10 Days - Morocco
Tour Pace - This tour has a well balanced pace
with two night stays in Fez, Marrakech and Casablanca and overnights in the southern
Saharan towns of Erfoud and Ouarzazate, with sufficient free time to absorb the
exotic atmosphere.
Fellow
Passengers - Your traveling companions on this tour will share
your sense of adventure, love of different cultures and desire for new experiences.
History buffs are in for a treat as are photographers and lovers of natural beauty.
DAY
1 – DEPART CANADA
Overnight flight to Casablanca.
DAY 2 – 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 land so intrinsically
beautiful and rich with heritage, it has attracted seekers of the exotic over the
centuries. Even for the most seasoned travelers, there is much to see and do. Complimentary
transfers depart Casablanca Airport to the tour hotel at 09.00, 11.00, 13.00 &
15.00 hours, then relax and settle in. Tonight join your Tour Director and fellow
travelers for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Sheraton. (D)
DAY 3 – CASABLANCA
– FEZ
After a sightseeing tour of Casablanca, depart for the capital Rabat
to see the mausoleum of King Mohammed V and 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. Here make a rare highlight visit inside the Mosque
and see Bab el-Mansour gateway before continuing to Fez. Hotel: Crown Palace. (BB,D)
DAY 4 – FEZ
A day packed with
fantastic sights and 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 Fez and walk through its old streets. See one of the
oldest universities in the world, taking time to haggle in the Bazaar and see Moroccan
pottery. Oriental rugs are an attraction for bargain hunters – witness this
most important handicraft of Fez. Tonight, enjoy a superb Moroccan Dinner and a
Folklore Show with drums and belly dancing. (BB,HD)
DAY 5 – FEZ – 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. 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. Hotel: Belere. (BB,L,D)
DAY 6 – ERFOUD – OUARZAZATE
This morning there is the option of mounting camels, ‘the
ships of the desert’, to witness the glorious daybreak in the Sahara. Later,
venture towards the oasis of Tinehir, noted for its silver and jewellery 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 and 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: Le Berbere Palace. (BB,L,D)
DAY 7 – OUARZAZATE
– MARRAKECH
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 Marrakech.
Hotel: Atlas Medina & Spa. (BB,D)
DAY 8 – MARRAKECH
Sightseeing includes an exploration of the fascinating Medina (old town), the Koutoubia
Mosque, whose minaret dominates the Marrakech skyline, and a visit to the secluded
tombs of the Saadi dynasty, hidden behind high walls. After some time to watch the
dancers, storytellers and acrobats at the bustling Djemaa El Fna Square, take a
scenic drive south of Marrakech 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 and buggy ride to the magical
Djemaa el Fna Square to enjoy the sights and sounds by night, followed by dinner
in a typical Moroccan restaurant? (BB)
DAY 9 – MARRAKECH
– CASABLANCA
Heading towards the Atlantic coast, say goodbye to
the snake charmers of Marrakech and drive back to Casablanca and spend your last
afternoon of the tour at leisure enjoying this vibrant modern city at your own pace.
Hotel:
Sheraton. (BB,D)
DAY 10 – RETURN CANADA
Sadly,
your Moroccan adventure comes to an end today. Complimentary transfers arrive at
the airport at 07.00, 10.00 and 12.00 hours. (BB)
