The Moorish Trail
The Moorish Trail
Tour Overview
Follow the Moorish trail starting from Madrid, Spain and ending in Casablanca, Morocco. Discover the elegant Spanish capital on the sightseeing tour with a local guide, and then proceed to explore the pearls of Andalusia: spend three nights in Cordoba, the city featuring the Mezquita; and get to know Malaga, birthplace of Picasso on the Costa del Sol. Andalusia is associated with passionate flamenco, sunny countryside and a fascinating Moorish past, and crossing the Gibraltar Straight is the natural step to get a taste of real Moroccan culture. Immerse yourself in the northern region of this fascinating and exotic country. From the capital of Spain to the foot of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains, enjoy the diversity of views, flavors and sounds on this affordable journey of a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Madrid,Spain
Location: Madrid
Welcome to Spain! Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Spain’s capital using your CosmosGO app. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions at the welcome meeting.
Day 2: Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover Madrid on the guided orientation tour with a Local Guide who will help you discover the city with some insider information.
Day 3: Madrid,Valdepeñas,Cordoba
Location: Cordoba
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Valdepeñas is a wine-making area with an excellent Designation of Origin. On the town orientation, see the Plaza de España Square, with its white and blue façades, and the Asunción Parish Church, a beautiful Renaissance building. Visit the local wine museum to get an insight into the history and the cultural notions surrounding wine. Drive south to Cordoba, famous around the world for its Great Mosque, where you spend three nights.Today’s Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km
Day 4: Cordoba
Location: Cordoba
Meals Included: Breakfast
The historic old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with little streets ready to be explored, courtyards full of flowers, inviting squares and lively taverns. Learn more about the city on the walking tour with a Local Guide who will also take you to visit the Mezquita, one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim art in Spain. After the Christian conquest in 1523, the cathedral was built inside, and features highlights such as the main altarpiece, the Baroque altarpiece, and the mahogany choir stalls.
Day 5: Cordoba
Location: Cordoba
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day is free for you to discover Cordoba on your own or join an optional day trip to Seville to explore with a Local Guide this very special city for the of the grandeur of its monuments and charming neighborhoods such as Triana, birthplace of many flamenco artists. See the Giralda Tower, the Cathedral, the Real Alcázar, and the monumental Plaza de España, featuring 52 mosaic-tiled benches representing all the provinces of the country.
Day 6: Cordoba,Malaga,Mijas
Location: Malaga
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, and discover the historic spots and the hometown of painter Pablo Picasso on the guided sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. Continue south to Mijas, set on the hills overlooking the Mediterranean. Today’s Distance: 124 mi/ 199 km
Day 7: Mijas,Tangier,Morocco
Location: Tangier
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take a ferry across the legendary Strait of Gibraltar, a few miles of water separating Europe from Africa, and arrive in Tangier. Today’s Distance (by coach): 83 mi/ 135 km
Day 8: Tangier
Location: Tangier
Meals Included: Breakfast
The streets of « White »Tangier are lined with lime-coated houses. Just like Delacroix or Matisse did upon their arrival, get carried away by the uniqueness of the city. At the foot of the high walls of the "Kasbah", roam through the alleys and admire the fortress that dominates the medina. Enjoy a free day on your own or consider an optional day trip to Chefchaouen, for a dreamy day in the city painted blue. Beyond its azure beauty, Chefchaouen brims with attractions and a rich heritage.
Day 9: Tangier,Rabat,Casablanca
Location: Casablanca
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Tangier, heading towards Casablanca, stop in Rabat, capital of Morocco and one of the imperial cities. It is a cultural hub, rooted in history and boasting many artistic masterpieces. Continue to the bustling metropolis of Casablanca for a sightseeing tour with a Local Guide, with the highlight being a visit to the Hassan II Mosque.Today’s Distance: 210 mi/ 338 km
Day 10: End Casablanca
Location: Casablanca
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in the following hotels: Hotel Chamartin The One in Madrid, Crisol Jardines de Cordoba in Cordoba, Hotel Ilunion Mijas in Mijas, and Kenzi Basma in Casablanca.
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Meals
Daily breakfast (B) and some dinners (D) as specified in the itinerary.
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Guided Tours
Guided orientation tours with Local Guides in Madrid, Cordoba, Malaga, and Casablanca.
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Ferry
Ferry crossing from Mijas to Tangier across the Strait of Gibraltar.
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Visits and Sightseeing
Visits to various locations including the Great Mosque in Cordoba, the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, and the wine museum in Valdepeñas.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional day trips such as the trip to Seville from Cordoba and the trip to Chefchaouen from Tangier.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks not included in the itinerary.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
Accommodation
Madrid:Hotel Chamartin The OneCordoba:Crisol Jardines de CordobaMijas:Hotel Ilunion MijasTangier:Dixil GardenCasablanca:Kenzi Basma
UNESCO Sites
Casablanca Hassan Mosque 2|Historic Centre of Cordoba|Rabat (Modern Capital and Historic City)
Meals
9 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at Hotel Chamartin The One in Madrid, Crisol Jardines de Cordoba in Cordoba, Hotel Ilunion Mijas in Mijas, and Kenzi Basma in Casablanca.
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What activities are planned for the first day in Madrid?
On the first day in Madrid, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day free to explore Spain's capital using the CosmosGO app. In the evening, you will meet your Tour Director and travel companions at the welcome meeting.
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What will we do in Cordoba on the fourth day?
On the fourth day in Cordoba, you will explore the historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on a walking tour with a Local Guide. You will visit the Mezquita, one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim art in Spain, and see highlights such as the main altarpiece, the Baroque altarpiece, and the mahogany choir stalls.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there are several opportunities for free time during the tour. For example, on the first day in Madrid, you have the rest of the day free to explore the city. Additionally, on the fifth day in Cordoba and the eighth day in Tangier, you have free days to discover the cities on your own or join optional day trips.
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What is the significance of Valdepeñas in the itinerary?
Valdepeñas is a wine-making area with an excellent Designation of Origin. During the visit, you will see the Plaza de España Square, the Asunción Parish Church, and visit the local wine museum to learn about the history and cultural notions surrounding wine.
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What can I expect during the visit to Tangier?
In Tangier, you will take a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar and arrive in the city. You will have a free day to explore the streets lined with lime-coated houses, roam through the alleys of the Kasbah, and admire the fortress that dominates the medina. You can also consider an optional day trip to Chefchaouen.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Casablanca?
In Casablanca, you will have a sightseeing tour with a Local Guide, with the highlight being a visit to the Hassan II Mosque.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.