Spain & Morocco
Spain & Morocco
12 Nights / 13 Days
Day 1
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Visit two continents and enjoy a true taste of Spain and Morocco’s centuries-old customs, cuisine and colorful culture.
Day 2
Day 2: Madrid, Spain - Tour Begins
Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s dynamic capital city. Gather with new friends tonight for an enjoyably charming welcome dinner.
Day 3
Day 3: Madrid
On a local-guided tour of Madrid’s historic center, see the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, the site of many an event since the 17th century. An expert-led tour of the monumental 18th-century Royal Palace* reveals lavish halls and banquet rooms; the throne room, the royal armory, and the palace’s impressive courtyard. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to explore Madrid, or instead, choose to purchase an optional tour to magnificent Toledo, a 192 B.C. UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Tagus River.
Day 4
Day 4: Madrid - Córdoba – Granada
Travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Córdoba. Reduce travel time and increase leisure time in Córdoba when you choose to take the optional AVE high-speed train! On arrival, embark on a walking tour of the Mezquita, UNESCO World Heritage site. Originally built as a mosque, it was converted into the city’s cathedral when the Christians conquered the region in 1236. Stroll the historic Jewish Quarter, and later, travel along the peaceful Sierra Nevada to Granada – the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492.
Day 5
Day 5: Granada – Seville
Join a local expert for a tour of the Moorish-influenced city of Granada. Explore the city’s main sights; see the hilltop palace of the Alhambra, and enjoy a visit to the Royal Chapel. Get a glimpse of what life was like when the Moors occupied the city during a short walk through the Albayzíin neighborhood; full of rich color and the aroma of spices. Later, arrive in Seville, Spain’s cultural capital.
Day 6
Day 6: Seville - Paella Demonstration - Flamenco – Seville
Join a local expert in discovering the city’s historic Mudéjar architecture, and uncover the intriguing myths, stories and legends of Seville. Tour the Royal Alcázar** (UNESCO), and walk through its beautifully decorated courtyards featuring columns and exquisite plasterwork. Then, stroll the sprawling and colorful Alcázar gardens to find one glorious garden after another. Next, see the Giralda Bell Tower and the majestic Seville Cathedral (UNESCO). Continue on to the winding narrow streets, quaint courtyards, bright flowers, and whitewashed buildings of Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter of Seville. At a local restaurant this evening, learn the secrets of paella. Then, take your reserved seats for an authentic flamenco show (UNESCO) featuring Seville’s top performers.
Day 7
Day 7: Seville - Jerez de la Frontera - Tarifa - Tangier, Morocco
Depart Seville and journey to Spain’s sherry region. Stop at a bodega in Jerez de la Frontera for a tour and tasting before sitting down for locally-curated tapas. After lunch, head to Tarifa. This is where you board the high speed ferry to the incredible continent of Africa! A short ride across the Strait of Gibraltar brings you to Morocco, and the city of Tangier. Enjoy a free evening to explore this revitalized seaside city. Take a stroll along the oceanfront promenade, visit the new marina, do some shopping in the Medina, or simply enjoy the views from any one of the city’s many restaurants.
Day 8
Day 8: Tangier - Chefchaouen – Fes
Journey from Tangier to Chefchaouen - the “Blue City” of Morocco. Take in the beauty of the surrounding mountains, enhanced by the contrast of the brightly painted Medina. Enjoy free time to explore the famous indigo-blue streets of this small town, and stop in one of the many handicraft shops that are known for the wool garments and woven blankets that are unique to this region. This afternoon, arrive in Fes (UNESCO). The “Mecca of the West,” Fes has retained its position as a religious capital of the region. This evening, dine at a family run riad in the Medina, and taste traditional Moroccan delights, the recipes of which have been passed down from generation to generation.
Day 9
Day 9: Fes
Discover Fes, one of the holiest cities in the world. Learn of its historical importance as a center of government, philosophy, medicine, and religion during a fascinating panoramic tour that includes the Medersa Bou Inania, built in 1325. See the Jewish Quarter, the city ramparts and the gates of the Palace. Then, set out on a walking tour in the Medina. Founded in the 9th century, it is home to the world’s oldest continuously functioning university. Amid the cobbled alleyways of this ancient market, you’ll find donkeys and mules laden with goods walking alongside buyers. Spend time at the famous leather tanneries that date back to the 11th century and are considered to be among the oldest tanneries in the world. View the honeycomb of vats exploding in brilliant colors.
Day 10
Day 10: Fes - Meknes - Rabat – Marrakech
This morning, we’re off to the imperial city of Meknes (UNESCO). In this cultural city, amongst lush rolling hills studded with ancient olive groves, see the famous ancient door, Bab El Mansour, and the Bab El Khamis flea market. Continue to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, where you’ll visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and explore the Oudaya Kasbah. This evening, arrive in the exotic city of Marrakech. Choose to explore the city by night during an optional excursion to Jemaa el Fna, Marrakech’s main square, complete with a horse and carriage ride and a unique fusion dining experience.
Day 11
Day 11: Marrakech
Explore Marrakech and its ancient El Bahia Palace where you will find a sentry of nesting storks standing guard. Visit the vibrant and historic Jewish Mellah, and see the majestic 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. Pass by the Royal Palace during a tour of the ancient city wall. Then, it’s your choice! Visit one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Morocco, Jardin Majorelle, a colorful oasis in the center of Marrakech with exotic plants, fountains and palm trees designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle -OR- visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum – a showcase of art, fashion, and design by the iconic Algerian designer. Then, enter the 9th-century walled Medina and enjoy time to mingle with locals and artisans as you shop at the ancient market.
Day 12
Day 12: Marrakech – Casablanca
This morning, venture to Casablanca and tour the Hassan II Mosque, a stunning and impressive high-tech architectural masterpiece. See the city by night on your drive along the seashore to your farewell dinner at Rick’s Café, the legendary saloon from the film Casablanca.
Day 13
Day 13: Casablanca - Tour Ends
Your tour of two continents and two countries with a rich, long-shared history comes to a close today.
