a new trip. so there were a couple of changes form the planned itinerary, but that's part of... scott woolveridge, 2018 See more reviews
Itinerary Include flights Expand all Day 1 Fly to Madrid. Meet the group in the early evening. Hotel Gran Legazpi or similar Day 2 Morning tour of Madrid; free afternoon. Our tour starts with an orientation walk in the centre of the Spanish capital. We will take in all the main sites including the beautiful Plaza Mayor, Cybele Palace and Almudena Cathedral. The rest of the day is free to enjoy this lovely city. You may choose to visit one the world famous art galleries, such as Museo del Prado, or maybe just relax in one of the many pavement cafes. Hotel Gran Legazpi or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 To Granada; afternoon guided orientation walk. This morning we transfer to Granada, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and one of the most culturally rich cites in the world. After an orientation tour, there will be time to fully explore the Albaicin gypsy quarter, the Moorish baths and Capilla Real, resting place of the Catholic monarchs who ended Moorish rule in Spain. Hotel Anacapri or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Visit the Alhambra Palace. Our destination today is the Alhambra, one of Spain’s most important historical sites. This wonderful hill top 13th century palace complex dominates the skyline of Granada and is truly a sight to behold. Founded by the dynasty of Muhammed Al-Ahmar, it became a Christian court in 1492 when the Catholic monarchs conquered the city. Later, various structures were built for prominent civilians, as well as a military garrisons, a church and a Franciscan monastery. All of these are perfectly preserved. After a guided tour some may choose to spend the day in the palace, however you are free to return to the city for free time. Hotel Anacapri or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Transfer to Seville; guided city tour After a short train journey from Granada we reach the city of Seville, the capital of Andalusia. Famous for flamenco, the Alcázar palace complex and the Gothic cathedral which is the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb. Here we will enjoy a morning guided tour of the main sights including entrance to the Alcázar itself. The afternoon is free to enjoy the city at your own pace. Hotel Sacristia de Santa Ana or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Free day in Seville. With so many sights, Seville definitely warrants another day to explore. So today we have time to enjoy the city at a more leisurely pace. You may choose to spend time in the Museum of Fine Arts, one of Spain's best galleries, or maybe just take time over a tapas lunch overlooking the grand Plaza de España. In the evening we enjoy a traditional flamenco show (optional). Hotel Sacristia de Santa Ana or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Ferry to Tangier; transfer to Chefchaouen and medina walking tour. After a short transfer to Tarifa, we board the ferry and take the exciting transfer from Europe to Africa arriving in the port city of Tangier. From here we travel on to the beautiful 'Blue City' of Chefchaouen, founded in 1471 and most famous for its bright blue buildings. On arrival we will enjoy a short city tour to learn about the fascinating history of this unique town. Hotel Madrid or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Free morning in Chefchaouen; transfer to holy Moulay Idriss. Free morning to enjoy Chefchaouen at your leisure. Our next destination is the sacred hilltop town of Moulay Idriss. Once forbidden to non-Muslims, the picturesque medina offers an excellent insight into traditional Moroccan life. In the evening we visit a family with whom we will share a delicious home cooked dinner. Guest House La Colombe Blanche or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 9 To Fez via Volubilis; free evening to explore A short transfer this morning takes us to the Roman site of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to it housing the largest and best preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. Despite the damage caused by the 1755 earthquake, this important Roman town managed to retain some detail including very beautiful mosaics. We delve further into this country's amazing history as we journey to Meknes, where we enjoy an orientation walk around the city including the impressive gate with its arches of mosaic tiles. We will arrive in Fez in the early evening, with plenty of time to settle into our hotel and head out for dinner. Hotel Across or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 10 Full day sightseeing in Fez This morning we take a guided tour of the labyrinths and alleyways of Morocco's third largest city, including a visit to the Andalucian Quarter, whose architecture will now be familiar to us. The afternoon is free to discover more of the intellectual and religious heart of Morocco. Fez has many mosques and medersas (theological colleges) including the 9th century Karouine University, whose architecture is very similar to that seen in Moorish Spain. The famous medina in Fez is one of the largest in the world and in its immense and confusing warren of souks there are thousands of craftsmen in their tiny shops opening onto the narrow alleyways. Noisy and pungent, the medina of Fez is a totally absorbing and unique experience. Hotel Across or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 11 To Bin Louidane; valley walk We break our journey to Marrakech in the small town of Bin Louidane. The route from Fez takes us across the Middle Atlas mountain range. On arrival there will be time to enjoy a gentle walk around the lake, a contrasting experience in a country so famous for its dry desert landscape. In the evening we will enjoy a barbecue dinner in the garden of our gite on the banks of the river. Gite L'eau Vive or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 12 Transfer to Marrakech Our journey from the Spanish capital, through Europe and Africa comes to an end today as we travel from Bin Louidane to Marrakech. One of the imperial cities of Morocco and a city stooped in history and tradition. We arrive late, from a long drive across the mountains, but there will still be plenty of time to exsperience Djemma el Fna, the main square of the city, which burst into life at dusk. Here, thousands of locals and tourist alike come out to enjoy the local food stalls, snake charmers and other street entertainment. Hotel Gomassine or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 13 Half day city tour of Marrakech; free time This morning we enjoy a morning guided tour of the ‘Red City’. Our guide will take us to the Bahia Palace, the Saadian tombs and of course the main souq and spice market. There will also be plenty of free time. You may wish to head further into the souq and try your hand at getting a bargain. Alternatively you can retreat to the tranquil Majorelle Gardens, just a short walk from our hotel and a lovely spot to find some shade. In the evening we will be returning to Djemma el Fna for a traditional farewell dinner in the bustling square, a fitting end to our exciting journey. Hotel Gomassine or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 14 Fly to London Meals included: Breakfast
Morocco There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Hotel and gite accommodation 12 nights in hotels and 1 nights in a private guest house with shared facilities in Moulay Idriss. The hotels in Fez, Bin Louidance and Marrakech have small swimming pools. All the hotels we use are of a similar standard, clean and functional although the rooms and facilities may be basic and the breakfasts simple. Our night in the hills is in simple cosy accommodation, with shared facilities. The gite may be basic in comparison to a hotel but the welcome is warm, and the property offers lovely views over the surrounding countryside.
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Reviewed October 2018 scott woolveridge Trip: Madrid to Marrkech lots to see and do a new trip. so there were a couple of changes form the planned itinerary, but that's part of the fun. A lot of contracts and a lot to see and d with enough free time. so overall, I am very happy. the weather in morocco was a bit rainy - a shame and no one's fault of course, but is didnt show off a a couple of towns to their best. If I'm picky, doing long orientation walks just AFTER a big spanish lunch was a bit of a mistake..... but thats all I have in terms of gripes. Transport was great, hotels were better than expected, itinerary well planned and we had a great time Its a shamer to see Fes SO rammed with european tourists. I felt annpoyed by them but simultaneously for being one of them. no idea what to suggest top tip:L saffron from Meknes food market is best price and genuine. ( prev experience says some of the stuff on sale in Marrakech is a bit dodgy( What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? either seville or Jmaa el fnaa at night What did you think of your group leader? outstanding. we have done a number of trips and Ollie was pne of the best. friendly and authoritative without being domineering or intrusive. he was clearly knowledgeable and had done his homework. I was impressed by his sensitivity to group mood and his ability to deal ever so slightly differently with each person on the tour. I felt in safe hands and like I had a new friend. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? pack light. theres a lot of humping of bags about Is there anything else you would like to add? nope. as usual, we had a great time with you. thanks
Reviewed September 2018 Christine Jeffrey Trip: Madrid to Marrkech Very busy Great itinerary. But Madrid hotel a bit on the outskirts and a lot of suitcase manhandling required with Public transport, bus and underground. Good local guides, masses to see in both countries. Private mini bus in Morocco made life easier. A certain amount of fitness necessary to fully enjoy. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Difficult to isolate any one thing, Alhambra, Bahia etc. What did you think of your group leader? Not the usual Exodus leader but we found out the holiday was actually run by Intrepid, odd. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure your suitcase is not too heavy, you will have to cart it around a lot in the first week. Is there anything else you would like to add? Not my best Exodus experience but enjoyable and interesting. Reply from Exodus Reply from Exodus We would like to thank Christine for her feedback although we were sorry that she felt that the trip could have been better. We use public transport in Spain as it is usually more effective than driving and we try to prepare clients for this in the trip literature. We would also like to confirm that this tour is an Exodus specific holiday, however, our local operators do make bookings in the area for other tour operators and so we would like to apologise if there was any confusion in relation to this. Frances Spowart – Product Manager for Spain & Morocco
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