In this private tour, you'll explore Morocco's world-famous Imperial Cities and Ourika (High Atlas mountains) to have a taste of the Berber life style.
"This Tour is based on 4* luxury accommodation" "Hotels can be changed for lower budgets."
Fez, Rabat, Marrakesh, Meknes - the very names of Morocco's world-famous Imperial Cities evoke dramatic images of spiring minarets, winding passages in the medinas, quiets moments in the riads, extraordinary sights and sounds in the public squares and to have a taste of the Berber life style. To see these cities and Berber villages is to see a millennia of history in a glance. Now, the experience can be yours.
This journey lasts eight days, and can be customized with private car or luxury van and driver according to your travel dates.
"2 people with private car and English speaking guide" "3 people and more with a private luxury van and English speaking guide"
+++ Two itineraries to choose from +++
I T I N E R A R Y # 1 After your arrival to Casablanca or Marrakech airport, your expert driver would escort you to your hotel or riad in Marrakech.
Day 1 - Marrakech An enchanting palm oasis set against the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is Morocco's second oldest majestic imperial city and retains the splendor of its ancient past. Buildings are blushed in hues of rosy earth, and horse-drawn carriages clip along broad avenues lined with palm, lime and orange trees. Donkeys carrying carts trawl past fragrant gardens of roses, honeysuckle and jasmine.
Explore the ancient Bahia Palace from the days of the harem, now populated by a sentry of nesting storks, enter the ancient royal Saadian Tombs, explore the vibrant and historic Jewish mellah where some of the best jewelry is found in Morocco, and view the majestic Koutoubia Mosque before entry into the 9th century walled medina.
Dinner and overnight at your luxury riad at the old city of Marrakech.
Day 2 - Marrakech You’ll explore the rest of Marrakech... including the Eve Saint Laurent garden, the ancient Menara pool ... followed by a tour around the ancient Medina wall and the palmeraie ride.
The night beats in the heart of the old city's famed square, Djemaa el-Fna, where delectable fare is grilled over coals in the bustling torch-lit open-air markets. Mystical snake charmers, hustlers and mischievous monkeys are part of the nightly drama unfolding as Berber acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians and engaging storytellers seduce rapt crowds. Wind your way through the serpentine labyrinth of the spice-filled air of the bustling souk, unchanged for over 1000 years, where you'll discover the best of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.
You'll cap off your evening at the spectacular dinner event, Fantasia, where we’ll bear witness to a splendid dramatic display of Arabian Nights, belly dancing, folkloric troupes, and stately Arabian steeds charging in dynastic battles as of yore.
Overnight stay at your riad at the old city of in Marrakech.
Day 3 - Ourika Valley You will explore one of the most beautiful and unspoiled valleys of the High Atlas Valley of Ourika rises gently up to the preliminary hills of the High Atlas where small typical villages have nested. It is a pure and magnificent place where silence is only " disturbed " by birds singing, water streams and wagtails. Ourika is famous for its pottery, minerals and crystal.
If it is Monday, Thursday or Friday, you will visit the bustling weekly souk of the Valley.
A couple of hours trekking to explore one of the hidden water falls.
A cup of tea within a Berber family to have a taste of the Berber life style.
Dinner and overnight at your luxury Kasbah Omar at Anrar Mountain of Ourika.
Day 4 - 5 hours trekking to explore the hidden water villages of the high atlas From our Berber village Anrar at Douar Tafza until we reach the Berber hamlet of Oualmes (1150m) to start our 5 hour hike across the river and up along a narrow winding hillside path surrounded by fields of corn towards Anins and the through the col (1670m) where you have lunch at the Berber village of Tizin-Oucheg. From here You you'll continue your Berber adventure to explore the hidden village of Agard then to Anamer villlage followed by a short trek that would bring you back to Tazintoute village at 1148m) where you shall cross the Assif Ourika to get to your vehicle for your return to your Anrar village around 7.00 in the evening.
Dinner and overnight at the luxury Berber Kasbah Omar at Anrar village in Ourika.
Traditional Moroccan bath & massage is available at Kasbah Omar with extra cost and by reservation only....... if you are interested, please let us know! ($100pp)
Day 5 - Rabat - Meknes - Fez A couple of hours drive for some of Rabat's highlights... the capital of the kingdom of Morocco......... the Kasbah des Oudaias, situated on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find magnificent views. Inside the gates discover artisan galleries, an ornate 17th century palace now part of the Musée des Oudaia (Museum of Moroccan Arts), and the beautiful Andalusian Gardens near the famous Tour Hassan, a 12th century minaret intended to be the highest and the largest in the Muslim world. And not to be missed in the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and King Hassan’s stately official palace.
After, you travel past centuries-old olive groves and vineyards we near Meknes, the Ismalian capital, famous for its 25-mile-long walls - and, not to mention excellent wine - where ......... Heading to port Bab El Mansour and Bab El Khamis, journey back thousands of years including some of Meknes highlights.
Dinner and lodging at your luxury riad in Fez.
Day 6 - Fez Fez is the holiest city in the Islamic world after Mecca and Medina. Founded at the beginning of the 9th century by Moulay Idriss II, and barely unchanged, this enchanting city has been a seat of government, philosophy, medicine and most notably religion since then. Fez, the best surviving example of an ancient Arab city, is comprised of the "new" city, established in the 12th century, and the 2,000-year-old medina, where donkeys and mules laden with goods still trawl alongside buyers through the ancient market, itself a fascinating maze of lanes, blind alleys and bustling souks assaulting the senses with spices and exotic delicacies. Fez is the perfect place to hone your bargaining skills in buying souvenirs, brightly colored hand-loomed carpets or fine crafted artisan goods. Visit the famous leather tanneries, a honeycomb of vats erupting in an explosion of brilliant color. Then, climb to the venerated Merenid Tombs for a spectacular panoramic view of Fez.
Dinner at the famous La maison Bleu. Accommodation at your luxury riad or hotel in Fez.
Day 7 - Casablanca Discover the charm and decadent languor of Casablanca. Like a dreamy mirage, the shimmering city of white appears against the azure of the surrounding sea. Steeped in romantic mystique and intrigue, Casablanca’s whitewashed dramatic Hispano-Moorish homes lay scattered amid Art Deco jewels and an elegant city center. Its ancient Arab quarter and new medina, with undeniably French influence, mark the passage from past to present. Casablanca’s modern attitude and big-city edge makes it today the most cosmopolitan of all Moroccan cities, a vibrant economic hub with the largest port found anywhere in the Maghreb. Some of the highlights we’ll explore include the majestic Hassan II Mosque (the only mosque non-Muslims are permitted to enter in Morocco), the lively squares of Place des Nations Unies and Mohammed V— hosting some of the city’s most impressive architecture —. Dinner and overnight at your luxury hotel in Casablanca.
Day 8 - Casablanca –Transfer to the airport for your return home with plenty of Arabian nights and days.
Day 1 - Casablanca - Rabat Upon your arrival to Casablanca airport, your expert English speaking driver will greet you and escort you to start your Moroccan experience journey by visiting the famous Hassan II Mosque (the only Mosque can be visited by non Muslims....followed by a short ride for some of to Rabat's highlights..........the Kasbah des Oudaias, situated on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find magnificent views. Inside the gates discover artisan galleries, an ornate 17th century palace now part of the Musée des Oudaia (Museum of Moroccan Arts), and the beautiful Andalusian Gardens near the famous Tour Hassan, a 12th century minaret intended to be the highest and the largest in the Muslim world. And not to be missed in the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and King Hassan’s stately official palace.
Dinner and overnight at luxury hotel or riad in Rabat.
Day 2 – Meknes – Volubilis – Fez You travel past centuries-old olive groves and vineyards we near Meknes, the Ismalian capital, famous for its 25-mile-long walls - and, not to mention excellent wine - where we'll stop for a sumptuous lunch in a grand palace. Heading to port Bab El Mansour and Bab El Khamis, journey back thousands of years and explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubulis sprawled over a wildflower-dotted hillside, where a magnificent triumphal arch presides over the awesome remains of palaces and mansions, Roman baths and basilicas, and stunning mosaics.
Dinner and lodging at your luxury hotel or riad in Fez.
Day 3 - Fez Fez is the holiest city in the Islamic world after Mecca and Medina. Founded at the beginning of the 9th century by Moulay Idriss II, and barely unchanged, this enchanting city has been a seat of government, philosophy, medicine and most notably religion since then. Fez, the best surviving example of an ancient Arab city, is comprised of the “new” city, established in the 12th century, and the 2,000-year-old medina, where donkeys and mules laden with goods still trawl alongside buyers through the ancient market, itself a fascinating maze of lanes, blind alleys and bustling souks assaulting the senses with spices and exotic delicacies. Fez is the perfect place to hone your bargaining skills in buying souvenirs, brightly colored hand-loomed carpets or fine crafted artisan goods. Visit the famous leather tanneries, a honeycomb of vats erupting in an explosion of brilliant color. Then, climb to the venerated Merenid Tombs for a spectacular panoramic view of Fez.
Dinner at the famous restaurant Medina. Accommodation at your luxury hotel in Fez.
Day 4 - Fez – Ifrane – Beni Mellal – Ourika Valley Travel to Ifrane, a pleasant mountain city oddly out of place with its wooden chalets and steep-pitched roofs that stud this skiing village, evoking a Swiss resort. An area long popular with Moroccans on holiday, five tranquil lakes rest near dense holm oak and cedar forests, where raptors, acrobatic booted eagles, and Egyptian vultures fly overhead. We’ll pass through Azrou, a famous Berber village and then stop for lunch in Beni Mellal before we continue traveling through the picturesque countryside to the Ourka valley at the high atlas.
Dinner and overnight at your luxury kasbah Omar at the high atlas mountains.
Day 5 – Ourika / High Atlas Mountains You will explore one of the most beautiful and unspoiled valleys of the High Atlas Valley of Ourika rises gently up to the preliminary hills of the High Atlas where small typical villages have nested. It is a pure and magnificent place where silence is only " disturbed " by birds singing, water streams and wagtails. Ourika is famous for its pottery, minerals and crystal.
If it is Monday, Thursday or Friday, you will visit the bustling weekly souk of the Valley.
A couple of hours trekking to exploe some of the hidden villages of the high atlas mountains or a couple of houres trekking to explore one of the hidden water falls of the valley.
A cup of tea within a Berber family to have a taste of the Berber life style. Dinner and overnight at your luxury Kasbah Omar at the village of Anrar in Ourika.
Day 6 - Marrakech An enchanting palm oasis set against the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is Morocco’s second oldest Imperial City and retains the majestic splendor of its ancient past. Buildings are blushed in hues of rosy earth, and horse-drawn carriages clip along broad avenues lined with palm, lime and orange trees. Donkeys carrying carts trawl past fragrant gardens of roses, honeysuckle and jasmine. Explore the ancient Bahia Palace from the days of the harem, now populated by a sentry of nesting storks, enter the ancient royal Saadien Tombs and view the majestic Koutoubia Mosque before entry into the 9th century walled medina.
Dinner at Stylia Palace from the 15th century. Overnight at your 4* hotel or riad in Marrakech.
Day 7 - Marrakech A second day to explore the rest of Marrakech by visiting the Majorelle famous Garden, the ancient Menar pool followed by a tour around the ancient city wall and the palmeraie ride.
The night beats in the heart of the old city’s famed square, Djemaa el-Fna, where delectable fare is grilled over coals in bustling torch-lit open-air markets. Mystical snake charmers, hustlers and mischievous monkeys unfold as part of the nightly drama as Berber acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians and engaging storytellers seduce rapt crowds. Wind your way through the serpentine labyrinth of the spice-filled air of the bustling souk, unchanged for over 1000 years, where you’ll discover the best of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.
You’ll cap off your evening at the spectacular dinner event, Fantasia, where we’ll bear witness to a splendid dramatic display of Arabian Nights, belly dancing, folkloric troupes, and stately Arabian steeds charging in dynastic battles as of yore.
Day 8 - Marrakech – Transfer to the airport for your return home with plenty of tales of Arabian days and nights.
Note: If you wish to modify or change the entire itinerary according to your interest and desire, please let us know!
Cost: $1750 per person based on double occupancy $3500 for 2Pax
2 years and under are free of charge 2 – 6 years old 75% off 7-11 years old 50% off 12 years old & up full cost
What's Included: * Breakfast and dinner daily * 4* Riad & hotel lodging * Private Car & Driver for the entire trip * Transfers to and from airport * Knowledgeable certified guides at the Imperial cities * Museums fee * All taxes * Agency fee
Not included in package price: * International Airfare * lunch * Drinks * Travel Insurance
Note Private guided tour -- Not a group tour. If it is over your budget -- Hotels can be changed for lower budgets. Upgrade to 5* or 5* deluxe accommodation is available.
We can't make the sun shine, or the rain fall, but we can promise to do everything in our power to ensure an unforgettable and exceptional visit to Morocco. I hope you'll join us.
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This trip: Eternal Imperial Cities & High Atlas of Morocco
Rating:
rating 8/10
Comment:
We are now back home after a lovely holiday in Morocco. Morocco is beautiful and the people are very warm and friendly.
With one or two exceptions, we have no major complaints with the tour. Our driver Mohamed was excellent; he was helpful and sorted out our problems in no time at all. He drove at a good pace and was also informative. He also ensured that we were comfortable and were enjoying the trip.
The Riads are beautiful but I think that for the first two at least, they were not quite suitable for the winter. They were too cold and would have been quite lovely if we were there in the summer. All the other riads were not only excellent but their staff and hospitality were impeccable.
The tour itself was just nice, not too long and not too short (I sound like Goldilocks) Hisham, our guide in Fez was good. He was very knowledgeable and very informative.
Other than the cold riads, (and the fact that my son had food poisoning on the second day in Fez) we were very happy with the tour and would recommend this tour and the tour operator highly
2
Client:
Nicola Rethman - from South Africa
Trip:
This trip: Eternal Imperial Cities & High Atlas of Morocco
Rating:
rating 9/10
Comment:
Morocco is a beautiful country and I thought the most ‘undersold’ parts were the best – Fes & surrounds, Ourika Valley. I found Marrakech a bit disappointing and Casablanca a big bore (but perhaps both were because I ended up travelling alone – not intended – and hence could not enjoy the night life). The amount of construction on the seafront areas of the Atlantic coast was quite a surprise and limits what one can actually see. Next time I would add the Med coast; the Sahara and the Southern part of the country to my itinerary.
Services provided by the operator were generally good, although the itinerary provided was a bit different to the actual one (it almost seemed as though the person writing the itinerary had not been to many of the places as some suggestions were impractical – e.g. a routing from Ourika Valley to Fes via Meknes and Rabat in a single day!).
The driver and guides provided were all well informed and well spoken but somewhat inclined to ‘guide’ me to places where the intent was largely to get me to shop (which, after a credit card challenge in Marrakech, I was disinclined towards). The mountain guide in the Ourika Valley was magnificent, very patient and helpful on the rather strenuous hike.
My planned travel companion had visa problems (she is South African but lives in Nigeria and couldn’t get a visa – which as South Africans is a requirement – due to problems with her Nigerian work permit) and had to cancel at the last minute (after her planned arrival). Obviously, expecting a refund on the travel or accommodation was unrealistic given the late cancellation and the operator offered to give her a 20% discount if she books through them again.
The ‘personalised’ tour (i.e. own car and driver, rather than sharing with a bus load of others) was fantastic and the accommodation was superb throughout. If I return to Morocco, I would plan for something similar.
3
Client:
Silvia Portnoy - from Argentina
Trip:
This trip: Eternal Imperial Cities & High Atlas of Morocco
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
We have just come back home from our holidays.
Visiting Morocco was an exciting and unforgettable experience: the people, the landscapes, the cities, the food, everything was just wonderful. We absolutely enjoyed it.
As mentioned by the operators advertisements, we are back home “with plenty of tales of Arabian days and nights”; I can still smell the spices, the flowers, the fresh of the Ourika valley. By the way, Mr Karim kindness and hospitality at the Kasbah Omar has to be highlighted. He also helped us in exploring the beautiful valley leading us in two wonderful walks.
The trip went on as planned. Riads and hotels were great, as well as restaurants and foods in our dinners. Guides and visits were very well coordinated. Everything on time and the trip fulfilled every word committed by the tour operator in the package we bought.
Said, the driver that spent with us the whole visit, was perfect; always on time, ready to help us in every question we asked, excellent driver, at all times taking care of our safety and comfort. Meeting Said is part of the nice memories we have from our trip.
Summing up and for the requested feedback, I would qualified my holiday with a 100. Hope to visit Morocco again!!!!
