OVERVIEW
This small group tour captures the dramatic contrasts of the kingdom. Breathtaking scenery and abundant imprints left by ancient civilizations offer a fascinating outlook at the uniqueness of Morocco. An excursion to the famous Merzouga Dunes to watch the stunning sunrise set off the Merzouga Dunes is a must! The extreme contrasts and splendor of the region make Morocco a magical place of romance, legend and secrecy. However you choose to discover Morocco, your experience will be one you will treasure for a lifetime.

PROGRAM ITINERARY

DAY 01: CASABLANCA / RABAT (60 Miles)
Arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V airport. Welcome, assistance and transfer to join the group for a sightseeing tour of Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco. We will visit the exterior of the Hassan II Great Mosque, one of the Islamic world's greatest monuments, followed by a visit of the Place Mohammed V, the United Nations Square, and the surroundings of the Royal Palace before strolling along the Ain Diab corniche. Independent lunch in a restaurant of one's choice (suggestions will be provided to this effect) followed by departure to Rabat, the administrative capital of Morocco. In Rabat we will visit the splendid Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Hassan Tower and Place des Oudayas. Late in the afternoon, check-in at your hotel, dinner and overnight stay. (D)

DAY 02: RABAT / MEKNES / FES (150 MILES)
After breakfast, we will depart for Fes with a stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the sacred town of Moulay Idriss I, where the founder of Islam in Morocco is buried. Independent lunch and departure to Meknes or "the Moroccan Versailles" which was founded at the end of the 17th Century by Moulay Ismail. Highlights will include Bab Mansour, Hari Souani and the old medina. Continue to Fes and check-in at your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay. (B,D)

DAY 03: FES
The whole day will be devoted to the sightseeing of Fes, the oldest cultural and spiritual imperial city of Morocco, founded in 790 B.C by Moulay Idriss II. Highlights will include the Medieval Medina, the Medersas (an Islamic teaching university), the El Qaraouiyyin Mosque and the sumptuous Nejjarine fountain. Independent lunch followed by a visit to the "Arabian House" to observe various craftsmen performing their work reminiscent of ancient practices. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B,D)

DAY 04: FES / MIDELT / ERFOUD (275 Miles)
After an early breakfast, we will depart for Erfoud through the Mid-Atlas Mountains region. Stop in Azrou to visit a Berber village known for its handicraft cooperative. Independent lunch and continuation to Midelt (an important mining center) and to the Ziz River through a series of fortified villages characterized by fascinating southern architecture. Arrival in Erfoud and check-in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay. (B,D)

DAY 05: ERFOUD/ TINEGHIR / OUARZAZATE (227 Miles)
Today, we will have a very early wake-up call for our transfer to the beautiful Merzouga Dunes (optional). Here, you will enjoy a 1-hr Camel Ride on the gorgeous sand dunes of Merzouga. Return to the hotel for breakfast and then departure to Tineghir via the holy city of Rissani, a site where the ancestors of the Alaouite Dynasty are buried in the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Sherif. Visit of the ruins of Ksar Abbar, a Kasbah that dates from the 17th century. Continuation through the Tinjdad road full of sumptuous Kasbahs and palm groves. Independent lunch followed by a visit to the Todra Gorges with their impressive bare escarpments. We then continue to Ouarzazate via El Kella M'Gouna and the Dades Valley. Dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 06: OUARZAZATE / MARRAKESH (126 Miles)
After breakfast, we will visit Ouarzazate with the Tifoultout and Taourirt Kasbahs, followed by our departure for the Alit Ben Haddou village. After your independent lunch, we will visit the ruins of the ancient Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. We then continue on via the Tiz-In-Tichka pass (7,1410ft / 2,260m of altitude) and Taddert to Marrakesh. Dinner and overnight stay. (B,D)

DAY 07: MARRAKESH
Today will be devoted to the sightseeing of Marrakesh, the second oldest imperial city known as the "Pearl of the South" and home to the Saadian tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace and the Menara Garden. We will return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, we will explore the souks and the world's famous Djemaa El Fna place which offers various entertainments (story tellers, acrobats, snake-charmers, magicians, etc.). Later on, a Diffa Fantasia dinner will be provided under caidal tents at the famed "Chez Ali" restaurant. Enjoy the fantasia spectacle that includes camel and horse shows, folkloric troops from different Moroccan regions and belly dancers. Return to your selected accommodation for overnight stay. (B,D)

DAY 08: MARRAKESH/ ESSAOUIRA (110 Miles)
After breakfast, we depart for Essaouira. Arrival and independent lunch, followed by a sightseeing tour of the city with its typical Portuguese harbor that portrays both Moorish and Portuguese art. Highlights will include the fishing harbor and the Skala (the Battery) left by the pirates. Optional: 1 hour Sea Tour by boat. Check-in, dinner and overnight stay. (B,D)

DAY 09: ESSAOUIRA / CASABLANCA (110 Miles)
After breakfast, we depart for Casablanca via El Jadida with a stop at El Oualidia where you will have an independent lunch. We will then continue along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to reach El Jadida for a quick orientation tour. We then continue to Casablanca for check-in, dinner and overnight stay. (B,D)

DAY 10: CASABLANCA / NEW YORK
After breakfast, departure to Mohammed V International airport and assistance with all the boarding formalities. End of our services. (B)

PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
•  Greeting, assistance and transfer from Casablanca International Airport (transfer on program start and end dates, however, should you arrive earlier an extra fee will apply for special transfer)
•  Accommodation on half board basis for 9 nights (2 meals/day) in the hotels listed below.
•  Add extra for additional meals at the time of booking as detailed below.
•  A Moroccan dinner in Marrakesh including a Diffa Fantasia.
•  Pre-dawn excursion to the Merzouga Dunes in Land Rover on DAY 05 including a 1 hr Camel Ride.
•  Ground transportation in deluxe air-conditioned motor coach throughout the tour with the assistance of a qualified English speaking tour manager.
•  Entrance fees to all monuments as indicated on the itinerary with the assistance of government certified tour guides.
•  Baggage handling and tips at airports and hotels.

NOT INCLUDED
•  Lunches: you can purchase 9 additional meals outside the hotels for the entire program itinerary (full board basis) at an additional charge of $150. This request must be specified at the time of booking.
•  International Airfare: we offer competitive international airfare. Call us toll free 1.800.997.6612 to inquire about available rates.
•  Meals, laundry and phone charges and other items of personal nature.
•  Supplements: there are supplements for Christmas and New Year. Add $250.00.
•  Travel Insurance: we strongly recommend the purchase of a comprehensive and affordable travel insurance to protect you against cancellation fees, etc.

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION:

# Night	City	Class	Hotel & Riads
1 Night	Rabat	4-star 5-star	Chellah La Tour Hassan
1 Night	Casablanca	4-star	Idou Anfa
		5-star	Sheraton
2 Nights	Fes	4-star 5-star	Menzeh Zalagh Les Merinides
2 Nights	Marrakesh	4-star	Atlas Asni
		5-star	Atlas Medina and Spa
1 Night	Ouarzazate	4-star	Berbere Palace
		5-star	Berbere Palace
1 Night	Essaouira	4-star	Ryad Mogador
		5-star	Sofitel Mogador
1 Night	Erfoud	4-star	Palm's Club Hotel
		4-star Deluxe	Riad Salam

PROGRAM PRICE PER PERSON ($):

With 4-star Hotel (prices are per person):
$2,390.00 in double.
$400.00 for the single supplement.
Add $250.00 for December departures
(Christmas & New Year's high season).

With 5-star & Riad Hotels (prices are per person):
$2,975.00 in double.
$625.00 for the single supplement.
Add $250.00 for December departure (Christmas and New Year's high season)

Departure Dates from Casablanca
(the tour starts no later than 10:30am from Casablanca airport):
2008 Group Departure Schedule:

 

January 2008: 13, 27
February 2008: 10, 24
March 2008: 09, 23
April 2008: 06, 20
May 2008: 04, 18
June 2008: 01, 15, 29
July 2008: 13, 27
August 2008: 10, 24
September 2008: 07, 21
October 2008: 05, 19
November 2008: 09, 23
December 2008: 07, 28