SMALL GROUP TOUR
Trip Length: 11 days
Trip Dates
: Dec 10-20, 2010
9 nights in First Class & Deluxe Hotels | 18 meals
2010 Rates
: $4295 double | $5195 single International Airfare is additional.


day 1 -- FRI, DEC 10 Fly USA to Casablanca, Morocco
Day 2 -- SAT, DEC 11 Arrive Casablanca, transfer to Rabat
Day 3 -- SUN, DEC 12 Rabat - Fez
Day 4 -- MON, DEC 13 Fez - Meknes - Volubilis - Fez
Day 5 -- TUE, DEC 14 Fez
Day 6 -- WED, DEC 15 Fez - Ouarzazate
day 7 -- THU, DEC 16 Ouarzazate
Day 8 -- FRI, DEC 17 Ouarzazate - Marrakesh
Day 9 -- SAT, DEC 18 Marrakesh
Day 10 -- SUN, DEC 19 Marrakesh
Day 11 -- MON, DEC 20 Marrakesh - Casablanca - USA
Morocco's dazzling mosaic of African, Arab and Berber cultures—with a dash of European influence—is simultaneously strange and romantic, alluring and discomfiting. It's little wonder that Morocco has regularly drawn seekers of the exotic.

The country is one of Africa's most popular travel destinations. No matter how well-seasoned a traveler you are, you'll find plenty to see and do: fine Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches, desert excursions, wondrous imperial cities, Islamic landmarks, wild Joujoukan trance music, Roman antiquities, resort facilities, mountain villages and towering sand dunes. Just be aware that the combination of heat, dust, spicy flavors and intrusive touts can be all-consuming at times.

Day 1 – Dec 10 — Depart USA
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Casablanca, Morocco.

Day 2 – Dec 11 — Casablanca- Rabat, Morocco
On arrival in Casablanca you are met and transferred to Rabat to check into your hotel.
Rabat. Rabat is one of Morocco’s four ancient imperial cities and its capital since 1912.
Overnight at the charming Villa Mandarine.
Hotel Villa Mandarine
Room Standard
Meals Dinner

Day 3 – Dec 12 — Rabat – Fez
This morning tour Rabat. Encounter an intriguing blend of the historic and modern at Rabat’s Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, the magnificent Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the fortified Kasbah of Oudaias, and the peaceful Andalucian gardens. Also, visit the Belghazi Museum in Sale. Arrive Fez, one of Morocco’s finest Imperial Cities. The Palais Jamai was built in 1879 by Mohammed Jamot, Grand Vizir to Sultan Moulay Hassan I (1830 - 1894) and perfectly embodies the Moorish style. Converted into a hotel in the 1930s, it was extended in the 1970s, with a 5-story wing that fully respects the original architecture. Surrounded by an impressive Andalusian garden with fountains and small terraces, the hotel is a peaceful and relaxing retreat, just a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of the country's busiest Medina, the ideal place for treasure hunts.
Hotel Palais Jamai
Room Medina Room
Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 – Dec 13 — Fez - Meknes - Volubilis - Fez
Depart Fez for a full day of sightseeing at Meknes and Volubilis. The Arabs who brought Islam and the first Arab dynasty to Morocco founded Meknes, the holy village of Moulay Idriss. The Roman ruins here include an impressive triumphal Arch. You will also visit Volubilis, site of the Imperial Palace built by Moulay Ismail who wanted his new capital, Meknes, to be as beautiful and immense as Versailles. Return to Fez
Hotel Palais Jamai Hotel
Room Medina Room
Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Dec 14 — Fez
Enjoy a full day tour in Fez. Fez is the oldest of Morocco’s four “Imperial Cities”. The medieval city of Fez El Bali, or “Old Fez” remains complete and is unspoiled. During your tour of the old city you will see the exotic Bou Inania Medersa, the Medina and the Kairaouine Mosque.
In the afternoon you will visit Fez El Jdid, or “New Fez”, where the Museum of Moroccan Arts can be found. You may also like to visit the Mellah, the walled Jewish quarter. Enjoy the evening at leisure in Fez.
Hotel Palais Jamai Hotel
Room Medina Room
Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 – Dec 15 — Fez - Ouarzazate
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Ouarzazate via Casablanca.
Upon arrival, transfer to the Berber Palace Hotel.
Hotel Berber Palace Hotel
Room Deluxe
Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 – Dec 16 — Ouarzazate
Tour Ouarzazate today. This little bit of Hollywood in North Africa is the site of many films and documentaries, including Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars, The Mummy, The Gladiator and many more. The architecture and setting is especially note-worthy. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.
Hotel Berber Palace Hotel
Room Deluxe
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 -- Dec 17 — Ouarzazate - Marrakech
En route to Marrakech, tour Ait ben-Haddou, a World Heritage site. In its old section, deep red kasbahs are packed together so tightly they appear to be a single unit. Descend from the High Atlas, passing through typical fortified villages with stone houses and earthen roofs. In Tizi N’Tichka, traverse a mountain pass where shepherds continue the lifestyle of their ancestors. Arriving in Marrakech in the late afternoon.
Hotel Sofitel Palais Imperial
Room Deluxe Pavilion
Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 – Dec 18 — Marrakech
Enjoy a full day tour in Marrakech. Your tour today will include a walk through the fabled Djemaa el Fna Square, which is crowded with acrobats, jugglers and snake charmers. You will also visit the 16th century Saadian Tombs and have an opportunity to bargain in the souks. Visit El Bahia Palace and the Majorelle Gardens, a lush secluded place, which was owned by Yves St Laurent.
Hotel Sofitel Palais Imperial
Room Deluxe Pavilion
Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 – Dec 19 — Marrakech
Today, enjoy a morning a tour to the Atlas Mountain, including a stop for lunch at the spectacular Kasbah Tamadot, owned by Richard Branson.
Hotel Sofitel Palais Imperial
Room Deluxe Pavilion
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – Dec 20 — Depart Marrakech
Transfer to Casablanca airport (3 hours) to connect with your homebound flight.
Meals Breakfast

HOTEL VILLA MANDARINE
Located in a very chic residential area of Rabat, nestled in the heart of a vast orange grove, the Villa Mandarine is a family property transformed into a residence of charm and character. Peaceful places full of a charm reserved to family houses where arabesques animate the pure lines and marry with passion of Moroccan art. The Villa Mandarine is a house reinvented for guests attuned to tranquility and well-being.
SOFITEL PALAIS JAMAI HOTEL
Sofitel Palais Jamaï preserves the authenticity of Fez, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco.
This Palace was built in 1879, in the finest Moorish style, and became the residence of the Grand Vizir of Jamaï. Discover an exceptional Moroccan Spa, where colorful "zelliges" and "tadelakt" decorate the walls. This Moroccan Spa offers you a wide variety of treatments inspired by oriental techniques - the ultimate way to relax during your visit.
BERBER PALACE HOTEL
Adhering to local culture, the Berbere Palace is built in the Kasbah style and with a mix of Berber and traditional crafts, an an ambience of space and charm. Centrally located on a high point, this Ouarzazate hotel has 240 air-conditioned rooms each with private terrace/patio, satellite TV, phone, mini-bar, bath & shower. Facilities include large pool, grill and piano bar, boutique and fitness centre with hammam and jacuzzi.
SOFITEL PALAIS IMPERIAL
The Sofitel Marrakech Palais Impérial is a magnificent Moorish palace set in the middle of luxurious gardens of palm trees and bougainvilleas. The immense columns and sculpted ceilings, traditional zelliges, carpets and artwork, are beautiful invitationsto succumb to the combined charms of Eastern hospitality and the excellence of the French way of life. You can hear the bustle of the Medina whilst looking out onto the snow-covered peaks of the Atlas Mountains.
RATES
Double
Single
$4295
$5195
Single rates can be avoided if you are willing to share. We will be happy to match you with another single traveler who also wishes to share. If no share is available, the single rate will apply.
Special Note - Rates are based on current rates and currency exchange rates at the time of publishing the tour on-line. Rates are subject to change until final payment has been made.
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Morocco'S Imperial route

Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Ouarzazate, Marrakech

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