Morocco Tour From Spain

In the morning, the smell of freshly-brewed coffee and pastries spiced with cinnamon will compete with the salty sea air of the Mediterranean. The sun illuminates the golden sands and turquoise waters of Barceloneta Beach, and you will be met at your hotel by your guide ready to lead you on a comprehensive tour of the city’s many cultural sites that interweave with the natural landscape. Your journey begins in the narrow cobblestone streets of the Gothic Quarter, followed by a stop at the soaring spires of the Sagrada Familia Basilica. This structure was commissioned by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí and has been under construction for 135 years. Its 560-foot spires can be seen from all corners of Barcelona, combining Gothic, Catalan modernist, and Art Nouveau elements. Your guide will point to one of the tortoises that supports a full column on the Nativity Façade, depicting images from nature as symbols of the story of the Birth of Jesus, which will appear especially vibrant in the morning light. Inside you will find the scent of frankincense wafting from beneath the honeycomb vaulted ceiling of the apse, reaching a height of 250 feet.

In the morning, the rays of the sun will illuminate the azure waters of Bogatell Beach. In the near vicinity, the alluring aromas of churros and donuts become blended with the scent of hot chocolate from the cafes. A private transfer will greet you at your accommodation and drive you to the Barcelona Sants Railway Station. You will then be escorted to your first-class carriage of the high-speed train for a short and picturesque journey to Madrid. Once you arrive to the capital, you will be awe-inspired by the bustling ambiance and vibrant aura of the city. Meander through the cobblestone pathways and appreciate the window displays of the upscale stores of Gran Via, surrounded by the grandeur of Beaux-Art architecture.

At Madrid Atocha Railway Station, your private transfer will meet your arrival and drive you to your chic and elegant hotel in the center of the city. Enjoy the appetizing flavours of eggs and potatoes, or prawns sautéed in garlic from the nearby restaurants. Venture around with your private guide to the Royal Palace to witness the ornate magnificence of the interior. You will be met with the figures of Visigoth kings beside an imposing shield and the grounds that cover 1.5 million square feet. Built in the mid-19th century to replicate the lavishness of Versailles in France, you will be welcomed with the Grand Staircase made of a single block of marble. Above this you will find a spectacular fresco of heavenly figures in golden frames. As you ascend the staircase, you will feel as though you are joining them in the painting.

On your journey to the captivating city of Toledo, the aroma of freshly-made churros sprinkled with sugar greets you as you enter the café and bookstore with its high ceilings and lots of natural light. After a tasty breakfast, your guide escorts you to the banks of the Tajo River, where the gentle flow of water can be heard as it passes below the 13th-century Alcantara Bridge. The iconic Moorish arches and 18th-century Baroque gateway stand tall amidst the hillside that is scattered with palaces, fortresses, churches, mosques, and synagogues, a testimony to the peaceful coexistence of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities.

The majestic Toledo Cathedral, originally built as a mosque next to the Jewish quarter, displays its facade of recessed archways and an impressive bell tower that soars above the city. Inside you will find intricately decorated naves beneath the soaring vaults and stained glass windows. Once you have taken in the cultural treasures of Toledo, you can have a glimpse of El Greco’s work at the Prado Museum, where the artist’s paintings gracefully capture the beauty of the city you’ve explored and experienced.

In Madrid, the morning bustle of locals enjoying rich coffee and sweet snacks in cafes fills the air. Your guide will then lead you away to explore the ancient city of Segovia, where the luxuriant aroma of chocolate and marzipan lingers in the cobbled lanes. A Roman aqueduct, erected in the 1st century AD, towers 90 feet high, with double arches seeming to defy gravity. Homes, stores, and warehouses rise between the arches, it’s a testament to the ingenuity of locals and the spectacular Roman engineering. You will then arrive at the Alcazar, a remarkable 13th-century castle that was rebuilt in the late 19th century, protecting its outer walls with a deep moat. Inside, the Sala de las Piñas displays an elegant ceiling of nearly 400 pineapple shapes, the ornate moldings accentuating the golden hues.

Your journey continues along a picturesque road that winds through rolling hills and lush plains, passing by the Sierra Nevada Mountains with their snow-capped peaks. You will stop at a saffron farm, where you can observe the crocus flowers in bloom and pluck their thin threads. The farm is a palette of violet when the petals are fresh and arid, filling the air with an herbaceous scent. As you take in the scenic view of the farm with its windmills in the rise, you will be captivated by the beauty of Spain.

In the morning, experience the delightful scents of pestiños and thick melted chocolate on the tables of Plaza Mayor, surrounded by the 18th-century rosy-hued palaces. Departing Madrid, your private transfer will bring you toward Granada and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, renowned for the setting of Don Quixote de la Mancha. Along the way catch a glimpse of saffron farms, with violet leaves shimmering in the sun and electric heaters wafting out their herbaceous scent. Enjoy an aerial view of the entire farm, complete with the sight of windmills along the horizon.

As the sunlight begins to spread across the hidden crevices and alleys of Granada, its beauty is revealed. The blend of North African and Spanish culture shines in the city, serenely marked by the Alhambra crowning Sabikah Hill. Trees, such as cypress and oak, grow along the cliff, adding a layer of greenery to the pristine white walls of the palace. To the south, the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains frame the breathtaking, 13th-century architecture. The entrance of the palace is fragranced with scents of orange and pine while the courtyard of the Court of the Lions is bordered by latticed arches that support 124 columns. Here, the emir Muhammad I of Granada had a festive fountain with 12 lions situated at its center, given as a gift in the 11th century. As the water of the fountain trickles on, it adds a tranquil soundtrack to the open-air galleries and polished stone. Roses and azaleas also decorate the gardens for a deeper sense of an oasis.

At the crack of dawn, locals flock to the aisles of San Agustin Market to find the finest selection of meat, produce, and artisan cheeses from Andalusia. Your guide will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the city of Seville, making a pit stop in Jerez de la Frontera. Along the way, you will get to admire the architectural wonders of cobblestone streets, old palaces, and fashionable boutiques. The highlight of your trip will be a visit to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, where you can watch graceful horses gallop through the outdoor theater at the sand-covered arena. Dressed in classic 18th-century attire, the riders exude a regal aura that will take your breath away. After lunch, you can explore several of the top bodegas in town to savor the flavor of the famous sherry straight from the source.

Day 9 brings the charm of Seville back to life as the refreshing scent of citrus fills the air of the Patio of Oranges. Soon after, you’ll hear the fragrant aroma of chocolate wafting from the local cafes beneath the returning Iberian sunshine. A guide will meet you at your hotel to take you on a full day tour of the city’s grand and historic sites. The glorious 12th century fortress – the Alcazar – awaits. Hailed for its Mudejar art, this unique style blends Islamic and European aesthetics, and it is enclosed by a grand entrance featuring a mosaic lion holding a cross in its claws.

The vast network of courtyards and halls are filled with blossoms, greenscape, fountains, and the captivating Lady Maria de Padilla Baths. Marvel at the tilework, vaults of golden and red light, and the reflective tranquility of the rainwater tank. Wander the gardens beneath the date palms and citrus trees, amidst the irrigation channels and ponds. In the evening, you will experience the vibrant culture of the city with a scrumptious dinner and an unforgettable flamenco performance at a famed restaurant.

Bathed in the morning glow, the golden walls of the Alcazar glitter in the sun. Patrons meander through the streets, the smell of citrus wafting from local cafes and patisseries, where orange-zested pastry cream fills the air with its sweet aroma. An escorted transfer awaits you at your hotel to take you to Seville Airport on a flight bound for Casablanca, Morocco. Upon arrival at Mohammed V International Airport, a private transport is ready to take you to your lavish hotel in the city that blends modern culture with French art-deco architectural relics.

A guided tour of Hassan II Mosque awaits you the following day. Overlooking the waves of the Atlantic, the minaret of the mosque stands tall and dreams drift with the shadows it casts. Built in the last decade of the 20th century and boasting a 650-ft tower, it is one of the biggest in the world. Inside the mosque, a glass floor reveals the endless ocean as Moorish influences captivate with its zellige tiles and slim archways, joining the contemporary structure to its illustrious past.

The gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore carries with it the aroma of freshly baked bread and orange marmalade. Mint tea and the smell of Turkish coffee drift through the streets as your private transfer arrives to take you to Rabat. As you drive, you pass through the modern capital before continuing to the former Imperial City of Meknes. Here, Bab el-Mansour stands as a grand gateway, bustling with activity and adorned with intricate decorative tiles. The 12th-century mosque’s minaret looms over the city walls, and the Medina beyond is filled with the scent of ginger and turmeric. Place el-Hedim, the center of town, is alive with music and visitors, the smell of grilled meat spiced with exotic herbs wafting through the air.

The city of Fes is an ancient wonder, and its Medina is a testament to its enduring civilization. Meandering through its 9,400 alleyways and lanes, one is instantly struck by the vibrant beauty of a car-free zone that has remained unchanged for centuries. Colorful market stalls line the passages and the immaculate whitewashed walls of old homes are offset by the ornate blue tiles and grand archway of Bab Bou Jeloud, which was erected by the French at the beginning of the 20th century. Inside, the Royal Palace astonishes with its wealth of hand-carved cedar wood doors, zellige tiles, and fragrant lemon trees. As you wander through the old city, you will take pleasure in its bustling everyday life; from the sweet aromas of sugared almonds and dates to the pungent smells of cayenne and sesame, no experience here is without charm or culture. Finally, take a journey to the tanneries of the city, an area steeped in tradition and where leather has been dyed for centuries. Fes is an unforgettable place, and its wonders are sure to leave you with a lasting impression.

At the start of your day, you will savor the scents of fresh-baked bread and citrusy orange marmalade with a Mint tea infused with honey. Then, your guide will accompany you away from the bustling Medina and onto the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs. Once a pathway for merchants of the salt trade, you will now traverse it as you travel from the Moroccan cities to the lands beyond the Sahara Desert. You will make your way through the winding and mountain roads of the High Atlas, with the Tizi n’Tichka Pass extending more than 7,400 feet above sea level. As you pass through, you will marvel at the snow-capped peaks that line the horizon, granting a magnificent view of the terrain. Eventually, you will reach Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Door to the Desert” due to the cliffs that nearly blend it into the surrounding desert. The city was once a military garrison and has since served as a backdrop for movies and television shows like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. In its Old Town, walkways are lined with golden stones and walls of clay, with crenulations atop the rooftops granting bird’s eye views of the oases in an otherwise barren landscape.

At dawn, you will leave the comfort of your tent, situated amongst the sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi in the Sahara Desert. As the sun slowly rises in the sky, a picturesque hue of pink, orange, and blue paint the heavens and you take in the awe of the towering dunes that reach heights of up to 500 feet. The warmth of the fire crackles softly as you prepare tea, and the stars continue twinkle in the night sky.

Your journey will take you through the town of Merzouga and to the oasis of Fint. Here, the scent of freshly cooked skewers fills the air and you can see the local women washing clothes in the river. In the distance, you make out the silhouette of Tifoultoute Kasbah, a 300-year-old building. You journey onward, eventually arriving in Marrakech in the late afternoon. As evening falls, the sounds of Jemaa el Fna Square come to life and you are swept up in the traditional songs and melodies of the musicians. Storytellers captivate audiences with tales of maidens and sultans and the smell of exotic spices linger in the air.

The aroma of mint tea has become a familiar comfort during your time in Morocco. You will drizzle honey into the tea to add sweetness and balance the subtle natural spice of the mint. Your guide will greet you in the lobby of your hotel keen to introduce you to the charms of the bustling lanes of the Marrakech Medina. The aromas of sesame and black pepper drift out of the souk as cobbled alleyways wind beneath archways with the hidden stores of crafters and perfumeries found around every corner. After visiting the Bahia Palace, you can make your way to the Jardin Majorelle in the French district of Ville Nouvelle.

The former private home of Saint Laurent has a garden of 300 plant species from five different continents. The fountain greets you at the entrance of the two-and-a-half-acre grounds as cacti grow amongst the pebbles with the trees and landscape emphasizing the unique properties of each species. You can hear the water trickling at the Blue Square Fountain in front of the Berber Museum as the deep shade of electric blue contrasts with the surrounding greenery and rustic desert sands. Take a breath and enjoy the serene ambiance of the gardens embellished with the rippling waters of the pond and the tranquil greenery of the blossoming lily pads to contrast with the surrounding desert images.

The Manara Gardens offer a beautiful and serene escape from the city. Families picnic around the refreshing pool and couples stroll beneath the shaded lanes of the 19th-century pavilion beneath the sunlight that washes over the palm trees and reflective pond. The Medina illuminates with the colors of the zellige tiles and marble pillars of the Saadian tombs as the aroma of fresh mint tea envelops your senses. Spend one last relaxed morning before catching your private transfer to the Marrakech Menara Airport for your flight home.