Jewels Of Morocco

2012 Season
Departs From: Casablanca

From 620EUR

Length: 10 days from Casablanca to Casablanca, or 11 days incl. travel

Overview

Exotic and fascinating, the Kingdom of Morocco is rich in history and culture, offering travelers intriguing historical sites, authentic cuisine, and changing scenery that is perfect for travelers wanting to explore and learn about a new destination. In Marrakesh, step back in time as you wander through the Jemaa-el-Fna, a square and exotic bizarre offering some of the greatest open-air entertainment. Listen to the storytellers—an integral part of the culture—and browse for handicrafts. It’s not hard to imagine what it was like in the past, a time when caravans loaded their camels with food and goods to sell at the markets.

In Fez, take an optional tour to see the ancient medina. Founded in the 9th century, it is one of the largest medieval cities in the world and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through its souks (markets) and alleys, which are virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages. Taste authentic Moroccan cuisine and take in the sites and sounds of this fascinating city.

On this tour you’ll also visit Casablanca, Meknes, Ouarzazate, Ifrane, Erfoud, and Rabat, Morocco’s vibrant capital. Admire changing scenery as the Middle Atlas mountain range transforms to desert as you approach the Erfoud oasis. This affordable vacation to Morocco is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Note:

December 20 departure - Christmas week

Duration: 10 Days

Schedule:

Start Date	End Date
01 June, 2012	10 June, 2012
29 June, 2012	08 July, 2012
06 July, 2012	15 July, 2012
13 July, 2012	22 July, 2012
27 July, 2012	05 August, 2012
10 August, 2012	19 August, 2012
07 September, 2012	16 September, 2012
14 September, 2012	23 September, 2012
21 September, 2012	30 September, 2012
28 September, 2012	07 October, 2012
05 October, 2012	14 October, 2012
12 October, 2012	21 October, 2012
19 October, 2012	28 October, 2012
26 October, 2012	04 November, 2012
02 November, 2012	11 November, 2012
09 November, 2012	18 November, 2012
16 November, 2012	25 November, 2012
23 November, 2012	02 December, 2012
21 December, 2012	30 December, 2012

City Highlights

Headsets throughout the tour

Visits to Fez, Ifrane, Erfoud, Rissani, Ouarzazate, Aït Benhaddou Kasbah

Note:

December 20 departure - Christmas week

Scenic Highlights

Atlas Mountains, Ziz Gorges and Oasis, Road of 1000 Kasbahs, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge

Day 1   Arrive in Casablanca, Morocco. Check into your hotel. Later, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)

Day 2   Casablanca–Rabat–Meknes–Fez. A short ride along the coast to Rabat, once a lair of the corsairs and now the country’s capital. Sightseeing includes the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah of Oudayas. You are reminded of the time when Morocco was the Roman province of Mauretania as you visit the fine Roman relics of Chellah and its gardens. Next stop, Meknes—see its monumental gates, mosque, palace, and miles of protective walls. Travel east towards Fez, Morocco’s most enchanting city. (B,D)

Day 3   Fez. At leisure in ancient Fez, which occupies a position of outstanding scenic beauty. Visit the exotic ancient Medina on the optional sightseeing tour, a maze of narrow bustling streets and alleys that make up the old Medina with its colorful souks. (B)

Day 4   Fez–Ifrane–Erfoud. Travel today into the very heart of Morocco. Morning break in the quiet, French-built alpine resort of Ifrane. Verdant cedar forests give way to volcanic mountains and wind-swept plains as you motor across the Middle Atlas range to Midelt. Pass fortified mud-and-straw villages. Descend into the spectacular Ziz Gorges and arrive in Er-Rachidia, an important crossroad once controlled by the French Foreign Legion. Afterwards, the landscape becomes progressively more arid and you enter a stony desert. On your last stretch to Erfoud, an unexpected and breathtaking surprise: the miraculous and peaceful oasis of Ziz Valley. (B,D)

Day 5   Erfoud. The best choice today is an included excursion to Rissani to see the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Sharif, the first ruler of the Alaouite Dynasty. This evening, enjoy an optional excursion in the desert. (B,D)

Day 6   Erfoud–The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs–Ouarzazate. Enjoy the drive through the eastern slopes of the Atlas Mountains and arrive at the Tinerhir oasis with its green valley of palms and local villages. Drive north to the impressive Todra Gorge, then west along the Dades Valley to the film capital of Morocco, Ouarzazate, for an overnight stay. (B,D)

Day 7   Ouarzazate–Aït Benhaddou–Tizi-n-Tichka Pass–Marrakesh. Enjoy an orientation drive this morning in Ouarzazate, famous for its film studios and a visit of the Kasbah de Taourirt. Next, to Aït Benhaddou, a kasbah famous as a film location for Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Pass through picturesque villages surrounded by craggy mountains while motoring towards the 7,414-foot-high Tizi-n-Tichka Pass in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. Each new twist in the road leads to a different, more dramatic landscape. Leaving the pass behind, the landscape gradually changes to a tapestry of red ochre. Afternoon arrival in the red-colored imperial city of Marrakesh, justly reputed the most fascinating of all Moroccan cities. An optional evening excursion will be a fitting choice to end the day. (B)

Day 8   Marrakesh. The included city sightseeing starts this morning with an orientation drive followed by a walk through the ancient quarters to the fascinating Jemaa-el-Fna square and its exotic bazaar. You’ll really feel as if you’ve stopped the march of time. Marrakesh has always been a meeting place—first just a group of nomad tents, now a bustling city. (B,D)

Day 9   Marrakesh–Casablanca. Leave Morocco’s magical city of Marrakesh for the journey northwest back to Casablanca. In the afternoon, see the sights in the company of a Local Guide. (B)

Day 10   Casablanca. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Meals:  Buffet breakfasts (B); 6 dinners (D)

Hotel Information:  CASABLANCA Ibis Moussafir (F), FEZ Menzeh Zalagh (ST), ERFOUD Kasbah Tizimi (ST), OUARZAZATE Ibis (ST), MARRAKESH Zalagh Kasbah & Spa (F)

Guides

Local Guides for city sightseeing in Rabat, Meknes, Marrakesh, Casablanca. Services of a professional Tour Director while touring

Transportation

If transport to or from airport is required, please let us know. Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach


Terms and Conditions

Note: Flights are NOT included with the Tour and unless otherwise stated above transfers are also NOT included.

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