Spain & Morocco

Andalucian Spain, a melting pot of Moorish and Christian heritage. Colourful Morocco, where the nomadic Berber, African and Arabic cultures blend. Two different worlds, two distinct cultures - a dynamic experience!

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Morocco, a wonderful assault on the senses.

Morocco is a country for those who seek an experience that is full of variety, a wonderful assault on the senses. Morocco has been described as “a mind bending fusion of the 1970’s and the Middle Ages”, full of contrasts, exotic sights, strange smells and wild experiences, an exotic blend of Africa and Arabia.

Casablanca, and exciting Marrakech, the Imperial Cities of Meknes and Fes, fishing villages on the long Atlantic Coast and the Roman Ruins of Volubilis. Explore rugged mountains, the Atlas and The Rif. Drive through fossil studded desert landscapes and along river valleys crowded with date palms.

At Merzouga ride camels across the dunes to sleep in Berber Tents under the stars. Stay in an historic kasbash at Toubkal and at Todra walk through palm-shaded canyons to “take tea” with a local family. Explore tiny Berber villages and wander through the twisted alleyways of ancient medinas and shop in crowded souqs for those special treasures…

Andalucia proudly displays its Moorish past.

Although today very much of the European world, Andalucia proudly displays its Moorish past.

Granada lies backdropped by the snow clad Sierras, the magnificent Alhambra Palace dominating. Ronda - walk through country fields and delve into the history of bull fighting at Ronda’s elegant bullring, one of the oldest in Spain.

Sevilla, Spain’s festival City has style and tradition while in nearby Jerez de la Frontera “study” sherry at an old Bodegas, one must taste to appreciate of course, such a delightful interlude.

Nerja, R and R on the Med, explore prehistoric caves and glistening white villages perched on hill tops; relax on the beach and swim in the warm waters of the Med! Gibraltar, a very British world, complete with pounds and pubs. Marks & Sparks and its historic tunnels of the Rock will bring your school days history lessons to life.……. The historic tunnels of the Rock will bring your school days history lessons to life.…….

Draft Itinerary Outline

Day 1. Auckland to Flight
Day 2. Casablanca - arrive midday
Day 3. Casablanca - city sightseeing
Day 4. Casablanca to Essaouira - by train and bus
Day 5. Essaouira - a walled trading port on the Atlantic coast - amazing souks and Medina to explore
Day 6. Essaouira to Mt Koubkal - enjoy traditional Berber accommodation at Kashbah du Toubkal
Day 7. Mt Koubkal - day walk and cultural visits in the mountains (if preferred mules can be hired)
Day 8. Mt Koubkal - day walk
Day 9. Mt Koubkal to Marrakesh - arrive midday
Day 10. Marrakesh - walking tour of the old city
Day 11. Marrakech to Todra Gorge - begin our Eastern Atlas desert country adventure
Day 12. Todra Gorge - day walking and home visit in the "palmerie"
Day 13. Todra to Merzouga (Desert Camp) - camel ride to a desert Berber camp for dinner and overnight
Day 14. Merzouga to Fes
Day 15. Fes - city sightseeing of ancient and modern Fes
Day 16. Fes to Chefchaouen - visit Meknes and the Roman mosaics of Volubilis
Day 17. Chefchaouen - morning day walk in the surrounding Rif Mountains, a charming spot
Day 18. Chefchaouen to Gibraltar - ferry to Spain and on to the famous Rock.
Day 19. Gibraltar - a day of sightseing in this historic location
Day 20. Gibraltar to Ronda - by train
Day 21. Ronda - a morning day walk in the countryside
Day 22. Ronda to Sevilla - visit Jerez to "sample the sherry"
Day 23. Sevilla - city sightseeing.
Day 24. Sevilla to Granada
Day 25. Granada - sightseeing, including Alhambra
Day 26. Granada to Nerja - a charming town on the Med Coast
Day 27. Nerja - morning sightseeing, free time
Day 28. Nerja - visit the nearby town of Malaga or just relax in Nerja if you prefer
Day 29. Nerja to Flight - begin the journey home
Day 30. (In flight)
Day 31. Arrive Auckland

Trip Style

Travel light, travel local. Using trains and public buses wherever feasible and carrying very little luggage (under 10kg) in a smallish backpack (60-70 ltrs) or soft roll-bag type wheelie bag. This style of travel makes for some fascinating encounters with the local people.

Food

Included meals to be confirmed, but as a guide approximately 20 breakfasts and 6 dinners will be included. Taking these into account we recommend that travellers allow approx., NZ$40 to $50 per day to cover simple meals (not drinks), purified water and a few small souvenirs.

Accommodation

Generally Star** to Star** + clean and comfortable with private bathrooms the norm. Normally twin-share but on occasions triple or quad may need to be used. Also at the Berber desert tent camp and the traditional Kasbah Toubkal sleeping is dormitory style.

Criteria For Taking Part

Participants need to be moderately fit and active, be prepared for some basic living standards and accommodations and for using local transports, with all its hassles and rewards. A good degree of walking fitness and agility is required as on some days you will be required to carry or wheelie your bag for 10 to 30 minutes between transport depots and hotels. Also, most sightseeing excursions will be on foot and there is some optional extended day walking.

Price Includes

Return Airfares ex Auckland (group classs or class specified), all accommodation, transport, 20 breakfasts and 6 dinners, a full programme of sightseeing/entries/activities as specified in the itinerary

Please read our Frequently Asked Questions for important general information. For more specific details about this trip (including an itinerary) please Contact Us.