Itinerary

Day 1: JFK – Casablanca
Your journey begins with a non-stop flight on the national carrier Royal Air Maroc, from John F. Kennedy Airport, in New York, to Mohamed V in Casablanca.

 Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat
You will find your host waiting for you upon your arrival in Casablanca airport.  From there, you will travel to Morocco’s capital, Rabat, an imperial city with an incredibly rich history, which it has accumulated over the centuries along with a variety of architectural styles and a legacy second to none.  You will spend the afternoon viewing the many monuments and neighborhoods the city has to offer, including the Mellah (Jewish quarter), the Mohamed V mausoleum, the Oudaya Kasbah, the Andalous gardens, and other sites of interest, ending your day with dinner at the Hotel.

 Day 3: Volubilis – Meknes – Fez
Your day will culminate with your arrival in Fez, traveling through the Roman capital of Northwestern Africa, Volubilis.  In addition, you will pay a visit to Moulay Idris, a venerated citadel founded in the 8^th century by Moulay Idris Al Akbar, grandson of the Prophet Mohamed (s.a.w.s).  It is considered both the cradle of Sufism to Moroccan society, as well as the first Islamic capital for the premier Arab dynasty.  Created primarily for the indigenous population, Moulay Idris has become a central destination for those who cannot afford to make the pilgrimage to Mekkah for the Hajj duty.  Your day will conclude with sightseeing in Fez, including the ramparts, the gates and the Borjes (Moorish Forts), and finally, a dinner at your hotel.

 Day 4: Fez
You will spend your day exploring the majestic city of Fez, beginning with visits to the Mellah, the King’s palace, and the Bat’ha museum of Moroccan Arts.  The remainder of your morning will be spent on a walking tour of the Medina, a walled city with a maze of medieval twisting alleys, blind turns, mosques, shrines, fountains, workshops, and numerous markets.  You will break for lunch at a typical Moroccan restaurant, and will continue to explore and shop for the remainder of the afternoon, ending with dinner at your hotel.

 Day 5: Fez – Azrou – Khenifra – Marrakech
You will spend your day en route to Marrakech, traveling through Azrou, across the middle Atlas Mountains, and pausing for lunch in Khenifra before descending the foothills overlooking the magnificent oasis of Marrakech Alhamra, a city that captivates the imagination and provides satisfaction for every possible taste.  Detours will include visits to Berber villages, scenic views, and traditional markets, and you will conclude your day with dinner at your hotel.

 Day 6: Marrakech
You will spend your day exploring the majesties and wonders of Marrakech, including a visit to the historic Menara, a magnificent pool surrounded by flowerbeds, which reflects the image of a beautiful Moorish edifice.  The construction, built in 1866, was designed for the dignitaries, so that they could enjoy glorious sunsets with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains providing an ethereal backdrop.  The pool is also an innovative, functional irrigation system belonging to an ancient architectural style adapted to the desert lifestyle.  In addition, you will visit several impressive sights, including the Koutoubia Minaret (identical to la Giralda, a tower located in Sevilla, Spain), and the Saadian tombs, which demonstrate Moorish architecture at its greatest.  The tombs, a collection of sixteenth century mausoleums, were hidden behind walls until their discovery in 1917.  Lunch will take place at your hotel, and the afternoon will consist of a tour of the colorful souks (markets) of Marrakech.  After a drink at sunset, overlooking the bustling Jamaa El Fna Square, you will conclude your day with dinner at a typical Moroccan restaurant including local entertainment.

 Other interesting sights will include:

-The museum of Dar Si Said, equipped with a display of Berber arts and crafts from all over Morocco. 

-The remains of the Badii Palace, a historical monument which is host to the Annual National Festival of Popular Art, beginning the second Friday in June. 

-The Bahia Palace, which exemplifies Moorish splendor at its finest.  It is situated in the heart of the Mellah, and continues to host dignitaries to this day.

 Day 7: Marrakech
Your last full day in Morocco will be spent continuing your exploration of Marrakech, including a visit to the botanical gardens.  The gardens, initially designed by a well-known painter, Mr. Majorelle, were remodeled by their owner, designer Yves Saint Laurent.  Other activities will include shopping in the colonial district, Guelize, and dinner at your hotel.

 Day 8: Marrakech – New York
You will take an early morning flight from Marrakech Airport to Casablanca, and will fly directly from there to John F. Kennedy Airport, in New York. 

 
What is Included:

-Round trip airplane tickets on Royal Air Maroc flights from New York to Casablanca

-Six nights accommodation in 4-star hotels

-Breakfast and dinner daily

-Land transportation in chauffeured vehicles

-Services of English-speaking guides and tour leaders

-Entrance fees to monuments and museums

-Hotel tax and service charges

Hotels Include:

-Rabat: Hotel Imperial Holidays, one night

-Fez: Hotel Riad Dar Massmoudi two nights

-Marrakech: Hotel El Andalouss, three nights

Cost per person based on double occupancy:                      $1850.00

The trip departs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday with a maximum of 12 participants.

Telephone: 1-800-267-0036 or 703-619-0777 Fax: 703-619-9399  E-mail: hamid1a@erols.com