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MOROCCO
- AN IMPERIAL ODYSSEY
A World Heritage Sites Tour of Morocco |
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Morocco
is an exquisite land known for its potent mystique and
exotic aura. Europe's closest link to Africa, Morocco is
neither European nor African. It is a rich mix of both
with a flavour distinctly its own. In this tour we offer
an excellent introduction to this magnificent culture and
country; Eight days, three imperial capitals.
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Tour
Summary
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Map |
Day
|
Place
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01
|
Casablanca
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| 02 |
Casablanca
/ Rabat |
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03
|
Rabat / Meknes / Fez |
| 04 |
Fez
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05
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Fez
/ Beni Mallal / Marrakech |
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06
|
Marrakech |
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07
|
Marrakech
/ Casablanca |
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08
|
Casablanca |
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|
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UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
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World Heritage Sites in Morocco covered on this tour |
|
Medina of Fez (1981) |
Founded
in the 9th century, Fez reached its height first in the
14th century under the Marinides and again in the 17th
century. In 1912, when France established Rabat as the
new capital, its political importance declined, but its
religious and cultural role continues today, centered
as it is around the two famous mosques of Al-Qarawiyin
and Al-Andalus in the heart of the medina. |
| Medina
of Marrakech (1985) |
Marrakesh,
founded in 1071-1072, was the capital of the Almoravids
and later the Almohades. The lively medina contains an
impressive number of architectural masterpieces, including
the walls and the monumental gates, the Kutubiya Mosque
with its 77-metre-high minaret, the Saadian tombs and
characteristic old houses. |
| Historic
City of Meknes (1996 |
Founded
in the 11th century by Almoravid rulers as a military
town, Meknes became a capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail
(1672- 1727), the founder of the Alaouite dynasty. The
Sultan turned it into a impressive place in Spanish-Moorish
style surrounded by high walls with great doors which
show today the harmonious blending of Islamic and European
styles of the 17th-century Maghreb. |
|
Archaeological Site of Volubilis (1997) |
The
Mauritanian capital, founded in the 3rd century B.C.,
became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and was
graced with many fine buildings. Substantial remains of
these survive in the archaeological site, located in a
fertile agricultural area. It was later to become briefly
the capital of Idris I, founder of the Idrissid dynasty,
who is buried at nearby Moulay Idriss. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01 Saturday: Arrive Casablanca
Merhaba! We arrive in Casablanca at Mohamed V Airport and are warmly welcomed
and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Farah Hotel, Casablanca (1 night) (D)
Day 02 Sunday: Casablanca / Rabat (drive 95 kms / 59 mi)
Morning visit of the economic capital of Morocco including the central market,
Habbous district, Royal Palace, Mohamed V Square, the residential area of Anfa
and the exterior of Mosque Hassan II. A short drive gets us to Rabat where we
take a city tour including the Royal Palace (Mechouar), the Oudaya Kasbah, the
Mohamed V Mausoleum and the Hassan Tower.
Overnight: Belere Hotel, Rabat (1 night) (B, D)
Day
03 Monday: Rabat / Meknes / Fez (drive 220 kms / 136 mi)
This morning we depart for Meknes to visit the Ismalian capital famous for its
40 km / 25 mi long walls. We also visit the Bab Mansour, the Royal stables and
the Jewish quarter. Our next stop is the holy city of Moulay Idriss where we
visit the ruins of the Roman city of Volubilis. Late afternoon we depart for
Fez.
Overnight: Zalagh I Hotel, Fez (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 04 Tuesday: Fez
A day of sightseeing in Fez acquaints us with the oldest Imperial City. Today,
Fez is the spiritual, cultural and educational center of the country. Our visit
here includes the medieval Medina with its Attarine and Bou Anania Medersas,
the Nejjarine fountain, the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum and the Karouine Mosque.
Afternoon visit of Fez Jdid.
(B, D)
Day 05 Wednesday: Fez / Beni Mallal / Marrakech (drive 485 kms
/ 299 mi)
This morning we embark on a full day drive through the exquisite Middle Atlas
region with its beautiful cedar forests. En route we stop in Beni Mellal, one
of the agricultural centers of Morocco, before proceeding to Marrakech. On this
drive, we will suddenly notice extreme changes in scenery – the earth
becomes red, the sky is clear blue and lush green palm groves are scattered
everywhere.
Overnight: Atlas Hotel, Marrakech (2 nights) (B, D)
Day
06 Thursday: Marrakech
Known as the “Pearl of the South”, Marrakech is situated at the
gateway to the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Sightseeing in this beautiful
city includes the 16th century Saadian Tombs, the fragrant Menara Gardens, the
famous Koutoubia Minaret, and the magnificent Bahia Palace with its extraordinary
tiles, opulent courtyards and sparkling fountains. This afternoon we enjoy Djemaa-el-Fna
Square, the heart of Marrakech, where vendors, snake charmers put on a never-ending
show. (B, L)
Day 07 Friday: Marrakech / Casablanca (drive 250 kms / 154 mi)
We have this morning at leisure for last minute shopping or relaxing. This afternoon
we depart for Casablanca.
Overnight: Farah Hotel, Casablanca (1 night) (B, D)
Day 08 Saturday: Depart Casablanca
Morning transfer to the airport for our departure flight. (B)
|
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
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D
= Dinner
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Departure Dates |
|
2008
Every
Saturday from Oct 27, 2007 until Dec 27, 2008
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| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| 2008 |
1230 |
305 |
| Note:
High season surcharge for Dec 23 & 30 will
be $195.00 per person |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- Accommodation
as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
- Meals
as mentioned (B=Breakfast,
L=
Lunch, D=Dinner)
- All
sightseeing and transfers with services of a local Multilingual
speaking guide. Plus local guide at sites.
- Entrance
fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary
|
- International
airfares
- Departure/airport
and border taxes
- Insurance
& Visas
- Beverages/Tips
|
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1200 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1400 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 04
and a maximum of 15
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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