From the Pyrenees to the Atlas Mountains
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Highlights:
This program can take you from the mountains separating France and Spain to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. An enjoyment of hiking would be a plus but this is not an extreme expedition type program.
​Highlights could be the stone villages located in the Pyrenees, the white villages in the mountains of Andalusia and the Berber villages in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. It would be ideal for two or three couples who like things a little off the grid, the chance to meet interesting people and the opportunity for a nice dinner at the end of each day.
This program can take you from the mountains separating France and Spain to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. An enjoyment of hiking would be a plus but this is not an extreme expedition type program.
​Highlights could be the stone villages located in the Pyrenees, the white villages in the mountains of Andalusia and the Berber villages in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. It would be ideal for two or three couples who like things a little off the grid, the chance to meet interesting people and the opportunity for a nice dinner at the end of each day.
SKU:
Explore: THE PYRENEES & ATLAS MOUNTAINS
Customizable Itinerary - 15 Days (from $6,873 per person)
Day 1: Depart USA
You board your aircraft for the overnight flight to Spain and the beginning of your mountain adventure.
Day 2: Arrival in Spain
You will arrive in Barcelona and will be met by one of our drivers who will take you to your hotel which is located on one of the most prestigious streets in the city. There are lots of places to explore and places to dine within walking distance of the hotel.
Day 3: Highlights of Barcelona
Today you will explore the key sights of the city starting with a drive up Montjuic Hill the site of the 1992 Olympic Games. You will enjoy views of the city from the hill and a chance to visit the Catalunya National Art Museum. Head back down to the city and admire the modernist structures of Plaza Espana and then view Gaudi buildings, La Pedrera and Casa Batllo as you drive along Passeig de Gracia. You will get fast access to La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s masterpiece where you have the chance to walk around. You will make your way back to the Gothic Quarter where you visit the Jewish Quarter and the 2,000 year old Roman temple besides the Gothic Cathedral. After your tour the afternoon is free. In the evening enjoy a guided Tapas crawl through some of the city’s trendiest areas.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Barcelona to Puigcerda
In the morning, a driver will be waiting to take you into the foothills of the Pyrenees to an area called Cerdanya. This is an area for outdoor activities notably skiing in the winter and hiking, biking and boating in the other seasons. Your hotel is located in the resort town of Puigcerda which sits on a picturesque lake less than a mile from the border with France. Prior to your arrival we will have discussed your interests and your hotel will have trails outlined for hiking. Bikes will also be available along with scenic routes. In the evening enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Exploring the Pyrenees
You can devote the day to exploration whether on foot or bike. Some walks can be scenic and relaxing while others are more challenging getting as high as 3,000 feet.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: From the Pyrenees to Andalucía
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport where you catch a flight to Seville. Upon arrival you are transferred to your hotel in the old quarter where you can enjoy dinner with a view of the illuminated Seville Cathedral.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: The Best of Seville
After breakfast you will be picked up at the hotel for a tour of the main highlights of the city. You will drive through Plaza de Espana with its government buildings and see the Palaces of San Telmo and Torre del Oro two legendary landmarks which your guide will put in context. Then you enter the Santa Cruz quarter to admire the colorful houses with window boxes. You will also see the Royal Alcazar Palace and the spires of Seville Cathedral. You stop for lunch and then get a tour of Bullring of the Maestranza scene of some momentous bullfights. In a change of pace you visit the bohemian neighborhood of Triana before boarding a boat for a scenic cruise on the Guadalquivir River before returning to your hotel.
Breakfast
Day 8: Ronda and the Boutique wineries of Andalusia
Today you are met by your guide who will be taking you to Ronda, which is about 80 miles southeast of Seville. The town is famous throughout Spain for the gaping river gorge with a sheer drop 0f 360 feet which separates the medieval from the 18th Century parts of town. The two are connected by the “new” bridge built in the 19th Century. Before entering the city you will visit some recently established wineries, all of which are around 2,300 feet above sea level, a necessary requisite for making high quality wines this far south. After a tour of Ronda you will stop in Grazalema, one of the “white villages” and a source of superb olive oil.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9: The Ferry to Tangier
You will leave Europe today and with a short ferry ride arrive in Africa. A driver will be waiting to drive you to the port of Tarifa where a high speed ferry will take you across the Strait of Gibraltar to the exotic port city of Tangier. One of our guides will be awaiting your arrival and will take you to the car which will be taking you to the ancient city of Fes and your hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10: Highlights of Fes
Today you take a step back in time to the Middle Ages whilst visiting Fez one of the most unspoiled cities in the world. It once was the capital of Morocco, and remains one of the main religious, artistic and intellectual centers in the country. Explore countless narrow lanes and alleys that make up the labyrinth of the old quarter. El Bali, the largest living medieval medina and cultural heart of Morocco. The city was founded in the 8th Century AD by Moulay Idriss I. The Imperial capital was a renowned center of medieval learning and at its heart still lays the Karouine, one of the oldest still functioning universities in the world. In the neighboring building is the Attarine Medersa (Koranic school), a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture, built in the 14th Century. After your tour you will have lunch and then drive to Marrakesh and your boutique Riad.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Introduction to Marrakesh
While Marrakesh is undoubtedly Moroccan it has also absorbed many expatriates especially from England and France giving it a very cosmopolitan vibe. Style setters like Yves Saint Laurent maintained a home here and Richard Branson owns a chic hotel outside of town. While there are snake charmers to be sure there is also great Sushi, Martini Bars and English Tea Rooms. Your guide will give you an introduction to this, the Imperial city of the South. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque and admire its tower, enjoy the Majorelle Gardens, a botanical garden brought back from the brink by the TLC and cash of Saint Laurent. Spend some time at the 16th Century Saadian Tombs all decorated in colorful mosaic tiles and the19th Century Bahia Palace with its beautiful eastern architecture. Take a break for lunch (Tajine is highly recommended). In the afternoon you will have time to explore the fascinating Souks and the narrow alleys around the Djemaa El-Fna Square a massive central meeting place in the heart of Marrakesh. Return in the evening to have dinner and be entertained by snake charmers, singers, acrobats, dancers, narrators and story-tellers moving from one area to another.
Breakfast
Day 12: Into the Mountains by Mule
That Morocco is a country of contrasts will become readily apparent today as you leave behind the hustle and bustle of Djemaa El-Fna Square and head into the splendid silence of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The tallest mountain range in Africa. You will be driven to the Berber village of Imlil in the foothills of the mountains (and about 60 miles from Marrakesh). At the village you meet one of the Berber guides from the Kasbah Du Toubkal and a muleteer along with his mule who will transport your luggage up to the Kasbah as you take the path leading up to your accommodations. You arrive at the Kasbah to be greeted by the friendly staff. After lunch your guide will take you on your first trek through the foothills to get you accustomed to the terrain. Admire the mountains all around you as you weave your way through the valleys before returning to the Kasbah for dinner and a good night’s rest in the clean mountain air.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Visiting the Berber Villages
Today your guide will take you on hikes to nearby Berber villages located within the passes of the Atlas Mountains. You have the option of two half day hikes, one full day or a half day with the time at the Kasbah to enjoy the Hamman at the Kasbah. Regardless of your choice you will enjoy a picnic created by your muleteer with ingredients and equipment carried by his faithful mule. In the evening enjoy dinner on the rooftop terrace as the sun sets over the mountain peaks.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14: Mountains to Marrakesh
After breakfast you will walk back to Imlil where a car will be waiting to take you back to Marrakesh. You have some free time do some last minute shopping. Complete your stay with a Hamman experience followed by an a la carte dinner cooked by your chef.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 15: Return to USA
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to begin your journey back home were you will arrive the same afternoon.
Breakfast
You board your aircraft for the overnight flight to Spain and the beginning of your mountain adventure.
Day 2: Arrival in Spain
You will arrive in Barcelona and will be met by one of our drivers who will take you to your hotel which is located on one of the most prestigious streets in the city. There are lots of places to explore and places to dine within walking distance of the hotel.
Day 3: Highlights of Barcelona
Today you will explore the key sights of the city starting with a drive up Montjuic Hill the site of the 1992 Olympic Games. You will enjoy views of the city from the hill and a chance to visit the Catalunya National Art Museum. Head back down to the city and admire the modernist structures of Plaza Espana and then view Gaudi buildings, La Pedrera and Casa Batllo as you drive along Passeig de Gracia. You will get fast access to La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s masterpiece where you have the chance to walk around. You will make your way back to the Gothic Quarter where you visit the Jewish Quarter and the 2,000 year old Roman temple besides the Gothic Cathedral. After your tour the afternoon is free. In the evening enjoy a guided Tapas crawl through some of the city’s trendiest areas.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Barcelona to Puigcerda
In the morning, a driver will be waiting to take you into the foothills of the Pyrenees to an area called Cerdanya. This is an area for outdoor activities notably skiing in the winter and hiking, biking and boating in the other seasons. Your hotel is located in the resort town of Puigcerda which sits on a picturesque lake less than a mile from the border with France. Prior to your arrival we will have discussed your interests and your hotel will have trails outlined for hiking. Bikes will also be available along with scenic routes. In the evening enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Exploring the Pyrenees
You can devote the day to exploration whether on foot or bike. Some walks can be scenic and relaxing while others are more challenging getting as high as 3,000 feet.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: From the Pyrenees to Andalucía
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport where you catch a flight to Seville. Upon arrival you are transferred to your hotel in the old quarter where you can enjoy dinner with a view of the illuminated Seville Cathedral.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: The Best of Seville
After breakfast you will be picked up at the hotel for a tour of the main highlights of the city. You will drive through Plaza de Espana with its government buildings and see the Palaces of San Telmo and Torre del Oro two legendary landmarks which your guide will put in context. Then you enter the Santa Cruz quarter to admire the colorful houses with window boxes. You will also see the Royal Alcazar Palace and the spires of Seville Cathedral. You stop for lunch and then get a tour of Bullring of the Maestranza scene of some momentous bullfights. In a change of pace you visit the bohemian neighborhood of Triana before boarding a boat for a scenic cruise on the Guadalquivir River before returning to your hotel.
Breakfast
Day 8: Ronda and the Boutique wineries of Andalusia
Today you are met by your guide who will be taking you to Ronda, which is about 80 miles southeast of Seville. The town is famous throughout Spain for the gaping river gorge with a sheer drop 0f 360 feet which separates the medieval from the 18th Century parts of town. The two are connected by the “new” bridge built in the 19th Century. Before entering the city you will visit some recently established wineries, all of which are around 2,300 feet above sea level, a necessary requisite for making high quality wines this far south. After a tour of Ronda you will stop in Grazalema, one of the “white villages” and a source of superb olive oil.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9: The Ferry to Tangier
You will leave Europe today and with a short ferry ride arrive in Africa. A driver will be waiting to drive you to the port of Tarifa where a high speed ferry will take you across the Strait of Gibraltar to the exotic port city of Tangier. One of our guides will be awaiting your arrival and will take you to the car which will be taking you to the ancient city of Fes and your hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10: Highlights of Fes
Today you take a step back in time to the Middle Ages whilst visiting Fez one of the most unspoiled cities in the world. It once was the capital of Morocco, and remains one of the main religious, artistic and intellectual centers in the country. Explore countless narrow lanes and alleys that make up the labyrinth of the old quarter. El Bali, the largest living medieval medina and cultural heart of Morocco. The city was founded in the 8th Century AD by Moulay Idriss I. The Imperial capital was a renowned center of medieval learning and at its heart still lays the Karouine, one of the oldest still functioning universities in the world. In the neighboring building is the Attarine Medersa (Koranic school), a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture, built in the 14th Century. After your tour you will have lunch and then drive to Marrakesh and your boutique Riad.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Introduction to Marrakesh
While Marrakesh is undoubtedly Moroccan it has also absorbed many expatriates especially from England and France giving it a very cosmopolitan vibe. Style setters like Yves Saint Laurent maintained a home here and Richard Branson owns a chic hotel outside of town. While there are snake charmers to be sure there is also great Sushi, Martini Bars and English Tea Rooms. Your guide will give you an introduction to this, the Imperial city of the South. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque and admire its tower, enjoy the Majorelle Gardens, a botanical garden brought back from the brink by the TLC and cash of Saint Laurent. Spend some time at the 16th Century Saadian Tombs all decorated in colorful mosaic tiles and the19th Century Bahia Palace with its beautiful eastern architecture. Take a break for lunch (Tajine is highly recommended). In the afternoon you will have time to explore the fascinating Souks and the narrow alleys around the Djemaa El-Fna Square a massive central meeting place in the heart of Marrakesh. Return in the evening to have dinner and be entertained by snake charmers, singers, acrobats, dancers, narrators and story-tellers moving from one area to another.
Breakfast
Day 12: Into the Mountains by Mule
That Morocco is a country of contrasts will become readily apparent today as you leave behind the hustle and bustle of Djemaa El-Fna Square and head into the splendid silence of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The tallest mountain range in Africa. You will be driven to the Berber village of Imlil in the foothills of the mountains (and about 60 miles from Marrakesh). At the village you meet one of the Berber guides from the Kasbah Du Toubkal and a muleteer along with his mule who will transport your luggage up to the Kasbah as you take the path leading up to your accommodations. You arrive at the Kasbah to be greeted by the friendly staff. After lunch your guide will take you on your first trek through the foothills to get you accustomed to the terrain. Admire the mountains all around you as you weave your way through the valleys before returning to the Kasbah for dinner and a good night’s rest in the clean mountain air.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Visiting the Berber Villages
Today your guide will take you on hikes to nearby Berber villages located within the passes of the Atlas Mountains. You have the option of two half day hikes, one full day or a half day with the time at the Kasbah to enjoy the Hamman at the Kasbah. Regardless of your choice you will enjoy a picnic created by your muleteer with ingredients and equipment carried by his faithful mule. In the evening enjoy dinner on the rooftop terrace as the sun sets over the mountain peaks.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14: Mountains to Marrakesh
After breakfast you will walk back to Imlil where a car will be waiting to take you back to Marrakesh. You have some free time do some last minute shopping. Complete your stay with a Hamman experience followed by an a la carte dinner cooked by your chef.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 15: Return to USA
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to begin your journey back home were you will arrive the same afternoon.
Breakfast
