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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
|
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 |
|
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 the Mohamed V Airport and
are warmly welcomed and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Barcelo Casablanca Hotel or similar, Casablanca
(1 night) (D)
Day 02 Sunday: Casablanca / Rabat (drive 95 kms / 59 mi)
Visit of the economic capital of Morocco including the central
market, the Habbous district, the Royal Palace, the Mohamed
V Square, the residential area of Anfa and the exterior of Mosque
Hassan II. Short drive to Rabat. City tour of Rabat including
the Royal Palace (Mechouar ), the Oudaya kasbah, the Mohamed
V mausoleum , and the Hassan tower.
Overnight: Golden Tulip Hotel or similar, Rabat (1 night)
(B, D)
Day 03 Monday: Rabat / Meknes / Fez (drive 220 kms / 136
mi)
Departure to Meknes and visit of the Ismalian Capital famous
for its 40 km long walls. Visit of Bab Mansour , the royal stables
and the Jewish quarter . Continue on to Fez via the Roman city
of Volubilis and the holy village of Moulay Idriss
Overnight: Zalagh Parc Palace Hotel or similar, Fez
(2 nights) (B, D)
Day 04 Tuesday: Fez
The whole day is devoted to tour this UNESCO World Heritage
City. Sightseeing of Fez includes the medieval medina with its
Attarine and Bou Anania Medersas , the Nejjarine fountain ,
the Moulay Idriss mausoleum , and the Karaouine mosque. Afternoon
visit of Fez al Jdid – new Fez. (B, D)
Day 05 Wednesday: Fez / Beni Mallal / Marrakech (drive 485
kms / 299 mi)
Departure to Marrakech passing through the Middle Atlas Mountains
and the berber village of Immouzer du Kandar and Ifrane , free
time for lunch and a moment of relaxation in Beni Mellal one
of the agricultural centers of Morocco . Arrival in Marrakech
in the late afternoon . Check in at the hotel ,
Overnight: Atlas Asni Hotel or similar, Marrakech (2
nights) (B, D)
Day
06 Thursday: Marrakech
Visit of historical Marrakech: the Menara garden, the Saadian
tombs, the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Minaret. Afternoon visit
the famous Djemaa El Fna square with its surrounding souks and
handicraft quarters. (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: Barcelo Casablanca Hotel or similar, Casablanca
(1 night) (B, D)
Day 08 Saturday: Depart Casablanca
Morning transfer to the airport for our departure flight. (B)
|
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
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Departure Dates |
|
2010
Every
Saturday
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| 2010 |
1280 |
350 |
| Note:
High season surcharge for Dec 19 & 26,2009 / Dec 18 &
25, 2010 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
$ 1200 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 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 Jun 01, 2009
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