Day 1 Casablanca
Today is arrival day and as travellers are arriving from all corners of the world there are no planned activities. You are free to arrive in Casablanca at anytime. Please note that hotel check in is 2 pm, and luggage storage is available if you arrive before your room is ready. Please note, this tour does not spend any time in Casablanca. You may wish to come a day early in order to explore Casablanca\'s small medina, beachfront and classic examples of Art Deco architecture. Be sure to visit the spectacular Hassan II mosque. Entrance is only permitted via guided tours which operate from Saturday to Thursday (closed Fridays) at 09h00, 10h00, 11h00, and 14h00. Please refer to optional activities section of these notes for prices. These times are subject to change (particularly around Ramadan)please double check these times with your hotel. In the early evening you will meet your CEO (tour leader) and fellow group members for an important group meeting. Check the hotel notice board (or ask reception) for the exact time and location of this meeting. Afterwards, there will be the option to head out for a meal together in nearby in a local restaurant. If you arrive late, your group leader will leave you a message at the front desk. We overnight in Casablanca. A general note about this tour. This is a very,very fast paced itinerary which covers lots of ground. While this is great as it allows us to see a great amount in the available time, it also means some early starts, some long drives in the mini van and less free time than many other G Adventures.
Day 2 Meknes/Volubilis/Fez (1B)
It is a long, busy but wonderful day today as we begin our morning driving in private transport from Casablanca to Meknes, a journey of around 4 hours, where we will enjoy a guided city walk. We start our tour in front of the impressive 18th century Bab Mansour, the ornamental gate to the imperial city of Meknes built by Sultan Moulay Ismail in honour of himself. The gate faces Place el-Hadim, where, after dark fills with many Moroccan families coming to be entertained by story-tellers, snake-charmers, horse rides & medicine men. To the left of the square you’ll find one of Morocco’s most colourful & friendliest fresh produce souqs & home to the city’s famous confectionary shops. Behind the square is the entrance to the rambling souqs where you can discover the many artisans and their crafts. From here we enter what is left of the imperial city (Meknes was flatten by a huge earthquake in 1755) & visit the small but impressive Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, pass by the entrance of the Meknes Royal Palace, ending up at Moulay Ismail’s massive Heri es Souani. This was his personal stable and granary for his 12,000 horses. Afterwards, we make our way through the rolling hills to our next stop, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the best preserved Roman ruins in this part of northern Africa. Once an important Roman town situated near the westernmost border of Roman conquests, in 1997 Volubilis is now listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site. Wandering through the deserted streets where chariots once passed, you can envision the vibrance this town once held. Listen while your local guide explains life in the old Roman Empire - peering into old bathhouses, marvelling at the still-present mosaic floors and gazing up at the towering marble pillars. We move on to Fez where we spend this evening. We will be staying in the the new city of Fez, built by the French during their Protectorate of Morocco. This area has the feel of a French provincial town, with its cafés, restaurants and wide boulevards. Head off for a Moroccan feast at one of the many restaurants and finish off the night with some famous Moroccan mint tea and a shisha! We overnight in Fez Approx travel times: Casablanca to Meknes, 4 hrs Meknes to Volubilis, 45mins Volubilis to Fez, 2 hrs
Day 3 Fez (1B)
Today we have a half day medina walking tour, after which you will have some free time to explore on your own if you wish. The Fez medina is the world’s largest living medieval medina in the world & in the 11th century, was the largest city in the known world. We enter through one of the great gates into the chaotic, confusing & melee that is the Fez medina. We explore the medina’s many artisans’ quarters, such as the brass & copper souqs, the wedding souq & the carpenters plus its bakers, butchers & spice sellers, ending up at Fez’s famous Tannery, where we have great views from its panoramic viewpoints. We’ll also get to see its religious & historical heart when we visit Moulay Idriss II’s Mausoleum (the founder of Fez), the 14th century Bou Inania Medersa & the 9th century Al Karaouine University. This evening there may be the chance to partake in an optional dinner in a grand old Fez riad which has been converted into a spectacular restaurant. You would not only enjoy a delicious meal of local specialities, but also an evening of entertainment such as singing, music and belly dancing.
Day 4 Merzouga (1B,1D)
A very early start today (6am) as we have a full days drive today crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains to reach the edge of the Sahara. Keep your eyes open for a glimpse of Barbary apes en route. On our arrival, there will be a chance to repack and taking only our day packs with what we will need for this evening, in the late afternoon we set off on an hour\'s camel ride to our desert camp deep in the dunes. Your local guides will teach you how to mount and dismount and other handy camel-related safety tips. Be sure to get them to teach you the trick of tying your turban to keep the desert sun off your face and add a little flare to your photos. From your first cup of mint tea you\'ll enjoy a warm welcome at our desert camp. A traditional dinner under the stars, cooked by our hosts awaits. In the evening there will be time to hear stories about life in this region and perhaps, if we are lucky, we might be treated to some traditional music on the drums. Facilities are very basic - each tent Bedouin tent sleeps approximately 4 people but most people prefer to relax and enjoy the sounds of silence during a night under the starry desert skies. Mattresses and a sheet and blanket are provided. For those travelling in the winter months (Nov- April), we recommend a sleeping bag for additional warmth. It is back to nature as far as bathroom facilities go. There will be the chance to take a shower after breakfast on our return to our Merzouga auberge the following morning. Approx travel time: Fez to Merzouga,total travel time, 10 hrs Approx travel time: Merzouga to camp, 1 hr (by camel) Overnight in the Sahara Desert (Tented Camp)
Day 5 Todra Gorge (1B)
Today we rise before the sun and boarding our camels, watch the sunrise, casting different shadows and colours over the the sea of sand dunes, the highest in Morocco, before returning to our desert hotel. We continue through a stone desert to the stunning Todra Gorge followed by a visit to a valley palmery. Wedged between massive cliff walls, the gorge is filled with a green oasis of palm trees. This serene spot is great for hiking along, relaxing on the edge of the river or sampling some local Berber delicacies. We over night in Todra Gorge. Approx travel time: Desert Camp to Merzouga 1hr (by camel) Merzouga to Todra Gorge, 3.5hrs
Day 6 Aït Ben Haddou (1B)
We travel along the “Route of 1000 Kasbahs” to the thriving town of Ouarzazate where we will break for lunch. This town is home of Atlas Film studios, where many films have been shot over the years, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. We make our way to the fascinating and beautiful Aït Ben Haddou. Aït Ben Haddou is a wonderful example of a kasbah, a type of fortress or palace. Over the years it has been carefully restored and is now considered to be one of the best preserved kasbahs in the area. A few families still call the kasbah their home, but the majority of locals have gradually moved to the nearby settlement. During our visit to the Kasbah, lose yourself in the narrow, winding passageways and feel the magical atmosphere of this incredible structure. We overnight in Aït Ben Haddou Approx travel time: Todra Gorge to Aït Ben Haddou, 3.5hrs
Day 7 Marrakech (1B)
Travel to Marrakech with breathtaking views through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m). Arrive in Marrakech in time for lunch with the rest of the day free to wander the city. A great place to start is Djemaa el Fna square, the heart of Marrakech, that changes its offerings throughout the day. In the morning you’ll wander past the fresh orange juice stalls, water sellers in colourful costumes with traditional leather water bags and brass cups, and snake charmers reminiscent of an era past. As the day progresses the snake charmers are replaced by Chleuh dancing-boys, story-tellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines. As the sun sets, the square fills with dozens of food-stalls, packed with locals and the entertaining chefs and waiters. Grab a spot on a bench with the other diners and try the Tanjia (slow cooked lamb), Harira soup, grilled seafood, famous Moroccan couscous, tajine, snails or even sheep’s head for the truly adventurous, and wash it all down with some spiced tea. To really get a taste of everyday life in Marrakech, head into the maze of tiny streets and alleyways of the ancient medina. Tourists and locals alike will find everything they desire in the souks, whether it’s spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or famous Moroccan lanterns, the selection here is exhaustive, and don’t forget to bargain, it\'s definitely part of the fun!!! For history and architecture buffs Marrakech is sure to dazzle. The Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Ben Youseff Medersa and Almovid Koubba are all easy to get to and well worth a visit. Once you’ve tired yourself out, relax at one of the tea houses around the square, indulging in the ubiquitous sweet mint tea, watching the hustle and bustle from your shady spot. We overnight in Marrakech. Approx travel time: Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech, 4 hrs
Day 8 Marrakech (1B)
You are free to depart at any time today. Please note that check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage facilities are available. We are able to organise extra post-trip accommodation if you wish to extend your stay for a few more days. Please ask at the time of booking.

Duration - 8 days

Physical Rating - 2

Prices are updated frequently and are subject to change. Please call 1866 940 0214 for most up to date pricing.

Tour Departure Dates	Pricing
Sat Jun 02 2012 to Sat Jun 09 2012	$1199** per Adult
Sat Jul 14 2012 to Sat Jul 21 2012	$1199** per Adult
Sat Jul 28 2012 to Sat Aug 04 2012	$1199** per Adult
Sat Aug 04 2012 to Sat Aug 11 2012	$1199** per Adult
Sat Aug 18 2012 to Sat Aug 25 2012	$1199** per Adult
Sat Sep 08 2012 to Sat Sep 15 2012	$1199** per Adult
Sat Sep 22 2012 to Sat Sep 29 2012	$1199** per Adult
Sat Oct 27 2012 to Sat Nov 03 2012	$1199** per Adult
Sat Nov 24 2012 to Sat Dec 01 2012	$1199** per Adult
Sat Dec 22 2012 to Sat Dec 29 2012	$1199** per Adult
Sat Jan 05 2013 to Sat Jan 12 2013	$1199** per Adult
Sat Feb 16 2013 to Sat Feb 23 2013	$1199** per Adult
Sat Mar 16 2013 to Sat Mar 23 2013	$1199** per Adult
Sat Apr 06 2013 to Sat Apr 13 2013	$1199** per Adult
Sat Apr 13 2013 to Sat Apr 20 2013	$1199** per Adult
Sat Apr 27 2013 to Sat May 04 2013	$1199** per Adult
Sat May 04 2013 to Sat May 11 2013	$1199** per Adult
Sat Jun 08 2013 to Sat Jun 15 2013	$1199** per Adult
Sat Jul 13 2013 to Sat Jul 20 2013	$1199** per Adult
Sat Jul 27 2013 to Sat Aug 03 2013	$1199** per Adult

** Taxes and fees included. Airfare not included.