Entrance to the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens
3-Course dinner at a local restaurant (soft drink included)
Granada- Ronda: Drive to Ronda for sightseeing, then to Málaga No dinner included tonight
Private coach for one-way transfer to Málaga via Ronda for sightseeing
Private guide for half-day city tour
Day 13
Málaga: Full day free at leisure; farewell dinner
3-course dinner at a local restaurant
Day 14
Málaga: Transfer to airport for departure flight
Private coach for transfer hotel airport
The Alhambra is a magnificent palace and fortress in Granada, Spain, known for its intricate Islamic architecture, stunning courtyards, and lush gardens set against the Sierra Nevada mountains hambra
ATTRACTIONS
Rabat
Marrakesh
Marrakech, known as the "Red City" due to its distinctive red sandstone buildings, is a vibrant and historic city in Morocco. It was founded in 1070 and is one of the country's four imperial cities The city is famous for its bustling souks (markets), rich culture, stunning palaces, and gardens Key attractions include the majestic Koutoubia Mosque, the intricate Bahia Palace, and the tranquil Majorelle Gardens
Rabat, Morocco's capital, is a modern and elegant city with deep historical roots Located along the Atlantic coast, it blends the charm of its ancient heritage with contemporary urban sophistication Key landmarks include the Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th-century minaret, and the adjacent Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a stunning architectural tribute to the royal family
Meknes
Casablanca
Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and economic hub, is a modern metropolis known for blending tradition and innovation. It is located on the Atlantic coast and serves as the country's financial and business center The city is famous for its striking Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, perched dramatically on the ocean Casablanca showcases a mix of Moorish and Art Deco architecture, reflecting its French colonial past, particularly in the bustling Quartier Habous and Anfa district
Meknes, one of Morocco's four imperial cities, is known for its rich history, grand architecture, and more tranquil atmosphere than other major cities. Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids and later developed by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century, Meknes became the heart of the sultan's mighty empire The city is famous for its impressive Bab Mansour Gate, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco, and the vast Royal Stables, which once housed thousands of horses
Fez, often considered Morocco's cultural and spiritual capital, is one of the country's oldest and most fascinating cities Founded in the 9th century, it is home to the world's oldest continuously operating university, AlQarawiyyin, and has long been a center of Islamic scholarship and culture
Fez
Tangier
ATTRACTIONS
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen, often called the "Blue Pearl" of Morocco, is a charming town in the Rif Mountains Known for its striking blue-painted streets and buildings, Chefchaouen offers a serene and picturesque escape from Morocco's busier cities The blue hues symbolize the sky and heaven, creating a tranquil and soothing atmosphere Founded in the 15th century, the town has a rich history with influences from Berber, Jewish, and Moorish cultures
Tangier, a historic city located at the northern tip of Morocco, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, is known for its unique blend of cultures and rich history. Founded in antiquity, Tangier has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs
Córdoba
Sevilla
Sevilla, the capital of Andalusia, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture Notable landmarks include the Seville Cathedral, the Royal Alcázar, Plaza de España, the Flamenco dance, the Santa Cruz Quarter, and festivals like Semana Santa and Feria de Abril The city's vibrant culture and stunning architecture make it a tourist must-see
Córdoba, a historic city in southern Spain, is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. Once a significant Islamic center during the Middle Ages, Córdoba’s most iconic landmark is the Mezquita, or Mosque-Cathedral, a marvel of Islamic architecture with its forest of redand-white striped arches and a beautifully intricate mihrab (prayer niche) The building was initially constructed as a mosque in the 8th century and later converted into a cathedral after the Reconquista
Granada
Granada is a city in southern Spain known for its rich history and stunning architecture Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, it is most famous for the Alhambra, a majestic palace and fortress complex renowned for its intricate Islamic art, beautiful courtyards, and lush gardens The Alhambra includes the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba fortress, and the serene Generalife Gardens.
Ronda
Ronda, a picturesque town perched on a dramatic cliff in southern Spain's Andalusia region, is renowned for its stunning views and historic charm The city is famously divided by the El Tajo Gorge, a deep ravine with the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) spanning it, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape Ronda's rich history is vividly reflected in its architecture The Plaza de Toros, one of Spain's oldest and most celebrated bullrings, is a living testament to the town's deep-rooted bullfighting tradition The Casa del Rey Moro, with its charming gardens and historical significance, and the Baños Árabes (Arab Baths), which date back to the Moorish period, are also notable attractions, each with its own fascinating story to tell.
Málaga
Málaga, a historic city on Spain's Costa del Sol, is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant atmosphere, and beautiful Mediterranean coastline. As one of Spain's oldest cities, Málaga offers a mix of historical landmarks and modern attractions. Málaga is also known for its lively cultural scene, with numerous festivals, beaches, and a thriving culinary scene featuring fresh seafood and traditional Andalusian dishes. The city's history, art, and vibrant street life make it a fascinating destination.
A traditional Moroccan souk is a vibrant, bustling marketplace filled with colorful stalls selling a wide variety of goods
From Marrakech to Málaga
14 Days, 12 Nights
Price: $6,370
The price is an estimate based on a minimum of 10 participants. The cost may decrease with more participants, with a maximum of 16
The price includes:
Round-trip airfare and airport taxes
All local and in-country transportation
12 overnight stays in hotels
Daily breakfast and dinner
Bilingual tour guides
Payment Schedule
Registration and $500 non-refundable deposit due: February 1, 2025
Special tours led by licensed local guides
Entrance fees to all historic and cultural sites (mosques, palaces, castles, etc )
Daily lectures and debriefs
Hands-on traditional Moroccan cooking class
Overnight stay in luxury tents with an open-air dinner
Traditional Moroccan shows, live musical performances, and traditional Flamenco shows
Tips for travel guides and bus drivers
UMW Education Abroad fee
International medical insurance
UMW registration fees
Not included in the price are:
Transport to and from Dulles airport in Washington, D C
All lunches and drinks
Dinner (day 12) May 23
Passport and/or visa fees
Souvenirs and other personal expenses
Personal health costs (ex vaccination fees, COVID-19 testing, etc )
Payment Schedule
Final Balance ($5,870) due: March 1, 2025 Double bed shared room Single room supplement: $805 additional
Starting mid-2025, U S citizens will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) online, costing €7 ($8)
Meet Your Trip Leaders: Faculty Biographies
Antonia is an Associate Professor of Spanish at the University of Mary Washington, where she teaches courses in Spanish at the introductory level, as well as more advanced courses within the Spanish major When possible, she also enjoys teaching Introduction to Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGST 101) Her scholarly research focuses on representations of gender, oppression, the female subject, and feminism in contemporary Spanish culture, literature, and cinema
Having grown up with an American mother and Spanish father in Pennsylvania, Antonia grew up in a bilingual and bicultural household, frequently traveling to Spain (primarily to Andalucía and, more specifically, Granada, where her father is from) during summer breaks to visit family and friends Now, while raising a family of her own, she and her partner prioritize these trips to Spain both for professional development and more personal reasons. Ever since she was a young girl, she has been captivated by the intricate geometric patterns that adorn the Alhambra palace in Granada, not to mention the undeniable and enduring legacy of Muslim culture (art, architecture, science, engineering, philosophy, etc ) still palpable in Granada and throughout Andalucía (once AlAndalus).
Dr. Antonia Delgado-Poust
Associate Professor of Spanish
The opportunity to travel to Morocco and introduce students, alumni, and the UMW/Fredericksburg community to some of the most important and beautiful places in Southern Spain is not only a privilege and honor, but also the fulfillment of a lifelong dream
Maysoon is a Senior Lecturer of Arabic at the University of Mary Washington, where she teaches Arabic at the introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels In addition to language courses, she enjoys teaching cultural topics, regularly offering a course on the Women of the Arab World, both online and in person. Recently, she has also developed a course focused on Arabic cuisine. Her research interests include integrating second language acquisition and technology in foreign language education Maysoon, a Palestinian-Jordanian woman born and raised in Jordan, brings a unique perspective to her role as a Senior Lecturer of Arabic at the University of Mary Washington As a native Arabic speaker with an academic background in Arabic language, literature, and educational sciences, she is deeply passionate about the language and the rich culture it represents. Her experiences have inspired her to share this passion with others, encouraging them to learn Arabic and explore Arab culture and traditions
Maysoon has many friends and colleagues from Morocco and has always been fascinated by its rich history and vibrant culture, especially its incredible cuisine What truly inspires her is the shared history between Morocco and Spain, where centuries of interaction have shaped both regions' art, architecture, language, and traditions The deep connections between these two countries, mainly through the Moorish influence in Southern Spain, make them ideal destinations for exploring this intertwined heritage
This trip was inspired by a desire to share these cultural connections with others By experiencing Morocco's vibrant souks, historical landmarks, and culinary traditions, followed by the intricate architecture and rich history of Andalusia, Maysoon aims to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the lasting impact of this shared history on both cultures The trip is designed to be interactive, allowing participants to engage with the culture and history firsthand
