Experience Culture & History in Spain & Morocco - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid (Spain)

Day 2: Private Tour of the Museo del Prado, Free Afternoon

Day 3: Train to Seville, Take a Walking Tour Through 2,000 Years of History

After breakfast, you'll check out of your hotel in Madrid and head to the train station to make the three-hour journey from Madrid to Seville. Upon arrival in the capital of Spain's autonomous province of Andalusia, you'll get acquainted with the city on a guided walking tour with an expert local guide. Learn about its 2,000-year history while you admire landmarks like the Seville Cathedral, a 15th-century Roman-Catholic church home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Gothic church in the world. You'll also see La Giralda, the cathedral's looming bell tower. 

You'll then walk to the orange tree-filled Santa Cruz neighborhood, known as the Jewish Quarter, with its narrow streets and quaint squares. It's a colorful and well-preserved part of the historic center, with many cafés and tapas bars—the perfect excuse to take a break and enjoy some small plates and local wine. You'll conclude your walk at the banks of the Guadalquivir River. You'll also visit the Alcazar, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Monument with sprawling palaces and gardens. 

Day 4: Day Trip to the Roman Ruins of Itálica

Today you'll discover the ancient Roman city of Itálica, an authentic jewel of Andalusian heritage located just a short journey from Seville. Feel like a gladiator as you step into its fascinating amphitheater, famed as the fourth-largest in the Roman Empire. In the afternoon, you'll walk through Itálica's old streets, flanked by the remains of the imposing stately homes. Inside them, you can see the remains of beautiful mosaics. You'll also visit the old baths and other remains that will help you understand what day-to-day life was like for an inhabitant of Itálica.

On your return to Seville, you'll stop at the Monastery of San Isidoro del Campo, one of the greatest architectural hidden gems in Andalusia. Inside, you can admire its beautiful wall paintings and altarpieces and, of course, learn about its history. This evening, you'll have the chance to experience one of Spain's premier cultural offerings: flamenco. This musical style enjoys a rich heritage that dates back to the ninth century and has come to define Spanish folkloric music today. 

Day 5: Day Trip to Córdoba, Guided Tour of Its Historic Mudéjar Architecture

You're off on another day trip today as you head to the train station for the 40-minute journey northeast to Córdoba. This romantic Andalusian city is filled with historic Mudéjar architecture, a mix of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian cultural influences that flourished between the 12th and 17th centuries. Upon arrival, you'll meet your guide for a private walking tour and visit many historical sights, including the breathtaking Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba), a pagan temple that was converted into the great mosque of the Ummayad caliphate, and later a Catholic church.

In the afternoon, you'll meander around the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. Within this historic neighborhood is the Córdoba Synagogue, which dates to 1315. If opening times allow, visit the Alcázar de los Reyes, a palace built in the 14th century. This is where Christopher Columbus met with the Catholic monarchs and was granted approval for his voyage west in search of the Indies. The terraced gardens, fish ponds, flower beds, and orange trees here make for great photo opportunities. After the tour has ended, you'll have time to explore the city on your own before your return to Seville.

Day 6: Cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier (Morocco), Guided City Tour

It's time to say adiós to Spain today as your driver takes you to the port of Tarifa, where you'll board a ferry for the hour-long journey across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier. Upon arrival, a driver will take you to your hotel, then it's time to start exploring the city. Today's guided tour will give you time to explore the enchanting Kasbah and Medina districts and visit highlights like the 17th-century Sultan's Palace. Recently turned into a museum, the palace offers a vast collection of fascinating antiquities, including Roman remains, crafts, pots, chandeliers, and rugs symbolizing the rich and deep-rooted Moroccan civilization.

Stroll through the intricate lanes leading to Bab Bhar (Gate to the Sea) for stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar, the Iberian Peninsula, the vibrant port of Tangier, and the Ville Nouvelle (New Town). Enter the gates to the Medina and meander around the bustling alleyways while appreciating the cultural diversity and the unique lifestyle that has been passed on from one generation to another. You'll get to see the communal ovens used for baking bread, the weaver's section, and the tiny restaurants you wouldn't find without a local.

Day 7: Transfer to the "Blue City" of Chefchaouen

Your driver will pick you up at your hotel this morning, and you'll hit the road for the 2.5-hour drive south to Chefchaouen. Break up the drive with a stop at the Hercules Caves, which date back to the time of the Phoenicians, then pass through Tétouan, a jewel of a town in a striking location between the Rif mountains and the sea. You'll have some free time to stretch your legs in the town's ancient Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and grab some lunch.

Continuing on, you'll arrive in Chefchaouen, a visual delight in blue; walls, doors, windows, stairways, alleyways, and archways are painted in soft pastel sky shades and deeper cobalt hues. After your check-in at your riad (a traditional Moroccan townhouse with an open courtyard), you're free to explore the town at your own pace or simply relax. Plaza Plaza Uta el-Hammam is the main square and the place to watch the world go by. Walk up the tiny higgledy-piggledy alleys away from the more tourist-orientated areas, and you'll find the everyday life of the town. Ask your driver for recommendations for the best places to eat dinner. 

Day 8: Transfer to Fes via the Imperial City of Meknes & the Roman Ruins of Volubilis

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in tranquil Chefchauen, then it's time to get back on the road with a 3.5-hour transfer south to Fes. After saying goodbye to the scenic Rif mountains, your first stop is Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruins. Stop for a tour of the site and marvel at the temples and the many colorful mosaics. 

Next, it's on to Meknes, the Imperial City of Moulay Ismail. Enjoy strolling through the compact Medina, which is less busy than other cities and offers a more laid-back atmosphere. Discover its souks (markets) and visit the Marinid-era architecture of the 14th-century Medersa Bou Inania and the impressive 19th-century palace of Dar Jamaï. In the Ville Impériale area, explore gardens, palaces, the impressive gate of Bab al-Mansour, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables.

Your final stop is Fes. Before settling into your traditional riad accommodation, you'll transfer to the Marinid Tombs, where you can enjoy a lovely panorama of the old city. On the hillside below, you may see leather drying in the sun. Make your way into the bustling Medina and enjoy navigating Fes' charming streets. In the evening you can relax at your riad for dinner.

Day 9: Take a Guided Tour of Fes' Medieval Medina

Step back in time with a private guided tour through the oldest of Morocco's Imperial Cities. Start at the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most complete of its kind in the Arab world. The roads are much narrower, windier, and steeper than those of other Imperial Cities, making it almost impossible not to get lost at least a few times! Shop at the iconic souks for a variety of spices, vegetables, leather goods, ceramics, pewter, shoes, scarves, medicines, and more. You're also likely to see artisans at work in their small shops.

It's then time to visit the Karaouine Mosque. Founded in 859 by Fatima Al-Fihri, it's considered the city's most magnificent and historic religious attraction. You'll have a break for lunch, then head to the architectural masterpiece of Bou Inania Medersa. Next is a visit to the intricately-decorated Attarin Medersa and Najarin Fountain. See a snapshot of local life at the Fondouks, where the donkeys and their owners meet, and visit the nearby souks to browse handicrafts, snacks, copperware, and pottery. The best way to end your day is with another sunset view from the Merenid Tombs in the north or Borj Sud in the south. 

Day 10: Transfer to Casablanca via Rabat, Tour the Hassan II Mosque

It's time to head for the coast today, as your driver takes you 3.5 hours west toward Casablanca. On the way, you'll stop in the UNESCO-listed Imperial City of Rabat. Explore the medieval fortification of the Chellah Necropolis, where you can wander the Roman and Islamic ruins and stroll through the Medina to find the 12th-century Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V. Don't miss the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens, the Kasbah des Oudaïas, home to the city's oldest mosque, and the Musée des Oudaïas handicrafts museum. Afterward, you'll get back on the road and continue to Casablanca.

After settling into your hotel, head out to see the massive Hassan II Mosque (home to the tallest minaret in the world) with a private guided tour. This is the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims, and you'll marvel at its 78 granite and marble pillars, ornate mosaic tiles, and dramatic setting on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. After, you could head to the Hobous, Casablanca's "New Medina," to stroll charming streets filled with Art Deco architecture and shops selling local crafts, spices, and textiles. Venture into the Old Medina and see two of the city's old gates, then relax in Mohamed V. Square, an airy plaza with tall palm trees, French colonial architecture, and gardens to stroll. 

Day 11: Transfer to the ''Red City'' of Marrakesh, Guided City Tour

Say goodbye to the Atlantic coast and transfer three hours south to the "Red City" of Marrakesh. After settling into your accommodation, join your guide for a tour of this lively city. Start at the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens and stroll the fountains, pools, palm trees, and flowers. The Medina has some excellent souks to explore, like the Souk el Attarin for spices, Souk Haddadine for blacksmith goods, and Souk Smata for slippers, rugs, and leather goods. Check out Souk des Teinturiers, where you can watch people dyeing, hanging, and drying cloth and yarn.

In the afternoon, visit the 19th-century Bahia Palace and the lush, expansive Majorelle Gardens, filled with sub-tropical plants, bamboo, lilies, palms, and colorful buildings. Don't miss the Saadian Tombs, which date back to 1557, and the 19th-century Bahia Palace, with its extensive courtyard and sunken gardens.

Day 12: Day Trip to Ancient Aït Benhaddou & the Ouarzazate Valley

A guide will pick you up after breakfast for a full-day excursion to Aït Benhaddou—an 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of ancient earthen buildings. En route, you'll travel along the scenic mountain pass of Tizi n'Tichka, the highest in Morocco at 7,414 feet (2,260 m). Once you arrive, you'll tour the fort. Aït Benhaddou comprises residential dwellings surrounded by defensive walls, angled towers, and an armored gate. You can also learn about pre-Saharan earthen construction techniques and the city's important history. 

Aït Benhaddou has also been a sought-after shooting location for films and television shows like "Gladiator," "Lawrence of Arabia," The Mummy," and "Game of Thrones." You'll have free time to wander the atmospheric Old Town, and if you'd like, you can pay a small fee to enter a few kasbahs and climb up to the rooftop for pretty views of the surrounding ksours (individual kasbahs) and the Ouarzazate Valley. At the end of the day, your driver will take you back to Marrakesh.

Day 13: Day Trip to Coastal Essaouira 

Today, you'll take a day trip from Marrakesh to ancient Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador. A driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you 118 miles (191 km) to the 18th-century town on the coast surrounded by medieval battlements.

When you arrive, you'll tour Essaouira's Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site of whitewashed buildings with blue shutters and colonnades. You can also explore its busy fishing harbor and stroll along the Skala de la Kasbah along the coast. Enjoy a day of relaxing, shopping, and tasting authentic Moroccan seafood before your driver returns you to your hotel in Marrakesh for the evening.