The Moroccan Experience

DAY 1

Arrive CasablancaThe intoxicating sights and sounds of Morocco are revealed on this epic adventure through an ancient land. Delve into the intrigue and romance of Casablanca immortalised by Hollywood before meeting your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception.MEALSWelcome ReceptionHOTELGrand Mogador City Centre

DAY 2

Casablanca – Rabat – Meknès – Fez (2 Nights)We continue along the coast to the capital, Rabat. Here we’ll embark on an orientation tour of the city which includes views of the grand 17th-century palace and Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Travelling to the imperial city of Meknès, we’ll see the grand gate of Bab el-Mansour, one of the most impressive monumental gateways in North Africa, adorned by green and white zeillij tiles. We arrive in Fez later today and spend the rest of the day at leisure, connecting with the symbolic heart of Morocco and the unique character of the country’s oldest imperial city.MEALSBreakfastHOTELMarriott J’nan Palace

DAY 3

Fez Sightseeing and Free TimeJoin a Local Specialist today to explore the medina, one of the largest thriving medieval centres in the world. See the royal palace and ‘Dive Into Culture’ during a visit to the round dye pits and tanneries revealing Morocco’s ancient leather craft. Spend the rest of the day shopping or relaxing in a lantern-lit courtyard away from the medina crowds. Join your companions this evening for a special opportunity to ‘Connect With Locals’ over a Be My Guest dinner experience, featuring Moroccan specialities served with wine in a traditional Riad.MEALSBreakfast, Be My Guest

DAY 4

Fez – Midelt – ErfoudWe follow the old caravan trail south, stopping for a Lunch in Midelt, a market town set within the high plains between the Middle and High Atlas mountain ranges. Continuing along the palm-fringed Ziz Valley and past the Tafilalt oasis, we arrive in the oasis town of Erfoud, regarded as the Gateway to the Sahara. Its golden façades and towering dunes have made it a popular location for filmmakers for decades. This evening we dine at our hotel.MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerHOTELXaluca Kasbah

DAY 5

Erfoud – Tinghir – Dades ValleyJourneying west, we arrive in Tinghir, one of the most beautiful oasis in southern Morocco and home to the ruins of the ancient Glaoui palace. We continue through part of the Todra Gorge and cut through the mountains for one of the most dramatic views in the country. Stop for a lunch Lunch before following the route of a thousand kasbahs to the flourishing Dades Valley. Here we will overnight at one of Trafalgar’s ‘Stays With Stories’, Xaluca Dades, surrounded by panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains.MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerHOTELXaluca Dades

DAY 6

Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakesh (2 Nights)Blending effortlessly into the arid landscape, Ouarzazate has provided a backdrop for such famous movies as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, ‘Cleopatra’ and ‘Gladiator’. See the UNESCO-listed fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou in the High Atlas Mountains and continue through the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass to Marrakesh – the ‘Red City’. Like many other former imperial cities in Morocco, Marrakesh comprises an old fortified city – the medina – and an adjacent modern city. Marrakesh is home to Morocco’s largest traditional souk (market) where you may wish to spend some time learning the art of haggling.MEALSBreakfastHOTELLe Meridien N’Fis

DAY 7

Marrakesh Sightseeing and Free TimeVisit the ornate Bahia Palace during city orientation with your Local Specialist and spend some time soaking up the energy of Djemaa el Fna Square in the Old Quarter with its palm readers, acrobats, camels and snake charmers. Spend the rest of the afternoon lingering in one of the city’s beautiful gardens, discover the vibrant arts and culture scene or consider experiencing an authentic Moroccan show.MEALSBreakfast

DAY 8

Marrakesh – EssaouiraWe travel to the laid-back shores of Essaouira this morning stopping en route to visit a cooperative involved in creating cosmetics from traditional ingredients. Consider a delicious seafood lunch and enjoy some free time before joining a city tour of UNESCO-listed medina, the walled Jewish Quarter and Skala fortress. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.MEALSBreakfastHOTELCote Ocean Mogador

DAY 9

Essaouira – CasablancaThis morning we journey north to Casablanca where we will enjoy views of the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, built for the late king’s 60th birthday celebrations. Later, we join our Travel Director and companions for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate an unforgettable voyage of discovery.MEALSBreakfast, Farewell DinnerHOTELGrand Mogador City Centre

DAY 10

Depart CasablancaSay goodbye to your new-found friends at the end of your Moroccan holiday. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.MEALSBreakfast

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Dining Highlights

9 breakfasts
2 Regional Meal lunches
5 dinners (including Be My Guest)

First class travel Highlights

Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hand-picked Trip Highlights
VIP entry to many sights

Sightseeing Highlights

CITY TOUR in Fez and Marrakesh
ORIENTATION of Rabat, Meknès, Erfoud, Ouarzazate, Essaouira and Casablanca
VISIT Midelt, Tafilalt Oasis and Bahia Palace
VIEW the Royal Palace in Rabat, the Ziz Valley near Tinghir, the Todra Gorge, Aït Ben Haddou and Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca