Magnificent Morocco - Land of the Sultans
10 Days To The Fabled Imperial Cities – Ziz Canyon - Sahara Desert - Todra Gorges

Day 1 Overnight flight from North America to Morocco.

Day 2 Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to hotel. Time permitting we step out in the warm air this evening for our first walking tour in North Africa.

Day 3 Continue via the Barbary Coast to Rabat (choice of transfer by train or motor coach). In Morocco’s Capital we see the exquisite Tower of Hassan, the colorful and busy Kasbah, Kasbah des Oudayas Gardens and the imposing Royal Palace. Visit Mohamed V Mausoleum and the ruins of the old Mosque. Continue to our next Imperial City, Meknes, where a city tour introduces us to monumental walls and city gates. We are lucky to be introduced to the Old Granaries Stables where 12,000 horses would be kept. Overnight Fez.

Day 4 Full day tour in Fez includes the Royal Palace, which was built in 17^th century. We drive through Mellah, the historic old Jewish Quarter, Fes-El-Bali (Morocco’s largest Medina) and Nedersa. See Bou Inania and the Nejjarine Square fountain. This is the first of two overnights in Fez.

Day 5 The landscape changes throughout the day as we travel south. Vibrant cedar forests succumb to ancient warn mountains and airy plains. Moroccan culture is displayed before us with flocks of sheep, mud and straw villages, and the breathtaking Ziz Gorges. Enter a desert once patrolled by the French Foreign Legion and arrive in the refreshing oasis of Erfoud. Overnight in this splendid setting.

Day 6 Most visitors are humbled by their first sight of the Sahara Desert. It is amazing to think that a few thousand years ago wheat fields grew here. Later caravans traded gold and silver for salt and sugar from the Niger River. We are delivered (weather permitting) into the 500 foot high sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. This is an unforgettable experience and possibly the highlight of the tour! Overnight once more in Erfoud.

Day 7 The highlight of the day is Todra Gorge. After visiting Tinerhir in a lush valley we see the "Grand Canyon of Africa". Hike to its narrowest point, 30 feet wide with cliff faces rising 1,000 feet above us. Wade into the refreshing cool waters of the river that has carved this natural wonder before continuing our journey. Traverse two valleys including the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs and the Valley of the Roses where millions of roses are cultivated. Learn about the rose-water factory. Arrive in Ouarzazate.

Day 8 Depart Ouarzazate, famous for its motion picture studios. Some very, very famous movies have been filmed near here. Continue through breathtaking scenery and quaint villages to the west. Climb over the Tizi’n’Tichka Pass (7500feet). Each turn on the highway to Marrakech is a new scenic delight. This afternoon we arrive in Marrakech. Step out this evening for a walking tour.

Day 9 Enjoy our panoramic tour of Marrakech, the Red City. Explore the Menara Gardens, Saadian Toves, El Bahia Palace, the Jewish Quarter, and Koutoubia Minaret. Continue to Medina for free time to shop for souvenirs and curios. Snap pictures at Djemaa El Fna Square! We see snake charmers, acrobats water sellers, and scribes writing letters for the illiterate. We could include Fantasia dinner at Chez Ali featuring a show of expert horsemanship, Berber dancing and local delicacies. This city will fill one’s senses.

Day 10 Depart for home or have one more day in Casablanca?? Casablanca is a modern and cosmopolitan.

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