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Your Exclusive Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Casablanca, Morocco
Check-in to the Hyatt Regency and refresh before you tour the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful in the world. Its stunning location – built on a platform that extends over the Atlantic Ocean – is complemented by the soaring artistry of its design and the exquisite indigenous materials used in its construction – creamy marble from Agandir, Cedar wood from the Middle Atlas Mountains, and gleaming granite from Tafraoute. Only the white granite columns and Murano glass chandeliers were imported. Gather with fellow travelers this evening and dine at La Mer, selected for its fine cuisine and superb location overlooking the ocean. Meals D
Day 2 – From Casablanca to the Imperial Cities
This morning you journey to Meknes , one of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities. Founded in the 11th century as a military stronghold, Meknes became a capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail and remains to this day an impressive city of the Spanish-Moorish style. Tour a regional vineyard here and sample several Moroccan wines with the vintner before sitting down to lunch. Continue to medieval Fez where you stay in an erstwhile palace overlooking the medina. Meals B,L,D
Day 3 – Discover Fez
Founded in the 9th century, this is the best preserved medieval city in North Africa. Home to one of the world’s oldest universities, it reached its peak of influence and glory in the 13th and 14th centuries when it replaced Marrakech as the capital of the Kingdom. Although the modern capital was transferred to Rabat nearly 100 years ago, Fez remains the cultural and spiritual heart of the country. You’ll walk the medina, explore the historic Jewish Quarter, meander in the artisans’ district and admire the mosaics of the Nejjarine Fountain. Tonight, a Henna tattoo artist demonstrates this ancient tradition. Meals B,D
Day 4 – Into the Sahara... The Dunes of Merzouga
After an early breakfast, you embark on a scenic drive into the Middle Atlas Mountains, a region of cedar forests, peaceful valleys, and sweeping mountain vistas. Stop for lunch in Midelt, a peaceful farming town in the high plains. In the afternoon you arrive in Merzouga, perched on the edge of the mighty Sahara desert. Transfer to 4x4 vehicles and journey across the famed golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Your destination is La Belle Etoile, an enchanting tented encampment set amidst the golden dunes of the vast Sahara. Enjoy a camel ride over the dunes, watch the sun set over the desert, and dine on fine Moroccan fare served under a canopy of desert stars. Later, before retiring to your private tent, enjoy Berber music and tales around the campfire. Meals B,L,D
Day 5 – Along the Route of 1,000 Casbahs to Ouarzazate
Early risers will be rewarded this morning with a spectacular sunrise over the Saharan dunes. After a traditional Berber breakfast, you leave behind the rolling sands of the desert and journey toward the snow-topped High Atlas Mountains. You’ll stop in the small oasis town of Tinehir and continue onward through the Todra Gorges, with majestic canyon walls that soar 900 feet. Traveling through the equally scenic Dades Valley brings you to El Kelaa and the Route of One Thousand Casbahs, an ancient caravan route dotted with these old fortified towns and even some 19th century single-family compounds built with the distinctive crenulated walls of a medieval casbah. Continue on to Ouarzazate where you’ll enjoy dinner and restful overnight at the lovely Berbère Palace Hotel. Meals B,D
Day 6 – Across the Tichka Pass to Marrakech
Your visit through the casbah reveals why this town has been the setting for so many films, including The Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Experience Ouarzazate’s captivating beauty and then depart across the 7,400-foot Tichka Pass to Marrakech, where you check-in to the intimate Riad Kniza, located in the heart of the Old Medina just a short stroll from Djemaa el Fna Square, bustling in the early evening with food vendors, merchants and city residents out for a stroll. Meals B,D
Day 7 – Palaces and Gardens in Marrakech
Today you’ll enjoy a comprehensive guided exploration of this marvelous city, founded 800 years ago by the Almoravides Dynasty. First you visit the lavishly decorated Saadian Tombs, dating to the late 16th century. The gravestones of these Saadian princes and members of the royal household are embellished simply and elegantly with colorful ceramic tiles, each with a short epitaph and a quote from the Qur’an. The next stop is the Dar Si Said Museum, an unparalleled collection of Moroccan art exhibited in an exquisite former palace. Continue to the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque and the lovely Bahia Palace, built in 1880. Then you’ll immerse in the exotic atmosphere of the city’s famed souks; follow your guide into this fascinating maze of shops and vendor stalls to emerge in lively Djemaa el Fna Square, undoubtedly the heart of the Marrakech medina . Tonight, you’ll enjoy the finest of Moroccan cuisine at Palais Soleiman, an elegant restaurant set in a 19th century palace. Meals B,D
Day 8 – Marrakech at your Leisure
After a free day, horse drawn carriages transport you to a 17th century palace in the medina. Warm hospitality and fine Fassi cuisine await you at Dar Fez, a true Marrakech classic. Meals B,D
Day 9 – Marrakech Departure
Your magical journey ends this morning. Meals B
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Accommodations
Your Extraordinary Hotels, a Desert Camp… and a Traditional Riad
Hyatt Regency Hotel, Casablanca
In the center of this legendary city, the Hyatt Regency Casablanca offers a tranquil urban oasis just a short stroll from the seafront promenade. This superb hotel offers 255 spacious guestrooms, each one beautifully furnished and well-appointed with plush robes, 24-hour room service, cable/satellite TV, high-speed Internet access, individual climate control, in-room safe, minibar, and hairdryer. Dining options include authentic Moroccan fare and entertainment at Dar Beida and innovative fusion cuisine at Cafe M. Guests at the Hyatt Regency Casablanca can also enjoy a state-of-the art Fitness Center and inviting swimming pool.
Sofitel Palais Jamai, Fez
Built in 1879 in the finest Moorish style, this historic landmark was once the residence of the Grand Vizier of Jamaï, surrounded by lovely gardens in the heart of the city. Spacious guestrooms feature traditional Moroccan styling, elegant furnishings, and 21st century guest amenities.
La Belle Etoile – Tented Camping in the Sahara
Travel by camel across the Sahara… An extraordinary experience awaits you at La Belle Etoile. Surrounded by the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, your camp is an inviting retreat in the heart of the Sahara Desert. Cozy tented accommodations each have a separate private shower and toilet, and are comfortably appointed with Moroccan textiles, simple furnishings, a welcoming bed, and the warm glow of a lamps.
Le Berbère Palace Hotel, Ouarzazate
This charming deluxe hotel is built in the style of a casbah, with jasmine scented pathways and date palms set against an impressive architectural backdrop of traditional Berber styling.
Riad Kniza, Marrakech
A riad is a traditional Moroccan home or palace, built around an interior courtyard garden. Dating to the 18th century, the Riad Kniza was lovingly restored by its current owner, Haj Mohamed Bouskri, using the finest traditional materials and craftsmanship. The result today is an exceptional luxury boutique hotel of just 11 rooms.
Set within the heart of the old Medina and just minutes from Djemaa el Fna Square, your stay here promises to be a highpoint of your journey, a true Moroccan experience. Your riad offers a swimming pool, cozy sitting rooms with traditional furnishings and magnificent fireplaces, and three open-air courtyards.
On your day at leisure here in Marrakech, the Riad Kniza’s prime location makes it easy to step out for shopping and exploring at our own pace.
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