Spain & Morocco with Premier Lodging Tour

This rare two-continent journey traces the shared Moorish legacy of Southern Spain and Morocco, linking Granada's breathtaking palaces to the vibrant medinas of Fes. Guided by expert local leaders, you will explore white-painted villages, dramatic limestone gorges, and ancient Roman ruins on foot while relaxing each evening in hand-picked premier hotels, historic Paradores, and luxury riads.

Two Continents Connected: Seamlessly travel from Andalusian Europe to North African Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar, tracing nearly eight centuries of shared Al-Andalus history.

Hand-Picked Premier Lodging: Enjoy an exceptional mix of Spanish Paradores, five-star palace hotels like the Fairmont Tazi Palace, and intimate riads in Chefchaouen and Fes.

Four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Gain deep cultural access at Granada's Alhambra, the Antequera Dolmens, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and the medieval medina of Fes.

Curated Trail and Cultural Variety: Experience a rich combination of river canyon walks, karst mountain hikes, winery tastings, and privately guided city tours with expert local leaders.

Traveling in the spring and fall shoulder seasons promises comfortable temperatures for trail hikes and city walks, avoiding the intense heat of peak summer while showcasing the vibrant flora, clear coastal skies, and rich autumn lighting across both continents. We offer this adventure during the optimal spring and autumn months of April, May, June, September, and October.

April to May: Spring brings comfortable walking temperatures, greener vegetation along mountain trails, and colorful wildflowers across the Andalusian countryside and Rif Mountains.

June: June offers long daylight hours, warm coastal weather for Mediterranean beach strolls, and dry, clear trail conditions in the higher limestone ranges. Afternoon temperatures steadily become hotter as the month progresses.

September to October: Autumn brings cooler air, ideal for active hiking, and softer sunlight for photographing blue-washed towns. Early September can still be warm.

The standard minimum age for this trip is 18. This itinerary is designed with adult travelers in mind, based on daily activity levels, accommodations, and overall group experience. Families or groups with children as young as 16 should check out our private departures .

This trip is rated Activity Level 2/3, meaning for some of our planned activities there will be two options: one Level 2 option and one Level 3 option. Hiking reflects a comfortable blend of gentle village-to-village walks and moderate day hikes. The overall physical challenge comes from navigating varied underfoot terrain—such as historic cobblestones, uneven limestone, and shallow riverbeds—along with multi-hour walking tours in the strong Mediterranean sun.

Varied Trail and Village Terrain: Hikes cover 2 to 7 miles daily over a mix of paved town streets, rocky karst paths, mountain trails, and wet or submerged riverbed stones in the Rio Higueron.

Moderate Elevation Changes: Elevation gain and loss range from 300 feet on gentle valley walks to 1,650 feet during the scenic hike in Talassemtane National Park.

Active Daily Duration: Expect 2 to 5 hours of physical activity per day, combining trail hiking with multi-hour standing and walking tours through historic medinas and archaeological sites.

Warm Climate Factor: Hiking in Andalusian and North African weather adds physical demand, requiring steady hydration and proper sun protection throughout the day.

The trip starts in Granada, Spain, and ends in Fes, Morocco.

You can fly into Granada Airport (GRX) in Spain for the start of the trip. Note that flying from the US to Granada Airport often requires 2+ stops en route and can be expensive. Many guests instead fly into Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) or Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) and connect to Granada by high-speed train. If you choose to route into Madrid or Malaga, you will need to book your train connection accordingly. Many guests use Trainline.com or Renfe.com to make these arrangements.

You can schedule your departing flight from either Fes-Saiss Airport (FEZ) or Rabat-Sale Airport (airport code RBA) in Morocco. Your trips ends on the morning of Day 12, and hotel check-out time is 12:00 pm. Note that the drive time for your transfer from the hotel to Fes airport is about 45 minutes, and to Rabat airport approximately 2 hours; both transfer times may be longer due to traffic. For guests departing out of Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), private transfers can be arranged at additional cost. The drive time from Fes to Casablanca airport is around 4 hours.

Once your booking is finalized with MT Sobek and your trip has been confirmed to operate, flights may be purchased. If you are unsure of the status of your trip, check with your Adventure Coordinator prior to booking non-refundable flights.

Arrival: Plan to arrive in Granada, Spain by 5:00 pm on Day 1. An MT Sobek representative will meet you at the Granada train station or airport and transfer you to the hotel, about a 30-minute drive.

Departure: You can schedule your departing flight from Fes (FEZ) or Rabat (RBA) anytime on Day 12 following breakfast.

If you plan to arrive early in Granada or extend your stay in Fes, we recommend booking accommodations at our group hotels, the Hotel Alhambra Palace in Granada and Riad Fes in Fes. Please book extra nights with the hotels directly. When checking into the Hotel Alhambra Palace, let Reservations know that you are with the MT Sobek tour group arriving on Day 1 of date your trip, so that they can try to assign you to the same room. Please do not book a non-refundable rate, as our hotels are subject to change. Note that most hotels allow check-in starting at 3:00 pm.

A valid passport is required to enter Spain and Morocco. Most countries require that passports be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your trip and contain at least one blank page per country for entry stamps. US citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days in Spain or Morocco. Non-US citizens should consult their local embassy or consulate to confirm current entry requirements.

Note regarding Alhambra entry: Tickets for the Alhambra are strictly regulated and sell out months in advance. We require your valid passport details upon booking so we can secure your entry permit early.

Vehicle travel is used to connect historic regions, trailheads, and accommodations efficiently. Most daily transfers range from 20 minutes to 2.5 hours in comfortable private air-conditioned vehicles. On Day 7, you will also take a 1-hour ferry ride across the Strait of Gibraltar from Tarifa, Spain to Tangier, Morocco.

The activity level on this trip is designed for active, fit travelers who enjoy moderate daily physical effort. You will spend between 2 and 5 hours on your feet each day, covering distances of 2 to 7 miles across historic urban centers, countryside trails, and mountain parks.

Vertical Intensity: Elevation changes are moderate, ranging from gentle country walks with a 300-foot change to a maximum gain and loss of 1,650 feet over 7 miles in the Rif Mountains.

Uneven Terrain: Underfoot surfaces include smooth town pavement, steep medieval cobbled streets, loose karst limestone, forest dirt paths, and stepping stones in shallow river water. Guests will need to be steady on all types of terrain.

Activity Variety: Days combine active hikes with cultural discovery. On key hiking days shorter, gentler routes are possible on this Level 2/3 journey.

Environmental Exposure: Hikes take place in sunny, open Mediterranean and North African environments where warm temperatures require pacing, sun gear, and consistent water intake.

Focus on building overall leg strength, balance, and general aerobic endurance. Preparing your body several months in advance will ensure you arrive feeling energetic, steady on uneven terrain, and fully ready to enjoy long active days on foot across two vibrant countries.

Build a Cardio Base: Engage in cardiovascular activities like brisk walking, cycling, or stair climbing 4 times per week for 40 to 60 minutes to boost stamina.

Incorporate Training Hikes: Complete weekly hikes on hilly terrain or stairs to condition your leg muscles for sustained ascents and medieval cobblestones.

Train with a Weighted Daypack: Gradually add 5 to 10 pounds of weight to your daypack during training walks to simulate carrying daily water, layers, and trail essentials.

Break In Your Footwear: Wear your intended hiking boots or trail shoes on all preparation walks to ensure proper fit and prevent blisters on the trail.

Meals reflect the rich culinary traditions of Southern Spain and Morocco. In Spain, enjoy fresh seafood paella, jamon serrano, tapas, and regional specialties such as porra antequerana (a thick, cold tomato-based soup); fried eggplant drizzled with locally produced molasses; rabo de toro (oxtail stew); or the famous fresh tuna of Tarifa. In Morocco, savor succulent tagines, couscous, pastilla, fresh grilled fish, and aromatic mint tea. Hotel breakfasts are generous buffets featuring eggs, cheeses, cured meats, yogurt, fresh fruit, breads, juices, and coffee.

Note that dinner is served later in Spain than you may be accustomed to, with locals often dining after 9:00 pm. Most restaurants open around 8:00 pm.

A limited amount of beer and wine selected by your guides is included with dinners; additional alcohol is available for purchase. The exception to this is in Chefchaouen, which is technically a dry city; alcohol is served only in a few venues, all located outside of the medina.

Yes, we can accommodate many common restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets on this trip with advance notice. Let us know about your dietary restrictions and food allergies as soon as possible, so we can coordinate with guides, hotels, and restaurants. Please also list these on your Participant Information Form.

Yes, a limited number of single rooms are available on this trip. About a third of our travelers go solo, and single room inventory often books up quickly! You can find more information on solo traveler options here .

Pack versatile, lightweight layering items made of moisture-wicking synthetic or wool fabrics. Key essentials include broken-in hiking footwear, a 20- to 25-liter daypack, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a waterproof rain shell, and smart casual attire for evening dinners. A detailed packing list will be provided in your pre-trip materials.

Morocco is a Muslim country with relaxed dress norms in most tourist areas, and women do not need to wear a headscarf. For both men and women, we recommend loose, comfortable clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, especially when visiting medinas, religious sites, and rural villages. A lightweight scarf or overshirt is handy for quickly covering up when needed.

Bring a 20- to 25-liter daypack equipped with a padded hip belt, shoulder straps, and a fitted waterproof rain cover. It will carry your daily water (2 liters capacity), extra layers, rain jacket, sunscreen, camera, and personal items while walking.

For hiking excursions, bring broken-in, medium-weight hiking or trail running shoes with good, lugged soles for traction. For Day 3's riverbed hike, bring a pair of closed-toe tennis or running shoes with good tread that you do not mind getting wet. Additionally, bring comfortable walking shoes for cultural touring as well as an optional pair of dressier shoes or sandals for dinners in town.

Weather transitions from pleasant Mediterranean spring into warm early summer and from the last heat of late summer into crisp autumn across Southern Spain and Morocco. While daytime temperatures are generally comfortable for active hiking and city walking, conditions can range from hot sun in the lowlands to cooler mountain air and fog in El Torcal Natural Park, making light layering and rain protection essential throughout the seasons.

April: Spring brings mild, comfortable walking weather, with average temperatures ranging from 46 to 68°F in Andalusia, 46 to 68°F in Chefchaouen, and 48 to 70°F in Fes.

May: Temperatures warm across the region, averaging 52 to 77°F in Andalusia, 50 to 74°F in Chefchaouen, and 53 to 77°F in Fes, bringing colorful spring blooms along mountain trails.

June: Early summer offers reliable sunshine and clear skies, with warm daytime highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s°F along the coast and inland valleys, paired with fresh breezes at higher elevations.

September: Early autumn features warm, clear days with averages of 57 to 83°F in Andalusia, 58 to 83°F in Chefchaouen, and 61 to 85°F in Fes, along with ideal conditions for exploring Moroccan medinas.

October: Autumn brings crisp, comfortable hiking weather, with averages of 52 to 75°F in Andalusia, 52 to 76°F in Chefchaouen, and 55 to 77°F in Fes, alongside cooler evenings.

Cellular coverage is generally reliable throughout Spain and Morocco. Coverage may be spotty in deep mountain gorges or national parks. Contact your cellular carrier prior to departure to enable an international travel plan.

Spain uses Type F electrical outlets, while Morocco uses Type C and E outlets. Both countries operate on 220?240V electricity. Many guests use a universal converter. A useful resource to see images of plug types is Power Plugs Sockets . Check the voltage on your personal electronics chargers to determine if you need a voltage converter. You will have access to electrical outlets at every accommodation to charge your devices nightly.

Your land cost includes most major expenses of the trip. We recommend budgeting for personal expenses such as meals on your own, souvenirs, laundry, and optional tips for your guides and drivers. The local currencies are the euro (EUR) and Moroccan dirham (MAD). Check out the site Xe Currency for current exchange rates.

Tipping is optional but sincerely appreciated. We recommend tipping your MT Sobek adventure guides the equivalent of $150 to $250 per guide, per participant, in local currency, and your assistant guide in Morocco $75 to $125 per participant. For your trip drivers, we recommend $40 to $80 per driver, per participant.

In Morocco, it is acceptable to tip in either local currency or USD (new, large bills only).

Gratuities for local guides, transfer drivers, hotel porters, and restaurant staff are already included in your trip price. Our local teams cannot accept tips via credit card, check, or payment apps, so please obtain cash at local ATMs upon arrival.

Yes, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance can help cover trip cancellations or interruptions, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, travel delays, and other unexpected situations. We offer travel insurance with Arch RoamRight and will be happy to provide you with a quote. Please see our Travel Resources page for more information.

Staying healthy on this trip starts with good pre-trip preparation and daily habits. Check with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for information on recommended immunizations, and/or your local travel clinic or healthcare provider for health concerns at your destination.

Hydrate consistently throughout the day. In Morocco, drink only filtered or bottled water, including when brushing your teeth.

Foot care is especially important. Wear well-fitting, broken-in footwear, keep your feet dry when possible, and address hot spots or blisters early using moleskin or hydrocolloid patches. Simple steps like trimming toenails before the trip can make a big difference.

Hand hygiene matters as well. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently, particularly before meals. Prioritize rest and recovery in the evenings, and don’t hesitate to talk with your guide about pacing, layering, or minor concerns as they arise. Addressing small issues early is one of the best ways to stay comfortable and enjoy the full experience.

Restroom facilities are readily available at hotels, restaurants, cafes, and historic site visitor centers. During nature hikes where public restrooms are unavailable, your trip leader will provide Leave No Trace guidance for natural breaks.