Upgraded - Andalucian Highlights and Morocco Eclipse

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.