Morocco

MOROCCO

A land fabled and full of magic! Your mind conjures up images of bazaars filled with treasures and a babble of tongues, veiled belly dancers, and mosaic mosques. You’ll wonder at cities with scenes straight out of ‘Tales of the Arabian Nights’. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this is Morocco, ancient and timeless. Here’s a sample itinerary to start you thinking.

IMPERIAL CITIES (8 Days)

Day 1 — Arrive in Casablanca, the economic capital of the kingdom. You will be met and assisted with arrival formalities.

Day 2 — Begin your day with a tour of Casablanca, chief commercial port and largest city in the Kingdom. This modern, bustling metropolis also boasts endless beaches and delightful restaurants.

After lunch depart for Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco. Rabat is the official residence of the King and the center of all government activities. Visit the Medina, the Kasbah of the Oudayas, Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

Day 3 — Depart for Moulay Idriss where the founder of Islam in Morocco is buried and then to the Roman ruins at Volubilis. Travel to Meknes, the second of the Imperial Cities. After lunch explore Meknes, enclosed by 25 miles of triple walls with bastions, see the ramparts, the monumental gates of Bab Mansour and other highlights before continuing to Fes.

Day 4 — A full day of sightseeing in mysterious Fes, oldest of the Imperial Cities. Founded in 808 AD by Idriss II, Fes quickly became the preeminent city of northwest Africa. Today it is the spiritual, cultural, and educational center of the country. Visit the Attarine, Nejarine Fountain, Karaounine Mosque and a typical lunch in the Medina, the oldest part of the city.

This afternoon visit the famous souks and test your bargaining skills – maybe find an incredible buy! Morocco is well known for its fine leather, silver and gold jewelry, carpets and inlaid wood objects.

Day 5 — Early departure through the Middle Atlas region, berber villages and the ski resort of Ifrane to Beni Mellal. After lunch continue your journey, this is where you will notice a change in scenery; the earth is red, the sky clear blue and palm trees everywhere. Arrive in Marrakech, the fourth and greatest of the Imperial Cities.

Day 6 — Full day to explore the ‘Pearl of the South’, gateway to the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara. Founded in the 11th century it is an oasis of perfumed gardens and palm trees enclosed in rose-colored walls. Visit the important monuments, Saadian Tombs, Djemaa-el Fna Square where fortune tellers, acrobats, vendors, snake charmers and magicians put on a never-ending show. Special dinner with folklore entertainment.

Day 7 — Your morning at leisure to shop and explore. This afternoon depart for Casablanca.

Day 8 — Depart for your next adventure.

NOTE: This itinerary can be done on one of our escorted-coach tours, by self-drive,
or chauffeur drive with local guides for sightseeing tours.

THE GREAT SOUTH AND KASBAHS (8 Days)

For those who would like to explore deeper into Morocco and the kasbahs of the south we have an escorted itinerary traveling by Land Rover, departing from Marrakech.

Day 1 — Arrive in Marrakech where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 — Full day to explore the ‘Pearl of the South’, gateway to the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara.

Day 3 — This morning depart, via Taddert and the Tizin Tichka Pass in the heart of the Atlas Mountain chain. Visit the berber village of Air Ben Haddou. After lunch in Ouarzazate continue on to Zagora. Take an excursion to Tamgroute, a religious center known by its rich library, with rare books and documents, some written on gazelle hide from the 13th century.

Day 4 — Depart Zagora traveling via Tazzarine to Alnif. After lunch an excursion to the Holy City of Rissani, capital of Tafilalet, and stronghold of the Alaouite dynasty. Continue on to Erfoud.

Day 5 — An excursion to the village of Merzouga, famous for its dunes where you can appreciate a delightful sunrise. Return for breakfast.

Depart for a visit to a real 17th century Kasbah and the ruins of Ksar Abbar. After lunch continue pass kasbahs and palm groves for Tineghir, once a garrison of the French Foreign Legion.

Day 6 — Depart Tineghir, via the Dades Valley, lined with oases, to El Kelaa des M’gouna, a resort of roses where the annual festival of roses is held. Continue on to Ouarzazate. After lunch explore Ouarzazate and the kasbahs of Taouirit.

Day 7 — Depart the desert and the mountains via Taddert and the Tizin Tichka Pass to the palm groves and serenity of the pink city of Marrakech.

Day 8 — Depart the land of the kasbahs.

PLAN-YOUR-OWN
Morocco Fly / Drive Tour

Morocco is very easy to explore on your own with a self-drive, or chauffeur-driven car.
You can discover at your own pace! Plan your itinerary and we will book the accommodation and type of vehicle you desire. We can include local guides, or include a guide for your entire trip for your sightseeing excursions.

ACCOMMODATION: There is a large variety of accommodation from which to choose..

Imperial Cities Tour: 4 or 5 Star Hotels
Great South & Kasbahs: 4 Star in Marrakech with 3 Star in the South

Self-drive Tours: 4, 5 and 5 Star Deluxe – as you prefer

EGYPT AND MOROCCO
Egypt and Morocco are north of the equator and consequently the cooler months are those of our winter. Summers can be quite warm, especially at Abu Simbel, and the south of Morocco.

EGYPT
The cradle of the oldest recorded civilization in the history of mankind. Egypt attracts attention and evokes imagination – from the vast pharaonic treasures to the wonders of the Pyramids. Egypt has long been a popular and easy combination with the countries of Africa south of the Sahara. Let this ancient country take your breath away at each turn of the corner!

HIGHLIGHTS OF EGYPT (7 Days)

Day 1 — Arrive in Cairo where you will be assisted through customs and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 — This morning visit Memphis, capital of the Ancient Kingdom and Sakkara, the vast necropolis of ancient Memphis.

This afternoon drive to the legendary Pyramids of Giza. Here you will find Cheops’ Pyramid, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the Sphinx, carved from a single piece of stone!

Day 3 — Visit the Egyptian Museum, famous for its antiquities from Egypt’s pharaonic period, which dates back some 50 centuries, including the fabulous treasures of Tut.

This afternoon visit Old Cairo, the Coptic Suspended Church and the oldest Synagogue of Ben Ezra. Continue your visit to old Islamic Cairo to see the famous Citadel of Saladin, and the medieval bazaars of Khan el-Khalili where you can bargain for papyrus and exotic perfumes.

Day 4 — Transfer to the airport for your flight to Aswan. You may want to take the Option to Abu Simbel, where the colossal Temples of Ramses II and Nefertari were rescued from the rising water of Lake Nasser.

Visit the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient Granite Quarries, the Old Dam and new High Dam. This afternoon sail a felucca to the Elephantine Island, the Mausoleum of Agha Khan, and the Botanical Gardens of Lord Kitchener.

Day 5 — Transfer to the airport for your flight to Luxor. Cross the Nile to visit the Necropolis of Ancient Thebes. Explore the Valleys of the Kings and Queens. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.

Day 6 — This morning visit the Temples of Karnak and Luxor, and the famous Avenue of the Sphinx. The Temple of Karnak took over 1500 years to be built and is considered the world’s largest religious complex. Depart for Cairo.

Day 7 — Time to depart this ancient land.

HIGHLIGHTS OF EGYPT WITH NILE CRUISE (9 Days)

Day 1-3 — As ‘Highlights of Egypt’

Day 4 — Transfer to the airport for your flight to Aswan. You may want to take the Option to Abu Simbel. After boarding your cruise ship, sail a felucca to the Elephantine Island, the Mausoleum of Agha Khan, and the Botanical Gardens of Lord Kitchener.

Day 5 — Visit the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient Granite Quarries, the Old Dam and new High Dam.

Cruise to Kom-Ombo. Visit the Ptolemaic Temple, which was dedicated to two gods; the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed god Haroeris. Sail to Edfu.

Day 6 — Visit the Temples of Horus (237 BC), the best preserved Egyptian temple in existence. Sail to Esna and visit the Temple of Khnum. Sail on to Luxor.

Day 7 — Cross the Nile to visit the Necropolis of Ancient Thebes. Explore the Valleys of the Kings and Queens. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.

Visit the Temples of Karnak and Luxor, and the famous Avenue of the Sphinx.

Day 8 — Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo.

Day 9 — Depart this ancient land.

NOTE: The cruise itinerary may be scheduled as Aswan/Luxor or Luxor/Aswan at the tour operator’s discretion. Components of the itinerary are identical regardless of the direction traveled.

There are 3 night and 6 night cruises also available. You may want to try the Abu Simbel Cruises which are now available on Lake Naser. Enjoy 3 or 4 nights cruising between Aswan and Abu Simbel where you can visit the temple and marvel at the feat accomplished in moving this ancient site.

RED SEA EXTENSIONS
World renown for its incredible diving, the Red Sea offers an infinite variety of brilliantly-hued fish, corals and rare marine life. You have a choice of Hurghada, long famous for water sports, ie: swimming, sailing and diving in beautiful, clear water OR Sharm el-Shiekh a resort with moderate year round climate. Your days are filled with super golf, relaxing on the beach, swimming, sailing and exploring the underwater treasures.

ACCOMMODATION: There is a large range of fine hotels, here are just a few…

Cairo: Mena House, Meridian Pyramids, Ramses Hilton, Cairo Sheraton, Royal Nile Tower Oasis Hotel, Novotel Hotel, Zoser Hotel

Luxor: Sheraton Hotel, New Winter Palace
Etap Hotel, Novotel Hotel

Aswan: Oberoi Hotel, New Cataract Hotel
Basma Hotel, Isis Cornech

Hurghada: Marriott Hotel, Golden Five
Beach Albatros

Sharm el Sheikh: Sofitel Hotel, Dreams Beach
Novotel Hotel, Ghazala

Nile Cruise Ships: Sonesta, Beau Soleil, Movenpick Radamis 2, Sherry Boat
Florence, Rosetta Nile Cruise

Abu Simbel Ships: Nubian Sea, Euginee, Prince Abbas
THE IDEAL ADVENTURE EXTENSION FOR EGYPT IS … KENYA OR TANZANIA

MOROCCO —a land fabled and full of magic!

On the northwest brink of the African continent is a land of intrigue. Your mind conjures up images of bazaars filled with treasures and a babble of tongues, veiled belly dancers, and mosaic mosques. You’ll wonder at cities with scenes straight out of “Tales of the Arabian Nights”. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this is Morocco, ancient and timeless.

MAGICAL MOROCCO
(7 Nights)

Day 1 — Arrive in Casablanca. Just an hour’ s drive along the coast you will come to Rabat, the cosmopolitan, capital city of Morocco. Rabat is a city of trees, flowers, sweeping esplanades, parks, gardens, AND a golf complex of 45 holes you will have difficulty in bettering anywhere in the world!

Day 2 — Play your first round of golf on the Royal Dar Es Salam GC, with its Red, Blue and Green Courses, designed by Robert Trent Jones. He was asked to design a course fit for a king — Hassan II of Morocco — and he certainly came up with the goods!

Day 3 — A round on the Royal Mohammedia GC, one of the finest in Morocco. It overlooks the harbor, located between the river and ocean, it is well established and fairly level. Trees line the fairway near the palm-fringed clubhouse, contrasting with the links-type holes farther out on the course. It is a delight for all golfers. After golf make the short drive south to the coastal resort town of El Jadida.

Day 4 — Today one of the newest links courses in Morocco — El Jadida GC. Designed by Cabell Robinson this course will not only challenge but surround you with stunning natural beauty. From the pine and eucalyptus trees to the unspoiled beaches and dunes, a game you will enjoy.

Day 5 — Depart this golfer’ s haven and drive to Marrakesh, the ‘Pearl of the South’ , a magnificent oasis enclosed in rose-colored walls. Stroll the streets of the 1,000-year-old mystical town on the southern borders of Morocco’ s fiery mountainous desert.

Day 6 — Golf today on the Royal Marrakesh GC, in full view of the Atlas Mountains. Although flat, it is not easy. Orange, olive and palm trees and flowers line and divide the fairways.

Day 7 — Your round will be on one of the newest courses in Morocco, Amelkis GC.
Designed by Cabell Robinson it is located in the heart of a magnificent olive grove — a real treat. Also available to play in Marrakesh is the new and exciting Palmeraie GC, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The unique panorama, seven lakes and much more challenges you to a round you won’ t soon forget!

Day 8 — Sadly, time to depart this mystical country!

FEZ – Jewel of Imperial Cities
(2 Nights)

Mysterious Fez, the oldest of the Imperial Cities, is the spiritual, cultural and educational center, as well as the artistic center of Morocco. You will find the souks with narrow streets full of merchants and craftsmen going about their business. Great buys are leather, carpets, silver and gold jewelry and much more.

Day 1 — Depart for Fez, enroute you will want to visit Moulay Idriss, the Roman ruins at Volubilis and make a stop in Meknes, second of the Imperial Cities. Here you can see the 25 miles of triple walls with bastions, ramparts and monumental gates before arriving at your destination.

Day 2 — The Royal Fez GC is set in the countryside looking out towards the High Atlas Mountains. Designed by Cabell Robinson it accentuates the natural contours of the terrain to produce undulating fairways and treacherous sloping greens! This is definitely a challenge and although currently only 9 holes it is projected to soon become 18 holes.

Day 3 — Depart for your next venue.

Below are some sample hotels, if your choice is not shown please let us know and we will plan your trip around your preferences.

ACCOMMODATION: