Day 1: New York / Casablanca
Over night flight on Royal Air Maroc nonstop to Casablanca.
Day 2: Casablanca / Tangier
Arrive in early morning to Casablanca and immediately transfer by air
to Tangier. Morning to relax and acclimate. The afternoon will be devoted
to explore the historic sights of Tangier. According to classical mythology,
Tangier was founded by Antaeus, who named the town after his wife, Tingis,
in 3000 BC. Tangier was and still is an important trade center since the
Phoenician time.
Day 3: Tangier / Málaga / Granada
Take the morning Ferry to Algeciras and then continue to Granada. We
will stop for an introductory visit to Málaga, the provincial capital
of Andalucia. Known as the "Gateway to the Costa del Sol" this city is
full of splendid coastlines and alive with the essence of an active harbor
life. Leave for Granada from Málaga in the afternoon across the
Sierra Nevada, Spain's highest mountains. Granada holds the Moorish Alhambra
Palace, and its exotic gardens. You will also visit the old Moorish quarter
of Albaicin, unique in its history as the last outpost of Muslim Spain
and the holder of many Christian monuments, including the tombs of King
Fernando and Queen Isabella.
Day 4: Granada
The whole day will be devoted to sightseeing of notable places in Granada.
This will include the Alhambra Moorish Palace and its famous Generalife
Gardens.
Day 5: Granada / Córdoba
We will arrive to Cordoba in the morning, Andalucía's most northern
province. One of its many treasures is the Mezquita, a mosque of exquisite
beauty and unrivaled Moorish architecture, built a little over twelve centuries
ago. As you walk through this city, pay special attention to the wide,
lavish patios of Moorish heritage.
Day 6: Córdoba / Sevilla
Depart in the morning from Cordoba to Sevilla. This luminous city,
that is immediately captivating, possesses an aura of happiness any visitor
can easily detect. Undeniably, for the connoisseur it is Spain's most beautiful
metropolis. Sevilla earned the reputation of a place to enjoy the potency
of life. The lively streets of this enticing city manifest the realm of
Spanish life from within, and one can't help but become Spanish. The traditional
theatrical exhibitions you will encounter in basically every square are
indeed an art form unique to Sevilla.
Day 7: Sevilla
Continue to experience the sites and sounds of Sevilla. From the Roman
site of Italica to the striking Museo de Bellas Artes, the one and only
Giralda still proudly standing, overlooking the Guadalquivir to witness
the glory of Moorish civilization. Discover which of Sevilla's glorious
monuments would be your favorite.
Day 8: Sevilla / Cádiz-Rota
Departure from Sevilla to Cádiz. Here is the place to enjoy
the stretches of white-sand beaches along the Costa de la Luz. This city,
founded by the Phoenicians, is considered to be the oldest existing city
in Europe. Historically, Cádiz has given shelter to an intellectual
community that has produced some of the best thinkers for the Spanish intellect
with a strong liberal statement. Some of the sites not to be missed will
include the oasis of Grazalema and the famous sherry triangle.
Day 9: Rota / Jerez / Sanlúcar / Rota
Excursion to Jerez de la Frontera to visit one of the wealthiest communities
in the peninsula having the best Bodegas in the region known for its muscatel
and sherry wine production. Today lunch will be served in a typical farmer
restaurant. Continue visiting the region of Sanlucar where La Doñana
National Park is considered to be one of the world's best wildlife sanctuaries
situated on the lagoons of the Guadalquivir Delta. Dinner and accommodations
in lively Rota.
Day 10: Cádiz-Rota / Gibraltar / Tangier
From Cadiz we'll travel back to Tangier, you will admire the beautiful
diversity of landscapes that will lead you to cross the dramatic strait
of Gibraltar at the columns of Hercules from Europe to Africa. Lunch in
The British enclave of Gibraltar with an orientation tour of the Rock.
Continue in the afternoon to Tangier.
Day 11: Tangier / Volubilis / Meknes / Fez
Transfer to Fez via Volubilis, the Roman capital of Northwestern Africa.
Lunch in the interesting city of Méknes. Afternoon arrival to Fez
with sightseeing of the Ramparts, the Gates, the Borjs (forts) and the
Andalous part. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 12: Fez
Start the historic tour by the Mellah, the king's palace and the Bat'ha
Museum of Moroccan arts then the walking tour of the Medina. This fascinating
walled city is an incredible maze of medieval twisting alleys, blind turns,
mosques, shrines, fountains, workshops and every conceivable kind of market,
a world heritage, unique in this world. The hold day will be devoted to
explore the marvels of Medina.
Day 13: Fez / Marrakech
Morning transfer to Marrakech through the Middle Atlas mountains, stops
in Berber villages to enjoy scenic views and classic Berber markets. Dinner
in Marrakech.
Day 14: Marrakech
Historic visit of Marrakech will highlight the Menara, a magnificent
pool surrounded by flowers, reflecting the image of a beautiful Moorish
construction built in 1866 for the royalties to enjoy glorious sunsets
with the Atlas mountains as a backdrop. Also, the Menara serves as a functional
irrigation system to surrounding areas. Afterwards, visit: The Koutoubia
Minaret (the twin tower of la Giralda in Sevilla, Spain); The Saadian Tombs,
demonstrating the Moorish architecture in its perfection (these splendid
mausoleums built in the sixteenth century were walled for some time, not
to be discovered until 1917). The museum of Dar Si Said with the best display
of Berber arts and crafts. The remains of the Badii Palace, a historical
monument that was chosen to host the Annual National Festival of Popular
Arts, beginning the second Friday in June. Bahia Palace still hosts dignitaries
of our days in the heart of the Mellah (Jewish quarter). Then, relish a
walk through the colorful souks of Marrakech in the afternoon with a sunset
drink overlooking the exiting Jamaa El Fna Square. Dinner in a typical
Moroccan restaurant with entertainment.
Day 15: Marrakech
Morning excursion to the Eurika Valley. Afternoon visit to the botanical
gardens designed and named after Mr. Majorelle, a well known painter, remodeled
by Yves Saint Laurent. Shopping at the colorful souks of Marrakech. Dinner
at the hotel.
Day 16: Marrakech / New York
Early morning transfer to Marrakech Airport, connect flight at Casablanca
to New York/ JFK with a memorable trip of a life time.