Overview
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 Fes, which writer Paul Bowles called an “enchanted labyrinth sheltered from time.”
Of the trips I've taken with WT, Southern Spain and Morocco was definitely near the top. That's quite a compliment because it was competing with the Serengeti, Indochine, and the Turquoise Coast among others.
— Carol F., Palo Alto, CA
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Córdoba, Spain / Sevilla
In the handsome Moorish city of Córdoba, 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.
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 a local village and explore Chefchaouen’s friendly souks.
Days 10-12
Moulay Idriss / Volubilis / Fes
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 Fes, whose renowned medina beckons with its mile-long network of souks, open-air cafes, courtyards, hammams (traditional steam baths), and gardens. Depart Fes on Day 12.
Southern Spain to Morocco
