MOROCCO & SPAIN  (12 Days, 11 Nights)
OVERVIEW
This journey to Morocco and Moorish Spain will focus on the centuries-old relationship between the two countries.

In Spain, we will explore Moorish-influenced Granada, Cordoba and Seville. Alhambra and the Generalife, the summer palace and gardens of the caliphs, are spectacular reminders of powerful Arab rulers in southern Europe until the reconquest by Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabel. Seville, a city whose history bespeaks of Roman, Moorish and Renaissance influences, illustrates the deft blending of two intriguing cultures.

In Morocco, we see the juxtaposition of modern, urban life and ancient tribal influences. We begin our journey in Tanger and proceed to Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco.  We then drive to Marrakesh known as the "Pearl of the South" where we will explore its legendary souks and witness the famous Djemaa el-Fna Square come to life at sunset with magicians, story tellers, acrobats and healers.

PROGRAM ITINERARY

DAY 01: MADRID / CORDOBA / SEVILLE
Depart from our BUS TERMINAL, Oriente Sq., at 9.00 a.m. to the Canyon of Despeñaperros, Bailen and Cordoba. Dinner and overnight. (D)

DAY 02: SEVILLE
Today, we will enjoy a panoramic visit of the city. Seville's history spans Roman, Moorish and Renaissance eras. View the Cathedral and the iconic Giralda, former minaret of Seville's great mosque. Discover the Reales Alcazares, a Mudejar palace built on the site of a former Moorish fortress. Then stroll through the Barrio de Santa Cruz, admiring the lovely patios and window boxes of colorful, cascading flowers. Free afternoon. (B,L)

DAY 03: SEVILLE / JEREZ / CADIZ / VEJER / COSTA DEL SOL
After breakfast, departure to Jerez where we will enjoy a visit to a wine cellar. Then, we proceed to Cadiz and do a panoramic sightseeing. Departure to Vejer. Optional visit to Gibraltar. Departure to Costa Del Sol. Dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 04: COSTA DEL SOL
This is your free day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful Costa Del Sol. You may want to try one of its popular seafood restaurants. Dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 05: COSTA DEL SOL / ALGECIRAS / TANGIER / RABAT
Breakfast. Ferry boat to Tanger. Panoramic sightseeing of Tanger before our departure to Rabat. Upon arrival in Rabat, our sightseeing will feature the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Hassan II Tower and the Royal Palace. Dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 06: RABAT / CASABLANCA / MARRAKESH
Breakfast and departure to Casablanca. Panoramic sightseeing of the economic capital of Morocco, featuring a view of the Hassan II Great Mosque, one of the world's greatest monuments. Proceed with a visit of Place Mohammed V, the United Nations Square, and the surroundings of the Royal Palace before strolling along the Ain Diab corniche. Drive to Marrakesh. Dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 07: MARRAKESH
After breakfast, our morning sightseeing will feature the Saadian tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Bahia Palace. Return to the hotel for lunch. Afternoon is free for you to explore on your own the souks and the world's famous Djemaa El Fna place with its various entertainments (story tellers, acrobats, snake-charmers, magicians, etc.). Dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 08: MARRAKESH / MEKNES / FES
Breakfast and departure to Meknes. (Lunch not included.) Sightseeing of Meknes or "the Moroccan Versailles," founded at the end of the 17th century by Moulay Ismail. Our sightseeing will feature Bab Mansour, Hari Souani and the old medina. Continue to Fes and check-in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 09: FES
Morning sightseeing of Fes, the oldest cultural and spiritual imperial city of Morocco, which was founded in 790 B.C by Moulay Idriss II. Highlights will include the Medieval Medina, the Medersas, the El Qaraouiyyin Mosque and the sumptuous Nejjarine fountain. After lunch, free afternoon to explore on your own the Arabian House to observe various craftsmen performing their work reminiscent of ancient techniques. Dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 10: FES / TANGER / ALGECIRAS / COSTA DEL SOL
Breakfast and departure to Tanger. (Lunch not included). Ferry boat to Algeciras before we continue to Costa del Sol. Dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 11: COSTA DEL SOL / GRANADA
After breakfast, enjoy some free time before our departure to Granada. Arrival, dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 12: GRANADA / MADRID
Breakfast. Today, we will explore the incomparable Alhambra and the Generalife, summer palace of the caliphs and admire the exquisite Moorish architecture and beautiful gardens of this legendary complex. Stroll through the old Arab quarter, El Albayzín, noting the Moorish influences. Depart to Madrid. Arrival at the Bus Terminal in Madrid, Oriente Square. (B)

PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
•  Accommodations for 11 nights on a double occupancy room with daily breakfast at your selected hotel category class (Class T or Class A)
•  Meals: daily breakfast, 3 lunches and 8 dinners.
•  Sightseeing in Cordoba, Seville, Rabat, Marrakesh, Meknes, Fes and Granada.
•  Panoramic tour of Cadiz,Tangier and Casablanca.
•  Visit to a wine cellar in Jerez.
•  Assistance of an English speaking guide throughout your journey.
•  Transportation in an air conditioned motorcoach.
•  Luggage handling.

NOT INCLUDED
•  Airfare (can be arranged upon request)
•  Tips to the guide (at your sole discretion)

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION:

  Night

City

Class

Hotel Name

  02 Nights

Seville

T

Don Paco

 

 

A

Gran Lar

  01 Night

Rabat

T

Majliss

 

 

A

Safir Rabat

  02 Nights

Marrakesh

T

Ayoub Superior

 

 

A

Atlas Marrakech

  02 Nights

Fez

T

Menzeh

 

 

A

Menzeh Zalagh Superior

  03 Nights

Costa Del Sol

T

San Fermin

 

 

A

Alay

  01 Night

Granada

T

Alixares

 

 

A

Corona de Granada



PROGRAM PRICE PER PERSON ($):

Class T: $1,765 in a double room and $2,335 in a single room.
Class A: $2,266 in double room and $3,011 in a single room.

Departure Dates: Every Tuesday (March 25, 2008 through March 10, 2009)

Note: Rates are valid until December 31 2008. Prices are subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations beyond our control.
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