Experience a melting pot of cultures in these distant locales and witness their lasting influences in the bustling Moroccan medinas and the Moorish remnants scattered throughout Spain. Elevate your Spanish language proficiency with expert instruction from local teachers, followed by enriching afternoons exploring Madrid and Seville. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Spanish culture through captivating flamenco performances and guided city tours. Savor the flavors of iconic dishes like paella, tagine, and endless tapas. Learn about centuries of history through visits to temples, mosques, and cathedrals. In Spain, practice Spanish daily while indulging in flamenco, historical excursions, and the charm of Andalusian culture. Cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco, just a short ferry ride away but a world apart. Wander the enchanting cobblestone streets of Chefchaouen, the “Blue City”, and live alongside locals in the High Atlas Mountains, exchanging ideas and stories and helping with infrastructure projects benefiting these Moroccan communities.
Spain & Morocco
Spice of Life
18 days
Trip duration
9th – 12th
Grades
18 days
July 11 - July 28, 2024
New York, NY
Arrival & Departure
$6,195
Tuition
18 days
Trip duration
July 11 - July 28, 2024
9th – 12th
Grades
*Airfare for group flight from New York additional
Overview
Highlights
- Sample Explosions of Local Flavor from Mint Tea to Paella to Tapas, All Enhanced with the Richest Spices
- Take Part in Flamenco Dancing Lessons and Prepare Regional Cuisine in Traditional Spanish Cooking Classes
- Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Culture of Southern Spain, Northern Africa and the Mediterranean Region
- Shop Through the Ancient Medina of the Enchanting Blue City of Chefchaouen, Which Lies at the Feet of the Rif Mountains
- Stay in a Traditional Amazigh Village in the High Atlas Mountains as Part of a Cultural Exchange With Local Moroccans
- Experience the Sights and Sounds of the Ancient Cities of Madrid, Seville, Tangier, Chefchaouen, and Marrakech
- Travel Into the Agafay Desert to Visit a Palm-Lined Oasis Hidden Amongst the Golden Sand Dunes
- 15 Language Course Hours & 10 Service Hours
Want to learn more about traveling with ARCC or have more questions about this program?
Schedule a Call with Brent Anderson
Cultural Immersion
Visit the Spanish cities of Madrid, Seville, and Tarifa, and enjoy the gorgeous Mediterranean coast. See iconic sites such as the main square of Plaza Mayor and the enormous Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home to Real Madrid, Europe’s most successful soccer team. Build your Spanish language skills through structured language classes led by local teachers and immersive practice in Seville. Visit the bustling medinas and kasbahs of Tangier, Chefchaouen, and Marrakech, learn flamenco dancing, and sample delicious tapas and meals.
Cultural
Language Learning & Community Projects
Improve your Spanish language skills through daily classes, then practice your communication while interacting with locals and merchants. Assist rural Amazigh communities in the High Atlas Mountains as they work towards infrastructure repairs and improvement. Work together with a Moroccan organization to cross language and cultural barriers and learn more about the community’s needs.
Service
Adventure
Experience bustling cities filling your senses with the smells of local spices and tanneries and sounds of the call to prayer. Spend time shopping in bustling medinas, where merchants barter with locals and visitors alike. Take a camelback ride through Moroccan desert at sunset in the Palmeraie, a lush, palm-lined desert oasis that has existed for hundreds of years. Enjoy a refreshing dip into the azure blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Exploration
Common Questions
The weather can vary from very hot climates on the coast and in cities, to more mildly cool climates up in the higher altitudes in the High Atlas Mountains (some nights it can get as low as the 50s). The coastal and lowland areas near Seville and Marrakech tend to be dry and hot in the summer and temperatures will often be in the 90s, but Marrakech can often get over 100 degrees F during July and August.
We sleep in a variety of private accommodations (Moroccan Riads and Local Spanish Homes), hotels, and in a Amazigh community guest house.
We will be traveling via a variety of methods over the course of this program, including private shuttles, vans, and trains throughout this adventure. We will also travel by ferry from Spain to Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar, and take a short return flight from Morocco to Spain.
We will have the opportunity to sample traditional local cuisine such as tapas, tagine, paella, and local fruits and vegetables. This region of Spain and Morocco is known for rich spices and flavors. Vegetarians and medical dietary requirements (i.e. allergies) are catered to. Please inform ARCC of any dietary restrictions prior to the departure date.
Although you will not be doing traditional backpacking on this trip, it is important that you bring a backpack or duffel as your main piece of luggage. During the trip the group will be navigating through airports, getting on and off buses, going up and down stairways and escalators, and taking short walks. The group will be able to move much more efficiently if everyone is able to carry their luggage.
Not at all. There is no language requirement for this program. Prior to the program, you will need to let us know your Spanish fluency level so that you can be placed in the best class for learning Spanish during your time in Seville. If you speak Spanish you will have plenty of opportunities to use it! Your local guides will speak both Spanish and English (and Arabic in Morocco) and can help translate for you at any time.
Have questions? Speak to one of our Program Directors, give them a call at (415) 332.5075 , they love talking about their trips!
