
Feign royalty on a guided tour of the Alhambra, a former palace city dating back to the Muslim Nasrid Dynasty that ruled the region for more than two centuries. Once you leave the regal grounds, take in the impressive Moorish architecture within the Albayzín district against a backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Cue: an endless stream of Instagram-worthy pics. Seal the deal by treating yourself to some local cuisine for dinner. Tip: most places serve free tapas with your beverage. Win!
Included today:
-Guided tour of the Alhambra
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 6:
Granada to Asilah, Morocco
Make your way to the whitewashed wonder that is the seaside town of Asilah and get snap-happy in between Spanish feasts. Feeling more like a Greek island village, this place will impress with its burgeoning art scene and drool-worthy selection of tapas restaurants.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 7:
Asilah to Fes
Today you'll discover why the oldest and largest medieval city in the world is better known for its food. Work up an appetite on our drive through the Moroccan landscape, we're going local for dinner again tonight. In other words: tagine.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 8:
Fes
Tick 'em off with a local guide: royal palace, Jewish neighbourhood, UNESCO-listed medina and leather tannery. Then hunt down a hammam and lose yourself in the labyrinth of souks and cobblestone streets. Bring your bargaining pants and embrace the centuries-old tradition of paying what you want for things, not what you're told they cost. Bargains can be had if you're willing to put in the lip service. Relax with some mint tea afterwards and congratulate yourself on your bargaining prowess.
Included today:
-Guided tour of Fes
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 9:
Fes
Spend the day amongst the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the once ruling centre of the Roman province of Mauritania. The ancient site dates back to 40 AD, which explains why the ville nouvelle, or 'new city' neighborhood of Fes bears its name despite being 700 years old. Also: a visit to the World Heritage listed city of Meknes.
Included today:
-Guided tour of Volubilis
-Visit the historic city of Meknes
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 10:
Fes to Seville, Spain
Leave the tajines for paella and the Moorish brilliance that is the Alcazar. Seville was founded 3,000 years ago by Hercules and Sevillanos are extremely proud of their city. Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (the palace on Naboo), Kingdom of Heaven and Games of Thrones (season 5) were all filmed or partly filmed here. When you look as good as Seville it's hard not to show off.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Seville
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 11:
Seville
The royal tour continues in Seville with the likes of the Real Alcazar. The palace is the most stunning example of Mudéjar architecture found on the Iberian Peninsula. Also on the schedule: Plaza de Sappan and the Cathedral of Seville. Your date tonight: an optional hot and spicy flamenco show.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Flamenco show in Seville
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Day 12:
Seville to Lisbon, Portugal
Flirt with Spain's girl next door and discover why Lisbon is basically the San Francisco of Europe. Find (or lose) your bearings on a guided tour of the undulating capital and let the Jeronimos Monastery and the World Heritage listed Belem Tower feed your daily dose of history. A local meal will sustain a night of dancing in Bairro Alto. Oi!
Included today:
-Driving tour of Lisbon
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 13:
Lisbon
Get friendly with the capital city on foot and keep an eye out for all things Portuguese. Get lost in the medieval maze that is Alfama, the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon, or venture up to São Jorge Castle for epic views and a history lesson on Moorish culture. Afterwards, wind down in the Lisbon Botanical Gardens - a city oasis which is the result of a king wanting one of every type of plant in the world. He didn't quite get all of them but came pretty close. Sprawl out, have a picnic and get in touch with nature (while also seeking some respite from all your exploring!).
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 14:
Lisbon to Porto
If you think Porto has something to do with port wine, you're right. A quick stop in Sintra to visit the Palácio Nacional da Pena, and Vila Nova de Gaia, then we hit the cellars! Cue raised pinkies and pretentious dialogue.
Included today:
-Visit to Sintra
-Guided tour of a port cellar & port tasting
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 15:
Porto
Check out Ribeira, the famous old town of Porto, on a guided walking tour. Medieval streets, quirky alleyways and hand-painted azulejos culminate in a stunning port with traditional fishing boats bobbing along the river shores. UNESCO rates it and so should you. Then: rest your legs on an optional cruise down the Douro river.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Porto
Meals:
-Breakfast
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Day 16:
Porto to Madrid, Spain
On to the old haunts of Picasso, Dali, Miro and a number of enviably creative artists from the ritzy 1920s. But first: optional visit to Salamanca, one of the most spectacular renaissance cities in Europe and home to the oldest university in Spain. Walking tour included, selfies optional.
Included today:
-Driving tour of Madrid
-Visit Salamanca
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 17:
Madrid
Another day to roam free. Check out the Royal Palace, home to one of Europe's oldest monarchies, then stroll through the expansive Plaza Mayor. Get your art fix at the Prado Museum or make like a local at one of the buzzing bistros at Malasaña - an uber trendy, neighbourhood with a unique character and a provocative past. You can't lose. Or just kick back and relax in the botanical gardens.
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Food tour of Madrid
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Day 18:
Madrid to San Sebastian
Onward to San Sebastian via the Valley of the Fallen and Segovia, another World Heritage-listed city. Let's just say dinner will be well deserved, you history buffs, you.
Included today:
-Visit the Valley of the Fallen
-Guided tour of Segovia
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 19:
San Sebastian
(Attempt to) catch some waves or soak up the sun. Either way, you'll experience why this Basque hotspot is known for its beaches. And of course it's infectious tapas culture. Pintxos, a local range of bite size snacks served on sticks (think olives, but bigger mouthfuls) are all the rage in this region. Head to Parte Vieja to gorge yourself at the city's most popular pintxo bars.
Included today:
-Walking tour of San Sebastian
Meals:
-Breakfast
Optional activities:
-Surfing in San Sebastian
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Day 20:
San Sebastian to Barcelona
First stop today is Zaragoza then it's on to Barcelona for a final sangria to celebrate (or commiserate) the end of another adventure. Salud!
Included today:
-Visit Zaragoza
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
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Day 21:
Barcelona
Should you stay or should you go? Your call, but we're outta here after breakfast.
Meals:
-Breakfast