A Moroccan Journey
- Duration: 10 days
- Board Basis: Mixed Board
- Tour Ref: D2TTRAFMMORJ
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Air
Guided Tour of Marrakech Morocco
Morocco is a country of great contrasts, and you'll get to see them on this unforgettable tour. From the coastal charm of Casablanca to the bustling buzz of Marrakech, you'll take in Roman ruins at Volubilis, awe-inspiring architecture at the royal city of Meknes, the jaw-dropping natural landscapes of the Todgha Gorge and of course, you'll experience the magnificent desert as you traverse all this unique country has to offer. Watch the sun set over the Sahara, journey along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and tour the palatial homes of the Sultans as you explore this fascinating culture and country.
Explore bustling souks, unique historical cities, soaring mountains and sweeping Saharan dunes on this unforgettable African adventure.
PRICE FROM
?
£1849
per person
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
What's Included
- Return flights from Gatwick with British Airways
- 9 nights in 4-star hotels
- 15 meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 dinners
- Travelsphere Tour Manager and Local Guides
- Overseas transfers and other transportation
- Porterage
- Casablanca city tour
- Guided visit to Meknes
- Guided visit to Volubilis
- Dinner in a traditional Moroccan riad
- Sightseeing tour of Fes and the Medina
- Sunset four-wheel drive desert excursion
- Overnight stay on the edge of the desert
- Travel through Todgha Gorge and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Visit a traditional Berber Pharmacy
- Visit to Kasbah Taourirt
- Marrakech city tour
Not Included
Itinerary
- Day 1 UK/Marrakech
- Today you'll depart on your flight to Marrakech, Morocco. On arrival we'll transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay.
- Day 2 Casablanca
- After breakfast today, we depart for one of Morocco's most iconic cities – Casablanca. A sightseeing tour is included, so you'll get the chance to see the imposing Hassan II Mosque – the country's largest mosque, featuring the world's tallest minaret, at 210 metres. Stroll along the promenade in the stylish coastal suburb of Corniche Ain Diab, before taking in the Anfa and Habous districts, with their wonderful mix of French and Moroccan-inspired architecture. You'll also visit the central market, the vast United Nations Square and the art deco-inspired Mohammed V Square before dining tonight in a restaurant.
- Day 3 Fes
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for Fes today. En route, a guided tour of the imperial city of Meknes – once the capital of Morocco – is included. Here you'll find the splendid 18th century Bab Mansour, the towering ornamental gate to the city. It's an impressive precursor to the sights beyond. Spend some time in the bustling souk before visiting the royal palaces and mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail, whose grand plans for Meknes to be a great royal city make it such a memorable place to visit today. Next, you'll visit the UNESCO-listed site of Volubilis, with its remarkable Roman ruins. Ancient bathhouses, mosaic flooring and towering marble pillars form a stunning backdrop as you listen to your knowledgeable Local Guide explaining what life would have been like here at the this outpost of the Roman empire. For a truly authentic experience, you'll end the evening with dinner in a local riad – a traditional Moroccan house built around an interior garden or courtyard.
- Day 4 Fes
- Embark on a walking tour of the Medina of Fes this morning, where more than 9,000 winding streets promise treasures around every corner. With ancient buildings dating back to the 9th century, you'll follow an expert Local Guide as you explore the winding lanes, alleys, tanneries and artisan shops that make up one of the world's largest medinas. A highlight is the view of the famous Fès tannery from the balcony of a leather shop, where you can observe the men hard at work treating and dyeing the different hides. Take some time to shop for leather goods before returning to your hotel. This evening, discover more of Fes at your leisure, choosing to eat in your hotel or at a nearby restaurant.
- Day 5 Erg Chebbi & Merzouga
- Today, you'll travel through the forested slopes of the Middle Atlas Mountains to begin your desert adventure in the majestic Sahara. The cooler climate in the mountains means you'll pass through a rare sight in Africa – a ski resort, at Ifrane, before you travel past the vast palm groves of the Ziz Valley to arrive at the stunning sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, in the Sahara. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for Barbary apes – three-quarters of the species' world population lives in this area. Continue your journey to Merzouga which is close to the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Tonight we will travel by four-wheeled drive to admire the sunset over the sand dunes. And for some authentic desert luxury, tonight you'll be spending the night in a comfortable Kasbah-style hotel at the edge of the dunes. There may also be an opportunity to have a camel ride across the dunes!
- Day 6 Dades Gorge
- After breakfast, travel to the heart of the Atlas Mountains and pass through the Dades Gorges and Todgha Gorge, with its deep cliff-sided canyons – it's a breathtaking sight, with the walls of the canyon up to 400 metres high. Follow in the footsteps of the sultans as you travel the famous Route of A Thousand Kasbahs, where the ancient ruined fortresses almost resemble sandcastles in the distance. This evening, you can settle down to enjoy panoramic views from your hotel, in the heart of the Dadès Valley.
- Day 7 Ouarzazate & Marrakech
- Today, we depart for Marrakech, first stopping at the former Foreign Legion outpost of Ouarzazate, often known as 'Ouallywood' because of its starring role as the exotic backdrop in so many well-known movies. Here, you canvisit Taourirt Kasbah, an ancient citadel with almost 300 rooms, and perhaps you'll opt to visit a traditional Berber herbalist, to find out more about one of Africa's oldest cultures. There's also the chance to visit the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, the most spectacular fortress in the south of Morocco. Used as a backdrop in films such as 'Lawrence of Arabia' and classified by UNESCO as one of the cultural treasures of the world, the buildings making up the kasbah are studded with crenulated towers and decorated with ornate geometrical motifs – it's a sight not to be missed. As we journey towards Marrakech, we'll follow the winding roads up to the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass, the highest mountain pass in Morocco, at 2,260 metres.
- Day 8 Marrakech
- After breakfast at your Marrakech hotel, join us on a full-day city tour of this spectacular and fascinating city. Dubbed the 'Pearl of the South', Marrakech sits in a lush oasis nestled at the foot of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Today, you'll visit the famous Bahia Palace, capturing the essence of the Islamic Moroccan architectural style, as well as the beautiful Majorelle Gardens – botanical gardens designed by the French artist Jacques Majorelle. There's also a chance to marvel at the Koutoubia Mosque building, the largest mosque in Marrakech, with its 77-metre minaret, before sightseeing in the souks and taking in the bustling Jemaa El Fna square, with its dazzling array of orange juice stalls, traditional traders and street entertainers.
- Day 9 Marrakech
- Enjoy a day at leisure today – perhaps you'll wander Marrakech's famous souks, or simply relax by the pool at your hotel. Alternatively, you might like to join our optional cookery class, learning the aromatic delights of Moroccan cooking.
- Day 10 Marrakech/UK
- Today we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight back to the UK.
Accommodation
- Royal Mirage Deluxe Hotel Marrakech
- Royal Mirage Deluxe Marrakech is located a short distance from Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret and features a pool. Rooms at Royal Mirage Deluxe Marrakech Hotel offer a flat screen TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator providing exceptional comfort and convenience, and guests can go online with free wifi.
- Kenzi Basma
- Kenzi Basma is a 4-star hotel in downtown Casablanca, the heart of the city. Great museums, restaurants, cafes and smaller artisanal shops surround the property. The property itself features a restaurant and bar also, for your convenience.
- Royal Mirage
- The Royal Mirage is ideally located in the heart of Fes whilst only a few minutes to the old Medina also. The hotels facilities include 3 restaurants, 2 bar and 3 coffee shops.
- Hotel Kasbah Tomboctou
- The 4 star Kasbah Hotel Tomboctou is located in the Erg Chebbi Desert at the foot of the Golden Sand Dunes, and has a swimming pool, restaurant and terrace with panoramic views of the desert. Guest rooms have air-conditioning, en-suite, minibar and free Wi-Fi. There is also a bar, gardens to take a walk in, and a spa.
- Chez Talout
- Set on a hilltop overlooking Skoura palm grove, this guest house features an outdoor swimming pool and a shaded terrace. The bedrooms feature a traditional Berber decor and a private bathroom decorated with Tadelakt. Traditional Moroccan dishes are served on the rooftop terrace, with views of the valley.
- Royal Mirage Deluxe Hotel Marrakech
- Royal Mirage Deluxe Marrakech is located a short distance from Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret and features a pool. Rooms at Royal Mirage Deluxe Marrakech Hotel offer a flat screen TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator providing exceptional comfort and convenience, and guests can go online with free wifi.