Spain & Morocco: Faith, Flavor & Fellowship with Rev. Scott Suskovic

Day 1 – October 11: Departure from the USA

Your journey begins today as you depart the United States on an overnight flight bound for Madrid, Spain. Settle in for your transatlantic flight and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the rich history, faith, culture, food, and traditions of Spain and Morocco. Meals and refreshments will be served in flight.

Day 2 – October 12: Arrival in Madrid

Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival at Madrid International Airport, meet your local tour manager and begin your journey through the heart of the Spanish capital. Enjoy an introductory tour featuring the Almudena Cathedral, the exterior of the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, lively Gran Vía, and the historic Church of San Jerónimo el Real.

Afterward, check into your hotel and enjoy some time to settle in. This evening, gather together for a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant, a wonderful beginning to our journey through Spain and Morocco.

Overnight in Madrid.

Today's sightseeing may be adjusted depending on the group's flight arrival time.

Day 3 – October 13: Madrid – Ávila – Madrid

After breakfast, travel to the beautifully preserved medieval city of Ávila, famous for its impressive stone walls and its connection to St. Teresa of Ávila.

Visit the Monastery of the Incarnation, where Teresa lived for many years, and learn more about her remarkable life and spiritual legacy. Continue to the Convent and Basilica of St. Teresa, built near her birthplace, and explore Ávila's atmospheric Old Town and magnificent cathedral.

Enjoy free time for lunch and a leisurely stroll through the historic streets before returning to Madrid. The evening is free to enjoy Madrid on your own. Overnight in Madrid.

Day 4 – October 14: Madrid – Toledo – Granada

After breakfast, depart Madrid and journey south toward Andalucía, stopping along the way in the extraordinary city of Toledo. Known as the historic City of Three Cultures, Toledo reflects centuries of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim heritage. Walk its winding medieval streets and visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco's celebrated Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Continue to the magnificent Toledo Cathedral and one of the city's historic synagogues, discovering the remarkable cultural traditions that once flourished together here.

After time for lunch, continue through the Spanish countryside to Granada. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner together.

Overnight in Granada.

Day 5 – October 15: Granada & the Alhambra

Today experience one of Spain's greatest treasures: the legendary Alhambra. Explore the exquisite Nasrid Palaces, peaceful courtyards, intricate Moorish architecture, and the beautiful Generalife Gardens, all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

After time for lunch, continue into Granada's historic center. Visit the magnificent Basilica of San Juan de Dios and discover more of the city's Christian heritage before enjoying some free time to explore the Old Town at your own pace.

This evening, experience the spirit of Andalucía with dinner and an unforgettable traditional Flamenco performance.

Overnight in Granada.

Day 6 – October 16: Granada – Córdoba – Seville

Depart Granada this morning for Córdoba, once one of the greatest centers of learning and culture in medieval Europe.

Explore Córdoba's UNESCO-listed historic center and visit the extraordinary Mezquita-Cathedral, where centuries of Islamic and Christian history exist side by side. Walk through the atmospheric former Jewish Quarter and see the ancient Roman Bridge stretching across the Guadalquivir River.

Following free time for lunch, continue to Seville, the vibrant capital of Andalucía. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner together. Overnight in Seville.

Day 7 – October 17: Seville

Spend today discovering the beauty and history of Seville. Begin with a guided visit to the spectacular Royal Alcázar, renowned for its Moorish architecture, ornate courtyards, and peaceful gardens.

Continue to the magnificent Seville Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, before visiting the beautiful Plaza de España, one of Seville's most recognizable landmarks.

The afternoon and evening are yours to explore at leisure. Wander the charming streets, relax at a café, or enjoy tapas at one of the city's many neighborhood restaurants. Overnight in Seville.

Day 8 – October 18: Seville – Jerez de la Frontera – Cádiz – Los Barrios

After breakfast, depart Seville for Jerez de la Frontera, a city famous for its Andalusian traditions and world-renowned sherry.

Visit Jerez Cathedral with time for prayer and reflection before enjoying a special visit to a traditional sherry winery. Learn about the centuries-old production process, explore the historic cellars, and discover the important role wine has played in the culture and economy of this region.

Continue to the ancient port city of Cádiz, one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Enjoy time for lunch and explore the beautiful Cádiz Cathedral and surrounding Old Town.

Later, travel to Los Barrios, near Gibraltar, where we will spend our final night in Spain before crossing into Morocco.

Dinner and overnight in Los Barrios.

Day 9 – October 19: Spain – Strait of Gibraltar – Tangier, Morocco

Today our journey takes us from Europe to Africa.

Travel to the port of Tarifa and board the ferry for a memorable crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. Upon arrival in Tangier, meet your Moroccan guide and begin discovering this fascinating city where Mediterranean, African, Arab, and European influences come together.

Enjoy an introductory tour featuring Tangier's historic Kasbah and colorful Medina, with its narrow streets, markets, cafés, and traditional architecture. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner together. Overnight in Tangier.

Day 10 – October 20: Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fez

Depart Tangier for one of Morocco's most picturesque destinations, the famous Blue City of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains.

Explore the beautiful blue-washed streets of the Medina, visit Outa el-Hammam Square, and enjoy time to wander through the small shops and artisan stalls that give Chefchaouen its distinctive atmosphere.

After lunch on your own, continue through the Moroccan countryside to Fez, the spiritual and cultural heart of the country. This evening, immerse yourself in Moroccan cuisine with a guided market visit and interactive cooking experience. Shop for ingredients in a local souk before joining a chef to discover the flavors and traditions behind Moroccan cooking. Finish the evening by enjoying the meal together. Overnight in Fez.

Day 11 – October 21: Discovering Fez

Today step back in time as we explore Fez, home to one of the world's best-preserved medieval cities.

Begin at the impressive gates of the Royal Palace before entering the ancient Medina. Walk through the famous Bab Boujloud, visit the historic Bou Inania Madrasa, see the beautiful Nejjarine Fountain, and experience the colors and traditions of the famous Fez tanneries.

We will also see the historic Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, considered one of the world's oldest centers of learning. After time for lunch, enjoy a free afternoon to relax, shop for local crafts, or continue exploring the Medina.

Dinner and overnight in Fez.

Day 12 – October 22: Fez – Rabat – Marrakech

After breakfast, depart Fez and travel to Rabat, Morocco's elegant capital city.

Visit the impressive Mohammed V Mausoleum, final resting place of the king who helped lead Morocco to independence. Nearby, see the iconic Hassan Tower and explore the beautiful Kasbah of the Udayas, including its Andalusian Gardens and picturesque blue-and-white streets.

Following time for lunch, continue south toward legendary Marrakech. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner together.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 13 – October 23: Marrakech

For those looking for an extraordinary start to the day, an optional sunrise hot-air balloon experience may be available. Float above the landscape outside Marrakech as the sun rises over the Atlas Mountains, followed by a traditional Berber-style breakfast.

After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Marrakech. Visit the peaceful Menara Gardens, magnificent Bahia Palace, historic Ben Youssef Madrasa, and see the famous Koutoubia Mosque.

Later, enter the colorful world of Marrakech's souks and artisan quarters, where craftspeople continue traditions passed down through generations.

Finish at legendary Jemaa el-Fna Square, alive with musicians, storytellers, food stalls, merchants, and performers.

Tonight, enjoy a special Moroccan dinner accompanied by live entertainment. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 14 – October 24: Marrakech – Casablanca

After breakfast, depart Marrakech for Casablanca, Morocco's largest and most cosmopolitan city.

Discover Casablanca on a guided city tour featuring the traditional Habous Quarter, Mohammed V Square, the exterior of the Royal Palace, and the elegant residential district of Anfa.

One of today's highlights is the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, dramatically positioned along the Atlantic Ocean. An optional interior visit may be arranged for those wishing to experience the remarkable craftsmanship and scale of one of the largest mosques in Africa.

Tonight, gather for a special farewell dinner, celebrating the friendships, experiences, cultures, and memories shared during our journey through Spain and Morocco. Overnight in Casablanca.

Day 15 – October 25: Casablanca – Departure for the USA

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Casablanca International Airport for your return flight to the United States. As our journey comes to an end, we return home with wonderful memories of two remarkable countries—from Madrid, Ávila, Toledo, and the palaces of Andalucía to the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the ancient Medina of Fez, colorful Marrakech, and the Atlantic shores of Casablanca.

Buen viaje and Ma'a Salama!