Trip Overview
Worth noting…
On this trip, we’ll be staying in a range of local accommodation – mixed-sex couples travelling together may be separated on some nights. Pssst... we’ve organised a resident Topdeck Representative to meet you in Morocco – joining forces with your Trip Leader for allll the local insights, historic low-downs and hidden gems. Sweet!
Tales From Topdeckers
Trip itinerary
-
Barcelona – Valencia
2Rise and shine! You’ve just woken up in Barcelona, and there’s a free morning ahead to spend doing your own spontaneous this-is-what-I-came-for thing, amigos. If you need some suggestions your expert local Trip Leader’s got your back. Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia are straight-up must-sees. Alternatively: explore the crazy that is Las Ramblas or get lost amongst the maze of winding alleys in the Gothic Quarter. Lose yourself, find yourself, then grab some churros for the road – we’re heading to Valencia where there’s something pretty spesh in store. Here we’ll be taking a jaunt around the chill Albufera lagoon in a traditional-style boat, before tucking into some steaming paella (pah-AY-yuh, literally ‘frying pan’ in Valencian) for our included lunch. And finally? Time for a treasure hunt: Valencia’s hidden gems are all yours to discover this evening. Go get ‘em.
-
Included Today
- Boat ride along the Albufera lagoon
-
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
-
Included Today
-
Valencia
3Ready to make like Dora? We’ll head out early for a walking tour of this unique city – ticking off the Gothic gateway of Torres de Serranos, lively Plaça de la Mare de Déu (that’s plaza to me and you), the Cathedral and then onto the foodie heaven that is Central Market. Then: an optional cava tasting experience is on the cards if you’re keen to show off your sophisticated palate. Looking to delve deeper? Valencia’s Old Quarter packs some serious old-school charm. Or hire a bike and check out the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. It’s 100% up to you. Tonight, get the gang together and head to El Carmen for colourful street art, hipster bars and live music. This is what you came for.
-
Included Today
- Walking tour of Valencia with Trip Leader
-
Optional extras
- Cava tasting experience: from €30
-
Included Today
-
Valencia – Granada
4Today we’ll make the scenic journey to Granada – trading the glittering coast for the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Glue your face to the window as your fact-filled Trip Leader gives you the low-down on the last Moorish city in Spain to fall to the Christians. Then: discover what makes this place the hottest destination in Andalusia on a walking tour. And tonight? You’re in the home of tapas. Order a beer. Be patient. And your drool-worthy tapas will arrive. Fact: locals toss their paper napkins on the floor, the messier the floor = the more happy locals. Seriously.
-
Included Today
- Walking tour of Granada with Trip Leader
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Included Today
-
Granada
5You wanted free time to delve deeper and experience more – so here it is. 24 hours of uninterrupted exploration time in this incredible city. Need some suggestions? Organise a tour of the Alhambra. Part Moorish palace, part fortification – this UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with exquisite gardens, intricate medieval architecture and a fascinating Arabic history. Just book your tix well in advance, this one is on everyone’s bucket-list. Rather stay in town? Take in the impressive Moorish architecture of the Albaicín district. Walk up the Mirador San Nicolas viewpoint for some of the best views in Europe (no joke). Then head to Heladeria Los Italianos for the best dang ice cream you’ve ever had. Then tonight, it’s tapas bar hopping time. What are you going for? Sizzling paella? Fresh prawns? Peppery jamón ham. Or spicy patatas bravas. *wipes drool from face*
-
Granada – Chefchaouen (Morocco)
6Ready to tick off another continent? We’re off to Morocco after breakfast. Disembark the ferry and say g’day to your Moroccan Topdeck Rep – they’ll be joining forces with your Trip Leader to give you allllll the local insights. Then: we’ll be swapping glittering blue coasts for bluer-than-blue cities this afternoon. Nestled between the looming peaks of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is totally out of this world. Brilliant sapphire-coloured buildings. A maze of narrow alleyways. And authentic local vibes. Get your bearings on a stroll around town – then tuck into an included dinner at a local restaurant with the gang. This city's sure got the blues, but in the best way ever.
-
Included Today
- Meet your Moroccan Topdeck Representative
-
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
-
Included Today
-
Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Fes
7Time to don your archaeology hat, ‘cos we’re off to Volubilis to check out the Roman ruins with a local guide. This ancient site dates back to 40 AD and was once the ruling centre of the Roman province of Mauritania. Your inner history nerd just geeked out, right? Then: more history. We’ll be heading deep into the heart of old Morocco on our journey to Fes. Finally, something special’s in store as we check into our digs for the next two nights: a traditional Moroccan riad (think boho vibes, ornate tiles and leafy courtyards).
-
Included Today
- Walking tour of Volubilis with local guide
-
Included Today
-
Fes
8Mausoleums, mosques and medinas are on the cards today as we hit the streets on a whip around the city with a local guide. The 9,000 narrow cobbled streets in Fes el-Bali are lined with spices, food stalls and tanneries, so don’t waste a second – get exploring! Visit a local tannery (hint: say yes to the mint, you’re gonna need it). Head over to the Ruined Garden for Moroccan tapas in an awesome setting. Hike up Mount Zalagh for all the views. Or hunt down a hammam for a body shine and polish. It’s a tough life. Tonight, tuck into a camel burger (or chicken couscous if that’s not your jam) at Café Clock.
-
Included Today
- Walking tour of Fes with local guide
-
Meals
- Breakfast
-
Included Today
-
Fes – Asilah
9Today: say as-salaam alaykum to the whitewashed wonder that is the seaside town of Asilah. This place oozes Greek island vibes and we’ll have plenty of time to check out the Old Town, colourful street art and 15th-century ramparts during our free time this afternoon. Then? Head to the port for fresh seaside vibes and sunset over the Atlantic. This is livin’.
-
Asilah – Seville (Spain)
10Didn’t quite meet your quota of authentic Spanish churros? Never fear, Seville is up next! Fact: according to legend, the city was founded 3,000 years ago by Hercules. And we’ve got a bit of a Herculean drive day today – so pass round the AUX cord, catch up on some zzzs and text your ‘rents from the ferry back to Spain. You’re gonna be too busy later. Then: time to meet your date tonight – a hot and spicy flamenco show PLUS an included dinner. Ay, caramba!
-
Included Today
- Flamenco show in Seville
-
Meals
- Dinner
-
Included Today
-
Seville
11Time to see what all the fuss is about – this morning’s all about Seville’s A-listers and hidden gems. And what better way to delve deeper than with our expert Trip Leader? Thank us later. Tick off the likes of Plaza de Toros, Torre del Oro, the University and Plaza de España on a walking tour – then the rest is 100% up to you. Need some suggestions? Visit the Real Alcázar. This palace is the most stunning example of Mudéjar architecture found on the Iberian Peninsula. Explore the old gypsy quarter of Triana. Go boating along the Guadalquivir river. Check out the massive Gothic Cathedral. Tonight: dinner’s on you (literally – we’ve seen how you eat tapas).
-
Included Today
- Walking tour of Seville with Trip Leader
-
Included Today
-
Seville – Lisbon (Portugal)
12Flirt with Spain's girl next door and discover why Lisbon is basically the San Francisco of Europe. History. Culture. Food. And some seriously booty-burning hills. Spend a month here, and you wouldn’t have seen it all – but we’re sure as hell gonna try! Strap in for a combo walking-driving tour of this electric city. Head to Belém and tick off the likes of Jerónimos Monastery, Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument and the World Heritage-listed Belém Tower. Then: it’s past the Monumento aos Restauradores through Praça Dom Pedro IV and across Praça do Comércio to tonight’s final dinner together. We’re gonna give this trip the send-off it deserves!
-
Included Today
- Lisbon highlights drive
-
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
-
Included Today
-
Lisbon
13And just like that, it’s over. You tried the food. You met the locals. You said yes to culture. Yes to history. What. A. Ride. Swap those socials – next year’s reunion trip isn’t going to plan itself. Where to next?
What's included
Included experiences
- - Boat ride along the Albufera lagoon
- - Walking tour of Valencia with Trip Leader
- - Walking tour of Granada with Trip Leader
- - Local Topdeck Representative in Morocco
- - Walking tour of Volubilis with local guide
- - Walking tour of Fes with local guide
- - Flamenco show with dinner in Seville
- - Walking tour of Seville with Trip Leader
- - Lisbon highlights drive
Accommodation
- 10 nights in hotel-style accommodation, 2 nights in a Moroccan riad. Please note: on nights 2 to 5 (Valencia and Granada), nights 7 and 8 (Fes) and nights 10 and 11 (Seville) you may stay in larger rooms (up to quad-share) with travellers of the same gender. Mixed-sex couples travelling together may be separated on these nights.
Transport
Optional activities
- FYI: these are optional activities available locally. Things might change – prices are here to give you a rough idea.
- Cava winery and tasting experience: from €11
Views & Reviews
Latest Reviews
Average rating based on 16 reviews
-
Anonymous November 2018
This trip was not value for money. Overall the locations and places visited were outstanding.
Accommodation in Morocco was appalling and food quality was poor. Level of accommodation in Spain and Portugal was passable.
-
Mark M November 2018
Poor
-
Anonymous July 2018
Overall it was average and a rip off for the money I paid. The guide lacked in depth knowledge about the places we visited, in particular Morocco. We were told meals were optional and then walked into restaurants where it was impossible to leave and given no other options or information about the area. The meals were then extremely expensive considering we were in Morocco. The provided meals from Topdeck across the whole tour (Spain and Portugal) were too small or of bad quality as well. Overall felt like I paid for far more than what was included, misleading brochures on the quality of service. Should be provided with a guide or suggestions of things to do while in each place
Crazy-good combinables
Europe | Delve Deep
Delve Deep: Spain & Portugal
10 days / 2 countries
Start: Lisbon
End: Barcelona