More
Southern Spain And Morocco Highlights
12 Days
Overview:
In what might be one of the most entrancing areas on Earth, Andalusia and Morocco sport a blend of rich, charming heritage, vast, natural expanses, and tasty, exquisite food. Located in the Southern part of Spain, Seville is truly grand in every aspect- from the luscious gardens to the crystalline waters that surround Plaza de España, it offers a combination of Renaissance and rustic vibes. Granada, a neighboring city, hosts a luxurious palace-The Alhambra-which was featured in a Washington Irving classic, along with plenty of ethnic dances and food. Morocco, just south of the region, is home to both scorching deserts and breathtaking mountains. From the seaside paradise known as Tangier to the World Heritage site of Fes, no one could ever be bored. What’s more, nearby Marrakech holds a collection of exotic and traditional treasures. Who could ask for more?
2 Days in Seville
2 Days in Granada
1 Day in Tangier
3 Days in Fes
4 Days in Marrakech
The Plan:
Day 1 Seville
Meet Spain! An English-speaking assistant will welcome you at the airport and take you to your driver, who’ll drive you to your hotel, located in the center of town. While you get settled in, you will also receive a complimentary welcome package, which will include any tourist information you might need, like a map of the city or train tickets.
Day 2 Seville(3 hours tour)
After breakfast, a private guide will escort you around two of the most famed attractions in the city: The Seville cathedral, the largest gothic cathedral in the world, and the Royal Alcazar Palaces, the oldest official royal residences in Europe. Afterwards, munch on a traditional Spanish food style known as tapas, and watch a flamenco dance before heading back to your hotel.
Day 3 Granada (3 hours travel) (5 hour walking tour)
Granada’s Islamic roots will become apparent to you as a guide leads you through this stunningly beautiful city. Amble through the Moorish quarter, Albaicin, and gaze upon the enchanting Alhambra palace, the Sierra Nevada mountain range, countless churches which were once mosques, and gorgeous gardens. Conclude your day with a mouth-watering meal at one of many Spanish restaurants in the city.
Day 4 Granada (Two 2.5 hour tours)
Get a tour of the captivating Alhambra Palace, which overlooks the city in a grandiose manner. You’ll find the faded vermillion walls are hiding a surplus of history and culture behind them, from magnificent mosaics to flourishing fountains. You’ll gain real insight into the lives of 13th century monarchs through this beautiful palace, and cap off your day with artfully-made tapas in the city below.
Day 5 Tangier (3 hours 35 minutes travel) (couple of hours for tour)
Now in Africa, you’ll find that the culture is vastly different from what you experienced in Europe. Wander through this effervescent city with your tour guide, seeing the Spartel Cape, Hercules Caves, Kabah District, and old Medina. You’ll even get views of the Strait of Gibraltar that’ll look ‘strait’ out of a postcard!
Day 6 Tangier to Fes (5 hours or so)
You’ll travel to Fes in a private vehicle and take a quick peek around the entrancing Chefchaouen on the way, known for its old Arab quarter. Located in the mountains, this alluring city is great for a photo op, especially because of it’s azure walls. After your journey, you can settle in at your hotel and prepare for sightseeing tomorrow.
Day 7 Fes (full day tour)
A guide will arrive to take you through glorious Fes in the morning. This artisanal capital of Morocco is still as prevalent in the industry as it was centuries ago, and the countless blacksmiths and leather-workers in the city prove this point. Wander through this world heritage site, and you’ll truly see all the wonders North Africa has to offer.
Day 8 Fes (full day)
Kick back and relax as a private driver shows you the vineyards in the rural outskirts of Fes. You’ll also visit some places that are unfrequented by travellers, like low valleys in the mountains. Once you’re back in the city, you’ll visit El Attarine, the best spice bazaar in Fes, along with plenty of other marketplaces that the city is known for.
Day 9 Fes to Marrakech (7.5 hours)
As you drive in a private vehicle to Marrakech, you’ll get fantastic views of the Atlas Mountains-because you’re in them! You’ll pass by plenty of small towns and villages and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll visit Kasbah of Ras el Ain, where you can venture through marketplace stalls for some unique souvenirs to take back home.
Day 10 Marrakech (half day)
After a good meal, you’ll explore the Koutoubia Mosque, which can be seen from anywhere around the city as the first stop on your tour. You can then tour the exquisite El-Bahia Palace, a great example of Andalusia and Moorish architecture. It’s also worth seeing the Saadian Tombs and a theological college known as The Koranic School Medersa Ben Youssef.
Day 11 Marrakech (full day)
Tour the High Atlas Mountains before making a pitstop in some Berber villages on the way to Kasbah Tamadot, where you’ll be having lunch. The picturesque views of Morocco’s natural wonders from this village just outside of Asni make it well-worth the drive. After lunch, you can go through the mountains with a guide on foot, a perfect end to your vacation.
Day 12 Marrakech (2.5 hours)
Your trip is finally over, so pack your bags and get ready to head to Casablanca. You will be given a private driver to help you with the transfer to the new location. Hope you travel again soon!
Must See:
Seville:
Cathedral & Giralda, Royal Alcazar, Gold Tower, Barrio Santa Cruz, Archivo de las Indias, Maria Luisa Park, Triana, Fine Arts Museum, Flamenco
Granada:
The Alhambra, Generalife, Albaicin, Sacromonte, Cathedral, and Royal Chapel
Tangier:
Caves of Hercules, Dar el Makhzen, Cape Spartel, American Legation, Kasbah Museum, Park Rmilat
Fes:
Medersa Bou Inania, Souks District and Tanneries, Mellah, Merenid Tombs
Marrakech:
The Medina, Agdal Gardens, Menara Gardens, Koutoubia Mosque, La Palmeraie, Gueliz, Jemaa el-Fna, Jardin Majorelle, Palais de la Bahia
Memory Makers:
Seville
Cordoba Day Trip From Seville
Venture through the culturally and ethnically diverse city of Cordoba. You’ll get to see the rich heritage of Southern Spain and a mix of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim culture. You simply cannot miss this city!
Seville Hot-Air Balloon Ride
Fly through the skies of Spain as the sun rises all around you. You can see all the mountains and valleys from up above them, while toasting to the trip with a glass of champagne.
Granada
Arabian Baths Experience at Granada’s Hammam Al Ándalus
Take a bath or get a massage at the serene Arabian Baths of Granada. You can also use the steam room and sip some tea while you relax at this tranquil site.
Granada Tapas Walking Tour
If you’re in the mood for some delicious food, this is the experience of a lifetime. During this tour, you’ll try food from the best tapas bars in the city.
Fes
Small Group Full-Day Meknes and Volubilis Tour from Fez
If you’re interested in ancient Rome, you absolutely must see the wondrous city of Volubilis. You’ll also get to see the medina of Meknes, which is rife with historical significance.
Marrakech
Ouzoud Falls Day Trip From Marrakech
Take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the highest waterfalls in North Africa! This quiet and scenic location is the perfect way to get away from the rat race, and you might even get to see some Barbary apes.
Fantasia Moroccan Dinner and Cultural Show
Settle in a Berber tent with an authentic Moroccan dinner for the experience of a lifetime! From ethnic musicians to fire-eaters, you’ll see it all, and for any Aladdin fans, there’s a flying carpet act at the end!
Weather and climate
Spain
The best time to visit Spain is typically in the spring (March to May) or during the fall (September to November).The north is still hot during the summer but is cooler than the south, which is great for hiking. At these times, you'll likely find fewer crowds,and the best weather (even for hitting the beach!).
Morocco
The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (mid-March to May) or fall (September to October). The weather is warm but pleasant, unlike the cold temperatures and snow of winter, or the scorching heat of summer. The coastal regions can be visited year-round.
Inspiration Tags
Cuisine & Wine
Family
History
Luxury
