DAY
1 ~ TANGIERS
Arrive
in Tangiers (by flight or ferry). Our English speaking driver guide will
meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Tangier is the oldest continually
inhabited city in Morocco, a bustling port on the North African shore
on one of the most important waterways in the world, the Straits of Gibraltar.
This afternoon, a sightseeing tour includes a panoramic drive through
the city and a visit to the Grand Socco.
DAY
2 ~ TANGIERS / CHEFCHAOUEN / FEZ
Depart
to the delightful village of Chefchaouen, also known as Chaouen, a 15th
century relic of the Muslim civilization of Andalusia. Located into a
fold of the Rif Mountains, the walls of the town are pale ochre, reducing
the intensity of the sun. The roofs are covered with brown tiles similar
to those in southern Spain adding to the charm of the village. Continue
to Fez, Morocco’s most visited city, founded in the 8th century.
This metropolis, situated in a valley, was Morocco’s first capital
and is today the kingdom’s intellectual, religious and cultural
center. Fez street life in the medina will be the most memorable you’ll
ever experience. (B,D)
DAY
3 ~ FEZ
This
morning, a full-day sightseeing visit of the city and medina (ancient
quarter) with your driver and local guide. This tour includes the monuments
and historical sites: the Mosque, University, and Nejjarine Fountain.
We suggest lunch at a Moroccan Palace-style restaurant within the medina.
This afternoon, visit the various markets of the souks and the tanneries.
(B/D)
DAY
4 ~ FEZ / MARRAKESH
Depart
after breakfast through the Atlas Mountain Berber villages and the ski
resorts of Ifrane and Azrou to Beni Mellal, where you will stop for a
rest and an optional lunch. Continue to Marrakesh, a reddish-pink city,
with buildings made of the local clay; it is perhaps the soul of the country,
and what one “imagines” Morocco to be. Important Note: : This
is a very scenic - day driving slowly through the winding roads (7 –
9 hours depending upon road conditions and stops for refreshment along
the way). (B/D)
DAY
5 ~ MARRAKESH
Sightseeing
tour of the highlights of the city known as the “Pearl of the South”,
founded by the Almoravides dynasty in the 12th century. This morning we
drive around the city to see the Koutoubia, the Bahia Palace and is harems,
the Saadian Tombs and the famous and exciting Djma el Fna Square. Afternoon
at leisure to shop in the souks, or further explore the city with the
driver-guide. Tonight we take you to Chez Ali Fantasia where you will
enjoy a typical Moroccan meal, entertained by Berber folklore groups as
you dine. After dinner, witness the spectacle of Fantasia: Belly dancers,
synchronized horsemen with rifles, dancers, and an incredible equestrian
show. (B/D)
DAY
6 ~ MARRAKESH / CASABLANCA
Morning
at leisure. In the afternoon, depart for Casablanca. On arrival you will
be
taken on a panoramic drive through Casablanca’s wide boulevards,
United
Nations
Square, the residential area of Anfa and Ain Diab. We shall see the new
Mosque of Hassan II, the only mosque in Morocco where non-believers may
visit. Tour of the Mosque are on Sunday – Thursday only. (B/D)
DAY
7: DEPART CASABLANCA
After
breakfast, you will be transferred to Casablanca, or optionally you may
extend your stay.