Addi Ouadderrou

Addi is a native Moroccan and an expert on Moroccan culture, with over 25 years of experience in directing cultural tours into history, life, arts, foods, music, and more. He is a cultural expert who is fluent in six languages, including his native language Tamazight, and he is the owner of Moroccan Caravan, LLC. He takes pride in sharing his extensive knowledge of Morocco’s rich culture and will be the tour leader and manager. addi@moroccancaravan.com

Sandra Youssef Clinton, FASLA

Sandra, Founder of CLINTON+RIES Landscape Architects, is a renowned designer and artist in the Washington, DC region, and has traveled extensively in Morocco and throughout the world. Her studies focus on designs, layouts, and patterning in Islamic, Andalusian, and Moroccan architecture and gardens. Sandy will enhance participants’ experiences of each garden as she shares her design expertise throughout the tour. syc@clinton-la.com

trip highlights

Explore Andalucia, the most southern province of Spain, and witness the historic connections with Morocco.

Learn about Andalucian culture and traditions, taste the cuisine, enjoy the music and dance of Andalucia

Meet and interact with Andalucians

Walk into the beauty of the Moorish/Andalucian Alcazars/palaces and their beautiful gardens 

Visit mosques/cathedrals and enjoy the incredible architecture

Visit different regions of Morocco, with their ancient and modern cultures and customs

Experience Fes as the artistic capital of Morocco, where artists actively create intricate brass work, textiles, ceramics, clothing, jewelry, leather goods, and more

Explore the quaint city of Chefchaouen, nestled in the mountains, and named the Blue Pearl for its blue-painted architecture

Learn about culture and history of Morocco, visit historic and modern gardens, and learn how they are connected to the land

Enjoy the views from the waterfront of Rabat, overseeing the Atlantic Ocean, and visit the 12th century gardens and palace of Kasbah l Oudaias

Itinerary

DAY 1 - Outbound Travel day: Depart USA to Seville, Spain

Today, participants fly to Spain. Passengers book their own flights. Suggested to fly into Madrid and transfer to Seville, or book a round-trip flight from the US to Casablanca and then book a one way flight from Casablanca to Seville. Trains and buses run between Madrid and Seville. Participants plan to meet at the hotel in Seville on Day 2 of the tour by late afternoon.

Day 2

Arrive to Seville

Participants will arrive on their own to Seville to check in at the hotel.

In the early evening, meet your tour guides and the rest of the group for an introduction and Jion our walking tour to sample some traditional tapas and wine/beverages. This cultural food exploration will offer a variety of Andalusian taste treats. (D)

Day 3

Explore Seville

Today we will explore, on foot, the center of Seville, including the Cathedral / Giralda, and the Royal Alcázar, the palace of Seville and its magnificent Andalusian gardens. We will also see la Torre del Oro (The Golden Tower) on the Wad al-Kebir River. The remainder of the evening you are free to wander Seville on your own. (B)

DAY 4

See more of Seville then Continue to Cordoba

This morning we will visit the beautiful Plaza d’Espana and nearby Park Maria Louisa. We will enjoy lunch then drive to Cordoba. In Cordoba we will walk through beautiful parks and the central business district of town on our way to enjoy dinner (on your own) in a festive food hall serving a variety of delicacies from the Cordoba region of Andalusia. The rest of the evening you are free to wander on your own through the streets of Cordoba. (B)

DAY 5

Cordoba

Today, we visit the city of Cordoba which once was the capital of Spain during the Roman and Moorish periods. We visit the dramatic and historic Mezquita of Cordoba dating from 784 AD, a former mosque transformed into a Catholic cathedral. We also explore the Alcázar of Cordoba, with it’s beautiful, terraced gardens and stunning architecture. (B,L)

DAY 6

cordoba to Granada

This morning, we venture into a collection of Cordoba’s quaint courtyards, decorated for the annual Festival of Patios, an important tradition in Cordoba. This afternoon, we leave for Granada and plan to spend the late afternoon exploring the winding streets of the ancient Arabic neighborhood of the Albayzín of Granada, ending the day with dinner and a festive flamenco show at one of the caves of Sacromonte – a traditional neighborhood where gypsies settled in Granada following the Christian conquest of the city in 1492. (B,D)

DAY 7

Granada

Today, we will have a guided visit of the famous Alhambra Palace, and the gardens of the Generalife, in Granada. We will explore the grounds and most of the buildings of the Alhambra and the Generalife to visit the gorgeous royal gardens and architecture of this summer palace. Enjoy free time in the afternoon and evening to explore on your own. (B)

day 8

granada

We will further explore Granada today, and venture into the hills of Sacromonte, to visit a museum of caves near the top of the mount. Suggested option to visit the neighborhood below the palace grounds to see current life at street level. Late afternoon is free time for you to explore on your own. Celebratory group dinner tonight. (B,D)

DAY 9

crossing the mediterranean sea to Tangier, Morocco

Our early morning departure will take us on the southwest route to Tarifa, Spain to cross the Mediterranean to Tangier, Morocco. Upon arriving to Tangier, we check in to our hotel and settle for the night. (B,D) Lunch on your own.

DAY 10

Tangier

Today we explore Tangier, the gateway city between Africa and Europe since ancient times. Tangier is a bustling and modern port, but it has retained its deep-rooted charm. As we enter the ramparts of the old city, one can’t help but sense the centuries of history that it contains.

Tangier is where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet and we will see this point when we make a bit to the Cape Spartel to see the famous ancient Herculie’s cave. Dinner on your own with suggestion to check out the marina with its many restaurants and entertainment. (B,L)

DAY 11

tangier to chefchaouen

Today, we head to Chefchaouen, Morocco’s Blue City, a gem tucked into the Rif mountains. Chefchaouen was founded in 1471, this small, relaxed town will not fail to charm you. It is known for the many shades of blue that adorn the city walls. Dinner and overnight in Chefchaouen. (B,L,D)

DAY 12

chefchaouen to Fes

After breakfast in Chefchaouen, we head south to Fes. This ride provides us with a view of the rich, interior farmland and breathtaking scenery of the Rif Mountains. We end the day in Fes, the center for many medieval ruling dynasties. Fes is still considered to be an important cultural and artistic center in Morocco. Dinner & overnight at the hotel in Fes. (B,L,D)

DAY 13

explore fes

Today, we will spend the whole day exploring Fes. We will see various sites outside and inside the old medina which will get us deeper into history, life, and old traditions of this region. (B,L,D)

DAY 14

Fes to Rabat

After breakfast, we make a visit to the gardens of Jnan Sbil, a former royal garden where water is the main feature. Then we head into the medina for a special Sufi ceremony. Following lunch, we leave for the capital, Rabat, on the Atlantic coast. (B,L,D)

DAY 15

explore rabat

Today, we will explore Rabat, visiting the historic Oudaya Kasbah and its Andalusian gardens. Our adventure will continue by taking us to the 12th century Hassan Tower and the Mohamed V Mausoleum overlooking You Regreg river. Tonight, will end our journey with a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 16

rabat to casablanca airport for departure

After breakfast, we will all transfer to Casablanca airport for departure.

DATES, FEES AND TRIP INFORMATION

Price for Andalusia Spain & Northern Morocco tour: $4,450 per person + airfare. Solo supplement: +$800 per person

• Plus $300/person out-of-pocket expenses paid directly by tour director throughout the trip, to be paid by each participant in US cash at the outset of the tour

Included in this trip:

• Accommodation in mix of hotels, guesthouses, and charming riads; each has a unique Moroccan style

• Meals as indicated in the itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner

• Water for the table at each included meal

• Gratuities at restaurants during group meals and for porters at hotels

• Entrance fees and local guides for monuments during scheduled group visits

• 1st class private air-conditioned transportation during the tour

NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP:

• Airfare

• Beverages & Meals not listed in the itinerary

• Wine, beer, or any other alcoholic beverages, and water for daily personal consumption, other than at meals

• Any private ground transfers 

• Travel insurance (required and is the participant’s responsibility to obtain)

• Passport fees and or any paperwork related expenses 

• Excess baggage charges 

• Telephone, laundry, room service, and any personal expenses 

• Medical expenses and medical insurance (required)

• Tips for guides or driver