Sep
19th : JFK/Casablanca
Overnight flight to Casablanca on
Royal Air Maroc.
Sep
20th : Casablanca/Rabat
Rabat is an imperial
city with a rich history of kingdoms that have swept through it since the tenth
century, leaving behind a collage of different architectural styles and a
unique legacy. Afternoon sightseeing will highlight the Mellah, the Mohamed V
mausoleum, the Oudaya Kasbah and the Andalous gardens. Dinner is at the hotel.
Sep
21st : Volubilis/Meknes/Fes
Transfer to Fes via
Volubilis, the Roman capital of Northwestern Africa. Lunch is in the
interesting city of Meknes. In the afternoon you will arrive to Fes with
sightseeing of the Ramparts, the Gates, the Borjs (forts) and the Andalous quarter. Dinner is at the hotel, followed by an
orientation meeting.
Sep
22nd : Fes
Start the historic
sites by the mellah, the king's palace and the Bat'ha museum of Moroccan arts.
Then, there will be the walking tour of the Medina. This fascinating walled
city with its incredible maze of medieval twisting alleys, blind turns,
mosques, shrines, fountains, workshops and every conceivable kind of
market. This is an experience of a life
time. Lunch is served in a typical Moroccan restaurant. For the afternoon,
continue visiting and shopping. Dinner is at the Hotel.
Sep
23rd : Fez /
Midelt / Imilchil
We will be
travelling from Fez to Imilchil via Midelt visiting Berber villages and natural
sights across the High Atlas Mountains. We will arrive to Tisi'n'Isly pass in
mid-afternoon, where a caravan of mules will take us up Mt Tarrirecht (3km) in
the High Atlas to Imilchil where the Festival is taking place. A Caidal tent is
pitched beside the Chief of the tribe as an honor for us (the guests), also to
enjoy all the ceremonies and the festival activities. Dinner is with the Berbers around the
campfire. (Camping)
Sep
24th : Imilchil
After breakfast we
will take a mild hike to the breath taking plateau des lacs. We shall return to
camp for lunch. Afternoon will be devoted to the festival activities among the
Berbers. (Camping) Closing Ceremony.
Sep
25th : Imilchil
After breakfast, we
will take a morning walk in the mountains visiting the Berber nomads in their
tents and sipping mint tea with them. Return to Imilchil for lunch. The
afternoon is to share the happiness of the newly wed couples in a festive
atmosphere with the indigenous Berber in their joyful chants and dances.
Sep
26th : Imilchil / Tinghir
Travel across the
High Atals breath taking valleys to reach the Gorges of Todra. The whole afternoon will be devoted to
explore the region and its marvelous Kasbahs.
Dinner and accommodations are at Hotel Bougafer.
Sep
27th : Tinghir / Marrakesh
Travel in the
morning back to Ouarzazate visiting the Dades Valley and continue to Marrakesh
across the Tizen=Tichka
pass. Dinner is at the hotel.
Sep
28th : Marrakech
The historic visit
of Marrakech will include the Menara, a magnificent pool surrounded by flowers,
reflecting the image of a beautiful moorish construction built in 1866 for the
dignitaries. See glorious sunsets with the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop. Also,
the pool is a functional irrigation system to the surrounding areas. The tour
will see several impressive sights: The Koutoubia Minaret (the twin tower of la
Giralda in Sevilla, Spain), the Saadian tombs demonstrating Moorish
architecture in its perfection. The tombs, consisting of splendid mausoleums
built in the sixteenth century, were walled for some time, not to be discovered
until 1917. Other sites include: the museum of Dar Si Said with the best
display of Berber arts and crafts to be found; the remains of the Badii Palace,
a historical monument chosen to host the annual National Festival of Popular
Art, beginning the second Friday in June. The Bahia Palace still hosts
dignitaries in the heart of the Mellah (Jewish quarter) today. Lunch is at the
hotel then a walk through the colorful souks of Marrakech in the
afternoon. Conclude the day with a
sunset drink overlooking the exciting Jamaa El Fna Square. Dinner is at the
Hotel.
Sep
30th : Marrakesh
Day at leisure,
relax and reflect or go to the colorful souks of Marrakesh. Farewell dinner at a Shehraman Restaurant
Oct
1st : Marrakech / Casablanca / New
York
Early morning
transfer to Marrakesh Airport to connect with the transatlantic flight to
NY/JFK from Casablanca with a memorable trip of a life time.
What
is included
RT New York/Marrakesh/Casablanca. Accommodation
in hotels as indicated or similar, half-board. Land transportation in Land
Rovers. Fees of escort, museums and guides. Dinners outside the hotels. Full
Board during the festival.
Cities
and Hotels Used
Rabat, 1 night,
Hotel Chellah 4*
Fes, 2 nights. Riad
Dar Masmoudi 5*
Tinghir, 1 night.
Hotel Kasbah Lamrani 4*
Imilchil, 3 nights,
camping
Marrakesh, 3
nights. Hotel Atlas 4*
Cost
per person based on double occupancy:
$2495.00
You will love Morocco
