Imperial Cities & Desert - 2010/11 Itinerary15 days - from $1100 Explore Fes, the world's most complete Islamic medieval city Discover the natural wonders of the southern oases Relax among the white-washed walls of old Essaouira Read more...
Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis & Fes We begin by train from Casablanca, pausing in Rabat, the present imperial capital, where we take a stroll around the Kasbah des Oudaias. We continue by rail to the old Moorish city of Meknes, wandering around the sites and medinas and exploring the impressive remains of Roman Volubilis and the holy city of Moulay Idriss. Continuing our journey by bus we spend two nights in the exotic town of Fes where we explore the souks and crowded alleyways of the Medina. Merzouga Sand Sea & Todra Gorge Heading south across the flanks of the Middle Atlas, we stay on the edge of the Sahara, close to the great shifting Sand Sea of Merzouga, where there is the chance to explore the dunes and the option to take a camel ride and camp out in the desert. From the lively desert market town of Rissani we continue past tiny palmeries and mud-brick villages to the dramatic Todra Gorge - hemmed in on all sides by vertical limestone cliffs which rise up 400m. We'll take time to explore these deep chasms on foot. The Atlantic Coast & Marrakech Crossing the Jebel Sahro Massif, we'll explore the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs and the famous kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. Heading east we pause in the Anti Atlas town of Taroudant before continuing to the Atlantic resort of Essaouira - a delightful blend of Southern European, French and Arab cultures. Finally we spend two fabulous days in Marrakech. Its animated Djemma-el-Fna Square is the 'Heart of Morocco' a focal point where Berbers and Arabs come to exchange news, haggle and trade in jelabahs, carpets and spices.
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Itinerary:Day 1 Join the tour in Casablanca. Days 2/3 Imperial Cities Taking the train between Rabat and Meknes we explore these two historic cities as well as discovering Roman Volubilis and the holy city of Moulay Idriss. Day 4 Fes Exploring the famous medina and sights of the world's most complete Islamic medieval city. Day 5 Southern Oases Travelling south via Midelt and Gorge du Ziz to the desert settlement of Erfoud. Day 6 Great Sahara Visit Rissani market and discover the majesty of Merzouga Sand Sea with the chance to sleep under the stars. Days 7/8 Todra Gorge On foot amongst the canyons and dramatic scenery of the southern High Atlas. Day 9 Ait Benhaddou Through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs to Morocco's most iconic village and Kasbah. Days 10/12 Atlantic Coast Reaching the Atlantic Coast via the rugged Anti Atlas we relax among the white-washed walls of the old Portuguese fishing port of Essaouira. Days 13/14 Magical Marrakech Discovering the sights and sounds of one of the world's most celebrated cities. Day 15 Tour ends in Marrakech.
Accommodations: 14nts hotels, optional night Bedouin camping; 14 breakfasts included. Transport: Chartered bus. Comment: Easy walking around the sites and medinas. Group: Approx. 16 to 20. Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s). Trip Reference: MR2010
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Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2011 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2011/12 brochure, due to be published in October 2010.
The price of a Single Room Option does not necessarily guarantee a single room for every night of the tour.
For more information, please refer to the trip dossier / more details for this tour. Single rooms are available for
this tour at a supplement from US$ 225, depending on availability.
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