Introduction to Spain & Morocco

(12 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Madrid, Toledo, High Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh

This tour is the perfect introduction to Spain and Morocco, two fascinating countries with much shared heritage.

Begin in Granada, one of the richest and most populous cities in Europe during Moorish rule and still one of Spain's most breathtaking cities. During private touring, explore the extraordinary Alhambra—one of the highlights of Spain—a stunning Moorish castle, palace and garden complex on a hillside overlooking the town. Visit the Generalife, the country retreat of Moorish royalty just behind the Alhambra. Wander the labyrinthine streets of the Albaicin—the old Arab Quarter—and discover a world full of winding, hilly streets and alleys; Moorish ramparts, fountains and carmenes (traditional villas); and restaurants, shops and teterias (Arabic tearooms).

Next, transfer to Seville, stopping en route to tour Cordoba. A capital under the Romans and the Moors, Cordoba has a fascinating history. During private touring, visit the sites clustered in the UNESCO-listed ancient city center such as the enormous Mezquita, a vast, ancient mosque with a forest of horseshoe-shaped pillars, stunning stucco decoration and a Gothic cathedral built right in the middle; the Puente Romano, the bridge the Romans built across the Guadalquivir River; and the Callejon de las Flores, a street where planters overflowing with red geraniums punctuate the whitewashed walls of local houses.

Arrive in Seville, the capital of Andalusia and a city flavored as much by the sounds of flamenco and the smell of orange blossoms as by its 500-year domination by the Moors. With your private guide, explore sights such as the charming neighborhood of Santa Cruz; the world's largest Gothic cathedral with its landmark bell tower, the Giralda; the Torre del Oro, a 13th-century Moorish watchtower; and the gardens and mosaic tile-covered rooms of the Reales Alcazares, a spectacular Moorish palace. During a private tapas tour, sample regional favorites such as gazpacho, as well as a range of meat, cheese and seafood tapas, and the ubiquitous tortilla española (potato omelet).

Continue to Madrid, the Spanish capital known for its elegant squares, stately Habsburg architecture, leafy boulevards and superb museums. With your expert private guide, explore the city according to your interests. Perhaps tour the majestic Royal Palace and the world-renowned Prado Museum to see paintings and sculpture from the royal collections, or the equally impressive Reina Sofia or Thyssen-Bornemisza museums. Stroll through the narrow backstreets of elegant shopping and residential districts.
One day, enjoy a private excursion to Toledo. Known as the city of three cultures, Toledo once flourished as a unique center where Jews, Muslims and Christians lived in harmony. Accordingly, this mix of cultures is reflected in the city’s architecture and layout. Toledo was also home to the painter known as El Greco, and many of his paintings still remain here—including his masterpiece, The Burial of Count Orgaz. See this and other works by El Greco during private touring. Also explore the city’s splendid medieval center, including the elaborate cathedral and the old Jewish quarter.

Next, fly to Morocco. Spend two nights in the High Atlas Mountains at Kasbah Tamadot, one of Morocco's most acclaimed luxury retreats, best known for its traditional Moroccan design and stunning infinity pool overlooking the spectacular mountain views. While there, enjoy private touring to local villages and a Berber market.

Finally, transfer to Marrakesh, an ancient city of orange groves and weathered pink buildings at the base of the Atlas Mountains. During private touring, visit fascinating local souks (markets) selling carpets, ceramics, metalware, textiles and other traditional products. Visit the Djemaa el-Fna, a carnivalesque public square where water sellers, snake charmers, magicians and storytellers compete for an audience. See the most interesting palaces, gardens and museums, such as the Jardin Majorelle, stunning gardens created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s; the Palais de la Bahia; the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts; the Palmerie; and the Jardin Menara, a beautiful garden with reflecting pools surrounded by groves of olive trees. Also, browse the city's stylish new shops and galleries, and dine in gourmet restaurants that are putting Marrakesh on the culinary map.