Marvellous Moroccan Adventure

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Full Itinerary MARVELLOUS MOROCCAN ADVENTURE

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JOURNEY SNAPSHOT

ACTIVITY LEVEL: FLIGHT INFORMATION: Please arrange your flights to arrive into Level 2 Marrakesh Menara Airport, Morocco [RAK] on DESTINATION: Day 1 Marvellous Moroccan Adventure - Pre-Tour PICKUP LOCATION: Extension to Experience Spain Event Marrakesh Menara Airport [RAK] DURATION: 7 days / 6 nights

© The Big Journey Company2020 - 2021.All rights reserved. Holiday tours are operated by The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282. Call: +44(0) 844 3350 197

OVERVIEW Oct 8-14, 2021

Morocco is a uniquely exotic bend of Berber, Arabic and European cultural influences. Experience this for yourself on our Marvellous Moroccan Adventure which leads into the Experience Spain Member Event Morocco is a land of contrasts and diversity. Lapped by the water of the Mediterranean to the north and by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean to the west, it is also crisscrossed by the Rif and the Atlas Mountains. As well as the ever-popular Marrakesh or Casablanca, this tour also explores the lesser known cities of Rabat, one time the capital city, as well as historic Asilah and cosmopolitan Tangiers. We will visit souks, palaces and the stunning Ourika Valley. You will be captivated by this magical country before we sail across the Straits of Gibraltar from Africa to Spain in time to start the Experience Spain event based on the Costa del Sol.

ITINERARY SUMMARY

PRE-JOURNEY - PRE-JOURNEY - To enjoy your stay in Morocco before the Experience Spain Member Event, you should arrange your flights into Marrakesh Menara Airport [RAK] and then to depart from Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport [AGP]. If you require pre-night accommodation in Marrakesh, please contact us for further details. DAY 1 - Welcome to Morocco

DAY 2 - Marrakesh - Medinas & Markets

DAY 3 - The Ourika Valley

DAY 4 - Captivating Casablanca

DAY 5 - Royal Rabat

DAY 6 - Ancient Asilah & Cosmopolitan Tangiers

DAY 7 - From Africa to Europe - Crossing the Straits of Gibraltar

FULL ITINERARY DAY 1 - WELCOME TO MOROCCO On arrival at Marrakesh’s Menara Airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to acclimatise and settle to your base for the next 3 nights. In the evening, the group will join for our first meal together to start off our exploration of Morocco.

Included meals: Dinner Accommodation: 4* central Marrakesh hotel (tbc)

DAY 2 - MARRAKESH - MEDINAS & MARKETS After breakfast, we head off to explore Marrakesh, one of north Africa’s most interesting cities. The second oldest city of the empire, it is also called "the pearl of the south". On our guided tour of Marrakesh this morning, we will visit the Saadian Tombs, located next to the mosque of the Kasbah, rediscovered and restored in 1917 as well as the El Bahia Palace and Gardens. Built in the late 19th century, it was intended to be the greatest palace of its time. The tour will end back at the hotel where you will have time to find lunch and freshen up.

In the afternoon, together with our experienced guide, we will visit the famous Zocos (Souks) – a colourful labyrinth of shops selling all sorts of wares. We will also visit the iconic Jemaa el-Fna square and market place in the old town. Here you can see anything you could possibly imagine; snake charmers, musicians, dancers, narrators, etc ... as well as buy souvenirs a plenty! An ideal time to practice your bargaining skills. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Included meals: Breakfast and Dinner Accommodation: 4* central Marrakesh hotel (tbc)

DAY 3 - THE OURIKA VALLEY Today we head out of Marrakesh and into the nearby Ourika Valley, a spectacular valley among the Atlas Mountains. We will enjoy beautiful landscapes, full of walnut, weeping willow and poplar trees, and its mountains and rocks varying in colour from red to green. Despite it being so close to Marrakesh, this beautiful lush green valley is definitely one of the best preserved in Morocco. The Berbers, the nomadic local people of the valley, continue to keep their customs and traditional way of life alive and we will get the opportunity to visit a typical Berber house. The families often open their home to visitors who wish to enjoy their surroundings. We will have lunch together in the Ourika Valley before heading back to Marrakesh where the rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner is included in the hotel this evening.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodation: 4* central Marrakesh hotel (tbc)

DAY 4 - CAPTIVATING CASABLANCA After an early breakfast, we depart Marrakesh and head north towards Casablanca. Morocco’s largest and most modern city, it is the seat of many international companies and one of north Africa’s largest ports. The city’s Spanish name, Casablanca, tells of its past under colonial rule, and derives the old military base at the heart of the town – the White House. Upon arrival, we will head to visit the great Hassan II Mosque. The second largest mosque in the world after Mecca, its minaret is the tallest in the world! The imposing mosque is striking in both its size, and design, lying beside the Atlantic. On a tour of its impressive interior, you will be surprised at its grandiousness and its luxurious materials from which it is built. We then transfer to the historic city centre for lunch at leisure, before a panoramic tour of Casablanca, passing the United Nations Square, the Boulevard Mohamed VI and various other areas of interest in the afternoon. Afterwards, we transfer to our hotel to freshen up before dinner.

Included meals: Breakfast and Dinner Accommodation: 4* Casablanca hotel (tbc)

DAY 5 - ROYAL RABAT After breakfast, we make our way Rabat, Morocco's current capital city and the official residence of King Mohamed VI. On our panoramic city tour, we will see the Royal Palace and the glittering Mausoleum of King Mohamed V, whose opulent tomb chamber is resplendently decorated and also contains the tombs of his two sons. Located next to this is the Hassan Tower with beautiful and intricate motifs and designs covering

its façade. This would have been the minaret for the Hassan Mosque, which was never completed by the ruler, Yacoub al-Mansour, who died and then construction was abandoned. After a stop for lunch at leisure, we head out of the city to visit the historic Kasbah of the Oudayas. Located at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River and beside Rabat’s old medina, the medieval fortress complex is listed, along with other sites in Rabat, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the fortified walls is a town with colourful streets, mosque, museums and gardens. In the evening, we check in to our hotel and enjoy dinner together.

Included meals: Breakfast and Dinner Accommodation: 4* Rabat hotel (tbc)

DAY 6 - ANCIENT ASILAH & COSMOPOLITAN TANGIERS This morning, we make our way northwards once again Asilah. A small town on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, it was founded by the Phonecians over 3,500 years ago. Though it has had many rulers over the years, Asilah still retains strong Portuguese influences from its time under colonial rule in the 15-16th century. The fortified walls surrounding the Old Town, built by the Portuguese, contrast with the white houses within the walls and make it a very popular destination. Asilah’s medina continues to be one of the most beautiful in the country, and it is a perfect place to enjoy a pleasant walk. After lunch at leisure in Asilah, we continue Tangier, our final stop on Morocco’s norther coast. Lying at the mouth of the Straits of Gibraltar, the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, Tangier has consequently been a port of great strategic importance since time immemorial. Ruled by the Phonecians, Greeks, Romans, Berbers, Moors, French, Spanish, English and many more, the city is a cultural melting pot, a destination for diplomats, spies, writers and businessmen. We will enjoy a panoramic visit of Tangier’s Old Town and pass by the Medina, the walled Kasbah, the Souks and the typical markets – a great chance to pick up some last minute souvenirs from Morocco. Afterwards, we transfer to our hotel and enjoy our final dinner in Morocco.

Included meals: Breakfast and Dinner Accommodation: 4* central Tangiers hotel (tbc)

DAY 7 - FROM AFRICA TO EUROPE - CROSSING THE STRAITS OF GIBRALTAR Today we say goodbye to Morocco and Africa as we board our coach after breakfast and make our way to Tangier port, a short drive out of the city. Here we will take the fast ferry across the famous Straits of Gibraltar to the port of Tarifa in Spain. Just 8.9 miles wide at the narrowest point, Europe is just a stone’s throw away. Upon arrival in Spain, we will complete the border formalities before making our way along the famous Costa del Sol – the sunshine coast – north towards Mijas and the Los Amigos resort.

Here the pre-event extension ends we will check-in for the start of the Experience Spain Member Event. The evening is at leisure before the first of the Experience Spain Member Event excursions and our week of discovering some of Andalucía’s highlights in the morning.

Included meals: Breakfast

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Transfer from Marrakesh Menara Airport [RAK] to Marrakesh hotel One way ferry crossing Tangier [MA]-Tarifa [ES] on Day 7 Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary Meals as indicated in the itinerary All transfers/touring and excursions in air-conditioned deluxe motor vehicles All entrances, English-speaking guides and visits as indicated in the programme. Services of local experienced guide detailed in the itinerary Services of a Big Journey Company Tour Director

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

International flight into Marrakesh Menara Airport [RAK] on Day 1 and departure flight home from your Experience Spain Member Event from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport [AGP], Spain, or Faro Airport [FAO], Portugal if continuing on the October Stunning Seville extension or October Experience Portugal Event Visas, travel or medical insurance Any COVID tests or related entry & exit requirements Any personal items and anything not mentioned under included in price above Any food and beverage not detailed in the itinerary Entrance fees to non-stipulated attractions Any optional activities offered Gratuities

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please let The Big Journey Company know prior to travelling if you have any medical needs or take any medication that we need to be made aware of to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant tour. UK, US and EU citizens may require a visa for travel in Morocco. Please consult your doctor for advice on vaccinations and inoculations before travel.

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Monday to Thursday 09:00am - 8:00pm. Friday 09:00am - 17:30pm. (London time) 24hr human answer service