We’re en route to Spain today and will be spending the next two weeks enjoying Andalusia, Barcelona, and then Morocco! I am so excited to travel internationally again, not least because my posts on Japan (particularly the ones on Kyoto) have had such positive feedback. I can’t wait to share about our Spain and Morocco destinations when we get back.
Our trip focus: Muslim kingdoms, architecture and culture!
I have been pining after photographs of mosques, monuments and castles since we decided to visit southern Spain and Morocco. I’ve never traveled to a predominantly Islamic nation or region, so this is an exciting new adventure. In Spain, we’re going to experience the multicultural (and multi-religious) heritage of Andalusia by first stopping in Sevilla and then in Granada. After a brief stint in Barcelona, we’ll head to Morocco.
There’s so much that I’m ready to learn about the kingdoms that once thrived in these regions. Islamic architecture is dazzling, not least because of the impeccable mathematical ratios, intricate fractals and looming spires. I can’t wait to see those walls and arches up close.
10 Highlights on our Spain and Morocco Itinerary
1) Sevilla: Royal Alcazar
This royal palace is supposedly one of the most beautiful in Spain. Often confused with the Alhambra, this one is smaller but has the same peaceful gardens and water features that have become iconic of Islamic grandeur.
2) Sevilla: Barrio Santa Cruz
Our AirBnB apartment is located near this sweet little neighborhood that is supposed to overflow with charm. I fully intend on falling in love and promising myself that I’ll go back.
3) Granada: The Alhambra
The Alhambra is a wonder, and I’ve been excited about this visit for months. Even if entering the Nasrid Palaces will require an early morning rush and potentially wading through crowds of ticket holders, I have no doubt it will be worth it. There will be lots of photos of this one coming.
4) Barcelona: Sagrada Familia
A friend told me that this is the absolute most beautiful building she’s ever seen in her life. A Gaudi signature, there’s supposedly light flooding into the cathedral in shafts of color. Barcelona will be the perfect place to be on Christmas Eve.
5) Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque
This mosque has been referenced so many times in the little research I’ve done on Morocco travel. Its interior is grand and stunning, and I doubt that my photographs of it will do it justice.
6) Fes: artisans and markets
Friends have already requested goodies from the Fes markets. I am so excited to take in all the textures, fragrances and chaos. Did I mention that I love spices and dates?
7) Erg Chebbi: Camel rides
I may or may not love riding the camels, but this incredible sand dune desert will absolutely take my breath away. I’ve been for-warned that the sand can get kicked up by winds easily, but I’m sure the view will be worth the sand in my mouth and ears.
8) Ouarzazate
This old region has been the backdrop of movies as famous as Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator, but I’m most excited about its beautiful architecture. We will be passing through Ouarzazate, all the while getting a great view of the High Atlas Mountains.
9) Marrakech: Saadian tombs
These tombs are iconic, and just one of the many thrilling stops we have lined up for Marrakech.
10) Sanssouci Cooking School: Moroccan cooking class
We’re going to learn Moroccan cooking and I am thrilled. I’ve been wanting to expand my cooking repertoire for a while, and this will help me introduce a whole new profile of flavors to our weakly meals. Bring on the meatballs, salads, lentils and breads!
*Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
While we’re gone, I’ll try to continue blogging but no guarantees! Whether I write here or not, I’ll be sure to gather plenty of photos and reflections for January 2016.
Ah, so excited for you! Also, this was a really fun post idea to share what you are doing for your itinerary! Hope you are having a blast!
Ah ok! I think we’re going to just barely miss each other! 🙁 We’re in Casablanca now and we’ll be in Fez starting tomorrow night, and we’re heading into the desert the day after. Bummer! Well it’s exciting to know we’ll still be in the same country if not in the same exact city– can’t wait to compare notes!
Hey Daisy! We are going to be in Fez from 30 Dec – 3 Jan, then we are doing a 4 day tour, then we will be in Marrakech from 7 – 11 Jan … maybe we will cross paths!
I KNEW you would love Spain! I’ve now added living in Spain to my daydream list hehe. I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed your visit and happy holidays! x
Thanks Ally! Spain has been absolutely incredible– I can’t wait to write about it. Merry Christmas!
Thanks Mica! Merry Christmas to you & yours. xo
Thanks Kaelene!! I’m so excited for the rest of the trip– Spain has been amazing so far. Merry Christmas to you, friend!
Hahaha me too! Merry Christmas, Elise! 🙂
Thanks friend! Merry Christmas Eve!
Thanks for the tip, Linda!!! The sand does sound pretty intense. We’ll see what we can do!
Ah thanks friend!! I’ll be sharing as much as I can hopefully in early January. 🙂
Merry Christmas to you!! Enjoy Taiwan… I’m jealous, I spent many a holiday there growing up!
I loved both of those!! And yes, SF– can’t believe it won’t be done for another 10 years (or more)… I’m definitely coming back in later years to see it when it’s completed. And I loved the Real Alcazar; it was so stunning (and pretty peaceful compared to the Alhambra). Loved everything.
It’s been absloutely amazing, I can’t even fathom it all yet! Spain is incredible– I can’t believe it’s not more popular (at least compared with Italy and France) of a destination among Americans. The food, people, architecture, history– it’s all so great. Loving every minute so far!
Jennifer!!! Tell me where you’re going to be in Morocco! I think our itinerary is pretty packed but maybe we can figure something out! We leave tomorrow for Casablanca. 🙂
Also, I have absolutely LOVED Spain… perhaps even more than I anticipated. There is so much diversity, art, good food, architecture, sweet people… amazing. And I’m jealous of YOU for having spent a whole month here– my gosh! Everything is incredible, I am definitely coming back for a longer stay in the future!
Your itinerary sounds AMAZING!! I have some friends who studied abroad in southern spain and LOVED it. Can’t wait to hear about your trip in future posts 🙂
-Ally
http://goseekexplore.com
As someone who has just spent a month in Spain, I can tell you that your itinerary is SPOT ON! I know you’re in Seville at the moment and I’m so jealous – I hope you’re having an amazing time.
If you read this in time, when you get to Barcelona please, please try La Llavor dels Origens (http://www.lallavordelsorigens.com/index.php?lang=en). I loved this place so much: traditional Catalan recipes, local food, organic wines, amazing desert, all at really good prices. We ate there 2 days in a row (go to the Born location and then 2 minutes down the road to the Born cultural centre – it’s free and there is a really good exhibit about Catalan culture and history.)
I think we might be in Morocco around the same time – I’ll be stalking your Instagram and maybe we’ll cross paths! Have a great holiday x
Ahhh I’ve been waiting for this post! (And caught it two days late, whoops!) It sounds like you will see amazing things all through Morocco! I’ve only seen a little bit of this country, but I learned so much in the short time I was there. You will love it, I’m sure! And then Spain! I can’t wait to hear what you think about Sevilla and Granada. Plus Barcelona! Yes – I agree with your friend, the Sagrada Familia is the most beautiful building I’ve seen! It is an experience to have for sure. I’m so excited for you and this adventure. Can’t wait to see photos of it all! 🙂
The Real Alcazar & Sagrada Familia are two of my favorite sights!! The light truly is amazing in the SF and it’s wild how long it’s been ‘under construction’ so to speak. The old section and the new section are incredible to compare. And the RA has such magnificent grounds…I was there in the summer so it was quite hot but tranquil nonetheless. ENJOY!! (So jealous of the cooking class – share a recipe!!)
Have the best vacation ever!! We’re also hoping to do Spain later this year (basing ourselves in Seville) so I’m so excited to read about it. And I’m soooo jealous of Morocco and camel rides through the desert!
And in case I don’t hear from you again… Merry Christmas!! xx
You could bring one of your scarves to tie over your mouth, nose, and ears while in the sand dunes. And wrap around glasses for your eyes so you won’t miss seeing anything. Not sure I would risk a camera out there, though, unless you can take photos through a plastic bag. Have a GREAT trip!
Wow! I hope you have an absolutely amazing trip!!! <3
I can’t wait to see the camels!!! 🙂 Merry Christmas, Daisy!
Have the best trip! This sounds amazing, can’t wait to read about it, especially your cooking class! Merry Christmas!
Wow you’re sure to have an amazing trip! A camel ride in the desert sounds awesome! 🙂
Have a great time and a very merry Christmas 🙂
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