On the Trail of the Moors in Spain and Morocco

Visit the places that best represent the old essence of the capital of Spain, such as the Royal Palace – home to paintings by Velazquez, Goya, Rubens, El Greco and Caravaggio – the Royal Theatre, the old City Hall and the Plaza Mayor.

Spain’s main art museum, the Prado has one of the greatest collections of European art in the world, with around 9,000 paintings by artists such as Bosch, Titian and Rubens. Built under the instruction of King Carlos III, the museum opened in 1819 and was intended to provide Madrid with an outstanding painting gallery, large enough to match those opening at the time in Europe. Recently the prestigious Spanish architect, Rafael Moneo, has enlarged the old building by adding a new wing with additional rooms and a fantastic 15th-century cloister.

Discover the tapas world capital in this exclusive route and taste the most delightful bites of Seville, accompanied by an expert gastronomy guide who knows all the best spots.

Enjoy a walking tour through Barrio de Santa Cruz, Seville’s oldest quarter, learning about its history from the Roman times right up until the present day. You’ll visit the cathedral which sits on the site of the Great Mosque of the 12th century; the only part of this that remains is the minaret, now known as the Giralda Tower. The Royal Alcazar was the site of the marriage between Carlos V and Isabel of Portugal and is centred around two courtyards. The Ambassador’s Hall is beautifully decorated with plasterwork and tiles, while the top floor is accessed by a 16th century staircase featuring paintings by Roelas and Madrazo. The pretty gardens reflect the passing of historical periods and are a lush hideaway filled with pomegranate, orange and palm trees.

A combination of dance, song, guitar and rhythm, flamenco draws from both mysterious Gypsy tradition and age-old Andalusian music. Enjoy an insider’s look at the world of flamenco in Granada. Explore the Sacromonte, a neighbourhood made up of cave dwellings, exploring the unique homes and flamenco tablaos that are hidden here and which served as inspiration for some of Spain’s most important poets. Afterwards, head to a classic tapas bar for dinner, ending the evening with a flamenco show.

Head to the emblematic Café Hafa for a Moroccan mint tea and the sea views from its cliffside perch. Seemingly unchanged since opening in 1921, it has remained a perennial stop for writers, artists and musicians for almost a century.

Follow your guide to Fes’ old Jewish neighbourhood, the Mellah. Created in 1438 as an area for their protection, Jews in the city, many immigrating from Spain after the Reconquista, were relocated to a site known as al-Mallah, ‘the saline area’. Situated near the royal palace in order to protect its inhabitants due to their vital role in the local economy, it was initially a quarter of large and beautiful dwellings with street facing windows and balconies – in contrast to the riad courtyards in the rest of the medina – with its own synagogues, fountains, markets and burial grounds.

Drive through miles of vineyards and olive groves to Volubilis, a partly excavated and remarkably preserved Roman city. Built in a fertile agricultural area, it developed from the 3rd century BC onward as a Phoenician, then proto-Carthaginian, settlement before being the capital of the kingdom of Mauretania. Through olives and wine, it prospered under Roman rule from the 1st century AD and gained a number of major public buildings and fine town-houses with large mosaic floors.

Your private guide will show you around some of Marrakesh’s historic highlights in the medina, the old fortified city which is ringed by some 19km (12 miles) of walls and monumental gates which date back to the 12th century. The entirety of the old town is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as narrow streets, riads and bazaars, the walls encompass grand palaces, gardens, mosques, bustling squares, tombs and museums including Bahia Palace, the Saadian tombs, the Medersa ben Youssef, and the ever-present Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret will always help you to find the right direction.

In the Medina’s beautiful maze, through the ancient French neighbourhood or in the mythical palm grove, Marrakesh is full of surprises. A vivid flea market, secret gardens behind closed doors, old art deco buildings or khettaras in the palm grove are just a few of the many hidden treasures your rider guide will introduce you to on this unusual open-air ride aboard a vintage motorbike and sidecar outfit. Your ride is tailor-made and off the beaten path, respectful of the local culture and all inclusive to offer you a memorable experience.