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Tour Description

Morocco's dazzling mosaic of African, Arab and Berber cultures, including a dash of European influence, is both strange, yet alluring. No wonder Morocco draws seekers of the exotic.

Vibrant city life in Marrakech, fresh air in the dramatic Atlas Mountains, small Berber villages and Kasbahs allow you to experience the diverse landscapes of Morocco. Quad biking, kayaking and trekking provide access to some of the most dramatic views of Morocco.

Itinerary

DAY 01 - MARRAKECH

Arrive Marrakech International Airport. You are met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. On the way to the hotel you will be given a briefing about trip and all activities. The remainder of the day will be at leisure for you to relax and explore your new surroundings.

 

Marrakech invites you to discover treasures from different dynasties. Set on a plain below the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech reflects its former role as a caravan station on trans-Saharan trade routes.

Marrakech Salam

DAY 02 - MARRAKECH - ATLAS MOUNTAINS - BIKING

This morning start your discovery of Marrakech from the Koutoubia (Book Sellers) Mosque Minaret from the 12th century and walk around some of the oldest quarters of the Medina where you will discover old fountains, historical gates and the medieval Foundouks, which served as hotels for the Caravan traders. Visit The Quobba of The Almoravids from the 12th century that was excavated in the early 1950's. Stop at Ben Youssef School and University to see this masterpiece of Moroccan architecture that is one of the highlights of art history in Marrakech.

Continuing on to the Museum of Marrakech, a past home of one of the 19th Century Moroccan Ministers to view various traditional Moroccan items on exhibit. Stroll through the alleys of the Medina and visit the hidden sides of the Souks of Marrakech where you will see craftsmen working in their tiny workshops just as their ancestors did hundreds of years before. End at D'Jemaa Lfna square, a big popular fairground; unfolding day after day with its story tellers, fire eaters, acrobats, snake charmers, fortune tellers, water sellers, etc.

This afternoon, ground transfer to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains to explore on quad-bikes. Your adventure takes you to Lake Takerkoust and along off-road trails to discover this region of Morocco.

Breakfast, Dinner

Marrakech Salam

DAY 03 - MARRAKECH - ATLAS MOUNTAINS - HIKING

Depart at 9:30hrs with your guide and drive, heading south to the high Atlas Mountains, crossing the beautiful gorge of Moulay Brahim and the Valley of Asni and Imlil. At the Village of Imlil you will start an easy walk or ride a mule up to the Village of Aghamed (1900m) where you will visit the old Berber community and see their local bakery, school and share a traditional mint tea with them. A picnic lunch will be served on the roof-terrace of the host's house.

After lunch, continue touring through the alleyways of this rocky village and visit the elementary school before you descend gently downhill to meet your driver for your return to Marrakech.

Breakfast, Lunch

Marrakech Salam

DAY 04 - MARRAKECH - OUARZAZATE

After breakfast, depart Marrakech on a long drive across what is considered to be the most beautiful road in Morocco, to Quarzazate. Along the way admire the breathtaking scenery of valleys, gorges, canyons, fortified villages and some interesting geological formations.

Prior to reaching Quarzazate, you will stop to visit the amazing Ait Ben Haddou village and its ancestral architecture. This Kasbah is one of the most celebrated in Morocco and has been featured in numerous films (Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth). It is a fortified warren of narrow streets.

Breakfast, Dinner

Mercure Hotel

DAY 05 - OUARZAZATE - KAYAKING

After breakfast, transfer to the lake of Quarzazate to enjoy a half day of kayaking on this artificial lake occupying a huge area just south of the city. Admire some of Morocco's magnificent scenery and the wild nature of Southern Morocco as you paddle around. Return to hotel and afternoon is at leisure.

Breakfast, Dinner

Mercure Hotel

DAY 06 - OUARZAZATE - CYCLING

Met you guide after breakfast and start an exciting adventure of cycling and exploring the oasis, fortified villages and Kasbahs before returning to your hotel.

Balance of day at leisure.

Breakfast, Dinner

Mercure Hotel

DAY 07 - OUARZAZATE - MARRAKECH - DEPART

Ground transfer to Marrakech for your onward bound flights.

Breakfast

Departures

Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details.

Pricing Information

2011 Prices:

$2,019 per person double occupancy.

$380 single room supplement.

Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of March, 2011. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

Inclusions:

· Airport meet and assist

· Services of English-speaking guide throughout the tour

· 3 nights accommodation at the Salam Marrakech (Silver) or Les Borjs De La Kasbahs (Gold)on a half board basis

· 3 nights accommodation at the Mercure Ouarzazate on a half board basis

· All transportation by deluxe air-conditioned private vehicle, including mineral water

· Airport transfers from/to Marrakech airports

· Hotel porterage

· Entrances to all stated attractions/activities

· All local taxes, VAT and parking fees

Exclusions:

· All items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, room service, personal insurance, alcoholic beverages not mentioned above etc)

· International/domestic air & taxes

· All meals except breakfast

· Anything not specifically mentioned in the "Inclusions" list above

· Holiday Surcharges

· Travel Insurance

· Gratuities

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Options and Extras

Tour Notes