SPAIN/MOROCCO

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 50’s). The coastal and lowland areas near Seville and Marrakesh tend to be dry and hot in the summer and temperatures will often be in the 90’s.

Spain and Morocco are relatively clean and safe places to travel. However, ARCC does recommend that you take some health precautions before your trip. When you enroll in the program, you will receive more complete information on pertinent travel vaccinations and immunizations, particularly for travel in Morocco. Please also refer to the Traveler’s Health section of the CDC website. Our leaders carry a full first aid kit, and are all certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR).

We sleep in a variety of private accommodations (Moroccan Riads and Local Spanish Homes), hotels, and in a Berber camp (bedding provided).

We will be traveling in a 30-passenger private coach, vans and trains throughout this adventure. We will also travel by boat across the Strait of Gibraltar

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. It does help if we are informed of this prior to departure date.

Yes, all students traveling to Morocco and Spain need to have a valid passport. Please make sure the passport expiration date is at least six months after your trip start date. Be sure to make a photocopy of your passport and keep it in a separate place. If you lose your passport and you have a photocopy, it is much easier to replace.

No. US and Canadian Citizens do not need a visa for this program.

During the summer, Spain is on Central European Summer Time, and Morocco is just one hour behind, as they don’t observe “Summer” time. Therefore, on your trip the time in Spain will be 6 hours later than New York (Eastern Time) and 9 hours later than San Francisco (Pacific Time). Morocco will be 5 hours later than New York (Eastern Time) and 8 hours later than San Francisco (Pacific Time).

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 take a quick language placement test so that you will 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 trip leaders and local guides will speak both Spanish and English (and Arabic in Morocco) and can help translate for you any time.