12-Day Morocco and South of Spain Tour from Madrid

If you’re dreaming of experiencing both Spain’s vibrant Andalucian cities and the fascinating Moroccan culture in one trip, this 12-day tour promises to deliver just that. While it’s an adventure packed with sightseeing, culture, and beautiful landscapes, it’s not perfect for everyone. We’ll walk through what to expect — from the itinerary to reviews, and help you decide if this tour fits your travel style.

What we like most about this experience is the chance to explore iconic sites like the Alhambra and Fez’s Medina, combined with the thrill of crossing the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry. The guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the history and culture more accessible. Plus, staying in centrally located hotels really helps you soak in the local atmosphere without feeling lost.

However, there are some points to consider. The overall group size can be up to 50 travelers, which might mean busy sights and less intimacy. Also, the transport time—especially in Morocco—can be quite lengthy, and some reviews mention hotel quality and food services as inconsistent. This tour is best suited for travelers who are comfortable with bus travel, enjoy guided tours, and want a broad overview rather than a relaxed pace.

If you’re someone who loves cultural exploration, doesn’t mind long travel days, and values knowledgeable guides, this tour could be a good fit. Just be prepared for some variability in hotel stay quality and the busy schedule.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary that covers major cities and highlights in both Spain and Morocco
• Guided visits by knowledgeable bilingual guides who share detailed insights
• Mix of cultural sites, city tours, and free time for personal exploration
• Long travel days especially in Morocco, so patience is key
• Hotels vary in quality; some reviews note inconsistent standards
• Good value for the price considering accommodations, guided visits, and entrance tickets included

What to Expect from This 12-Day Tour

This trip offers a whirlwind experience, packing in as much as possible across two countries. We’ll take you through a detailed look at what each part of the journey involves—what you’ll love, and what might be less enjoyable.

Starting in Madrid and Andalucia

Your adventure kicks off in Madrid, where the tour departs early at 8:00 am from the meeting point. Over the next few days, the focus is on Spain’s Andalucian cities—each bursting with history, Moorish architecture, and lively plazas.

Day 1 and 2 are dedicated to Córdoba and Seville. Córdoba’s Mosque-Cathedral is a standout, renowned for its stunning architecture that blends Islamic and Christian influences. Walking through Seville’s Barrio Santa Cruz and enjoying sights like Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park give you an authentic feel for Andalusia’s charm. One reviewer raved about the guides, saying, “Our guides in Spain and Morocco were wonderful! They had so much knowledge and shared it generously.”

Day 3 takes you to Ronda, where the dramatic cliffs and historic bridge are among the most picturesque spots. Afterward, your journey continues to the Costa del Sol—a great spot for some relaxation or a stroll along the beach.

Crossing into Morocco

Day 4 marks your transition into Africa. You’ll cross the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry, an exciting moment for many travelers, and arrive in Fez. This city’s medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with maze-like streets and historic sites. According to reviews, you’ll visit the Babs and Karaouine University, the world’s oldest existing university, and experience the bustling medina firsthand.

While many praise Fez’s beauty, some reviews mention challenges here, especially regarding hotel standards and the focus of guided tours. One traveler noted that the hotels in Morocco varied, with some being quite old and not up to the usual standards. The shopping tours in Fez also seem to be a significant part of the visit, with local guides taking you to various shops—something to keep in mind if you’re not keen on sales pitches.

From Fez, you travel to Rabat and then Marrakech, where the Jma El Fna Square is a bustling hub of storytellers, performers, and food stalls. A highlight is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which many find impressive, though some feel the allocated time was limited.

Exploring Morocco’s Highlights

Over the next few days, you’ll see Bab Mansour Gate in Meknes, explore the Menara Gardens, and enjoy a Panoramic Tour of Marrakech. The guides here get praise for their enthusiasm and knowledge, but reviews point out that service quality can vary, especially in Morocco, with some hotels and meals not meeting expectations.

The trip culminates in Granada, where the Alhambra is a must-see. The complex’s intricate architecture and lush gardens leave many travelers in awe. One review called it “incredible,” and you might find it’s the highlight of the trip.

Returning via Toledo and Madrid

On the final days, you’ll visit Toledo, a city famous for its blending of Christian, Moorish, and Jewish cultures. The narrow streets and historic sites offer a fitting end to a journey of cultural discovery.

The tour wraps up in Madrid, back at the starting point, giving you a chance to reflect on two countries packed with history, color, and vibrant life.

Transport, Accommodation, and Overall Value

Transportation is primarily in air-conditioned coaches, which most reviews agree are comfortable. Keep in mind that travel times can be long—especially in Morocco, where getting from city to city often involves hours on the bus.

Hotels are rated as 3 or 4 stars, with some reviewers praising the accommodations, particularly in Spain. However, several reviews mention that hotel standards in Morocco can be inconsistent, with some older and less well-maintained facilities. Food quality also varies, with some meals being less satisfying, especially in transit areas or at hotels with limited options.

Considering the price of about $2,425 per person, this tour offers decent value when factoring in guided visits, entrance fees, and accommodations. Still, it’s worth noting that the busy schedule means you’re spending a lot of time on the bus, and some travelers might find it exhausting.

Who Would Benefit Most from This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who want a broad overview of both Spain’s Moorish cities and Moroccan culture. If you appreciate guided tours with knowledgeable guides and don’t mind long travel days, you’ll likely enjoy this trip. It’s also good for those who want to see major landmarks without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

However, if hotel comfort or slow-paced sightseeing is a priority, or if you prefer more flexibility and fewer group interactions, this tour might not be the perfect fit. Also, if you’re traveling solo and worry about language barriers or group dynamics, keep those considerations in mind.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, it involves a lot of walking and long bus rides, which might be tiring for young children. If your family enjoys cultural sites and is comfortable with busy schedules, it can work.

How much free time will I get?
There are designated days for sightseeing and some free afternoons. Notably, you’ll have some leisure time in Marrakech and Granada, which is great if you want to explore on your own or relax a bit.

Are the hotels in Morocco up to standard?
Reviews indicate hotel quality varies. Some are older or less modern, and food can be inconsistent. If hotel comfort is a priority, be prepared for some variability.

How long are the travel days?
Travel times can be quite extensive, especially in Morocco, where crossing the Strait of Gibraltar and city-to-city drives can take hours. Patience is key.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers guides, entrance tickets to major sites (like the Córdoba Mosque and Alhambra), hotel stays, breakfast, and some dinners. Food and beverages outside of specified meals are not included, nor are hotel transfers.

Do I need a visa?
Travelers should confirm visa requirements, as they depend on your nationality. The tour operator recommends having your passport data at least 30 days before departure for Morocco crossing.

Final Thoughts

This 12-day combined Spain and Morocco tour offers a well-rounded experience for those wanting to cover a lot of ground—historical sites, vibrant markets, and stunning architecture. It’s especially appealing if you’re eager to see key landmarks like the Alhambra, Fez Medina, and Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque without the hassle of organizing each step yourself.

While the tour is generally praised for guides and sightseeing highlights, it’s important to be aware of the long hours on the bus and some variability in hotel and meal quality. It’s a good pick for travelers who are comfortable with guided group travel, enjoy exploring cities with a knowledgeable guide, and don’t mind some busy days.

If you’re after a cost-effective way to see both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar, this tour is definitely worth considering—just keep your expectations balanced, pack some patience, and bring your curiosity.