Take a journey into the past, where the medinas whisper of ancient secrets and the old cities impose a creative legacy. Spain and Morocco are where World Heritage Sites arouse all the senses. They aren’t museum pieces but destinations that feel like an exotic time and space. This handcrafted itinerary will visit almost all of Morocco’s sites, before going off-trail in Spain to discover those that see few tourists. It will be 17 sites in three weeks with some wonderful experiences in between.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Rabat – The Old and the New: A Timeless Moroccan Introduction
Rabat will be your introduction to Morocco and this three-week journey. It is perhaps the most unusual of all the World Heritage Sites on your trip since it is not listed for its old quarter, nor a particular building or style. It is the harmony of centuries that makes the quaint Moroccan capital so enchanting, as the old and the new blend seamlessly in their show of architectural unity. This is also a relaxed city that defies its status as the capital. You’ll be greeted at the airport in Casablanca and transferred to Rabat, where a local guide takes you on a walking tour of the city. For a soft introduction to the country, there’s nowhere quite as enchanting.
What's Included:
Day 2
El Jadida – Hassan II Mosque and a Portuguese Legacy
Day 3 - 4
Marrakech – Surreal Beauty of the Ancient Medina
Day 5
Marrakech – Day Trip to the Coast and Fortified Essaouira
Day 6
Ouarzazate – A Mud-Brick Medieval Town and the Famous Movie Sets
Day 7
Merzouga – Through the Wilderness to a Night in the Saharan Sand Dunes
Day 8
Meknes – Across the Atlas Mountains to the Artisanal City
Day 9
Meknes – Volubilis Day Trip and Relaxing in Meknes
Day 10
Fes – Another Fabulous Medina to Discover
Day 11
Madrid – Relaxed Day in the Spanish Capital
Day 12
Madrid – Day Trip to Aranjuez and Toledo
Day 13
Segovia – Two Exquisite Cities From the Past
Day 14
Leon – World Heritage Often Overlooked by Tourists
Day 15
Burgos – Fabulous Architectural Legacies
Day 16
Pamplona – Language, Vineyards and Medieval Flair
Day 17
Pamplona – Free Day in Pamplona
Day 18
Zaragoza – Stunning Mudejar Art and a Cathedral to Inspire
Day 19
Barcelona – The Works of Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech i Montaner
Day 20
Barcelona – Free Day in Barcelona
Day 21
Barcelona – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Immersive yourself in the exotic medinas of Morocco with full days of discovery in Marrakech, Fes, Meknes and Essaouira
- Explore the inspiring architecture of the Spanish Middle Ages such as Burgos and Leon, superb destinations with a local and authentic atmosphere
- Experience the traditions of Morocco with a journey through the Atlas Mountains and a stop at the mud-brick ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
- Discover the Roman heritage of Spain and Morocco, such as the spiritual Volubilis and the aqueduct of Segovia
- Wander the lanes of the great Spanish cities as the landscape of Rabat and the white walls of Avila complement a day in Toledo
- Spend a night beneath the stars in the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, riding out to a luxury camp by camel
- Compare and contrast the wonderful works of art as Meknes and Fes are very different to the Mudejar design of Aragon and the art nouveau of Gaudi and Domenech I Montaner
Detailed Description
The legacy of history lives on in the World Heritage Sites of Spain and Morocco. Labyrinthine medinas (old Arab quarters) are dotted with donkey carts and camel caravans while fabulous cathedrals whisper of pre-medieval folklore. Mud-brick ksars (castles) crumble elegantly amid rugged mountains and exquisite architecture continues to confound visitors. These are not museum pieces but living cities and atmospheric monuments, where the experience isn’t just about taking photos but soaking up the idiosyncratic style. Both these countries can take you on a journey and over these three weeks you’ll be immersed in 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as the route is handcrafted to showcase the complete range of what the countries offer.
In Morocco you follow a classic route, visiting eight of the nine UNESCO Sites in the country. Old meets new in Rabat, and Portuguese heritage lives on in El Jadida, then the ancient medinas of Marrakech and Essaouira provide time to excite your curious soul. Take a journey through the mountains and stop at the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou on route to the sand dunes of the Sahara. Meknes is the artisanal capital of Morocco and will be your base before you journey on to spiritual Volubilis and mazy Fes complete your time in Morocco.
In Spain you head off the beaten track, visiting some of the most famous attractions but also admiring the lesser-known World Heritage Sites. From Madrid you’ll explore the medieval city of Toledo and the palaces of Aranjuez. Then, travel by high-speed train to marvel at the ancient realms of Avila and Segovia. Spend three days traveling through Leon, Burgos and La Rioja, where vastly under-appreciated sites reveal an artistic creativity that transcends the centuries. Take some time to relax in Pamplona before admiring the Mudejar art of Aragon on route to Barcelona, the Catalan capital and pioneer of an art nouveau.
Starting Price
$8,000 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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