iExplore Morocco Experience

Tour Description

Morocco's dazzling mosaic of African, Arab and Berber cultures - with a dash of European influence - is at once strange and romantic, alluring and discomfiting. It's little wonder that Morocco has regularly drawn seekers of the exotic.

The country is one of Africa's most popular travel destinations. No matter how well-seasoned a traveler you are, you'll find plenty to see and do: fine Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches, desert excursions, wondrous imperial cities, Islamic landmarks, wild Joujoukan trance music, Roman antiquities, resort facilities, mountain villages and towering sand dunes. Just be aware that the combination of heat, dust, spicy flavors and intrusive touts can be overwhelming at times.

Itinerary

DAY 01 - ARRIVE CASABLANCA - RABAT, MOROCCO

On arrival in Casablanca you are met and transferred to Rabat to check into your hotel.

Rabat. Morocco's capital since 1912, this city of nearly 1.5 million residents is not as compelling to many travelers as other imperial cities, but it's a relaxing change of pace from much of Morocco - If time permits, visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the largest religious monument in the world after Mecca.

La Tour Hassan is a luxury-class hotel located 20 kilometers from Rabat-Sale Airport. On-site amenities create a sense of convenience, while still staying true to the area's history and heritage. Beautiful guest rooms are warmly decorated with comfort and peacefulness in mind. Friendly, professional and helpful, the hotel's staff provides top-notch service and will work to make sure all your expectations are not only met, but also exceeded. Built in 1914, the hotel still maintains much of its original Hispano-Moresque-style architecture and is set amongst lavish gardens and fountains. The La Tour Hassan Hotel is close to many dining, shopping and entertainment venues. You will find flavors of Moroccan traditional cooking at La Maison Arabe, the subtleties of the French influence at Restaurant Imperial, and fine drinks in Le Pacha Bar. A business center, fitness center and swimming pool and Jacuzzi in the gardens ensure satisfaction. Situated in the heart of Rabat, Morocco's capital, the hotel is within proximity to several area attractions, including the administrative and diplomatic area of the city.

Hotel La Tour Hassan

DAY 02 - RABAT - MEKNES - VOLUBILIS - FEZ

Depart to Fez; enjoy sightseeing at Meknes and Volubilis en route. The Arabs who brought Islam and the first Arab dynasty to Morocco founded Meknes, the holy village of Moulay Idriss. The Roman ruins here include an impressive triumphal Arch. You will also visit Volubilis, site of the Imperial Palace built by Moulay Ismail who wanted his new capital, Meknes, to be as beautiful and immense as Versailles.

Arrive in the late afternoon at Fez, one of Morocco's finest Imperial Cities, and check into your hotel. The Palais Jamai was built in 1879 by Mohammed Jamot, Grand Vizir to Sultan Moulay Hassan I (1830 - 1894) and perfectly embodies the Moorish style. Converted into a hotel in the 1930s, it was extended in the 1970s, with a 5-story wing that fully respects the original architecture. Surrounded by an impressive Andalusian garden with fountains and small terraces, the hotel is a peaceful and relaxing retreat, just a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of the country's busiest Medina, the ideal place for treasure hunts.

Breakfast

Palais Jamai Hotel

DAY 03 - FEZ

Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour in Fez. Fez is the oldest of Morocco's four "Imperial Cities". The medieval city of Fez El Bali, or "Old Fez" remains complete and is unspoiled. During your tour of the old city you will visit the exotic Bou Inania Medersa (currently under renovation), the Medina and the Kairaouine Mosque.

In the afternoon you will visit Fez El Jdid, or "New Fez", where the Museum of Moroccan Arts can be found. You may also like to visit the Mellah.

Enjoy the evening at leisure in Fez.

Breakfast

Palais Jamai Hotel

DAY 04 - FEZ - MARRAKECH

Say goodbye to Fez this morning and make your way to Marrakech. En-route you will stop in Beni Mellal, known as the "gateway to the south". On arrival in the exotic city of Marrakech, surrounded by palm groves at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, check into your famous hotel.

Transport yourself to a faraway place with visual delights of the Old City in Marrakech. Positioned in an ideal location in the Dar Bacha district, the Lotus Privilege embodies luxury and absolute refinement. Rooms are refined and elegant with touches of exquisite Moroccan décor. Your room is outfitted with a Plasma TV, Bang & Olufsen hifi, minibar and personal safe. Best of all is the large terrace where you can view the beautiful Old City. All rooms come with American breakfast and complimentary access to the hammam. Little luxuries like a welcome gift and Moroccan pastries are presented in your room. Riad Lotus Privilege in Marrakech is only 10 minutes from the famous Djemaa el Fna Square. The strategic location of Riad Lotus Privilege makes it a great pick for the travelers

Breakfast

Riad Lotus Privilege

DAY 05 - MARRAKECH

Enjoy a full day tour in Marrakech.

Your tour today will include a walk through the fabled Djemaa el Fna Square, which is crowded with acrobats, jugglers and snake charmers. You will also visit the 16th century Saadian Tombs and have an opportunity to bargain in the souks. Visit El Bahia Palace and the Majorelle Gardens, a lush secluded place, which is now owned by Yves St Laurent.

Breakfast

Riad Lotus Privilege

DAY 06 - MARRAKECH

Today, enjoy a morning Garden Tour by calèche, the traditional horse-drawn carts that are an integral part of the city's charm.

Afternoon lesson in Moroccan cuisine followed by your choice of a lecture on Moroccan history, religion, or architecture, etc.

Breakfast, Lunch

Riad Lotus Privilege

DAY 07 - MARRAKECH - DEPART

Transfer to Marrakech International Airport for your homebound flight.

Breakfast

Departures

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

Pricing Information

2011 Prices:

$2,319 per person double occupancy.

$995 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.

Included:

· Airport meet and assist

· Services of an English-speaking guide throughout the tour

· 6 nights accommodations at deluxe 5* hotels with Moroccan atmosphere. Daily breakfast included.

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

· Airport transfers from/to Marrakech airports

· Hotel baggage handling tips and gratuities.

· Half-day Caleche & afternoon cooking class.

· Entrance fees to all stated attractions, activities, monuments and museums.

· All local taxes VAT.

Not Included:

· 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

· 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