 |
Any student of history has surely wished to experience the way of life (but perhaps not the lack of modern comforts!) of earlier times. Disregarding the modern phenomenon of ‘theme parks’, travel to the remotest corners of the world seems the only way, yet just a few hours flight away lies Morocco with evocative Casablanca, |
its capital Rabat and the medieval medina of Fez, where little has changed since its founding over 1000 years ago. Whilst Marrakech is now attracting more travellers, the traditional medina survives intact and the journey through the desert and Atlas mountains reveals a Morocco largely unchanged by modernity. |
11 night 12 day tour : 1 in Casablanca, 3 in Fes, 1 in Erfoud, 2 in Ouarzazate, 4 in Marrakech.
Day 1 :
Fly to Casablanca and transfer to your hotel for overnight.
Day 2 :
Tour of Casablanca including Hassan II mosque, then in Rabat visit the Oudaya Kasbah, Mohammed V mausoleum, Hassan tower, Roman Sala Colonia and the archaeological museum. Continue to Fez for three nights at your riad.
Day 3:
Drive around the ramparts and visit the Dar el-Batha museum of local crafts followed by an exploration of the fascinating labyrinthine medina including a visit to the Attarine Medersa and a traditional carpet-maker.
Day 4 :
Visit scenically located Roman Volubilis and the hill town of Moulay Idriss. Lunch at Meknes followed by a tour of the ramparts, Imperial granaries and stables.
Day 5 :
Traverse the Atlas Mountains to Er-Rachidia. Overnight in Erfoud. The Tafilalt Valley around Erfoud cultivates over a million palm trees irrigated by the Ziz river.
Day 6 :
Early morning optional excursion to the Merzouga Dunes on the fringes of the Sahara (bookable locally). Travel to Tinerhir for lunch and to visit the dramatic Todra Gorges. Continue along the spectacular ‘Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs’ to the former French Foreign Legion outpost of Ouarzazate for two nights.
Day 7 :
In Ouarzazate visit the much photographed kasbahs of Tifoultoute and Taourirt. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 8 :
Visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Marrakech for four nights at your riad.
Day 9 :
Full-day tour of Marrakech includes lunch, the Koutoubia Minaret, Majorelle Gardens, Bahia Palace, and Dar Si Said Palace museum of jewellery, costume, chests and doors.
Day 10 :
Afternoon exploration of the fascinating and colourful souks of the old medina, visiting the Medersa Ben Youssef, a 14th-century religious teaching establishment. Enjoy a drink overlooking Djemma el-Fna Square.
Day 11 :
A day at leisure
Day 12 :
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to Gatwick.
|
