11 days Best of Morocco
Morocco is a colourful mix of Islamic, Arabic and African influences. Spain and France have left their mark too. This unique travel experience includes a stay in Essaouira and at the amazing Berbère Palace Hotel in Ouarzazate.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). | Overnight Flight |
| 2 | Welcome to Casablanca | On arrival at Casablanca Airport, your transfers leave for your landmark city hotel at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 & 15:00. Later, join your Tour Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Reception and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine. Hotel: Grand Mogador City Centre, Casablanca. Meals: Dinner with wine |
| 3 | Imperial Meknes, Rabat and Fes. | An exploration of the sights of Casablanca will show you the huge Hassan II Mosque, the largest in the country. Venture to the très chic seaside strip known as the Corniche, which stretches to the west and is lined with trendy restaurants and cafes. Depart for the capital of Rabat to see the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower and visit one of the few holy places open to non-Muslims, the lavish Mausoleum of King Mohammed V which is both an architectural marvel and a monument to a great ruler. Travel to Meknes, one of the kingdom’s great imperial cities dating back to the 11th century, its surroundings have remained unchanged for centuries. Stand before the Bab el-Mansour, the monumental entrance to the imperial city and focal point of Place El-Hedim before continuing to Fes. You'll be delighted with your superb Moroccan Highlight Dinner in an ancient palace at the entrance to the Medina. A colourful array of meze plates, aromatic tagines, exotic fruits and wine will be laid before you whilst you are entertained with a traditional folklore show. Enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere of belly dancers, drums and authentic music. A truly unforgettable experience! Hotel: Palais Medina & Spa, Fes Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 4 | Fes Sightseeing | (Relaxed Start) Sightseeing with a Local Expert wander the maze of streets that make up the ancient Medina. Pass one of the world's oldest university's and see the hidden courtyards, mosques and workshops. Continue through the bazaar where an array of vendors are selling food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights. Learn about the ancient craft of carpet making, witness age-old techniques of pottery making and learn how khobz, the traditional local bread, is made. Hotel: Palais Medina & Spa, Fes Buffet Breakfast, Dinner |
| 5 | The Ziz Gorges to Erfoud | Leave the bustle of the city behind and head for the spectacular snow-capped High Atlas Mountains. Pass through Ifrane before reaching the great cedar forests of Azrou. After your lunch at Midelt, continue up through the magnificent Ziz Gorges, past palm-fringed towns to Errachidia (built by the French at an important crossroads). Your destination is Erfoud, where the red sand buildings contrast against the surrounding desert. In the evening, there is the option to meet the nomadic desert dwellers and marvel at the glorious Sahara sunset on a 4-wheel drive optional experience. Hotel: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca, Erfoud Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| 6 | Ouarzazate | Venture towards the oasis of Tinerhir before taking 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 and castellated mud houses hugging the slopes. Meet the locals of the region when you visit a traditional Nomad house to try authentic Berber tea. The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs concludes at Ouarzazate. film capital of Morocco, with everything from Lawrence of Arabia to Star Wars being filmed here. Hotel: Le Berbère Palace, Ouarzazate Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| 7 | To Marrakesh, Pearl of the South | (Relaxed Start) 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 and green fields to the ochre-coloured city of Marrakesh. Hotel: Atlas Medina & Spa, Marrakesh Buffet Breakfast |
| 8 | Marrakesh, Pearl of the South | (Relaxed Start) Sightseeing starts in the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. After some time to watch the dancers, snake charmers, storytellers and acrobats, explore the Medina, seeing the Koutoubia Mosque, with a minaret that dominates the Marrakesh skyline. Then visit the Palais de la Bahia, built in the late 19th century, intended to be the greatest palace of its time. Then enjoy free time to visit a museum or haggle in the souks. In the evening, you could take a charming horse and carriage ride to a vibrant restaurant on the main square for a slew of classic Moroccan dishes and an ambiance arabesque of twirling belly dancers with plates of lit candles on their heads. Hotel: Atlas Medina & Spa, Marrakesh Buffet Breakfast |
| 9 | Elegant Essaouira | (Relaxed Start) Venture to the west coast of Africa to reach the laid-back fishing town of Essaouira. After checking into your hotel, why not spend the afternoon navigating the narrow alleyways, exploring the busy fishing port or maybe just relaxing on the beach? In the evening, you could sample the local seafood and wine at a waterside restaurant. Hotel: Atlas Essaouira & Spa, Essaouira Buffet Breakfast |
| 10 | Return to Casablanca | (Relaxed Start) Once you've experienced the traditional charms of the country, Casablanca is a fascinating place to return to, offering a unique insight into modern Morocco. At night, "of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world", there really is only one place to be. Join your Tour Director at Rick's Café, recreated from the famous movie. Enjoy a hearty Celebration Dinner including drinks and, no doubt, a rendition of ‘As Time Goes By'. Here's looking at you kid! Hotel: Grand Mogador City Centre, Casablanca. Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 11 | Au revoir Casablanca | Departure transfers arrive at Casablanca Airport at 05:00, 07:00, 10:00 & 12:00. Buffet Breakfast |