So many things come to mind when we think of Spain. Bullfighting and football (soccer), definitely! But also, culinary masterpieces, Flamenco dancers, sandy white beaches along bright blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and architecture so spectacular it looks like it was built for a movie set. Today we board our Transatlantic flight for an overnight voyage across the ocean. We arrive in Seville, Spain and are transferred to our hotel for a two night stay.

Joined by a local guide, we spend our first day in Spain sightseeing in Seville, the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Andalusia. This charming city is famous for its lively culture, historical buildings, food, and flamenco. We visit one of those famous buildings, Real Alcazar de Sevilla, or the Royal Alcazar, a royal palace built in the 13th century for Christian king Peter of Castile. With elements of Roman, Gothic and Renaissance structures, the palace is awe-inspiring. This evening we are treated to dinner sampling Spain’s cuisine while being entertained by flamenco dancers performing with live guitar music and singing. Clap your hands, tap your feet, and sit back and enjoy our first taste of Spain. (B, D)

We travel this morning to Cordoba, the largest old town in Spain. Impossible to overemphasize the beauty of Córdoba's great mosque, Mezquita presents a remarkably serene and spacious interior and is considered one of the world’s greatest works of Islamic architecture. Reflecting on an age when Muslims, Jews and Christians lived side by side, the Cathedral offers a grand look at these diverse cultures blended in lustrous décor. Columbus visited the site of our next stop! Home to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, or Castle of the Christian Monarchs, was built in the gardens of an Arab fortress and contains four towers, elaborate Roman mosaics, an Arab bath and some of the most beautiful gardens in Spain. Later today, we arrive in Granada for our included dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Sitting high up on a rocky hill, looking down on the banks of the river Darro, Alhambra is protected by the mountains and surrounded by forest. Designed as a military zone at its begin- ning, the castle rises like an imposing fortress of reddish tones in its walls and hides the delicate beauty of its interior. Visiting Generalife, the summer retreat of royals, we see a more peace- ful, intimate atmosphere, where kings retired to the gardens to rest. We have time to explore the large, central square, Plaza Nueva, in the heart of the city, lined with shops, restaurants and cafes. Our next stop, Cathedral of Granada, is a must-see and a place to enjoy art in its purest form. The blend of styles, the dimensions of its floor plan and its incredible facade draws us in from the very first moment we lay eyes on it. The Royal Chapel, located right next to the Cathedral, is the burial place of Spanish Monarchs Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand and one of the most visited places in Granada. The evening brings us to the coastal, resort town of Estepona, which sits on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain. We have another delicious, included dinner after we check into our hotel. (B, D)

Traveling south along the coastal towns of the Mediterranean Sea, we arrive in the port town of Tarifa and catch the ferry to sail across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier, Morocco. The Strait is the only natural link between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea and one of the busiest waterways in the world. Once on land, we travel along the northeastern coastline of Morocco and just a bit inland to our overnight in Fes. Dinner is included tonight. (B, D)

Often called the Cultural Capital of Morocco, on our tour of mystical Fes, we see the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Morocco and his family. Wander through the old Jewish Quarter, or Mellah as it’s called, to gain a better understanding of the people that lived here. See how leather is made at Chouara Tannery, the oldest and largest of the traditional tanneries in Fes’s market. Discover the military history behind the walls of fortress Borj Nord. We stop by Al-Qarawiyyin University, the oldest university in Morocco and home to the city’s most famous mosque. Learn the legend that explains what motivated the building of Bou Inania Madrasa. Prepare for a great meal and exciting entertainment as we finish off our first day in Morocco. (B, D)

Leaving Fes behind, this morning we take a short ride back towards the coast to the well-known city of Casablanca. The largest mosque in Africa, Hassan II Mosque, is also the 7th largest in the world. Capped with a spotlight that shines east, the minaret stands almost 700 feet tall and towers above the Atlantic Ocean. Just moments away is El Hank lighthouse. Nestled on the tip of a headland that shares its name, El Hank is the tallest lighthouse in Morocco and shines its light across the port of Casablanca. We check into our hotel in Casablanca for a two night stay. (B)

The port city of Casablanca offers so much to see and we’ll take the day to visit some of the main sites. Our first photo stop is the Royal Palace, one of four royal palaces in Morocco and the main royal residence of the King of Morocco when he’s in Casablanca. All too often overshadowed by the magnificence of the Hassan II Mosque, the Notre Dame des Lourdes Cathedral is an important center of worship for Morocco’s Roman Catholic population and serves as a striking example of Casablanca’s modern architecture. Camera-worthy is the glasswork of world-famous stained-glass artist, Gabriel Loire. Lined by the courthouse and other leadership offices, Mohammed V Square, named for the celebrated former King of Morocco, offers us a golden chance to look at marvelous Casablanca from its 50-meter-high tower and enjoy a spectacular fountain that entertains visitors with music and water shows. We have free time for shopping before returning to the hotel for an included dinner. (B, D)

Our morning drive brings us to Marrakesh. One of four imperial cities in Morocco, Marrakesh is home to mosques, palaces and gardens, many of which we see on our tour today. We see Koutoubia, which means “bookseller”, is the largest mosque in the city and its name reflects the honorable bookselling trade practiced in the nearby market. Bahai Palace is most famous for its decoration - its walls stucco carved with Arabic inscriptions, geometric patterns, arabesques, and muqarnas, and its floors paved with marble and handcrafted ceramic tiles. We walk through Mellah, the Jewish Quarter of the city, then visit Madrasa Ben Youssef, the ancient Islamic school. Rounding out our day is Dar El Bacha Museum, an iconic landmark in the city of Marrakesh, which has stood for centuries as a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture. We overnight in Marrakesh for two nights. This evening enjoy entertainment with our included dinner. (B, D)

On our last full day in Morocco, our explorations take us to Essaouira, a port city and resort on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Its medina (old town) is protected by 18th-century seafront ramparts and old brass cannons line the walls. Enjoy the ocean views and strong “Alizée” trade winds - which make the city’s crescent beach popular for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing – as we see the sights and have an included lunch at a local seafood restaurant. This afternoon, we see the sand hued North Bastion, have free time for shopping and return to our hotel in Marrakesh just in time for our Farewell Dinner. (B, L, D)

What a memorable trip this has been! Today we are transported to the airport to board our Transatlantic plane. Sit back, relax in your seat, and wave goodbye. Farewell Morocco! We are on our way home - filled with great memories of exotic and beautiful places. (B)