Select & Mix Private Holiday: Your choice of 3 experiences included 14 Days ex Casablanca
Departures: Daily
The Complete Morocco tour is our ultimate Moroccan holiday. Offering our ‘Select & Mix’ option it allows you to add the final touches by selecting the experiences that will create the perfect holiday for you. From Casablanca to Marrakech this comprehensive journey through fascinating Morocco offers a truly immersive experience. Wander through imperial cities explore the ‘Blue Town’ of Chefchaouen experience the natural wonders of the desert savour delicious cuisine and indulge in the history and authenticity of Moroccan accommodation on this in-depth tour.
Highlights
- Experience our ultimate Moroccan holiday featuring Casablanca Fez Marrakech and more
- Personalise your journey with 3 Select & Mix local experiences included at no extra cost
- Savour delicious local cuisine inspired by centuries of visitors to this land
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Itinerary
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Accommodation
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Important Information
Day 1: Casablanca
Welcome to Morocco. Upon arrival at Casablanca Mohamed V International Airport you will be met by a representative of our local operator and transferred to your hotel where your accommodation is reserved for one night. Remainder of the day at leisure to unwind.
Hotel Les Saisons Conveniently located in Casablanca city centre Hotel Les Saisons offers spacious accommodation and a bar. Guest rooms at are decorated in warm wooden furnishings are air conditioned and equipped with a satellite TV and a mini bar. A continental breakfast is served each morning and guests can dine at the hotel restaurant serving international cuisine.
Day 2: Casablanca - Chefchaouen (B)
Depart for the ‘Blue Town’ of Chefchaouen where walls doors windows stairways alleyways and archways are varying shades of blue. Afternoon is at leisure to explore or to simply relax. Check-in at your riad for overnight.
Day 3: Chefchaouen - Volubilis - Fez (B)
Depart Chefchaouen and drive south to Volubilis the most extensive remains of a Roman city in Morocco. Continue on to Moulay Idriss the oldest and most sacred town in Morocco founded by Moulay Idriss I in 789. Later arrive in Fez the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Stay for three nights in an elegant riad-style accommodation on the edge of this well-preserved medieval old city.
Day 4: Fez (B)
Today head into the old city known locally as Fes el Bali arguably the world's most fascinating and confounding old city. Medieval Fes was one of the world's great centres of education and culture both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and libraries are legendary its mosques of great renown. And it was to Fes that many of the Muslims (and Jews) expelled from Spain by Ferdinand and Isabella came in 1492. Walk through the twisting streets and alleyways passing donkeys piled high with goods and explore the specialty sections that divide the souk. Filled with historic khans medresses and dye-pits stalls loaded with fruits herbs and soups and where the squawk of chickens smell of spice and sound of hammering of copper fills the air it’s not hard to imagine yourself back in the Middle Ages.
Spend the day exploring the old city visiting Medresse el Attarine the tanneries and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine a beautifully restored 18th century inn. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and perhaps spend the evening relaxing in this calming oasis away from the buzz of the medina.
Day 5: Fez (B)
Day at leisure to relax and further explore Fez or choose one of the Select & Mix experiences.
Day 6: Fez – Merzouga (BD)
Drive south through the foothills of the middle Atlas Mountains passing through Ifrane a charming ski resort and Midelt et Errachidia where you stop for a short visit. Arrive at Erfoud one of the largest oases in all of Morocco and famous for its almost one million date palm trees. From Erfoud travel into the desert by 4x4 to the dunes of Merzouga one of the truly great sights of Morocco to your private encampment in the desert. This evening take a camel ride into the desert in time to admire the sunset. A delicious Berber dinner will be served tonight.
Day 7: Merzouga - Todra Gorges - Ouarzazate (BD)
Rise early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the dunes. Embark on a morning drive to the stunning Todra Gorge with its many impressive canyons & escarpments. Travel through Tinghir & Rissani and visit the ruins of Ksar Abbar. Continue via the Dades Valley to Ouarzazate literally “no noise” in Berber.
Day 8: Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech (B)
This morning visit Ouarzazate and the famous fortified Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it has been the backdrop for many films. Journey to Marakkech through breathtaking countryside via Tizi N’Tichka pass (2260m) the highest pass in North Africa. Check-in at a charming riad your home for the next three nights.
Day 9: Marrakech (B)
Meet your local guide and depart on a morning discovery of the old medina. Explore the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. Continue to the Marrakech Museum itself a former palace which houses a fine collection of Moroccan art and sculpture. Stop by the Koutoubia Mosque; then walk back through the streets of the old medina to the Jemaa el Fna Square.
Day 10: Marrakech (B)
Today is at leisure to relax or choose one of the Select & Mix experiences.
Day 11: Marrakech – Essaouira (B)
Drive to the 16th century fortress town of Essaouira popular for its magnificent beaches charming souq and seafood restaurants. Check-in at your riad your home for the next two nights.
Day 12: Essaouira (B)
Essaouira has been influenced by various cultures and it was the Jewish traders who once formed the majority of the population and transformed Essaouira into what became Morocco’s most prosperous city in the 17th and 18th centuries. Day at leisure to visit the fortified harbour or choose one of the Select & Mix experiences.
Day 13: Essaouira – Casablanca (B)
Travel back to Casablanca for your last night in Morocco.
Day 14: Casablanca (B)
Departure transfer to the airport or if flight times permitting choose one of the Select & Mix experiences.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Private return airport transfers
- Air-conditioned private transportation as per itinerary
- 3 nights in Sup Tourist class hotels in Casablanca and Ouarzazate
- 9 nights in special category historical Riads in Chefchaouen Fez Marrakech & Essaouira
- 1 night accommodation in a Berber desert camp with private facilities
- Private sightseeing as per itinerary
- Assistance of professional qualified English-speaking local guides in Volubilis Fes Ait Benhaddou and Marrakech
- Activities and entrance fees as per itinerary
- 3 Select & Mix experiences
- Daily breakfast and two dinners
- Travel Notes - as issued by Innovative Travel
Vehicles used are modern 7 seats minivans
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International Airfares
- Visa
- Personal Expenses
- Optional tours
- Extra Select & Mix experiences
- Porterage
- Tipping/gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Extra hotel charges (minibar or any other services)
- Meals not specified
- Early check-in/late check-out
- Camera/photography fees
- Departure taxes
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
SELECT & MIX EXPERIENCES - CHOOSE THREE
Your Choice of 3 Select & mix experiences (no extra cost 3 experiences already included in the price of your holiday):
CASABLANCA A. Guided tour of Hassan II Mosque & Jewish Museum (day 1 or 14 flight times permitting) B. Dinner at Rick’s Café (evening day 13)
FEZ C. Experience a Pastilla Cooking class (day 5) D. Treat yourself to a hammam & massage at Riad Laaroussa (day 5) E. Private foodie and tasting trail tour (day 5)
OUARZAZATE F. Guided tour of Kasbah Taourirt & tea with a local family (day 7)
MARRAKECH G. Cooking class at La Maison Arabe (day 10) H. Hammam & Massage at a luxury Spa (day 10) I. “Taste of Marrakech” private culinary tour (day 10) J. Cycling tour of the famous Marrakech Palmary (day 10)
ESSAOUIRA K. Argan oil cooperative visit & wine tasting at a local vineyard (day 12)
Accommodation based on the following or similar:
Casablanca
Hotel Les Saisons
Chefchaouen
Riad Dar Echchaouen
Fez
Riad Le Calife
Merzouga
Desert Camp Xaluca
Ouarzazate
Kenzi Azghor
Marrakech
Riad Al Jazira
Essaouira
Riad Palais Des Remparts
Ramadan During the Holy Month of Ramadan Muslims fast, abstaining from eating, drinking & smoking during daylight hours (approx. 7am-6.30pm). As a sign of respect, tourists should also try to refrain from these activities in public during the fasting hours. Restaurants and cafes in hotels will be open, however limited alcohol may be available over this time and is usually not served until after sunset and some riads and other locations may not serve alcohol at all during this period. In 2019, Ramadan should begin around 05 May. After 30 days, or on sighting the full moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated & most public and private institutions close for at least three days.
Riads Riads are traditional town houses typically build around an open courtyard. They offer a unique and authentic style of accommodation and usually feature less than 10 rooms. They are generally family-run properties with limited staff undertaking multiple roles and duties. Depending on their standard Riads may not offer all the facilities you would expect to find in a modern hotel. I.e. the Wi-Fi internet access may be limited, there may not be a lift and the breakfast is usually more limited in choices and does vary from Riad to Riad. But the unique and charming atmosphere and the location in the heart of the Medina make up for it. During the Ramadan period, services are more restricted in riads. If you prefer the full services offered by 5 star international hotels, please request an alternative itinerary on this basis.
Private touring in Morocco On our private tours of Morocco, touring is by private air-conditioned car with a driver. Arabic and French are the main languages spoken in Morocco with English the 3rd and not often spoken language. Your driver will have some English capability, but is not a licensed professional guide and communication maybe basic at times.
It is important that if you have any issues in communicating that you contact the local representative office.
English speaking local guides will be organised by the driver in each city (as specified in your itinerary) in order to provide a more thorough commentary about the city they are a specialist of. Local guides will also help you should you require more information or recommendations on local restaurants or attractions. Please remember that Morocco is a large country and some days of touring will necessitate long periods of driving. There also may be times when, due to road conditions, the itinerary may vary slightly.
If you prefer the services of a full time guide who will accompany you throughout your private holiday, please request this option.
Morocco has a tradition of a multi course lunches, heavier and longer than what we are used to in New Zealand. If you prefer to have a lighter and quicker lunch, please ensure this is explained to your driver.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
