Delve Deep: Spain, Portugal & Morocco

Welcome to the capital of Catalonia. Bienvenidos to the city of art nouveau, sexy accents and (most importantly) tapas. First up: time to meet the fellow explorers that are gonna be sharing the journey. Then: time to put those fat pants to the test at tonight’s included dinner as we dive into the local restaurant scene. Salud (cheers) to the adventure ahead – we’ve got 12 in-CREDIBLE days lined up to dig deep into the sights, sounds and smells of 3 immense countries. This. Is. Happening.

Rise 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 (as long as the weather plays ball). And finally? Dinner’s on us this eve. NICE.

Ready 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. Looking to delve deeper? Valencia’s Old Quarter packs some serious old-school charm. Hire a bike and check out the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. Or take a stroll through Jardines del Turia and people watch the locals. 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.

Today 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.

You 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? Tour the Alhambra (pro tip: book in advance). 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*

Ready 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.

Time 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).

Mausoleums, 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.

Grab that included brekkie cos our morning hits with a guided visit to the Roman Ruins of Lixus. Mood: allll the ancient feels, including a sanctuary dedicated to HER-CU-LEEEES. Then: 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 on a walking tour with a local guide. Think: colourful street art and 15th-century ramparts. After? Head to the port for fresh seaside vibes and sunset over the Atlantic. This is livin’.

Didn’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!

Time 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 (book your tix in advance!). 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).

Flirt 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!

And 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?