2026 Boulder Spain and Morocco Explorers Program
| Travel Dates: |
June 1, 2026 -
June 12, 2026
Dates tentative until flights confirmed
|
| Group Organizer(s): |
|
| WTT Contact: |
|
| Program Tuition: |
$4,290 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
|
| Estimated Airfare: | $1,250 |
Important Reminders
Passport check
Insurance Reminder
Fundraiser
Review all materials
What to Expect
Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.
Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teaches that we must be flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 1 | USA - Spain | Today we depart the USA on an overnight flight to Spain. | Airplane |
| June 2 | Sevilla | We will arrive in Sevilla by mid-afternoon and settle into our hotel. Later, we’ll take a walk through the historic center, exploring the streets once shaped by Islamic rule during the era of Al-Andalus. We’ll visit the Cathedral of Sevilla, originally the site of the city's Great Mosque, where the famous Giralda tower still stands as a striking example of Islamic architectural legacy. In the evening, we’ll enjoy our first Spanish dinner and gather for an orientation session to discuss our goals and focus for the journey. | Sevilla Hotel |
| June 3 | Sevilla - Cordoba - Granada | After breakfast, we’ll drive to Córdoba, once a flourishing center of Islamic scholarship and power. Our visit to the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba will reveal layers of religious history, showcasing a remarkable Islamic prayer hall transformed into a Catholic cathedral—one of the most iconic symbols of religious coexistence and conflict. After lunch, we’ll continue to Granada, where Islamic rule endured until 1492. We’ll arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy a dinner of local tapas in the heart of this atmospheric city. | Granada Hotel |
| June 4 | Granada | Today we’ll explore Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most breathtaking examples of Islamic architecture in the world. This palace-fortress complex was the last stronghold of the Nasrid Dynasty and symbolizes the artistic and scientific zenith of Muslim Spain. After our guided tour, we’ll have time to wander through the old Moorish quarter of Albaicín, where narrow lanes and courtyards preserve the feel of Al-Andalus. In the evening, we’ll attend a flamenco performance in a hillside cave—a cultural expression deeply influenced by the legacy of Moorish music and rhythm. Overnight in Granada. | Granada Hotel |
| June 5 | Granada - Malaga | This morning we're off to Malaga, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. After settling in to our hotel, we'll explore the city center, visiting the Picasso Museum, the Roman Theater, and the grounds of the Alcazaba. In the afternoon we'll have some time to relax on the beach and enjoy the famous Costa del Sol before getting ready for our final Spanish dinner! | Malaga Hotel |
| June 6 | Malaga - Fes | After breakfast, we’ll travel to Málaga airport and board our flight to Fes, often called the spiritual and intellectual capital of Morocco. In the evening, we’ll take a guided walking tour through the Fes el-Bali medina, one of the best-preserved medieval Islamic cities in the world. As we explore its winding alleys, mosques, and bustling souks, we’ll begin to understand the city’s historical role in the Islamic Golden Age. Dinner will be served at a rooftop restaurant with sweeping views over the city’s minarets and skyline. We’ll stay overnight in a traditional riad. | Fes Riad |
| June 7 | Fes | We will spend the day immersed in the Islamic heritage of Fes, which has served as a center of religious scholarship for over a millennium. Our guided tour will include visits to ancient medrasas such as Bou Inania and Al-Attarine, as well as Al-Qarawiyyin University, considered the oldest continuously operating degree-granting university in the world, founded by a Muslim woman, Fatima al-Fihri. After lunch inside the medina, we’ll visit the Chouara tanneries, where traditional leather-making methods have remained unchanged since medieval times. Later, we’ll explore a pottery village to witness artisans creating traditional zellij tilework, a quintessential Islamic art form. Dinner will be enjoyed in a charming local restaurant. | Fes Riad |
| June 8 | Middle Atlas Mountains | Today we’ll journey into the Middle Atlas Mountains, where we’ll experience the spiritual and cultural life of Morocco’s Berber communities, many of whom embraced Islam over a thousand years ago. Our scenic hike will take us through tranquil landscapes dotted with cedar forests and mountain villages. We’ll share a homemade lunch with local Berber families and gain insight into their Islamic and Berber traditions and hospitality. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Fes to relax. | Fes Riad |
| June 9 | Meknes | We’ll head west to the imperial city of Meknes, developed under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail, a powerful leader of the Islamic Alaouite dynasty. We’ll visit his mausoleum and one of the city’s historic medrasas, exploring how Islamic architecture and urban design shaped Meknes' identity. After lunch, we’ll visit Volubilis, an ancient Roman site that pre-dates Islam but later became part of the early Islamic empire after the Arab conquests of North Africa. We'll walk among its remarkably preserved mosaics and ruins while discussing the cultural transitions from paganism to Islam in the region. In the evening, we’ll return to Fes for dinner. | Fes Riad |
| June 10 | Fes - Rabat - Casablanca | We’ll depart Fes and journey toward the Atlantic coast. Our first stop will be Rabat, Morocco’s modern capital, where Islamic governance continues to shape daily life. We’ll visit Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret intended to be the largest in the Islamic world, and explore the Chellah necropolis, once a Roman city and later transformed into a sacred Islamic burial site. We’ll also view the exterior of the Royal Palace, a modern seat of Morocco’s Islamic monarchy. After lunch, we’ll continue to Casablanca, where we’ll check into our hotel and rest for the night. | Casablanca Hotel |
| June 11 | Casablanca - USA | On our final day, we’ll visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most awe-inspiring mosques in the world. Built partly over the ocean, it stands as a symbol of modern Islamic identity and Moroccan craftsmanship. After a light lunch and some final reflections, we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight, carrying with us a deeper understanding of the shared Islamic heritage of southern Spain and Morocco—and the enduring cultural connections between the two. | Your own bed, eventually |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
TOC Sevilla
TOC Sevilla is situated in an exclusive modern building at the heart of the city and is surrounded by the main places of tourist interest. This is a modern and hi-tech hotel, includes security technology with fingerprint room access control system, 24/7 Reception, safes for your personal belongings and other features, such as free Wi-Fi, kitchen, main living room, and a playroom.
Monasterio Basilio
Monasterio Basilio is located in the center of Granada and provides an ideal location from which to explore the city. This cozy hotel can accommodate up to four students per room with ensuite bathrooms and the quirky aesthetic that defines this hotel makes for a memorable stay.
Riad Salam Fes
Hôtel Club Val d’Anfa Casablanca Ocean View
Hôtel Club Val d’Anfa Casablanca Ocean view is situated 50 m from the beach in Casablanca. Guest rooms at the Club Val are equipped with a TV, a marble bathroom and have a balcony. They look out over the ocean or the garden. It offers free Wi-Fi and is set in peaceful gardens with a swimming pool and ocean views.
Group Flight
Once your flight schedule has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.
Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.
Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.
We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.
FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION
Air travel can be unpredictable. Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc. Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route. Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night. Our primary role will be to keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a quick and effective resolution.
Host Community and Project Details
Packing List
What follows is a sample packing list, which will be updated for each program. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on hikes, weekend excursions and shorter activities.
Most importantly, be sure to remember your PASSPORT and STUDENT ID.
CLOTHES:
Underwear
Socks (a mixture of good hiking socks and casual socks)
T-shirts (some quick dry)
Light-weight, long sleeve shirts
Light sweater or sweatshirt
Light rain jacket
Travel/athletic shorts that are breathable and light
Comfortable/hiking/everyday pants (NOT all jeans)
Nice shirt/top to be worn to more formal dinners (girls might want a skirt or something a little nicer for such occasions)
Durable athletic/hiking shoes
Sandals (optional for beach)
Swim suit
Good sun hat
Important Note for Female Travelers: In the interest of being respectful while still allowing travelers to be comfortable under the heat, (in public at least) shirts should cover shoulders and shorts or skirts/dresses should be conservative- that is, thighs, shoulders and decollete should be covered.
TOILETRIES: BRING THE BASIC TOILETRIES YOU NEED PLUS:
Sunscreen (you will use a lot)
Mosquito repellent (you will use a lot)
Band Aids and Neosporin
Hand Sanitizer
Prescription medication in properly marked original container
Biodegradable soap, shampoo, etc. That is to say, vegetable based, biodegradable, and phosphate-free.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Passport
Sunglasses
Journal and pen
Book
Camera (digital, disposable, waterproof)
Power Converter and Adapter: Morocco runs on voltage of 230 Frequency of 50 Hz. Power sockets types: C / D / E / K
Alarm Clock and watch
Debit card/US Dollars (we recommend about $50-$150, depending on amount of desired souvenirs, extra items etc.)
Durable water bottle
Water filtration device
1 quick-dry towel
Flashlight/headlamp
Extra batteries
Deck of cards or other portable games
Host family gift
STUDENT ID
French-Spanish/English Dictionary
HOMESTAY GIFTS
Travelers often contact us regarding what an appropriate gift might be for their student’s host family. Host families are often curious about where our students come from and their families in the U.S. As such, we recommend a simple gift that describes, represents or depicts your home. Well-received gifts in the past have included calendars or picture/coffee table books from your city or state, a framed picture of your family, paraphernalia from a local sports team, toys, soccer balls, school supplies, or something produced or grown in your hometown, like chocolate, local candy, t-shirts, etc. The most important thing to keep in mind is not to worry about this… Anything, no matter its value, will be well received!
Support Team
At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find the the team members involved in the preparation, planning and execution of your program.
Said Ait Said
Morocco Country Director & Program Leader
ISTA NTIC Syba Ofppt, Marrakech
Said is from a Berber village in the High Atlas Mountains, but was raised in Marrakech, Morocco. In 2013 he started managing touristic accommodations and excursions for travelers in Morocco. He currently lives in Marrakech with his wife and two children. They are a combination of Berber, Moroccan and American; speaking English, French, Arabic and Tamazighit. They enjoy traveling and embracing their multi-cultural lifestyle!
Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History
Luke’s path to student travel began in Mexico, during a year abroad in Mexico and Central America. This formative time led him to join an international volunteer program which, after graduating from college, sent him to the small village of San Gerardo de Rivas in south-central Costa Rica. Welcomed by the loveliest of host families, his experience in this tiny town is directly connected to the beginnings of Walking Tree five years later. His love for travel still burns bright, and today he’s lucky to have a wife and daughter who are equally passionate about exploring the world. Settled in Denver, he adores his family and colleagues, skies whenever possible, and is a devoted fan of all Colorado sports teams.
University of Kansas – B.A. Latin American Studies; Global and International Studies, Minor in Brazilian Studies
Jordan hails from Kansas City where he spent his entire childhood. Although he didn’t realize it at the time, his first international experience would set the course for the rest of his life. After high school, he traveled to Guatemala where he began learning Spanish and cultivated a deep interest in everything Latin America. In college, Jordan spent almost half of his university career studying abroad in both Costa Rica and Brazil. In 2010, Jordan moved to Costa Rica for six years where he began his professional career teaching Portuguese to Costa Ricans and working with Walking Tree Travel. From Costa Rica he moved to Denver, Colorado and spent seven years traveling the USA and experiencing life as an adult in America for the first time. Jordan is trilingual and has traveled to more than 30 countries around the world. He currently lives in Lisbon, Portugal and enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, biking, spending time at the beach and cooking Middle Eastern food.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
Blog and Communication
During travel we work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blog posts and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program. Students regularly contribute to these posts, providing families back home a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will be notified when the first update is posted, after which we recommend checking in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this webpage.
Assuming your school allows the use of cell phones, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants access WiFi at different moments in the program, allowing them to communicate directly with home. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.
GLC Curriculum
Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.
To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.
Standards of Behavior
In order to run a safe and successful program, it is vital that travelers are prepared to be on their best behavior and bring enthusiasm and interest to each and every day. A communal atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is the foundational. As such, all individuals participating on a Walking Tree program are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of personal conduct.
IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL
- Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Associating with participants while they are in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE
- Getting a piercing or tattoo.
- Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
- Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
- Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
- Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
- Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
- Breaking group rules.
These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.
Health and Safety
We strongly recommend visiting the CDC Morocco website and the CDC Spain website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in each country. In addition, we encourage you to consult your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before traveling.
Our in-country staff meticulously prepare for all programs. Walking Tree receives regular updates from the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to proactively stay ahead of any potential security concerns. Our in-country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families through in-depth interviews and visits, and stay informed about important current events in the region.
Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in comprehensive leadership training. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff, and U.S.-based staff.
We collect medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we can meet every student’s needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues not listed during your initial registration process. Leaders and in-country staff are prepared to respond promptly to any mental, physical, or emotional health concerns and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.
Insurance
While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel can be unpredictable. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) provision. Detailed explanations of plan options can be found via the link below.
To provide travelers and families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry. Begin by getting a quote here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage that includes CFAR, you must purchase the plan within 14-21 days of your first payment to Walking Tree. Be careful when you read the tenets of the policy to ensure you understand the required timeframe for purchase. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight. Please reach out to us with questions.