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Highlights Of Southern Spain & Morocco


Moorish food and minarets, seductive Seville and simmering souks: this adventure showcases the contrasts and close ties between two mighty realms




A strong Moorish history and a warm bucolic vibe make Andalucía one of Spain’s most pleasant and picturesque regions. Sun-blessed hills and fertile valleys dotted with charming villages are best explored on foot, as is the provincial capital of Seville. Home to the magnificent Alcazar Palace and many other grand structures from its long history, it’s a perfect entry to an idyllic region. Ronda and Granada also bask in former glories, with the latter’s magnificent Alhambra Palace being the ultimate ‘jewel in the crown’ and arguably the most seductive building in the world. Just across the Straits of Gibraltar is another enormous continent, with Morocco at its head. Old medinas, labyrinthine streets, grand mosques and colourful bazaars beckon, shadowed doorways, slanted light and – yes – snake charmers make it a dreamland of exotica; Fes and Marrakech have changed little since medieval times, but still offer surprises far beyond the clichés. These two great countries weaved together form an intricate, eternally interesting tapestry... and trip!



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Tour Highlights

  • The most famous of the 'pueblos blancos' - 9th Century BC Ronda
  • UNESCO World Heritage-listed 11th Century 'Red Castle' of Alhambra
  • Fes - the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco
  • Meknes' UNESCO World Heritage-listed old medina
  • Roman site of Volubilis
  • UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jamaâ El Fna

Inclusions

  • Local tour leader, transport and sightseeing.

  • On foot
  • Plane
  • Private bus
  • Public aircon coach
  • 14 breakfasts, 4 dinners

Highlights Of Southern Spain & Morocco

Day 1
Seville
Meals Privided:
, Dinner
Your trip starts today with your arrival in historic Seville - home of the flamenco! Iberian Airlines operates daily nonstop services to Seville from London, Paris, Barcelona and Madrid. Another convenient method of reaching the capital of Andalucia is by fast train (AVE) which takes less than three hours from Madrid. Whilst at your discretion, we recommend arriving/ departing by train where possible within Europe due to this method of transports minimal carbon emissions. No activities are planned during the morning or afternoon so you may arrive at any time. Take the opportunity to explore this most flamboyant of cities whose charms lie not only in its sights and sounds but also with its culinary temptations. You may wish to book some pre tour accommodation and arrive a day or two early, to enjoy one of Seville's World Heritage Sites, the Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower, Triana´s nightlife and dining, or just discovering its winding streets & small plazas of the Barrio Santa Cruz. Please make your own way to the joining hotel (details are in your travel documents) which is located in the heart of the Barrio (district) Santa Cruz famed for its shady narrow laneways. The Barrio de Santa Cruz was originally home to an active Jewish and Muslim community. This shaded warren was designed in medieval times to provide refuge from the great Andalusian heat. In the evening we meet our tour leader and fellow travelling companions at a Welcome Meeting (this is at 7pm at the reception of our hotel), where our leader will give us a briefing on what lies ahead on our tour. This is followed by a light orientation walk of the area and dinner in a local restaurant where a variety of local delights will be sampled.
Day 2
Seville
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
This morning after breakfast we embark on a walking tour that will reveal to us many of Seville's finest sights. With the knowledge of our local leader to guide us we will explore the labyrinthine maze of narrow cobblestoned streets and lazy sun speckled squares in the Barrio Santa Cruz and El Centro. Situated on the Rio Guadalquivir Seville has been a site of habitation since Roman times before being conquered in turn by the Visigoths, Moors and lastly Christians who captured the city in 1248 led by Fernando the 3rd - known as El Santo (The Saint). This cultural diversity is richly portrayed in Seville's architectural legacies to this day. A highlight of the morning will be a visit to Seville's magnificent Alcazar Palace - one of the country's most impressive and historic monuments as well as the lovely Botanical Gardens Maria Luisa and the incomparable Plaza de Espana. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore. We highly recommend the Cathedral of Seville and the Giralda Tower (entrance not included). One of Europe's largest Cathedrals and home to Christopher Columbus's elevated tomb. Tonight join the rest of the 'Sevillana,' and soak up the ambiance as the city comes alive. Famed Tapas bars, live music and locals spilling out onto the cooler evening streets will see you quickly becoming part of the spirit of alegre (joy). Perhaps a flamenco show this evening - Olé. (3-4 hours urban walking).
Day 3
Zahara de la Sierra - Grazalema
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Dinner
Today we transfer to the beautiful Grazalema National Park and visit the splendid village of Zahara de la Sierra (1 1/2 hours) on route. The spectacular location of this white washed village, set as it is clinging to the edges of a dramatic mountain range, makes it visable for many kilometres and has been called a Moorish eagle's nest. Overlooked by it's medieval castle we enjoy a guided visit through its narrow alleyways where we see the 16th Century watch tower, imposing town arch and the beautiful Church of Santa María de la Meza with its baroque design. We also take a short walk outside the village walls to the Molino Viniculo, a traditional family run 'cold' olive oil press for a demonstration and tasting. Andalucia is the world's largest producer of olive oil and the locals enjoy it with their breakfast, lunches and dinners! It is also the basis of Andalucia's most famous contribution to world gastronomy - gazpacho. It is then a short 30 minute drive to Grazalema village proper over the stunning Dove Pass route high up in the Sierras. (3 hours village walking)
Day 4
Grazalema – National Park Walking Day (or Free Day)
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
A day at rest if you wish. Alternatively the option of taking a nature walk into the ancient forests and hilly landscapes of the Grazalema National Park. The walk is led by your leader and caters to both light walkers and those seeking an adventurous day in this region made famous by Romans, Moors and Bandits. The walk begins by exploring Grazalema's village streets and carpet weaving tradition and then follows a mountainous circuit over an ancient drovers path where we can observe native flora and fauna - possibly even eagles and vultures. From here guests can return to the hotel for a restful afternoon exploring more of the village while others may wish to carry on to explore the verdant natural areas with their leader. Please note, today's walking distance and terrain is subject to group interest, prevailing weather and seasonal factors. (4-6 hours hill walking / subject to conditions).
Day 5
Ronda
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we depart Grazalema for our private coach service to the iconic village of Ronda (literally meaning surrounded by mountains), we will have one night's stay here. Prior to arriving at Ronda, we take a scenic detour where we witness outstanding natural and cultural landscapes of the pueblos blancos (white villages). A break at the refreshing Cueva del Gato (Cat´s Cave), allows us time to stroll around this park area and have a café on the terrace. One of Spain's oldest towns - dating back to the 9th Century BC - Ronda impresses with its dramatic location perched on an inland plateau at 744m. Lauded across many centuries, this most famous of 'pueblos blancos,' (white villages) has attracted travelers drawn by its craggy beauty for an age. It is linked to the romantic writers of the 19th Century such as Hemingway and Dumas who sought to gaze out from its elevated position across the patchwork of fields and floodplains beneath. We have an included walking tour of the old quarter as well as an easy walk into the picturesque gorge surrounding the town. This afternoon we learn the art of tapas from our leader who will guide us in the nuances of the famous tapas menus and wines of Ronda. Late afternoon offers free exploration time before we regroup for dinner in one of Ronda's lively local ventas. (3-4 hours rural and town walking)
Day 6
Granada
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
After breakfast we travel by private minibus to enjoy the views of Andalucia's rich countryside and tremendous geography. After a coffee break on route, we continue our journey to the former Moorish stronghold of Granada (3 hours driving total). This fine city imbues the Islamic tradition and hints at the ghosts of a very different past like no other in Andalucia. It was the last Muslim-controlled city to fall to the Christians in 1492. Put quite simply Granada is enchanting. This afternoon we walk in the historic Christian Cathedral district and witness this Moorish influence first hand. An opportunity to self guide into Granada´s Cathedral and Royal tombs of Isabel and Ferdinand is made available. Or simply wandering through the Moroccan Souk markets or observing craftwork like ceramics and leather goods can be insightful too. We recommend a meal of tapas in one of Granada's lively squares beneath the Alhambra Palace this evening. Granada attracts a large student population from all over Spain lending a youthful ambiance to the cooler evenings and vibrancy to the city that will envelop you. (2 hours urban walking)
Day 7
Alhambra Palace - Granada
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Dinner
A highlight of our trip this morning or afternoon (pending our Palace entrance time), is a visit to the Alhambra Palace. Dating back to the 11th Century and taking its name from the Arabic for 'red castle,' Alhambra will challenge your visual senses with so much to entice. The dominating red fortress towers, sumptuous palace decor, multitude of architectural styles and magnificent gardens of the 'Generalife,' (literally meaning architect's garden) are all set against the brooding backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains and compete for your eyes attention. From the soothing pathways, fountains, impeccably maintained hedges and pools to the centuries old defensive walls, turrets and views overlooking Granada our visit to this peerless attraction will not disappoint. Once inside the palace you are free to wander around and make your own discoveries. As well today, your leader will take you deeper into Granada's Moorish Albaizan quarter and traditional Moroccan Souks where tea houses and Arab craft stalls completely transpose you from traditional Spanish culture. Be sure to bring your camera! Tonight to celebrate our last night, we return to the heart of Granada's Albaizan quarter to lanes and patios offering glimpses of the Alhambra's west flanks. An additional walk can take us past the non-touristic Flamenco Taverns where aspiring (and legendary) performers gather, socialize, share their talent and try new material. If there are any programs or concerts we can pay a small cover fee otherwise we can enjoy a drink and tapas and our guide will offer us some history of this unique place in the world of Spanish culture and musical heritage. A true 'highlight experience' because this part of Granada's culture is well off the tourist trail and nowhere else may one stumble upon some of Flamenco's most powerful contributors. (full day urban walking with breaks)
Day 8
Granada - Casablanca
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
Today is a free day to further enjoy all that Granada has to offer. Late this afternoon we transfer by minibus to the Malaga airport (2 hour drive) for our onward evening flight to Casablanca in Morocco (1.30 hr flight). We recommend you enjoy a late lunch in Granada as you will be transiting during dinner time. The transfer and flight will not be escorted by the tour leader. Upon arrival at the airport please provide your airline booking reference and your passport at the check-in counter. Refer to your documentation for your departure time and airline booking reference. The check-in desk will open two hours ahead of the flight's scheduled departure and close promptly 40 minutes before the flight is scheduled to leave. Once you have checked in, please present yourself at the boarding gate ready for boarding no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your flight. On arrival at Casablanca Airport late this evening, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. You will meet your Morocco tour leader for a briefing tomorrow morning.
Day 9
Casablanca-Meknes
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
In Casablanca we see the impressive Mosque of Hassan II, opened in 1993, and second only in size to the great mosque at Mecca. It can accommodate 25,000 worshippers and is one of the only religious sites open to non-Muslims. Later we drive to Rabat, the elegant capital of Morocco and our first Imperial city. It contains numerous fine Arab monuments, some dating to the Almohad and Merenid dynasties and others that are far older. The earliest known settlement is Sala, occupying an area now know as the Chellah, where we visit the remains of the citadel. We also see the vast minaret of the Hassan Mosque and explore the lovely walled quarter known as the Kasbah des Oudaias. In the late afternoon we continue to Meknes.
Day 10
Volubilis-Meknes-Fes
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
Volubilis was once a provincial Roman capital, a distant outpost of the empire, and as we approach it we can see it prominently sited along the edge of a high plateau. Today it is the most impressive Roman site in Morocco and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. We explore the many public buildings and at the House of Orpheus we see several fine mosaic floors intact. We continue our journey to nearby Meknes, where the charming streets of the old medina are a perfect prelude to Fes. From the northern gate, Bab Berdaine, we walk to the shrine of Moulay Idriss who, in the 17th century, turned Meknes from a provincial town to a spectacular Imperial city. We visit the lovely Bou Inania Medresse (religious school) and after time to explore the old souk we drive to Fes for the night.
Day 11
Fes
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
Spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco, Fes is vibrant, noisy, fascinating and overwhelming - a visual and pungent assault on the senses. It is made up of three distinct 'cities', or quarters, and we are based in the elegant 'Nouveau Ville', or New City, which has a distinctly French/European character. Today we head into the old city, known locally as Fes el Bali, arguably the world's most fascinating and confounding old city. Medieval Fes was one of the world's great centres of education and culture: both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and its libraries are legendary. Its mosques are of great renown. And it was to Fes that many of the Muslims (and Jews) expelled from Spain by Ferdinand and Isabella came in 1492. As we walk through the streets and alleyways, passing historic khans, medresses and dye-pits, it is not hard to imagine ourselves back in the Middle Ages. We spend the day exploring the old city, visiting the Belghazi Museum, Medresse el Attarine, the tanneries and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine, a beautifully restored 18th century inn. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 12
Fes-Moulay Yacoub
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
Fes el Jedid, meaning New City (but not to be confused with the Nouvelle Ville) is also well worth a visit. Unlike Fes el Bali, which grew organically over the years, Fes el Jedid was an entirely planned city, built by the Merenids in the 13th and 14th centuries. The imposing gateway of Bab Boujeloud leads us into broad streets, where public and private gardens add a splash of colour to the surroundings. Later, we drive to nearby spa village of Moulay Yacoub. Here you can enjoy a swim (separate areas for men and women) or descend to the old thermal baths for a traditional hot bath. We return to Fes in the late afternoon. PLEASE NOTE: Due to traveller feedback, our leaders have proposed changing this side to trip a small village called Sefrou, about 30k from Fes. It's a lovely little town, once home to one of Morocco's largest Jewish communities. Your leader will explain the 2 options and you'll have to make a group decision. Alternatively, you can spend the whole day in Fes.
Day 13
Fes-Marrakech
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
We bid farewell to our tour leader and board the train to Marrakech, via Casablanca. It's pretty much an all day affair, so ensure you have a good book with you. There's a food trolley service on board, offering a regular supply of snacks and drinks. Please note that sometimes we will use a minibus instead of the train (depending on the gorup size). There are pros and cons for both methods of travel. On arrival in Marrakech you will be met by our local representatives and transferred to your beautiful Riad hotel, just a few minutes from Jemaa el Fna, the great square. This evening, why not head over to the square, one of the largest public spaces in the world and unique to Marrakech. Every night it comes alive with snake-charmers, musicians, story-tellers, fire-eaters and hundreds of small outdoor restaurants. No need to ask anyone where it is, just follow the throng towards the smell of barbecued meats!
Day 14
Marrakech
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
After breakfast we meet our Marrakech guide and set off on a morning tour of the old medina. We visit the beautiful Bahia Palace, a splendid mansion built in 1866 for a former slave who had risen to a position of importance in the government of Moulay Hassan. We explore the tranquil inner courtyards, fragrant with orange blossom, and the many salons and chambers that make up this elegant home. We continue to the Marrakech Museum, itself a former palace, which houses a fine collection of Morrocan art and sculpture and we then walk through the streets of the old medina as we make our way back to the Jemaa el Fna. The rest of the day is free to explore further, or shop in the bazaar.
Day 15
Marrakech
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
Your trip ends today, after breakfast. If you have arranged a private airport transfer you will be advised of the pick-up time.

IN A NUTSHELL

15 days
$4,175
15

TOUR INFORMATION

Start End Price
06/05/201220/05/2012 $4,175
13/05/201227/05/2012 $4,175
27/05/201210/06/2012 $4,175
03/06/201217/06/2012 $4,175
17/06/201201/07/2012 $4,175
02/09/201216/09/2012 $4,175
16/09/201230/09/2012 $4,175
07/10/201221/10/2012 $4,175
14/10/201228/10/2012 $4,175
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