The best of Southern Spain mixed in with the highlights of Morocco - fabulous! Discover the magnificence of Southern Spain; Andalusia, with its two sparkling jewels -Seville and Granada. Nowehere else in Europe is the Moorish influence so present in the cities architecture and ingrained in its everyday living. Cosmopolitan Seville has it all, from the grand, formal gardens of the Maria Luisa, to the Albazin castle in the gothic quarter. Life seems to literally breathe in the streets. Granada, with its stately palace surveying the city below is and forever will be majestic. Enjoy the flexibility of having your own Guide show you around Seville and Granada - from the historical area of Seville to the regal Alhambra palace. Immerse yourself fully in the culture as you enjoy a wonderful flamenco show accompanied by a dinner of regional tapas. A sun drenched land of sea and sand, blazing desert and cool Atlas mountain passes, Morocco has fascinated travelers for centuries. Blending the European influence of the Moors with the nomadic Berber caravans, the country combines unique food, architecture and history. Explore Casablanca, the UNESCO world heritage city of Fes, and the exotic matchless bazaar of Marrakech. An extraordinary journey through time. Morocco promises to delight and amaze.

Day 1
Seville
Train station transfer with private vehicle and English speaking Driver. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Embark on a Seville walking tour with your own private English speaking guide to check out the most important landmarks of the city. You will see La Torre del Oro (The Golden Tower), a moorish-built tower dating from 1222, which formed part of the old defensive wall that protected the old city. You will also see Triana (this Gypsy district is the home of flamenco), Santa Cruz (the Old Jewish Quarter and a labyrinth of tiny alleys with white houses with traditional Moorish courtyards), Reales Alcazares (a Moorish palace-fortress which originally dates back to 913AD and has been the residence of various kings and boasts impressive gardens and fountains) and The Cathedral and Giralda, originally a 12th Century mosque, of which only the minaret (La Giralda) and the orange tree courtyard now remain. The cathedral is also Europe's second largest.
If you have a particular interest in bullfighting, we can substitute some of the above for a visit to the Real Maestranza (The Maestranza Bullring). Built between 1767 and 1880 this famous bullring houses a museum dedicated to the world of bull fighting. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Hotel Casas de la Judería (4*) is located in the barrio Santa Cruz in the historical centre of Seville, a very short walk from the Cathedral and the royal palace of the Alcázar. The hotel is a complex of houses and palaces, interconnected through a series of patios and walkways. Offering 118 rooms, each is unique in it's design and layout. Guests will enjoy an authentic Andalusian style house with flowers, courtyards, fountains and wrought iron gates, blending perfectly with Seville and the historical Santa Cruz neighbourhood. Seville is the capital of the province of the same name. With a population of some 704,000 people, Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain and is considered the cultural centre of the region. Its history dates back more than 2,000 years. Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and Moors all left their presence in the city. The Moors ruled from here during their occupation of Andalucia, and their influence can still be seen in the "Mudejar" architecture of the city. The cathedral is the largest Gothic structure in the world and a symbol of Spain.

Day 2
Seville
Enjoy a cruise seeing the city's key sights from the river; Torre del Oro, La Giralda, La Maestranza Bullring, Expo 92 Site and many more. The Guadalquivir river is known as the great and millenary river, the romantic river and the river of the conquerors as well as being the only navigable river in Spain. Enjoy the marvellous views that this privileged route offers and listen to the audio commentary highlighting all the major attractions enroute. You can admire the varied architecture of its bridges, the monuments by the banks or the avant-garde landscape. The cruise lasts one hour and will take a circular route and will deliver you to back where you started. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax in your hotel. Enjoy a breathtaking evening at El Arenal watching a fantastic performance. Located in the center of Seville (next door to the Bullring La Maestranza), El Arenal offers both regulars and tourists a unique and friendly atmosphere. Singers, Guitarists and Dancers share the experience to make you feel the art of "Flamenco". They will introduce you to various flamenco styles through song, guitar and dance. You will also have the opportunity to taste the Spanish and local cuisine for dinner while you enjoy a glass of wine and mineral water. Overnight at Las Casas de la Judería (4*).

Day 3
Seville - Granada
Train station transfer with private vehicle and English speaking Driver. Enjoy the 3 hour train ride from Seville to Granada. Airport transfer with private vehicle and English speaking Driver. Enjoy a guided exploration of the Albaicín, the old Moorish quarter of Granada with your private English speaking Guide. You will be shown how this medieval Islamic city has kept its identity into the modern age, as your Guide explains its history and character in anecdotal style. As you walk through its cat’s cradle of twisting alleyways you will come across stunning views of the city, the majestic Alhambra palaces and, beyond, the often snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. You will pass by churches built on the sites of mosques, stroll underneath the walls of the scented gardens of carmens, and stop in squares to take in the slow rhythms of daily life in this most traditional and yet singular neighborhood. The walk can be taken in the afternoon, with refreshments in one of the many Arab tea rooms (included), or around sunset when the excursion includes stops in a couple of local bars to sample the tapas (the small dishes of food that accompany one’s drinks in Granada - included in tour price). On weekdays, you will have the option to visit a delightful delicatessen which specializes in local products (extra virgin olive oils, cured meats and hams, cheeses, patés and sweets) which you will be able to taste along with local wine and sherry (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Macia Real Alhambra (4*) is located in the hills overlooking the city of Granada, facing opposite the Albaicín. The hotel is just 5 minutes from the Alhambra and less than 5 minutes from the Plaza Nueva, historic and central shopping district. Noted are the excellent views from many of the 126 guest rooms and several common terraces. The Hotel Alhambra provides an atmosphere, both inside and out, which is reminiscent of the nearby Alhambra. The restaurant, bar and terraces are popular for their magnificent views and the perfect place to end the day with a drink or meal. Granada's rich Moorish history and the spectacular backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains have long inspired the spirit of romance among inhabitants and visitors alike. The old city has changed little in hundreds of years, and the incomparable Alhambra palace is an architectural masterpiece that should not be missed.

Day 4
Granada
Enjoy a private tour with a Local English speaking guide as you visit the UNESCO world heritage site of the Alhambra palace and gardens. On a rocky hill, on the banks of the River Darro, protected by mountains and amongst the eldest quarter in the city, the Alhambra rises up like an imposing castle with its distinctive reddish stone in its ramparts that prevent the outside world from seeing the delicate beauty enclosed within. Originally designed as a military area, the Alhambra became the residence of royalty and the court of Granada in the middle of XIII century. Throughout the XIII, XIV and XV centuries the fortress became a citadel which housed two main areas: the military area (or Alcazaba) and the medina (or court city) where Charles V Palace was built after the city was taken by the Catholics. The complex of monuments has also an independent palace opposite the Alhambra; The Generalife, which is surrounded by orchards and beautiful gardens which you will also visit. (Tour includes entrance into the palace). Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). There is a wide range of optional activities that you can add to your tour; Granada Countryside Walk, Culinary Tasting, Wine Stroll, Tapas Tour, Spanish Cooking Class, Flamenco Class, Guided tour of Sacromonte, Spanish class, Ceramic Painting Class, Painting class in the Albaicín, Sierra Nevada Bike Tour, Horseback riding ... and more. Enjoy navigating the custom of tapas with a local expert. Going out for drinks and tapas – or “tapeando” – is an event enjoyed throughout Spain, and everywhere has its local variations. The frustration that many visitors experience is that this can mean never quite knowing the “rules of the game”, and a feeling that the authentic bars and tapas are eluding them. Our local resident guide will steer you away from the comfortable but bland, sit-down options and take you into the places where locals go, jostling at the bar for elbow-room, and sampling some great dishes amid a lively atmosphere. There is an option to sample vegetarian tapas if requested. (Includes drinks & tapas in three different bars). (Vegetarian on request). Overnight at Macia Real Alhambra (4*).

Day 5
Granada - Fes
Enjoy the drive from Granada to Algeciras with your private vehicle and English speaking Driver. The drive is approximately 3 hours. Enjoy the short (30 minute) ferry ride between Algeciras in Spain to Tangers in the Northern part of Morocco. Private car, guide & driver at your disposal for the day. (Mercedes Viano/Vito or similar) After your tour of Tangier, you'll head to Fez via Chefchaouen. Chaouen, or Chefchaouen in Berber, is one of the most beautiful cities in Rif the mountainous massif which is the last rampart before the Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula. Chefchaouen is known by its Medina of shady alleys, whitewashed houses with blue turquoise doors, wrought iron windows and tile covered roofs. The souks are decorated with their traditionally dressed inhabitants toing and froing in their straw hats. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Riad La Maison Bleue is located in one of the most historic quarters of the Fès Medina. A mysterious door off a laneway opens to reveal a wonder of Arabo-Andalusian architecture. La Maison Bleue was built as a family palace in 1915 by Sidi Mohammed El Abbadi, a famous judge and astrologer of the times. Enter the mysterious inner courtyards and lifestyle of the city of Fès, jewel of the Arab world, where blue zellij mosaics, finely carved cedar-wood doors, stained glass windows with wrought iron grilles and stucco cornices come together in refined harmony. You will find the house a haven of peace in the heart of the bustling Medina.



Fès is the most ancient and impressive of the imperial cities. Built in the eighth century, it has more history and mystery than anywhere else in Morocco. The medina (market) in Fès El Bali is one of the largest in the world and is also on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. It is a huge maze of winding streets and covered bazaars where you can buy almost anything. It is particularly good for carpets, rugs and ornate metalwork.

Day 6
Fes
Full day private tour to explore the city of Fez. Or Fes el Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in the 9th century and home to the oldest university in the world, Fez reached its height in the 13th–14th centuries under the Merinids, when it replaced Marrakech as the capital of the kingdom. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the medina – madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - date from this period. Although the political capital of Morocco was transferred to Rabat in 1912, Fez has retained its status as the country's cultural and spiritual centre. Artisan workshops in the medina are as active today as 100 years ago, and strongly contribute to the city’s industrial economy. Trades such as metal and leather working, ceramics, silk, tapestries, and sculpting are still practiced in these workshops. Original ramparts still protect the ancient city and its 9000 passageways and narrow streets. Morning transfer to Chefchaouen which is regarded as one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in Morocco. The grace and mysterious charm of Chefchaouen have their origin in Hispano-Moorish culture. Its treasures remained hidden and cherished for hundred of years. As night falls on its rose-pink tiles and walls, the town's history stirs. Its winding streets, sparkling fountains and gardens echo with strange and enchanting sounds. It is considered
one of Morocco's most delightful spots. The blue and white town appears at in the road with its 20 old mosques and sanctuaries. The holy town of Chefchaouen breathes an atmosphereof profound serenity. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). You'll have the chance to explore the art of Moroccan cooking with the chefs at Maison Bleue. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Riad Maison Bleue .

Day 7
Fes
Today you will explore the Imperial City of Meknes along with the Roman city of Volubilis. In antiquity, Volubilis was an important Roman town situated near the westernmost border of Roman conquests. It was built on the site of a previous Carthaginian settlement from the third century BC. Volubilis was the administrative center of the province in Roman Africa called Mauretania Tingitana.The fertile lands of the province produced many commodities such as grain and olive oil, which were exported to Rome, contributing to the province's wealth and prosperity. Then you'll discover the Imperial city of Meknes known as the“Moroccan Versailles”. Meknes was founded in the 17th century by King Moulay Ismail. It is famous for its 25-mile-long walls. Return to Fez later this afternoon. Morning transfer to Chefchaouen which is regarded as one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in Morocco. The grace and mysterious charm of Chefchaouen have their origin in Hispano-Moorish culture. Its treasures remained hidden and cherished for hundred of years. As night falls on its rose-pink tiles and walls, the town's history stirs. Its winding streets, sparkling fountains and gardens echo with strange and enchanting sounds. It is considered
one of Morocco's most delightful spots. The blue and white town appears at in the road with its 20 old mosques and sanctuaries. The holy town of Chefchaouen breathes an atmosphereof profound serenity. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Riad Maison Bleue .

Day 8
Fes - Marrakech
Morning transfer to Chefchaouen which is regarded as one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in Morocco. The grace and mysterious charm of Chefchaouen have their origin in Hispano-Moorish culture. Its treasures remained hidden and cherished for hundred of years. As night falls on its rose-pink tiles and walls, the town's history stirs. Its winding streets, sparkling fountains and gardens echo with strange and enchanting sounds. It is considered
one of Morocco's most delightful spots. The blue and white town appears at in the road with its 20 old mosques and sanctuaries. The holy town of Chefchaouen breathes an atmosphereof profound serenity. Explore the Mountain range of the Middle Atlas, with incredible passes and dizzying sights. Visit the Berber villages of Immouzer du Kandar and the University town of Ifrane to experience rural Morocco. Explore the Kasbah (market) of Ras El Ain. Approx. 7 hours. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Dating from the 18th century, Riad Kniza is a small, luxury "Hotel de Charme" in the heart of the old Médina of Marrakech, completely restored using traditional materials and artisans to recreate an authentic Moroccan experience as in days gone by. Riad Kniza, with its eleven tastefully decorated rooms and suites, is an excellent point of departure from which to explore the city. It is conveniently located within only few minutes' walk from the famous Jema l'Fna square, the wonderful souks and the most important monuments and cultural treasures of this imperial city, and a short distance from the Gueliz, the modern quarter of Marrakech.
Marrakech is known as the "Red City" and is an important and former imperial city in Morocco. It has a population of 1,070,838 (as of 2004), and is the capital of the mid-southwestern economic region of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

Day 9
Marrakech
After breakfast you will be met at your hotel and taken on a full day guided tour of Marrakech. Your tour usually starts at the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque but you can discuss all of the options with your guide. The mosques beautiful minaret dominates the skyline of Marrakech and can be seen from almost every approach to the city thanks to a long-standing planning ordinance that forbids any other building in the old city to rise above the height of a palm tree. You will also visit the El-Bahia Palace, this 19th century palace is elaborate in its decoration and was built over a period seven years for Ba Ahmed, the son of the Grand Vizier Si Moussa, there are row after row of apartments—that once housed Ahmed's harem—a trapezoidal garden, a huge tiled courtyard, and many hidden treasures, both in the form of antique objets d'art and the palace's convergence of Andalusian and Moorish architecture. One of most visited sites in Morocco are the Saadian Tombs which were only accessible via the mosque next door. However, in 1917 they were opened to the public and can now be accessed via a narrow passage that leads to an enclosed garden watched over by two mausoleums that include more than one hundred mosaic decorated tombs. The Koranic School Medersa Ben Youssef which is a Theological college founded by the Merenid Sultan Abu Hassan in the 14th century, and restored in 1564 by the Saadians who made it the largest theological college in the Maghreb and a rival to the important Medersa Bou Inania in Fés. Private car, guide & driver at your disposal for the day. (Mercedes Viano/Vito or similar) Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Riad Kniza .

Day 10
Marrakech - Casablanca
Private car & driver at your disposal for the day. Travel to Casablanca (approx 2.5 hours) Depart from Casablanca International airport - end of itinerary. Casablanca is on the Atlantic coast and a gateway for international flights, it is the country’s principal commercial town, the second-largest city in Africa and has one of the continent’s biggest ports.