Imperial Cities & Chefchaouen

TRIP NOTES

Imperial Cities & Chefchaouen 8 days | Casablanca to Marrakech

PRIVATE TOUR: Travelling from • Fes - Step back in time on a tour of DETAILED ITINERARY the modern port city of Casablanca captivating Fes el Bali - the oldest to the captivating imperial city medieval city in the world, and visit one of the famous tanneries Day 1 : Casablanca of Marrakech, discover the Sunday. Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival • High Atlas Mountains - Relax by beautiful at Casablanca airport, you'll be met and wonders of northern Morocco. Be lake Bin El Ouidane and admire the transferred to our hotel where you have the enchanted by ancient Fes el Bali spectacular Cascades d'Ouzoud remainder of the day at leisure. In contrast and picturesque Chefchaouen, the • Marrakech – Discover the wonders of the to Morocco's imperial cities, the bustling port UNESCO-listed medina, visit captivating blue pearl. Roam around Rabat, city of Casablanca is the modern, industrial Djemma el Fna and stroll around the marvel at the Volubilis ruins and and economic heart of Morocco. Perhaps take souks soak up spectacular mountain a stroll around the souks in the attractive scenery, all in 8 magical days. What's Included Quartier Habous (new medina), or grab a bite to eat at Rick's cafe, which was inspired • Breakfast daily and 1 picnic lunch by the 1942 film 'Casablanca'. Overnight - HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS • 7 nights 4 star hotels and riads Casablanca • Guided sightseeing - Volubilis, Fes and Trip Highlights Marrakech Day 2 : Casablanca & Rabat • • Casablanca - Independently explore this Services of a licensed English speaking modern port city and visit the famous tour guide for all included sightseeing • Hassan II Mosque Casablanca airport arrival transfer on • Volubilis – Marvel at the UNESCO-listed day 1 and Marrakech airport departure Roman ruins at Morocco's best preserved transfer on day 8 • archaeological site Driver and all transfers and transportation • Rabat - Stroll around Morocco's charming in private modern A/C tourism vehicles • coastal capital, with its attractive walled All road taxes and tolls medina What's Not Included • Chefchaouen - Spend two nights in the picturesque blue city, nestled in the Rif • Entrance Fees: USD$50-60pp, paid in Casablanca - Rabat. This morning after Mountains local currency breakfast, visit Casablanca's incredible • Talassemtane National Park - See • International flights and visa Hassan II Mosque. Rising 210 meters into the beautiful forests of fir trees, cascading • Tipping - An entirely personal gesture air, it's the third largest mosque in the world waterfalls, craggy cliffs and deep gorges and it can hold 25,000 worshippers at any one time!

Imperial Cities & Chefchaouen - 8 days updated on 26-09-2021 01:52:02 www.onthegotours.com This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to UK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected] requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 - 1 - USA 1 866 606 2960 SA 0800 990 311 TRIP NOTES

Imperial Cities & Chefchaouen

Day 4 : Rif Mountains & book an optional Tagine Making Class or a Bidding farewell to Casablanca, drive to the Talassemtane NP night of Moroccan entertainment and food at imperial city of Rabat, Morocco's charming a restaurant in town (both payable locally). capital. The afternoon is free for you to Overnight - Fes (B) independently explore. Take a stroll along the long stretch of beach that starts behind the Day 6 : High Atlas Mountains medina, or just up the hill from the medina is the well-preserved Kasbah of the Udayas, dating back to the 12th century.

Overnight - Rabat (B) Day 3 : Volubilis & Chefchaouen This morning enjoy an excursion to Talassemtane National Park. Located on the eastern side of the Rif Mountains, this picturesque national park boasts vast forests Fes - High Atlas Mountains. Departing Fes of fir trees, cascading waterfalls, craggy cliffs this morning, travel past the Middle Atlas and deep gorges. Talassemtane is also home Mountains and the orange groves around to rare wildlife such as golden eagles, lynx Aforer before ascending into the rugged High and Barbary macaques. Take a leisurely walk Atlas Mountains to the picturesque lake of to Akchour Falls and God's Bridge where Bin El Ouidane. Upon arrival relax by the you can relax with a picnic lunch while swimming pool or on the terrace at your lake- soaking up the breath-taking views. Return to shore hotel and enjoy the spectacular views. Rabat - Volubilis - Chefchaouen. Departing Chefchaouen for an afternoon at leisure. Overnight - High Atlas Mountains (B) Rabat this morning, drive to the Roman ruined Overnight - Chefchaouen (B, L) city of Volubilis for a guided tour. Dating Day 5 : UNESCO listed Fes el Day 7 : Marrakech & Djemaa back to 40AD, Volubilis is Morocco's best- el Fna preserved archaeological site. Take in the Bali highlights of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, including the triple arched Tingis gate, the columns of the Capitoline temple, the Basilica, the courthouse and much more.

Then continue your journey to Chefchaouen, nestled in the heart of the Rif Mountains. Known as the Blue City, Chefchaouen is arguably the prettiest town in Morocco, High Atlas Mountains - Marrakech. Make Chefchaouen - Fes. In the foothills of the Atlas with its incredible blue-washed buildings and the final leg of your journey this morning, Mountains lies the imperial city of Fes, the majestic views of the surrounding mountains. travelling through the heart of the Atlas oldest and largest medieval city in the world. The rest of the afternoon is free to stroll Mountains, where almond trees and juniper On arrival, take a step back in time on a around the Plaza Uta el-Hammam in the heart covered rocky ridges abound. Stop to admire guided tour of Fes el Bali - the mesmerising of the enchanting old medina, enjoy some the spectacular Cascades d'Ouzoud, - the old walled city, with its labyrinth of 9400 alleys local food and watch a beautiful sun set. highest waterfall in North Africa, before and cacophony of aromas, sights and sounds. Overnight - Chefchaouen (B) travelling on to Marrakech via the berber town During the tour visit one of the pungent of Demnate. leather tanneries that Fes is famous for, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the giant dye pits below, which are full of deep earthy This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of tones. Marrakech's old medina. Inside the rose coloured medina walls is a tangle of winding streets and alleys that open onto verdant Spend the afternoon at leisure. Relax or gardens and bustling souks. At the heart independently explore. Alternatively you can

Imperial Cities & Chefchaouen of the medina is Djemaa El Fna, the city's throughout the property and a restaurant Sitting on the shore of Lake Bin El Ouidane exuberant market place and towering over it, serves a variety of Moroccan specialities. in the High Atlas Mountains, the location is the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest of this 4 star hotel is simply spectacular. building in the city. Djemaa El Fna springs to Guests can enjoy wonderful views of the life in the evening so be sure to return to the lake from the hotel lounge, the terrace and square this evening and experience it in all its the large outdoor pool, which has a bar. glory! Overnight - Marrakech (B) All of the guest rooms have a balcony with views of the lake and are equipped with Day 8 : Marrakech en suite bathrooms and air conditioning. Your tour of Morocco comes to an end today, Riad Dar Dar The hotel restaurant serves Moroccan and with an included transfer to Marrakech airport. international cuisine and there are a range of (B) Dar Ba Sidi & Spa treatments available at the hotel spa. HOTELS Surrounded by nature, with a large swimming pool, Dar Ba Sidi offers a quiet Highlighted below are some of the hotels oasis for guests to relax. Bright spacious which we frequently use on this tour, though rooms are decorated in the traditional Riad we reserve the right to substitute these style with ornate architecture and mosaics. hotels to ones of a similar standard. You can also sample some Moroccan cuisine Please refer to your Tour Voucher for your at the Moulay Ismail restaurant. Adam Park Hotel & Spa confirmed arrival hotel and further arrival information. Guests can expect a very comfortable stay at the Adam Park Hotel & Spa. Each of the Kenzi Basma Hotel elegant rooms feature a patio or balcony Offering an excellent location right in the with views of the surrounding area. Guests heart of the city, this recently-renovated are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. hotel is nestled between Casablanca’s Several restaurants offer a variety of options cosmopolitan business district and the Hotel Atlas Saiss Fes including Italian specialities, Moroccan amazing architecture of the Art Deco favourites and international cuisine. There Hotel Atlas Saiss Fes is a popular 4 star neighborhood. You’ll find the guestrooms to are also plenty of ways to unwind after a day hotel, conveniently located just a 15-minute be spacious and fully-equipped with modern exploring Marrakech, with an outdoor pool, walk from Nouvelle Ville. The hotel offers amenities including high-speed WiFi. The fitness centre and a spa offering rejuvenating spacious and comfortable guest rooms, hotel’s on-site restaurant, Bloom, offers tasty massage treatments. equipped with free WiFi, flat screen TVs, Moroccan and international cuisine, whereas air conditioning and en suite bathrooms. in the Torero bar you can enjoy a buzzing Facilities include a restaurant, 24 hour room atmosphere with live music and delicious service and a sauna (at an additional cost). Spanish tapas. Start the day with a generous continental breakfast before heading out to explore the enchanting imperial city of Fes. After a busy day, relax on the hotel terrace, enjoy a tasty meal at the restaurant or rejuvenate in the Entrance Fees sauna. Entrance fees are not included in the price of your tour, although reasonably priced. Your Riad Dar Alia local guides will collect the relevant entrance fees for each day's touring. Entrance fees are Boasting a fantastic location, just a short payable in local currency - Moroccan Dirhams. walk from the entrance to the Kasbah of the Udayas, Riad Dar Alia is wonderful choice Tipping for a stay in the capital. It offers a number Offering a gratuity or tipping is often not a of uniquely decorated rooms in a traditional Chems du Lac Bin el Oudine natural part of many western cultures and Moroccan style. Free WiFi is provided many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much to tip. However in

Imperial Cities & Chefchaouen

Morocco, tipping makes up a significant part WhatsApp) to the emergency contact number you are completely happy with your purchase. of many people’s wages and it is a recognised as stated on your Tour Voucher. On The Go cannot be held responsible for part of the culture so it is important that we get any items that you buy if they fail to meet it right. We recommend the following amounts Visas & passports expectation, or any shipping arrangements. per couple (party of 2) per day be allocated Visa requirements are subject to change and Proceed with caution. to cover tips directly by you to bellhops, visa procurement is the responsibility of the luggage handlers, room service, your driver traveller and not On The Go Tours. Please also Health requirements & water and local guides. It is advisable to have plenty ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 You should seek medical advice for of change/coins on hand. months from your planned date of departure vaccinations and about medications before from Morocco. travelling. While tap water in Morocco is As a guideline per couple (party of 2) we generally considered safe to drink in main would make a suggestion of: After booking your holiday, please provide cities, it is not advisable in smaller towns and us with your passport details as soon remote areas. Drink bottled mineral water, Local guide per day: 100 DH as possible so that we can proceed to which is readily available in hotels, shops and Driver per day (paid at the end of service): 60 book all services. Please be advised visa restaurants. DH requirements are subject to change, therefore Bellhop, check in or check out per bag: 2 DH it is essential that you check current Essential packing Breakfast waiter: 2 DH visa requirements with the embassy before Please check local temperatures so Toilet attendants: 1 DH travel. For information about visas, head to you can pack accordingly. Visit Restaurants (if service tax not incl.) 10% of the www.onthegotours.com/Morocco/Visas www.worldclimate.com total bill • Lightweight cotton garments in summer, Shopping Naturally, tipping is an entirely personal warm clothing for winter (temperatures can Morocco is a shoppers' paradise. The souks of gesture and the decision to tip/ not to tip and get quite low at night) Fes, Marrakech and Meknes are full of pottery, the amount is ultimately up to you! • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes carpets and kilims, leather goods, spices and • Universal travel adaptor cloth. Keep space in your backpack for your KNOW BEFORE YOU GO • DEET based mosquito repellent and purchases! Best buys are: carpets – from antihistamine cream the High Atlas mountains or a woven and Morocco Country Guide • First aid kit including Dioralyte embroidered Kilim; the burnoose, an elegant • Tour Voucher and a copy of your travel hooded cape; spices; or traditional pottery insurance policy, spare passport photos and a Welcome to Morocco - Arrival and leathers from Fes. transfer photocopy of your passport • Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume, We provide a complimentary airport arrival In the tourism industry it’s common practice torch and money belt transfer on day 1 of your tour or if you for commission to be offered in exchange for • Either a rucksack or suitcase is suitable. A arrive early and have booked pre tour recommending particular shops or suppliers. small daypack for your day-to-day needs accommodation with us. Please proceed This can become an issue when clients feel • A towel for swimming to the arrivals hall and look for our obliged to purchase. We do our best to avoid • A torch for your night in the Sahara Desert representative holding an On The Go Tours this by monitoring all shopping experiences • If travelling on our Essential (Budget) group sign. Pre and post tour accommodation can offered. tour range, a sleeping bag for the Sahara be arranged upon request, please contact us All shopping experiences on your tour Desert camp is required if travelling between for rates. have been noted in the itinerary and they Oct - Apr, a cotton sleep sheet will be If you are arriving earlier and you have booked been carefully selected based upon positive adequate if travelling from May to September your accommodation independently, you will feedback from On The Go travellers. You (Signature group tour travellers do not need need to make your own way to our start are under no obligation to partake in a this, as bedding is provided) hotel, which will be centrally located. The listed shopping experience and you are Drones are not permitted hotel name and address can be found on your most welcome to wait inside or outside the It is forbidden to bring drones into Morocco Tour Voucher. premises. (even small ones that might fit in hand luggage), a special permit has to be arranged If, for any reason you have trouble locating Although we only visit reputable retailers, with the appropriate department in Rabat and our representative (after waiting 20 minutes please note that we cannot explicitly this can take months to arrange. in the arrival hall) or your flight to Morocco is guarantee the quality of their products. All delayed, please call or send a text message purchases made whilst on holiday with us are (standard text message, not Messenger or at your own discretion. Please make sure that

Imperial Cities & Chefchaouen

Hotels of breaking the fast. Forthcoming Ramadan The hotels in Morocco are simple, clean, dates are as follows, (approximate) 12 April – comfortable and centrally located. We try to 11 May 2021 utilise local and traditional hotels with plenty of character wherever possible. In smaller towns, the choice of accommodation is often limited, but we will always book the best accommodation available for our travellers. Please be aware that hotels in Morocco are not of the same standard as Western hotels and facilities can be more basic. It's not like home, what to expect & Ramadan Travel to far-flung corners of the earth involves lifestyles and conditions that are sometimes very different from what you are used to back home. You must come prepared to cope with unusual situations, local inadequacies and unpredictable events as and when they occur. Foreign travel is definitely not suitable for people who expect or demand everything to go exactly as planned. With the greatest respect and in the interest of your ultimate enjoyment you must understand this. Things can and do change in foreign countries.

Please visit www.onthegotours.com/ Morocco/Travel-tips-and-useful-info for local customs, currency, etiquette, WiFi and other helpful information to prepare for your holiday.

RAMADAN Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world and adherents of the Muslim faith fast during daylight hours and break their fast with lavish meals and lively celebrations in the evening. Ramadan culminates a month later in a 3 day celebration called Eid al - Fitr. Many shops (excluding those which cater mainly to tourists) and attractions close earlier during Ramadan. As such we will start our tour earlier during this period to make the best use of time and itineraries will be slightly altered to ensure we visit all attractions, leisure time will be offered in the late afternoon. Non-Muslims are not expected to fast over Ramadan, but it is considered impolite to eat food or drink on the street. NOTE: Traffic is exceptionally heavy during Ramadan, especially toward the time