Page 141 - 2019-2020 Journeys by Alexander + Roberts

PORTUGAL
SPAIN
MEDITERRANEAN STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR SEA
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Rabat Casablanca 2
Oualidia
Marrakech
2 Fès Midelt
Meknes
MOROCCO
Essaouira 2
4
Ourika 1
Valley Ouarzazate
Errachidia
1 Merzouga Sahara Camp
Merzouga
OUR JOURNEY
ESTERN
W SAHARA
DAY 1 | Arrive in Casablanca On arrival, you’ll be escorted
to the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche. After lunch, your city tour includes the Central Market and Hassan II Mosque. Dine tonight at Rick’s Cafe. meals d
DAY 2 | Onward to Fès
Explore the Oudayas Kasbah, a walled city within Rabat . Then travel to Meknes , famed for its blend of Spanish and Moroccan architectural styles. Tour the ancient Jewish quarter and visit the Royal Stables that once housed more than 12,000 horses. Visit the sacred town of Moulay Idriss and explore the 2nd century Roman ruins at Volubilis . Your day ends in Fès at the luxurious Hotel Palais Faraj. meals b+l+d
DAY 3 | Imperial City of Fès Your tour of Fès takes you from
the Al-Attarine Madrasa to
the Nejjarine Fountain, both exquisitely decorated. Gaze upon the 1,000-year-old minaret of
the Kairaouine Mosque and sit down to a lunch of traditional Moroccan fare at a charming restaurant in the medina. Of course you’ll also visit the tanneries that have existed virtually unchanged since medieval times! Tonight’s dinner at Palais La Medina features traditional Moroccan cuisine and lively entertainment. meals b+l+d
DAY 4 | Into the Sahara Explore the Fès medina and
then journey through the fragrant cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Range, passing through Ifrane founded by the French in the 1930’s. See artisans at work at the Azrou Artisanal Center and stop for lunch in Midelt. Then make your way through the Ziz Valley to Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara. Transfer to 4x4 vehicles and venture across the dunes to our luxury camp. Thrill to a camel ride at sunset and dine under
a canopy of desert stars. Enjoy Berber music before retiring to your private tent. meals b+l+d
DAY 5 | Route of 1,000 Kasbahs to Ouarzazate
Arise early and watch the sun rise over the Sahara. Leave the desert behind and visit the ruins of Ksar Abbar. Travel the Route of 1,000 Kasbahs and through the lovely Dades Valley to visit the Taourirt Kasbah. This day ends at the Sultana Royal Hotel just outside of Ouarzazate. meals b+l+d
DAY 6 | Travel to Marrakech Tour the hilltop ruins at Kasbah
Tifoultoute and then explore Aït Benhaddou , a well-preserved fortified town that has appeared in films like Lawrence of Arabia. Cross the Tichka Pass and end your day in Marrakech at the luxury Riad Kheirredine. Enjoy tonight’s cocktail party and dinner. meals b+l+d
DAY 7 | Discover Marrakech A horse-drawn carriage is a great way to experience the rhythms of Marrakech, founded by the 11th- century Almoravid Dynasty. See it all with our guide, from the lovely Menara Gardens to the Saadian Tombs. Tour the Bahia Palace, explore the medina , and join in the lively spirited action of Djemaa el-Fna Square. Tonight’s à la carte dinner features the fine cuisine of Dar Moha. meals b+l+d
DAY 8 | The Ourika Valley Today you’ll travel deep into the Ourika Valley, a tranquil land with olive groves and citrus orchards. Spend time in the remote village of Tnine de L’Ourika and delight in the timeless mountain scenery where red-roofed Berber villages are perched on steep hills. In the clear rushing streams, women can be seen washing their clothes as they’ve done for centuries. Back in Marrakech, horse-drawn carriages will take you to dinner in an erstwhile palace. meals b+l+d
DAY 9 | Flavors of Marrakech This morning’s hands-on
cooking class is a fun way to learn about the Arabic, Andalusian, Mediterranean and Berber traditions that define Moroccan cuisine. After dining on your
own creations, the afternoon is free to experience the city’s full kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and flavors at your own pace. meals b+l+d
DAY 10 | To Essaouira Journey through the picturesque
countryside, dotted with Argan groves, to the Atlantic coast. After lunch at a charming restaurant along the harbor, our guide will introduce you to Essaouira’s coastal beauty and cultural allure. Check in to the L’Heure Bleue Palais and enjoy an à la carte dinner. meals b+l+d
DAY 11 | Discover Essaouira Visit a bakery where pastries are
created with old family recipes and continue along the city’s ramparts, with their cannons facing out to sea. After lunch at Ocean Vagabond, you’ll explore the medina and engage with vendors at the fish market. meals b+l+d
DAY 12 | Along the coast to Oualidia and Casablanca Travel to the ancient port of
Safi and tour the Kechla, an impressive citadel built by the Portuguese in the 1500’s. In Oualidia, a charming but often overlooked coastal village, your lunch features fine grilled meats, freshly caught sea perch, and just-harvested Oualidia oysters. Visit the 16th-century fortress in El Jadida before continuing on to the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche. meals b+l+d
DAY13 | DepartCasablanca
You’ll be escorted to the airport for your homeward journey. meals b
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ATLAS MOUNTAINS