Best of Morocco
R/T Casablanca
Day 1:
Depart USA-Overnight flight to Casablanca
Day 2:
Arrive Casablanca
Welcome to the Kingdom of Morocco! Tonight, meet with your travelling companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception.
Day 3:
CASABLANCA - RABAT - MEKNES - FEZ (2 NIGHTS)
Travel along the coast to Rabat, your Travel Director gives a fascinating account of Morocco’s history from the French invasion of 1912 until full independence was granted in 1956. Your orientation tour of the city includes the grand 17th century palace which is now a museum, and the 12th century mosque. In the imperial city of Meknes, see Bab el-Mansour, one of the most impressive monumental gateways in North Africa. Arrive later in Fez, the symbolic heart of Morocco and the country’s oldest imperial city.
Day 4:
FEZ SIGHTSEEING
Explore the médina, one of the largest thriving medieval centers in the world, during your morning sightseeing tour of Fez, former capital of Morocco. See the Royal Palace and visit the fascinating dye-pits and tanneries for a Unique Insight into this ancient practice. Spend the rest of the day seeing the sights of your choice. Shop for beautiful carpets and unique souvenirs in the bustling and fascinating bazaar. Join your companions this evening for a very special Be My Guest experience of Moroccan specialities in a traditional Riad located in the heart of the Medina.
Day 5:
FEZ - ERFOUD
Follow the old caravan trail south. Stop for lunch in Midelt, a market town set in the high plains between the Middle and High Atlas mountain ranges. Continue along the palm-fringed Ziz Valley, famous for date cultivation, to the Tafilalt oasis on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Your day ends in Erfoud, where beautiful views across the shimmering Sahara have made this a popular location with filmmakers. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Day 6:
ERFOUD - TINGHIR - OUARZAZATE
Travel west to Tinghir, one of the most beautiful oases in southern Morocco. Continue through part of the Todra Gorge and cut through the mountains for one of the most dramatic views in the country! Follow the route of a thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate, the setting for a number of famous movies including Lawrence of Arabia, Cleopatra and Gladiator. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Day 7:
OUARZAZATE - AÏT BEN HADDOU - MARRAKESH (2 NIGHTS)
See the sights during your orientation tour of Ouarzazate. Visit Aït Ben Haddou in the High Atlas Mountains. Continue through the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass to Marrakesh - the ‘Red City’. Like many other former imperial cities in Morocco, Marrakesh is comprised of an old fortified city - the médina - and an adjacent modern city. Marrakesh is home to Morocco’s largest traditional market (‘souk’) where you might like to do some last minute shopping. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Day 8:
MARRAKESH SIGHTSEEING
Visit the Bahia Palace during city orientation. See Djemaa el Fna Square in the old quarter, with its palm readers, acrobats, camels and snake charmers. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. Don’t miss the chance to shop for bargains in the souks and bazaars, or perhaps take an excursion to a Berber village. Tonight, you might like to experience an authentic Moroccan show.
Day 9:
MARRAKESH - CASABLANCA
This morning, travel north to Casablanca. In Casablanca, see the sights during your orientation including the magnificent Hassan II Mosque built for the late king’s 60th birthday celebrations. Join your Travel Director and companions this evening for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate a memorable holiday.
Day 10:
CASABLANCA - USA
Say goodbye to your new-found friends at the end of your fascinating Moroccan vacation. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.
What's Included:
Insider Experiences
•Be My Guest Speciality dinner of delicious Moroccan cuisine served with wine at a traditional Riad in Fez.
•Unique Insight Visit a traditional tannery and dye pit for a fascinating glimpse into an ancient practice.
•Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.
Sightseeing Highlights
•Casablanca
See the Grand Mosque of Hassan ll and travel the scenic Corniche road along the Atlantic coast.
•Rabat
See the Kasbah of Ouddaïa, the 12th century Mosque, and the Necropolis of Chellah.
•Meknes
Visit the walled city. See the Bab el Mansour gateway.
•Fez
Visit the Médina. See the Royal Palace and Karaouiyne Mosque.
•Tafilalt Oasis
Visit this haven on the edge of the Sahara.
•Ouarzazate
Orientation of the ‘Hollywood’ of Morocco.
•Aït Ben Haddou
Visit this Kasbah village in the Atlas Mountains.
•Marrakesh
City sightseeing includes the Djemaa el Fna Square and a visit to the Bahia Palace.
Dining
• 8 hot buffet breakfasts.
• 2 lunches.
• 6 evening meals including:
• Welcome Reception including light snacks and welcome drinks with your Travel Director in Casablanca.
• 3 three-course dinners.
• Be My Guest Authentic Moroccan dinner with wine in Fez.
• Farewell Dinner with wine in Casablanca.
Travel Highlights
•First Class hotel accommodation featuring twin rooms and private facilities.
•All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
•Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats.
•The services of a professional Travel Director throughout your journey.
•Audio Headsets Provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.
•A travel wallet with your documentation.
•Complimentary keepsake photo.