Spain and Morocco Panorama Small Group Journey

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (Night supplements will be charged for early morning/late evening transfers.) The rest of the day is at leisure until you meet your tour escort and fellow travelers for a welcome drink and briefing. 

In the morning, join your city tour. Find Madrid's medieval origins such as the Arabic Fortress at the Barrio de la Moreria. Drive through the courtesan district of the Hapsburgs characterized by Philip II and its Renaissance and Baroque style buildings. See Puerto del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa. Continue to visit the Madrid of the Bourbons and learn about the complex town planning schemes of Charles III. See the Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains, Puerta de Alcala, and the interior of the Royal Palace. Finish your tour by visiting contemporary Madrid and see the Gran Via, the district of Salamanca, Plaza Castilla, the Las Ventas Bullring, and the Santiago Bernabeu Football Stadium. The remainder of the day is at leisure to continue exploring the wonders Madrid has to offer. (B)

Depart in the morning through the La Mancha region, home of Don Quixote, to Cordoba in Andalusia. Explore Cordoba’s architectural wonders during a guided tour of the city. Visit its beautiful mosque and walk around the Jewish Quarter with its narrow streets and Andalusian patios. In the afternoon, continue to Seville. (B,D)

After breakfast, join your guided tour of Seville. Start with a visit of the interior of the Gothic Cathedral. Next, see the Santa Cruz Quarter, a maze of small alleys and squares, Maria Luisa Park, and Plaza Espana. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, consider seeing an optional Flamenco show. (B,D)

After breakfast, depart Seville and drive through the heart of Andalusia through an endless number of olive trees until you reach Granada, the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms up to 1492. Enjoy a city tour and visit the world famous Alhambra with its numerous halls and patios. Continue to the beautiful Generalife Gardens. After dinner, we recommend an optional Gipsy flamenco show in the Sacromonte quarter. (B,D)

Depart in the morning for the Imperial City of Toledo, the first capital of Spain and a World Heritage City. Toledo is a treasure trove of history where Muslims, Jews, and Christians lived in harmony for over two centuries. Enjoy a a short guided tour of the historical old town before continuing with a visit to a famous Damasquinado (gold and silver inlaying) factory. Continue to Madrid in the afternoon. (B)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Madrid airport to catch your flight to Casablanca (not included). Upon arrival at Casablanca airport, you will be met and transferred to city center. Enjoy a tour of "the White City", driving through the wide avenues and walking through the narrow streets of the Medina. Visit United Nations Square, the Habous district, Hassan II Mosque (outside only) and Corniche Boulevard. Continue to Rabat. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel in Rabat. (Night supplements will be charged for early morning/late evening transfers.) (B,D)

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of the capital of Morocco and one of the Imperial Cities. Visit the Medina built by Moorish refugees from Spain, the Roman ruins of Chellah, the Royal Palace - residence of King Hassan II and the seat of the government since 1912, and the Hassan Tower. Continue to the holy town of Moulay Idriss. Situated on top of a rocky mountain, this town is named after a prominent Moroccan saint. Proceed to the Roman city of Volubilis which was destroyed by an earthquake in the 4th century AD and is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Morocco. Depart for Meknes, another Imperial City, with its rich architectural legacy. See the Victory Gate (Bab-el-Mansour), the Royal Palace with its underground stables, and the ornate tomb of Moulay Ismail, the builder of Meknes. Travel to Fes, the oldest Imperial City and the spiritual and cultural center of Morocco. (B,D)

Today is devoted to touring this World Heritage City. Visit the medieval Medina, the Medersas, the Karaouine Mosque, the University, as well as the Nejjarin Fountain. Continue with a visit of the famous souks (markets) of Fes. (B,D)

After breakfast, depart for Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, a delightful ski resort known for its wood carvings. Continue to Beni-Mellal where you will have some free time for lunch. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon. (B,D)

Today, enjoy a tour of historical Marrakech. Visit the legendary souks, craft markets, wool-dyer's quarters, and the legendary Djemaa-El-Fna Square. See the tombs of the Saadian rulers, Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Menara Gardens. This evening, consider an optional dinner at a typical Moroccan restaurant with an accompanying folklore show. (B,L)

Enjoy a morning at leisure before departing for Casablanca. Upon arrival, you will have free time to explore yet another amazing Imperial City on your own. The center of Casablanca is the hub of a series of spacious avenues spreading out in a star formation, each lined with elegant buildings that are an admirable blend of Art Deco and Neo-Moorish styles, featuring cupolas, columns, cedar-wood balconies and turrets. Casablanca is the most European city of Morocco, though it retains many of its traditional aspects. (B,D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Casablanca airport for your return flight home. (Your departure transfer is included only if you depart on the actual day the tour concludes. For customers departing later an individual transfer can be organized at an additional cost.) (B)