Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Check into your hotel. Later, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
A short ride along the coast to Rabat, once a lair of the corsairs and now the country’s capital. Sightseeing includes the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah of Oudayas. You are reminded of the time when Morocco was the Roman province of Mauretania as you visit the fine ROMAN RELICS OF CHELLAH and its GARDENS. Next stop, Meknes—see its monumental gates, mosque, palace, and miles of protective walls. Travel east towards Fez, Morocco’s most enchanting city.
At leisure in ancient Fez, which occupies a position of outstanding scenic beauty. Visit the exotic ancient Medina on the optional sightseeing tour, a maze of narrow bustling streets and alleys that make up the old Medina with its colorful souks.
Travel today into the very heart of Morocco. Morning break in the quiet, French-built alpine resort of Ifrane. Verdant cedar forests give way to volcanic mountains and wind-swept plains as you motor across the Middle Atlas range to Midelt . Afterwards, the landscape becomes progressively more arid and you enter a stony desert. On your last stretch to Erfoud, an unexpected and breathtaking surprise: the miraculous and peaceful oasis of Ziz Valley.
The best choice today is an included excursion to Rissani to see the MAUSOLEUM OF MOULAY ALI SHARIF, the first ruler of the Alaouite Dynasty. This evening, enjoy an optional excursion in the desert.
Enjoy the drive through the eastern slopes of the Atlas Mountains and arrive at the Tinerhir oasis with its green valley of palms and local villages. Drive north to the impressive Todra Gorge, then west along the Dades Valley to the film capital of Morocco, Ouarzazate, for an overnight stay.
Enjoy an orientation drive this morning in Ouarzazate, famous for its film studios, and a visit of the KASBAH DE TAOURIRT. Next, to AIT BENHADDOU, a kasbah famous as a film location for Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Afternoon arrival in the redcolored imperial city of Marrakesh, justly reputed the most fascinating of all Moroccan cities. An optional evening excursion will be a fitting choice to end the day.
The included city sightseeing with a Local Guide starts this morning with an orientation drive followed by a walk through the ancient quarters to the fascinating JEMAA-EL-FNA SQUARE and its exotic bazaar, BAHIA PALACE, and SAADIAN TOMBS. You’ll really feel as if you’ve stopped the march of time. Marrakesh has always been a meeting place— first just a group of nomad tents, now a bustling city.
Leave Morocco’s magical city of Marrakesh for the journey back to Casablanca. In the afternoon, see the sights in the company of a Local Guide. (B)
After breakfast check-out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight.
