Moroccan Sojourn: Summer Special — NEW!
The Kingdom of Morocco has long held a romantic allure for the westerner. Since the 18th century some of Europe’s greatest writers and painters have sought inspiration here. Known to the Arabs as ‘al-Maghreb al- Aqsa’ meaning the ‘farthest land of the setting sun,’ Morocco boasts stunning natural beauty and an extraordinarily rich and varied cultural heritage. In this magical land of legend and color, the souqs and thousand-year-old labyrinthine medinas of fabled Marrakesh and Fez await your discovery. Cross the high passes of the Atlas Mountains, discover the magnificent scenery and crumbling Kasbahs of the pre-Sahara. Throughout your journey experience the warm hospitality of Moroccans at small character hotels.
Itinerary
Marrakesh is the heartbeat of Morocco. Stay at a boutique riad that reflects the Moroccan artisan richness and style of architecture seen in the Morocco of old. Le Perroquet Bleu
Tour the Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace and the 12th century Koutoubia mosque. 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. (B)
Drive across the beautiful valleys of Asni and Ourika. Your excursion will take you through small villages, stopping at a rural market to acquaint you with its local atmosphere. Lunch at a local restaurant. Visit a local Berber family and enjoy a cup of mint tea before returning to Marrakesh late this afternoon. (B)
Drive to Skoura, the gateway to the Sahara, via the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival at the fertile oasis town of Skoura you will check-in your hotel. Kasbah Ben Moro (B, D)
Explore the beautiful Dades Valley, also known as the Valley of the Thousand Kasbahs. The drive is a very scenic one, with the rich ocher of the desert contrasted with the winding clear blue waters of the Dades River, and the pastel hues of the palm trees and orchards. (B D)
Your drive today takes you to the oasis region of the Tafilalt. Visit the nearby town of Rissani and prior to sunset drive by 4x4 out to the Merzouga dunes, which typify much of the Algerian Sahara. Enjoy views over this magical landscape, the dunes themselves changing color from pink to gold to red. Kasbah Xaluca (B)
Your journey today takes you through the small towns of Midelt and Errachidia en route to Fez. Stop at the Ayachi Hotel in Midelt for lunch. This area is classic Berber country, the people being semi-nomadic, owning homes but spending a great deal of time following their flocks. On arrival in Fez check in to your boutique Riad Le Maison Bleue (B)
Fez el-Bali is the world’s largest and most beautiful living medieval city. A thousand year-old labyrinth of 300 mosques and 9,400 winding streets and alleyways that is home to countless ateliers, and markets. Tour the 14th C Medersa Bou Inania, famous for its Koranic scriptures in stucco, zellij tiles and carved wood. Explore the 13th C tanneries and henna and spice souqs as you wind your way through hidden squares, such as the Place an-Nejjarine. Enjoy dinner this evening at Riad Le Maison Bleue. (B, D)
A cultural center of Morocco for more than ten centuries, Meknes boasts a fascinating medina and maze of streets filled with colorful stalls and architectural delights such as the Bab el- Mansour. Continue to Moulay Idriss, Morocco’s holiest city, and then onto the Roman ruins at Volubilis, famous for the Triumphal Arch and exceptionally fine mosaics depicting colorful scenes from classical mythology. (B)
Transfer to Fez Airport for your homeward bound flight. (B)
Extend Your Journey
Tunisian Sojourn
Egyptian Sojourn
Ethiopian Odyssey
- Immerse yourself in the world's largest living medieval city of Fez
- Visit with a local Berber family and enjoy a cup of mint tea
- Tour the Dades Valley known as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs"
- See the Triumphal Arch and Roman ruins at Volublis
- Tour the fertile oasis town of Skoura "The gateway to the Sahara"
- Visit the 12th century Koutoubia mosque
10 DAYS & 9 NIGHTS
Marrakesh/Fez
From $4485 per person double occupancy.
Offer good from May 1 – Sept 30, 2011
Includes:
All accommodation, breakfast daily, other meals as notes, all transfers and sightseeing with private guides. Private Journeys depart daily subject to availability.