How to Plan a Dream Trip to Spain and Morocco (2024)

With diverse landscapes, tantalizing cuisines, and historic wonders, Spain and Morocco both promise a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Follow our guide to explore the colorful tapestry of these two mesmerizing countries, each offering its own distinctive magic and allure.

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1. How Many Days to Spend in Spain and Morocco?

The Royal Palace in Madrid

For an enriching experience exploring the highlights of Spain and Morocco, it is generally recommended to spend a minimum of 10 days. However, to truly immerse yourself in the richness of both countries, a 12-day or 2-week itinerary would be ideal, for example:

• Spain: Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville for 1 week
• Morocco: Tangier, Fez, Casablanca, and Marrakesh for 5 days

To enhance your journey with a richer and more-profound exploration of the cultural and historical wealth of both countries, extend your trip to 14 days. For instance, you could add two extra days to your itinerary to visit captivating destinations like Seville or Valencia, where breathtaking landmarks and enchanting sites await your discovery.

To fully immerse yourself in the marvels of Spain and Morocco, consider extending your trip to 3 weeks. Dedicate 10 days to exploring Spain, traveling from the northern regions to the southern parts, before allocating another 10 days to uncovering the richness of Morocco. Let us know your travel duration, interests, group size, budget, and any other preferences, and our travel consultant will create a customized itinerary just for you. Feel free to get in touch with us.

1.Choosing a Suitable Spain and Morocco Itinerary

Here are two tour options that cover both Spain and Morocco: a concise, classic 12-day tour as well as a more-family-orientated 2-week tour.

12-Day Classic Spain and Morocco Tour

• Days 1–2: Madrid, Spain
• Days 3–4: Granada
• Days 5–6: Seville
• Days 6–8: Casablanca, Morocco
• Days 9–10: Rabat
• Days 11–12: Tangier and Fez

In this tour, you would have an unforgettable journey through Spain and Morocco, where you would delve into the rich cultural tapestry of their top destinations in a limited time. The tour would take you through the vibrant streets of Barcelona, Madrid, Casablanca, and Fez, offering a unique blend of history, architecture, and local delicacies.

In Madrid, begin your exploration at the Museo Nacional del Prado, an architectural gem housing a treasure trove of masterpieces. Gain insights into the art's history with the guidance of a knowledgeable expert. Visit the majestic Palacio Real de Madrid, the opulent residence of Spanish royalty, and meander through the city's historical core, indulging in churros and chocolate along the way. Spend a day in Segovia to unveil the enchanting Alcázar de Segovia, a castle that may invoke memories of the Snow White fairy tale.

In Granada, you would start your trip in the Alhambra, Spain's famous Moorish monument and a top tourist attraction with its fortress, palace, patios, and gardens showcasing significant Islamic architecture. Explore the beautiful Generalife gardens, a royal summer residence built in the 13th century, known for stunning water features, diverse flora, and exquisite architecture.

In Morocco's Casablanca, visit the Central Market, the harbor district, the Royal Palace, and the Hassan II Mosque.

Then you would travel from Casablanca to Rabat, where you could explore the Royal Palace, the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Hassan Tower. Next, we'd drive you to Meknes to see iconic sites, such as Bab Mansour and the Royal Stables.

Lastly, journey to Fez via Moulay Idriss and Volubilis. Explore Fez's historic medina, the Al-Attarine Madrasa, Nejjarine Fountain, the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, and Al-Karaouine Mosque.

12-Day Morocco and Spain Highlights Tour

14-Day Spain and Morocco Family Tour

Week 1: Spain

• Days 1–3: Madrid
• Days 4–5: Valencia
• Days 6–7: Barcelona

Week 2: Morocco

• ays 8–9: Fez
• Days 10–11: Casablanca
• Days 12–14: Marrakesh

7-Day Spain Family Tour: Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona Enjoy a Vibrant Family Week in Spain

This tour is designed for family adventure, promising a fascinating mix of culture, heritage, gastronomy, and entertainment. Suitable for all ages, this journey ensures an engaging experience for young kids, parents, and teens alike.

It is like the above itinerary in Spain, but adding Valencia for this family trip. Your guide would lead you into the heart of Valencia with a walking tour through its historic district.

To keep your children entertained, you would try a captivating paella cooking demonstration there. Immerse your kids in the avant-garde wonders of the City of Arts and Sciences with an exciting combination of a biking tour. Witness the captivating world beneath the sea at Europe's largest aquarium, the Oceanogràfic. Unravel the mysteries of science at the Museo de las Ciencias Principe Felipe. Conclude your fun-filled adventure with a visit to Gulliver Park, a vibrant playground inspired by a timeless tale, offering a medley of interactive amusements.

Marrakesh, known as "the Red City of Morocco", boasts prestigious monuments that narrate the history of North Africa. You would discover key historical attractions, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Agdal Gardens, and the iconic Koutoubia Mosque. Admire the grand entrance of the Bahia Palace and explore the fascinating Saadian Tombs.

Fez and Casablanca would be visited in a similar way to Itinerary 1, but our travel advisors are always ready to tailor-make your itinerary according to the preferences of you and your family.

5-Day Casablanca to Fez Highlights Tour

3.Estimating the Travel Costs

Generally speaking, travel expenses in Spain are significantly higher than those in Morocco — by about 30%.

For a private tour experience in both countries, the average daily cost per person is about 500 USD, ensuring a high-quality and hassle-free journey. This amount covers various amenities, including airfares between the two countries, luxurious 4- or 5-star accommodation, guided tours to attractions, and convenient transfers. Follow the links for more about the travel costs in Spain and Morocco.

4.Choosing the Best Time to Visit

Madrid

In Spain, the optimal times to visit are typically from March to May and September to October. During these periods, the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are more moderate.

The best times to visit Morocco are also during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is warm and pleasant, providing ample sunlight without the winter chill or the intense heat of summer.

So, for travelers who are seeking pleasant weather conditions and fewer crowds in both Spain and Morocco, the best months to travel are March, April, May, September, and October.

If you are considering traveling in summer (June–August), keep in mind that these months mark the peak summer vacation season in Spain, bringing large crowds and price hikes. It is advisable to book your tickets in advance or opt for a private tour with our Spain experts who can organize a stress-free and seamless trip for you.

In Morocco, the summer months of July and August can be scorching, particularly in inland areas such as Marrakesh and Fez, where daily temperatures average from 29°C to 38°C (84°F to 100°F) during the summer months, making it less favorable for travel. If you are planning to travel during the summer months, the coastal areas, such as Casablanca and Agadir, tend to be a better choice because of the milder temperatures due to their proximity to the ocean.

Winter in Morocco and Spain tends to be chilly, especially in the evenings and at higher altitudes. Take enough warm clothes if you are traveling in winter. If you are not concerned about the cold weather, traveling during winter offers the advantage of fewer crowds and lower costs, except for during the Christmas period.

5.Choosing Which Country to Start Your Trip In

Compared to Morocco, Spain is a much more popular travel destination. Spain offers convenient access to international flights from major cities across the world. When planning your trip, we recommend starting your journey in Spain.

Particularly if you are flying from the USA, Spain may be a preferable option due to the higher frequency of flights available. There are approximately 40 to 60 flights per week to Spain, whereas Morocco only has about 10 to 20 flights per week.

6.Transportation Between the Two Countries

When traveling between Spain and Morocco, the popular modes of transportation are ferries and flights, each offering its own set of advantages. You could take a direct flight from major cities in Spain, such as Madrid, Barcelona, or Malaga, to cities in Morocco, such as Casablanca, Marrakesh, or Tangier. The flight duration is generally short (1–2 hours), making it a convenient option.

Compared to ferry crossings, flights are generally faster and offer greater convenience in terms of scheduling and frequency, with multiple daily flights available between major cities in both countries.

If you wish to avoid spending time at the airport and enjoy scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea during the crossing, taking a ferry could be a good way to travel to Morocco. You could board a ferry from different ports in Spain, such as Algeciras or Tarifa, that head to destinations in Morocco, such as Tangier or Ceuta. Ferries provide a picturesque route across the Strait of Gibraltar and cater to both passengers and vehicles. The ferry journey typically lasts for about 1–2 hours, varying based on the departure port you choose.

The cost of a ferry trip is much lower than the cost of a flight. The cost of a one-way flight could range from approximately 100 to 300 USD, while round-trip flights may cost between 200 to 500 USD. The cost of a one-way ticket on a ferry from ports like Algeciras or Tarifa in Spain to ports in Morocco, such as Tangier or Ceuta, could range from 40 to 100 USD for passengers.