Spain & Morocco

Visit two continents and enjoy a true taste of Spain and Morocco’s centuries-old customs, cuisine and colorful culture.

Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s dynamic capital city. Gather with new friends tonight for a welcome dinner.

On a guided tour of Madrid’s historic center, see the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Join a local expert to explore the priceless masterpieces of the Prado Museum, which opened in 1819 and boasts the world's finest collection of art by masters such as Velazquez and Goya. 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.

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). 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.

Join a local expert for a tour of the Moorish-influenced city of Granada. Explore the city’s main sights 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.

Join a local expert in discovering the city’s historic Mudéjar architecture, and uncover the intriguing myths, stories and legends of Seville. Get a sense of this fascinating city during a panoramic tour where you will be able to see many of its most famous sites, including the Giralda Bell Tower. Then visit 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. Later today, take your reserved seats for an authentic flamenco show (UNESCO) featuring Seville’s top performers.

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 a tapas lunch. After lunch, head to Tarifa and 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.

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 where you can find 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.

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 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. Amid the cobbled alleyways of this ancient market, you’ll find spices and colorful wares in a labyrinth of streets and alleyways. Visit and learn about the famous leather tanneries, a tradition dating back to the 11th century. These are considered to be among the oldest tanneries in the world. View the honeycomb of vats exploding in brilliant colors.

This morning, it’s off to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, where during your city tour you’ll visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and explore the Oudaya Kasbah. This evening, arrive in the exotic city of Marrakech.

Explore Marrakech and its ancient El Bahia Palace with its marble floors and exquisite carved cedar ceilings. Visit the vibrant and historic Jewish Mellah and see the majestic 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. Enter the 11th-century walled Medina and enjoy time to mingle with locals and artisans as you shop at the ancient market. Later this afternoon, it’s your choice! Visit one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Morocco, Jardin Majorelle, before venturing to the Berber Museum -OR- visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum – a showcase of art, fashion, and design by the iconic Algerian designer. This evening, perhaps you will join an optional horse-drawn carriage through Marrakech, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

Today you will have a full day to explore “the pink city” of Marrakech at your own pace. You might choose to return to the medina for some more exploration or you may choose to visit one of the several excellent museums, such as the Maison de la Photograpie.

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.

Your tour of two continents and two countries with a rich, long-shared history comes to a close today.