Imperial Cities & The Sahara – Morocco

A regal discovery of the country’s stately past, with time spent amongst the medinas, sprawling golden sand dunes and dramatic gaping wadis.

This immersion of ancient traditions and spectacular landscapes commences in Marrakesh and continues to Casablanca, where a visit to one of the largest places of worship in the world, Hassan II Mosque, sets the scene for the grandeur and craftmanship to come. The first imperial city, Rabat and its medina of intricate façades and Moorish-style architecture will then be discovered. A pause at the striking ruins of Volubilis will be followed by Fes, where its car-free historic district and time-honoured tannery techniques transport you back in time.

Continuing past alpine-like Ifrane, ‘Little Switzerland’, the tour will board a 4WD for a sunset journey across the sand dunes, ablaze with colour. Dinner under the starry Sahara Desert sky serves as an experience of a lifetime before you take to the trails of the dramatic wadis of Todra and Dadès the next morning. Lunch at the home of a local family is set against the backdrop of Rose Valley, ensuring an opportunity to gain insight into their culture. Your return to Marrakesh via the picturesque Atlas Mountains, allows you to delve into its heart, barter amongst the market stalls of Djemaa el-Fna and marvel at the beautiful Bahia Palace.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, home to the tallest minaret in the world
• Embark on a guided tour of Rabat’s old medina, Morocco’s capital, and first imperial city on the coastline
• Call at Volubilis, a partly excavated Berber-Roman city and former Roman capital
• Experience dinner and a cultural show, a special opportunity to enjoy Moroccan music
• Wander around the medieval medina of Fes, one of the world’s oldest cities, visiting Medersa al-Attarine, Funduq Nejjarine, and a famous tannery
• Stop off at Ifrane, ‘Little Switzerland’, with its alpine-style buildings and impeccably clean streets
• Board a 4WD and set off on an exhilarating drive through the Merzouga dunes as the sun sets
• Follow a walking trail through Todra Gorge, located in the Atlas Mountains
• Explore the Dadès Gorges and have a traditional lunch with a local Berber family
• Experience the highlights of Marrakesh, including Bahia Palace, KoutoubiaMosque and Djemaa el-Fnaer

WHAT DOES THIS PRICE INCLUDE?

• Nine nights’ accommodation in Marrakesh (3 nights), Rabat (1), Fes (2), Erfoud (1) and Dadès (2)
• Nine breakfasts, one lunch and five dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners
• Visit to the Hassan II Mosque
• Tour of Rabat
• Tour of Volubilis
• Dinner in Fez with a cultural show
• Tour of Fes
• Visit to Ifrane
• 4DW sunset drive from Erfoud to Merzouga
• Guided walk through the Todra Gorge
• Lunch with a local Berber family
• Return flights to Marrakesh
• Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel throughout
• Fully escorted by friendly, experienced tour managers
• During December, an astronomer will be present for the Geminids meteor shower

Please enquire for the full itinerary or more information.

PAYMENT TERMS: