The Essence Of Morocco (trip)

The Essence Of Morocco

  • Casablanca
  • Active & Adventure
Morocco, Africa

from $5,450* per person9 DaysYear-round
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: African Portfolio 12 people max
The Atlantic Ocean forms the country's western perimeter. The north is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea. To the east and southeast lies the Algerian border and the Moroccan Sahara extends along the far south of the country. Morocco thus becomes the crossroads where the East meets the West, Africa meets Europe, and the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Oceans. Discover imperial cities, ancient wonders, religious monuments, gardens, and kasbahs in this diverse country. Explore the winding streets and fabulous souks of Fes and Marrakech. Enjoy a romantic sunset over the sand dunes in the desert, drive to Ouarzazate, once a stopping point for African traders en route to the cities of Morocco and Europe and travel into the Atlas Mountains, where colorful kasbahs and houses cling to mountainsides. Its great appeal to travelers has always been the Mediterranean climate, scenic beauty, quality of crafts and exotic culture.

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Locations visited/nearby

Morocco, Africa

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Special information

  • This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 4
# Meet our local representative on arrival at Casablanca International Airport
# Day 1 – Morning tour of Casablanca visiting Hassan II Grand Mosque
# Transfer to Palais Jamai
# Day 2 – Fes sightseeing
# Day 3 – Tour of Meknes & Volubilis
Sofitel Fes Palais Jamaï preserves the authenticity of Fez, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. This hotel was built in 1879, in the finest Moorish style, and became the residence of the Grand Vizir of Jamaï. Guestrooms are decorated in light, subtle tones and have Moroccan-style furnishings and French windows leading to balconies; all include wireless Internet access, satellite television and minibars. At this Morocco luxury hotel, you will discover Moroccan, international and French cuisine in 3 restaurants, a spa, a piano bar, and 5 meeting rooms for up to 200 people. The heated outdoor pool is surrounded by palm trees and a sun terrace, while the hotel’s onsite spa facilities include a sauna and steam room; a range of massage treatments are also available.
Casablanca - A sightseeing tour around the port city of Casablanca, Morocco’s largest metropolis and its industrial hub.
Hassan II Grand Mosque -The mosque is amongst the largest in the world and can house as many as 25,000 worshipers. The mosque’s minaret is the tallest religious structure in the world.
Fes - Fes is timeless and one of the least untouched and secretive cities in the world. Once the capital of Morocco, it remains the undisputed religious, artistic and intellectual centre of the country. Explore the 9,000 narrow lanes and alleys that make up the labyrinth of the city’s old quarter. Visit the historic Nejjarine Fountain, fine palaces, mosques and medrassas (Koran Schools) that are dotted throughout the city.
Meknes - Meknes is one of the Imperial cities of Morocco where the monuments reflect the splendor of this 17th century city. Visit Bab Mansour gateway, the granaries and stables of the great Moulay Ismail and his mausoleum.
Volubilis - Continue to the Roman ruined city of Volubilis with its beautifully preserved mosaic’s dating largely from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, although excavations have revealed that the site was originally settled by Carthaginian traders even earlier.


You stay at Sofitel Fes Palais Jamai     Breakfast
Day 4 - Day 5
# Transfer by road from Fes through the Middle Atlas mountains to Merzouga
Kasbah Tombouctou is located within the alluring and mystique of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, Morocco. It is originally an old guesthouse that has since been remodelled and restored to its former glory as in days of old. This picturesque guesthouse has been set to a modern climate and décor to afford its guests both luxury and comfort. There are 52 rooms in total at the Kasbah Tombouctou, all air conditioned to suit the desert climate. There are two exclusive suites within the hotel - the Junior and Royal suites which are the epitome of luxury and taste. The hotel rooms contain an en suite bathroom, single and double beds, telephone, internet access and a mini bar. The rooms are clad in typical Middle Eastern décor with rich colours and textiles. Facilities within the hotel itself include a swimming pool with a terrace bar where one can enjoy a cocktail under the desert sun and a spacious dining room where one can enjoy both international and local cuisine. Sample the local Couscous and allow your taste buds to enter a mirage of delectable tastes and senses. There are a host of attractions and activities available at the Kasbah Tombouctou to make your stay exciting and your schedule full. Take a camel ride through Erg Chebbi and visit alluring sights within Merzouga. Or set up a tent in the desert and explore the dunes yourself. For a unique Moroccan experience, visit the Kasbah Tombouctou, where Middle Eastern comfort and relaxation is an art form.

You stay at Kasbah Tombouctou     Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Day 6
# Road transfer from Merzouga to Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate lies in the Saharan region of the Atlas Mountains. The river Draa meets up with the Ouarzazate River and at this juncture lies the town of Ouarzazate. The luxurious Berbere Palace Hotel is conveniently located right in the centre of Ouarzazate, one of Morocco's most historic old cities, and stands in its own 11 hectares of delightful gardens as a true oasis of a resort. Adhering to local culture the hotel is built in the Kasbah style with a mix of Berber and traditional crafts. The 222 guest rooms - which include duplexes, apartments and suites - are all decorated in Berber style and are air-conditioned throughout for comfort. All rooms have a large bathroom, with separate WC, as well as direct dial telephones and satellite TV. Gourmets will appreciate the delicious international and Moroccan cuisine served in the award-winning Oasis restaurant, while the less formal Ifri pizzeria offers a full range of lighter meals and snacks. A spacious outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre offering sauna, Hammam, Jacuzzi and massage facilities, and tennis courts are among the first-class leisure facilities offered by this fine hotel. There is also a piano bar offering entertainment at night and with a comfortable lounge including fire place for the cold days where you can enjoy an aperitif in intimate atmosphere, and in addition the pool bar is ideal for cold refreshment.
Todra Gorges - depart toward Ouarzazate via Tinjdad and a lovely museum on Berber culture before continuing to the impressive Todra Gorges for Lunch and continue via El Kella Mgouna the city of the roses before reaching Ouarzazate.


You stay at Berbere Palace Hotel     Breakfast
Day 6 - Day 9
# Transfer from Ouarzazate to Marrakech
# Day 6 - Tour of Ait Benhaddou
# Day 7 – Tour of Marrakech
# Day 8 – Morning tour of Marrakech gardens
The Riad Lotus Privilege in Marrakech has an excellent location and is only 10 minutes from the famous Djemaa el Fna square. Originally built as a palace by a powerful Pasha in 17th-century, proportions are large and the in-house interior designer Antoine Van Doorne has used every inch to opulent effect. All five spacious rooms are fitted with the standard mod-cons of all the Lotus luxury riads - large baths, Bang and Olufsen sound systems and satellite TVs. All the rooms face a spacious courtyard where a large pool framed by a white, abstract mural takes centre stage. Sun-loungers are screened off from the entrance to the luxury riad by a bamboo hedge for added privacy and for guests averse to the African sun, there are two clusters of chairs, sofas and tables to retreat to in the shade of orange trees. The Winter Garden Salon has open fires for chilly winter nights and a glass-encased conservatory for starry, summer ones. The signature, sumptuous Lotus interiors are complimented by stunning artwork. The large hammam includes a separate massage room which is very popular with guests and upstairs the expansive roof terrace offers views of Marrakech's medina and cocktails on demand. Little luxuries like a welcome gift and Moroccan pastries are presented in your room. Ait Benhaddou - About 30km from Ouarzazate, you will reach the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a spectacular fortified village with houses piled up around several decorated Kasbahs, all seeming to defy the laws of gravity as they perch on the steep slope. Drive to the ''Red Pearl'' and Imperial City
Marrakech - Discover its Mysteries: the Koutoubia minaret, the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace … Enjoy the Medina, Djemaa El Fna square and its snake-charmers, story-tellers, acrobats and will also have free time for shopping in the fascinating souks.
Marrakech Gardens - Continue in the morning to visit Marrakech gardens with the famous Majorelle garden and the Menara


You stay at Lotus Privilege     Breakfast
Day 9
# Transfer from Lotus Privilege to Marrakech Airport


    Breakfast

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