
Traveling
in Morocco generates a grand feast
for the senses. Noticeably, the South and the North have little in
common,
as if they were two separate countries. To explore the South is like
stepping
back in time to a biblical aura and a surviving Mespotamia. The
vastness
of the Sahara, with its plateaus bordered by mirages, waddies
punctuated
by sandcastle-like Kasbahs, and romantic oases lit by azure-blue
African
skies make the experience seem surreal. Neither Cecil de Mille nor
Martin
Scorsese were able to capture on camera the unsurpassed beauty of this
heaven on earth. Only the naked eye has the depth necessary to embrace
the true majesty of the Morocco's Southern lands.
Day 1: New York/ Marrakesh
Depart for your overnight Royal Air Maroc flight via Casablanca. Dinner
and movie aboard.
Day 2: Marrakesh
Upon your arrival at Menara Airport in Marrakech you will find your
host guide waiting for you to greet you and then transfer you to your
hotel.
the remainder of the morning will be to relax and acclimate. In the
Afternoon
you will start visiting Marrakech. Known as the "Pearl of the
South"
this unique city was founded in the 11th-century by the Almoravide
Dynasty
and is situated where the desert meets the mountains. Today's
sightseeing
includes the Saadian Tombs, the Dar Si Said Museum, Menara Gardens, and
the focal point of the city, the 12th Century Koutoubia Minaret. After
lunch you will have an opportunity to visit the amazing souks, a maze
of
alleyways and multicolored shops and lastly, Djemaa El Fna Square,
where
snake charmers, acrobats, and fortune tellers put on a never-ending
show.
Dinner and accommodations at Hotel Kenzi Farah.
Day 3: Marrakesh /Tinghir
After breakfast, We will depart via Taddert and the Tizin Tichka Pass
in the heart of the Atlas Mountain Ridges. Visit to the Berber village
of Ait Ben Haddou and lunch in Ouarzazate. Follow the trail of the
thousand
Kasbahs through the Dades Valley to the village of Tinghir. Visit
Boumalne
and Kalaa des Mogouna the Persian roses haven. Dinner and
accommodations
at the Kasbah Lamrani.
Day 4: Tinghir / Erfoud
Morning visit to the Todra gorges and continue to Erfoud exploring
the Ziz valley. Erfoud, one of the most pleasing of all southern
routes:
a dry, red belt of desert, and then suddenly, a drop into the valley
brimful
with date palm groves. Dinner accommodations at Hotel Belere.
Day 5: Merzouga Dunes / Rissani / Zagora
An experience not to be missed is to watch as the sun rises from the
spectacular Merzouga dunes of the Sahara. So beautiful is this
experience
that no words can describe it. Breakfast with the Touaregs and continue
on to explore the holy ancient city of Rissani and the desert to
Zagora.
Dinner and accommodations at Hotel Rida.
Day 6: Zagora / M'Hamid / Tinfou / Tamegroute
A very interesting full day's excursion to the real gateway of the
Moroccan Saharan Desert. We will drive through the lowlands and then
along
the mountain passes to Tamegroute. There, we will stop to visit the
famous
Moorish Koranic Library, with rare books and documents, some of which
are
written on gazelle hide from the 13th century. Return to Zagora.
Day 7: Zagora / Ouarzazate / Marrakesh
After breakfast, we will depart to Marrakesh, stopping en route in
Ouarzazate once again. Morning sightseeing of Ouarzazate where the
women
still weave the famous Ouazguita carpets noted for their geometric and
symbolic designs. Life is concentrated here in the oases and Kasbahs
that
contrast with the vast and stark desert plateaux that surround the
city.
Return to Marrakesh for the spectacle of the Fantasia, where you will
experience
a typical Moroccan meal under a caidal Berber tent. Enjoy the folklore
entertainment!
Day 8: Marrakesh / New York
Depart to the airport for your transatlantic flight back to the New
York with a memorable trip of a life time.
| Group Tour Package Includes: | |
| * | RT New York/Marrakesh via Royal Air Maroc |
| * | 6 Nights accommodation in 4-star hotels with best Moroccan atmosphere |
| * | Half board (breakfast and dinner daily) |
| * | Land Transportation in AC Chauffeured vehicle |
| * | Services of English-speaking guides and escort |
| * | Entrance fees to monuments and museums |
| * | Hotel tax and service charges. |
Cities Visited & Hotels Used:
| Marrakesh: | Hotel El Andalous |
| Tineghir: | Hotel Kasbah Lamrani |
| Erfoud: | Hotel Belere |
| Zagora: | Hotel Rida |
Cost
per person based on Double occupancy:
Single supplement:
Call for
information