Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1501429
Splendors of Morocco
Discover exotic Morocco, from the timeless walled city of Fez to the bustling medina in Marrakech, viewing local Berber life in the ruggedly beautiful High Atlas Mountains and staying at A&K’s Exclusive Desert Tented Camp nestled among the towering dunes of the Sahara.
11 nights from $10,995 per person
Abercrombie & Kent: Splendors of Morocco
DAY 1 Casablanca, Morocco
Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to your luxurious accommodations, designed with contemporary styling and traditional Moroccan accents. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in this exotic setting, the inspiration for the eponymous 1942 Humphrey Bogart film.
Begin the day in the port city of Casablanca, Morocco’s largest metropolis and its commercial hub. Visit the stunning Hassan II Mosque, which accommodates up to 25,000 worshipers; its minaret stands as the tallest religious structure in the world. Then, travel to the Moorish city of Rabat, capital of Morocco, to visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of modern Morocco, grandfather of the current king. View the Mauresque-style Hassan Tower and Oudaya Kasbah, along with its palm-dotted Andalusian garden. Continue to Fez for a special cocktail reception. Then, sit down to a welcome dinner, joined by a female professor who shares her insights on the role of women in modern Morocco, an A&K-exclusive experience.
Explore Fez el-Bali (Old Fez), the cultural heart of Morocco. Founded in the eighth century by Moulay Idris I, this imperial capital was a renowned center of medieval learning. Stroll the old quarter, with its 9,000 narrow lanes, alleys and souks, on a market visit of exceeding authenticity. Watching local craftsmen in action — working with bronze and pottery — makes for an engaging artisan visit as well. Proceed to the intricately detailed Karaouine. Built in 859 AD, it is one of the oldest still-functioning universities in the world. You also visit Nejjarine Square before continuing to Fez el-Jadid (New Fez), where you see the Royal Palace, madrasas (Islamic schools) and mellah (Jewish quarter).
Journey overland to explore Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. With its triumphal arches, basilicas and capitals, the Volubilis skyline brims with iconic examples of Roman architecture. Among its greatest treasures, however, are the mosaic floors of former family dwellings, which include depictions of Orpheus charming animals with his lyre, nine dolphins signifying good luck and a portrait of Amphitrite in a seahorse-drawn chariot. Proceed to a winery outside Meknes for a Chef’s Table experience at an on-site restaurant set among the region’s sunbathed vineyards and olive groves. Return to Fez, with your evening at leisure.
Travel to small, desert-fringed Erfoud, pausing for lunch en route and marveling at everyday life as you pass Berber villages, endless date palm plantations and the majestic Atlas Mountains. After the day’s scenic drive, settle into your hotel before gathering for dinner this evening. Tonight’s meal is prepared with locally sourced, organic ingredients.
This morning, discover the fortified desert town of Rissani. Continue into the desert dunes of the Sahara, at first by four-wheel-drive vehicle, amid stunning reddish-hued sand dunes that reach up to 500 feet high, creating an otherworldly landscape. Then, switch modes of transport and Ride Like a Local, camelback, to your nomadic tented camp, where a reception with mint tea and pastries awaits you. As the sun sets over the Saharan dunes, celebrate your unforgettable desert foray with a Scenic Sundowner. Return to your camp for a traditional meal before a campfire, along with distinctively Moroccan entertainment. Then, slumber in comfort as the sounds of the desert lull you to sleep.
Journey overland to Ouarzazate, once a stopping point for African traders travelling to the cities of Morocco and Europe. En route, absorb stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains’ southern slopes, intersecting the Dades Valley’s flourishing crops, irrigation canals and palm trees. Travel along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” to Ouarzazate and your delightful oasis of a hotel.
Begin the day in Ouarzazate, a city originally built as a French garrison in the 1920s. Today, it is a regional trade center, known for its pottery and carpets. See the Kasbah of Tifoultoute, a majestic 17th-century fortress featuring a panoramic view of the valley of Ouarzazate and the scenic High Atlas Mountains. Continue to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of the region’s most exotic kasbahs, some of which have been featured in famous films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.
Journey over the High Atlas Mountains, observing everyday life in remote rural towns, to the fascinating “Red City” of Marrakech, where you check in to your luxurious hotel.
Today, begin to unearth the secrets of Marrakech, starting in the medina, the old walled section of town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at its architectural jewels, including the soaring Koutoubia Minaret. Then visit Dar Si Said Museum, originally built as a palace in the 19th century. Afterward, visit Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech’s main square, which is filled with orange juice stalls and vendors, along with acrobats, dancers and street musicians performing at every turn. You may also wish to stroll the city’s fabled, labyrinthine souks.
Begin your day at Jardin Majorelle, a picturesque garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by design legend Yves Saint-Laurent. Stop at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum nearby for an up-close look at some of the famed designer’s creations. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:
Learn to Cook with Moroccan Spices with a cooking demonstration and tasting.
Explore the Souks of Marrakech with an expert guide, walking narrow streets lined with centuries-old shops.
Enjoy a Guided Walk of the Jewish Quarter, once a thriving center of religious freedom and tolerance.
Tonight, attend a special farewell dinner with entertainment by a local gnaoua band.
Transfer to the Marrakech airport and board your international flight home, or join an Essaouira Post-Tour Extension.
Rabat is the political and administrative capital of Morocco as well as the King's official residence, The Royal Palace. Across from the Royal Palace is the king's own mosque which is a wonderful example of Islamic architecture.
The city of Rabat is very clean and boasts both old Muslim quarters and beautiful remains of all periods of Moroccan history. The Oudaia Gate dates back to the Almonca Period. Its purpose is said to be ceremonial; the sight is beautiful. Another attraction, The Kasbah des Oudaia is both beautiful and peaceful. The Andalucian Gardens belong to the 20th century and boast the Museum of Moroccan Arts. Most of the houses in Rabat are painted white and have blue painted parapets.
Casablanca City Visit - 4/5 hours
Meet your car and driver at the Port of Casablanca near the gangway.
Duration : Approximately 4 / 5 hours
Points of Interest: The Place Mohammed V; the Central Market; the Mahakma Law Courts; the New Medina; the King’s Palace precinct; Notre Dame de Lourdes; Anfa and the Corniche; the Hassan II Mosque; the Beth El Synagogue, The Jewish Museum, the United Nations Square.
PRICES INCLUDE:
Private tour in an air-conditioned vehicle. Private guided sightseeing visit and all related entrance fees as listed in the itinerary. An English speaking Licensed National Guide.
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE:
Gratuities to guides and drivers. Any expenditure of a personal nature, nor anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TRAVELERS BRING:
Day packs; hat, hygienic ‘wipes;’ camera and Ziploc bags for sensitive lenses; sunglasses, sunscreen.
Meet your car and guide at the Port of Casablanca.
Duration: Approximately 6 hours.
Points of Interest: the Méchouar Precinct of the King’s Palace, the Chellah necropole, the Mohamed V Mausoleum, the Hassan Tower, Kasbah of the Oudayas, Souks…
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PRICES INCLUDE:
Private tour in an air-conditioned vehicle. Private guided sightseeing visit and all related entrance fees as listed in the itinerary. An English speaking Licensed National Guide.
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE:
Gratuities to guides and drivers. Any expenditure of a personal nature, nor anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary. Lunch not included.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TRAVELERS BRING:
Day packs; hat, hygienic ‘wipes;’ camera and Ziploc bags for sensitive lenses; sunglasses, sunscreen.
El Jadida & Azemmour - 8 hours
Meet your car and driver at the Port of Casablanca near the gangway.
Duration : Approximately 8 hours
Points of Interest: The outside of Hassan II Mosque, The Corniche, Residential quarter of Anfa, The Kasbah, The arabe Medina and Jewish Mellah, Portuguese Cisterns, ...
PRICES INCLUDE:
Private tour in an air-conditioned vehicle. Private guided sightseeing visit and all related entrance fees as listed in the itinerary. An English speaking Licensed National Guide. Lunch at El Jadida
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE:
Gratuities to guides and drivers. Any expenditure of a personal nature, nor anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TRAVELERS BRING:
Day packs; hat, hygienic ‘wipes;’ camera and Ziploc bags for sensitive lenses; sunglasses, sunscreen
Marrakech City Visit - 12 Hours
Meet your car and guide at one of these Ports : Casablanca - Agadir.
Duration: Approximately 12 hours.
Points of Interest: Bahia Palace, The Ramparts, The Koutoubia Mosque, Medersa Ben Youssef, The Mellah (The Jewish Quarter), Synagogue, Majorel Gardens, Famous Jamaa El Fna Square, Souks,…
PRICES INCLUDE:
Private tour in an air-conditioned vehicle. Private guided sightseeing visit and all related entrance fees as listed in the itinerary. An English speaking Licensed National Guide.
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE:
Gratuities to guides and drivers. Any expenditure of a personal nature, nor anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary. Lunch not included.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TRAVELERS BRING:
Day packs; hat, hygienic ‘wipes;’ camera and Ziploc bags for sensitive lenses; sunglasses, sunscreen.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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