BEST OF MOROCCO - 10 days, 11 cities

Day 1 | Welcome to Casablanca

Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for your Welcome Dinner, with the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of good food.

Meals: Dinner

Hotel: Grand Mogador City Center, Casablanca.

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Day 2 | Rabat, Imperial Meknes and Fes

During an exploration of the sights of Casablanca view 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. This site is both an architectural marvel and a monument to a great ruler. Travel to Meknes, one of the kingdom's great imperial cities where little has changed since its founding in the 11th century. Stand before the Bab el-Mansour, the monumental entrance to the imperial city and focal point of Square El-Hedim, before continuing to Fes. You'll be delighted with a 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 while you are entertained with a traditional folklore show. Enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere of belly dancers, drums and authentic music.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Hotel: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes.

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Day 3 | Fes Sightseeing

Led by your Local Expert, 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 see the hidden courtyards, mosques and workshops. Continue through the souks where an array of vendors sell food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Hotel: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Excursion to Bhalil - This afternoon we make our way to Bhalil, a remote troglodyte village at the foot of the middle Atlas where we'll visit the caves hewn out of the mountain where families have lived for many generations. This is your chance to meet and talk to local people. Then we make our way to the oldest and best known ceramic work shop to see how Fes style ceramics are made, starting from the soft clay to the finished product.
  Adult: 290.00 MAD

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Day 4 | The Ziz Gorges to Erfoud

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 magni􀃮cent Ziz Gorges, past palm-fringed towns to Er Rachidia, 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. In the evening, there is an Optional Experience to meet the nomadic desert dwellers and marvel at the glorious Sahara sunset on a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Efroud.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Sunset In The Sahara - The changing palette of a desert sunset can be an almost mystical experience. Journey by 4x4 to the edge of the awe-inspiring sand dunes and witness a glorious sunset like no other.
  Adult: 495.00 MAD

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Day 5 | Spectacular Ouarzazate

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 􀃮gs, 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, also known as the film capital of Morocco. Many blockbusters have been filmed here, including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine

Hotel: Le Berbère Palace, Ouarzazate.

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Day 6 | To Marrakesh

Marvel at and photograph the architectural wonder of Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts one of Morocco's 􀃮nest kasbahs. Your journey continues via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, before descending past charming mountain villages, dense woods and green 􀃮elds to the ochre-coloured city of Marrakesh. Meet the inspiring ladies of a local women’s cooperative over tea and snacks on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. With the rest of the day at your leisure, why not relax and enjoy the immaculate facilities of your hotel?

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech

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Day 7 | Marrakesh, Pearl of the South

Meet your Local Expert in the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where you can take a moment to watch the dancers, snake charmers and storytellers. Wander the maze of the Medina and see the Koutoubia Mosque, with its minaret dominating the Marrakesh skyline. With time at leisure, you are free to continue exploring: try your hand at haggling in 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• The Square at Night and Traditional Dinner - You will visit the magical Jemaa el Fna Square and enjoy the exotic sights and sounds of Marrakesh by night. Then we’ll have dinner in a typical Moroccan restaurant, with music and entertainment.
  Adult: 695.00 MAD
• Majorelle Gardens And The Berber Museum - No visit to Marrakesh is complete without some time in the lovely Majorelle Gardens, bought and restored by the late Yves St Laurent. You’ll also visit the Berber Museum where you will have the opportunity to view artefacts created by the ancient Berber people.
  Adult: 340.00 MAD

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Day 8 | Elegant Essaouira

Venture to the west coast of Africa to reach the laid-back fishing town of Essaouira. After an orientation with your Travel Director 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Atlas Essaouira & Spa.

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Day 9 | Return to Casablanca

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. 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 Café, recreated from the famous movie. Enjoy a hearty Celebration Dinner with drinks and no doubt a rendition of ‘As Time Goes By'. Here's looking at you kid!

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Hotel: Grand Mogador City Center, Casablanca.

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Day 10 | Au revoir Casablanca

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

Meals: Breakfast