Essence of Morocco

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Day 1

Upon arrival into Casablanca, after completing immigration and customs formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the Arrivals Hall. Here you will be met by an Alluring Africa representative for your private road transfer to Rabat where you will be staying at Euphoriad for one night.

With its cosmopolitan, contemporary vibe reflected in the young people of this city and the diversity of cuisine on offer, it is no surprise that MOMA has recently opened here. However, as always with Morocco, the old nestles with the new and the pretty medina and port areas still hold the old Moroccan charm and of course a chance to sip a fragrant mint tea.

 

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Day 2

At a time to be advised: You will be collected from your hotel by an Alluring Africa representative and driven to Rabat.  Few places offer a better stage upon which to acquaint yourself with the wonders of Morocco. Boasting a charming medina and a delightful collection of historical sites and museums, Rabat proves the perfect city to wander the streets lined with blossoming gardens and browse the little known treasures that make Rabat one of Morocco’s finest displays of days gone past.  Explore the most notorious of its districts, the Kasbah, the medina and the original French New Town, or venture to its lesser known gems of L’Ocean, Hassan, Agdal, Ryad or Souissi.

Continue to the ancient city of Volubilis, a thriving Roman settlement until the 4th century, the ruins and mosaics of Volubilis are near-perfectly preserved, providing a clear window into Roman urban planning and design.   

Afterwards, enjoy a wine tasting before continuing on to Riad Fes where you will stay for two nights.

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Day 3

Today, you will be taken on a Half Day Hidden Medina Tour & an Evening Tasting Trail.

At a time to be advised: Enjoy a guided tour of Fez showcasing the alluring charm of the medina, the colorful streets and souks and the rich tapestry of life that exists within its ancient walls. Gain access to ancient palaces and Islamic gardens, venture into the depths of the tanneries, observe weavers at their loom and discover hidden workshops where generations of artisans ply their individual trades and adapt century old techniques to a modern market.

This evening, you will be collected from your hotel for a Tasting Trail Tour.  Find your way through the streets and souks with a local Fez food expert. Start by exploring the fresh food souks, then on to the honey souk to taste an array of delicious honeys, their flavors and properties and find out why honey is so important in Moroccan cooking and Islamic culture. From the honey souk, visit traditional farnatchis, the spice El attarryia and the henna souk.  Try traditional Moroccan foods including dried meats, milawi, harsha, briwats, spicy sardines, and fresh goat cheese, finishing off with a visit to a traditional Moroccan tea house.

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Day 4

At a time to be advised: You will be collected from your hotel by an Alluring Africa representative for your private road transfer to the Fes Saiss Airport for your scheduled flight to Marrakesh. On arrival, you will be collected by an Alluring Africa representative for your private road transfer to Villa Des Orangers where you will stay for two nights.

The afternoon is at your leisure.  In the early evening, you  head towards the frenetic Djemaa el Fnaa , the greatest square in all of Africa – and perhaps the world. It was once the ultimate destination for traders from Venice, sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Today, it provides ever-changing entertainment for Moroccans and foreigners alike, reaching its climax at sunset when the square is alive with storytellers, healers, snake charmers, acrobats and countless food stalls. Walk through the square to experience its intensity and then perhaps enjoy the view from the terrace of a rooftop café.

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Day 5

Today, you will be taken on a Full Day Historical Sites Tour.

After breakfast, you will depart on a half day walking historical site tour to explore this enchanting palm oasis with your private local guide.  Set where buildings are blushed in hues of rosy earth, the signature color of Marrakech, Morocco’s second oldest imperial city retains the splendor of its ancient past.  The Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens is the largest mosque in Marrakech, Morocco. The minaret was completed under the reign of the Almohad Caliph Yaqub al- Mansur (1184-1199) and was used as the model for the Giarlda of Seville and for the Hassan Tower of Rabat.  El Bahia Palace is a beautiful building and an excellent example of Eastern Architecture from the 19th century that represents trends and standards of the wealthy who lived at that time. It was built for Ahmed Ibn Moussa (or Ba Ahmed) between 1894 and 1900 in the Alawi style that was popular at the time. Next visit the sixteenth century Saadian Tombs with its stark towers, which date back from the time of the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur (1578-1603). The tombs were only recently discovered (in 1917) and were restored by the Beaux-arts service.  

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Day 6

At a time to be advised: You will be collected from your hotel by an Alluring Africa representative for your private road transfer to Kasbah Tamadot where you will stay for three nights.

Situated in the spectacular Atlas Mountains in Morocco, the award-winning Kasbah Tamadot was bought by Sir Richard Branson during one of his famous ballooning expeditions. To the north extends a steep river valley with sheer rocky limestone and forested mountains, contrasting with the view of the breathtaking snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains on the southern side. To the east, across the river, you can see a traditional Berber village built into the side of the mountain in keeping with the landscape. Within the grounds is a beautiful garden of specimen fruit trees, a collection of cacti and a rambling rose garden.

Kasbah Tamadot employs local Berber staff from the surrounding villages, giving guests a sense of staying in a Moroccan home rather than a hotel.

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Day 7

Today, you will be taken on a Short Hike through the Berber Village and lunch with a local family.

At a time to be advised:You will be collected from your hotel for your Hike and Lunch with a local family. Mizik Pass is a wild and totally undeveloped crossing between two populated valleys situated within the Toubkal National Park at nearly 2000 meters above sea level. A steady hike up through juniper forests offers spectacular views over the Berber dwellings of Imlil, the Tamatert Pass and up to the Tacheddirt Pass and the top of the ski slopes at Oukaimeden, the highest ski resort in North Africa. On your descent you’ll start to experience the villages in the picturesque valley of olive groves where the rapid change in vegetation creates vibrant strips of cultivation close to the water source.

You will enjoy lunch with a local family to learn more about their culture and traditions. Continue the walk on a network of picturesque paths through the village of TiziOussem and down towards the village of Aid Aissa. Today’s hike takes around six hours of walking to arrive at your final destination of Imlil at the base of the National Park and foothills of the High Atlas Mountains.

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Day 8

Today, enjoy a Berber Breadmaking class at Kasbah Tamadot.

If you love freshly baked bread as much as we do, come and try making it for yourself! Guests are more than welcome to come down to the Berber kitchen and watch these delicious breads being made. The kitchen is situated on the right of the main pathway in the gardens. Our Berber baker will show you how to make these ancestral breads using simple, traditional ingredients. If you’re lucky, you may be able to taste them hot out of the oven. Delicious!

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Day 9

At a time to be advised: You will be collected by an Alluring Africa representative for your private road transfer to the Marrakesh Airport for your departure flight.

Return home, taking with you the sights, sounds, and memories of an incredible trip!

Included

  • Scheduled activities/tours (i.e. with other guests) as specified. Most safari camps and lodges include two game activities per day (morning and afternoon);
  • Alluring Africa’s local reps available 24/7 while traveling;
  • Services of lodge guides and staff;
  • Air/ground transfers as specified;
  • Accommodation taxes, applicable tourism levies and all relevant Value Added Government Sales Tax (GST);
  • Relevant park fees;
  • All accommodation as specified;
  • Excursions/activities as specified;
  • Drinks – differs between camps/lodges;
  • Laundry can be done at most camps/lodges and hotels. In some cases this is included in the tariff quoted;
  • Alluring Africa final documentation.

Excluded

  • Meals, drinks, laundry, entrance fees, porterage, tours/excursions and transfers not specified;
  • Any scheduled flights and related taxes not specified;
  • Cancellation, baggage and medical insurance – which is essential;
  • Staff gratuities;
  • Any new gov. taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control;
  • Any items of a personal nature or anything not specifically stated as included;
  • International airfare.