Cultural Tour Andalusia Morocco: In the Footsteps of the Moors

Discover the Moorish Legacy: A Cultural Tapestry of Andalusia and Morocco

Embark on an immersive journey through Andalusia, Spain, and Morocco, where you'll trace the rich cultural legacy of the Moors. For nearly eight centuries, Al-Andalus flourished under Islamic rule, leaving behind a stunning tapestry of architecture, art, music, and cuisine that continues to resonate today. We will delve deep into this fascinating history, discovering the unique and enduring blend of cultures that shaped these regions.

Day 1: Arrival in Seville (Spain)

• Arrive at Seville Airport, where you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2: Seville - Sightseeing & Exploration

• Morning: Guided tour of the Alcázar and the Giralda, two major masterpieces showcasing Moorish influence in the Andalusian city. Visit the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Explore the Judería, the Santa Cruz Jewish Quarter, with its narrow streets and flower-filled patios.
• Afternoon: Spend time in Maria Luisa Park, home to the breathtaking Plaza de España, where you might catch a flamenco performance.
• Evening: Free time for shopping and enjoying traditional tapas.

Day 3: Seville - Workshops & Flavors

• Morning: After breakfast, an artisanal ceramics workshop awaits you in the Triana pottery district. Discover the history of Spanish tiles and paint your own to take home.
• Afternoon: In the same charming neighborhood along the Guadalquivir River, participate in an Andalusian cooking class to learn how to prepare local specialties.
• Evening: Free time to enjoy the city's atmosphere.

Day 4: Seville – Córdoba (1h45 by bus)

• Morning: Transfer by bus to Córdoba.
• Check in to your hotel and begin exploring with a guided tour of the Mezquita, the former mosque that is now a cathedral and a masterpiece of Islamic art.
• Explore the Jewish Quarter, with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses, where you can enjoy a tapas lunch.
• Dinner in a restaurant with views of the Mezquita.

Day 5: Córdoba – Granada (3h by bus)

• Before your bus transfer to Granada, visit the Viana Palace and its gardens. Discover Córdoba's patios, known for their fountains and flowers.
• Check in to your hotel in Granada and begin exploring, perhaps with a traditional mint tea in a Moorish tea room.
• Evening: Free time, perhaps attend a traditional Gypsy flamenco show.

Day 6: The Alhambra and Granada

• This day is dedicated to a guided tour of the Albaicín district, with its winding streets, white houses, and views of the Alhambra, the symbol of Granada.
• Visit the Alhambra, the world’s most spectacular Arab citadel and UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its intricate art, the Generalife gardens, and the jewel of Islamic art, the Nasrid Palaces, known for the Court of the Lions.
• Afternoon and evening: Free time to wander the streets of Granada and do some shopping.

Day 7: Granada – Tarifa (3h30 by bus) – Tangier (35 min by ferry)

• Morning: Transfer by bus to Tarifa.
• Free time to visit Tarifa Castle or relax on the beach before preparing for your crossing to the neighboring continent.
• Ferry crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco.
• Arrival in Tangier, greeted by your local guide at the port and transferred to your hotel.

Day 8: Tangier, the Gateway to Morocco and Africa

• Morning: Your local guide will show you the mythical city of Tangier, an authentic city influenced by diverse cultures, located at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Your visit starts at the Grand Socco at the foot of the high walls of the Kasbah, the main attraction of the city, which overlooks the Medina and offers a magnificent view of Spain and the Strait of Gibraltar.
• Afternoon: An excursion to Cape Spartel, offering breathtaking views of the Strait of Gibraltar, and then on to Assilah, the "little pearl of the north." Wander through its old Medina with its beautiful murals and admire the sunset before returning to Tangier.
• Evening: Free time to enjoy the city’s atmosphere.

Day 9: Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen

• After breakfast, head towards picturesque Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. On the way, your driver will stop in Tetouan, a true gem of Moorish culture, with its winding streets and beautiful squares.
• Upon arrival, explore the charming little streets of the "blue city," so named for its whitewashed houses decorated in shades of blue.
• Evening: Enjoy a hammam session with a massage.

Day 10: Chefchaouen – Fes (4h by bus)

• Morning: Transfer by bus to Fes.
• Check in to your riad, a traditional Moroccan house with an interior courtyard or central garden, providing a unique experience of traditional Moroccan architecture and life. Located in the heart of the medinas, they make exploring local markets and historical sites easy, allowing you to discover and appreciate the cultural richness of Morocco.
• Evening: Free time to stroll through the streets of Fes, visit the souks, go shopping, and sample local specialties.

Day 11: Fes, the Cultural Capital of the Kingdom

• Morning: Guided tour of the medina, founded in the 9th century and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover traditional tanneries, the Foundouk Nejjarin, a temple of the immortal art of its Hispano-Muslim architecture, and the former Quranic school, the Medersa Bou Inania, inaugurated in the 14th century.
• Afternoon: Learn how to prepare a tagine!

Day 12: Fes – Volubilis – Meknes

• Morning: Depart for the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a testament to Roman history, before continuing to Meknes, where a local guide will show you this imperial city known for the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and the Bab Mansour gate.

Day 13: Meknes – Rabat (2h by bus)

• Transfer to Rabat, the capital of Morocco.
• Afternoon: Explore the city, starting with the Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. You will also visit the Kasbah of the Oudayas and its streets with your local guide.
• Evening: Free time to enjoy your last evening in Morocco.

Day 14: Rabat, Departure

• Transfer to the airport.
• Have a pleasant journey!