DAY 1:
Join the flight to Casablanca. Transfer to our centrally located hotel for one night.
DAY 2:
After breakfast we include a fascinating city tour of Casablanca. A guide will accompany you around the sights of this shimmering whitewashed city, which include the glorious Hassan II Mosque, the largest religious monument in the world after Mecca, boasting the tallest minaret on the planet.
In addition to its bustling markets, art deco buildings and miles of terrific beaches and rolling surf, Casablanca is highly regarded for its sidewalk cafés and restaurants, which you can explore over a leisurely lunch. Perhaps have a drink at Bar Casablanca in the Hyatt Regency Hotel, a piano bar based on Rick’s Café – complete with wicker, mahogany and ceiling fans – although sadly no Ingrid Bergman or Humphrey Bogart.
In the afternoon, we will travel to Rabat for one night. During an included tour of the historical sights you will see the storybook Kasbah des Oudaia, an ancient Arab citadel that stands atop cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Bou Regreg River. Within the high walls of the kasbah and medina you’ll discover peaceful walkways through Andalucian gardens as well as markets populated by merchants selling carpets, spices and exotic knick-knacks. A walk through the oldest part of Rabat reveals the Ancient Roman ruins at Chellah and the 144ft high Tour Hassan.
DAY 3:
This morning we depart Rabat and travel via the sacred city of Moulay Idriss, scenically nestled in a fold of the Rif Mountains and visible from the ancient Roman ruins of nearby Volubulis, to the former capital of Morocco, Meknès. Known as the Versailles of Morocco, this Imperial city lies within a great 25-mile system of triple walls and is especially noted for its beautiful gates, which are considered to be among the most beautiful and best preserved in the Islamic world. There will also be time to visit the medina, Dar Jami Palace, the Royal Stables, and try out the fine restaurants and outdoor cafés in the modern part of the city.
From here we will continue to our hotel in Fès for two nights.
DAY 4:
Following breakfast this morning, the day will be devoted to touring Fès, the spiritual, intellectual and cultural capital of Morocco. Nestled in a high valley with its domes and minarets reaching up into the heavens, Fès is the most complete medieval city in the Arab world, so expect to find more ancient monuments, more mosques, inns and souks than any other Moroccan city. In the heart of the old quarter you can admire the great Karaouine Mosque, a former medieval university. Other unforgettable sights include the Royal Palace and the elegant public square that surrounds it, and the souks where artisans make unbelievably exquisite crafts right before your eyes.
DAY 5:
Leave Fès behind and head for another exotic beauty, the wonderful, welcoming Berber village and mountain resort of Immouzer Kandar – a jewel of a town blessed with cool highland air, parks and tree-shaded avenues. In this fertile and less well known corner of Morocco’s Middle Atlas, forests of giant cedar and cork oak cover the hills, mountain lakes appear out of nowhere and animals including troops of small monkeys, rabbits, wild boar, blackbirds, nightingales and crow-owl are commonplace.
Next it’s onto Azrou, another relaxed and very friendly Berber village known for its agricultural cooperative and where you can find a host of inexpensive crafts including spectacular sunsetcoloured carpets and cedar bowls. Our journey continues through the highlands to the foot of Mount Tassemit and the green city of Béni-Mellal, surrounded by olive groves and citrus plantations that yield oranges believed to be Morocco’s finest. In the Kasbah bel-Kush bag some fantastic bargains, before we continue to our hotel in Marrakech for two nights.
DAY 6:
A day to discover the city where the Arabian Nights fantasy is based on reality – magical Marrakech. While your half day tour takes in sights such as the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Menara Gardens, souks and the medina, you will be blown away by what you see on the famous square of Jamaa El Fna, especially at night. While impeccably dressed chefs grill sausages and kebabs under the stars, musicians, snake charmers, monkey handlers, merchants, medicine men, preachers, storytellers, magicians, dancers and acrobats all perform in a wonderful blaze of humanity. Order a drink from a balcony seat in one of the square’s upstairs cafés, sit back and be amazed.
DAY 7:
Today we travel back to Casablanca for one night, stopping en route to visit the city of Settat – the largest market centre on the fertile Chaouia coastal plain and famous for its Jewish quarter and 17th century kasbah.
DAY 8:
Bid farewell and transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
Nights 1 & 7: Hotel Idou Anfa, Casablanca
This excellent hotel is located in the city centre and is very close to the city’s major attractions. Facilities include a gym, shop, beauty parlour, outdoor pool with snack bar, an indoor bar and two restaurants.
Night 2: Hotel Majliss, Rabat
This centrally located hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean occupies a prime position in Rabat, just a short walk from the city’s most famous landmark - the Hassan Tower - as well as the Mosque of Mohammed V and the vibrant bird-filled gardens and Roman ruins at Chellah. The hotel’s facilities include two restaurants and a piano bar.
Nights 3 - 4: Menzah Zalagh Parc, Fès
Overlooking the old Medina and located in the heart of Fès, this hotel boasts top quality facilities that include four restaurants, bar, sauna and outdoor swimming pool.
Night 5 - 6: Hotel Atlas Asni, Marrakech
Close to the Medina and Merana Gardens, Hotel Atlas Asni is the perfect base from which explore Marrakech by day and night, complete with exotic gardens and fountains throughout the property. Two restaurants, three bars, fitness centre, sauna and an outdoor swimming pool are among the hotel’s many facilities.
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