Moroccan Mosaic

14 days - from $1460

Morocco is considered one of the most romantic countries in the world. It boasts a heady mix of European, African, Moslem and Berber cultures along with legendary cities, ancient mud-brick kasbahs, rolling sand dunes, snow-capped mountains and an extensive and largely undeveloped coastline.

It is so colourful that first-time visitors might be excused for thinking they have walked into the middle of a Hollywood movie set. Indeed, Morocco has long been a favoured location for the film industry, due in part to an accommodating local bureaucracy. As we travel through this amazing country we are hit with an overwhelming sense of unreality. Is it really possible that a place can be both so exotic and so improbably picturesque? This, then, is the secret of Morocco, a destination that bombards the senses as we take the backroads from Casablanca to Marrakech.

From Casablanca we travel by train to Meknes, to explore the beautiful old medina and then onto the vivid blue of Spanish-influenced Chefchaouen A little further on we reach Fes, where time seems to have overlooked the ancient streets and alleyways of the old quarter. We spend two days here, immersing ourselves in this splendid medieval city, and then travel south to explore the great sand dunes on the western edge of the Sahara.

A dramatic change of landscape finds us in Todra Gorge and nearby we explore the picturesque Dades Valley. We then travel along the fabled 'road of 1000 kasbahs', visiting an amazing family home at Skoura and the outstanding mud-brick town of Ait Benhaddou. Our final destination is Marrakech, where we spend our last evening in the great square - Jemaa el Fna - the heart and soul of this fine old city.

Highlights

• Ait Benhaddou
• Bathe in Fes
• Casablanca
• Chill out in Chefchaouen
• Join the rest of the world in Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech
• Medina, mosaics and Majorelle, Marrakech
• Meknes
• Sleep in the Sahara
• Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley
• Travel the road of a thousand Kasbahs

Itinerary:

Day 1: Casablanca2: Casablanca - Meknes3: Meknes - Chefchaouen4-5: Chefchaouen6-7: Fes8-9: Midelt - Merzouga - Erg Chebbi10-11: Todra Gorge - Dades Valley - Ait Benhaddou12: High Atlas - Marrakech13-14: Marrakech

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included: An experienced English-speaking local leader, local guides at some sites, all transportation, accommodation, meals and sightseeing as indicated.
Not Included: International flights, arrival & departure transfers, entrance fees, visas, airport taxes, additional meals, drinks, optional sightseeing tours, insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals: 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
EquipmentIncluded: 02 Sep 10
Valid From: 10 Jan 09
Valid Until: 31 Dec 69
Starts/Ends: Casablanca to Marrakech
Trip Reference: GEMM