Spain & Morocco

Spain & Morocco

Saturday, October 19 - Monday, November 4, 2024

Make your way across two continents and discover a vivid tapestry of cultures, customs, and cuisines on this enchanting journey through Spain and Morocco. In Spain’s historic capital of Madrid, discover dynamic history and culture. Travel to the Moorish city of Córdoba to encounter the religious marvel of La Mezquita. Journey to Granada and see the amazing Alhambra. In Seville, learn about and experience the intensity of Flamenco during a Flamenco show. Stop in Spain’s sherry region for a tasting and then board a high-speed ferry to Africa, just a short ride across the Strait of Gibraltar. In Morocco, discover the Indigo-blue streets of Chefchaouen, the “Blue City.” In Fes, the “Mecca of the West,” learn about why this city continues to be called one of the holiest cities in the world. Discover Casablanca on a tour of the masterful Hassan II Mosque and see the city by night on a drive along the seashore before dining at Rick’s Café, the legendary saloon from the film Casablanca.

DAY 1 – Take an overnight flight from Boston to Madrid.

DAY 2 – Arrive in Spain’s stunning capital, Madrid. Enjoy a welcome dinner with our group to kick off your adventure! (D)

DAY 3 - On a guided tour of Madrid’s historic center, see the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Join a local expert to explore the priceless masterpieces of the Prado Museum, which opened in 1819 and boasts the world's finest collection of art by masters such as Velazquez and Goya. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to explore Madrid, or instead, choose to purchase an optional tour to magnificent Toledo, a 192 B.C. UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Tagus River. (B)

DAY 4 - Travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Córdoba. Reduce travel time and increase leisure time in Córdoba when you choose to take the optional AVE high-speed train! Upon arrival, embark on a walking tour of La Mezquita (UNESCO), an 8th-century mosque converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th century. Continue your exploration of Cordoba in the city's well-preserved and historical old Jewish Quarter. Later, continue on to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. (B)

DAY 5 - This morning, join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra (UNESCO), a stone fortress overlooking the entire city and serving as a mesmerizing example of Islamic architecture. Then enjoy some free time before we depart for Seville, Spain’s “cultural capital.” (B,D)

DAY 6 - Join a local expert in discovering the city’s historic Mudéjar architecture, and uncover the intriguing myths, stories and legends of Seville. Get a sense of this fascinating city during a panoramic tour where you will be able to see many of its most famous sites, including the Giralda Bell Tower. Then visit the majestic Seville Cathedral (UNESCO). Continue on to the winding narrow streets, quaint courtyards, bright flowers, and whitewashed buildings of Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter of Seville. Later today, take your reserved seats for a flamenco show (UNESCO) featuring Seville’s top performers. (B)

DAY 7 - Depart Seville and journey to Spain’s sherry region. Stop at a bodega in Jerez de la Frontera for a tour and tasting before sitting down for a tapas lunch. After lunch we will head south and board the high speed ferry to the incredible continent of Africa! A short ride across the Strait of Gibraltar brings you to Morocco and the city of Tangier. Enjoy a free evening to explore this revitalized seaside city. Take a stroll along the oceanfront promenade, visit the new marina, do some shopping in the Medina, or simply enjoy the views from any one of the city’s many restaurants. (B,L)

DAY 8 - Journey from Tangier to Chefchaouen - the “Blue City” of Morocco. Take in the beauty of the surrounding mountains, enhanced by the contrast of the brightly painted buildings. Enjoy free time to explore the famous indigo-blue streets of this small town and stop in one of the many handicraft shops where you can find the wool garments and woven blankets that are unique to this region. This evening, arrive in Fes (UNESCO). The “Mecca of the West,” Fes has retained its position as a religious capital of the region. Tonight enjoy dinner in a traditional Riad. (B,D)

DAY 9 - Discover Fes, one of the holiest cities in the world. Learn of its historical importance as a center of government, philosophy, medicine, and religion during a fascinating tour. See the Jewish Quarter, the city ramparts and the gates of the Palace. Then, set out on a walking tour in the Medina. Founded in the 9th century, it is home to the world’s oldest continuously functioning university. Amid the cobbled alleyways of this ancient market, you’ll find spices and colorful wares in a labyrinth of streets and alleyways. Learn about the famous leather tanneries, a tradition dating back to the 11th century. View the honeycomb of vats exploding in brilliant colors. (B)

DAY 10 - This morning, it’s off to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, where during your city tour you’ll visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and explore the Oudaya Kasbah. This evening, arrive in the exotic city of Marrakech. (B,D)

DAY 11 - Explore Marrakech and its ancient El Bahia Palace with its marble floors and exquisite carved cedar ceilings. Visit the vibrant and historic Jewish Mellah and see the majestic 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. Enter the 11th-century walled Medina and enjoy time to mingle with locals and artisans as you shop at the ancient market. Later this afternoon, it’s your choice! Visit one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Morocco, Jardin Majorelle, before venturing to the Berber Museum -OR- visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum – a showcase of art, fashion, and design by the iconic French Algerian designer. This evening, perhaps you will join an optional horse-drawn carriage through Marrakech, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B)

DAY 12 - Today you will have a full day to explore “the pink city” of Marrakech at your own pace. You might choose to return to the medina for some more exploration or you may choose to take a trip to the Agafay Desert including lunch and a camel ride. (B)

DAY 13 - This morning, venture to Casablanca and tour the Hassan II Mosque, a stunning and impressive high-tech architectural masterpiece. See the city by night on your drive along the seashore to your farewell dinner at Rick’s Café, the legendary saloon from the film Casablanca. (B,D)

DAY 14 – Bid farewell to Morocco and your fellow travelers as we fly back to Boston. (B)

A valid passport is required for this tour

Reservation Cut-Off Date is April 20

To Sign Up - Call or Email our office to get a sign up form or visit HERE to sign up and get additional information

$ 5,399 per person, double occupancy, $6,399 single occupancy

Package price includes round-trip airfare from Boston

Package Includes:

2 nights in Madrid

2 nights in Granada

2 nights in Seville

2 nights in Tangier

3 nights in Fes

1 night in Bin El Oudaine

2 nights in Marrakesh

1 night in Casablanca

24 meals

all described touring

round trip airfare and transfers from Boston.

Payments & Cancellations:

A deposit of $698 per person is due upon reservations

Final payment is due August 20, 2024

Deposit is non-refundable after April 20, 2024

For Cancellation between 60-16 days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 40% of total price.

For cancellation between 15-1 days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 75% of total price.

For cancellation on the day of departure and after: 100% of total price.

Cancellation insurance is recommended and costs $449 per person and must be purchased at the time of reservation

If Travel Protection Plan has not been purchased and a reservation is cancelled for any reason prior to departure - Air is 100% non-refundable once paid in full.

Optional Excursions:

Madrid- Medieval Segovia

$75

Retrace history in Segovia, a city with 2,000 years of stories within its walls. Walk the medieval streets, making your way to The Alcazar of Segovia (UNESCO). This dreamy palace is shaped like the bow of a ship and had humble beginnings as a Roman fort. Legend has it that Sergovia was founded by Hercules, giving the city a legendary background story only matched by the grandeur of its Roman Aqueduct. Whatever draws you to Segovia, its streets and charm set in the rolling hills of Castilla will be sure to impress you! This option is only available until 30 days prior to departure. After this time, it may be purchased once you are on tour, if Alcazar is available and the maximum number of people of 29, is not exceeded. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Fes - Volubilis & Vineyard with Lunch

$90

Discover Volubilis (UNESCO). Dating back to the 3rd century B.C., this site was an integral outpost for the Roman Empire and well-preserved Roman remains still stand here today. Continue your journey through Moroccan history, and get ready to taste the vintages. Between a desert climate and cultural norms regarding alcohol in Morocco, wine production may not be top of mind. With a visit to these locally owned vineyards and an included lunch, surrounded by cypress and olive trees, we will end our day having experienced a lesser-known side of Morocco. Duration: Approximately 8 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Marrakesh - Agafay Desert Adventure  - Collette has cancelled this excursion

$99

Today, experience the desert! Enjoy an optional camel ride into the Agafay Desert, a moon-like landscape with dry, rocky dunes. Follow the path of traders and travelers of yesteryear before reaching your dinner. Sit down with fellow travelers from around the world to traditional Moroccan cuisine, complete with classic mint tea, and take in uninterrupted views of the desert night sky. Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Transportation is included.