Spain and Morocco: Gateway to Ancient Civilizations

From exploring bustling markets to learning about the ancient history of ruins and landmarks, Spain and Morocco are two endlessly memorable destinations.

A trip to Spain and Morocco offers students a chance to witness magnificent architecture and immerse themselves in Spanish and Islamic cultural wonder. With opportunities to tour palaces, mosques, and famous monuments, visitors gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the subjects of their classroom studies.

Morocco is only 8 miles from Spain across the Strait of Gibralta

Top Highlights

What’s Included

We design unforgettable educational journeys for you and your students. Our educational trips include:

Itinerary

Arrive in Madrid

Madrid

Set in the cheerful center of Spain, Madrid is surrounded by rolling hills and bordered by the Manzanares River. This city is a gem for historical and cultural experience-seekers, with iconic landmarks such as the opulent Royal Palace and the historic Plaza Mayor. Art enthusiasts can revel in the worlds of Picasso, Velázquez, and Dalí at the esteemed Prado Museum and Reina Sofia, while food lovers can indulge in a tapas tour to explore the city’s wonderful culinary scene. Madrid’s charm extends to its lively flea markets and lush green spaces like the Parque del Buen Retiro, perfect for leisurely afternoons. Whether discovering immersive Spanish treasures or soaking up the exciting atmosphere, Madrid offers an unforgettable experience for every student.

Activities:

  • City Walking Tour: Enjoy a pleasant stroll that passes by the Plaza Mayor, Puerta Del Sol and the Plaza Espana
  • Reina Sofia Museum: Marvel at the famous works of Picasso, especially the intriguing Guernica
  • Calle Mayor: Jump through time to marvel at the remaining architecture from the Habsburg Empire on the Spanish Broadway
  • Monument Tour: Discover the Cibeles Fountain, an 18th century neoclassical fountain depicting the goddess Cybele and the Plaza de Colón, commemorating Christopher Columbus
  • The Royal Palace: Pass by the the largest palace in Western Europe, more than 135,000 square metres with over 3,418 rooms
  • Flamenco: Experience a Spanish cultural experience, at this Flamenco diner
  • Day trip to Toledo: Explore the ancient walled-city above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha
  • The Gran Vía: Observe early 20th-century revival architecture, with styles including Vienna Secession, Plateresque, Neo-Mudéjar, and Art Deco

Granada

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is a city where history, culture, and natural beauty seamlessly converge. The famed Alhambra, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture, dominates the skyline with its golden-hued palaces and serene gardens. Nearby, the Albaicín quarter invites exploration with its labyrinthine cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and classic Spanish bistros. Enjoy the blend of tranquil parks, lively markets, and exquisite local cuisine that make Granada a must-visit destination. Sacromonte, known for its cave dwellings and vibrant flamenco shows, offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich traditions. Drawn to its historical treasures, artistic spirit, and breathtaking scenery, students will find an unforgettable fusion of allure and energy.

Activities:

  • Alhambra: Explore this famous monument displaying the best-preserved palace and fortresses of the historic Islamic world, uncovering the notable Spanish Renaissance architecture that lays inside

Fes

In northern Morocco, the old capital Fes weaves tradition and culture into a beautiful display of the country’s rich history. The northern city is an Arabic architecture hub where narrow streets and bustling markets meet a thriving modern atmosphere. Fes is home to the famous Karaouine Mosque founded in 859 AD which is both a mosque and an Islamic university and the Zaouia Moulay Idriss II shrine, a major site for religion and prayer. Known as the spiritual heart of Morocco, the city attracts music lovers each year, to its Festival of Sacred Music. Shoppers will find an assortment of handicrafts of silver and leather, in the colourful market souks. Fes is the perfect location for give visitors the full-immersion travel experience.

Activities:

  • Tangier Tour: Embark on a tour featuring the Medina, Islamic fortresses, and Cape Spartel the entryway to the caves of Hercules
  • The Royal Palace: Marvel at the impressive architectural sight of this enormous gated castle
  • Fez Walking Tour: Stop to see notable sights including the Karaouine Mosque, the University of Al-Karaouine, Medersa Bou Inania, and Fez el Bali, the oldest walled part of Fez

Casablanca

Casablanca, known affectionately as ‘Casa’ by locals, sits on the Atlantic coast. The largest city of Morocco is rooted in its French colonial past. Students can observe this history through the downtown Mauresque architecture that blends Moorish style with European art. While sometimes overshadowed by Morocco’s main tourist destinations, Casablanca offers travelers a unique experience filled with hidden historical and architectural treasures. Students can marvel at The Old Medina, a small, walled village, inviting exploration. For a taste of local life, students can relax at ocean-view cafes along the waterfront, discover the intricate beauty of the Mahkama du Pacha, or visit the King Hassan II Mosque. Casablanca’s inviting atmosphere is guaranteed to charm you at every corner.

Activities:

  • Volubilis Roman Ruins: Explore the ruins of the once wealthy paradise of this Roman Empire outpost
  • Mohamed V Mausoleum: Descend into the tombs of the Moroccan king Mohammed V and his two sons
  • Hassan Tower: Once intended to be the largest minaret in the world, the unfinished tower and mosque would have been the grandest in the western Muslim world

Marrakesh

The ochre city of Morocco, Marrakesh, provides an enchanting experience to all who visit. Discover the impressive monuments of the Medina or explore festivities at Jamaa El-fena square, one of the busiest in the world. As the sun sets, this square transforms into a grand outdoor restaurant with delicious dining and dynamic city life. Additionally, Marrakesh is praised for its remarkable examples of Moroccan art, design, and architecture, including the magnificent Bahia Palace, Dar Si Said Museum, and the Saadian Tombs. Marrakesh is a destination not to be missed by students wanting to experience rich Moroccan traditions, historical insights on past civilizations, and a broadened perspective beneath the scenery of the Atlas Mountains.

Activities:

  • Koutoubia Mosque: Enjoy a guided tour of wonder through the largest mosque in Morocco
  • Bahia Palace: Tour of the palace’s endless rooms decorated with stunning stuccos, paintings and mosaics

Depart Home

We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.

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