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Insight Vacations - Premium Europe & Britain |
Moroccan Elegance
9 days, Priced from US$1825
Elegance Tour, Departs from & returns to Casablanca
Tour code E938R
Included Premium Highlights
- In Meknes, visit one of the very few Islamic religious buildings open to non-Muslims
Included Personal Insights
- Visit a Moroccan family home to witness a traditional mint tea preparation ceremony
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- View the Royal Palace, Mohammed V Mausoleum and Hassan Tower in Rabat
- Visit the Bab el-Mansour Gate in Meknes
- Visit the Medina and shop for Moroccan carpets in Fez
- Visit the pottery workshops of Fez
- See the Ziz Gorges and the Oasis Region of Tinehir
- View the spectacular scenery of the High and Middle Atlas Mountains
- Visit the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou
- Visit the Saadi Tombs and see the Koutobia Minaret in Marrakesh
Included First Class Services
- Professional Tour Director to escort you
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 1 and Day 9
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner and Folklore Show with belly dancing in Fez (HD)
- 8 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 2 Lunches (L), 6 three-course table d'hote Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
ITINERARY
Day 1 - ARRIVE CASABLANCA |
Welcome to Morocco, considered the 'Jewel of North Africa'! Known to the Arabs as "the farthest land of the setting sun!", it is a land so intrinsically beautiful and rich with heritage, it has attracted seekers of the exotic over the centuries. Even for the most seasoned travellers, there is much to see & do. On arrival at Casablanca Airport, your airport transfers leave for the tour hotel at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 & 15:00. Then relax & settle in. Tonight join your Tour Director & fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Sheraton Casablanca. (D).
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Day 2 - CASABLANCA - RABAT - MEKNES - FES |
After a sightseeing tour of Casablanca, depart for the capital Rabat to see the mausoleum of King Mohammed V & the Royal Palace. Now on to one of the kingdom's imperial cities, Meknes, dating back to the 11th century, its surroundings remaining unchanged for centuries. Make a rare highlight visit inside the mosque & see Bab el-Mansour gateway before continuing to Fes.
Hotel: Riad Sheherazade (or similar) (BB,D).
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Day 3 - FES SIGHTSEEING |
A day packed with fantastic sights & smells as you tour this carefully preserved university city, which had its golden age in the fourteenth century, during the reign of the Merinides dynasty. Visit the medina of Fes & walk through its old streets. See one of the oldest universities in the world, taking time to haggle in the Bazaar & see Moroccan pottery. Oriental rugs are an attraction for bargain hunters – witness this most important handicraft of Fes. Enjoy a superb Moroccan dinner & a folklore show with drums & belly dancing. (BB,HD) |
Day 4 - FES - ZIZ GORGES - ERFOUD |
Leave the bustle of the city behind & head for the spectacular snow-capped High Atlas Mountains. Pass through Ifrane before reaching the great cedar forests of Azrou. Travel up through the magnificent Ziz Gorges, past palm fringed towns to Er Rachidia, built by the French at an important crossroads. Your destination is Erfoud, on the edge of the Sahara Desert. This evening there is the option to witness the glorioussunset in the Sahara.
Hotel: Chergui Kasbah. (BB,L,D)
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Day 5 - ERFOUD - TODRA GORGE - DADES VALLEY - OUARZAZATE |
Venture towards the oasis of Tinehir, noted for its silver & jewelry workshops. Take a detour to explore the Todra Gorge - the Grand Canyon of the Sahara. At Boumalne-du-Dades, encounter the dry rugged Dades Valley, dotted with oases of figs, olives, date palms & with castellated mud houses hugging the slopes. The route concludes at Ouarzazate, film capital of Morocco, with everything from Lawrence of Arabia to Star Wars being filmed here.
Hotel: La Berbere Palace. (BB,L,D)
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Day 6 - OUARZAZATE - AIT BENHADDOU - MARRAKESH |
Get your cameras ready as you stop at the village of Aït Benhaddou, boasting one of Morocco's finest kasbahs. Continue via the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass before descending past charming mountain villages, dense woods & green fields to the ochre coloured city of Marrakesh.
Hotel: Atlas Medina & Spa. (BB,D)
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Day 7 - MARRAKESH |
Sightseeing includes an exploration of the fascinating Medina (old town), the Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret dominates the Marrakesh skyline, & a visit to the secluded tombs of the Saadi dynasty, hidden behind high walls. After some time to watch the dancers, storytellers & acrobats at the bustling Djemaa El Fna Square, take a scenic drive south of Marrakesh to the beautiful Ourika Valley. Visit a Moroccan family home to witness a traditional mint tea preparation ceremony before returning to your hotel. Tonight, maybe consider an optional horse & buggy ride to the magical Jemaa el Fna Square to enjoy the sights &sounds by night, followed by dinner in a typical Moroccan restaurant? (BB) |
Day 8 - MARRAKESH - CASABLANCA |
Heading towards the Atlantic coast, say goodbye to the snake charmers of Marrakesh & drive back to Casablanca. Now you've experienced the traditional charms of the country, Casablanca is a fascinating place to return to, offering a unique insight into modern Morocco. In many ways, the economic capital represents the hopes & dreams of the country. Spend your last afternoon at leisure, enjoying this vibrant city at your own pace.
Hotel: Sheraton Casablanca. (BB,D)
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Day 9 - CASABLANCA |
Our Moroccan adventure comes to an end with departure transfers arriving at Casablanca Airport at 07:00, 10:00 & 12:00 hours. (BB) |
| Riads are a traditional style accommodations or guest houses, originally noble homes, usually located in or near the Medina (labyrinth streets of the old city). They are eclectic buildings with no two rooms being the same size or decor, they seldom have lifts (it would be impossible to fit one in most cases) and, like any home, rarely have the full range of luxury extras found in big 5 star hotels. Having said this, they are invariably delightful, often elegant, certainly unusual and for those seeking to experience the 'real' Morocco possess a character and charm that is truly not to be missed. They carry a premium price (upgrade) because they are highly sought-after by tourists in the know, have a location in the heart of the old city, have limited availability and often operate with a higher staff/guest ratio to a normal hotel. |
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