It is strange to be discussing winter when summer continues at full heat here in Southern California. Aaron and I spent some time this weekend making a few more arrangements for our winter 2015 plans, and I’d like to share them with you today!
Over the course of 2 weeks this winter, we’re headed to two different countries. Want to give them a guess?
A few hints about our first country…
- It was once conquered and ruled by the Moors.
- Flamenco originates from and continues to be celebrated here.
- It is in Europe, but did not participate in the First or Second World Wars.
A few hints about our second country…
- It is on a different continent from the first, but close in proximity.
- It is home to the world’s oldest university that continues to run to this day. This university was founded in AD 859.
- Both Spain and France have held this country as a protectorate, and many citizens can still speak French even though it’s not the official language.
Country #1: Spain
We’re heading to the south of Spain and Barcelona for about a week. Aaron and I are getting to visit Sevilla and Granada before joining up with the rest of our family in Barcelona!
In both Sevilla and Granada I’m excited to wander through cobblestone alleys and admire the Islamic influence on architecture and culture. I cannot wait to try real Spanish tapas and wander through the Royal Alcazar and the Museo Bellas Artes.
And of course in Granada we’re going to the Alhambra– tickets are already reserved! This enormous palace is famed for its intricate design and absolutely stunning gardens. I can’t wait to photograph it; images I’ve found on Pinterest already have me inspired!
Finally, we’re spending Christmas in Barcelona! It will be my first time spending Christmas in Europe, and I have no idea what to expect. I am beyond thrilled to experience new Christmas traditions, chaotic as the holiday might be.
In my excitement I created a whole Pinterest board to collect images of Spain in my preliminary research.
Country #2: Morocco
As a whole family, we’re going to Morocco! I still have so much to learn about this country and I can hardly believe that I get to be there in a matter of a few months. My fabulous in-laws are planning this trip, and we are more than thrilled to follow along!
We’ll be in Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez, Skoura, and the Saharan desert (hello camels!). Our travels will take us through mosques, palaces, villages, medinas and markets– all of which will be so new to me. I can’t wait to capture it all and hopefully do it justice. Here is my Pinterest board for Morocco!
Related: 6 Tips for Better Travel Planning
*Sources of the first photo, and the second photo.
You MUST visit Montserrat Monastery if you’ll be in Barcelona. It’s a day trip with the most spectacular views. You take a train outside the city and then have the option of a train or gondola up the mountain – definitely do the gondola.
I also have another MUST tip for visiting Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. If you’re facing the crucifixion facade (where the main entry is) walk across the street on your left. There is a bank machine right there where you can buy timed tickets for entry. When we arrived there was literally a 4 hour line up that wrapped around the entire side of the church. We purchased timed tickets, grabbed a quick coffee and just walked into the church. Unbelievable! Enjoy your trip!
Omg so exciting!!!! I’m DYING to go to Spain someday! And also Morrocco. We’re still seeing if it’s financially feasible for us to do so next year. I also really want to spend Christmas in Europe one year. All those Christmas markets! But I don’t think there’s any way we can bring heavy winter gear with us. I think it’s so lovely that you’re going to Morrocco with the whole family! 🙂
Seville & Barcelona are amazing!!! So different and so cool. I loved both of them so much. I’ve never been to Morocco but all of my friends loved it – you’re going to have a wonderful time!
Thanks Jordan!! 🙂 I’ll be doing my best with photos throughout the trip!
Ooh nice job! *virtual high five* And I’ll be snapping photos left and right! 🙂
Ahh!!!! Tell me ALL about Sevilla and Barcelona and what you enjoyed there! We will definitely look out for those restaurants in Spain– can’t wait to go munch and sip our way through the cities! And I’m hoping our Morocco trip will go well; Aaron’s mom is planning it al and she doesn’t leave out any details. I’ll be snapping as many photos as I can! :))
wow that is fantastic Emily! Tell me more about Fez– what were your favorite spots there?? We are so excited to visit both Spain and Morocco– and I’ll definitely look into Ait Benhaddou!
Daisy Daisy DAISY! Long time no speak!!! I don’t think I cracked open my blog list during the entire month of September — which was a simply ridiculous month. Happy October! And cheers to winter travel plans! I’m SO excited for you! Barcelona and Sevilla are two of my favorite cities in the world. Eat at Mordisco in Sevilla for the BEST tapas (if its open – trip advisor is saying closed – please say its not so I dream of their patatas bravas on a weekly basis!!!), and eat at Bar Pinotxo in the La Boqueria market in Barcelona. I didn’t have the best time in Marrakesh and I’m so glad to hear you’ll be exploring so many cities in Morocco — I expect a full report! (Obvs)
SO EXCITED!!!
XOXOX
http://www.threadandbones.com
wow, how exciting! I am so jealous! I am dying to get to both of these countries.
ps, I totally got both of them right 🙂
You may also find a few great suggestions from Annie’s travel blog. 🙂
How exciting!!! I really want to go to Morocco and can’t wait to follow along on your travels xo
Hi Daisy! Great choices. I’ve been to both Spain and Morocco. I lived a couple of months in Fez over eight years ago actually, and traveled to all of the placed you mentioned. I loved Morocco! I might also add in Ait Benhaddou on the caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara, if you’re able to fit it in.
Thanks for pointing that out, Jae! I’ll definitely check out her blog. 🙂
I’ve missed YOU, Gina!! 🙂 I seriously cannot wait to take photo and do some writing about these places!
Yes! I love Morocco’s tea! It was the first time I actually had a whole cup of tea (never really liked tea before) and it was amazing!
Ahh I’ve been so out of blogging land that I didn’t see that you posted this! You will LOVE it, Daisy. I am so excited for you! Barcelona is so much fun and you are going to darling Sevilla! I can’t wait to see which places you like most! Also, Morocco is incredible. I would love to explore there some more too. Happy travel planning!! Can’t wait for all the photos!!
Unfortunately not, the vacation happened before I started bloggging.
A fellow travel blogger, V of Life + 1, recently went to Morocco! You may pick up a few tips from her. 🙂
Yes it’s going to be an adventure! And oh I am so excited about the architecture everywhere– from Barcelona to Morocco!
I’ve heard amazing things about Granada and I am so excited!! Let me know if you have any blog posts about it!
Ooh, “Moroccan mint” has a lovely ring to it. I will definitely try it– thanks for the recommendation, Deniz!
Haha! Sending you virtual high fives!!
And with your story telling skills I’m sure any trip will sound like a fun adventure, no matter how low-key! 😉
Wow you live in Granada?! That’s absolutely amazing! What are your favorite places so far?? (feel free to send me any blog posts you’ve written about it)!!
Oh, sounds absolutely fantastic!! I’m in love with the architecture too and can’t wait to see it in person. I think that Gibraltar and/or Portugal would be absolutely amazing… I’ve seen lovely photos and hope to make it there eventually!
That’s fantastic Pia! I didn’t realize Morocco had surfing– that makes total sense!
I’ve only been to Barcelona and loved it!! Especially all the buildings designed by Gaudi! I have no idea how it will look like in Christmas though! Morocco is a country I definitely want to visit!
Granada is really, really beautiful and you are going to love the Alhambra! Sevilla is also great and Barcelona anyway 😉
4 nights in Fez from 30 Dec, then we’re doing a 4 night tour (can’t remember all details … I’m kind of letting myself be surprised,! But going to the Sahara desert, the Atlas mountains and a few villages ), then 4 nights in Marrakesh. You??
Amazing destinations! When you are in Morocco, you need to try their mint tea. They call it “Moroccan mint” and it has a hint of citrus. My absolute favorite!
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
I guessed them both from your clues alone (allow me to be proud of that, I’m so very weak on my knowledge of Europe, haha!). You guys are going to have such an adventure! Angel has a little time off after Christmas so we’re trying to think up a trip…but it’ll probably be a pretty low-key one…
You will love Spain! I’ve just moved to Granada (after 3 years in Madrid) and the city is absolutely charming. It’s great you’ve already reserved your tickets to the Alhambra, they can sell out and it’d be a shame not to see it while here.
Haven’t been to Morocco yet, but I’m planning a trip sometime next year, can’t wait to read what you have to say about it.
Great trips! I’m hoping to do Morocco in March or April. I’ve become obsessed with the architecture there, I can’t wait! We also want to spend some additional time and try to head up to Gibraltar or the Portugal coast for some sun and sand, but not sure if our trip will be late enough in the Spring to get the best weather 🙂 Look forward to hering all about it!
I’m hopefully going on a surf trip to Morocco in January too! These both sound like great tips. I’m excited to read about them here 🙂
xx, Pia
http://gymbagsandjetlags.com
Definitely go to Parc Guell in Barcelona! xx
Yay!! I’m so excited! we will be trying our best to take great photos! 😉
Oh cool!! We’re going in the morning too because I love that morning light! Let me know if you have other Granada suggestions, by the way. 🙂
Yes I’m excited! There’s SO much to see in Spain and I wish we could be there longer. I’ve never been!
Thank you Kat!! We will be taking so many photos so I look forward to sharing! 🙂
Thank you, friend!! I’ll be bringing multiple cameras!!
Thank you Rachel! 🙂
Aw thanks Kiki!! I’ll be trying my best to take good photos!
I’ve heard amazing things about the Alhambra and it’s definitely one of the most-anticipated destinations for me. I’ve also heard that Granada is a really beautiful city. Let me know if you have specific suggestions!!
Thanks Carolyn! I’ll bring my camera– let me know if you have specific must-see sights in Barcelona. I’ll take notes! 😉
Yes… Morocco seems to have architecture that is just beyond my imagination. I’ll be bringing my camera! 😉
Thanks Marcella! We’re bringing multiple cameras!
Wow, that must be so exciting for your friend! I’ll definitely take all the notes I can, especially about Spain so I can share them for when you check it off your bucket list. 😉
So great, Amanda! PLEASE let me know if you have recommendations! x
Thanks Kaelene! We are definitely bringing multiple cameras. 😉
Thanks so much! We are beyond excited.
I am SO excited for Granada… I can’t even contain it– haha! And that’s crazy you’ll be there at the same time, do you know where in Morocco you’ll be?
Wow Daisy you are amazing! I’ve always dreamed of going to Morocco. I seriously can not wait to see your images and stories from your trip. Looking forward to chatting soon! 🙂
Oh, Ive been to Granada and went to the Alhambra, we had to get tickets to go first thing in the morning as the rest were sold out, but it worked out perfectly because it was a little less busy and the morning light was gorgeous and not too hot! And Morocco is definitely on my list, I’m sure you will have an incredible time!
Spain is on our list — I’ll be excited to read all about it!!
So jealous of your amazing travel plans. Can’t wait to hear all about your trips — I’m anxious already! 🙂
xoxo
Kat
Awesome!!! I can’t wait to hear all about it!
So fun! I’ve never been to either, but both places sound amazing!
I can’t wait to read about your travels! One of my really good friends lives in Madrid! You will love Spain. (:
http://www.accordingtokiki.net
What fun destinations! I’ve been to Spain – not to Barcelona, but to Granada to see the Alhambra. It’s fantastic.
I absolutely LOVE Barcelona! From the Ramblas to Gaudi Park it’s such a wonderful city to explore. Have a great time!
http://clmowl.blogspot.co.uk
I’ve never been to either but would love to go to both! ESPECIALLY Morocco. Can’t wait to visit them vicariously through your photos and posts!
So so exciting! Can’t wait to read about these travels 🙂
Oh my goodness!! How fun!! Southern Spain (basically the route you’re taking!) is way at the top of my travel bucket list. A dear friend of mine lived there for years, and she’s getting married there next month. I so wish I could have been there for it! Someday I’ll travel there with her. 🙂 I hope you guys have tons of fun planning and anticipating!
How exciting! I’ve been to Barcelona and I loved it! x
This sounds amazing! I would love to visit both of these places, can’t wait to follow along on this adventure!
That sounds so amazing! I’ve never been to either of those places but I would seriously love to one day!!
Renee | Lose The Road
Oh – so excited for you! We might even cross paths, I’m going to be in Spain (a few weeks before you I think) but I’ll be in Morocco for New Years for 2 weeks. I haven’t been to Morocco before but I have been to Spain and I know you will love it – especially Granada!!! xx