Spain & Morocco

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

Morocco

Morocco is a destination 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 intriguing blend of Africa and Arabia.

  • Casablanca and the exciting Imperial Cities of Marrakesh, Meknes and Fes.

  • Essaouira -  An historic trading port on the Atlantic Coast,   Essaouira is still "protected" by its 18th Century sea front ramparts,  complete with aged cannons.

  • The Roman Ruins of Volubilis. - A Roman outpost from the 2nd Century AD.  Its mosaics are most impressive. 

  • The Kasbah du Toubkal - Located in the rugged Atlas Mountains this beautifully restored Kasbah offers us a traditional stay as we explore the surrounding mountains and villages.

  • The Rif Mountains - Stay in charming Chefchaouen, a mountain town painted in the traditional Berber colours of blue and white. Hike in the countryside above the town. 

  • Todra Gorge - Walk along a palm-shaded river canyon and take traditional mint tea with a local family. 

  • At Merzouga Dunes - Ride camels through the northern reaches of the Sahara Desert to dine under the stars and sleep in Berber tents. 

Andalucia

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

  • Granada - Back-dropped by the snow clad Sierra Madre mountains, Granada is home to the magnificent Alhambra Palace. 

  • Ronda - Spectacularly located along the edge of a high escarpment, Ronda is a just delightful,  with an historic stone bull ring and many other fascinating things to both see and do within the town and the surrounding countryside.   

  • Sevilla - Spain’s Festival City has style and tradition.

  • Jerez de la Frontera - Let's “study” sherry at an old Bodegas, one must taste to appreciate of course. Such a delightful interlude.

  • Nerja -  R and R time on the Med Coast. Explore prehistoric caves and a glistening white village perched high in the hills overlooking the ocean. Relax on the beach and swim in the warm waters of the Med!

  • Gibraltar - A very British world, complete with pounds and pubs and Marks & Sparks.  Visiting the famous Rock's historic tunnels will bring your school-days history lessons to life.

Draft Itinerary Outline (subject to change) 

Day 1. Auckland to Flight.

Day 2. Casablanca - arrive early afternoon.

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 Toubkal - enjoy traditional Berber accommodation at Kasbah du Toubkal.

Day 7. Mt Toubkal - a day walk and cultural visit in the mountains (if preferred mules can be hired).

Day 8. Mt Toubkal - day walk or free time, as you wish.

Day 9. Mt Koubkal to Marrakesh - arrive midday.

Day 10. Marrakesh - walking tour of the old city.

Day 11. Marrakesh to Todra Gorge - begin our Eastern Atlas desert country adventure.

Day 12. Todra Gorge - day walking and a home visit in the "palmerie".

Day 13. Todra to Merzouga (Desert Camp) - camel ride to a desert Berber tent camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 14. Merzouga to Fes.

Day 15. Fes - city sightseeing of both 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 Rif Mountains, a free afternoon.

Day 18. Chefchaouen to Gibraltar - take the ferry to Spain and then bus to Gibraltar.

Day 19. Gibraltar - a day of sightseeing in this historic location.

Day 20. Gibraltar to Ronda - a short  train ride.

Day 21. Ronda - a morning walk to explore the town.

Day 22. Ronda to Sevilla - visit Jerez to "sample the sherry".

Day 23. Sevilla - city sightseeing.

Day 24. Sevilla to Granada - visit Cordoba before reaching Granada.

Day 25. Granada - sightseeing includes the Alhambra Palace. Attend an evening Flamenco Show.

Day 26. Granada to Nerja - a charming town on the Med Coast.

Day 27. Nerja - morning sightseeing to visit the caves, free time.

Day 28. Nerja to Flight - early afternoon begin the journey home.

Day 29. (In flight).

Day 30. Arrive Auckland.


Trip Style: Travel light, travel local. Using trains and public buses wherever feasible and carrying very little luggage (under 12 kg) in a smallish backpack (60-70ltrs) or a soft-sided 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.

Accommodation:  Generally Star** to Star*** clean and comfortable with private bathrooms the norm. Normally twin-share/double, however at the Berber desert tent camp and the Kasbah du Toubkal the sleeping arrangements are 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 transport, 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 wheel 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 on unpaved trails.

Price Includes: Accommodation, Auckland to Auckland airfares (in a specific class), transport, a full programme of sightseeing excursions, entries and services as detailed in the itinerary. Meals as specified in the final itinerary.

FACT FILE

Trip Code: SM

Date: Currently not scheduled

Duration: 30 days

Party:  10 to 16 + leader

Price Guide:   

Current Status: