Southern Spain to Morocco

The vibrant cultures of southern Spain and Morocco share a common history, yet retain their own exotic character. Our adventure combining the magic of Spain with the mystery of Morocco features great Moorish architecture, dazzling historical sites, sumptuous cuisine, and wonderful hikes in a ravishingly beautiful countryside. From Còrdoba, Andalucia’s most northerly province, we journey to passionate Sevilla, then to the striking pueblos blancos (“white villages”) of Ronda and Grazalema. Ferrying across the Straits of Gibraltar to the ancient Moroccan port of Tangier, we head up to the craggy Rif Mountains to meet the Berber people at the dramatic “blue” village of Chefchaouen, dating from the 13th century. Our grand finale finds us in amazing Fez, which writer Paul Bowles called an “enchanted labyrinth sheltered from time.”

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Còrdoba, Spain / Sevilla

In the handsome Moorish city of Còrdoba, whose Old Quarter is a World Heritage Site, we explore on foot in a maze of ancient whitewashed alleys that open onto the loveliest tiled courtyards in all of Andalucia. Our explorations include the 1,200-year-old Mezquita, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture that was once the epicenter of religious life in Moorish Spain, and the Juderia, the old Jewish quarter. In Sevilla, one of the jewels in the crown of Europe, with its jasmine-scented gardens and Moorish monuments, our visits include the beautiful Alcazar Palace. One evening we enjoy a flamenco show, and there’s no better place in the world than Sevilla to experience it!

Days 4-6
Zahara / Grazalema / Ronda

We explore 15th century Zahara, one of Andalucia’s most striking pueblos blancos, set on a rocky outcrop with red-tiled houses nestled below a castle, then head to the flower-filled town of Grazalema for a hike in the magnificent Sierra de Grazalema. In superb Ronda, dramatically perched above a deep river gorge, we visit the old Moorish quarter and famous 18th century plaza de toros, Spain’s very first bullring, then head out for a hike in an exquisite landscape.

Days 7-9
Tarifa / Tangier, Morocco / Chefchaouen

We take the ferry to fabled Tangier, Morocco, set on the Straits of Gibraltar. After a visit to the tumbling streets of the old medina, we drive up to the ancient village of Chefchaouen, strikingly Andalucian in flavor, with its whitewashed lanes. We enjoy a wonderful morning hike to the hamlet of Mechkrala and explore Chefchaouen’s friendly souks.

Days 10-12
Moulay Idriss / Volubilis / Fez

Heading inland through rolling vineyards and olive groves, we visit the striking hilltown of Moulay Idriss, named for Morocco’s most famous saint, and roam the romantic ruins of Volubilis, once Rome’s provincial capital in Morocco. Our grand finale is in unforgettable Fez, whose renowned medina beckons with its mile-long network of souks, open-air cafes, courtyards, hammams (traditional steam baths), and gardens. Depart Fez on Day 12.

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What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated 2+, Easy to Moderate. On most days, we enjoy easy walks in towns and villages, and on a few days, we hike from 2 to 4 hours over rolling hills, with some steep sections. Distances are not long but you should be in good shape and enjoy walking. You need to carry only a daypack for your camera, water bottle, rain jacket, etc. Please note that in Spain, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 9:00 PM.

Explanation of Trip Levels