12 Nights in Muslim Spain & Morocco

About the destination: Welcome to Madrid, the vibrant heart of Spain! As the capital city, Madrid is a mesmerizing blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone looking to experience the local lifestyle, Madrid offers a plethora of activities and sights that will undoubtedly captivate your senses. Begin your journey at the iconic Puerta del Sol, the bustling central square that serves as the perfect starting point for any exploration. From here, you'll find yourself just a short walk away from some of Madrid's most significant landmarks. Take a leisurely stroll to the Royal Palace, one of the largest and most opulent palaces in Europe, and marvel at its stunning architecture and lavish interiors. Don't forget to visit Almudena Cathedral, located right next to the palace, which offers an impressive contrast of modern and traditional architectural styles. Art lovers should not miss the "Golden Triangle of Art," which includes the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. The Prado houses masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, while the Reina Sofía is home to Picasso's Guernica and works by Dalí and Miró. The Thyssen-Bornemisza offers an extensive collection that spans from the Renaissance to the modern era, providing a comprehensive overview of Western art history. No visit to Madrid would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Head to a traditional tapas bar and savor a variety of small plates, from patatas bravas to jamón ibérico. For a more substantial meal, try a cocido madrileño, a hearty chickpea stew that's a local favorite. Top off your gastronomic adventure with a visit to one of the city's bustling mercados, such as Mercado de San Miguel, where you can sample fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and delectable pastries. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Madrid's dynamic spirit and endless attractions ensure an unforgettable experience.

About the destination: Discovering the Enchanting Granada Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is a captivating city where rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture converge. At the heart of its allure is the magnificent Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a testament to the city's Moorish past. This sprawling complex of palaces, gardens, and fortresses offers breathtaking views and intricate designs that transport visitors to a bygone era. Be sure to explore the Nasrid Palaces, where the delicate stucco work and tranquil courtyards provide an insight into the opulence of the Moorish rulers. Beyond the Alhambra, Granada's historic Albaicín district awaits with its labyrinthine streets and whitewashed houses. This charming neighborhood, with its narrow alleyways and stunning vistas of the Alhambra, is a perfect place to wander and lose yourself in the echoes of history. As you stroll through its cobblestone streets, you'll encounter lively plazas and quaint shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs. Don’t miss the Mirador de San Nicolás, a popular viewpoint offering one of the most iconic panoramas of the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop. Granada is also a city that delights the senses with its culinary offerings. The local tradition of free tapas with drinks is a delightful way to experience the city's flavors. From bustling tapas bars to fine dining establishments, Granada offers a diverse culinary landscape that caters to all tastes. Be sure to try local specialties such as "tortilla del Sacromonte" and "piononos," a sweet treat that hails from the nearby town of Santa Fe. As night falls, the city's vibrant nightlife comes alive, with flamenco shows and lively bars offering a taste of Andalusian passion and rhythm. Whether you're drawn to its history, culture, or cuisine, Granada promises an unforgettable journey. Its blend of Moorish heritage and modern vibrancy makes it a unique destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. Whether you're exploring its historic sites, savoring its culinary delights, or simply soaking in its breathtaking views, Granada invites you to uncover its many layers and experience the magic that makes it one of Spain's most treasured cities.

About the destination: Seville has a special colour, this effervescent city is filled with captivating traditional architecture in colours of lemons, plums and oranges. The River Guadalquivir runs approximately north-south through Seville. Most of the city, including the old quarter of Barrio de Santa Cruz, is on the east bank, while the Barrio de Triana lies on the west bank. At midnight, impromptu singing, clapping and guitar playing fill bars and streets. By day, the diversity of the city’s heritage becomes apparent. The Romans, Moors, Catholic Spaniards, and now, hordes of tourists have all tried to claim Seville as their own. Indeed, Seville has never failed to spark the imagination of newcomers. From the street, the cathedral seems unimpressive; you must go inside to get some sense of its dimensions. Massive pillars support the vaulted roof, and the wealth of treasure is fabulous beyond belief. Another major sight of the city is La Giralda, which was the minaret of the Almohad mosque. From the top, there’s a fantastic view of the city across the barbed spires and buttresses of the roof. La Torre del Oro, a symbol of the city, originally covered in golden tiles, watches over the town as it has always done since 1220. Seville at night is wonderful, everything takes on a mystical air able to hypnotize and if you know how to live it, you will fall under its spell.

About the destination: Fez is the definition of magic, a cauldron of beautiful charms that’s been simmering since medieval times. The city has almost everything Morocco has to offer; the ringing hammers on sheets of brass, the squawks of chicken strolling all around, perpetual voices of endless talks, the deep voices of prayers passed on from a minaret to another, young women balancing trays of rolled dough on their heads, crowds of people in the narrowest of streets, the enticing aromas of brochettes on open grills, the sweet scent of cedar shavings and freshly cut mint leaves. The life size maze that is the medina, old city, is the largest and most difficult to navigate in Morocco; sometimes it's even easier to simply lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of the various markets. Entering the medina through Bab Boujeloud, bear left immediately onto shop-lines, bamboo-shaded rue Talaa Kebira. Nearby to the left is the grain market, while further along is the entrance to Bou Inania madersap the finest Qur’anic university in Morocco. Built under the Merinid Dinasty in the 14th century its beautifully carved white plaster walls and mihrab remain in remarkably good conditions. The Zaouia de Moulay Idriss contains the tomb of Molay Idriss II, who made Fez the capital of Morcco in 808. The cedarwood portal is decorated with faded geometric patterns. Close by is the 14th century Al-Attarine Madrasa. Behind the superb bronze door lie intricately carved plaster walls topped by a cedarwood mantle and a splendid fountain. Other worthwhile places in Fez are the viewpoints to the north of the city or most parts of Fes el Jedid, with the Royal Palace, the Jewish Quarter and the Museum Dar al Batha. Once the capital of the country, today Fez is Morocco’s third largest city but is considered the country’s religious, cultural and intellectual centre. Located between the Riff and the Middle Atlas Mountains, the city is made up of Fes El Bali, the old city, and Fes El Jedid, the New city. The King of Morocco’s wife, Princess Lalla Salma, was born in Fez which has made this medieval city even more popular.

About the destination: Marrakech, often called the “Red City” for its terracotta-hued walls and buildings, is a vibrant gateway to Morocco that blends ancient traditions with modern energy. At its heart lies the medina, a maze of narrow alleys, riads with hidden courtyards, and lively souks where the scent of spices, leather, and incense fills the air. The city’s rhythmic pulse is most palpable in Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, where street performers, storytellers, and food stalls take over every evening, turning the space into an open-air theater of Moroccan life. History and architecture enthusiasts will find plenty to explore. The Koutoubia Mosque, with its iconic minaret, is a landmark visible from many corners of the city. Nearby, the Bahia Palace showcases intricate stucco work, painted ceilings, and tranquil gardens that hint at Marrakech’s royal past. The Saadian Tombs, rediscovered in the early 20th century after being sealed for centuries, offer a glimpse into the opulence of the Saadian dynasty through elaborately decorated burial chambers. Marrakech also has a softer, more serene side. The Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, is a lush botanical retreat with cobalt-blue buildings, exotic plants, and shaded paths that provide a peaceful escape from the bustle of the medina. Outside the city, the landscapes shift quickly: within a short drive you can ride camels in the palm groves of the Palmeraie, visit Berber villages in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, or plan day trips to waterfalls and desert-like plains. For travelers, Marrakech offers a rich sensory experience and a variety of stays, from budget hostels to luxury riads with rooftop terraces overlooking the city’s rooftops and minarets. The local cuisine—tagines, couscous, pastilla, and freshly squeezed orange juice—adds another layer to the journey, best enjoyed in small neighborhood eateries or on rooftop restaurants at sunset. Whether you come for shopping, history, photography, or simply to wander and get lost, Marrakech promises an immersive introduction to the colors and culture of Morocco.

About the destination: Located on the Atlantic coast, Casablanca is the largest city and the economical hub of Morocco. Casablanca is a modern city with lively boulevards and many street cafes that give it a very European feel. Casablanca is a blend of both tradition and modernity. Visitors will find traditional buildings of Moorish, Roman, Jewish, Spanish and French influence alongside the new modern skyscrapers. Although the city is fairly modern in Moroccan standard, there are many historical sites and striking white colonial architecture. The oldest part of the city, the medina is relatively small in comparison with other medinas in Morocco, but still worth a stroll around its narrow alleys. Near the Medina you’ll find the City Hall, which has beautifully carved roofs. Casablanca’s main attraction is King Hassan II Mosque. Located on a beautiful setting on the Atlantic Coast, it is the largest mosque in Morocco and the third largest in the world, with the tallest minaret in the world. Visiting Casablanca is a must for many travelers who come to Morocco. Oriental yet modern, Casablanca is a city of many faces.