10 Days - Treasures of Southern Spain & Morocco [Malaga to Barcelona]
Itinerary
Day Malaga, SpainArrive 01:00 PM Depart 11:59 PM
While Málaga was long considered just a stopover on the way to southern Spains Costa del Sol beach resorts, in recent years a buzz has developed around the Andalucian city. There is a brand-new $100 million port promenade filled with restaurants and a bold new branch of Pariss Centre Pompidou built in the form of a colorful glass cube. A handful of other major new museums include one devoted to one of the citys most famous sons, Pablo Picassoits also the hometown of another famous Spanish export, actor Antonio Banderas. Where once many buildings were dilapidated, an entire swath of the historic center is now pedestrianized and filled with shoppers, diners and street musicians. Tapas bars with outdoor tables line the old towns Calle Strachan, while all over Málaga a boom in fine dining is taking place. The city makes a fine base for day trips to many of Andalucías most famous sites. Unlike many southern Spanish cities, Málaga doesnt really shut down over the hot summer months; its waterfront location helps keep temperatures from soaring to uncomfortable heights. The 10-day summer Feria is becoming more popular each year, drawing visitors with its calendar of bullfights as well as dancing and drinkingactivities the citys residents enjoy before and after the Feria too.
While Málaga was long considered just a stopover on the way to southern Spains Costa del Sol beach resorts, in recent years a buzz has developed around the Andalucian city. There is a brand-new $100 million port promenade filled with restaurants and a bold new branch of Pariss Centre Pompidou built in the form of a colorful glass cube. A handful of other major new museums include one devoted to one of the citys most famous sons, Pablo Picassoits also the hometown of another famous Spanish export, actor Antonio Banderas. Where once many buildings were dilapidated, an entire swath of the historic center is now pedestrianized and filled with shoppers, diners and street musicians. Tapas bars with outdoor tables line the old towns Calle Strachan, while all over Málaga a boom in fine dining is taking place. The city makes a fine base for day trips to many of Andalucías most famous sites. Unlike many southern Spanish cities, Málaga doesnt really shut down over the hot summer months; its waterfront location helps keep temperatures from soaring to uncomfortable heights. The 10-day summer Feria is becoming more popular each year, drawing visitors with its calendar of bullfights as well as dancing and drinkingactivities the citys residents enjoy before and after the Feria too.

Day Malaga, SpainDeparts 06:00 PM
While Málaga was long considered just a stopover on the way to southern Spains Costa del Sol beach resorts, in recent years a buzz has developed around the Andalucian city. There is a brand-new $100 million port promenade filled with restaurants and a bold new branch of Pariss Centre Pompidou built in the form of a colorful glass cube. A handful of other major new museums include one devoted to one of the citys most famous sons, Pablo Picassoits also the hometown of another famous Spanish export, actor Antonio Banderas. Where once many buildings were dilapidated, an entire swath of the historic center is now pedestrianized and filled with shoppers, diners and street musicians. Tapas bars with outdoor tables line the old towns Calle Strachan, while all over Málaga a boom in fine dining is taking place. The city makes a fine base for day trips to many of Andalucías most famous sites. Unlike many southern Spanish cities, Málaga doesnt really shut down over the hot summer months; its waterfront location helps keep temperatures from soaring to uncomfortable heights. The 10-day summer Feria is becoming more popular each year, drawing visitors with its calendar of bullfights as well as dancing and drinkingactivities the citys residents enjoy before and after the Feria too.
While Málaga was long considered just a stopover on the way to southern Spains Costa del Sol beach resorts, in recent years a buzz has developed around the Andalucian city. There is a brand-new $100 million port promenade filled with restaurants and a bold new branch of Pariss Centre Pompidou built in the form of a colorful glass cube. A handful of other major new museums include one devoted to one of the citys most famous sons, Pablo Picassoits also the hometown of another famous Spanish export, actor Antonio Banderas. Where once many buildings were dilapidated, an entire swath of the historic center is now pedestrianized and filled with shoppers, diners and street musicians. Tapas bars with outdoor tables line the old towns Calle Strachan, while all over Málaga a boom in fine dining is taking place. The city makes a fine base for day trips to many of Andalucías most famous sites. Unlike many southern Spanish cities, Málaga doesnt really shut down over the hot summer months; its waterfront location helps keep temperatures from soaring to uncomfortable heights. The 10-day summer Feria is becoming more popular each year, drawing visitors with its calendar of bullfights as well as dancing and drinkingactivities the citys residents enjoy before and after the Feria too.

Day Tangier, MoroccoArrives 08:00 AM Departs 06:00 PM
"Tangier is a place that descended from the godsits hilly setting makes it one of the possible real-world locations for the mythical Pillars of Hercules that flanked the Strait of Gibraltar and guarded the entrance to the Mediterranean. It has been a bustling port since antiquity, repeatedly fought over by everyone from the Phoenicians to the Arabs. Today, Tangier is every bit a modern Moroccan city, but until recently its history as an international zoneit was periodically under the administration of several countriesattracted a libertine counterculture of artists, musicians and writers such as Henri Matisse (who was drawn by the dazzling quality of the light), Paul Bowles, Jack Kerouac and the Rolling Stones. Tangier now positions itself as a bridge between Europe and Africa, as well as the center of Moroccos booming manufacturing industries."
"Tangier is a place that descended from the godsits hilly setting makes it one of the possible real-world locations for the mythical Pillars of Hercules that flanked the Strait of Gibraltar and guarded the entrance to the Mediterranean. It has been a bustling port since antiquity, repeatedly fought over by everyone from the Phoenicians to the Arabs. Today, Tangier is every bit a modern Moroccan city, but until recently its history as an international zoneit was periodically under the administration of several countriesattracted a libertine counterculture of artists, musicians and writers such as Henri Matisse (who was drawn by the dazzling quality of the light), Paul Bowles, Jack Kerouac and the Rolling Stones. Tangier now positions itself as a bridge between Europe and Africa, as well as the center of Moroccos booming manufacturing industries."

Day Gibraltar, British TerritoryArrives 08:00 AM Departs 11:59 PM
"Strategically located at the southern tip of Europe, facing Africa, Gibraltar offers a fascinating mix of cultures. With a history that includes Moorish, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and English influences (among others), this tiny, 6.7-square-kilometer British Overseas Territory is most famous for the giant Jurassic limestone rock soaring above the territorys main commercial and residential areas. The Rock contains an abundance of history (military and otherwise), not to mention significant flora and fauna, and a labyrinth of caves and tunnels. Venture into Gibraltars densely populated streets for Spanish, British, Middle Eastern and Italian cuisine, as well as tax-free shopping on everything from luxury brands to handmade arts and crafts and artisanal edibles. Browsing and snacking around town is the perfect chance to hear Yanito, the singsong Spanish-English hybrid spoken here. There are also historic and holy places in Europa Point, and the Museum of Gibraltar provides an opportunity to learn about the regions history and prehistory, as well as the migration habits of its birds and marine life. "
"Strategically located at the southern tip of Europe, facing Africa, Gibraltar offers a fascinating mix of cultures. With a history that includes Moorish, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and English influences (among others), this tiny, 6.7-square-kilometer British Overseas Territory is most famous for the giant Jurassic limestone rock soaring above the territorys main commercial and residential areas. The Rock contains an abundance of history (military and otherwise), not to mention significant flora and fauna, and a labyrinth of caves and tunnels. Venture into Gibraltars densely populated streets for Spanish, British, Middle Eastern and Italian cuisine, as well as tax-free shopping on everything from luxury brands to handmade arts and crafts and artisanal edibles. Browsing and snacking around town is the perfect chance to hear Yanito, the singsong Spanish-English hybrid spoken here. There are also historic and holy places in Europa Point, and the Museum of Gibraltar provides an opportunity to learn about the regions history and prehistory, as well as the migration habits of its birds and marine life. "

Day Almeria (Granada),SpainArrives 12:01 AM Departs 10:00 PM
Founded by the caliph of Cordoba, this Andalucian city on Spains southeast coast is a reminder of the regions Muslim history. The Alcazaba, a massive fort, dominates the city and affords amazing views. Also worth experiencing are the cathedral and the Almeria Museum. East of the city is the rugged, desolate Cabo de Gata-Nijar coast, a protected area. To the west is the resort area of Roquetas de Mar, featuring vast beaches.
Founded by the caliph of Cordoba, this Andalucian city on Spains southeast coast is a reminder of the regions Muslim history. The Alcazaba, a massive fort, dominates the city and affords amazing views. Also worth experiencing are the cathedral and the Almeria Museum. East of the city is the rugged, desolate Cabo de Gata-Nijar coast, a protected area. To the west is the resort area of Roquetas de Mar, featuring vast beaches.

Day Almeria (Granada),SpainArrive 09:00 AM Depart 11:00 PM
Founded by the caliph of Cordoba, this Andalucian city on Spains southeast coast is a reminder of the regions Muslim history. The Alcazaba, a massive fort, dominates the city and affords amazing views. Also worth experiencing are the cathedral and the Almeria Museum. East of the city is the rugged, desolate Cabo de Gata-Nijar coast, a protected area. To the west is the resort area of Roquetas de Mar, featuring vast beaches.
Founded by the caliph of Cordoba, this Andalucian city on Spains southeast coast is a reminder of the regions Muslim history. The Alcazaba, a massive fort, dominates the city and affords amazing views. Also worth experiencing are the cathedral and the Almeria Museum. East of the city is the rugged, desolate Cabo de Gata-Nijar coast, a protected area. To the west is the resort area of Roquetas de Mar, featuring vast beaches.

Day Cartagena, ColombiaArrives 07:00 AM Departs 02:00 PM
The Spanish founded Cartagena, officially known as Cartagena de Indias, in 1533. The city rapidly became a thriving commercial port, where precious stones and minerals from the New World awaited shipment back to Spain. Situated in a bay on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena had the most extensive fortifications in South America, once guarded by 29 stone forts and a high wall of coral-stone measuring 16-miles long, 40-feet high and 50-feet wide. Completed in 1657, the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas is said to be the most grandiose work of military architecture erected by Spain in the Americas. Today, Cartagena's riches are found in the Boca Grande, an area of the city with beautiful waterfront hotels, trendy restaurants, casinos and boutiques.
The Spanish founded Cartagena, officially known as Cartagena de Indias, in 1533. The city rapidly became a thriving commercial port, where precious stones and minerals from the New World awaited shipment back to Spain. Situated in a bay on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena had the most extensive fortifications in South America, once guarded by 29 stone forts and a high wall of coral-stone measuring 16-miles long, 40-feet high and 50-feet wide. Completed in 1657, the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas is said to be the most grandiose work of military architecture erected by Spain in the Americas. Today, Cartagena's riches are found in the Boca Grande, an area of the city with beautiful waterfront hotels, trendy restaurants, casinos and boutiques.

Day Valencia, SpainArrives 10:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
In an era when a homogenizing global culture can erase the differences between cities around the world, it's refreshing to find one with such a well-defined personality. Valencia, now the third-largest city in Spain, was once the capital of the Kingdom of Valencia which, during its golden age in the 14th and 15th centuries, eclipsed Catalonia in importance. And it still has a plump and prosperous air, thanks in part to its worldwide trade in citrus fruits and vegetables.
In an era when a homogenizing global culture can erase the differences between cities around the world, it's refreshing to find one with such a well-defined personality. Valencia, now the third-largest city in Spain, was once the capital of the Kingdom of Valencia which, during its golden age in the 14th and 15th centuries, eclipsed Catalonia in importance. And it still has a plump and prosperous air, thanks in part to its worldwide trade in citrus fruits and vegetables.

Day Palma de Mallorca, SpainArrives 10:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
"Palma de Mallorca, the largest city and capital of its own island as well as the entire Balearic archipelago, is one of Spains most delightful towns. Despite its proximity to tourist beaches where millions of Europeans take summer vacation, Palma maintains the traditional rhythm of a Mediterranean city: busy food markets, open-air terrazas for lazing and grazing and the Passeig del Born, perfect for an evening paseo (stroll) under its canopy of trees. But the city is also, increasingly, a hub of contemporary culture and cuisinewitness the old towns buzzing gallery scene, and cutting-edge restaurants like Simply Fosh and Aromata. If location is all, Palmas peerless setting, at the center of a glorious sweeping bay, counts for a great deal. The city has its own beaches and a working harbor where a state-of-the-art new marina, Moll Vell, has brought back locals to stroll and gawk at the giant yachts. "
"Palma de Mallorca, the largest city and capital of its own island as well as the entire Balearic archipelago, is one of Spains most delightful towns. Despite its proximity to tourist beaches where millions of Europeans take summer vacation, Palma maintains the traditional rhythm of a Mediterranean city: busy food markets, open-air terrazas for lazing and grazing and the Passeig del Born, perfect for an evening paseo (stroll) under its canopy of trees. But the city is also, increasingly, a hub of contemporary culture and cuisinewitness the old towns buzzing gallery scene, and cutting-edge restaurants like Simply Fosh and Aromata. If location is all, Palmas peerless setting, at the center of a glorious sweeping bay, counts for a great deal. The city has its own beaches and a working harbor where a state-of-the-art new marina, Moll Vell, has brought back locals to stroll and gawk at the giant yachts. "

Day Tarragona, SpainArrives 09:00 AM Departs 09:00 PM
Tarragona was founded sometime around the 5th century BCE, probably by Phoenicians. It was an important and rich city during the Roman Republic, and its many relics of that era are inscribed as a UNESCO Word Heritage Site. Notable are the Las Ferreres Aqueduct, the amphitheater, a striking monument known as the Tower of the Scipios, a citadel, Roman circus and Pretorium tower. In addition, the city has a paleo-Christian Necropolis, the remains of a palace where Augustus lived, the Arch of Sura and the Aurelian Way. More treasures are displayed in the citys archaeological and history museums, and in the 12th century Cathedral. There is another site with preserved Roman era mosaics. There were obviously many more ancient structures which have been looted for building materials throughout history; stones in various building and houses around the city bear bits of Latin and even Phoenician writing. Tarragona is also justly famous for its cuisine, which takes full advantage of seafood from its Costa Daurada waters, and for a number of the Catalonian regions finest beaches.
Tarragona was founded sometime around the 5th century BCE, probably by Phoenicians. It was an important and rich city during the Roman Republic, and its many relics of that era are inscribed as a UNESCO Word Heritage Site. Notable are the Las Ferreres Aqueduct, the amphitheater, a striking monument known as the Tower of the Scipios, a citadel, Roman circus and Pretorium tower. In addition, the city has a paleo-Christian Necropolis, the remains of a palace where Augustus lived, the Arch of Sura and the Aurelian Way. More treasures are displayed in the citys archaeological and history museums, and in the 12th century Cathedral. There is another site with preserved Roman era mosaics. There were obviously many more ancient structures which have been looted for building materials throughout history; stones in various building and houses around the city bear bits of Latin and even Phoenician writing. Tarragona is also justly famous for its cuisine, which takes full advantage of seafood from its Costa Daurada waters, and for a number of the Catalonian regions finest beaches.

Day Barcelona, SpainArrives 07:00 AM
On the northeast coast of Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a vibrant port city, packed with centuries of iconic art and architectureGaudí and Picasso both called it homeand lined with sunny white-sand beaches. Explore the Catalan capital's tourist attractions and historic neighborhoods, Modernisme and world-renowned art museums, galleries and local crafts shopssome of which are centuries old and stock traditional Catalan wares. After you see the sights, there are lively tapas bars around every corner where you can stop for a drink, a café amb llet (Catalan for espresso with steamed milk) or a snack, no matter the hour. Green spaces for picnics, long walks and respite from the hustle and bustle are scattered throughout Barcelona's attractions: There's Gaudí's mosaic-decorated park, a neoclassical maze at the Laberint d'Horta, as well as plenty of high places (mountains, monuments and edifices) where sightseeing visitors can take in the view. A short trip from Barcelona by car or train, luxury outlets, cava wineries, a mountaintop abbey and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast await.
On the northeast coast of Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a vibrant port city, packed with centuries of iconic art and architectureGaudí and Picasso both called it homeand lined with sunny white-sand beaches. Explore the Catalan capital's tourist attractions and historic neighborhoods, Modernisme and world-renowned art museums, galleries and local crafts shopssome of which are centuries old and stock traditional Catalan wares. After you see the sights, there are lively tapas bars around every corner where you can stop for a drink, a café amb llet (Catalan for espresso with steamed milk) or a snack, no matter the hour. Green spaces for picnics, long walks and respite from the hustle and bustle are scattered throughout Barcelona's attractions: There's Gaudí's mosaic-decorated park, a neoclassical maze at the Laberint d'Horta, as well as plenty of high places (mountains, monuments and edifices) where sightseeing visitors can take in the view. A short trip from Barcelona by car or train, luxury outlets, cava wineries, a mountaintop abbey and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast await.

