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Morocco 2011
Overview | Itinerary Overview | Itinerary Detail
Below is a detailed itinerary of the Morocco holiday. Go to the Itinerary Overview to view brief detail about every day's destination, or download our trip brochure, or contact us to request a printed brochure to be posted to you.
Day 1: Depart Australia
If you are travelling on the group flights you depart Australia today with Emirates airline to Casablanca via Dubai.
Day 2: CASABLANCA
If arriving into Casablanca on the group flight, you will be met and transferred to our very comfortable hotel. Meet Yacine, our local guide and other tour members.
CASABLANCA: The name Casablanca conjures up many a memory'Ingrid Bergman, Humphry Bogart, but Casablanca has much more to offer. If you wander off the beaten track you can explore the Old Medina, or the Cathedral de Sacre Coeur and Quatire Habous (the new Medina). When the sun goes down you won't be short of things to do. Take an evening stroll amongst the throngs of people promenading along the sea front and watch the sun go down over the Atlantic; sample one of Casablanca's wide variety of restaurants'whether it be French cuisine, traditional Moroccan fare or the abundant seafood available; or sit in a café in the Habous watching life go by in front of you.
Day 3: MEKNES
This morning there is a tour of Hassan II Mosque, the 3rd largest in the world and built to commemorate the 60th birthday of the late king. Here you'll get your first taste of the beauty of Muslim architecture and culture. We leave Casablanca for the 2hour drive to Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco. First settled in 300BC Rabat has had a colourful history. Occupied by the Romans it later became the base for the infamous Barbary Pirates from 1627 right through to the 19th Century. After a visit to some of the major attractions we'll push on to our overnight stop in the city of Meknes.
MEKNES: Meknes is the perfect place to get lost in a traditional souq where you'll find activity at every turn from local saw-millers to tentmakers sewing up sacks and colourful canvas; men selling finely ground salt direct from the source. Flea markets heaving with everything you could ever need; woodworkers carving elaborate tables; metal workers creating a din as well as carefully crafted wrought iron products; copper smiths constructing huge urns big enough to cook enormous feasts; the musical instrument souq, pack full of tam tams, cymbals and lutes; and carts laden with pomegranates, prickly pears, apples, peaches, melons and chickpeas'in fact you name it, you can find it here!
VOLUBILIS: A surprising site, Volubilis is Rome's most far-flung base, in the midst of Morocco's hills and valleys. Set in a picturesque valley, Volubilis once supplied 60% of Rome's wheat and olives. Exploring this ancient civilisation is a real treat and we see magnificent mosaics and ruins of ancient Roman villas and temples.
Day 4: FES
This morning we will explore the once Grand Imperial capital of Meknes. This is the perfect place to get lost in a traditional souq (market). The souqs are alive with traditional metal and woodworkers, musical instrument makers, salt and spice traders. In fact, you name it, you can find it here. In the afternoon continue to the well preserved Roman Ruins of Volubilis with its beautiful mosaics for a guided tour. It's only a short drive from Volublis to Fes and enroute we will briefly visit Moulay Idriss, a pilgrimage place for Moroccans.
FES: The oldest of Morocco's Imperial cities and one of the holiest cities in the Islamic world, Fes is steeped in ancient charm. Fes is divided into three distinct parts. Fes El Djedid (Fes the New), established in the 13th century, is where you'll find most of the royal palaces, gardens and museums. For those with extra energy, a climb to the Merenid tombs and a panoramic view of Fes is a must. Then there's the Ville Nouvelle, the modern city built by the French in the 20th Century, which has tree-lined avenues packed with cafes, fresh juice shops, patisseries and restaurants'the perfect place to relax in the evening and watch the Fassis (people of Fes) pass by. But the real Fes is captured in Fes el Bali (Old Fes), in the labyrinth of 9400 narrow, twisting and turning lanes. Wandering through the local souqs is like taking a step back into the Middle Ages, as the locals go about their work the same way they would have done 1200 years ago. The clanging of the copper smiths, the powerful ‘aroma' of the tanneries, bundles of colourful yarn hanging in the dryers souq, children carrying trays of bread balanced neatly on their heads and the cries of 'balak, balak!' or 'attention' which send you scrambling to hug the walls, well out of the way of heavily laden mules. Fes el Bali also has its share of elaborate buildings, in particular the old medersa or religious colleges which combine the beauty of Morocco's artisan skills with intricate mosaic tiles, carefully carved stucco and elaborately decorated cedar wood ceilings.
Day 5: FES
Guided walking tour of the medina and souqs of Fes, including the leather tanneries. There will be time for your own exploration of the 9,400 twisting lanes of the old city. Wandering through the local sougs is like taking a step back into the middle ages, as the locals go about their work the same way they would have done 1200 years ago. The clanging of the copper smiths, the smell of freshly baked bread being carried in trays balanced neatly on the heads of children and the cries of 'balak, balak!' or 'attention' which send you scrambling to hug the walls well out of the way of heavily laden mules. You'll have time to visit royal palaces, beautiful gardens and museums.
Day 6: MERZOUGA (Erg Chebbi)
An early morning start for a most beautiful drive through stunning scenery via the Middle Atlas Mountains to Merzouga on the fringe of the Sahara Desert. Along the way among the towering forests of cedar trees you'll see the local Berber people, herding sheep and working in the fields. In the days to come we will have a very upclose and personal experience with the local people. We travel via Azrou, Midelt, Erfoud and Ziz Gorge a spectacular chasm filled with curious rock formations. The gorge is dramatically lit by shafts of afternoon sunlight which accentuates its beauty. From vantage points along the way there are wonderful views punctuated by Kasbahs and lush oasis. We stay tonight in an Auberge or desert inn.
ATLAS MOUNTAIN DRIVE: The Atlas is Morocco's greatest mountain range and today's drive through stunning scenery will give you a real glimpse into typical life in Morocco. We drive through the picturesque Middle Atlas Mountains, where cedar trees tower over forests and you may catch a glimpse of the famous Barbary Apes. You'll see the local Berber people herding sheep, working in the fields and nomadic farmers living in traditional goat-hair tents.
ZIZ GORGE: The Ziz gorge is a spectacular chasm filled with curious rock formations. The gorge is dramatically lit by shafts of afternoon sunlight which accentuates its beauty, and from certain points there are wonderful views punctuated by Kasbahs and lush oasis. 'Zizâ' (or gazelle in the language of the Berbers) is also the name of the beautiful river valley that we'll follow on our journey today. The valley is a well known resting place for migrating birds, and the landscape here is most unusual
ERG CHEBBI: Bathed in the glow of afternoon light, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise dramatically 50m from the desert floor. They run in a line almost perfectly north-south to the village of Merzouga and beyond, and mark the western fringe of the Sahara desert dividing Morocco from Algeria. We'll have a chance to explore this magnificent desert surrounding'you might like to hire a camel to ride into the dunes themselves, or if you're feeling energetic why not attempt to scale them on foot! Climb the dunes for sunrise or sunset to watch the light and colour of the sands change. As the stars come out you can often hear the rhythmic beat of tribal drumming penetrating the still night.
DESERT CAMP: We spend two nights at an Auberge (Inn) where we camp at the base of the dunes in traditional Berber tents, and enjoy the local Moroccan hospitality and Tuareg music. Facilities are basic, but the tranquillity of the desert and the spectacle of the changing colours of the dunes will more than make up for it. Mattresses and simple bedding with sheets and blankets are provided in the tents. We have the use of basic shower and toilet facilities at the Auberge, but towels are not provided.
Day 7: MERZOUGA
Enjoy the sunrise in the golden dunes before visiting some of the local villages to see how people live in these desert surroundings. In the afternoon you'll have the option to join a camel caravan into the great dunes or you may stay and relax at the Auberge camp.
CAMELCARAVAN: What better way to explore the Sahara, than atop a regal camel! Hang on tight as they heave themselves to their feet, and then relax into the rhythm and enjoy the camel's-eye view of the desert. Travelling by camel caravan you'll enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. You'll camp overnight in the dunes in traditional Berber tents made of goat hair or you can have a bed made up in the solitude of the desert dunes and enjoy a Sahara Desert star filled night. As the stars come out you can often here the distant rhythmic beat of tribal drumming penetrating the still night air. During our stay with the desert nomads we enjoy their local Moroccan hospitality, food and music.
Day 8: TODRA GORGE
This morning we return from our overnight in the desert to Merzouga by camel. Leaving the eastern desert region we continue by our air conditioned mini bus to the village of Tineghir and the famous Todra Valley.
TODRA GORGE: A journey into the south of Morocco is simply incomplete without a visit to the Todra Valley and the gorge for which it is famous. Rising out of the desert floor, a clash between the Anti Atlas and the High Atlas mountain ranges, the stunning Todra Gorge soars to 300m high. We spend two nights in this breathtaking setting and have plenty of time to explore the area, which is teeming with wildlife'especially birds.
Day 9: TODRA GORGE
This morning before the heat rises, we take a leisurely walk through the lovely Todra Valley palmary'a lush, green oasis nestled between towering red cliffs. Sampling the delicious local fruit, chatting to local women at work in the fields, and exploring the abandoned Kasbahs, you'll see Berber life at its best and enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery in Morocco. This afternoon we can explore nearby Tineghir village..
Day 10: AIT BEN HADDOU
Journey along the “Route of a 1000 Kasbahs†to the desert city of Ouarzazate and visit the fortified Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. Built to defend profitable trade routes, these fortified family dwellings have housed Berber tribes for centuries. Either beautifully restored or slowly eroding back to the earth, the Kasbahs will be one of the most memorable sights from your time in Morocco.
VALLEY OF 1000 KASBAHS: The unique architectural feature of the south, the Kasbah, is a stunning sight to behold in the midst of the stark desert landscape. Kasbahs are found in large numbers throughout southern morocco. This is particularly true of the Dades Valley, which has been dubbed the Valley of 1000 Kasbahs. Built to defend profitable trade routes, these fortified family dwellings have housed Berber tribes for centuries. Constructed from natural surroundings, with mud walls and palm structures, they feature intricately decorated turrets and Berber tattoos carved into the walls. Either beautifully restored or slowly eroding back to the earth, the Kasbahs will be one of the most memorable sights from your time in south Morocco.
OUARZAZATE: famed as the centre of Morocco's film industry, keep your eyes peeled for stars wandering the streets. The spectacularly rugged mountains surrounding Ouarzazate attract today's film makers, but the city originated as an isolated French military post, intent on suppressing the local Berber tribes.
AIT BEN HADDOU: Appearing out of the harsh desert landscape, your first glimpse of Ait Ben Haddou will be of a spectacular collection of Kasbahs perched upon a hilltop. You'll soon realise just why film-makers were attracted here to film movies such as Gladiator, Jesus of Nazareth and Lawrence of Arabia. Explore the village in the late afternoon light and wind your way slowly up to the agadir (grain storehouse), for a beautiful view of the valley below. We spend the night in a hotel overlooking this great fortified village.
Day 11: IMLIL (1700m) (Start trek) ( walking time 1 hour)
We cross the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tiz˜n Tichka pass (2260m). We turn off this road which leads to the great city of Marrakech and head for the village of Imlil in the foothills of the mountains. From Imlil we commence our 4 night trek into the Atlas Mountains. It's only a very short walk today to overnight in a Gite (local home converted to accommodate trekkers) at 1750m, just above Imlil. All our gear will be carried by mules.
TIZI- TICHKA: The Tizi- Tichka is the modern road built to connect Marrakech with the desert regions of the south-east. The highest point, known as the Tizi- Tichka pass, is at 2,260m. As the road winds it's way over the High Atlas Mountains you'll have spectacular views of the mountain range and the valleys below, with villages perched precariously on the edges of deep chasms.
IMLIL: This small mountain village is a main departure point for treks into the Toubkal region. The air feels thinner and clearer here, and snow is often visible on the peaks. Imlil is at an altitude of 1,700m and the main crop in the area is walnuts. There are several cafes in the village and some shops for stocking up on supplies.
HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS: This is North Africa's greatest mountain range. It divides the Atlantic and Mediterranean areas of Morocco from the extensive desert regions. It is a harsh and rugged range that is also a place of great beauty. Lush valleys full of apple, cherry and walnut trees give way to a stark, jagged landscape. All of this is overshadowed by the highest peak in North Africa'Djebel Toubkal (4,167m). These mountains provide some of the country's finest trekking and there is a wide variety of flora and fauna to be discovered.
Day 12: OUANESKRA (2300m) (TREK) (walking time 3-4 hours)
Today we begin our trek proper through the Atlas Mountains. From our Gite at 1750m just above the village of Imlil we walk past the village of Tamattert and the pass of the same name at 2279m. After a 3-4 hour walk we reach the village of Ouaneskra (2300m) where we will spend the night in a Gite. On the trek today we will enjoy magnificent views of Djebel Toubkal (4167m) the highest mountain in North Africa which is covered in snow part of the year.
Day 13: IMSKER (1385m) (TREK) (walking time 4-5 hours)
Today we follow the course of the Imenane River with impressive Berber villages and agriculture terraces.
We stay in a Gite tonight in the village of Imsker.
Day 14: TIZI N'OUSSEM (1722m) (TREK) (walking time 6-7 hours)
We commence today with a light ascent and descent over the El Bour pass and on to the village of Imi Oughlad (1375m). Here the locals come to use the traditional water mills to grind their grain. A gradual ascent through wooded mountain slopes leads to the Tizi N'Tacht Pass (2000m) which commands a grand view of the surrounding mountains. During the descent to the village of Tizi N'Oussem (1722m) you can see the terraced slopes of the fertile Azadene Valley. Tonight we stay in a Gite with a beautiful view of the valley.
Day 15: IMLIL (1700M) (FINISH TREK) (walking time 4-5 hours)
Crossing slopes with large juniper trees, we climb up to the M'Zig pass (2490m) where there is a panoramic view of the village of Imlil, the mountains of Oukaimeden and Toubkal. We descend following a small stream to Imlil. In the afternoon there is time to look around Imlil or the nearby village of Aremd. Tonight we spend our last night in a Gite. There is a possibility that we may be able to relax in a village hammam (spa).
Day 16: MARRAKECH
We may have to walk just a short distance to rejoin our vehicles then it's only a short drive (2 hrs) to Marrakech. The rest of the day is free to explore this exciting city. Charming, chaotic and charismatic, this is the unique atmosphere of Marrakech. In the evening you'll want to soak up the atmosphere of the famous Djemaa el Fna square. Heaving with activity, Djemaa el Fna, the central square, has been a meeting point for centuries. Your senses will go wild over the sights, sounds and smells. Packed full of traders, Berber musicians, acrobats, snake charmers, witch doctors, wise men and tooth pullers, the squares hypnotic charm will soon rub off on you. There is so much to see and do, we will stay the next day to continue our exploration.
MARRAKECH: Charming, chaotic and charismatic'this is the unique atmosphere of Marrakech. Heaving with activity, Djemaa el Fna, the central square, has been a meeting point for centuries. Your senses will go wild over the sights, sound and smells. Packed full of traders, Berber musicians, acrobats, snake charmers, witch doctors, wise men and tooth pullers, the squares hypnotic charm will soon rub off on you. There's no better way to experience Djemaa el Fna than to sample the local specialities on offer at the night-time food stalls. With lights flickering and smoke rising, watching the hive of activity from a café is a perfect way to capture the mystical atmosphere. Marrakech has lots more to offer with souqs bursting with Moroccan crafts, the immense Koutoubia Mosque, and countless museums, palaces, gardens and cultural sights. After a hectic day, head for the calm haven of the Marjorelle Gardens, full of cacti and vivid blue buildings, or a sunset drink in the gardens of La Mamounia Hotel.
Day 17: MARRAKECH
Another free day in Marrakech to explore. Your guide and leader will organise some group activities if you wish but everyone is free to explore at their own pace. There are mosques, palaces, gardens , museums and countless other cultural sights to visit.
Day 18: ESSAOUIRA
Today we travel to the Atlantic Coast and the 18th Century Portuguese fishing port of Essaouira. Our hotel is near the beach and is the perfect place to cap off your holiday. A haven for many artists in the 60's including Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones, you'll soon realise why they couldn't prise themselves away. There's plenty of opportunities to sample the famous local seafood dishes.
ESSAOUIRA: With it's whitewashed houses, vivid blue doors and laid back coastal feel, Essaouira is the perfect place to cap off your holiday. A haven for many artists in the 60's including Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones, you'll soon realise why they couldn't prise themselves away. Essaoiura's long stretch of beach tempts you to walk its length to the picturesque fort slowly sinking into the sand. And don't miss the most spectacular sunset in Morocco from the town's ramparts. Whether it is some last minute shopping in a hassle-free environment, lazing on the beach, sipping coffee in the plaza and watching life go by, or sampling the superb fresh seafood at the local fish grills, Essaouira is sure to charm you.
Day 19: ESSAOUIRA
A free day to enjoy Essaouira. Explore the old city with its whitewashed houses and vivid blue doors, or stroll the beach to the picturesque fort slowly sinking in the sand.
Day20: CASABLANCA
Drive back along the coast to Casablanca, stopping for lunch at El Jadida en route. Founded by the Portuguese in 1513, El Jadida was the principal Portuguese trading port. We take the time to walk along the ramparts of the old fortress. Tonight in Casablanca we can head out for a last night party at one of the many famous restaurants and Bars. How about a final drink at Sam's bar. Hope you decide to join us in 2008.
Day 21: Depart CASABLANCA
The Morocco Adventure finishes after breakfast. A free hotel/airport transfer will be provided to those departing on the group flight. Group flight arrives in Australia. |
