Morocco | Highlights of Southern Spain & Morocco
From Moors to minarets and from Seville to souqs, this adventure showcases two very different worlds only miles apart. With its strong Moorish history, Andalucia is one of Spain's most picturesque regions. Hilly landscape and fertile valleys dotted with charming villages are best explored on foot. The provincial capital, Seville, is home to a magnificent cathedral and many other grand structures from its long history. Ronda and Granada also bask in former glories, with the latter's magnificent Alhambra Palace being the ultimate ‘jewel in the crown'. Just across the Straits of Gibraltar is another continent. Morocco beckons us with old medinas full of labyrinth streets, grand mosques and colourful bazaars. Fez and Marrakech have changed little since medieval times and still offer many surprises at each and every turn. Ruined citadels, ancient Roman remains, spa villages and majestic minarets all combine to make up the fabric of the intricate Moroccan landscape.
| Duration: | 15 Days |
|---|---|
| Tour Code: | ITW603 |
| Trip Style: | Moderate - 3 star |
| Departure Dates: | 06 May 2012, 13 May 2012, 27 May 2012, 03 Jun 2012, 17 Jun 2012, 02 Sep 2012, 16 Sep 2012, 07 Oct 2012, 14 Oct 2012 |
| Price: | From $3,758 |
| Places you'll visit: |
|
| Highlights: |
|
Ideal for Solo Travellers
You will travel with a maximum of just 15 fellow travellers. This is small enough to avoid making a negative impact on the places you go and the people you meet, but large enough to have a good time with other travellers from around the globe.
If you are willing to share a room we will find a member of the same gender for you to share with. If we are unable to find someone, then you will get a single room without having to pay any supplement. And for those wanting their own room the single supplement won't break the bank.
Trip Details
GROUP SIZE: 15 max.
Day 1: Seville
Your trip starts today with your arrival in historic Seville - home of the flamenco! 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.
Please make your own way to the joining hotel 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 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 our fellow travelling companions at a Welcome Meeting (this is usually at 7pm, but you will be advised as to the exact time and place on a notice, located near 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 beneath orange trees and jasmine.
Meals included: 1 dinner
Day 2: Seville
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 cathedral - one of the world's largest and most impressive. Finished in 1507 in complete Gothic style, with later reconstruction work done in Renaissance style, the cathedral is located on the site of the 12th-century Almohad mosque. During this tour you also have the opportunity to climb the Giralda mosque tower to the bell chamber where magnificant views of the entire city are offered.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore. 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 hours walking
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 3: Zahara de la Sierra - Grazalema
Today we transfer to the beautiful Grazalema National Park and visit the splendid village of Zahara de la Sierra (1.5 hours). The spectacular location of this white washed village, set as it is clinging to the edges of a dramatic mountain peak, 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 altarpiece.
We then take a short walk outside the village walls to a tradtional, family run olive oil press for a demonstration. 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. Our base for the next three nights. Perhaps take a dip to cool off after today's travels in the pool of our 'feature stay' accommodation in the shadows of the hotel's white-washed buildings. The views from this property are simply spellbinding.
3 hours walking
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Day 4: Ronda - Grazalema
After breakfast this morning we join our guide for a short local bus service to the iconic village of Ronda (literally meaning surrounded by mountains). 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 travellers 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 quater 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. After an afternoon of free time we return to Grazalema by bus.
3 hours walking
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Day 5: Free day - (optional National Park hike) - Grazalema
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 at least one 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 an easy 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 day around the pool while others may wish to carry on to explore the verdant natural areas with their leader.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 6: Olvera - Granada
After breakfast we transfer by private minibus to enjoy the views from another of the magnificent white villages of the Malaga region - Olvera. After a rich coffee we recommence our journey to the former Moorish stronghold of Granada (2 hours driving). 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 Albaizan district and witness this Moorish influence first hand. We recommend a meal of tapas along the river 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 a vibrancy to the city that will envelop you.
2 hours walking
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 7: Alhambra Palace - Granada
A highlight of our trip this morning is a visit of 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.
This afternoon you are free to explore further on your own or take an optional walk in the surrounding hillsides above Granada affording splendid views of both the city and the Sierra Nevada Mountains beyond. Be sure to bring your camera!
Tonight to celebrate our last night, we go deep into the heart of Granada's Moorish 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) performs 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. Please be aware that true Flamenco, like all things Spanish, begins LATE (at least 11pm onwards)! Arriving after a dinner is normally the best option to seeing a concert - It could be a late night!!
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Day 8: Granada
This morning we farewell our Spanish tour leader and transfer by minibus to the Madrid airport for our onward flight to Casablanca in Morocco. On arrival at Casablanca Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to explore your surroundings and our tour leader will make contact in the evening.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 9: Casablanca-Rabat
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. We spend the night in Rabat.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 10: Volubilis-Meknes-Fes
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.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 11: Fes
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.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 12: Fes-Moulay Yacoub
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 trip to 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.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 13: Fes-Marrakech
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!
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 14: Marrakech
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.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 15: Marrakech
Your trip ends today, after breakfast.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Book by 30 Nov. 2011 and receive this early bird rate, for departures 1 October 2011 to 30 September 2012.
Inclusions
- Flight - Madrid to Casablanca
- 12 nights comfortable hotel, 2 nights traditional riad
- 14 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
- Local tour leader
- transport
- sightseeing
What's Not Included
- airport transfers
- tips
Terms & Conditions
Click here for our Terms & Conditions
For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
:: Click to enlarge
