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12 days – 11 nights
Tangiers – Tetouan – Rif Mountains – Al Hociema – Oudja – Friouato Caves – Fez – Middle Atlas Mountains – Volubilis – Meknes – Rabat – Casablanca
Costs based on this itinerary start from £2690.00 per person
Day 1: To Tangiers
Direct flight from London. Remainder of day at leisure to absorb the atmosphere of historic Tangiers, one of Morocco’s oldest cities. Three nights at the Hotel El Minzah.
Day 2: Tangiers City Tour
Full day tour of this fascinating city. The modern day Tangiers has a distinctive cosmopolitan air with wide boulevards lined with shops. Sip coffee on the Boulevard Pasteur - home to cafe society. Visit the Place de France with its breathtaking views towards Spain. Nestled in the corner is the infamous Cafe de Paris, once a rendezvous for WW2 agents. Wander the 'Grand Socco' market square and hunt for bargains – arts, crafts and trinkets. Enjoy the cool of the Mendoubia Gardens home to a magnificent 800-year-old banyan tree.
Day 3: Excursion to Tetouan
Framed by the great Rif Mountains, Tetouan was a Spanish protectorate until Moroccan independence. It still has a unique Hispanic-Moroccan air – very Andalusian. Visits here will include the excellent Medina with its 20 Mosques– look out for outstanding local wood and leather work. Many elegant showrooms sell fine carpets and locally produced rugs. Also the Artisanal School to see traditional crafts being taught to the next generation.
Day 4: To Al Hociema
Drive through the Talassemtane National Park (keep an eye out for the famous Barbary Apes) in the beautiful Rif Mountain region to the coastal town of Al Hociema – an ideal place to relax on the beaches and swim in the cooling waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Overnight Mohammed V hotel.
Day 5: To Oujda
Drive inland through the superb scenery of the Al Hociema National Park to the sprawling city of Oujda close to the Algerian border: the stepping stone to the great Rif Mountains. The area is famous for its sensual, evocative music called ‘Ria’: with often politically motivated lyrics! Two nights at the Hotel Orient Oujda…
Day 6: Oujda excursion
Morning excursion to the interesting ‘Old Quarter’ - pass through the infamous gate - the Bab el Quahab where condemned men had their heads hung… Visit the Great Mosque built in 14th C and enjoy some bargaining with the local shopkeepers. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 7: To Fez via Taza and the Friouato Caves
Early start to Taza driving through the magnificent countryside of the Beni-Snassen Mountains. These stunning limestone mountains soar to around 1,500 meters, and, discovered in their shadow, were the remains of what is considered to be the oldest human skeleton in North Africa. Lunch in Taza before visiting the amazing Frionata Caves the deepest and probably the most extensive in North Africa – wear tough trainers! Two nights Riad Fez.
Day 8: City tour of Fez
Full day city tour of Fez, the oldest of the Imperial cities. The Medina of Fez el Bali is one of the oldest medieval cities in the world; its winding streets are lined with Mosques, Palaces and shops. In the souks heady perfume fills the air, whilst delightful blue and white Fez pottery and carpets are also good buys. Remember to haggle over the price! Visit the King’s Palace and the Bou Inania Madrasa.
Day 9: To Meknes via Volubilis
After an early breakfast drive to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, in the foothills of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Explore the intriguing 2000-year-old ruins of the vast city – and glimpse the rich heritage of this far outpost of Rome. After lunch in Moulay Iddris, one of the holiest cities in Morocco, continue onto Meknes. Overnight Hotel Zaki…
Day 10: To Rabat - afternoon City tour
Morning drive to Rabat. Afternoon city tour of the capital city of Morocco – including the Hassan Tower, Mohammed V Mausoleum, Chellah Gardens and Necropolis and the Oudayas Kasbah with its panoramic vista over the Atlantic Ocean. Overnight Tour Hassan hotel.
Day 11: To Casablanca - afternoon City tour
After breakfast drive to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. After lunch visit the small but delightful Medina to get last minute souvenirs. See the vast Hassan 11 Mosque. The Habbous quarter (nouvelle medina) filled with bazaars and shops. Note the interesting Art Deco architecture in the city centre. Overnight Kenzi Tower.
Day 12: To Airport
At leisure until transfer to Airport for direct flight to London.
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