Madrid - Arrival
Welcome to Madrid!
Welcome to Europamundo!
IMPORTANT: If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information sign with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.
Note: The schedules in this itinerary are for reference. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance your experience.
In the evening, we’ll provide transfers to Plaza Mayor and La Latina, Madrid’s most famous neighborhoods for nightlife and tapas restaurants. You can choose to dine at a restaurant of your preference—options include Indian, Chinese, Spanish, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Madrid
The day will begin around 08:30 a.m. with a city tour through the center of Madrid, featuring landmarks such as Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor.
We´ll then visit Retiro Park, a serene oasis in the heart of the city, where we’ll see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Our next stop will be the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the iconic home of Real Madrid. Here, we’ll explore the areas reserved for players, the public sections, and a small museum dedicated to the team, often hailed as the best in the world.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.
In the evening, we will return to the hotel.
Madrid - Granada
Total distance covered: 450 km.
Scenery: The plains of La Mancha, with the silhouettes of windmills and vast expanses of olive groves in the province of Jaén.
07:45 a.m. – Departure from Madrid (the schedule may vary slightly depending on the pickup points). We will stop in Puerto Lápice, a picturesque town in La Mancha that evokes the spirit of Don Quixote.
01:30 p.m. - Granada - Arrival at the hotel. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon (or the next morning if there are issues obtaining tickets), we will visit the magnificent Alhambra Palace and its beautiful Generalife Gardens, dating back to the Arab era, with a local guide. After the tour, you will have free time. We recommend taking a stroll through the Albaicín neighborhood.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTES:
-The number of visitors allowed into the Alhambra is strictly regulated by law. To ensure your admission, tickets will be issued upon confirming your tour reservation. It´s essential to provide accurate personal details (full name and passport/ID number) at the time of booking. Please be aware that ticket costs are non-refundable in case of cancellation. In rare cases where the Alhambra visit is not possible, we will instead tour the Royal Alcázar of Seville, which offers similar historical and architectural significance.
-To access the Alhambra, you must present the document used to confirm your reservation (passport or ID).
Granada - Asilah - Rabat
Total distance covered: 530 km.
Scenery: We´ll be following the Costa del Sol with views over the Mediterranean Sea and crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. Our journey will continue along areas nearing the Moroccan coast.
Instructions: Remember to bring your passport; it will be necessary at the border. When it strikes 12 o´clock in Spain, it´ll be 10 or 11 o´clock in Morocco, depending on the time of year. Your guide will inform you when to adjust your watch for the time difference.
Note: During the crossing between Spain and Morocco, you must carry your own luggage.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from Granada. Stunning views over the Mediterranean.
11:45 a.m. – Algeciras/Tarifa. We´ll take a ferry and cross the Strait of Gibraltar (tickets included), heading to Africa on a boat. The crossing will take approximately 1.5 hours (we suggest that you have lunch on board). Arrival in the port of Tangier. Customs and border procedures (there are sometimes delays). We´ll continue to Asilah, a small walled city facing the sea. Time for lunch and a walk through its beautiful walled medina.
04:30 p.m. – Departure from Asilah. We´ll continue along the motorway to Rabat, the diplomatic capital of the city, with its special charm.
07:30 p.m. – Rabat. Dinner and accommodation.
Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech
Total distance covered: 350 km.
Scenery: As we continue our journey inland, the landscapes will gradually become drier, transitioning to almost desert-like conditions upon reaching Marrakech.
08:00 a.m. – We’ll embark on a panoramic tour of the Kingdom’s capital, one of the most beautiful places in the country. We´ll see the mighty Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower housing the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the ancient Andalusian walls, the exterior of the Royal Palace, and the modern neighborhoods hosting various embassies. You will have free time to explore at your leisure after the tour.
11:00 a.m. – Departure from Rabat.
12:15 p.m. – Casablanca. Brief tour of this modern city with a local guide. We’ll visit the exterior of the immense Hassan II Mosque: the second largest mosque in the Muslim world (after Mecca). We’ll make a short stop at the Corniche for lunch.
02:30 p.m. - Casablanca, departure towards Marrakech.
05:45 p.m. - Marrakech. Upon arrival we’ll include a 40-minute traditional horse-drawn carriage ride to visit the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa market square, which is always brimming with activity in the afternoon. We’ll continue to the hotel. Dinner and accommodation.
Marrakech
08:15 a.m. - We´ll begin our city tour. Nestled among hundreds of palm trees and surrounded by ochre walls, this exotic city is full of activity and life. We´ll explore its impressive strong walls, the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the colorful Medina, and the Koutoubia Mosque. We´ll also visit the Bahia Palace (tickets included). Lunch will be at the hotel, followed by free time in the afternoon.
In the evening, we recommend the Fantasy dinner show, where you can experience the rich and varied Moroccan folklore.
Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Ourzazate - Boumalne Dades
Total distance covered: 300 km.
Landscapes: Incredibly beautiful views, crossing the Atlas Mountains and passing by picturesque villages perched on the mountainside.
Note: Don´t forget to bring your camera. We also recommend warm clothing for the mountain.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Marrakech. We´ll embark on a journey through the towering Atlas Mountains, a natural barrier separating Marrakech from the Sahara Desert. Along the way, we´ll make a stop in a picturesque mountain village.
01:30 p.m. – Ait Benhaddou, a fortified adobe village declared a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning scenery showcased in numerous films. We’ll have some time for lunch and a leisurely stroll among its mud-brick houses.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Ait Benhaddou.
03:30 p.m. – Ouarzazate. Arrival in this desert city known for its ancient quarter, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its impressive fortress.
04:30 p.m. – Departure from Ouarzazate. We’ll continue through desert plains and the oasis valley.
06:00 p.m. - Boumalne Dades. Enjoy the facilities of our hotel. Dinner and accommodation.
Note: In extremely rare circumstances, the road through the Atlas Mountains may be closed due to weather conditions (snow or flash floods). In such a case, Europamundo will organize the following alternative route: FRIDAY: Marrakech - Essaouira / SATURDAY: Essaouira – Safi - El Jadida - Meknes / SUNDAY: Meknes - Fez.
Boumalne Dades - Todgha - Khorbat - Erfoud
Total distance covered: 280 km.
Scenery: Exceptionally beautiful landscapes through the Valley of the Kasbahs and areas reminiscent of biblical times.
Tip: Wear comfortable footwear. Have you finished reading a book? Consider donating it to the library we´re establishing in Tinejdad!
07:15 a.m. - Departure from Boumalne Dades. We´ll journey through the Valley of the Kasbahs, nestled between the High Atlas and the Saharan Atlas, renowned for its abundance of Kasbahs—adobe fortresses that historically safeguarded crops and villages from nomadic tribes. Along the way, we´ll explore stunning oases, palm groves, and picturesque adobe villages.
09:00 a.m. - Todgha Gorge. You’ll get the chance to explore this deep canyon amidst the Atlas Mountains, one of Morocco´s most stunning landscapes. Enjoy free time here (accessibility may vary due to occasional river flooding after heavy rains).
09:45 a.m. - Departure from Todgha Gorge. As we progress, the desert landscape will become increasingly prominent.
10:45 a.m. - Ksar el Khorbat. Weather permitting, we´ll stop at this adobe oasis town supported by the Europamundo Foundation. You’ll learn about the desert community´s life in these impressive fortified villages.
11:45 a.m. - Departure from Ksar el Khorbat.
02:00 p.m. - Arrival in Erfoud. Enjoy lunch at the hotel and relax in its gardens and pool amidst the desert. Optionally, our guide can arrange an off-road excursion across the Merzouga sand dunes, where you’ll get to see the beautiful sunset and dinner will be included in this unforgettable desert setting.
Erfoud - Midelt - Azrou - Bhalil - Fez
Total distance covered: 430 km.
Scenery: Beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains, transitioning into lush, forested areas.
Note: We’ll ascend to high altitudes in the Atlas, where it can be cold. Please bring warm clothing.
08:00 a.m. – We’ll leave Erfoud early, crossing the Atlas Mountains through powerful gorges and stunning landscapes. Then we’ll traverse a high, cold plateau inhabited by nomadic shepherds.
11:30 a.m. - Stop in Midelt, a central town in this region, supported mainly by agriculture, especially apples, and by stone, fossil, and mineral crafts. Time for a walk and lunch.
01:00 p.m. – Departure from Midelt. We continue our route to the Middle Atlas, observing the dramatic changes in the landscape. We are now in a region with abundant forests, where it snows frequently in winter.
02:45 p.m. - Azrou. We’ll stop in this National Park to visit "The House of Cedars", a small museum that will teach us more about the region. We´ll enjoy watching the colonies of monkeys that inhabit this area.
03:30 p.m. – Departure from Azrou.
04:45 p.m. - Bhalil. Arrival in a small, quiet town home to Berbers of the Middle Atlas, featuring a very picturesque historic center with colorful streets. Traditionally, the population lived in caves, which are now part of the houses.
05:45 p.m. – Departure from Bhalil.
06:15 p.m. - Fez. Arrival in the spiritual heart of Morocco, a maze of alleys, souks, doors, and scents. Before going to the hotel, we’ll admire the view of the city from the Marinid Tombs. Dinner is included.
Fez - Tangier
Total distance covered: 395 km.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. We’ll embark on a city tour of Fez with a local guide. During our visit, we’ll explore the city’s most captivating sites, featuring its iconic architecture and bustling souks. Entering through the Bronze Gates of the Royal Palace, we’ll visit the Jewish quarter, the Tanners´ Quarter, and the vibrant souks. Known as the cultural capital of Morocco, Fez boasts its impressive Medina that retains its traditional Arabian charm. After the tour, we’ll savor a typical Moroccan lunch in a beautiful old palace within the Medina (included).
03:00 p.m. - Departure from Fez. We’ll travel along the modern highway to northern Morocco, passing through the lush Rif valleys, adorned with olive and wheat fields, and regions rich with sugar cane and fruit trees.
08:00 p.m. - Arrival in Tangier. Dinner will be included.
Tangier - Seville
Total distance covered: 280 km.
Scenery: Amazing views over the cliffs and the strait. Pleasant scenery of Andalusian white villages.
Note: Remember to keep your passport close. The departure time of the ferry varies depending on the season. Border formalities may involve delays. Returning to Spain, you will have to put your clocks forward by 1 or 2 hours (depending on the time of the year). Your guide will advise you about the time change.
At about 11:00 a.m. (time may vary), we’ll depart from the port of Tangier. Boarding formalities will take place, and each traveler must carry their bags and hand luggage, as required by the Spanish national security authorities. The crossing will take approximately one hour. We suggest having lunch on the ferry.
Arrival in Algeciras/Tarifa. Our journey will continue through beautiful white villages.
08:30 p.m. - Seville.
Seville
Our visit to Seville will be truly memorable as we blend a bus and walking tour with a scenic boat ride along the Guadalquivir River, offering the best views of the city´s monuments and landmarks.
A local guide will enrich our experience with insights into the history and culture of Andalusia´s capital, starting our journey around nine in the morning. Highlights include the Cathedral and Giralda, Santa Cruz neighborhood, the Guadalquivir riverbanks, Torre del Oro, Maestranza Bullring, Cartuja Island (former Expo site and home to Isla Mágica amusement park), and María Luisa Park with its stunning Plaza de España. The tour, lasting approximately 3 hours including the boat ride, will conclude with free time in the afternoon. Optionally, the guide will offer the opportunity for those interested to visit the cathedral and attend a flamenco performance at a tablao in the evening.
Seville - Mérida - Évora - Lisbon
Total distance covered: 490 km.
Scenery: Attractive landscapes featuring whitewashed villages, mountain ranges, and castles.
Note: Remember to set your watches back one hour when entering Portugal.
09:00 a.m. – Departure from Seville. We’ll travel through pleasant landscapes of gentle mountains and vast pastures toward Extremadura.
11:30 a.m. - Mérida – Arrival in the capital of Extremadura. Admission is included to the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site includes the largest Roman Theater and Amphitheater in the Iberian Peninsula, known for its excellent preservation and as a testament to the importance of entertainment in ancient Rome´s provinces. Mérida has a lively pedestrian historic center with many places to enjoy lunch.
03:30 p.m. – Departure from Mérida. We’ll pass through beautiful landscapes of large meadows as we cross into Portugal and enter the Alentejo region.
04:30 p.m. (Portuguese time) - Évora. We’ll arrive in the capital of Alentejo; one of Portugal´s oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take time to stroll through the historic center, characterized by its whitewashed streets, cathedral, and old churches, offering a taste of southern Portugal.
06:30 p.m. – Departure from Évora.
08:00 p.m. - Lisbon - Arrival and accommodation.
Lisbon.-
Sightseeing tour of Lisbon. In the morning, you’ll enjoy a city tour with a local guide lasting approximately 2 hours. You’ll get to know the Portuguese capital of the seven hills, with its charming alleys, iconic tiles, the feeling of "saudade," and the beautiful Atlantic light. Our tour will include stops at the following points: Eduardo VII Park, Baixa Pombalina (Marquis of Pombal Square, Rossio with views of São Jorge Castle and Alfama), Estrela neighborhood, Estrela Basilica, the Monument of the Discoveries, Belém Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery. The visit will conclude in the city center. You´ll have free time in the afternoon to further explore the city. We recommend taking the Glória Funicular to visit Bairro Alto and the São Pedro viewpoint. Optionally, our guide will offer visits to the picturesque towns of Sintra, with its castle, and Cascais and Estoril by the seaside.
08:30 p.m. - We’ll return to the hotel from the lively Restauradores Square, filled with vibrant bars and cafes.
Lisbon - Fátima - Porto
Total distance covered: 320 km.
Scenery: Pleasant green landscapes, hills, historic cities.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Lisbon.
09:45 a.m. – Fátima. We’ll have time to visit the Sanctuary, a significant pilgrimage site marking the apparitions of Our Lady to the Three Shepherd Children. The chapel was built in 1919 at the location of the 1917 apparitions in Cova de Iria, and the Sanctuary has since expanded to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.
11:30 a.m. – Departure from Fátima.
02:00 p.m. – Porto. We’ll have time for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll go on a panoramic tour of approximately two hours with a local guide of this coastal city at the mouth of the Douro River. The historic center, with its cobbled streets and colorful houses, is renowned for its imposing bridges and has been declared a World Heritage Site. At the end of the panoramic tour, we’ll visit one of its historic cellars where the famous Port wine is produced. You’ll have free time at leisure.
Porto - Bom Jesus Sanctuary - Cambados - Santiago de Compostela
Total distance covered: 270 km.
Scenery: Beautiful green countryside and views over the Rías Baixas.
Note: Remember to bring warm clothes for the boat trip.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from Porto.
09:00 a.m. - Arrival in Braga. We´ll visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus and take a trip on the world’s oldest water-operated cable car. After exploring the sanctuary, we recommend descending via its picturesque staircase.
10:15 a.m. - Departure from Bom Jesus. We´ll head to Galicia with stunning views over the Galician estuaries.
13:00 p.m. (12:00 p.m. in Portugal) - Arrival in Cambados. This historic maritime town offers a glass-bottomed boat trip along the Ría de Arousa, where we´ll learn about mussel farming. Onboard, enjoy wine and mussel tastings. Free time to explore Cambados and have lunch follows.
16:00 p.m. - Departure from Cambados.
16:45 p.m. - Arriving in Santiago de Compostela, you´ll embark on a city tour with a local guide, learning about how St. James has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Wander through the medieval streets of the center and marvel at its majestic cathedral.
Note: On certain dates, particularly during the celebration of St. James’ Day, our groups may need to be accommodated in a city near Santiago.
Santiago de Compostela - Lugo - O Cebreiro - León - Madrid
Total distance covered: 660 km.
Scenery: Green Castilian landscapes and villages.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Santiago. Following the ancient way of St. James, amidst picturesque scenery, we’ll travel to Lugo.
09:30 hrs. - Lugo - arrival and free time, you can stroll around its walls built more than 2000 years ago by the Romans, declared UNESCO World Heritage.
11:00 a.m. Departure from Lugo. We’ll travel to Castile, and on our way, we’ll make a stop at O Cebreiro, a small Galician stone village that shows us this region’s traditional way of life.
02:15 p.m. – León. We’ll have time for lunch and a stroll in this historic city, located on the Way of St. James. Its Gothic cathedral stands out with magnificent stained-glass windows.
04:45 p.m. – Departure from León.
09:00 p.m. – Madrid.
Note: Depending on the group size, the journey from León to Madrid may be done by train or regular transport.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
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