Southern Spain and Morocco Highlights

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

A private vehicle with driver is made available for usage today.

Enjoy a city tour of Tangier and its surroundings, including the Spartel Cape and the Hercules Caves. Marvel at the picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean and the famed Strait of Gibraltar, a perfect photo opportunity. Mingle through the Kasbah district located next to the port, before heading towards the old Medina. Visit some of the many shops that line the streets of the Medina and find the perfect handicraft, gift, or memory for yourself or your loved ones.  Pass the Grand Sacco and the Mendoubia Park believed to contain the fossil remains of some truly ancient creatures, including some Dragon bones.  Next, visit the Petit Sacco with its multitudes of boutique hotels and riads. This historically location has hosted a variety of famous artists including Matisse, Camille Saint Saens, Paul Bowles.

Travel today between Tangier and Fes in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver. On route, enjoy some brief touring including a visit to the beautiful city of Chefchaouen. Located in the mountainous massif, Chefchaouen is the last rampart before the Mediterranean Sea and the Iberian Peninsula. Chefchaouen is famed for its busy Medina, white-washed houses with blue turquoise doors, wrought iron windows and tile covered roofs.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal for the day.

Explore the cultural and spiritual center of Morocco during this full day tour of Fes. Also known as Fes el Bali, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in the 9th century, and is home to the world's oldest university. The city of Fes reached its true economic and cultural height in the 13th–14th centuries under the Merinids, when it replaced Marrakech as the capital of the kingdom.   Although the political capital of Morocco was transferred to Rabat in 1912, Fes has retained its status as the country's Artisan centre. Artisan workshops in the medina are as active today as they were 100 years ago, and strongly contribute to the city’s industrial economy. Trades such as blacksmithing, leather working, ceramics, silk, tapestries, and sculpting are still practiced in these workshops today. The original ramparts still protect this ancient city and its estimated 9000 narrow passageways and bustling streets.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal for the day.

Enjoy the picturesque scenery, as a privately driven vehicle with English speaking guide accompany this tour that explores the local vineyards and wine manufacturers throughout the verdant countryside just outside of Fes. Journey through the foothills and valleys that are nestled between the Rif and the Middle Atlas mountain ranges, an area considered off the beaten path and rarely visited by tourists. Visit one the country's leading vineyards, owned by two French wine connoisseurs whose credentials include some very successful Bordeaux-production in their native France. Explore the vineyard and see just how they produce some truly world-class Moroccan labels, as well as some award-winning olive oil.  Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch at the vineyard, whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery.

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.

Travel in a privately driven vehicle from Fes to Marrakech, making a lunch stop en-route. Explore the rugged terrain of the Middle Atlas Mountain range, boasting towering cliff faces, and incredible passes. Visit the Berber village of Immouzer de Kandar and the university town of Ifrane for a glimpse into rural living in Morocco. Explore the Kasbah of Ras El Ain and mingle amongst the merchants to find the perfect gift. The approximate travel time is 7 hours.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal for the day.

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.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal for the day.

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.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver will provide a transfer between Marrakech and Casablanca.  The approximate travel time is 2 hours and 30 minutes.