Day 1: Marrakech
Arrive at the airport in Marrakech, & transfer to the hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 2: Marrakech
Discover the spirit of Moroccan culture today as you visit some of Marrakech’s most famous landmarks, located within the ancient quarter of Medina. Take a stroll through the Djemaa El Fna plaza, which features lively markets & an array of entertainment, including magicians & snake charmers. Visit the sophisticated Bahia Palace, & explore the Museum of Moroccan Arts inside the Dar Si Said. Other highlights include the Koutoubia Mosque, known for its minaret, which stands over 250 feet tall.
Day 3: Marrakech – Casablanca – Fes
In the morning, travel to Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca, to see the Hassan II Mosque. This 20th-century masterpiece is without a doubt the country’s largest, with its maximum occupancy reaching an incredible 25,000. This afternoon, enjoy a scenic ride along the coast before heading to Fes.
Day 4: Fes
The old & new medinas of Fes invite you to discover centuries of Moroccan history, architecture, & tradition. The old quarter, Fes el Bali, proudly consists of one of the oldest educational institutions on the planet, the University of Karaouine. Visit Nejjarine Square, renowned for its elegant mosaic fountain, & explore the neighboring Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts for a look at the native’s unique handiwork. Other famous landmarks within this medina include the Bab Boujloud gate & the 14th-century Attarine Medersa, one of Morocco’s finer examples of architectural designs using mosaics & carved wood. Next, head to Fes el Jedid, the city’s new quarter. Highlights include the Jewish quarter & the Royal Palace.
Day 5: Fes – Tangier – Tarifa – Jerez – Seville
Today’s journey takes you to Spain’s Andalusia region, known for its charming towns with whitewashed houses, Moorish influence, & diverse terrain. In the morning, head to Tangier to board the ferry to Tarifa, Spain. Upon arrival, travel to Jerez to visit a local bodega. Discover why this town is known for its sherry production during an afternoon tasting. Afterward, head to Seville for dinner & an overnight stay.
Day 6: Seville
Enjoy a walk through the Santa Cruz Quarter of Seville, a quaint neighborhood featuring narrow alleys, beautiful houses, & blossoming orange trees. Visit the 16th-century Seville Cathedral. Standing as Spain’s largest cathedral, this Gothic masterpiece features eighty chapels, symbolically crafted doors, & the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Discover the diversity of cultural influence in Spain as you tour the Alcazar of Seville, a royal residence built by an ancient Moroccan dynasty. Other highlights of today’s sightseeing tour include the famous tower, La Giralda. Afterward, explore the city at leisure. Enjoy small plate dishes, locally known as “tapas,” for an afternoon snack. Relax, or take a walk through the beautiful Maria Luisa Park. Tonight, watch an exciting flamenco show.
Day 7: Seville – Cordoba – Granada
Travel to Cordoba this morning to see the Mezquita. This ancient Islamic mosque & present day Catholic cathedral features a unique, Moorish style interior, consisting of arched columns with a candy cane striped color scheme. Next, head for the city of Granada for dinner & an overnight stay.
Day 8: Granada
Learn about Moorish rule in Granada on a morning sightseeing tour. Visit the Alhambra, the 9th-century fortress that became an Islamic palace by the 14th century. Next, enjoy a stroll along the mosaic pathways in the beautiful gardens at the Generalife, the royal summer estate of an ancient Arab dynasty. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Tonight concludes with a farewell dinner.
Day 9: Granada – USA
Transfer to the airport in Granada, & board return flight home.