Treasures of Morocco - Classic Group, Summer

Visit Casablanca

Day 1

Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for dinner, enjoying an evening of good food and great company.

Day 2

Begin your day viewing the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the largest in the world, dramatically set on the Atlantic shore.

Drive along the Corniche before travelling to Rabat. See the Royal Palace, then visit the Mausoleum of King Mohammed V, a masterpiece of Alaouite architecture housing the tombs of the king and his two sons. Nearby, view the Hassan Tower, the incomplete minaret of a 12th-century mosque. Continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. Pause at Bab el-Mansour, the monumental city gate currently under restoration, its intricate tilework and scale still impress. Arrive in Fes for a traditional Moroccan dinner in an ancient palace near the Medina, accompanied by live music and folkloric entertainment.

Day 3

Led by your Local Expert, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to the non-profit American Fondouk, speak with the volunteer veterinarians who care so passionately for the welfare of the animals.

Wander the maze of streets that make up one of the largest thriving ancient Medina's in the world, here you can admire traditional Moroccan handiwork during a visit to a carpet cooperative. Pass one of the world's oldest universities and visit Medersa El Attarine, founded in 1325 located at the heart of the medina. Continue through the souks where an array of vendors sell food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights.

Day 4

Leave the bustle of the city behind and head for the spectacular snowcapped High Atlas Mountains.

Pass through Ifrane before reaching the great cedar forests of Azrou. After stopping for lunch at Midelt, continue 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 stand in stark contrast against the patches of greenery and surrounding desert.

Day 5

Today, discover the authentic desert town of Rissani.

See the Tomb of Moulay Ali Cherif, one of the founders of the Alaouite family who reigned during the second half of the 17th century. Next, a visit to the quarries of marine fossils with an antiquity of 360 million years. Stop at the famous Ksar Oulad Abdelhalim. This afternoon experience a traditional lunch of Madfouna, also known as ‘Berber Pizza’, this dish is a delight for the senses with seasonal fillings and spices. The rest of the afternoon will be free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. In the evening, there is an Optional Experience to marvel at the glorious Sahara sunset on a four-wheel drive vehicle. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 6

Venture towards the oasis of Tinehir and explore the Todra Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of the Sahara.

At Boumalne du Dadès you will encounter the dry and 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 and pancakes. The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs concludes at Ouarzazate, also known as the film capital of Morocco. Many blockbusters have been filmed here, including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars.

Day 7

Marvel at and photograph the architectural wonder of Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your journey continues 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. With the rest of the day at your leisure, why not relax and enjoy the immaculate facilities of your hotel?

Day 8

In the morning, visit Dar El Bacha - an iconic landmark in the city of Marrakesh.

Meet your Local Expert and wander the maze of the Medina and see the Koutoubia Mosque, with its minaret dominating the Marrakesh skyline. Next, to the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where you can take a moment to watch the dancers, snake charmers and storytellers. With time at leisure, you are free to continue exploring: enjoy the sensorial experience of strolling through the souks or maybe visit a museum. In the evening, perhaps choose to join fellow guests at a vibrant restaurant on Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Here, you will enjoy a slew of classic Moroccan dishes as you absorb the ambience and watch twirling belly dancers balance plates of lit candles on their heads.

Day 9

Venture to the west coast of Africa to reach the laid-back fishing town of Essaouira.

After an orientation with your Travel Director, explore the busy fishing port where you could sample the local seafood and wine at a waterside restaurant. Continue to the port city of El Jadida with its unique architectural mixture of Moorish-Portuguese-French influence.

Day 10

Once you’ve experienced the traditional charms of the country, Casablanca is a fascinating place to return to and offers a unique insight into modern Morocco.

Perhaps visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque famous for its intricate Islamic architecture and one of the largest in the world. In the evening 'of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world' there really is only one place to be. Join your Travel Director at Rick's Cafe, recreated from the famous movie. Enjoy a hearty dinner with drinks and no doubt a rendition of ‘As Time Goes By'. Here's looking at you kid!

Day 11

Today, bid farewell to your journey through Morocco as you transfer to the airport.

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