Highlights of Spain and Morocco

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Madrid, Spain.

Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises and Tours and transferred to the hotel. Flights should arrive by 3:00pm. Enjoy time at leisure to begin acquainting yourself with the city. This evening, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Meal: D

Exploration of Spain’s capital begins with a guided orientation tour. In the vibrant Puerta del Sol Square, see the Bear and Strawberry Tree statue, the symbol of Madrid. Walk through the streets of the old town, reaching the majestic Plaza Mayor, filled with interesting architecture, frescoed buildings, cafés, and home to a bronze statue of King Philip III. The nearby Mercado San Miguel is a charming market of Spanish gastronomy. Other main sites seen on the tour are the Opera House and the Royal Palace area. Drive along the famous tree-lined Paseo de la Castellana, see the Calle Alcala, Retiro Park – one of the most famous and beautiful parks of the city, Las Ventas Bullring and the Cibeles Fountain. The remainder of the day is at leisure for your further exploration. Meal: B

Departing Madrid, a scenic drive through the arid landscapes of Don Quixote’s ‘La Mancha’ brings you to the picturesque region of Andalusia. A visit to Córdoba showcases a medieval city of unique beauty with its winding, stone-paved streets and the amazing Mezquita, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit this Great Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, the most important Islamic monument in the West, witness its stunning Moorish architecture and hear about its storied past. After free time for lunch on your own, continue to Seville. Meal: B

The capital of Andalusia, Seville is home to an historic city center. On the guided excursion, see the Torre de Oro and Maria Luisa Park with its fountains and meticulously manicured gardens. Housing magnificent buildings that are a legacy of the 1929 World’s Fair held in Seville, the main attraction is the Plaza de España, a majestic crescent-shaped complex arranged around a central plaza. Visit the Santa Cruz district and the famous Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the largest place of worship in Spain. The striking minaret, known as The Giralda, is the slenderest tower in Muslim architecture and the original minaret of the Great Mosque that formerly occupied the site. Relax this afternoon before attending an included dinner and Flamenco show at El Patio Sevillano. Feel the heart-pounding rhythm and cultural passion displayed by the dancers as you become immersed in this cultural experience. Meals: B, D

Today’s journey takes you to Granada, with touring of picturesque Ronda enroute. The town itself spans El Tajo Canyon, the plunging river gorge crossed by the 18th-century Puente Nuevo Bridge. Upon arrival, a guided tour presents the highlights, including the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Plaza de España. Famous as the birthplace of modern bullfighting, Ronda is home to the oldest bullring in Spain – Plaza de Toros, which has staged some of the most important events in bullfighting history. Visit the bullring, currently a museum, housing memorabilia of famous bullfighting fans such as Ernest Hemingway and Orson Wells. Continue traveling south to Granada, the final destination in Spain. Meals: B, D

Begin discovering this ancient capital of the Arab-Nazari Kingdom with a visit to the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former palace of the Moorish King of the Kingdom of Granada. During the guided tour, experience the history and beauty of this magnificent Arab architectural treasure and former summer residence of royalty. Wander around the grounds of the fortress, stroll through the perfectly kept gardens, and feel the tranquillity amidst a gorgeous display of plants, flowers, and trees. This afternoon, discover how ‘Liquid Gold’ is produced during a visit to the Olive Oil Museum. Enjoy tasting and learning about the different characteristics, culinary uses, and health benefits of various olive oils – a staple of the local diet. Meal: B

It’s time to depart the continent of Europe as you travel by coach to the port of Tarifa. Board a high-speed ferry and traverse the Strait of Gibraltar en-route to the continent of Africa. Upon arrival in Tangier, Morocco, your African adventure begins as you journey to Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Arrive at the hotel and enjoy an included dinner. Meals: B, D

Today’s guided excursion visits the great Medina (Old Town) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stone towers are still seen along with the 9th-century mosque still in use. Stroll through the labyrinth of narrow streets and see the traditional handicrafts made by local artisans. View the Royal Palace and drive through typical districts of this mysterious city. After the orientation tour, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to independently explore the places that intrigued you the most. Meal: B

Depart Fez for another of the imperial cities, the walled city of Meknes. With perfectly preserved 17th-century architecture in the old town, it has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from the treasures your guide will point out within the walls, a true highlight of the visit will be the Bab Mansour gate. With its architectural details and unique design, it is the most beautiful in Morocco. Your journey continues to the next imperial city, Marrakech. Meals: B, D

During the guided tour, see the city’s most important mosque, Koutoubia, whose tower graces the skyline and is the twin of the Giralda in Seville. Feel the heartbeat of the city while strolling through Jemaa el-Fna, the main square, where you see snake-charmers, musicians, dancers, and local merchants selling spices and wares. Visit the Saadian Tombs to see the final resting place of former royalty in their beautifully decorated mosaic tombs. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before attending a Moroccan folklore show this evening. Meal: B

Journey to the cosmopolitan city of Casablanca. Although mythical in many minds, the city is quite modern while maintaining its ancient charm. Pass the Old Town and United Nations Square en route to the visit of Hassan II Mosque, a masterpiece of modern Moroccan architecture. See the lavish Corniche beachfront with its elegant buildings, grand avenues and architectural styles blending modern and Moorish. See Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral, surrounded by stained-glass walls, pass Habbous Square, the Royal Palace, and the old quarter. Mingle with locals at Boulevard Mohammed V and of course a visit to the city is not complete without a photo stop at the legendary ‘Rick’s Café’ of Hollywood fame. Meal: B

On your last day, visit Rabat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the capital of Morocco. Travel by coach to the city and enjoy a panoramic and walking tour. See the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the ruins of the old Mosque and the Hassan II Tower. Learn the history of the sites and admire the architectural designs. You’ll have free time in the capital before returning to Casablanca for the farewell dinner. Meals: B, D

Having experienced exotic cities in Africa, transfer to the airport in Casablanca for your flight home, taking with you memories of the sights, people and culture you encountered throughout your journey on two continents. Meal: B