MOROCCO -Imperial Cities & Desert Dunes(sample)
Come with us as we discover treasures unattainable to the usual tourist masses! We unlock the true essence of Morocco for you. The Land of pink horizons and golden dunes which reflect the setting sun plus thousands of Kasbahs! We venture out to explore this region which has historically served as the world’s cultural crossroads. Known for its ancients tradition of warm and generous, cultural hospitality, we not only see the Imperial cities, desert dunes, majestic mountains, endless coasts, beautiful oases and much much more…. we show you the “people” around the sights! An unforgettable journey of memorable moments!
Day 1- Depart for Casablanca, Morocco
Day 2 -Schedule your arrival by mid-day into Casablanca and group transfer to hotel. Early evening “get acquainted” tea with our driver/guide & escort. Evening walk for those not retiring early. Meal on own with suggestions. CASABLANCA
Day 3 -Early a.m. departure for tour of Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, a modern Mosque which is a point of national pride and also one of the largest in the world. It displays some of the finest modern examples of Islamic craftsmanship, especially tilework and geometry. Africa’s largest building and one of the world’s larges mosques. Seafood lunch In the afternoon take a stroll through the picturesque Oudaïa Casbah, a former lair of Barbary Coast corsairs, visit the archaeology museum and stop at the mausoleum of Mohamed V, modern Morocco's "father." B- L RABAT
Day 4-In the morning see Rabat's Chellah fortress, with its gardens, Roman vestiges and the intricate Merinid necropolis. Then depart East for fabled Fes. Upon arrival, see the highlights of 14th-C. "New" Fes:the Blue Gate and the 14th-C. Bou Inania Koranic school. Our exquisitehotel is a former palace and the sole hotel in the old city, in deluxe Medina-view rooms (3 NTs). B FEZ
Day 5 -A morning walking tour through the labyrinth of 9th-C. “Old” Fes, considered the last true example of a typical medieval Arab city. VisitBou Inania Medersa, Mausoleum of the city’s founder, Idriss II and area of world‘s oldest, continually used Islamic educational institution: the Qaraouine. Also see vast dye works-tanneries, specialty bazaars, and a late afternoon tour of the pottery workshops. B FEZ
Day 6 -Departure for Imperial City Meknes. tour of Sultan Moulay Ismaïl’s granary (for 12,000 horses!), the Royal stud farm and Moulay Ismaïl’s mausoleum. Then north to Volubilis with a walking tour of the Roman ruins of Volubilis (around 2 miles on uneven terrain). The vast ruins of Roman Volubilis, was Rome’s capital for northwestern Africa till the 3rd C., with a wealth of in-situ mosaics. Late afternoon return to Fez after the visit. B FEZ
Day 7- Fez across the Atlas, via Khenifra to Midelt. A day of fascinating, ever-changing landscapes as we cross the Atlas ranges, driving south. Pass mountain station Ifrane, site of the new international university, Berber enclave Azrou; one of the last forests of the giant Mediterranean cedars. Lunch with suggestions. B - D MIDELT
Day 8 –Midelt to Arfoud (The Sahara!) – Morning departure via the Ziz Gorges until ARFOUD . Afternoon sunset excursion via Land cruiser to experience sunset over the great Erg Chebbhi dunes. Optional camel rides Dinner at hotel.B - D ARFOUD
Day 9- Morning tour of Tafilalet Oasis, Morocco’s largest, with its ruins of Sijilmassa, Africa’s “City of Gold” until the 14th century and the former Alaouite dynasty. Dinner at hotel.Evening free to relax. B - D ARFOUD
Day 10- Head West. The Todgha Gorge is on approach as we go. This stunning steep and narrow gorge is famous for its red rock walls which plunge over 1000 ft. to the river below. Dinner at hotel. B –DTinghir
Day 11–Tinghir to Taroudant via the Dades Valley southern Morocco's most picturesque, with ancient adobe castles guarding varied orchards, and rose center El Kalaa. & Aït ben Haddou casbah. The Aït ben Haddou casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an oft-used film/movie background (e.g., “Gladiator”).Our hotel is a former pasha’s guest palace.Dinner at hotel. B - D TAROUDANT
Day 12 – Morning visit of Taroudant; midday walking excursion to Tioute oasis; lunchincluded. Evening free, dinner at hotel. B, L, D TAROUDANT
Day 13 –Taroudant to Essaouira. Enjoy an afternoon city tour ofEssaouira, whose history spans Phoenicians, Romans, Portuguese and Jews. During this afternoon walking tour we see the colorful port, the setting for Orson Welles’s “Othello,” the massive ramparts with their thuya wood workshops, and galleries for the town’s original naive art movement. Enjoy an evening to walk of the beachfront or walled city after dinner. Dinner at hotel.B - D. ESSAOUIRA
Day 14 –Essaouira to Marrakech -After breakfast, a departure (2 hour drive) forlegendary Marrakech. Arrive at hotel and check-in.Take an afternoon walking tour which may include:the extraordinary Saadian Tombs, unretouched since 16th cent, and Bahia & Dar Said Palaces, both prime examples of Moorish-Andalousian architecture, the latter now a craft museum. (3 nts) B, D MARRAKECH
Day 15, 16 These days we explore (walking tours) the exotic Majorelle Gardens and Yves St. Laurent’s Museum of Islamic Art. Tour the vast reed-covered bazaars, country’s largest; also stop at Ben Youssef School, another gem of 14th Cent.Merinid art & perhaps two other palatial homes. Evening stroll through the famous gathering square of Marrakech: Jemma El Fna.Dinner at a superb small cafe B,D MARRAKECH
Departures scheduled either for Day 16 or later, if you extend.
Price will be based on a Minimum group size-8 passengers, double occupancy.) *Note: Groups of less than 8 passengers will have a small group surcharge. Single supplement additional charge.
INCLUDED: Tour price based on a double occupancy and a minimum group size of 8 passengers. Single supplement is an add’l charge. Group transfers to and from airports, Airport taxes, English speaking tour guide. USA Escort: Emily M. Wilson. Meals (no beverages, other than water) indicated on itinerary in bold (B-L-D), plus all meals on cruise (no beverages), all land transportation and entrance fees as indicated in bold. NOTE: All tips including porters, drivers, guides have been included, except when you have meals on own. (Note: Should you feel the guides and service people have been exceptional, you may tip additionally, as desired)
NOT INCLUDED: International airfares, Optional tours, Laundry, hotel incidentals such as movies, room service, all beverages including alcoholic beverages or Mini-bar, phone, fax, internet fees and excess baggage charges. Also not included: travel insurance (It is highly recommend that you purchase travel/tour cancellation insurance!) extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control. NOTE: Tour specifics, such as sequence of itinerary or daily events are approximate and subject to change, as local schedules change or the local guide or escort deems necessary. There can be additional costs increases and tour price variances caused by devaluation of USD$ values/exchanges. Further, tour prices are subject to local currency price increases, and not guaranteed until final payment is received, from entire group.
Deposits & Payments: PayPal, Personal checks and cashier’s checks are accepted.
Cancellation Policy: In case of cancellation, the following penalties apply: (a) from 90 to 76 days prior to departure –30% of tour price (b) from 75 to 65 days prior — 75% (c) from 64days onward — no refund. All cancellations have to be in writing and valid as of the day of receipt in our office.
PLEASE advise any dietary restrictions, including diabetic or vegan. North African diet does not usually include pork. Remember, Moroccans often eat at later hours than American standards, we always suggested that you take extra breakfast or snacks with you for later in-between-snacking.
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