Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Rabat, Morocco
Welcome to Rabat, the ‘Pearl of Morocco.’ Tonight we will enjoy a festive cocktail party and Welcome Dinner.
Fez
After a tour of the imperial city of Rabat, with lunch in the heart of the medina, a scenic drive takes us to the oldest of Morocco’s ancient imperial cities, Fez, for a three-night stay. We will explore the fabled Fez Medina and browse the markets and souks. You’ll have a great opportunity to try Fez’s fine restaurants with Travcoa’s exclusive Dine Around program. On our final day here, we’ll travel to the impressive Roman ruins of Volubilis, where we’ll enjoy a unique authentic Roman lunch with a sampling of recipes taken from Latin texts of Apicius and Cato. We return to Fez where tonight we'll enjoy a special Moroccan dinner in the medina.
Meknes & Casablanca
Today we head toward the coast and Casablanca. En route, we stop to visit imperial Meknes, the third of Morocco’s Imperial Cities. In Casablanca, we’ll become acquainted with this legendary city and enjoy dinner at Rick’s American Café, designed to recreate Humphrey Bogart’s infamous establishment from the Oscarwinning movie named for this enigmatic city.
High Atlas Mountains
After a morning tour of Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, the second largest religious monument in the world (second only to the vast complex of Angkor Wat), we visit lively markets and souks, then explore the narrow streets of the intriguing Habous District. Leaving Casablanca, we drive across the Glaoua Plains into the High Atlas Mountains. During our stay here, we explore the Berber village of Ouirgane and enjoy a traditional Moroccan mint tea as guests in the home of a local Berber family.
Marrakech
On our way to Marrakech, we will visit La Pause, an exquisite oasis, where we can enjoy mountain biking, horseback or camel riding or a refreshing swim. In Marrakech, we will ponder the wonders of minarets, mosques, palaces, stunning museums, and fantastic gardens, concluding with a visit to the medieval Ali Ben Youssef Madrassa. Our final day offers a private culinary lesson as we learn to prepare a traditional Moroccan tangine – and, of course, enjoy our labors for lunch. Tonight we bid farewell to those who end the 11-day Journey here.
Ouarzazate & Skoura
Guests continuing our Journey drive this morning through the High Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate where we’ll visit the 11th century community of Ksar Ait Ben Haddou. This gateway to the Sahara leads us to Skoura, a small hamlet where we’ll find luxurious accommodations. We’ll spend our first and final nights here in the beautiful Dar Ahlam resort, then continuing to the private El Khiam Ahlam Desert Camp for a once-in-a-lifetime desert experience. Our stay in the Sahara includes Berber villages, camel rides, ancient fossil fields, a special dinner under the stars, and, of course, stunning Saharan sunrises and sunsets.
Casablanca & Home
We’ll return to Casablanca this morning and await your flight home or to your next destination.
Villa Mandarine, Rabat
Surrounded by greenery and close to the prestigious Dar Es Salam Golf Club, the Villa Mandarine is a home that was extended and reinvented into an exclusive hotel. Nestled in the heart of an orange grove, the Villa Mandarine perfectly combines comfort and hospitality. This rare place offers a peaceful hideaway that has kept the charm of the old family home. From the old house, the hotel has kept that special atmosphere that makes every guest feel at home. The interiors have been decorated with a blend of family heirlooms and architectural elements only found in Morocco: glazed Taddelakt, Zellige mosaics, Beijmat tiles and iron work abound in the villa landscape. The house is comprised of a spacious living room with a fireplace, billiard room, bar, and a gift shop with a selection of local items. The French windows offer beautiful natural lighting and exquisite views of the garden.
Riad Fès, Fès
A subtle blend of Andalusian splendor and Moroccan lifestyle, Riad Fès is a warm example of a sophisticated civilization and prestigious past. This majestic palace is an authentic example of Hispano-Moorish architecture. There are three patios with harmonious styles, panoramic views of the Medina and the Atlas mountains and a wonderful spa offering Hammam and massages. Other features and services include an outdoor pool, horseback riding, a beauty salon, gift shops, laundry services, and a business center with complimentary internet access. The restaurant offers sophisticated cuisine, and there is a trendy lounge bar. The 26 individually decorated air-conditioned guestrooms all feature Egyptian cotton linens and premium bedding, with amenities including minibars, satellite TV, complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access, complimentary bottled water, coffee/tea makers, and bathrooms with bathrobes, slippers, and makeup/shaving mirrors.
Hyatt Regency Casablanca, Casablanca
Just steps away from the Old Medina, the Quartier des Habous, and the central market, the Hyatt Regency is ideally situated in the center of Casablanca. The hotel is a modern oasis in the heart of a vibrant metropolis, with the incredible old medina on one side, and the modern United Nations Square on the other. Hotel features and services include a full-service spa, fitness center, open-air swimming pool, boutique shops, a business center and laundry services. There are also three restaurants, coffee shop, two lounges and a nightclub on site. The hotel features 255 luxury rooms & suites with magnificent views of Casablanca. Your spacious guestroom features a modern décor with a magnificent view. Room amenities include air conditioning, satellite TV, internet access (fee), minibar, in-room safe, and a marble bath with separate tub and shower, robes and exclusive bath amenities. In addition, Travcoa reserves Club level rooms, giving you access to private lounge and business center, which serves continental breakfasts and wonderful evening cocktails.
Kasbah Tamadot, Asni
Kasbah Tamadot is part of Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson's portfolio of unique retreats. Bought by Sir Richard Branson in 1998 during one of his famous ballooning expeditions, Kasbah Tamadot is set at the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains one hour from Marrakech. As part of our commitment to the community, Kasbah Tamadot actively approached the leaders of the local communities to offer villagers the opportunity to work at Kasbah Tamadot. Today the hotel employs 120 staff, proudly trained in all aspects of hotel operations and English. Kasbah Tamadot's extensive grounds are filled with beautiful staircases, courtyards and gardens - so getting yourself oriented is extremely exciting. Kasbah Tamadot has 27 bedrooms and suites, including nine luxury Berber Tents, some of which have private plunge pools. All are individually decorated using traditional Moroccan furnishings and antiques, as well as items from the vast collection of Luciano Tempo, Kasbah Tamadot's former owner. As a renowned antiques dealer and interior designer, Luciano brought together artifacts from all over the world, many of which are featured in the bedrooms.
Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, Marrakech
The heart of the Red City opens up to reveal a resort-like oasis that brings together the best of Moroccan architecture, entertainment and style. Take a deep breath and get ready to embrace all that Marrakech has to offer. A luxe, contemporary medina, Four Seasons offers a refreshing counterpoint to other luxury resort accommodations in Marrakech. This 16-hectare (40-acre) walled garden sanctuary is threaded with arcades and fountain courtyards, with low-rise accommodations nestled among olive and palm trees. Each of the 141 luxury hotel guest rooms – including 27 spacious suites – has a private balcony with contemplative views of the grounds, the historic Menara Gardens next door or the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
Dar Ahlam, Skoura
Visitors will be inspired to pen their own chapter of One Thousand and One Nights at the magical Dar Ahlam, a traditional Kasbah situated in the luscious palm grove of Skoura. In this land of a thousand Kasbahs, on the doorstep of the Sahara, with the peaks of the Atlas mountain range in the distance, rest in the shade of hundred-year-old palm trees, and take in the fragrant almond-tree blossoms in traditional style. A different setting awaits guests at every turn. Set-off to explore the scenic Dadès and Drâa valleys in a chauffeured all terrain vehicle, or on donkey or camel back. Or, while away the day at this dream house, with its pool, steam room and beautiful garden ideal for relaxed strolls. A 2015 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List Hotel
El Khiam Ahlam Desert Camp, The Sahara
The El Khiam Ahlam Desert Camp is comprised of exclusive camps found in the sand dunes of the desert. You will dine under the stars in the middle of the dunes, as you select from a specially created menu of authentic and gourmet cuisine.