Southern Spain (Andalusia) and Morocco Private Tour
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Why You Should Go
The Andalusia region in southern Spain, composed of cities like Seville, Córdoba, and Granada, has a rich history intertwined with Morocco due to centuries of cultural exchange, conquest, and coexistence. In 711 AD, the Umayyad Caliphate from North Africa, including what is now Morocco, invaded the Iberian Peninsula, initiating the period of Al-Andalus where much of Spain, including Andalusia, was under Muslim rule. Córdoba became the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba, flourishing as a center of learning, culture, and trade, while Granada remained the last Muslim stronghold in Spain until its fall in 1492. The Moors left a lasting architectural legacy here, visible in landmarks like the Alhambra in Granada, the Great Mosque of Córdoba, and the Giralda in Seville. This period significantly shaped Andalusian culture, cuisine, music (notably flamenco), and art.
Today, Andalusia and Morocco continue to share many cultural similarities. Their geographic proximity, separated by the narrow Strait of Gibraltar, facilitates easy travel between the two regions. Visiting both Andalusia and Morocco allows travelers to experience a continuum of Islamic art and architecture, comparing landmarks such as the Alhambra in Granada with the palaces and medinas of Fez and Marrakech, or Seville’s Alcázar with the Royal Palace in Fez. This private tour also provides a unique opportunity to explore the deep historical ties and vibrant cultural exchanges that have shaped these regions over the centuries.
Sample Itinerary
15 Days
Each private luxury tour is custom to the wishes of each client. This itinerary is a sample. Partnering with our long-established relationship with United Airlines, our sister company, TRAVNET, may provide competitive Polaris/Business Class international airfare, along with mileage points conversion.
Day 1
Fly to Seville
Through our sister company, premium air provider TRAVNET, we may assist with your international airfare, as well as with mileage points conversion.
Day 2
Arrive Seville + Transfer to Granada inc. Stop in Ronda En Route
Upon arrival at Seville Airport, meet a private driver in the arrivals area and begin your transfer to Granada. Time permitting, you may stop in Ronda en route (transfer time is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes). The transfer ends at your hotel in Granada, Hotel Seda Club.
Meals: —
Accommodations: Hotel Seda Club
Day 3
Private Full Day Tour of Granada inc. the Alhambra
Following breakfast at Hotel Seda Club, you will be met in the lobby by your private guide for a full day tour of Granada with a focus on the Alhambra. The Alhambra in Granada is a stunning palace and fortress complex that epitomizes the grandeur of Moorish architecture in Spain. Originally constructed in 889 AD as a small fortress, it was later transformed into a royal palace in the mid-13th century by Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar, the founder of the Nasrid Dynasty. The Alhambra is renowned for its intricate Islamic art, with its elaborately carved stucco, tranquil courtyards, and serene water features.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Seda Club
Day 4
Private Transfer Granada to Cordoba
After breakfast at Hotel Seda Club, meet your private driver in the lobby and commence your private transfer to Cordoba (approximately 2 hours away). You will arrive at your hotel, Hospes Palacio del Bailio for check-in with the remainder of the day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hospes Palacio del Bailio
Day 5
Full Day Private Tour of Cordoba
After breakfast at Hospes Palacio del Bailio, meet your private guide and driver in the lobby and begin your full day tour to visit the sites of Cordoba. The city’s most iconic landmark is the Mezquita-Catedral, a stunning mosque-cathedral that showcases a unique blend of Islamic and Christian architecture, with its striking horseshoe arches and expansive prayer hall. Visitors can stroll through the charming Jewish Quarter, exploring its narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses, and the ancient Synagogue of Córdoba. The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a medieval fortress with beautiful gardens, offers a glimpse into the city’s regal past.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hospes Palacio del Bailio
Day 6
Private Transfer Cordoba to Seville
After breakfast at Hospes Palacio del Bailio, meet your private driver in the lobby and transfer to Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes away). Upon arrival, check-in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to begin explorations independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Alfonso XIII
Day 7
Seville Full Day Private Tour
After breakfast at Hotel Alfonso, you will be met by your guide and driver for a full day private tour of Seville, the capital of Andalucia and the true essence of southern Spain. Among major historical sites: the most impressive 15th century Seville Cathedral (the third largest in the world and resting place of Christopher Columbus), La Giralda Moorish tower, and Alcazar. You will also walk through the maze of narrow streets in Barrio de Santa Cruz.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Alfonso XIII
Day 8
Seville at Leisure
Today, enjoy a full day relaxing and unwinding among the amenities of the Alfonso XIII and the opportunity for individual pursuits. Tonight, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a flamenco performance!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Alfonso XIII
Day 9
Fly Seville to Casablanca + Private Transfer to Fez
Privately transfer from Hotel Alfonso XIII to Seville airport for your flight to Casablanca, an approximately 1hr 45min journey. Upon arrival in Casablanca, meet a private driver in the arrivals hall and commence your transfer to your hotel in Fez, approximately 3hrs 30mins away.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Fez Palais Faraj Suites & Spa or Riad Fes Relais & Châteaux
Day 10
Full Day Fez Private Tour
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by your local guide and driver for a full day tour of Fez, our favorite city in Morocco! Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will wind through the 9,000 narrow lanes discovering the cultural fabric and structures of the ancient past. Additional stopovers include the 600-year-old Chouoara Tanneries. If interested in Morocco’s 3,000-year-old Jewish heritage, we can arrange a private tour through the walled Jewish neighborhoods, also known as “Mellah.”
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodations: Fez Palais Faraj Suites & Spa or Riad Fes Relais & Châteaux
Day 11
Fez at Leisure
Enjoy a day to relax and unwind at your hotel, among all of the incredible amenities available.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Fez Palais Faraj Suites & Spa or Riad Fes Relais & Châteaux
Day 12
Private Transfer Fes to Marrakech or Private Charter Flight
After breakfast at Fez Palais Faraj Suites & Spa, meet your private driver in the lobby and commence your transfer to Marrakech (approximately 5hrs 30mins away). En route, enjoy stops in Meknes and Casablanca in order to break up the drive. Alternatively, you may wish to fly via private Cessna, with a flight time of approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. Either way, arrive at your Marrakech hotel, Royal Monsour or La Sultana Marrakech Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Royal Monsour
Day 13
Marrakech Private Tour
Following breakfast at La Mamounia, you will enjoy a full day of private touring in Marrakech. Your private guide will take you the 1570 Koranic School and the Koutoubia Mosque, considered to be the model religious structure in all of northern Africa. After a nice lunch, you will journey to Jardin Majorelle via horse-drawn carriage for a glimpse at this eclectic blue Moroccan villa. In the evening, you will enjoy a unique dinner where Gnaoua musicians or dancers may entertain you while you enjoy a traditional Moroccan or Mediterranean meal.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodations: Royal Mansour
Day 14
Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride + Berber Culture Immersion Day
Early this morning, you will be met by your private guide and driver and transferred to the launch pad for your scenic hot air balloon ride over the Atlas Mountains! Enjoy amazing views of the Tensift River, the Jbilat Hills, and Berber villages, as well as the Marrakech Palmeraie, known for its thousands of palm trees. Afterwards, continue to the countryside where you will enjoy an afternoon cooking class with a world-famous chef. This takes place on the chef’s organic farm, where you will use all organic ingredients sourced from the farm to learn about and recreate traditional Moroccan and Berber recipes, including tagine, wood-fired bread, and more healthy dishes. Though the Arabs arrived in Morocco in the 7th century, the proud, indigenous tribal Berbers have lived in Africa for 4,000 years and are composed of several tribes scattered throughout the region. While your meal cooks, take a stroll through nearby Berber villages and visit a local home to fully embrace the Berber lifestyle.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodations: Royal Mansour
Day 15
Fly Marrakech/Home
Following breakfast, you will be privately transferred to the Marrakesh Menara Airport for your return flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotels
Hotel Seda Club is an exclusive boutique hotel offering an intimate experience with just 21 luxurious rooms. Each room is meticulously decorated, blending contemporary elegance with touches of classic Andalusian charm, providing a stylish and comfortable retreat. Guests can indulge in a refined dining experience at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves a delectable selection of local and international dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. For relaxation and wellness, Hotel Seda Club features a serene spa, complete with various treatments designed to rejuvenate body and mind, as well as a modern fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. The combination of its sophisticated decor, gourmet dining options, and comprehensive wellness amenities makes Hotel Seda Club a perfect haven for discerning travelers in Granada.
Hotel Seda Club
Hotel Seda Club is an exclusive boutique hotel offering an intimate experience with just 21 luxurious rooms. Each room is meticulously decorated, blending contemporary elegance with touches of classic Andalusian charm, providing a stylish and comfortable retreat. Guests can indulge in a refined dining experience at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves a delectable selection of local and international dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. For relaxation and wellness, Hotel Seda Club features a serene spa, complete with various treatments designed to rejuvenate body and mind, as well as a modern fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. The combination of its sophisticated decor, gourmet dining options, and comprehensive wellness amenities makes Hotel Seda Club a perfect haven for discerning travelers in Granada.
Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailio in Cordoba is a luxurious retreat blending historical charm with modern comfort. The hotel offers 51 elegantly designed rooms, each combining contemporary style with traditional Andalusian elements, providing a unique and cozy atmosphere. Guests can indulge in the hotel’s exclusive Bodyna Spa, which features a range of wellness facilities, including thermal baths and massage services, set within a serene and rejuvenating environment. Dining options at the hotel include the renowned Arbequina Restaurant, which serves exquisite Mediterranean cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a memorable culinary experience for all visitors.
Hospes Palacio del Bailio
Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailio in Cordoba is a luxurious retreat blending historical charm with modern comfort. The hotel offers 51 elegantly designed rooms, each combining contemporary style with traditional Andalusian elements, providing a unique and cozy atmosphere. Guests can indulge in the hotel’s exclusive Bodyna Spa, which features a range of wellness facilities, including thermal baths and massage services, set within a serene and rejuvenating environment. Dining options at the hotel include the renowned Arbequina Restaurant, which serves exquisite Mediterranean cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a memorable culinary experience for all visitors.
Host to royals and celebrities, the 151-room 5-Star Alfonso XIII is the iconic, premier hotel of Seville. Conceived in the Andalusian style for the 1928 Exhibition of the Americas, the hotel was opened by King Alfonso XIII (hence the name!). Located in Seville’s historic center, you are walking distance to the cathedral and Giralda Tower, as well as the Alcazar Palace/gardens. All rooms are decorated in Moorish, Castilian, and Isabelline baroque style, the entire property completely renovated in 2012. Despite the renovation, we feel the rooms to be a bit small compared to other 5-Star hotels in Spain. That being said, the Alfonso is considered the finest luxury hotel in Seville. Nice outdoor pool and small gym, though, regrettably no spa. High-quality restaurant choices, with Taifas restaurant in the gardens near the pool being our favorite.
Hotel Alfonso XIII
Host to royals and celebrities, the 151-room 5-Star Alfonso XIII is the iconic, premier hotel of Seville. Conceived in the Andalusian style for the 1928 Exhibition of the Americas, the hotel was opened by King Alfonso XIII (hence the name!). Located in Seville’s historic center, you are walking distance to the cathedral and Giralda Tower, as well as the Alcazar Palace/gardens. All rooms are decorated in Moorish, Castilian, and Isabelline baroque style, the entire property completely renovated in 2012. Despite the renovation, we feel the rooms to be a bit small compared to other 5-Star hotels in Spain. That being said, the Alfonso is considered the finest luxury hotel in Seville. Nice outdoor pool and small gym, though, regrettably no spa. High-quality restaurant choices, with Taifas restaurant in the gardens near the pool being our favorite.
Designed by noteworthy Jean Baptiste Barian, a specialist in Arab Andalusian architecture, this restored palace is located on the South Hill with breathtaking views of the bustling, historic Medina. All 25 suites include meticulously designed Moroccan textiles and artwork. We very much enjoyed the tasty breakfasts on the hotel’s terrace during our stay here. A recent client remarked on the stunning views of the historical Medina (as well as the artichoke and lamb tagine!).
Fez Palais Faraj Suites & Spa
Designed by noteworthy Jean Baptiste Barian, a specialist in Arab Andalusian architecture, this restored palace is located on the South Hill with breathtaking views of the bustling, historic Medina. All 25 suites include meticulously designed Moroccan textiles and artwork. We very much enjoyed the tasty breakfasts on the hotel’s terrace during our stay here. A recent client remarked on the stunning views of the historical Medina (as well as the artichoke and lamb tagine!)
The Riad Fes, described as embodying “Moroccan-Andalusian elegance”, is a historic boutique hotel and restaurant located in the heart of the ancient city of Fes. With traditional Hispanic-Moorish style architecture overlooking the Atlas Mountains, the Riad was once home to one of the most refined/noble families in Fes in the 14th century! Though it has been restored to preserve all Imperial detail (including marble basins, sculpted doors, zelliges on walls, stucco arcades, and carved windows), the 32-room Riad is truly a contemporary, luxurious experience. Amenities and facilities here include four uniquely styled patios, a panoramic rooftop terrace, a fountain garden surrounded by orange trees, two beautiful pools, a luxury on-site restaurant and bar, and a spectacular spa offering a variety of traditional treatments with two hammams. Laundry services are available.
Riad Fes Relais & Châteaux
The Riad Fes, described as embodying “Moroccan-Andalusian elegance”, is a historic boutique hotel and restaurant located in the heart of the ancient city of Fes. With traditional Hispanic-Moorish style architecture overlooking the Atlas Mountains, the Riad was once home to one of the most refined/noble families in Fes in the 14th century! Though it has been restored to preserve all Imperial detail (including marble basins, sculpted doors, zelliges on walls, stucco arcades, and carved windows), the 32-room Riad is truly a contemporary, luxurious experience. Amenities and facilities here include four uniquely styled patios, a panoramic rooftop terrace, a fountain garden surrounded by orange trees, two beautiful pools, a luxury on-site restaurant and bar, and a spectacular spa offering a variety of traditional treatments with two hammams. Laundry services are available.
One step onto the main grounds of Royal Mansour Marrakech is all it takes to understand the magnificence of this luxury palace. King Mohammed VI of Morocco commissioned a palace to be repurposed as a luxury hotel using an unlimited budget. The unlimited budget has certainly paid off. With striking Moroccan architectural influences, careful craftsmanship, and expert use of color theory, the opulent Royal Mansour stands out above the rest. The intimate, 53-bedroom hotel offers traditional Morrocan Riad accommodations, with rooms starting at 1,500 sq. ft., offering spacious interiors, mosaic-lined entryways, and detailed design elements that showcase the work of Morocco’s artisans. You may wish to read more about this incredible property via our Royal Mansour blog, by clicking here.
Royal Mansour
One step onto the main grounds of Royal Mansour Marrakech is all it takes to understand the magnificence of this luxury palace. King Mohammed VI of Morocco commissioned a palace to be repurposed as a luxury hotel using an unlimited budget. The unlimited budget has certainly paid off. With striking Moroccan architectural influences, careful craftsmanship, and expert use of color theory, the opulent Royal Mansour stands out above the rest. The intimate, 53-bedroom hotel offers traditional Morrocan Riad accommodations, with rooms starting at 1,500 sq. ft., offering spacious interiors, mosaic-lined entryways, and detailed design elements that showcase the work of Morocco’s artisans. You may wish to read more about this incredible property via our Royal Mansour blog, by clicking here.
Location
Overview
Temperature |
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Highs: Mid 70’s |
Lows: High 40’s |
Area |
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505,990 SQ KM |
195,364 SQ MILES |
Capital |
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Madrid |
Population |
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46.7 Million |
Language |
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Spanish (Castilian), Catalan and its variant Valencian, Gallego (Galician), Euskera (Basque) |
Currency |
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Euro |
Temperature |
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Highs: Low 80’s |
Lows: Mid 50’s |
Area |
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710,850 SQ KM |
247,461 SQ MILES |
Capital |
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Rabat |
Population |
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35 Million |
Language |
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Arabic, Berber, French & Spanish |
Currency |
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Dirham |