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Upgraded - Andalucian Highlights and Morocco Eclipse

Morocco, Spain - Trip code SME Eclipse
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Embark on a cross-continental adventure through southern Spain and northern Morocco, blending Andalucian tradition with Maghrebi charm. From the rock-hewn streets of Setenil de las Bodegas to the vibrant Medina of Tangier, this journey offers a rich tapestry of flavours, including Jerez sherry, Moroccan street food, and mountain wines. The highlight is witnessing the 2027 total solar eclipse from the shores of North Africa, guided by an expert astronomer before returning across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Why we love this trip
  • 2027 Solar Eclipse - Experience the longest solar eclipse of the century from a prime location in Tangier, accompanied by an expert astronomer.
  • Caminito del Rey - Walk through the Gaitanes Gorge via this incredible feat of engineering.
  • The Strait of Gibraltar - Cross one of the world's most significant waterways by ferry, connecting the "white villages" of Spain with the bustling ports of Morocco.
  • Upgraded Range - Experience18th-century palaces, cliffside Paradors, and elegant coastal retreats across Spain and Morocco

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

    Dinner: 1

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

  • i

    Accommodation

    7 nights premium hotel

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Trip starts in Malaga

Arrive in Malaga, one of the main port cities in Andalucia.There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Malaga at any time. The Tour Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. For those arriving early, you might like to take time to wander the historic streets, discover the Picasso Museum, or relax by the harbour.

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Malaga airport, which is around a 15-minute drive from our hotel. As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made pre-tour accommodation arrangements through Explore, regardless of your arrival day.

Accommodation:

Hotel Soho Boutique Colon (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Caminito del Rey walk and Ronda city tour

Today begins with a 50-minute transfer to Ardales for the legendary Caminito del Rey. El Caminito del Rey (The King's Little Path) is a walkway pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro offering a journey through some of Andalusia's most dramatic scenery. The cliff-side path hangs 100 metres above the waters of the river Guadalhorce reservoir, winding through dramatic cliffs, canyons, and expansive valleys. The route crosses the spectacular landscapes of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a magnificent gorge carved by the river Guadalhorce with towering walls that rise 700 metres/2,297 feet high. The walk is not challenging and takes place on good quality walkways and paths. For those who would prefer a more relaxed morning, the nearby lake is a good place to spend some time before rejoining the group.

Later, we'll continue to Ronda for a guided tour and an included dinner in the heart of town. Later, we'll continue to Ronda for a guided tour and an included dinner in the heart of town, where you can sample authentic rabo de toro (oxtail stew) or local tapas, perfectly paired with a glass of the region's award-winning high-altitude red wine.

Accommodation:

Hotel Soho Boutique San Gabriel (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3 - Visit the rock-hewn village of Setenil de las Bodegas, winery tour and tasting in Ronda

Today, we'll explore the unique village of Setenil de las Bodegas, where houses are built into the rocks, followed by an olive oil tasting in Zahara de la Sierra. Andalucia is the world's leading producer of olive oil, and here we'll see how the traditions come to life in its production. We'll end the day delving into another of Andalucia's gastronomic traditions, wine. The region has been producing vintages through Roman and Moorish times and small-scale wineries still thrive today. We'll enjoy a tasting at a prestigious local winery in the Ronda outskirts.

Accommodation:

Hotel Soho Boutique San Gabriel (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Explore Jerez and drive to Arcos de la Frontera

Leaving Ronda this morning, we first drive to Jerez, home to sherry, flamenco, and Andalusian horse-riding traditions. The historic centre is a beautiful mixture of Baroque, Moorish and Gothic styles, and we'll explore on foot.

We follow this with a tour of a sherry bodega, a must when visiting Jerez. Bodegas are unlike other wine cellars and are often referred to as 'wine cathedrals' as they have high-ceilings, thick walls and high windows, ageing wine via the 18th-century 'Solera' system. After a tasting, we drive to Arcos de la Frontera for a night in its historic Parador. Perched atop a 150-metre cliff in a former Moorish fortress, it offers spectacular views over the Guadalete River.

Accommodation:

Parador Arcos de la Frontera (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Visit Vejer de la Frontera; ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier, Morocco

This morning we'll drive south via the hilltop village of Vejer de la Frontera to Tarifa. Vejer de la Frontera is widely considered one of the most beautiful and best-preserved 'Pueblos Blancos' (White Villages) in Spain. Perched on a high rocky ridge overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, it offers a blend of Moorish heritage and medieval Christian architecture.

After exploring the old Moorish port of Tarifa, we'll take a ferry across the strait to Tangier and settle into our Mediterranean beachfront hotel.

Accommodation:

Movenpick Tangier (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Food tour in the Tangier medina and eclipse presentation

Today we'll set out to discover Tangier, a city that has long served as a gateway between Africa and Europe. We begin with a guided food tour through the ancient medina, navigating labyrinthine alleys to sample local delicacies. From freshly baked khobz bread and aromatic olives to honey-drenched pastries and traditional mint tea, you'll experience the authentic flavours of the 'White City' while learning about its rich, multicultural history.

Our exploration continues to the north-western tip of Africa to visit Cape Spartel, the dramatic promontory where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Nearby, we delve into the Hercules Caves, a site steeped in mythology where the legendary hero is said to have rested. In the afternoon, we return to the hotel to join our expert astronomer for a short presentation. This session provides a fascinating introduction to the constellations and the science behind tomorrow's total solar eclipse.

Accommodation:

Movenpick Tangier (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Solar Eclipse in Tangier, return to Malaga

Today is the main event. After breakfast, we'll make our way to a specially selected viewing location -either the hotel's Mediterranean-facing rooftop or a nearby coastal vantage point - to witness the solar eclipse from the shores of North Africa. The spectacle begins with the partial phase at 8:40 am local time, as the moon first touches the sun's edge. Over the next hour, the intense Moroccan sun will transition into a thinning crescent, visible through your eclipse glasses (provided).

The experience reaches its peak at 9:44 am with the arrival of totality. As the moon completely obscures the sun for 4 minutes and 51 seconds, the Tangier skyline will be plunged into a deep, midday twilight. During this window, you can safely remove your glasses to witness the sun's white corona and look for planets emerging in the darkened sky. We will be professionally accompanied by an expert astronomer with a telescope at hand to help you navigate each phase, from the final 'Diamond Ring' flash to the return of the sun's first rays at 9:49 am.

Later, we ferry back to Spain and drive to Malaga for a free afternoon to visit the Picasso Museum or the Alcazar.

Accommodation:

Hotel Soho Boutique Colon (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Trip ends Malaga

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Malaga airport, which is around a 20 minute drive from our hotel. As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made post-tour accommodation arrangements through Explore, regardless of your departure day.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Morocco

Climate

The climate is both Mediterranean and Atlantic. The dry, hot season is from May to October when summer temperatures can reach 38°C and above (if sight seeing is included we will do our best to avoid the heat of the day during this period). Temperatures may drop significantly at times during the night as the day's heat rapidly diminishes. From December to January snow can be expected on mountain passes and it can be wet. In winter, day temperatures will probably be around 18-25°C, dropping to perhaps 0-5°C.

Time difference to GMT

0

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Islam

Language

Arabic, Berber, French.

Spain

Climate

Overall, spring, early summer and autumn are ideal times for a Spanish trip - though the weather varies enormously from region to region. The high central plains suffer from fierce extremes, stiflingly hot in summer, bitterly cold and swept by freezing winds in winter. The Atlantic coast, in contrast, has a tendency to damp and mist, and a relatively brief, humid summer. The Mediterranean south is warm virtually all year round. Spain's Islands, the Canaries and Balaerics, experience very mild winters and warm summers, making them ideal year round destinations.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Castilian Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

Clothing should be lightweight as the temperature will be very hot in the summer.


Footwear

We recommend comfortable shoes or trainers with good ankle support as we spend time visiting several sites with uneven terrain, the walking tour in the medina will also be on uneven pavements so footwear with good grip is advisable, sandales or flip flops would not be advisable for the city tours.

Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and daypack is recommended.

Equipment

A sunhat and high factor sunscreen are all essential, whilst we recommend swimming costumes and towels.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £25 to £30 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £20 of local currency for tipping. In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip

Morocco

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8.00 - 12.00
Dinner price
£12.00 - 20.00
Beer price
£3.50
Water price
£1.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
Recommended Currency For Exchange
US Dollars, Sterling and Euros are readily exchangeable at banks and currency exchanges found in all towns and cities. We recommend you take a mixture of cash and credit cards. Scottish and Northern Ireland issued bank notes are sometimes not accepted.
Where To Exchange
Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available in all the main towns and cities, although some only accept cards issued in Morocco
Credit Card Acceptance
Not all places.

Spain

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15.00 - 20.00
Dinner price
£20.00 - 35.00
Beer price
£1.50 - 3.50 (depending on the region/area in Spain)
Water price
£2
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euros
Recommended Currency For Exchange
We recommend you take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash.
Where To Exchange
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Currency Exchange locations are generally only found in major cities and large airports.
ATM Availability
In cities and most major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in larger restaurants and some shops.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus

Food and drink

Andalucia and Tangier offer differing culinary experiences but with a shared Moorish history. The local fare is defined by high-quality staples such as golden olive oils, world-class Ibérico ham, and the aromatic spices of Morocco, like cumin and saffron. Specialties range from refreshing gazpacho and crispy tapas in Spain to fra tagines and sweet pastries across the strait. This region is equally distinguished by its diverse drinks, from the crisp sherries of Jerez to the refreshing mint tea of North Africa.

Morocco

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Spain

Food and drink

Spanish cuisine offers a huge variety of flavours, influenced by diverse regions and cultures. From the tapas of Andalusia to the hearty stews of Catalonia each dish tells a story. Vegetarians are typically well catered for however in the more rural areas choices may be more limited, broadly speaking this holds true for vegans.
Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water in mainland Spain, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 
Tap water on the Canary Islands goes through a desalination process and so, whilst safe, is not always pleasant to the taste.
 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Our price guarantee does not apply to Polar Voyages. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Spain: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.
Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

Morocco: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

UK passport holders are requested to have at least 3 months validity from the date of entry into Morocco. All other nationalities please check with your nearest embassy for requirements of passport validity.


For customers visiting the EU, or transiting via EU countries, please be aware that the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out, with full operation from 10 April 2026. This means that when you travel into, or depart from, the Schengen area for short stays, you will need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. On your first entry or exit into a Schengen country, you will be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk.

At some ports and international stations allow for extra time as there may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers leave the UK and transit through a EU country. Once initial registration has been completed future entering or exiting of an EU Schengen country should be simplified as only a single fingerprint scan or facial recognition scan will be required.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

No

Morocco

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Spain

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but Tetanus is usually recommended as a precaution. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Eclipse information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
Find out more
Price Guarantee Promise
Find out more
Airport Transfers
Find out more
Print Trip Notes

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