Spain and Morocco: Mystical and Mesmerizing

In transit.

Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s capital and largest city. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel. This afternoon we enjoy an orientation tour of this modern, vibrant city with all its skyscrapers along Castellan Boulevard, the famous Las Ventas Bullring, the 100 year old Gran Via, Plaza de Espana, Colon and The XVIII century area around Prado Boulevard. Late afternoon return to our hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: La Posada De Leon or similar

A great morning today when we meet our guide and have a short 1 hour drive to the monumental city of Toledo. Known as the ‘museum city’, Toledo has a colourful mix of Spanish and Arab influenced cultures. We take time to visit Santo Tome Cathedral and discover the magnificent art of Damasquinado, one of the treasures of Spain inherited during the era of Arab dominance in the 7th century. Also included is a delicious lunch at the Hacienda del Cardenal Restaurant located in an historic mansion in old Toledo. This afternoon we head back to Madrid for free time or how about an energizing bike ride around Retiro Park or a visit to the famous Museo del Prado, one of the world’s most visited museums.   This evening we sample Spanish nightlife and Madrid’s tasty tapas on a guided evening walking tour that will be sure to tantalize our taste buds!

We leave Madrid this morning and take the fast train to the Moorish influenced city of Cordoba with its beguiling mix of Roman, Arabic and Spanish history. After disembarking, we transfer to our hotel to freshen up before meeting our guide to enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the streets of Cordoba including visits to Cordoba Mezquita – a cathedral converted from an original mosque when the Christians conquered the city in the 13th century – and Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, a 14th century palace. Also included in our tour is a stop to learn more about Spain’s famous olive oils – how they are produced and, of course, some sample tastings! Tonight a delicious Andalusian inspired dinner is included at the Bodega Mezquita Restaurant.

Accommodation: Casa del los Naranjos or similar

We board our coach and travel to Seville, the capital of Andalucia. Seville is a grand city steeped in Moorish history with charming cobbled streets and beautifully coloured tiled patios. On arrival, we have an orientation tour to see the cathedral and Alcazar before checking in to our hotel. Later this afternoon we meet our local guide for two fun activities: a cruise on the Guadalquivir River to get a unique perspective of the city and then a ‘relaxing’ trolley bike ride through the cobbled streets with visits to Maria Luisa Park and the fabulous Plaza de Espana. After a busy day, we have time for a much deserved spa experienced at Ayr Sevilla Spa (optional and must be pre booked) After a perfect day, we enjoy dinner at the Abades Triana Restaurant with spectacular views of the Golden Tower.

Accommodation: Hotel Sacristia De Santa Ana or similar

We meet our guide after breakfast and head to Jerez, home to the world famous Spanish horses. Here we will enjoy a fabulous show at the Royal Horse School and, later, we learn more about another well-known industry in the region – vineyards and wine production!  We’ll visit a local cellar door for a tour and tastings before heading back to Sevilla and our hotel. This evening we enjoy a guided walk to the vibrant Santa Cruz area including a demonstration of authentic Spanish Flamenco. Finally to finish off another joyful day, we will enjoy dinner at one of the lively restaurants in the area.

A beautiful drive this morning beginning with a steady climb into the mountains for breathtaking views over the valleys below. We arrive in time for lunch (own expense) before embarking on an afternoon tour to visit the Alhambra Palace and Gardens, one of the world’s most beautiful palaces. The beauty of Granada is reflected in the legendary Alhambra, the last bastion of the Moors in Spain. After our visit, we stroll around the Albaicin area with its narrow streets and lanes, reminiscent of a small Arab town. Our day ends at Tempo del Flamenco for dinner and a flamenco gypsy show – be ready to have an unforgettable night.

Accommodation: Hotel Casa Capitel or similar

We transfer to the airport this morning for our domestic flight to Barcelona, one of the oldest cities in the world dating back 2000 years! On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel. Later this afternoon we are off for an orientation tour of the city including a cable car ride up to the top of Montjuic Mountain and a visit to a typical Spanish village where we will have a glass of local Catalan Cava before heading back to our hotel for a free evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Market or similar

We join our local guide for a leisurely walking tour of this fascinating city. We’ll explore the Eixample District of the city with its great Modernist buildings including those of famed architect, Antoni Gaudi. Our tour includes a visit inside his supreme yet unfinished work, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, an iconic symbol of the city’s landscape. We end our walking tour at the famous Ramblas just in time for our appointment with our master chef. Our first stop is
at one of Barcelona’s famous food markets, the Boqueria with its wonderous display of Spanish and South Mediterranean foods and produce. Under our chef’s guidance, we buy the food needed for our upcoming tapas cooking class! After cooking up a storm, we sit down to enjoy our creations. The remainder of our afternoon is free before we venture out for our farewell dinner in Miraba with its stunning views of the city.

We transfer to the airport today to connect to our flight to Morocco and the glorious city of Marrakesh. On arrival we are met and transferred to our Riad. A delicious welcome dinner
is included tonight at the Ksar ElHamra Palace.

Accommodation: Riad Slitine or similar

A great day today as we delve into the heart of Marrakesh. Our guided tour starts with the famous Majorelle Gardens and the Koutoubia Minaret built in the 12th Century. We then visit Bahia Palace constructed in the 19th century and the Saadian Tombs built in the 16th century as a royal cemetery. After lunch (own expense) the remainder of the day will be dedicated to exploring deep inside the Medina with its vast array of shops & kiosks filled with all things imaginable. A highlight of our tour (besides all the shopping!) will be a visit to a women’s cooperative located deep inside the ancient walls. We will be able to see and purchase the work the women produce and support the community in a tangible way. We leave the Medina at the world-renowned El Fna Square which houses a multitude of food stalls, snake charmers, local musicians and fortune tellers.

Today we enjoy an exceptional gastronomic experience with our host who just happens to be a
famous Moroccan chef. From picking out fresh produce to sampling spices for the perfect flavor, to exploring the local food market, our chef will unlock the secrets of the recipes he has mastered over the years. And the best part, after our ‘class’ we sit down for lunch to enjoy all our tasty creations. This afternoon is free… for all those interested, we will also organize a wonderful (and optional) hammam experience before dinner.

We leave Marrakesh this morning and head north to the well-known city of Casablanca, or ‘Casa’ as the locals call it. The city is the largest and most populated city in Morocco; it is also the busiest port, and its economic and industrial capital, accounts for more than half of the country’s industrial output. The atmosphere is more cosmopolitan than in other parts of the country, with Western dress and fashions predominating. On arrival, we take time to tour the city visiting the central market, the Royal Palace, Mohamed V Square and the impressive Hassan II Mosque. After time for lunch (own expense), we continue north to Rabat known as “the White Imperial City.” Time to visit the Royal Palace, the Oudaya Kasbah and the impressive Mohamed V Mausloeum before arriving at our Riad for the evening including a relaxing dinner with our hosts.

Accommodation: Riad Dar Dar or similar

We join our coach and travel to the Imperial city of Meknes where we take time to tour the quiet winding streets of the medina lined with grand buildings and monumental gates. Our local guide will show us El Hdim Square, Bab El Mansour, the massive gate which is the entrance to the old city and the Jewish Quarter. We will also see the Royal Granaries and the city ramparts.
Time for lunch before we continue on to holy town of Moulay Idriss and Volubilis, famous for its magnificent in situ mosaics. Most of the visible ruins date back from the 3rd century B.C. and the carefully laid out street plan, still visible today, is a striking contrast to the cheerful chaos of Moroccan Medinas. From here, we travel to our final destination, the ancient city of Fes.

Accommodation: Riad El Yacout or similar

A full day today of sights and sounds of this fascinating ancient city. Our first stop is at Morocco’s largest royal palace for a guided tour including a demonstration of the art of traditional mosaic making. We then venture deep into the largest Medina in the world to see the tanneries, artisan quarters and, of course, the souks for an afternoon of browsing and bartering! This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner our Riad so we can relax and relive  all our unique experiences with our new friends.

We transfer by road to Casablanca to connect with our flights home.