Napoleon said, "Africa begins south of the Pyrenees." While this may be a slight exaggeration, the civilizations of Southern Spain and Morocco share similar geography and climate as well as 800 years of close cultural ties ".

Explore their common heritage by visiting the imperial cities of Marrakech, Meknes, Fez and Rabat then Seville and Andalusia where one can observe the artistic links with North Africa and enjoy the unique achievements of the Umayyad of Cordoba and the Nazarids of Granada.

Experience the romantic world created by the Almoravid, Almohad, Marinids, Saadian and Alawite dynasties which have ruled over much of North Africa for the past millennium . Highlights will include Fez, the cultural capital of old Morocco where one can still experience the medieval world; the Atlas mountains with their Berber villages full of lush gardens and mosaics; exquisitely decorated buildings for prayer, learning and burial, as well as the courtyard bars of Morocco and the patio houses of Andalusia.

 


Day 1 - USA/MOROCCO
 Depart LAX for Marrakesh, Morocco.

Day 2 - MARRAKESH
Arrive in Marrakesh.  Founded by the Almorovids in the 11th century, Marrakesh, with its strong Berber influence, is the most important city in south Morocco. 
Sofitel Marrakech Hotel **** (D)

Day 3 - MARRAKESH
Visit the 12th century Koutabiya Mosque of the Booksellers, the 16th century Saadian tombs, the ruined El Badi Palace, the Mellah (Jewish quarter), and the 19th century Bahia Palace.  Late afternoon, visit the 14th and 16th centuries Ben Youssef Medersa, the Suqs (covered markets), and the Palace Jemaa el Fna which is taken over in late afternoon by snake-charmers acrobats, story-tellers, wrestlers, and musicians, all of whom have to be seen to be believed.
Sofitel Marrakech Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 4 - MARRAKECH
Excursion into the high Atlas Mountains to Quarzazate, where amethyst crystals and exotic stones, including fossils from 2 billion B.C are found in the Casbah of Tauoirt, an oasis in the Sahara.
Sofitel Marrakech Hotel (B, L)

Day 5 - FEZ
Morning transfer to Fez.  In contrast to Berber Marrakesh, Fez--the oldest of the imperial Cities. Fez is also the holiest city in the Islamic world after Mecca and Medina. The city was founded at the beginning of the 9th century by Moulay Idriss II. Fez is the best surviving example of an ancient Arab city. Sofitel Palais Jamai Fez ***** B, L)

Day 6 - FEZ
Tour Fez el-Bali (“Fez the Old”), a UNESCO world heritage site crammed with narrow streets where donkeys loaded with goods trawl alongside sellers and buyers. Visit the Bab Bou Jeloud, the western gate which allows entry into the Old City; the Bab Er Rsif, the central gate opening to the mosque with the same name; Bab el Ftouh, the southeast gate giving onto the cemeteries; and Bab Guissa, the north gate which lies on the hillside close to the Merenid tombs vantage point.  Visit to the Attarin Madrasa (Islamic School) built in early 14th c; Saffarin Medersas; and Bou Inania Medersa. Visit the Tanneries (tanner’s quarter), famous for the high quality leather production. Visit to the Zaouia Moulay Idriss II, the shrine that houses the remains of the founder of the city, considered the holiest building in the city. Visit the El Qrawiyyin and the Andalusian Mosque.
Sofitel Palais Jamai Fez (B, L)

 Day 7 - FEZ
Tour Fez el Jedid (“Fez the New”) built in the 12th century.  Visit to the Fez Royal Palace and Mellah (Jewish Quarter –the largest in Morocco.) Visit the Merenid Tombs that offer a spectacular panoramic view of Fez.
Sofitel Palais Jamai Fez (B, L)

Day 8 - FEZ /MEKNES/RABAT
Morning drive to Rabat. Stop on the way in Meknes.  Tour of Medina, including the Dar Jamai, a former palace converted into a museum, and the Bou Inaniya Medersa in the heart of the most picturesque section of the suq.  After lunch,visit the old Imperial town, including the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, a 17th century granary, the Garden of the Sultanas, and the Dar el Beida, a fortress-like palace.
Tour Hassan Hotel ***** (B, L, D)

Day 9 - RABAT
See the Tour Hassan (minaret) and the ruins of the vast Hassan mosque, the Oudaia Casbah, and the Museum of Muslim Art.  Visit  Merinid, necropolis of Chella.
Tour Hassan Hotel  (B, L)

Southern Spain

 

Day 10 - RABAT/ TANGIER
Transfer to Tangier. After lunch visit the American Legation Museum. Since Morocco was the first to acknowledge US independence, the US government built its first American embassy in the world here in 1777. Tangier is also known for the Mendoubia Gardens with its over 800yrs old trees and the Caves of Hercules. Before dinner visit the Kasbah Museum located in a 17th c palace which was once used by sultans.
Hotel El Minzah ***** (B, L, D)

Day 11 - TANGIER/ SEVILLE
Transfer to Seville. After lunch visit the Cathedral of Seville which occupies the site of a great mosque built in the late 12th c. The Cathedral still maintains the bell tower known as the Giralda, a legacy of the Moorish structure and once the tallest towers in the world.  Visit the Real Alcazar (Royal Palace) built in 931 AD. The Alcazar comprises a series of palaces, gardens and servant quarters.
Vincci La Rabida Hotel Seville ****(B, L, D)

Day 12 SEVILLE
Day at leisure –explore the city at your own pace. At evening enjoy a Flamenco dance and dinner at Tablao el Arena Restaurant. http://www.tablaoelarenal.com 
Vincci La Rabida Hotel Seville (B, L)

Day 13 CORDOBA
Transfer to Cordoba, the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate, established in the 8th century by Abd el Rahman who fled here from Damascus.  Later, visit to Great Mosque (“Mezquita”) and Medina Azahara. 
Hotel El Conquistador **** (B, L) –Jewish Quarter

Day 14 Granada Transfer to Granada. After lunch visit the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) built between 1505 and 1521 under the Spain’s catholic kings. Visit to the Cathedral with its five naves considered to be most important Renaissance building in Spain.
Hotel Alhambra Palace **** (B, L)

Day 15 Granada
Walking tour to The Alhambra Palaces including the Palaces of Mexaur originally built by Ismael I restructured by Muhammad V; The Palace of Comares, built under Muhammad V changed into  a Christian Chapel; The Palace of Muhammad V, private residence of the Moorish king; the Hall of the Mozarabes; the Hall of the Abecenrrajes; and the most splendid of the halls the Sala de las dos Hemanas. Visit to the Palace of Charles V which houses several museums including the National Museum of Spanish- Morrish Art and the Museum of Art. Complete your tour with a visit to the Church of Santa Maria (the old Mosque of the Alhambra) and the Covent of San Francisco built in 1495. Finally visit to the Gardens of the Generalife, marvelous gardens made in the 14th c conserved in the original shaping. 
Hotel Alhambra Palace (B, L)

Day 16 Granada
Vist the El Albaicin, the residence of the kings during the 11th c. Of this still exits the remains of the walls of the Alcazaba (the 9th century fortification modified by Mohammad III in the 13th c to be his private residence;) the arcs of Puerta Monaita, Puerta Elvira and Arco de las Pesas, Arabbian Bathes and the Palace of Dar Al –Horra. Visit Granada’s Archeological Museum with interesting objects of prehistorical, Phoenician and visigothic origins. Shop for souvenirs in La Alcaiceria, the old Arabian silk- market. Spend the evening at leisure.
Hotel Alhambra Palace (B, D)

Day 17 SPAIN/USA
Depart for USA.


Tour Includes:
·         Superior 5* or 4* accommodation 
·         Meals as specified per itinerary
o        14 breakfast (B)
o        10 lunches (L)
o        6 dinners (D)
·         Meeting, assistance and transfers at Marrakesh and Malaga airports
·         Sightseeing entry fees
·         Experienced English speaking tour guide
·         Ground transportation for group activities
·         All taxes included

 Tour does not include:
·       Tipping
·        Beverage of any kind
·         Insurance