NORTHERN MOROCCO AND SPANISH ENCLAVES… “GATES TO SPAIN THROUGH THE TINY ENCLAVES OF CUETA & MELILLA”
February 23 - March 05, 2025
Led by Historian &Tour Lecturer, Mohamed Halouani
Ceuta and Melilla are two small forbidden enclaves on the coast of Morocco. Despite seemingly being a part of Morocco, they actually belong to Spain. Coveted by Morocco, they have long been a flashpoint in diplomatic relations with Spain. Madrid asserts that both territories are integral parts of Spain and have the same status as the semi-autonomous regions on its mainland. Increasingly Ceuta and Melilla's heavily fortified borders have come under pressure from African migrants seeking a better life in Europe. Both cities date their original establishment to the Phoenicians, the sailors, and merchants of the ancient Mediterranean. Later Ceuta and Melilla became the site of a Carthaginian settlement, which was taken over eventually by the Romans. In the 5th century the cities were captured by the Vandals, who in time lost it to Byzantium. After that the Visigoths, Arabs, Portuguese, and finally the Spanish in 1580 seized control. Since that time, except for a period from 1694 to 1720 when the Moors gained control, the enclaves have remained under the jurisdiction of Spain. Separated from Spain by the Straits of Gibraltar and sandwiched between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean lies Morocco on the northern shores of Africa. Discover the rich history and culture of the Imperial Cities and the north. This tour will capture the dramatic contrasts of the kingdom. Against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery, the footprints of history wind from antiquity through the pinnacle of Islamic achievement in a country determined to modernize on its own terms. Its culture is on display every day in its buzzing souks (marketplaces). Discover this glorious land in the enchanting city of Fes—a walled enclave suspended in a medieval dream. Be mesmerized by the truly stunning desert oasis where golden dunes stretch to the horizon. Morocco offers the opportunity to experience a rich Islamic culture in a safe and tourist-friendly environment.
Can be combined with Morocco and Western Sahara tour
(February 09 - February 23, 2025)
Tour Cost Tour Cost (Land Only): $5,995.00
Per person sharing in double occupancy
Single Supplement: $495.00
Price based on a group size minimum of 6 participants and maximum of 10 participants
Trip Grade: II Lodging Level: ***
Tour Includes
Airport / Hotel / Airport transfers.
All accommodation at mentioned Hotels or similar.
Travel by modern a/c vehicles.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner).
All Tours as per itinerary & entrance fees to the sites and museums mentioned.
Escort of tour lecturer (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
English Speaking local guide.
Bottled water on touring days only.
Gratuities to guide, drivers, and porters (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Tour Does Not Include
International airfare USA - Casablanca - USA
Moroccan Visa (Currently Gratis to US citizens and obtainable upon arrival at Casablanca airport).
Photography and video making fees.
Beverages and alcoholic drinks with or without meals.
Items of a personal nature (camera fees, laundry, excess luggage, etc.).
Transfers if not arriving/departing on tour dates.
Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules or misconnections.
Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
Travel protection insurance.
(HIGHLY RECOMMENDED).
Trip Grade:
II Active – Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some long rides.
LODGING Level:
*** Superior - Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service and comfort level acceptable to western standards. (3 or 4 stars)
