Spain & Morocco

It’s an adventure that spans two continents. It’s culture centuries in the making. It’s your tour of Spain and Morocco. You’re on your way: are you ready?
Hotel Name: Hotel Riu Plaza España

Welcome to Madrid! Did you know that Spain’s capital was a fortified enclave during the Andalusi period? Experience the city’s vibe as you walk to your welcome dinner. With new friends, say “Salud!” to a new journey.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Madrid
Madrid is the capital and the largest city in Spain. Madrid sits on the Manzanares River, just northeast of the center of the Iberian Peninsula. It is estimated that the origins of Madrid can be traced back to the 2nd century B.C. Madrid is home to the head of the Spanish government, the Spanish royal family and the headquarters of the World Tourism Organization. Madrid’s influence on politics, education, entertainment, fashion and culture make it one of the world’s major global cities.

A local expert highlights Madrid’s diverse and iconic spots, including Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Dive deeper into the city’s Mudejar history to see how centuries of co-existence molded the city and its inhabitants. With the rest of your day on your own, you do you – Madrid-style. If you prefer to tour, an optional excursion to the fortified city of Segovia explores its medieval streets where you’ll see the 14th-century Alcazar Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site blends Christian and Muslim influences.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Barceló Carmen

Visit Area: Córdoba
Córdoba is located in Andalucía, southern Spain, and is the capital of the province of Córdoba. This city has an interesting history full of many diverse cultures and was the capital of a Roman province, the capital of an Arab State and a form of an Islamic government. It has the second largest old town in Europe, featuring Roman architecture, including a Roman bridge, as well as several Islamic and Jewish mosques.

¡Zoom! Travel at alta velocidad aboard the AVE high-speed train to Córdoba. This is a city known for its harmonious blend of Christians, Muslims, and Jews and yet it also tells a story of the religious upheavals along its history. Walk with a local expert to La Mezquita (UNESCO), an 8th-century mosque that was converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th century during the Reconquista. Explore Córdoba’s well-preserved and historic Jewish Quarter. Then, it’s off to Granada, Spain’s final Moorish capital before it fell to Catholic monarchs in 1492.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: The Alhambra
The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain. The first palace on the site was built in the 11th century and in the 12th and 13th century a fortress-complex palace was built. It is a vast complex, comprised of many structures. The Alhambra is part fortress, part palace, part garden and part government city. Many visitors come to Grenada specifically just to visit and see the Alhambra.

Explore the world-famous Alhambra* (UNESCO) with a local expert. This stone fortress overlooks Granada, a mesmerizing example of Islamic architecture. With a free afternoon, soak in the local culture however you choose. Tonight, embark on a walking food tour and eat as the Spanish do… because tapas is on the menu.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: NH Sevilla Plaza de Armas

Visit Area: Antequera

Make your way to Antequera, the dividing line between Christian and Muslim territories during the Middle Ages. This stunning white village of Andalusia welcomes you. Learn about the Spanish-Baroque buildings that give it its unique character on a walking tour. Enjoy a lunch of local dishes, then head to Seville, Spain’s “cultural capital.” This evening, experience Spain’s musical culture during a flamenco show (UNESCO). Passionate performers enchant as they showcase this dance form with mysterious roots.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Seville
Seville is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain. Seville is the top destination in the Andalusia region for travelers. Approximately 2,200 years old, the early origins of the city date back to the year 712. It is situated on the Guadalquivir River which splits the city into two halves. Seville is famous for being the birthplace of the Flamenco dance. It is also known for its culture, monuments, traditions and artistic heritage.

A local expert uncovers the city’s historic Mudéjar architecture with you – as well as Seville’s intriguing stories. A panoramic tour reveals iconic sites, including the Giralda Bell Tower, originally built as a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville. Visit the Seville Cathedral (UNESCO), the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Meander the narrow streets of Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter of Seville. Here, quaint courtyards, bright flowers, and whitewashed buildings create the most charming backdrop.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Hilton Tanger City Center Hotel

Admittance: Flamenco Show
The heartbeat of Spain can be found in the houses of flamenco artists. A traditional flamenco show can be found in many of the small towns and cities scattered through the southern region of Spain, Andalusia. Flamenco is a style of dance encompassing the rhythm of lifestyle, personality and beauty of Spaniards. There is eminent beauty in every aspect of a Flamenco show from Andalusian décor, castanets, flamenco attire, polka dots, and the unforgettable strumming of the Spanish guitar. Flamenco is a type of Spanish folk music and dance originating in the region of Andalucía in southern Spain. It includes, singing, dancing, guitar playing and handclaps.

Climb aboard the high-speed ferry to Africa** because today, you’ll say “adios” to Spain and “salaam alykum” to Morocco. Cross the Strait of Gibraltar (it’s a short ride), and disembark in the city of Tangier, a multicultural hotspot. Tangier was once occupied by the Portuguese and the British. A local expert leads you throughout the city to share places with you like the old medina and the kasbah. Perhaps you’ll see why this coastal city has been inspiring artists and writers for ages. With a free evening, explore this revitalized seaside city your way. Stroll the oceanfront promenade. Visit the marina. Shop in the Medina. Or take in the stunning view from any of the city’s restaurants.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Tangier
Tangier is a major port city in the northern part of Morocco. It is located on the North African coast at the Western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Tangier was founded in the early 5th century B.C. Tangier is influenced by a mix of north Africa Spain, Portugal and France. Tangier is divided into an old, walled city, or medina and a new, modern city, the ville nouvelle.

A morning at leisure means more time to explore Tangier. Later, get to know the American Legation in Tangier; it’s the only U.S. National Historic Landmark located in a foreign country and a symbol of the diplomatic ties of these two nations that dates back to the 1800s. This afternoon, discover the walled city of Asilah, a seaside town with a bohemian art presence. Historically, Asilah hosted many conquerors and pirates – and now it welcomes you.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Barceló Fès Medina

Visit Area: Chefchaouen
Explore the “Blue City” of Morocco, with its medina painted a stunning indigo. No one knows exactly why – some say the blue keeps insects away and some say the Jewish population introduced it after fleeing persecution in the 1930s.

Leave Tangier for Morocco’s “Blue City” – Chefchaouen. Scenic mountains and brightly painted buildings signal your arrival. With free time, explore the famous indigo-blue streets of this hilly town. Stop in one of its handicraft shops – and find the wool garments and woven blankets that are unique to this region. This evening, arrive in Fes (UNESCO). The “Mecca of the West,” Fes remains as the region’s religious capital.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Fes
Once the capital of Morocco, Fes has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Fes was founded in 789 and is Morocco’s oldest imperial city. Its “old town,” also called Medina, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its traditional character, there are some modern sections built by the French, called “ville nuvelle.” Today, Fes is a bustling commercial center. Many non-Moroccans are now restoring traditional homes as second homes in the Fes medina. The popularity of Fes has increased since the King of Morocco wed a computer engineer from Fes, Salma Bennani.

Explore Fes, one of the holiest cities in the world. Learn of its historical importance as a center of government, philosophy, medicine, and religion during your tour. 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. Along the cobbled alleyways of this ancient market, find spices and colorful wares. Find out about the leather tanneries, a tradition dating back to the 11th century. View the honeycomb of vats exuding brilliant colors. Tonight, the food: a Moroccon dinner. The setting: a traditional Riad.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Widiane Hotel

Visit Area: Marrakech
Marrakech is a major city in the northwest African nation of Morocco. It is possibly the most important of Morocco’s four former imperial cities. The region was inhabited by Berber farmers from Neolithic times, but the actual city was founded in A.D. 1062. Like many Moroccan cities, Marrakech is comprised of the old, fortified city packed with vendors and their stalls, bordered by modern neighborhoods. Today it is one of the busiest cities in Africa and serves as a major economic center and tourist destination.

The awe-inspiring Middle Atlas Mountains are a jewel in Morocco’s crown – take in their majesty on today’s journey to the small, rural hamlet of Bin El Oudaine.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

: Choice on Tour: Hike or M'Goun Geopark Museum
You have two choices on how to spend your late afternoon. For your first choice, you can take to the trails. Join a local guide on a hike alongside Lake El Ouidane and get breathtaking views of the water and the mountainside landscape. For your second choice, you can visit the Unesco M’Goun Geopark Museum that showcases the Geopark’s natural, cultural, and landscape treasures. Hiking Activity Level: 4 Explore the breathtaking rural mountainside landscape with a local guide on a hike.

Explore Bin El Ouidane and enjoy the picturesque landscapes in the area. Today, it’s your choice! Explore the breathtaking rural mountainside landscape with a local guide on a hike -OR- visit the Unesco M’Goun Geopark Museum that showcases the Geopark’s natural, cultural, and landscape treasures. Enjoy a calm and relaxing afternoon. No matter what you do, a natural and cultural wonderland is yours to experience.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi

Visit Area: Bin El Oudaine

Travel to Marrakech, an imperial city full of ancient artistry and religious history. Stroll the Jardin Majorelle, one of the most stunning botanical gardens in Morocco. This evening, wander through a maze of colors and fragrances in Jemaa el-Fnaa – one of Morocco’s famous squares before sitting down for dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Casablanca
Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and is located on the country’s western coast on the Atlantic Ocean. Today, Casablanca is known as one of the most important cities in Africa, both economically and demographically, as it is Morocco’s chief port and industrial center. The area which is today Casablanca was founded and settled by Berbers in the 7th century B.C. It was used as a port by the Phoenicians and later the Romans. It currently has an up-and-coming contemporary art scene, and it has beautifully restored French colonial buildings and an authentic old part of town.

Visit El Bahia Palace, with its marble floors and carved cedar ceilings. Then, explore Marrakesh’s labyrinth-like medina. Local crafts and wares like rose petals, spices, babouches and Berber rugs make this experience a highlight. Find out what made this souk one of the most famous in the world as well as the centerpiece of so many novels and travel books. The rest of the day is yours to explore “the red city” of Marrakech at your own pace.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Marriott Casablanca Hotel

Admittance: Hassan II Mosque
Gaze upon the intricate, colorful artistry of ceramic tile and hand-carved stone during a visit to the breathtaking Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco. It’s minaret is the tallest in the world, at 689 ft. tall.

Today, it’s off to Casablanca, a romantic setting that showcases the modern side of Morocco in the best way. Tour the Hassan II Mosque, an architectural masterpiece of Moroccan artisanship. Later, step inside the legendary saloon, Rick’s Café, from the film Casablanca. Here’s looking at you, (and your fellow travelers), as you toast your adventure during your farewell dinner.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

It’s time to say “adios” and “besslama” to an incredible tour. But remember… you’ll always have Spain and Morocco.

Breakfast Included