Wednesday, May 2 – Casablanca, Morocco – Tour Begins
Our journey begins in Casablanca. For those arriving early in the day, today is yours to relax or enjoy some local sights on your own, such as the Jewish Museum, a walk through the Old Medina or take in the Art Deco buildings and French Colonial architecture. This evening we’ll join together for an Amazing Journeys Welcome and Orientation. See the city by night on our drive along the seashore to a welcome dinner at Rick’s Café, the mythical saloon from the film Casablanca. (D)
Thursday, May 3 – Casablanca – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
This morning, tour the impressive Hassan II Mosque, a stunning, high-tech, architectural masterpiece. In the ancient town of Volubilis, you’ll find the best preserved example of Roman ruins in Morocco and considered the ancient capital of the kingdom of Mauretania. Learn about the history of the city and its culture, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering through the deserted streets where chariots once passed, you can envision the vibrancy the town once held. Learn about life in the old Roman Empire – peering into old bathhouses, marveling at the still-present mosaic floors and gazing up at the towering marble pillars. Continue to the imperial city of Meknes, another UNESCO World Heritage Site close by. Lush rolling hills studded with ancient olive groves await you in this cultural city where you will see the impressive Bab El Mansour and Bab El Khamis gates. Arrive in Fes in time for dinner prepared by local women, known as “dadas.” Taste traditional Moroccan delights passed down from generation to generation. 6 hours of bus travel today (B, D)
Friday, May 4 – Fes
Discover Fes, one of the holiest cities in the world and once a major learning center for Jewish life. Learn of its historical importance as a center of government, philosophy, medicine and religion during a fascinating panoramic tour, including the Medersa Bou Inania, built in 1325. See the Jewish Quarter, the city ramparts and the gates of the palace. Set out on walking tour in the Medina. Founded in the 9th century, it is home to one of the world’s oldest universities. Amid the cobbled alleyways of its ancient market, you’ll see donkeys and mules laden with goods walking alongside buyers. Spend time at the famous leather tanneries, a honeycomb of vats exploding in brilliant colors. (B)
Saturday, May 5 – Fes – Ifrane – Erfoud
Continue towards Erfoud. Along the way we pause in Ifrane for excellent views of the Middle Atlas Mountains and the surrounding villages. Overnight in a kasbah. 6 hours and 30 minutes of bus travel today (B, D)
Sunday, May 6 – Erfoud – Rissani – Sahara Desert Expedition – Merzouga
Our day begins at Erfoud’s fossil factory and museum where they turn fossil rocks into decorative items. Next, travel to the Saharaoui town of Rissani. Enjoy a true taste of the region as you learn how madfouna (homemade stuffed bread with potato, meat, onion and Moroccan spices) is made. Jump into a 4×4 vehicle and stop in one of the nomadic villages of the Sahara before arriving at the edge of the dunes. Board your camel for a ride to a desert camp. Cross the stunning fine sands of Merzouga while the red sun slips toward the horizon. As night falls, listen to intoxicating Berber drums during the traditional pouring of mint tea followed by a delightful Moroccan feast. Sleep in a fully equipped Berber-style tent and experience an unrivaled sense of tranquility in the serene desert. (Tents offer beds, linens, pillows, flush toilet, running water, shower and solar lighting to make for an authentic and enjoyable evening in the desert) 1 hour of bus travel today (B, L, D)
Monday, May 7 – Merzouga – Tondra Gorge – Boumalne du Dades
Enjoy amazing views of the sunrise as you return to the edge of the dunes via camel. Then, begin the journey to Todra Gorge (weather permitting). Spend time in the Jewish quarter where you may sample some local favorites at a bakery. Arrive in vibrant Boumalne du Dades. Along its river valleys, palmeries and burnished mud-brick homes light up in the desert sun. 3 hours and 30 minutes of bus travel today (B, D)
Tuesday, May 8 – Boumaine du Dades – Ksar Ait-Ben-Haddou – Marrakech
Follow the rugged “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.” These fortress like structures rise up like turreted sandcastles along the ancient trading route. Drive through the Valley of Roses, stopping en route at a local cooperative. Then, it’s on to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Ksar Ait-Ben-Haddou, an impressive feat of Moroccan architecture. Continue along the High Atlas Mountains following the Tizi n’ Tichka Pass. This scenic route brings you through lush oasis valleys, imposing mountains and several Berber villages before you reach the exotic city of Marrakech. 6 hours of bus travel today (B)
Wednesday, May 9 – Marrakech
This morning we will tour the old Jewish Quarter of Marrakech and the 500 year old Synagogue. Together with our local guide, you will learn about the history of the Jews in Morocco, which is as old as the Roman times. Today, there is still a Jewish community although much smaller than in the past. The rest of the day is free to explore the fascinating city of Marrakech and dive into the labyrinthine of souks. Tourists and locals alike find everything they desire here; whether it’s spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or famous Moroccan lanterns. The selection here is exhaustive, and don’t forget to bargain – it’s definitely part of the fun. (B)
Thursday, May 10 – Marrakech
Explore Marrakech and its ancient El Bahia Palace where today, a sentry of nesting storks stand guard. See the majestic 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. Savor lunch in the home of a local expert and his family and get a true taste of Moroccan hospitality. After lunch, experience another local custom at a henna workshop followed by a walk through the market. Afterwards, meet an artist and discover some of her work. Tonight, enjoy our Amazing Journeys Farewell as we bit adieu to Morocco. (B, L, D)
Friday, May 11 – Marrakech – Tour Ends
Depart for home with many wonderful memories. (B)
Our Hotels
Day 1 Kenzi Basma Casablanca, Casablanca
Day 2-3 Riad Yacout, Fes
Day 4 Kasbah Xaluca, Erfoud
Day 5 Auberge du Sud Hotel, Merzouga
Day 6 Hotel Xaluca Dades, Bourmaine du Dades
Day 7-9 Opera Plaza, Marrakech
Please note:
Alternate hotels may be used
The order of the tour may change
The highest elevation of this tour is 7410 feet
| Rates |
Double |
Single |
|
Sold Out |
Sold Out |
A deposit of $575 is due with your reservation. Full payment is due February 22, 2018.
Roommate matching available.
Rates are subject to change based on availability.
These rates are based on an all-inclusive, custom-designed package that differs from offerings seen in public advertising. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.
Pre & Post Tour Stay: For those who want to arrive prior to the start of the tour or stay after at the end of the tour, we have a limited number of rooms held at our group hotel. Please note – there will be no Amazing Journeys staff present nor will there be programming on these days.
We are not able to match roommates for extra night stays.
Casablanca – Kenzi Basma Casablanca (May 1)
Double – $135 per person
Single – $250
Marrakech – Opera Plaza (May 11)
Double – $95 per person
Single – $170
Rates include taxes and breakfast daily
All rooms are non-smoking where we match roommates. Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until January 29, 2018, there is a $75 penalty for cancellation. From January 30 – February 28, 2018, the cancellation penalty is $575. From March 1 – April 2, 2018, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total package price. From April 3, 2018 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total package price. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey.
Travel Protection: Amazing Journeys recommends you purchase Travel Protection. Information will be sent with your trip confirmation.
Flights and Transfers: Airfare is not included with the tour cost. Transfers are not included at the start and the end of the tour. More details will be provided several weeks prior to your departure. It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys which will contain specific flight parameters.
Taxes and Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, visa fees and government fees are based on August 2017 rates and are subject to change. Gratuities for the tour manager, local driver, specialty guides, luggage porters and included meals are included in the cost of the tour.
Passport Requirements: A Passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. One blank page must be available in your passport. At this time, no visas are necessary to enter Morocco for those from the US, Canada or UK. If you are a citizen of another country, please check the websites for the Embassy of Morocco to see if a visa is necessary.
This tour is operated by Collette
Sold Out!
