Road Scholar : Home
Spain and Morocco: Shared Histories, Complementary Cultures

Program Number: 14596RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/6/2012 - 9/22/2012; 9/5/2013 - 9/21/2013; 10/17/2013 - 11/2/2013; 3/13/2014 - 3/29/2014; 4/3/2014 - 4/19/2014; 5/8/2014 - 5/24/2014; 9/11/2014 - 9/27/2014; 10/9/2014 - 10/25/2014;
Duration: 16 nights
Location: Spain/Gibraltar/Morocco
Price starting at: $5,099.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type:
Meals: 45; 15 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 15 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Journey to the ancient lands of Spain and Morocco, two countries bound by many centuries of history reflected in their modern cultures. Immerse yourself in the varied influences of Islam, Christianity and Judaism in both lands. With special insight, local experts highlight the cities of Toledo, Sevilla, Fes, Rabat and Casablanca to identify Spain and Morocco’s deep roots in tradition and faith -- from medieval times to today.




Highlights

• Experts discuss the blend of cultures that define and complement Spain and Morocco.
• Discover the 12th-century Moroccan city of Fes on an expert-led field trip.
• Enjoy performances of traditional music presented with the English translation of the lyrics.



Activity Particulars

Extensive walking (2-3 miles over the course of the day some days). Winding or hilly roads, as well as cobblestone streets and sidewalks.




Date Specific Information

3-13-2014, 4-3-2014, 5-8-2014, 9-11-2014, 10-9-2014

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Madrid (Spain), Toledo, 2 nights; Granada, 2 nights; Sevilla, 3 nights; Tarifa, 1 night; Tangier (Morocco); Chefchaouen, 2 nights; Fes, 2 nights; Rabat, 2 nights; Casablanca, 1 night; departure.



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night
Arrival Madrid (Spain)
Coach to Toledo
2 nights

Local experts discuss the origin and development of the Jewish, Muslim and Christian civilizations on the Iberian Peninsula and their coexistence in Toledo, then lead you through the places of worship -- the Mezquita de la Luz, Sinogoga del Transito and the Cathedral of Toledo.



Coach to Granada
2 nights

“A pearl set in emeralds” is how a poet once described the stunning Alhambra. With a resident expert, explore this former palace of the Muslim kings of Granada, as well as the nearby Generalife Gardens with its long pool framed by flowerbeds, fountains, colonnades and pavilions.



Coach to Sevilla
3 nights
Coach to Straits of Gibraltar/Tarifa
1 night

Sevilla is a mix of Iberian, Phoenician, Roman and Islamic cultures. Discover this city with expert-led discussions on its history and a visit to Alcazar Palace, home of the Great Mosque. En route to Morocco, journey to the Rock of Gibraltar and learn about its role in World War II.



Ferry to Tangiers (Morocco)
Coach to Chefchaouen
2 nights

Chefchaouen is one of Morocco's most beautiful towns. Explore centuries-old traditions, architecture, music and poetry with field trips to its downtown and rural community.



Coach to Fes
2 nights

Fes is Morocco's cultural capital. Explore the bustling medina, a living museum where thousands of artisans and shopkeepers sell goods. Local experts provide insight into the city’s history with field trips to the Shrine city of Moulay Idriss II as well as the biggest Kuranic school of Fes.



Coach to Rabat
2 nights
Coach to Casablanca
1 night
Departure

The modern urban city of Rabat contains many reminders of its storied past. Discover the 12th-century city walls, the royal necropolis in the garden of Chellah, the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohamed Vth and the colonial city. Casablanca, Morocco’s economic heart, melds a French colonial past with Berber roots to form a dynamic and lively city. Explore cultural attractions and museums, including the Hassan II Mosque.
Accommodations
Toledo: Hotel in historic city center. Granada: Hotel in historic city center. Sevilla: Four-star hotel. Tarifa: Hotel steps from the beach. Chefchaouen: Hotel in the medina quarter. Fes: Luxury hotel in a restored 19th-century palace. Rabat: Four-star hotel. Casablanca: Four-star hotel.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Francisco Garcia
Paco Garcia was born in Madrid and received his B.A. in history from The Complutense University in Madrid. He then continued his studies at the University of California at Berkeley, where he earned his M.A. and Ph.D., specializing in Medieval history, and also lectured there. He spent all of 1997 at the University of California at Berkeley on a Fulbright Investigative Scholarship. In 2011, Paco journeyed to Japan for a role as a visiting professor. He is presently a professor at St. Louis University, Madrid Campus. Being an expert on the history of Spain, he shares his passion and enthusiasm in his lectures.
 
Judy Cotter
Judy Cotter, a native Californian and “Sevillana” by adoption, is a professor of Spanish culture and art history in Seville. Her presentations cover a wide variety of subjects, ranging from the cultural legacies of Romans, Arabs and Jews to Andalucian festivals and the Flamenco and Taurine Arts. Judy has translated several books by Spanish authors and has collaborated on recordings of instructional CDs on flamenco. She is co-author of a book about the talented American artist and matador, John Fulton.
 
Jose Sanchez
Jose Sanchez, professor for the Academic program at the Center for Cross-Cultural Study, enjoys collaborating with Road Scholar programs. An expert on the history of Spain, he transmits to participants his passion and enthusiasm in his lectures and excursions to the Roman Ruins of Italica. Says Jose: "After teaching young people for 17 years, I consider teaching Road Scholar participants the most rewarding professional experience. I find the great interest they have in learning and the gratitude they convey very special and fulfilling. Teaching them has given me confidence in my ability to communicate with other cultures."
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Hotel Carlos V
  Toledo, Spain 2 nights
   Hotel Dauro II
  Granada, Spain 2 nights
   Hotel Inglaterra
  Seville, Spain 3 nights
   Hotel La Codorníz
  Tarifa, Spain 1 night
   Hotel Parador
  Chefchaouen, Morocco 2 nights
   The Hotel Palais Jamai
  Fes, Morocco 2 nights
   Hotel Golden Tulip Farah
  Rabat, Morocco 2 nights
   Hotel Diwan Casablanca
  Casablanca, Morocco 1 night
 Hotel Carlos V
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Centrally located to Toledo's historic center.
  Contact info: Trastamara, 1
Toledo,  45001 Spain
phone: +34 925 222 100
web: www.carlosv.com
  Room amenities: Telephone, television, air conditioning.
  Facility amenities: On-site restaurant and meeting rooms.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: consult with hotel directly Participants should contact the hotel directly and ask about room availability and cost. They should always inform the hotel that they are from the Road Scholar program that starts the following day.
  Check in time: 2:00 PM

 Hotel Dauro II
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Located in the monumental center of Granada.
  Contact info: Calle Navas, 5
Granada,  18009 Spain
phone: +34 958 221 581
web: www.hotelesdauro.com/dauro2/
  Room amenities: Hairdryer, television, alarm clock, minibar, telephone, safe.
  Facility amenities: On-site restaurant and meeting rooms, air conditioning and heat, high-speed internet access in common areas.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hotel Inglaterra
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Located in Plaza Nueva, central to all of Seville's major monuments.
  Contact info: Plaza Nueva, 7
Seville,  41001 Spain
phone: +34 954 224 970
web: www.hotelinglaterra.es/
  Room amenities: Hairdryer, telephone, television, minibar, safe, heat/air conditioning
  Facility amenities: On-site restaurant and bar, meeting rooms, central location.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hotel La Codorníz
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Located just a few yards from the beach and with outstanding views of the North African coastline across the Strait of Gibraltar.
  Contact info: Crta. Cádiz-Málaga, km. 79
Tarifa,  11380 Spain
phone: +34 956 684 744
web: www.lacodorniz.com
  Room amenities: Most rooms have own terrace, all rooms have telephone, television, hairdryer, AC/heat, small refrigerator.
  Facility amenities: Located just a few yards from the beach, the hotel has an on-site restaurant and meeting rooms. Most rooms have their own terrace.
  Smoking allowed: Yes

 Hotel Parador
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Located in the heart of the Medina and within walking distance of the main monuments of Chefchaouen, the Hotel Parador is one of the finest hotels in Northern Morocco. Meals at the hotel and local restaurants, and lectures at hotel and on site
  Contact info: Place Al Makhazen
Chefchaouen,   Morocco
phone: +212- 5 39 98 61 36
  Room amenities: A/C, ensuite bathrooms
  Facility amenities: The recently renovated hotel offers a restaurant, bar, terrace and pool.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 The Hotel Palais Jamai
Type: Five-Star Hotel
  Description: The Hotel Palais Jamai is a palace built in 1879 in the finest Moorish style and was the home of the Grand Vizir of Jamaï. Surrounded by superb gardens and located close to the El Karayouine University, this architectural gem towers above the Fez Medina wich is on UNES CO World Heritage List
  Contact info: Bab Guissa, 3000, Fes
Fes,   Morocco
phone: +212 5 35 63 43 31
  Facility amenities: The Hotel offers Piano bar, five meeting rooms, swimming pool, tennis court, sauna and fitness centre, hammam, Jacuzzi, sauna, outdoor heated and unheated pools, gift shop, a boutique, a hair dresser, a beautician, and Internet access.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hotel Golden Tulip Farah
Type: Five-Star Hotel
  Description: Located at only 15 minutes from the Rabat-Sale international airport and literally located right next to it are two of the most recognized monuments within our fascinating Kingdom, the Hassan Tower, and the mausoleum of the late King Mohamed V.
  Contact info: Makhlouf 10, Rabat 10000 MOROCCO
Rabat, NA  Morocco
phone: +212 (0) 537 23 74 00
web: www.goldentulipfarahrabat.com
  Room amenities: Cable TV, direct phone line, air-conditioning, mini-bar, hair dryer, Wi-Fi, and Safety deposit box
  Facility amenities: Restaurant, Piano bar, Wi-Fi Internet access , laundry and pressing service, safe deposit box at reception, currency exchange, Business center, Fitness center
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hotel Diwan Casablanca
Type: Five-Star Hotel
  Description: The Diwan Hotel Casablanca is located in the very center of the city of Casablanca.the hotel offers easy access to the Royal Palace as well as Mausoleum Hassan II and the Old Town. The harbor is also located nearby. The Diwan Hotel Casablanca offers a shuttle to the nearby Mohammed V International Airport. , offering easy access to the airport and local attractions.
  Contact info: Bd Hassan Seghir, Casablanca
Casablanca,   Morocco
phone: +212 5 22 44 65 14
web: www.hoteldiwancasablanca.com
  Room amenities: Air Conditioned, Cable / Satellite TV, Direct dial phone, , Non-Smoking Rooms, Hair Dryer, Safe-Deposit Box
  Facility amenities: Air Conditioned, Business Center, Currency Exchange, Elevator, High-speed Internet, Fitness Room/Gym, Mini Bar, Sauna, Wake-up Service, Restaurant
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: EUR 237.91* The rates for a Standard room (1 single bed) is MAD 1819,80 ( EUR 164,50) per room, per night and for the Executive room (1 double bed) MAD 2639,60 (EUR 237.91 ) per room, per night. Breakfast excluded and Tax included). * Rates subject to change
  Check out time: 12:30 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
1:00pm Hotel Check-In Time. 2:00pm Meet in hotel lobby for Road Scholar registration. You will be staying at Hotel Carlos V that night.
  End of Program:
2 group departures from Casablanca airport, first at 6.30 AM and second at 11.30 AM. So our bus transfers from the hotel to the airport are respectively at 4 am and 9 am. You will be staying at Hotel Diwan Casablanca the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A passport is required for this program. Participants who are not U.S. residents must contact their embassy or consulate to determine visa requirements.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Toledo
  Nearest city or town:  Madrid
  Nearest airport:  Barajas (MAD)
  Transportation to site: Group transfers to and from the airport are included. Independent travelers must follow instructions given in second mailing.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Casablanca
  Nearest city or town:  Rabat
  Nearest airport:  Casablanca Airport - Mohamed Airport Casablanca (CMN)
  Transportation from site: Group transfers to and from the airport are included. Independent travelers must follow instructions given in second mailing. From Hotel Ibis Casa Center to Airport Mohamed V You could take the train from Casa Port Train Station (located behind the Ibis Casa City Center) to the Mohammed V Casablanca airport. For more information on prices and scheduled departures, please check the following website: www.oncf.ma Grand Taxis are easily available and the cost is usually 150 MAD.You could arrange for the taxi drive through the hotel’s reception. The CCCL does not reserve taxis neither negotiate the price. You are responsible of paying directly the taxi driver
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1:
(Thursday, September 6)
   
 Evening: International flight to Spain.

Day 2: Arrival/Orientation in Toledo
(Friday, September 7)
   
 Morning: Arrive at Madrid airport and transfer by private coach to hotel in Toledo (60 miles). Check-in hotel and rest before lunch.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel restaurant.
 Afternoon: Orientation and city walk in Toledo followed by a welcome reception at the hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Carlos V
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Toledo
(Saturday, September 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: Explore the medieval capital of Toledo with in-depth visits to the Cathedral, Mosque and the Synagogue/Sephardic Museum. We will also see El Greco's famous Count of Orgaz painting at the Santo Tomé Church.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Our study of the different religious groups that have coexisted throughout history in Toledo is continued with a lecture on Muslim, Jewish & Christian cultures in the Middle Ages. Explore Toledo on your own with some afternoon free time.
 Dinner: Tapas dinner on your own with cash allowance.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Carlos V
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Travel to Granada/Olive Oil Museum
(Sunday, September 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: Morning departure from Toledo to Granada. We will stop at an olive oil museum in the town of Baeza (230 miles) to learn about the history and production of this important Spanish export.
 Lunch: Lunch at the olive mill's hacienda.
 Afternoon: We continue on towards Granada (90 miles), arrival and check-in at the hotel. Orientation and walk around the hotel neighborhood.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Dauro II
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Albaycin/Alhambra
(Monday, September 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: A morning walking tour of the Albaycin neighborhood where Moorish Spain comes alive in the streets of Granada.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel restaurant.
 Afternoon: Afternoon guided tour of the Alhambra palace and Generalife gardens, the vestige of the last Islamic kingdoms in Spain.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Dauro II
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Córdoba/Travel to Seville
(Tuesday, September 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: Depart Granada for Seville, stopping in Córdoba, the crossroads of civilizations, and mainstay of Islamic and Jewish heritage in Spain. Visit the Great Mosque of Córdoba and take a visit to the Jewish quarter, where we will see a monument to the great philosopher Maimónides. Enjoy a Sephardic musical performance at Casa de la Sefarad across from the synagogue.
 Lunch: Lunch at a restaurant in Córdoba.
 Afternoon: Afternoon arrival in Seville.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Inglaterra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Seville/Flamenco
(Wednesday, September 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: Explore the Alcázar - Seville's Royal palace and heritage of Muslim and Christian architects and artisans.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel restaurant.
 Afternoon: Participate in conferences with local experts on "Spain Today" and "Sephardic Spain". Afterwards, meet with some local Sevillanos at CC-CS headquarters for a workshop on flamenco, accompanied by tapas, conversation and laughter.
 Dinner: Tapas dinner at CC-CS headquarters.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Inglaterra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Cathedral/Seville
(Thursday, September 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: Take a guided stroll through Seville's Jewish quarter, the oldest part of the city. Following, visit the Santa María de la Sede Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world.
 Lunch: Tapas lunch on your own with an allowance.
 Afternoon: Enjoy an afternoon of leisure time in Seville.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Inglaterra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Gibraltar/Tarifa
(Friday, September 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: Check out of the hotel in Seville and depart for the "Rock of Gibraltar" (115 miles). Here, we learn about the history and important role of Gibraltar in the Iberian Peninsula. A British outpost and home to the free-ranging barbary macaque apes. The site of a large British naval base, Gibraltar's name actually derives from the Arabic, Jabal at-Tariq, meaning the Mountain of Tariq, referring to the Moorish general who led the invasion into the Iberian peninsula in the year 711. Today it is an important piece of modern European history and continues to be an issue of contention in Anglo-Spanish relations.
 Lunch: Have lunch at a coastal restaurant.
 Afternoon: Explore the well preserved Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, the most important city of Andalusian Rome in the second century A.D. Continue on to the port town of Tarifa (15 miles) and check-in at the hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Hotel La Codorníz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Ferry to Tangier/Chefchaouen
(Saturday, September 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: Depart from the port of Tarifa via ferry for Tangier. It is about a 35-minute ferry ride. Arrival in Tangier and have a welcome brunch and program orientation. Afterwards, continue by coach to Chefchaouen, with en-route lectures that will cover Drug Plantation and Business, and Illegal Migration.
 Lunch: Lunch en route.
 Afternoon: Afternoon arrival in Chechaouen, Blue City of the Hills in the heart of the Rif mountains.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Parador
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Chefchaouen
(Sunday, September 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: Morning guided tour of the Medina of Chefchaouen, the city center that still preserves its roots as a marketplace and center of activity.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: We will continue our visits in Chefchaouen, which was built by Moulay Ismail in the 1600s as an Arab fortress and later served as a Spanish prison.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel accompanied by the music of the northern region of Morocco.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Parador
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Ouezzane/Fes
(Monday, September 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: Morning check-out of the hotel and departure for Fes. En route, we will visit the sanctuary town of Ouezzane.
 Lunch: Lunch is at a private home in Ouezzane, Dar rayhan.
 Afternoon: After lunch, we depart for Fes. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel and orientation.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
   
Accommodations: The Hotel Palais Jamai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Fes/Medina
(Tuesday, September 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: Guided tour of the Medina of Fes, a city of three centuries: 9th, 14th and 20th.
 Lunch: Lunch will be at a restaurant in the old Medina of Fes.
 Afternoon: Afternoon gathering with local Moroccan students.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
   
Accommodations: The Hotel Palais Jamai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Rabat/Homestay Dinner
(Wednesday, September 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: Check-out of hotel and depart by bus for Rabat. Upon arrival, we will conduct an orientation on our dining experience with Moroccan families (language and manners) scheduled for this evening.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Center for Cross Cultural Learning headquarters in Rabat.
 Afternoon: Afternoon lectures on the Moroccan architecture and Moroccan typical dress.
 Dinner: Share dinner at a Moroccan family home.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Golden Tulip Farah
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Rabat
(Thursday, September 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: Round table discussion on last evening's dinner at the family homes, followed by lectures on politics and current events.
 Lunch: Lunch at CCCL headquarters.
 Afternoon: Afternoon lecture on Cultural Diversity.
 Dinner: Dinner at the Center for Cross Cultural Learning.
 Evening: We will enjoy a musical performance covering this region of Morocco.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Golden Tulip Farah
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Casablanca
(Friday, September 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: Check-out of hotel and depart by bus for Casablanca (1 hour). We will visit the Hassan II Mosque and an NGO.
 Lunch: Lunch at the NGO.
 Afternoon: Afternoon of leisure time to explore Casablanca on your own.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner
   
Accommodations: Hotel Diwan Casablanca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Departure
(Saturday, September 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: Morning departures and return flights from Casablanca airport.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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