MOROCCO - IMPERIAL CITIES & THE SAHARA
A cultural tour of Morocco

Morocco is an exquisite land known for its potent mystique and exotic aura. Europe’s closest link to Africa, Morocco is neither European nor African. It is a rich mix of both with a flavour distinctly its own. In this tour we offer an excellent introduction to this magnificent culture and country.

Day 01: Arrive Casablanca
Upon your arrival at the Mohamed V Airport in Casablanca, you will meet your guide, who will provide transfer to your hotel. Check in starts from 1400 hrs. Afternoon, you will explore Casablanca, the largest port of the Maghreb, and “capital in all but administration.” Your guide will take you to the Habous quarter to be introduced to your first Spanish Moorish ambiance of a lively market in old Casablanca, then of course the art deco colonial downtown with the real flavor of the Mystic French connection. Your guide will introduce you to La Corniche and Ain Diab shoreline that will give you an idea on creative architecture of neighborhoods of the well off Moroccans of Anfa quarter, and also the inclusive resort of La Corniche, not to miss the great mosque of Hassan II. You will conclude your day with dinner at your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Suisse (1 night) (D)

Day 02: Casablanca / Rabat (Drive)
In the morning, after your breakfast, you will depart for Rabat, the capital of Morocco. This is a wonderful short drive of about 45 miles through the lush farms and nurseries of all kind of flowers and exotic plants you will reach Rabat. Styled in a spaciously elegant European grid, yet slightly self-conscious of its modernity, Rabat and its twin city Sala Colonia separated by only a river but historically worlds apart have an ancient legacy that spans hundreds of generations. Each civilization that has inhabited each of the cities has left its mark, resulting in a wide variety in architectural styles including those from the Phoenician and Roman eras. You will spend your day discovering the delights that Rabat has to offer. Your guide will take on a historical and lively tour starting at the Jewish quarter the Mellah in the Heart of the city at Place Sidi Makhlouf, the 12 century ramparts are best seen from this and up to Bab Chellah visit the medina across by Sidi Fateh St. This will lead you to the traditional Souk Laghzel (Yarn market). Your guide will introduce you to the importance of this guild on textile role in the Moroccan society. Later you will cross to the citadel of the Oudaya Kasbah entering from its 12th century main gate to explore an extraordinary Medieval Moorish marvel overlooking the delta of Bourgreg River. You will have the opportunity to visit the Moorish old fashioned gardens, traditional coffee house, and in between the Oudaya museum of tribal arts and crafts. A docent will introduce to you the traditional Berber Textiles. You will continue your quest exiting the Oudaya Kasbah and up the hill to visit the Hassan Tower and sample of the real Moroccan architecture in its best at Mohamed the V Mausoleum. From here we will drive through the boulevards and Gardens of Rabat visiting the Saint Pierre Cathedral, the Parliament, the Sounna Mosque and the Royal Palace through the magnificent Ramparts and tower standing proud and glorious to reach the Necropolis of Chellah at the end. We will return to the hotel for dinner and other accommodations.
Overnight: Hotel Chellah (1 night) (B, D)

Day 03: Rabat / Meknes / Fes (Drive)
You will travel to Meknes on an excursion that embodies a large part of Morocco’s early history. First you will travel through Zaer confederation where fertile and large scale farms and vineyards are in abundance then of course the Zemmour Berber tribes starting at Tifelt of colorful Moroccan hats a sign of wealth among farming communities. East in the niter land we will reach the hills of Zemmour starting at Khemisset a city known for its exquisite Kilims. You will precede on to Meknes a city that has been created in first place to rival Fes but not quite. It is what Moroccans call the Versailles of Morocco. Just ten miles outside of the city you will encounter Volubilis, Morocco’s Roman provincial capital, a roman city that has survived in its authentic style until the 17th century earthquake of Lisbon. It is still one of the largest and most complete Roman sites. Less than a mile east on the other side of the hill you will discover the gem of Morocco Moulay Idris, a creation of the country’s premier Arab dynasty, an 8th century town that has stayed faithful to its existence. Crossing the hills of Zgotta, you will then continue onward to Fes where you will be provided with dinner and accommodations at your hotel.
Overnight: Riad Dar El Masmoudi (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 04: Fes
Undeniably fascinating, Fes stimulates the senses with its haunting yet beautiful sounds, visual splendor, and evocative smells. The most ancient of imperial capitals and the most complete medieval city of the Islamic world, Fes is reminiscent of a city suspended in time, unfazed by the constantly evolving world outsides its walls, owing nothing to the Western world save electricity. Time spent in Fes will reveal much about the sophistication of the Moroccan artisan, providing an unparalleled learning experience to those who cross its path. Your morning will be spent visiting the Medina. Our specialized guide will take you on a historic discovery of the city of Fes starting at the Kings Palace and its Meshwar with ramparts and majestic gates in the Jewish quarter a 15th century citadel with all its Moorish maze architecture and medieval glory. Visits to Sephardic synagogues and mausoleums of holy Rabbis will be the highlights of the part of town. Then we will drive to the Merinids hill to visit their necropolis where you will enjoy the best panoramic view on the Old walled Medina, brimful with all its countless minarets to call for the prayers in a city that has responded to these calls for 12 centuries. Drive down the hills to the gate of Bab Guissa to leave your vehicle and enter a world that belongs to an ancient time. Fes has conserved its integrity to its existence and the Medina is still as it was centuries ago. Not even a bicycle is able to be used as tool of transportation. Only donkeys, mules and horses are able to help moving all what the city produces and needs as supplies. The first guilds you will immediately encounter are the cobblers, the saddlers and black smiths interlaced by some caravansaries for tribesmen who come from the surrounding areas to trade and supply their needs. Down the hill to Juteya you will encounter all sorts of crafts but noticeably carpenters and leather workers as one of the traditional tanneries is not far. This walk will lead you to El ashabine square with its different activities. From there we will wind our way to the Sgha square which will lead us to Attarine then souk el henna and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idris the founder of Fes. Next to it, you will visit the Nejjarine square with its famous fountain, its guild of carpentry, the museum of folk arts at the Fondouk, the tannery and on to visit the great Mosque university of Al Quarrawiyyine, passing by the market of dried fruits, the Medersa Attarine to Sbetryyine book binders the Seffarine Square where the tapping of metalworkers is still deafening passerby as it was the case for centuries. You will break for lunch then continue exploring the marvels of Fes Medina. These will highlight the Dyers souk, Foundouk Tetouani, the shrine of Sidi Ahmed Tijani and up by foundouk Lihoudi where a family will host you for a traditional mint tea in their home. (B, D)

Day 05: Fes / Azrou / Midelt / Erfoud (Drive)
You will spend your day discovering the rural environs of the Atlas Mountains’ Berbers. Covered with evergreen pines, tall cedar trees, and poplars, and laced with flowing streams, your first view of the Middle Atlas will appear oddly un-Moroccan. Passing by Imouzzer, with a break stop at the Suisse-like town of Ifrane, you will soon come across the first real town of the Middle Atlas, Azrou, and an important market center for the region’s Berber tribes, located at a major junction of mountain routes. Your driver will take a little detour in the forest of cedar to introduce you one of the oldest inhabitant of this region the Berber apes. This may also coincide with the encounter of a nomadic family in its temporary encampment. As nomads are very hospitable people, whenever we encounter them we are all invited at least for a mint tea under their tents. At Midelt, the Middle Atlases give way to the High Atlas Mountains, whose peaks are visible through the haze, soaring to over 12,000 feet. You will stop in Midelt for lunch, enjoying the dramatic sight before you. You will then continue to Erfoud, one of the most delightful southern regions consisting of a dry, red belt of desert with a sudden drop into the lush valley of Ziz, with copious date palm groves and flowing streams. Visit the gorges of Ziz and some of the oases and natural sites before you reach the magnificent oasis of Erfoud. You will conclude your day in your camp over the dunes of Merzouga where tents are pitched and camels are saddled on your behalf to enjoy a night under the African Skies. The Rokba drummers will illuminate your night with their sensual dances and moving chants. Enjoy this encounter of Man and nature at best.
Overnight: Hotel Belere (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 06: Erfoud
With its indescribable beauty, watching the sun as it rises over the spectacular Merzouga dunes is an experience that should not be missed. Afterward, you will eat breakfast with the Toaregs and continue onward, transported in Land Rovers, to explore the ancient, holy oasis of Rissani. There, you will visit the ruins of Sijilmassa, remnants of the first Arab and Islamic city of Morocco, and the prehistoric fossils present throughout the desert. You will then return to your hotel for the evening. (B, D)

Day 07: Erfoud / Tinghir (Drive)
Only 15 kilometers from Tinghir, you will find the Todras, the highest, narrowest gorges in the region. You will travel through the Dadès valley, where in the spring, thousands of Persian roses bloom in hedgerows, filling the air with their heavenly perfume. You will also see the thousands of Kasbahs scattered along the Dadès River, majestic sandcastles with a visually appealing, timeless beauty. Your day will end with dinner and accommodation.
Overnight: Hotel Kasbah Lamrani (1 night) (B, D)

Day 08: Tinghir / Ouarzazate (Drive)
You will explore the Dades Valley, traveling through El Kelaâ De Mgouna and Boumalne to view the inimitable natural vistas and unusual rock formations. You will then continue onward to Ouarzazate, where one large oasis intercepts the flow of water between the Dadès, the Drâa valleys, and the majestic High Atlas Mountains. You will conclude your day with dinner and other accommodations in your hotel.
Overnight: Tichka Salam Hotel (1 night) (B, D)

Day 09: Ouarzazate / Marrakesh (Drive)
You will spend most of your day en route to Marrakesh, exploring the legendary Kasbah of Aït-Benhaddou, a renowned architectural marvel, and stopping in Taddart and Tizi Tishka pass, at an altitude of 11,000 feet. The pass divides the mountains into two distinct facets: the harsh, stark side acting as a shield that protects the hinterland from the harsh, dry expansion of the Sahara, and a lush side, soft and evergreen, which collects the moisture from the Gherbi winds of the Atlantic Ocean. You will arrive in Marrakech, a city of pleasure for both visitors and locals, where southern tribesmen and Berber villagers bring their goods to market and find a variety of entertainment. To tourists, the city is a feast for the imagination, full of incomparable beauty, situated before the towering mountains that provide a thrilling backdrop. After a visit to the bustling Jemaa El Fna square, you will conclude your day with dinner and accommodation.
Overnight: Grand Imilchil Hotel (3 nights) (B, D)

Day 10: Marrakesh
You will devote your morning to the exploration of Marrakesh’s many historical sites, including the Menara, a magnificent pool surrounded by flowerbeds, reflecting the image of an exquisite Moorish edifice, constructed in 1866 for the dignitaries, who enjoyed glorious sunsets with the ethereal Atlas Mountains as a backdrop. The pool also functions as an innovative irrigation system that is adapted to life in the desert. Your tour will cover many impressive sites, including the Koutoubia Minaret (which is identical to la Giralda, a tower found in Sevilla, Spain), and the Saadien tombs, which demonstrate Moorish architecture at its best. The tombs consist of sixteenth-century mausoleums, which lay walled-in and undiscovered until 1917. You will then return to your hotel for the night. (B, D)

Day 11: Marrakesh
You will begin your day with an excursion to the Ourika Valley, where you will visit the traditional Berber Souks, as well as the Jewish shrines. After a lunch break, you will discover the workshops of the local artisans, enjoying their sophisticated, hand-made products. You will return to Marrakech for dinner and accommodation. (B, D)

Day 12: Marrakesh / Essaouira (Drive)
You will begin your day by traveling to Essaouira (Mogador), a picturesque city with a rich history. With a fascinating antiquity, Essaouira was occupied by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, supplied essential purple dyes to the Romans, absorbed the sophisticated Jewish arts of silversmith, and spent centuries as a Portuguese enclave. Despite the obvious influence of these civilizations, Essaouira has managed to remain a small, authentic Berber town. Alive with the breath of fresh air provided by the Atlantic, Essaouira is a jewel nestled in the ragged coast, with a vast expanse of empty sands trailing back along the promontory towards the South. After an introductory tour, you will conclude your day with dinner in your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Riad El Madina (1 night) (B, D)

Day 13: Essaouira / Casablanca (Drive)
You will travel to Casablanca, stopping at El Oualidia for a seafood lunch break. You will continue onward to El Jadida, where you will visit the citadel, evidence of the 11th century Portuguese occupation. Finally, you will arrive in Casablanca, having completed a journey that has led you through immeasurable antiquity. You will conclude your day with a farewell dinner and spend the night at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Suisse (1 night) (B, D)

Day 14: Depart Casablanca
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight out. (B)

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Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Jan 06 – May 26: departure every Wednesday & Sunday No group departures between Jun – Sep 14 Sep 15 – Dec 29: departure every Wednesday & Sunday 2011 English Speaking Departures Jan 05 – May 25: departure every Wednesday & Sunday No group departures between Jun – Sep 13 Sep 14 – Dec 28: departure every Wednesday & Sunday
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner) All sightseeing and transfers with services of a local English speaking guide. Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary International airfares Departure/airport taxes Insurance & Visas Tips/Gratuities
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2010 US $ 1495 US $ 395 2011 US $ 1665 US $ 395
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1200 USA - East Coast US $ 1200
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.