Your Exclusive Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Casablanca, Morocco
Check in to the Hyatt Regency and refresh before setting out with your guide to discover the highlight’s of Morocco’s largest city. You’ll start along the harbor and continue on to see the bustling Central Market. After exploring the arcades and shops of the new medina, you’ll 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. Sample several Moroccan wines before sitting down to lunch with the vintner. Continue to medieval Fez
and settle in to your inviting guestroom at the Sofitel Palais Jamai, set 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. On today’s in depth sightseeing tour, 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. Climb aboard a camel to ride across the dunes, watch the sun set over the desert, and then enjoy your choice of overnight accommodations…
After your sunset camel ride, you can choose to continue onward across the desert sands to La Belle Etoile, our enchanting tented encampment set amidst the golden dunes of the Sahara. Settle in to your inviting tent - beautifully appointed with private en suite bath, Moroccan textiles, cozy furnishings, a welcoming bed and the warm glow of brass lamps. Then join your fellow guests to 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. The next morning, arise early for an unforgettable sunrise over the Saharan dunes and a traditional Berber breakfast at camp. Then travel back to Merzouga to continue with your fellow AAA Travelers for the journey along the Route of 1,000 Casbahs toward Ouarzazate
If you prefer, you can return to Merzouga after the sunset camel ride where dinner and a deluxe suite await you at the charming Hotel Xaluca Kasbah Tombouctou. After breakfast the following morning, fellow AAA travelers returning from their desert overnight will join you for the day’s journey along the Route of 1,000 Casbahs. Meals B,L,D
Day 5 – Along the Route of 1,000 Casbahs to Ouarzazate
This morning’s journey transports you 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 morning 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 inviting Riad Slitine. This traditional courtyard hotel is set in a beautifully restored 18th-century city estate located just a short stroll from lively 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. Refresh with a cup of tea and fresh baked pastries from a generations-old, family-run bakery. Continuing along, you’ll 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 – Dive into Marrakech… Dine in a Palace!
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore and shop at your own pace. This evening, immerse in the timeless rhythms of Morocco as you travel by horse-drawn carriage to dine at Dar Fez, a true Marrakech classic. Meals B,D
Day 9 – Marrakech Departure
Your magical journey ends this morning. Meals B
