PRIVATE JOURNEY
Jewels of Morocco
Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Morocco. Traverse the high passes of the Atlas Mountains to explore the remote oases, kasbahs and sand dunes of the Erg Cheddi, Morocco’s great sand sea. Experience the hospitality of Moroccans at boutique hotels filled with history and character.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Marrakech
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your Cox & Kings local representative. After collecting your things, check in to your luxurious riad (traditional Moroccan house with a garden courtyard). Riad Kniza (Junior Suite) – 3-nights
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your Cox & Kings local representative. After collecting your things, check in to your luxurious riad (traditional Moroccan house with a garden courtyard). Riad Kniza (Junior Suite) – 3-nights
Day 2
Marrakech
Today, tour the gorgeous Saadian Tombs, elegant El Badi Palace and the 12th-century Koutoubia mosque, famed throughout the Arab world. Meander through the medina, exploring an endless procession of souqs, mosques and medersas. Just before sunset, visit the Djemaa el-Fna, the enormous square and atmospheric wonderland of torch-lit food stalls, snake charmers, storytellers and acrobats. This evening, gather for dinner at the famed Yacout Restaurant, which offers traditional Moroccan cuisine in a restored villa. (B, D)
Today, tour the gorgeous Saadian Tombs, elegant El Badi Palace and the 12th-century Koutoubia mosque, famed throughout the Arab world. Meander through the medina, exploring an endless procession of souqs, mosques and medersas. Just before sunset, visit the Djemaa el-Fna, the enormous square and atmospheric wonderland of torch-lit food stalls, snake charmers, storytellers and acrobats. This evening, gather for dinner at the famed Yacout Restaurant, which offers traditional Moroccan cuisine in a restored villa. (B, D)
Day 3
Day trip to Asni
Join your mountain guide for a four-hour walk through the fragrant juniper forests of the Atlas Mountains. After a picnic lunch, reach the Tinzert Pass, where you can marvel at the striking views and have tea in a traditional Berber house. (B, L)
Option: Immerse yourself in the wonders of Moroccan cuisine this evening with an exclusive cooking class at the famed La Maison Arabe.
Join your mountain guide for a four-hour walk through the fragrant juniper forests of the Atlas Mountains. After a picnic lunch, reach the Tinzert Pass, where you can marvel at the striking views and have tea in a traditional Berber house. (B, L)
Option: Immerse yourself in the wonders of Moroccan cuisine this evening with an exclusive cooking class at the famed La Maison Arabe.
Day 4
Skoura
Traverse the mountains on your way to Skoura, the gateway to the Sahara. On your way, stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou, an impressive example of fortified earthen architecture. In Skoura, check in to your charming hotel set amid a verdant palm grove. Les Jardins De Skoura (Suite) – 2-nights (B, D)
Traverse the mountains on your way to Skoura, the gateway to the Sahara. On your way, stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou, an impressive example of fortified earthen architecture. In Skoura, check in to your charming hotel set amid a verdant palm grove. Les Jardins De Skoura (Suite) – 2-nights (B, D)
Day 5
Skoura
Discover the natural and cultural wonders of the lovely Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of the Thousand Kasbahs”. As you wind your way through the magnificent desert terrain, watch the glint of the sun off the clear waters of the Dades River and admire the historic Kasbahs (forts) that dot this unique landscape. (B, D)
Discover the natural and cultural wonders of the lovely Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of the Thousand Kasbahs”. As you wind your way through the magnificent desert terrain, watch the glint of the sun off the clear waters of the Dades River and admire the historic Kasbahs (forts) that dot this unique landscape. (B, D)
Day 6
Erfoud
Journey through the desert to the oasis of Tafilalt and the friendly town of Rissani, the last outpost of civilization before the Erg Chebbi, the great sand sea of Morocco. Just before sunset, embark on a desert safari in 4 X 4 vehicles to the Merzouga dunes for the incredible spectacle of the great dunes changing color in the fading light. Kasbah Xaluca (Junior suite) – 1-night (B)
Journey through the desert to the oasis of Tafilalt and the friendly town of Rissani, the last outpost of civilization before the Erg Chebbi, the great sand sea of Morocco. Just before sunset, embark on a desert safari in 4 X 4 vehicles to the Merzouga dunes for the incredible spectacle of the great dunes changing color in the fading light. Kasbah Xaluca (Junior suite) – 1-night (B)
Day 7
Fez
Travel through the heartland of the Berbers today, and get a glimpse of their traditional semi-nomadic herding lifestyle in the small towns of Midelt and Errachidia. Late this afternoon, arrive in the imperial city of Fez. Riad Maison Bleue (Senior Suite) – 3-nights (B)
Travel through the heartland of the Berbers today, and get a glimpse of their traditional semi-nomadic herding lifestyle in the small towns of Midelt and Errachidia. Late this afternoon, arrive in the imperial city of Fez. Riad Maison Bleue (Senior Suite) – 3-nights (B)
Day 8
Fez
Cultural and symbolic heart of Morocco, Fez El-Bali is the world’s largest and most beautiful living medieval city. Tour the 14th-century Medersa Bou Inania (theological college), famous for its Koranic scriptures in stucco, zellij tiles and carved wood. Explore the 13th-century tanneries and henna and spice souqs as you wind your way through the labyrinth of streets and alleys, discovering hidden squares like the Place an-Nejjarine. (B)
Cultural and symbolic heart of Morocco, Fez El-Bali is the world’s largest and most beautiful living medieval city. Tour the 14th-century Medersa Bou Inania (theological college), famous for its Koranic scriptures in stucco, zellij tiles and carved wood. Explore the 13th-century tanneries and henna and spice souqs as you wind your way through the labyrinth of streets and alleys, discovering hidden squares like the Place an-Nejjarine. (B)
Day 9
Meknes, Volubilis
Drive through the countryside on your way to Meknes. A cultural center for more than ten centuries, Meknes boasts a fascinating medina (old city) and maze of streets filled with colorful stalls and architectural delights such as the intricately carved Bab el-Mansour. Continue to Moulay Idriss, Morocco’s holiest city, and then onto the Roman ruins at Volubilis to see the Triumphal Arch and exquisite mosaics. Return to Fez late this afternoon. (B)
Drive through the countryside on your way to Meknes. A cultural center for more than ten centuries, Meknes boasts a fascinating medina (old city) and maze of streets filled with colorful stalls and architectural delights such as the intricately carved Bab el-Mansour. Continue to Moulay Idriss, Morocco’s holiest city, and then onto the Roman ruins at Volubilis to see the Triumphal Arch and exquisite mosaics. Return to Fez late this afternoon. (B)
Day 10
Depart Fez
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Extend Your Journey
Journeys:
Highlights:
- Explore the enormous Djemaa el-Fna market place famous for its torch-lit food stalls, snake charmers, storytellers and acrobats
- Tour the fertile oasis town of Skoura "The gateway to the Sahara"
- Drive in a 4x4 out to the edge of the Sahara and see the color changing dunes
- View the picturesque and scenic Dades Valley known as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs"
- Hike the High Atlas Mountains, visiting Berber villages and enjoying a picnic lunch al fresco
Travel Details & Dates:
10 DAYS & 9 NIGHTS
Marrakech, Asni, Skoura, Erfoud, Fez, Meknes & Volubilis
2012 Dates:
Jan - Oct
Prices From:
$6,245
Note:
Prices subject to change without notice. Holiday supplements may apply. Upon request, your travel consultant can provide an exact price based on your specific dates of travel.
Includes:
All accommodation, breakfast daily, other select meals, all transfers and sightseeing with private guides/tour escort. Private Journeys depart daily subject to availability.
The best season for travel to Morocco is September through April.