Compare Historic Cities of Morocco by World Expeditions vs Best of Morocco (Summer, Small Groups) by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 1,559 | $ 4,198 |
| Price Per Day | $ 195 | $ 420 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description | Delve into Morocco's fascinating history uncovering the intrigues of the cities of Fes, Marrakesh, Rabat and Meknes | Discover the spectacular sites of Morocco on this 10-day guided tour. View Morocco's largest mosque in Casablanca and indulge in a feast of aromatic tagines and exotic fruits inside the ancient palace in Fes. Then take time to watch the enticing art of belly dancing. Be awed by the rugged red mountains of Dades Valley, then sip wild-herb tea alongside local nomads. Before you reach Marrakesh, walk around one of Morocco's most impressive kasbahs at the gate of the Saraha, an earthen clay fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. And of course, you won't leave Morocco without seeing the snake charmers, storytellers and acrobats in Marrakesh's markets and souks, where you can buy anything from a cashmere scarf to a woven rug. |
Day 1 Join Marrakesh
On arrival in Marrakesh you will be met and transferred to the group hotel, which is actually a traditional Moroccan Riad. (Transfer is included if arriving on Day 1 only. Please contact your reservations consultant for rates if you require an arrival transfer on any other day.) The remainder of the day is at leisure in this colourful city. There will be a group meeting with your guide at the hotel at 18:30hrs. Overnight Riad Celia (or similar).
meals : Array
Day 2 Exploring Marrakesh
Today we explore the fabled 'red city' of Marrakesh, so named for its ochre colored walls. We will start with a walking tour through the old town, or Medina, and visit the Medersa Ben Youssef (koranic school), stroll through the souks to the majestic Bahia Palace and also visit the imperial Saadien tombs. After lunch, we continue the tour by car, driving through part of the new city and taking in the beautiful Majorelle Gardens, Menara Gardens and the Koutoubia Mosque (from outside only). Our tour ends in the main square, the Djemaa el Fna, which is known for its snake charmers, acrobats, fortune-tellers, musicians and other colourful characters. There is time to watch and wander through the square at leisure, absorbing its intoxicating vibe. Overnight Riad Celia (or similar).
meals : B,L,D
Day 3 Drive to Fes via the Middle Atlas
Enjoy the picturesque Moroccan landscape today as we drive to the world renowned city of Fes. It will be a long driving day (approx 8 hrs) but one that is incredibly scenic. Along the way we will visit the rural town of Beni Mellal surrounded by huge fertile fields. The northern slopes of the Middle Atlas are impressively honeycombed with woods, fields and lakes. Passing Khenifra and the village of Azrou, known for its cedar woods, we will arrive in Fes in the late afternoon. Overnight Riad Salam or Riad Ghita (or similar). Please note: there is an option today to take a train from Marrakesh to Fes, departing at 09:00 and arriving at 16:10, approx 7.5 hrs. Times are subject to change and availability. Please ask your reservations consultant for cost of a 1st Class ticket, including hotel transfers in Marrakech and Fes. Seats must be booked in advance.
meals : B
Day 4 Exploring Fes
Today we have a full-day of sightseeing in the enchanted city of Fes. We take a guided walking tour through the very narrow streets of the medina, including the Kairaouine Mosque, the Nejjarine square and the Medersa, as well as the souks and tanneries. The medina also offers the chance to purchase unique Moroccan handicrafts and samples of delicious local cuisine. After lunch at a local restaurant in the Medina, we drive to a number of significant sites outside the old city including the majestic Royal palace and the former Jewish quarter (or Mellah). To put it all in perspective we view the city of Fes from a spectacular vantage point which overlooks this beautiful region. Overnight: Riad Salam or Riad Ghita (or similar).
meals : B,L
Day 5 To Meknes via Volubilis
A scenic drive from Fes to Volubilis begins our day. We will visit these awe-inspiring Roman ruins which feature some well-preserved mosaics. A short drive away is the Islamic pilgrimage village of Moulay Idris (non-Moslems are not permitted inside the holy shrine dedicated to the founder of Islam in Morocco). Here we take a short walk to gain a panoramic view over the town, its beautiful landscape and across to Volubilis. After lunch a short drive brings us to the imperial city of Meknès. During a guided city tour we will visit the Mosque and the tomb of Moulay Ismail as well as the old stables and granaries of Dar el Ma and the famous Gate of Bab Mansour. Overnight: Palais Didi (or similar).
meals : B,L
Day 6 Drive through Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen
This morning we leave Meknès and drive north towards the Rif mountains. Again, we are surrounded by picturesque scenery with rustic farmhouses dotted amongst fields and olive groves. The town of Chefchaouen is our destination, built on the lower slopes of the Rif mountains. The houses here are painted blue, typical of the Andalusian style. We will visit the Medina of this pretty town with its old Kasbah and also a museum. Overnight: Casa Hassan (or similar).
meals : B,D
Day 7 Drive to Ouazzane and Rabat, transfer to Casablanca
Leaving Chefchaouen, we drive to Ouazzane with spectacular views of the Rif mountains and its forests. Passing through Souk el Arba du Rharb we reach the Atlantic coast near Kenitra and continue south to the Moroccan capital, Rabat. We will enjoy a short, mid-afternoon tour of Rabat, visiting the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of the Kings Mohamed V and Hassan II. Afterwards we will be transferred to the city of Casablanca. Overnight: Imperial Hotel, Casablanca (or similar).
meals : B,D
Day 8 In Casablanca, trip concludes
Our trip concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport if you depart Casablanca today. For departure on any other day, transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.
meals : B
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.
Grand Mogador City Center, Casablanca.
Dinner
Day 2: Rabat, Imperial Meknes and Fes Relaxed Start
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 colorful 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.
Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3: Fes Sightseeing Relaxed Start
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.
Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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 magnificent 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.
Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Efroud.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 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. 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.
Le Berbère Palace, Ouarzazate.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: To Marrakesh
Marvel at and photograph the architectural wonder of Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site that boasts one of Morocco's finest kasbahs. Your journey continues via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, before descending past charming mountain villages, dense woods and green fields to the ochre-colored 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?
Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech.
Breakfast
Day 7: Marrakesh, Pearl of the South Relaxed Start
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.
Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech.
Breakfast
Day 8: Elegant Essaouira Relaxed Start
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.
Atlas Essaouira & Spa.
Breakfast
Day 9: Return to Casablanca Relaxed Start
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!
Grand Mogador City Center, Casablanca.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10: Au revoir Casablanca
Today, bid farewell to your journey along Morocco as you transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
