2010

Day 1 - DEPART USA

Overnight flight.

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 a land so intrinsically beautiful and rich with heritage, it has attracted seekers of the exotic over the centuries. Even for the most seasoned travellers, there is much to see and do. On arrival at Casablanca Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 & 15:00. Then relax and settle in. Tonight join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Sheraton Casablanca (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. Make a rare highlight visit inside the mosque and see Bab el-Mansour gateway before continuing to Fez.
Hotel: Ramada Fez. (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. 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 Erfoud (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: La Berbere Palace (BB,L,D)

Day 7 - OUARZAZATE - MARRAKESH

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. (BB,D)

Day 8 - MARRAKESH

Sightseeing includes an exploration of the fascinating Medina (old town), the Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret dominates the Marrakesh 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 Marrakesh 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 Jemaa el Fna Square to enjoy the sights and sounds by night, followed by dinner in a typical Moroccan restaurant? (BB)

Day 9 - MARRAKESH - CASABLANCA

Heading towards the Atlantic coast, say goodbye to the snake charmers of Marrakesh and drive back to Casablanca. Now you've experienced the traditional charms of the country, Casablanca is a fasinating place to return to, offering a unique insight into modern Morocco. In many ways, the economic capital represents the hopes and dreams of the country. Spend your last afternoon at leisure, enjoying this vibrant city at your own pace.
Hotel: Sheraton Casablanca (BB D)

Day 10 - CASABLANCA

Sadly, your Moroccan adventure comes to an end today. Departure transfers arrive at Casblanca Airport at 07:00, 10:00 & 12:00. (BB)