Escorted Morocco Tour - October 2024 - Ladies only!
Highlights of Morocco 2024
Ladies Only Tour Hosted by Heather Lavender
11 Nights – October 3 to 14, 2024
$4,800.00 CDN (Land Only)
DAY 01: OCT 3RD 2024 CASABLANCA
Our local representative will be awaiting your arrival at Casablanca International Airport. Please look for him in the arrival hall. He will be holding a sign with your name on it. He will escort you to your private vehicle. Then start discovering Morocco’s largest city and economic capital, Casablanca, the best representation of the modern side of Morocco. Begin the city tour of Casablanca with an outside visit to Hassan II Mosque. It is the largest mosque in the country and the seventh largest in the world. You then continue to the Ain Diab Corniche for a pleasant stroll along the coast. Your next stop is Mohammed V Square in the city center. The city tour includes also the Habous Quarter, one of the oldest areas in Casablanca. This district, built by the French in the 1930s was an attempted solution to the ongoing housing shortage. It marries the best of traditional Moroccan architecture with modern facilities and French ideals - even the mosque fronts onto a strip of grassy lawn just like a village church. Then continue to your hotel for overnight. Welcome dinner included. The Casablanca tour is for early arrivals only and once settled in the hotel and for those up to it, this 2-hour tour to begin. It will depend on arrival time of course.
Accommodation: Idou Anfa (1 night)
DAY 02: OCT 4TH 2024 CASABLANCA – CHEFCHAOUEN
After breakfast, drive to Chefchaouen (also called Chaouen). The roads wind around the valley edges as we travel towards the Rif Mountains. Upon arrival, explore the bustling heart of the medina, cobbled Plaza Uta El Hammam, which is lined with cafes and restaurants, it is also where you'll find The Kasbah built in the 15th century, and the Grand Mosque. The large tree at the center makes for a great meeting point. Chefchaouen is the most charming village in Morocco with its Medina, Bab El Ansar, and the famed Ras El Maa (waterfall), where a short walk takes us to Rif Sebbanine, the laundry district. Chefchaouen is all about losing ourselves in its streets. Overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation: Dar Chaouen (2 nights) https://darchefchaouen.ma
DAY 03: OCT 5TH 2024 CHEFCHAOUEN
After breakfast, this city in blue awaits more discovery. Today, please enjoy this city on your own.
Built on a mountainside, Chefchaouen is a city with a special vibe. Its unique charm gives an impression of unreality. With its blue-rinsed houses, the whole city seems bathed, in azure.
You walk around as if you were in a dream. Feel like a hike, let the hotel know and they will assist.
More than just an ornament, the beautiful Chefchaouen brims with attractions. Its heritage is rich. The inescapable Medina with its famous narrow winding alleys is an opportunity to mingle with the local population, and to smell and taste delights: from freshly baked bread, to skillfully prepared tagines. There is also the Kasbah, which stands in the middle of the old quarter: its lush gardens, located in the center of the city, are a haven of freshness. Its museum which is home to a collection of old weapons, photos of the city, and textiles, is a must-see.
Boasting its unique geographical position, Chefchaouen is a paradise for walkers. The paths of the surrounding mountains offer pleasant hiking activities. You will explore a new side of Morocco, one that shows off the Rif Mountain range, as you stroll them.
Accommodation: Dar Chaouen
DAY 04: OCT 6TH 2024 CHEFCHAOUEN – VOLUBILIS – MEKNES – FES
Drive to Ouazzane, home of many pillars of Sufism and a holy city for the Moroccan Jewish population who still make pilgrimages to venerate the tomb of several marabouts (Moroccan saints), particularly Moul Anrhaz, the local name for Rabbi Amram ben Diwan, an 18th-century rabbi who lived in the city and whose burial site is associated with several miracles. We drive to the ancient Roman city of Volubilis to explore its stunning ruins. Impressive stone arches and columns some tumbled down and others still standing tall against the vivid blue sky invite us to take a step back in time. Only about half of the 40-hectare UNESCO site of Volubilis. Excavated and revealed a 3rd-century Roman settlement. The better-known monuments are in the northern part of the site, farthest from the entrance in the south: The Capitol, dedicated to the Triad of Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, dates 218AD; the Basilica and 1,300 sq. meters Forum are nearby. Here, floors of what were once family dwellings, still covered with decorative tile mosaics, depicting mythological beings, such as Orpheus charming animals with their lyre and Hercules performing his legendary 12 labors. The fact that so many of these tiles are still in place with their colors, after centuries of exposure to the elements, is astonishing! Then off to the imperial city of Meknes, the one-time home of the Moroccan sultanate with its Medina all-winding narrow streets and grand buildings that justify its stamp of Imperial City. Remnants of three sets of fortifications, ingeniously incorporated into the city road network, emphasize its past importance and glory. The king's tomb sits at the heart of what remains of the original imperial city, flanked by an almighty royal granary, the magnificent Bab el-Mansour. Continue to Fez overnight.
Accommodation: Barcelo Fes (2 nights) https://www.barcelo.com/en/barcelo-fes-medina
DAY 05: OCT 7TH 2024 FES – CITY TOUR
Today you take a step back in time into the Middle Ages with a visit of one of the most imperial, timeless, and untouched cities in the world, the cultural heart of Morocco, Fez El Bali (Old Fez). Enjoy exploring some of the 9,000 narrow lanes and alleys in the souks (open-air markets) that make up the labyrinth of the city's old quarter, originally founded in the 8th century. This imperial capital was a renowned medieval learning center, and at its heart remains the Karaouine, one of the oldest, still functioning universities in the world. Nearby is the Attarine Medersa (Koranic college), a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture, built in the 14th century. Then you will visit the Nejjarine Square, with its beautiful fountain, a mosaic of elaborate tilework, and the Fondouq (Caravanserai), now converted to a Museum of Carpentry. In the 13th Century, the Merinide Dynasty built Fez El Jdid (New Fez) with its Royal Palace, mosques, madrasas (Koranic schools), souks and the city walls. Most notably, Fez El Jedid is home to the Mellah (Jewish quarter), which provides an interesting insight into Jewish architecture. The wrought iron decorated windows and splendid carved wood balconies of the old mansions are particularly outstanding. The medieval Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Return to tour hotel for overnight.
Accommodation: Barcelo Fes
DAY 06: OCT 8TH 2024 FEZ – IFRANE – MIDELT – ERFOUD - MERZOUGA
This morning, depart Fez to pass through many amazing cities and villages, the first of which are Ifrane, also called Morocco's Switzerland, a charming ski town with sprinkled with European-style chalets. Continue to Midelt, which serves as the commercial center of a large agricultural hinterland. It is also one of Morocco's principal cities for the mining industry. You will have some free time in Midelt before continuing your journey through the dramatic Ziz Gorges to arrive in Erfoud. a 4x4 vehicle will be waiting for you to continue your journey to the dunes of Erg Chebbi, perhaps the largest dunes in the Sahara Desert. Dinner and overnight under a Berber tent.
Accommodation: Merzouga Camp Luxury tents (2 nights)
https://www.luxurycampmerzouga.com/
DAY 07: OCT 9TH 2024 MERZOUGA
After breakfast, most of the day is at leisure or you may want to wander on your own or sign up for some activities like:
Sandboarding: Complimentary
ATV ride: 71 USD per person
Buggy ride: 103 USD per person
Before sunset, get onto the back of a camel and venture into the desert to witness one of the most beautiful sunsets of your lifetime. Traverse the golden sands of the Sahara until you reach the perfect spot for one of nature’s greatest shows. As another day comes to an end watch the sky come to life with a fiery glow, and the rays playfully change colors of the endless dunes surrounding you. Enjoy your dinner under the stars/tent then overnight.
Accommodation: Merzouga Camp Luxury tents
DAY 08: OCT 10TH 2024 MERZOUGA – DADES – OUARZAZATE – MARRAKECH
We drive to Tinghir and Todra Gorges, the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco. Situated on the east side of the High Atlas Mountains, the Todra Gorges, is recognized around the world as one of the most spectacular canyons. Here, both the Todra and Dades Rivers have carved out cliff-sided canyons on their 25-mile stretch through the mountains, leaving behind a series of landforms and etches in the rock. The
Todra is the name of the last 600 meters (just under 2,000 feet) of the canyons. The gorge is popular for its hiking paths and a well-maintained dirt road for visitors to share with mules and donkeys. After lunch (on your own), we will drive through the Dades Valley with its majestic sandcastles and incredible rock formations known as Monkey Toes. The route through Dades Valley, also known as the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs. You will catch a spectacular view of a vast valley dotted with hundreds of ancient fortifications. The sand-colored walls of the Kasbahs may all start to look the same, but each holds a special historical treasure within and offers innumerable opportunities for remarkable photos. Continue to Skoura, a quiet little village speckled with palm tree groves, Skoura, is surrounded by acres of palm groves, a paradise of palm and olive trees peppered with Kasbahs and small villages. This is where we find Kasbah Amridil and it truly stands out from the rest. Originally built in the 17th century, it is one of Morocco’s most iconic living museums. Then we drive to Ouarzazate to visit Taourir Kasbah, one of the most beautiful Kasbahs in Morocco. After the French left in 1953, the movie business flourished in Ouarzazate. The visit of the Film Studios is optional.
Then, you might recognize the sand-colored houses of this impressive Ksar (fortified city) when you see the spectacular fortress of Ait Ben Haddou, the iconic landscape immortalized in such films as, Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Alexander, and Games of Thrones among others. Ait Ben Haddou is a massive fortification made up of six Kasbahs all listed as UNESCO World Heritage. You can spend time in its maze of winding streets until reaching a fortified granary at the top of which you will get an amazing view of the valley. We leave Ait Ben Haddou, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the magnificent TizIn Tichka pass to Marrakech.
Accommodation: Riad Slitine (3 nights) https://riadslitine.com
DAY 09: OCT 11TH 2024 MARRAKECH – CITY TOUR AND MAJORELLE GARDEN
After breakfast, enjoy the city tour of Marrakesh, the “Red City”, a majestic place filled with palaces, gardens, markets, and mosques. Upon arrival, you will first stand by the Koutoubia Mosque with its 282 ft. minaret, an architectural landmark dating back to the late 12th century.
You will continue to the 19th-century stunning Bahia palace and discover the intricate work done by the local artisans to decorate this splendid home built by a powerful Vizir for his Harem. The building includes one hundred and fifty rooms, countless courtyards and interior gardens, a veritable labyrinth of corridors, a Koranic school, hammams, a harem, and stables. From there we will start exploring artisan quarters and the colorful Souks to interact with the real life of Marrakech people. Continue to Dar El Bacha Museum, built in 1910 and was the residence of Thami El Glaoui, named Pasha of Marrakech by Sultan Moulay Youssef in 1912. It is one of the medina's finest examples of Riad architecture, dripping with Moroccan Zellige (colorful geometric tilework), intricate white plasterwork, and heavily carved cedar-wood lintels.
Special tour included, off to the beautiful Jardin Majorelle; Yves Saint Laurent gifted the Jardin Majorelle to Marrakesh, the city that adopted him in 1966. Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé bought the electric-blue villa and its garden to preserve the vision of its original owner, landscape painter Jacques Majorelle, and keep it open to the public. The garden began cultivating in 1924 and thanks to Marrakshi ethnobotanist Abderrazak Benchaâbane, the psychedelic desert mirage of 300 plant species from five continents continues to be preserved. The garden is also home to the Berber Museum, which houses a small but spectacular collection of authentic Moroccan garments, weapons, and jewelry, dating 19th century and earlier. The artisanship, particularly of the women’s dresses, had surely not been lost on Yves Saint Laurent, who arranged to have his ashes scattered in the garden, where a small monument marks his passing.
Before sunset, we will be strolling in the square of which the city is so famed, Jemaa El Fna, where hundreds of locals and tourists come to spend the end of the day watching jugglers, dancers, fortune tellers, storytellers, and traditional musicians. After the tour, head to your hotel to freshen up. When you are ready, transfer to a local restaurant in the medina to enjoy a typical Moroccan dinner with entertainment. After dinner, back to your hotel for the overnight.
Accommodation: Riad Slitine
DAY 10: OCT 12TH 2024 MARRAKECH
Float above Morocco’s countryside and enjoy aerial views of the Atlas Mountains on a sunrise hot air balloon flight. Your activity starts with a 4x4 pick up from your hotel/riad ~1-hour before sunrise. After about a 40-minute drive from Marrakech, you will arrive at the airfield. Moroccan tea, served as you prepare for your ride. Watch the preparation of the balloons flying that morning for about 20 minutes. All balloons are green and red, the colors of the Morocco flag. You will board and take off after receiving a short security briefing. First part of the flight is in high altitude to admire the region in its entirety: Jebilet Mountains, Marrakech, and the Atlas Mountains. The second part of the flight is at low altitude over typical villages where you will see valleys, farms, kids going to school, etc. After a 1-hour balloon ride, you are driven through the Moroccan bush in a kaidal tent where a typical Berber breakfast will be served. Expect to return to your hotel/riad at ~10-10:30AM.
This activity will be confirmed on the previous due date depending on weather forecast.
Pickup time from the hotel or riad is to be confirmed the day before the balloon ride.
Pickup is usually set up at 1:15 hours before sunrise. All flight times are approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions and weight restrictions.
When you are ready, we will head to a traditional Hammam. Entering your local Hammam, you enter a place where space and time speak an ancient language. Today will be an immersion in total relaxation listening to your own body in reconciliation with yourself in an atmosphere filled with water, oils, essences, and perfumes. Enjoy 45 minutes of scrubbing with black soap or spices for relaxation and eliminating toxins from the body. After Hammam, sway to the massage place where you will enjoy a tonic massage of the Moroccan tradition that helps to eliminate tensions to regain energy and vitality. Back to your hotel to relax.
At 4 PM, you are off to a unique gastronomic experience; pick up for a drive from Marrakech. The cooking class is taking place on the terrasse of the villa in a spectacular décor with the Atlas Mountains in the background. The New York Times 3-star Executive Chef will unlock the secrets of the Moroccan recipes he has mastered over the years. You will leave with an inside perspective on one of the world has most highly cherished cuisines. Dinner with the Chef (cooked class food will be served). This activity includes a welcome drink and a brief introduction to the property with picking fresh produce from the garden if the season permits; a traditional tea session, bread making, and spices demonstrations; and the preparation of a 3-course meal (appetizer, traditional Moroccan dish, and dessert).
Accommodation: Riad Slitine
DAY 11: OCT 13TH 2024 MARRAKECH - CASABLANCA
Enjoy breakfast at leisure. Check out of the hotel and this afternoon, you are driven back to Casablanca through the countryside. Stop for pictures or market shopping. On arrival check into the hotel, freshen up then we shall head to a local restaurant for your farewell dinner. Return to the hotel after dinner.
Accommodation: Idou Anfa (1 night)
DAY 12: OCT 14TH 2024 CASABLANCA AIRPORT
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight.
INCLUDED SERVICES:
· 11-night double or single room accommodation
· Daily Breakfast
· Dinners in Merzouga
· Dinner at a local restaurant in Marrakech
· Welcome and farewell dinners
· Hot Air balloon in Marrakech
· Traditional Hammam and Spa in Marrakech
· Cooking class in Marrakech
· Jardin Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent afternoon
· A/C transportation at disposal throughout the tour (bottle of water available in the car)
· National guide throughout the tour
· 4x4 round-trip transfers to the desert
· Sunset Camel ride in the desert
· Entrance fees to monuments as per itinerary
· Full day guided tours as per the program
· Guided tour of Volubilis (~1:15 hour)
· Porterage at the hotels
· All taxes
The Money Stuff:
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The non-refundable deposit of $500.00 per person is due to secure your spot.
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Final Payment is due June 26, 2024.
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Deposit and Final Payment are non-refundable
with no changes allowed so it will be very important to have Trip Cancellation
Insurance in place when you make your deposit.
· Spending money for lunches and meals where not indicated would be additional, as well as shopping, souvenirs, and tipping.
· Air Canada Flights: Pricing varies but starts as low as $1400. If you would like to use your points or air miles, please ensure you are on these specific flights below!