Morocco Explorer

13 days - from $1895

At the crossroads of Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Morocco is an intoxicating and indefinable fusion of cultures. The food, architecture, language and way of life have been shaped into their current exciting form over many centuries, by many peoples. This inspirational trip takes in most of the highlights. You can wander and haggle for bargains in the medinas of Rabat and Fes, discover the beauty of the endless dunes of the Sahara, enjoy being introduced to the hospitality of the Berber culture, explore the diverse and spectacular landscapes of the Atlas mountains and marvel at the extraordinary Kasbahs before arriving in Marrakech - a city that will astound you.

Highlights

• Casablanca
• Rabat
• Volubilis
• Meknes
• Fes (Medieval City)
• Moulay Yacoub
• Desert Camp
• Camel Ride
• Atlas Mountains
• Todra Gorge
• Dades Valley
• M'Goun Valley Walk
• Ait Benhaddou
• Skoura
• Marrakech Museum
• Bahia Palace
• Marrakech

Itinerary:

Day 1 (Sun) Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to hotel.2 Visit Hassan II Mosque and the new medina. Drive to Rabat. Visit the Chellah, Kasbah des Oudayas and Hassan minaret.3 Visit Volubilis. Continue to Meknes to the old medina and bazaars. Arrive in Fes.4-5 Visit the old city, including Musee Belghazi and Funduk Nejjarine. 6 Drive to Midelt and enjoy an easy afternoon hike.7 Morning walk before driving to Merzouga. Sunset camel ride to desert camp.8 Drive to Todra Gorge for a two hour walk, then on to the Dades Valley. Overnight in a Berber house.9 Full day exploring and walking in M'Goun Valley.10 Visit Skoura Kasbah and Ait Benhaddou.11 Drive over Atlas mountains to Marrakech.12 City tour, including the Bahia Palace and Marrakech Museum.13 Trip ends in Marrakech this morning (Fri).
Included: Local tour leader, professional local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.
Not Included: Flights, meals unless specified, drinks, departure taxes, travel insurance, tips (see below), spending of a personal nature, optional sightseeing, departure transfer.
Meals: 12 breakfasts3 dinners
Valid From: 11 Jan 07
Notes: Tipping In Morocco, tipping is part of the fabric of life. Everyone constantly tips everyone else and foreign travellers are expected to comply with this system. It is part of everyday life and is a form of remuneration for doing something, regardless of the standard of service. This is quite confusing for those used to the western concept of tipping as a way of showing appreciation. Over the years we have found that most of our customers find this constant need for tipping to be both tiresome and embarrassing, especially if you don't have the correct small change. To overcome this, we have established a very successful tipping kitty system. At the beginning of the tour, your tour leader will suggest collecting a set amount from each tour member. He/she will then distribute all tips along the way, on behalf of the group, to the local guides, drivers, porters and anyone else who provides services along the way. We have surveyed thousands of our previous clients and the vast majority clearly prefer this procedure. We hope that this system will also work for you. The amount will vary from trip to trip, but it usually works out to be about the equivalent of US$3 per person per day. If you are out on your own, for example at a restaurant, you should also leave a tip for the waiter. Please note that the tipping kitty will NOT include a gratuity for your tour leader. They work hard for you and if you are happy with their service it is appropriate to tip them as well. The normal amount expected is US$3 (or equivalent) per day from each member of the group. Alcohol In Morocco, very few people drink, although alcohol can be found if you look hard enough. Most restaurants in Morocco do not serve alcohol. Ramadan Ramadan occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is an exciting (and at times, frustrating) time to travel in the Middle East. In the evening there is a celebratory atmosphere as people break their fast, and to witness all this is a real highlight. However, during the day, people must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activity, so if you encounter someone who is a bit grumpy, be sympathetic! Tourist sites are generally unaffected although some places may close early, but your leader will plan around this. Most hotels bars and tourist restaurants will remain open. Overall, Ramadan is a really interesting time to the Middle East, although you do need to be flexible, sympathetic and sensitive. In 2010, Ramadan starts on 11th August and finishes on 9th September, with the Eid el Fitr feast commencing on 10th September. In 2011, Ramadan will start on 1st August and finish on 30th August.
Starts/Ends: Casablanca to Marrakech
Trip Reference: PGME