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12 Day Southern Spain and Morocco Highlights
Highlights: Seville, Granada, Tangier, Fes, Marrakech
Trip start: Seville
Trip end: Casablanca
Price Range from £3,898 to £4,710 *
* GBP per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

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. Nowhere 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 Activities Hotel
Day 1
Seville
  • Seville: Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Welcome Package - Package
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - 1/2 d Walking Tour (2.5hrs) - Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
Hotel Palacio de Villapanes (5*)
(Alt: Hospes Casas del Rey de Baeza) (B)
Day 2
Seville
  • Self-Guided - Culture Card - 24hr
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Unescorted: Dinner & Flamenco show - Show & Dinner
Hotel Palacio de Villapanes (5*) (B)
Day 3
Granada
  • Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Train - Seville - Granada [3 hrs] - 2nd Class
  • Granada: Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Private - 1/2 d Albaicin Quarter (3hrs) - Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
AC Palacio de Santa Paula (5*)
(Alt: Hospes Palacio de los Patos) (B)
Day 4
Granada
  • Private - 1/2 d Alhambra Palace (2.5hrs) Guide only - Guide (no transfers to/from palace)
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Optional Active Options: Guided countryside Walk, Wine Stroll, Horseriding, Biking
  • Private - Evening Tapas (3 hrs) - Guide
AC Palacio de Santa Paula (5*) (B)
Day 5
Tangier
  • Transfer - Private - Granada - Algeciras [3 hrs ] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Transfer - Algeciras - Tangier [Ferry] - Foot Passenger ticket
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Tangier: Vehicle, Driver & Guide at disposal Imperial Cities
  • Private - City Tour - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
El Minzah (B)
Day 6
Fes
  • Transfer - Tangier - Fes [8 Hours with Chefchaouen Tour] - Vehicle, Driver & Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Riad Fes (B)
Day 7
Fes
  • Fes: Vehicle, Driver & Guide at disposal Imperial Cities
  • Private - City Tour - Entrance
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Riad Fes (B)
Day 8
Fes
  • Vehicle, Driver & Guide at disposal Imperial Cities
  • Private - 1/2 d Vineyard Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting - Vehicle/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
  • Private - 1/2d Traditional Artisan's Quartier - Local Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
Riad Fes (B)
Day 9
Marrakech
  • Transfer - Fes - Marrakech [7 hours] - Vehicle, Driver & Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
La Maison Arabe (B)
Day 10
Marrakech
  • Marrakech: Vehicle, Driver & Guide at disposal Imperial Cities
  • Private - City tour - Entrance
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
La Maison Arabe (B)
Day 11
Marrakech
  • Vehicle, Driver & Guide at disposal Imperial Cities
  • Private - High Atlas Mountains with lunch at Kasbah Tamadot - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
La Maison Arabe (B)
Day 12
Casablanca
  • Transfer - Marrakech - Casablanca [2.5 hours] - Vehicle & Driver
Depart 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Seville

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.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Embark on a Seville walking tour with your own private 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.

Hotel Palacio de Villapanes is a 5 star hotel in Seville. The decor reflects Seville's culture and tradition, and each of the 50 elegant rooms has its own personality, combining the original architectural with the latest technology. The restaurant offers exquisite cuisine of Andalusia, and the bar pays tribute to wine and tapas in Seville. A gorgeous hotel for a luxurious stay.

Overnight at Hotel Palacio de Villapanes (5*).


Seville
Seville
Calle Mateos Gago, Sevilla
Calle Mateos Gago, Sevilla
Day 2 Seville

Explore the city with a Seville Culture Card. This electronic smart card offers free admission to more than 20 of the major museums in and around Seville. You can also benefit from discounts in approx 50 establishments including shops, restaurants, shows, and leisure centres for adults and children. You will obtain a guide book with information on the museums and establishments that are included on the scheme, plus a map of the city when you exchange your voucher for the card in the city centre.

Enjoy a breathtaking evening at El Arenal watching a fantastic performance of Flamenco. 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 Hotel Palacio de Villapanes (5*).


Sevilla Card
Sevilla Card
Flamenco dancer
Flamenco dancer
Day 3 Granada

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.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Enjoy your train ride from Seville to Granada. The train ride takes approximately three hours.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

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. A stop for refreshments in a cafe or bar is included.

Restored 14th century Moresque house and convent located in the historical centre of Granada, 1 kilometre from the Alhambra. Air-conditioned rooms are stylishly decorated with high ceilings and wooden floors; all have free minibars and Internet. Enjoy complimentary refreshments in the palatial courtyard before heading to the gym or relaxing in the sauna and hammam.

Overnight at AC Palacio de Santa Paula (5*).


Granada
Granada

AC Palacio de Santa Paula
AC Palacio de Santa Paula
Day 4 Granada

Enjoy a private tour with a local 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. 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).

Please note that this tour does not include transfers to or from the Palace. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you will transfer by local taxi (payable by you locally). At the end of your tour, you can either choose to walk back down the hill to explore the city, or return by taxi, (again payable by you locally). If you prefer us to arrange private transfers let us know.

There is a wide range of optional active activities that you can add to your tour; consider any of the following: a Granada Countryside Walk,  a guided Wine Stroll,  a Bike Tour around the Sierra Nevada mountain range or Horseback riding. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if any of these are of interest.

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. A 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 AC Palacio de Santa Paula (5*).


Alhambra Palace
Alhambra Palace
Bike Tour- Sierra Nevada
Bike Tour- Sierra Nevada

Day 5 Tangier

Tangier is most known for being the port city linking Morocco with Europe. With its souks, traditional Moroccan cuisine and many attractions, it's an interesting stopover. Diverse in both flavor and culture, Tangian cuisine will satisfy your culinary cravings. Tangier, also known as the White City, revolves around its bustling markets and port.

Meet your driver for a private transfer from Granada to Algeciras.

Enjoy the short (35 minute) ferry ride between Algeciras in Spain to Tangier in the Northern part of Morocco.

Private car, guide & driver at your disposal. (Mercedes Viano/Vito or similar)

The city tour involves Tangier and its surroundings as well as Spartel Cape at the extreme North-West of Africa and Hercules Caves which are associated with the legend of Hercules being the one separated Africa from Europe. From this point of Africa you can have an exceptional view of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean. The visit includes also the Kasbah district next to the port, the old Medina with its craftsmanship shops and a magnificent minaret overlooking the sea. You will also have the opportunity to pass by the Grand Socco and the Mendoubia park accommodating dragon skeleton dating from ancient centuries. Little farther, there is the Petit Socco where a multitude of small hotels which previously accommodated famous artists and writers such us Matisse, Camille Saint Saens, Paul Bowles

Situated on the Straits of Gibraltar, where Europe and Africa almost touch, El Minzah is a haven of peace and tranquility. During your stay you can relax in the luxuriant gardens, nestled within beds of roses and giant geraniums, lilies, hibiscus and countless exotic plants. The immaculate lawns are shaded by palm, orange and eucalyptus trees. The hotel’s 140 charming rooms are furnished with polished woods and brass, with ornaments and pictures setting off the grandeur of the hotel. Enjoy dinner outdoors in the courtyard or in one of the other restaurants or bars; sit back and enjoy great food, ambiance, and live entertainment. Built in a Spanish Moorish style, El Minzah boasts stunning views over the Bay of Tangier, the Straits of Gibraltar and the Rif Mountains.

Overnight at El Minzah.


Tangier
Tangier
Tangier
Tangier
El Minzah Exterior
El Minzah Exterior
Day 6 Fes

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.

Travel today between Tangier and Fes with private vehicle and english speaking driver.   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.  Continue to your hotel in Fes. 

Riad Fes is located in the heart of the ancient city of Fez. The Relais et Châteaux Riad Fes has succeeded in combining refinement with inspiration and invites you to relax and enjoy your stay in a serene atmosphere. The prestigious history and refined civilization of this Imperial city is reflected in the Spanish Moorish architecture and attention to detail seen in the décor. Its opened Andalous pavilion, in a simpler and contemporary style and its new baroco-andalous pavilion come to complete the traditional patio with a style even more contemporary and purified, to the full satisfaction of the guests who wish to spend some time in the middle of an oasis of harmony, comfort and luxury

Overnight at Riad Fes.


Fez Mosque
Fez Mosque
Riad Fes Lobby
Riad Fes Lobby
Day 7 Fes

Private car, guide & driver at your disposal for the day. (Mercedes Viano/Vito or similar)

Full day private tour to explore the city of Fez. Fes el Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in the 9th century and is 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.

Overnight at Riad Fes.


Fez
Fez
Day 8 Fes

Private car, guide & driver at your disposal for the day. (Mercedes Viano/Vito or similar)

You take a picturesque drive with private car and english speaking guide into the verdant countryside just outside of Fes in order to visit a local vineyard and taste some of the wines produced there. The route will take you into the foothills nestled between the Rif and the Middle Atlas mountain ranges, an area little-visited by tourists.  The vineyard is owned by two French wine connoisseurs whose credentials include Bordeaux-production when previously in France. Now, they produce world-class Moroccan labels and their farm also makes award-winning olive oil.  A traditional Moroccan lunch may also be taken at the vineyard, giving you time to enjoy the views.

Enjoy an afternoon’s guided tour of the labyrinthine souks of the city. Amongst the many shops and stalls are artisans’ workshops and studios where traditional skills, passed down by the Moorish émigrés from Andalucia, are still practised by master craftsmen. Trades such as metal and leather working, ceramics, silk, tapestry, and sculpting remain current.  Highlights of the tour will be observing the vast tanneries from a family home for this unique view, and the spice souk, El Attarine, without doubt the most vibrant in Fes. The henna and wood working souks are located in the Nejjarine neighborhood and the scent of cedar wood is noticeable. The main plaza is planted with trees and provides a shaded haven from the warm sun. Various natural products derived from henna are sold here. Nejjarine is also where the fabric dyers are located; wool and cotton are treated and you can see the colours used floating along the streets after the rinsing.

Overnight at Riad Fes.


Vineyards Outside Meknes
Vineyards Outside Meknes
Fes Mosque
Fes Mosque
Day 9 Marrakech

Marrakech, founded over 1,000 years ago, is also known as the ‘red city’, from the natural red-ochre pigment that colours its walls and buildings, and is perhaps the most famous city in Morocco. A combination of the old (the Medina) and the new (Guéliz), Marrakech is an exotic cocktail of sights and sounds. Its roots are Berber, rather than Arab, having developed as the metropolis of nomadic and Atlas tribes (from the plains and Sahara desert). Once upon a time, Marrakech was the marketplace for goods of all type (slaves, gold, ivory) brought by caravan from distant Southern empires, a commerce which shaped its souks and carnival way of life.

Travel today between Fes and Marrakech with private vehicle and english speaking driver.  Enjoy lunch en-route.

La Maison Arabe, a legendary hotel located in the romantic medina of Marrakech, includes 26 rooms and suites, three restaurants, a swimming pool, spa and cooking school.

Overnight at La Maison Arabe.


marrakech
marrakech
Scenery
Scenery
La Maison Arabe
La Maison Arabe
Day 10 Marrakech

A Private car, guide & driver are at your disposal for the day. (Mercedes Viano/Vito or similar)

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 objects d'art and the palace's convergence of Andalusian and Moorish architecture. One of most visited sites in Morocco is 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.

Overnight at La Maison Arabe.


The Majestic Imperial Cities
The Majestic Imperial Cities

Day 11 Marrakech

A Private car, guide & driver are at your disposal for the day. (Mercedes Viano/Vito or similar)

Your driver will meet you at your hotel and drive you to Tamadot which is about an hour from Marrakech. On the way, you'll make a brief stop at the Berber villages of Tahanoute and continue to the village of Asni before arriving at Tamadot. The Kasbah Tamadot is located on the outskirts of Asni, a small Berber village where the road branches off to Imlil and the Toubkal Massif. The Kasbah Tamadot was seen by Sir Richard’s mother who realized the potential for creating a unique environment and after a very painstaking period of renovation, Tamadot was born. It offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys, including a Berber village hugging the opposite bank of the river. The “Kanoun” restaurant at Tamadot (named after the traditional Berber bread oven) features an outdoor terrace and roof top for dining on warmer days or inside when cooler. Tamadot also has an excellent wine list. After lunch at The Kasbah Tamadot, your guide will take you to explore the mountains by foot.

Overnight at La Maison Arabe.


kasbah Tamadot
kasbah Tamadot
Day 12 Casablanca

Travel today between Marrakech and Casablanca with private vehicle and english speaking driver. 

Depart from Casablanca International airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.


Casablanca
Casablanca

Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.