Discover how ancient traditions have shaped modern cities in these two culturally rich destinations. The setting for the best-selling novel The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho, Spain and Morocco complement each other offering a deep insight into Christian and Moorish cultures. Enjoy an optional massage at the Arab Baths of Hammam, visit the dominating Alhambra in Grananda, and continue through the vivacious Moroccan cities of Fes, Marrakech and Rabat. An extension in Tunisia is the perfect ending to your journey.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Granada

Your trip begins with a regularly-scheduled overnight flight to Granada aboard an internationally recognized airline.

Day 2 - Granada

Welcome to Granada! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin acquainting yourself with Granada. During an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers.

Day 3 - Granada

Explore Granada, where your guided tour highlights the 14th-century Alhambra, the country’s most widely recognized landmark. Stroll amid the Alhambra’s richly ornamented courtyards and colorful mosaics, reminiscent of Arabian Nights. The Moorish sultans’ last Spanish stronghold, the Alhambra fell to the Christians just months before Columbus discovered the New World. This afternoon, indulge in an optional visit to the Arab Baths Hammam, a Turkish-style bathhouse where you’ll enjoy two hours of bathing with a massage.

$59 USD

Arab Baths of Hammam You’ll visit one of the best known hammams in Granada for two hours of bathing with a massage.

Day 4 - Cordoba

En route to Seville, stop in the ancient Moorish town of Córdoba. A guided sightseeing  tour features a visit to the Mezquita. Once the seat of the Caliphs, the Mezquita was built in the 8th century as a mosque and then converted into a cathedral during the Christian Conquest of 1236. At one time, the city of Córdoba was home to 700 mosques, 900 public baths and 70 libraries. Arrive later in Seville, where dinner is included.

Day 5 - Seville

This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of beautiful Seville, capital of Spain’s Andalusian region. Behold the intricately tiled pavilion of the Plaza de España before entering the opulent Alcazar, once home to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Also visit Seville’s impressive Gothic cathedral, one of the world’s largest cathedrals as well as burial place of Columbus. Tonight, opt to enjoy a Flamenco show and a carriage ride. 

$75 USD

Flamenco Show and Carriage Ride Experience the exciting aura surrounding flamenco dancing. A unique dance form, flamenco combines guitar playing, singing, clapping and dancing.

Day 6 - Tangiers

Leave Spain for Morocco this morning. Travel to to Algeciras, where you’ll board the ferry to Tangiers.

Day 7 - Fes

This morning, drive along the Atlas Mountains toward Fes. Cross the desert landscapes of central Morocco this morning to reach Meknes. On your guided tour of this imperial city, you’ll visit the Royal Stables and the Moulay Ismail Mosque. After arriving in Fes this evening, savor an included dinner.

Day 8 - Fes

Spend the day in the beguiling city of Fes, the spiritual and cultural center of Moroccan life. On your sightseeing tour, see Kairaouine University, dating back to the 9th century, and the wonderful Souk el Attarin. Then learn about the characteristic medersas (ancient Islamic schools) around which the city’s intellectual life revolves. Explore the labyrinthine passages of the medina (old town), and finally reach the colorful bazaars to barter with potters, weavers and carpenters for their wares. Enjoy a free evening in Fes or opt for an optional event where you’ll dine in one of the most beautiful Arabian palaces while being serenaded by the Andalusi Orchestra.

$59 USD

Dinner in Fes The Andalusi Orchestra serenades you while you dine in in one of the most beautiful Arabian palaces in Fes.

Day 9 - Marrakesh

Depart for Marrakesh this morning, traveling through the ancient Atlas Mountains. Dinner is included upon arrival.

Day 10 - Marrakesh

Today’s sightseeing tour of Marrakesh begins at Djemma el Fna. Become acquainted with this festive open-air market where, during the evenings, musicians, snake charmers and clowns perform. Marvel at the massive Koutoubia Minaret, which reaches nearly 200 feet high and dominates the city’s skyline. Later, view the Souk Smarine, famed for the sale of precious textiles. In the southern section of the city, visit the awe-inspiring Saadian Tombs of the 16th-century ruling princes and the ruins of the Bahia Palace, once home to King Ahmed el Mansour. Enjoy a free evening on your own or opt for a Fantasia Show and Dinner where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan feast and an entertaining performance.

$59 USD

Fantasia Show and Dinner Enjoy a Moroccan dinner with harira, mechoui and couscous under caidal tents and experience the Berber folklore, a juggling performance, a flying carpet and belly dancing.

Day 11 - Rabat

Continue on toward the coast and Morocco’s capital city of Rabat. Your guide leads the way, as you traverse the winding streets of the Kasbah des Oudaïas, one of the city’s most stunning quarters. Visit the imposing yet unfinished Hassan Mosque. If completed, it would be the largest mosque in the world. Admire its intricately decorated minaret before making your way to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, which houses the tombs of the 20th century king and his two sons. Then wander into the Roman ruins at the Citadel of Chellah. Tonight’s dinner is included.

Day 12 - Madrid

Travel to Casablanca this morning and board your flight to Madrid. You’ll have some free time in the Spanish capital to visit more of Madrid’s museums, explore its churches and parks or sip a cerveza at a sunny café in the Plaza Mayor. Then gather with your fellow travelers at this evening’s Farewell Dinner.

Day 13 - Madrid

If you are not continuing on the extension to Tunisia, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your return flight home.

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 USD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

This tour includes the following countries: Spain, Morocco and Tunisia (on extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your particular entry requirements.

Health

There are no major health risks when traveling to Spain and Morocco. In fact, Morocco is one of the healthiest African countries, although some traces of malaria exist in rural northern regions. During the summer months, travelers should take extra care for sun exposure. It is advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates and requirements at least eight weeks before you travel.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in Granada and depart from Madrid. Included transportation on “Following the Ancients: Spain to Morocco” is by plane (from Casablanca to Madrid) and private motorcoach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the major cities by public transportation. Many destinations (including the city centers of Seville, Granada and Córdoba) are all easily accessed on foot. Take local buses and taxis to reach outlying areas.
With a travel pace of 3, “Following the Alchemist: Spain to Morocco” does involve a number of transfers over a large area. In addition, be prepared for a quicker pace and moderate-to-heavy walking in most areas, particularly in Seville and in Morocco. These locations will involve walking in Old Towns, which feature winding, sometimes uneven streets.

Clothing & Packing Tips

The countries on this itinerary tend to be cool and often damp at certain times of year. Loose-fitting, layered clothing that can accommodate varying temperatures will probably be most comfortable. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something formal to wear. Also, remember that it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Currency

The euro (in Spain) and the Moroccan dirham are the currencies you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in your destination countries, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. The Dirham is usually only available in Morocco, however, so we advise you to wait until arrival to exchange for them and to re-exchange them when leaving the country. We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks, as needed. You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees. We suggest informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they don’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges. Please note: With the conversion to the euro, it has been increasingly difficult to exchange traveler’s checks outside of Europe’s major cities—both at banks and shops—and they often attract higher fees.

Tipping

At the end of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We suggest €2 per person per day for your driver and €4 to €6 per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend €1 per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash.