Moroccan Magic Carpet (Family)

10 days - from $1790

Morocco is a country of many contrasts. Fragrant, labyrinthine souks and imposing mountain ranges give way to lush valleys and the endless dunes of the Sahara desert.

We meet a diverse array of cultures in our travels throughout this vast land. Berbers, Arabs, nomadic tribesmen have all helped shape Morocco. Centuries ago, the caravan tradesmen helped build the imperial cities of Fes and Meknes, that served as rest stops to Europe's rich.

We visit gardens, ancient mosques, mud brick kasbahs, walled towns and buzzing market places. This truly remarkable country will have a sight and sound and scent waiting around every corner.

Highlights

• Casablanca
• Rabat
• Volubilis
• Meknes
• Fes (Medieval City)
• Sand Dunes At Erg Chebbi
• Camel Ride
• Desert Camp
• Atlas Mountains
• Dades Valley
• Todra Gorge
• Road of 1000 Kasbahs
• Ait Benhaddou
• Bahia Palace
• Marrakech

Itinerary:

Day 1 (Sun) Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to hotel.2 Morning tour of Casablanca, drive to Rabat. Visit the Parc Zoologique National. Continue on to Meknes.
3 Explore the medina of Meknes, visit the UNESCO site of Volubilis. Onwards to Fes.4-5 Explore the alleyways and lanes of Old Fes including Belghazi Museum and Funduk Nehjjarine. 6 Drive to Merzouga. Sunset camel ride into the desert. Sleep under Bedouin tents.7 Camel ride at sunrise. Drive to the Dades Valley via Todra Gorge.8 Drive via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass and Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech. 9 City tour of Marrakech. Visit Bahia Palace and Marrakech Museum. 10 Adventure ends in Marrakech this morning (Tue).
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: 9 breakfasts2 dinners
Notes: Age limits and responsibility for minors Our family trips are not recommended for children under the age of six. There must be at least one parent/adult guardian for three minors. Parent/adult guardian must be fully responsible for their minors throughout the entire trip. If you have a question regarding age and suitability, please contact us for further advice. 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: PTMC