Culinary Tour of Spain & Morocco: Barcelona, Madrid & Marrakesh - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona (Spain), Evening Tapas Experience

Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival in Barcelona, a private car and driver will be waiting to take you to your centrally-located hotel. Get settled in and freshened up, then get ready to start exploring the Catalonian capital with a three-hour authentic tapas culinary experience. This five-stop gastronomic adventure combines delicious local foods with a walking tour through some of the city's most famous and historic neighborhoods. See how people eat, live, and enjoy a picoteo in Barcelona. 

There's plenty of sightseeing in store today, starting with a private guided walking tour of Barcelona. During this half-day excursion, you'll see some of the city's most emblematic spots and hidden corners, including the iconic La Sagrada Família, the spectacular Roman Catholic church and UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Afterward, your guide will take you to a recommended tapas bar or restaurant before parting ways leaving you to enjoy the afternoon exploring Barcelona at your own pace. 

You'll have various options for the afternoon, including a four-hour Mediterranean cooking class, where you'll learn the ins and outs of Spanish cooking with a local chef. Head to the chef's private home for a comprehensive, hands-on cooking class and learn a variety of traditional Spanish recipes with many different dishes. Taste as you go along, and listen to the chef explain how to use important regional ingredients such as olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs. You'll learn how to make seafood, tender sprouts salad, risotto, or fish, then sit down to a tasting menu accompanied by the finest local wines.

Day 3: Day Trip to Girona & the Costa Brava 

Today you'll head out on an eight-hour day trip combining the best of Catalonia's history and scenery. Start by heading northeast from Barcelona to Girona, where you'll delve into 2,000 years of history. See remnants of the city's Roman and medieval past as you get lost in the maze of narrow streets and explore the best-preserved Jewish neighborhood in Europe. Admire the Girona Cathedral, boasting the widest Gothic nave in the world, and walk along the medieval city walls to take in the colorful spectacle of the houses flanking the Onyar River.

Next, you'll transfer along the Costa Brava, enjoying the contrast of green mountains plunging into blue waters and small, whitewashed villages perched along the coast. Pause in Calella de Palafrugell, a traditional fishing village that retains every inch of its past charm, where you can take a moment to relax and sample some of the local cuisines. Take some time to explore independently, discovering hidden cliffs and coves surrounded by pristine nature (as well as several prime swimming spots). After a stop at the coastal walking path of Camino de Ronda, your driver will take you back to Barcelona for the evening.

Day 4: Train to Madrid, Tour Madrid's History & Architecture

Make your way to the Barcelona train station this morning for the easy 2.5-hour train journey to Madrid. Upon arrival, get settled into your hotel, then join your guide for an introduction to the elegant Spanish capital's most famous sights. This combination of history, culture, and architecture tour starts with a visit to the Habsburg district, the oldest part of the city, known in Spanish as El Madrid de Los Austrias. 

Later you'll move on to striking buildings such as the Palacio Real de Madrid (Royal Palace), the Almudena Cathedral, and the main square of Plaza Mayor, as well as some hidden and overlooked corners and mysteries of Madrid's Old Town. Stop for a drink in an authentic spot recommended by your guide, then take the rest of the afternoon to continue exploring Madrid at your own pace.

Day 5: See Madrid's Countryside on a Wine Tour, Evening Flamenco Performance

Take a deep dive into the world of Spanish wine today as you transfer just a few miles outside the city to the surrounding wine regions. Dense with vineyards and historic towns, this landscape is where the rivers of Tajuña, Jarama, Henares, Manzanares, and Tajo converge, and it holds over 900 years of wine tradition in its fertile grounds. You'll visit three wineries, taste some of the region's best wines alongside local snacks, and learn more about the history of winemaking in the region.  

Back in Madrid for the evening, you'll have the chance to experience and appreciate one of Spain's premier cultural offerings: flamenco. This musical style enjoys a rich heritage from the ninth century and has come to define Spanish folkloric music. Head to one of the city's most famous tablaos and witness the drama and passion live, with local dancers and musicians putting on a show to remember. 

Day 6: Day Trip to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Toledo

Today you'll head to the Madrid train station for a 30-minute train ride to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage City located south of Madrid. In the Middle Ages, Toledo was known as the "City of the Three Cultures," and its many Arab, Muslim, and Christian monuments still stand today. These include the 15th-century Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, the former Roman palace Alcázar de Toledo, and the Moorish synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, which dates back to the 12th century.

Accompanied by your private guide, you'll tour the ancient streets of this incredible city that could aptly be described as an open-air museum. Marvel at the historical landmarks of the grand 13th-century Toledo Cathedral and the 12th-century Church of Santo Tomé. You'll also have the chance to try out some fun optional activities, like flying over the Tagus River on a zipline for a scenic bird's-eye view of the city or becoming a swordsmith for a day and learning how Toledo's famous ancient swords were made. 

 Day 7: Fly to Marrakesh (Morocco), Evening Street Food Tour

It's time to say adiós to Spain as your driver takes you to the airport to catch a two-hour flight to Marrakesh, Morocco's famous "Red City." One of the country's four historic Imperial Cities, Marrakesh is a vibrant mix of old and new, home to one of the largest souks (market) in Africa and a fascinating blend of different cultures, architectures, and cuisines. A transfer will take you to your hotel, where you can settle in and rest up for this evening's immersive food tour. 

As dusk falls, join your official Moroccan guide and dive deep into Marrakesh's rich street food culture. There'll be stops to taste dishes only made here, popping into spots locals have been visiting for years. You'll also visit the souks, where you'll get a crash course in Moroccan staple dishes. Be sure you come with an empty stomach and an open mind for this immersive gastronomic experience!

Day 8: Tour the "Red City" of Marrakesh & the Majorelle Gardens 

After breakfast, it's time to discover more of Marrakesh with a half-day tour, checking off some of the city's key historic sites. You'll focus on the city's cultural side as you wind your way through the different artisan areas within the souks, then visit iconic landmarks like the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the Jewish Quarter. 

Take the rest of the afternoon to explore at your own pace. Not far from the hustle and bustle of the medina, you can wander the lush, expansive Majorelle Gardens, filled with over 300 types of subtropical plants, bamboo, lilies, and palms. It's the perfect place to escape the afternoon heat and noise for a relaxing experience. Don't miss the garden's famous bright blue and yellow house—this building was once the home of the French Orientalist artist Jacques Marojelle, and today it houses the Berber Museum and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.

Day 9: Day Trip & Foodie Experience in Essaouira

Join your driver this morning for the 2.5-hour trip to the coastal gem of Essaouira, which in Arabic translates to "fortified place." Founded in the 18th century by Sultan Mohammed III as a strategic port and fortress, Essaouira's rich history is reflected in its well-preserved medina, historic buildings, and defensive walls.

During a full-day tour with a local guide, you'll explore the city's highlights with a particular focus on food. Try local specialties like ma'akouda (Moroccan potato cakes) and sfinge (a donut-like fritter), visit the famous port with bobbing blue boats, and head to a local home for a mini-cooking class. After some free time to wander around the medina, you'll return to Marrakesh, where you can sample more food stalls or restaurants for the last night of your trip!

Day 10: Depart Marrakesh

Your 10-day Spain and Morocco adventure ends today as your driver transfers you from your hotel in Marrakesh to the airport. Safe travels!