Magical Morocco 13 Days | Casablanca to Marrakech

TRIP NOTES

Discover Morocco’s highlights and • Chefchaouen - Wander around the • All transportation and transfers in private hidden gems on this 13 day tour. beautiful blue city nestled in the Rif air-conditioned tourism vehicles • Wander through the labyrinth like Mountains All road taxes and tolls • Fes - Get lost in the world's oldest city's medinas and souks of Marrakech maze-like medina What's Not Included & Fes, discover the imperial city • Ifrane - Independently visit the • Tipping Kitty: USD$40-50pp, paid in local of Rabat and the charming blue observation deck carved into the currency city Chefchaouen, soak up the mountains for incredible views of the • Entrance Fees: USD$70-90pp, paid in dramatic landscapes of the Rif & ravines and valleys local currency • Atlas Mountains and sleep under Ouarzazate - Follow the footsteps of • International flights and visa famous stars at the world's largest film • Tip for your tour guide and driver. We the stars in the Sahara. studio recommend you allow USD$2-3 per • Todra Gorge - Admire the towering red day, per traveller for your guide and HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS canyon USD$1-2 per day, per traveller for your • Rabat - Take a stroll through the lively driver. Tipping your guide and driver is an Trip Highlights capital city entirely personal gesture • • Ait Benhaddou - Discover the UNESCO Casablanca - Independently explore the city and visit the famous Hassan II listed fortified village COVID SAFE GUIDE • Telouet - Marvel at the intricate zellige Mosque tiled interior and panoramic views of the What's Included DETAILED ITINERARY mountains at Kasbah Telouet • Valley of Roses - Take in the intoxicating • Breakfast daily, 1 picnic lunch and 1 dinner Day 1 : Welcome to Morocco! • 11 nights 3-4 star hotels and 1 night aroma and vibrant colours of the valleys Sunday. Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival camping at a Berber desert camp in the and visit a local womens cooperative at Casablanca airport, you'll be met and Sahara Desert (hotel upgrade available) • Sahara Desert - Spend a night camping transferred to our hotel where you have the • Guided sightseeing - Volubilis, Fes, Ait under the stars in the Sahara remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps visit Benhaddou and Marrakech • Talassemtane National Park - Soak up the old medina or sit back and watch the • Camel trek into the Sahara Desert the relaxing scenery of the waterfalls and world go by with a pot of tea at Rick's cafe. • Visit to local women's cooperative in Rose God's Bridge Overnight - Casablanca • Marrakech - sSee the UNESCO-listed Valley Djemaa el Fna, medina and market place • Escorted by a licensed English speaking Moroccan tour guide • Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 13

Magical Morocco - 13 Days updated on 29-09-2021 02:54:46 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

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Day 2 : Casablanca & Rabat our way to Talassemtane National Park. Day 7 : Atlas Mountains & Located on the eastern side of the Rif Ifrane Mountains, Talassemtane boasts a wide Fes - Ifrane - Azrou. After breakfast, we range of landscapes, as well as housing make our way through the cedar forests full a number of plant species and mammals of Barbary Macaque monkeys on our way including the Barbary macaques and the otter. through the Atlas Mountains to the French We make our way to the Akchour Falls built "swiss" village of Ifrane. We have free and God's Bridge where we relax with a time here to enjoy the tranquility of the lakes picnic lunch while soaking up the breath- and waterfalls that flow into the valleys that taking views. Return to Chefchaouen for an surround the world's biggest cedar forest afternoon at leisure. in the Mediterranean, before continuing to Casablanca - Rabat. This morning after Overnight - Chefchaouen (B, L) Azrou, our home for the night. Overnight - breakfast, we visit the incredible Hassan II Ifrane (B) Mosque, rising 210 meters into the air, the Day 5 : Fes el Bali medina third largest mosque in the world is covered Day 8 : Camel trek in the in ornate traditional tile work. Sahara Azrou - Merzouga (Sahara). Departing early, After exploring we make our way to Rabat, we leave the cool air of the mountains and Morocco's charming capital is ours to explore make our way to the Sahara Desert. It's a this afternoon. Take a stroll along the long long drive, however there's a lot to see on stretch of beach that starts behind the medina, the way. We'll travel through the Middle Atlas or just up the hill from the medina is the well- Mountains to the plateau that lies between preserved Kasbah of the Udayas, dating back the Sahara and Tell Atlas range. We'll soak up to the 12th century. Chefchaouen - Fes. Bordered on the foothills the spectacular and dramatic scenery of the of the Atlas Mountains lies the imperial city of Gorges du Ziz as we make our way onwards Please note: For those who have opted to Fes, the oldest and largest medieval city in the through the High Atlas, stopping to have tea start in Marrakech you will be transferred to world. On arrival we enjoy a guided tour of with a berber family en route. We'll continue Casablanca on the morning of day 2 to meet ancient Fes el Bali - the old walled city, with to Merzouga - our base before we head into the rest of the group. Overnight - Rabat (B) its labyrinth of 9400 alleys. Fes el Bali really the Sahara. Depending on the time of year, is a feast for the senses, with its cacophony spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming Day 3 : Volubilis & The Blue of aromas, sights and sounds. During the tour before climbing aboard our camels for an City visit one of the pungent leather tanneries incredible trek into the Sahara Desert to watch Rabat - Volubilis - Chefchaouen. Departing that Fes is famous for, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset and spend the night at our Rabat this morning we visit the Roman ruins of wonderful views of the giant dye pits. remote Berber Camp, nestled amongst the Volubilis. Dating back to 40AD we take time Overnight - Fes (B) towering dunes of Erg Chebbi. We enjoy local to explore the triple arched Tingis gate, the food, music and an amazing night camping in columns of the Capitoline temple, the Basilica, Day 6 : Explore Fes the Sahara. the courthouse and much more. We'll then For our trip into the desert you’ll need to continue to Chefchaouen, nestled in the heart prepare an overnight pack for the essentials of the Rif Mountains, the city boasts incredible you will need for the night. The remainder blue-washed buildings and majestic views of of your luggage will stay in Merzouga this the surrounding landscape. The rest of the evening and we will collect it in the morning. afternoon is ours to independently wander round the Plaza Uta el-Hammam in the heart If you would prefer the comfort of a hotel of the Medina, or perhaps try some of the local with en-suite facilities this evening, opt for our street food and watch the sun set. Overnight Sahara hotel alternative at no additional cost. - Chefchaouen (B) Today is at leisure to explore this Imperial Please do let us know your preferred option at the time of booking. Day 4 : Rif Mountains & city. Why not take part in an optional Tagine Making Class or a night of Moroccan Sahara Hotel Alternative: Talassemtane National Park entertainment and food at a restaurant in town After some free time to relax or continue If you have opted for our Sahara Hotel (both payable locally). Overnight - Fes (B) exploring the city this morning, we make Alternative you will not need to pack an

Magical Morocco overnight bag as all your luggage will remain Day 10 : UNESCO World exuberant market place and towering over it, with your this evening. Hotel Alternative Heritage Listed Ouarzazate is the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest travellers will be transferred to their auberge building in the city. We have the afternoon at Dades Gorge - Skoura - Ouarzazate. Leaving (simple hotel) with en-suite facilities located in leisure to purchase any last minute souvenirs the rose fields behind, our morning begins the shadows of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes or get lost in the medina and see where it with a visit to the 300 year old Kasbah mid afternoon. Your tour guide will not escort takes you. Overnight - Marrakech (B) Amherdhil in Skoura where we gain a you to the hotel as he will be accompanying fascinating insight into the ancient traditions the camel trekking group to the Berber Camp. Day 13 : Goodbye Morocco! of kasbah life. We then continue along the After check-in and time to freshen up (for Our amazing tour of Morocco ends today Road of 1000 Kasbahs to Ouarzazate. those who are interested) please re-group after hotel check out. An included onward prior to sunset at reception to depart for your departure transfer to airport will be provided. camel trek into the desert. The safari runs for Famous for being a prime filming location for Passengers who have opted to end their approx 1 hour, with short stops along the way many Hollywood TV shows and Blockbusters, tour in Casablanca will depart early this for photos. Dinner is included at the hotel this we have the opportunity to explore the morning.(B) evening as is breakfast in the morning. Your World's largest film studio. Be sure to explore guide will inform you of the time you will be the iconic Colosseum used in 'Gladiator' and HOTELS picked up in the morning. the prop jet used in 'Jewel of the Nile'. Evening at leisure. Overnight - Ouarzazate (B) Highlighted below are some of the hotels Please note: Should you wish to opt for the which we frequently use on this tour, though hotel alternative at no additional cost, please Day 11 : Ait Benhaddou & we reserve the right to substitute these let us know at the time of booking. Marrakech hotels to ones of a similar standard. Ouarzazate - Ait Benhaddou - Marrakech. Please refer to your Tour Voucher for your Camel Trek: approx 1.5 hours Travelling over the High Atlas Mountains confirmed arrival hotel and further arrival Overnight - Merzouga (B, D) we stop along the old caravan route information. where to explore Ait Benhaddou. This Day 9 : Sunrise camel trek & Kenzi Basma Hotel Valley of Roses incredible ancient fortified Kasbah was built for defence purposes high on a hill and is a Offering an excellent location right in the Merzouga (Sahara) - Todra Gorge - Dades stunningly well-preserved medieval city which heart of the city, this recently-renovated Gorge. Departing early, we climb back on has famously featured in many blockbuster hotel is nestled between Casablanca’s our camels disembarking for a truly stunning movies, including Gladiator and Laurence of cosmopolitan business district and the sunrise. After freshening up and breakfast in Arabia as its beauty is unequal to any other amazing architecture of the Art Deco Merzouga we’re back on the road heading fortified kasbah in south Morocco. Carrying neighborhood. You’ll find the guestrooms to for Todra Gorge. Known as Morocco's Grand on we continue to Kasbah Telouet. Built in be spacious and fully-equipped with modern Canyon, the charm of Todra lies in its 1860 this kasbah was once home to the very amenities including high-speed WiFi. The changing colours as the sun slowly moves wealthy Thami El Glaoui until he conspired hotel’s on-site restaurant, Bloom, offers tasty from east to west over the towering vertical with French Colonialists to delay Morocco's Moroccan and international cuisine, whereas limestone cliffs that reach heights of 1000ft. fight for independence. in the Torero bar you can enjoy a buzzing atmosphere with live music and delicious We continue to the perfumed Valley of Roses, Descending into the city of Marrakech, Spanish tapas. famous for the miles and miles of rose Morocco's pink city. We have the rest of the hedgerows that colour the landscape pink. As day at leisure to explore the Medina and we travel through the valley, we stop at the the delights of Djemaa el Fna, the exuberant women's cooperative where we learn how the market place, which is a hive of activity, sights rose products are made. Continue to Tinghir, and smells at both day and night. Overnight - home to the largest silver mine in Africa, and Marrakech (B) our final stop of the day, where we have the evening at leisure to relax and unwind in Day 12 : Djemaa El Fna Riad Dar Alia our former kasbah hotel. Overnight - Dades After breakfast, we set out to explore this Boasting a fantastic location, just a short Gorge (B) fascinating city on a guided tour. Inside the walk from the entrance to the Kasbah of the rose coloured medina walls is a tangle of Udayas, Riad Dar Alia is wonderful choice winding streets and alleys that open onto for a stay in the capital. It offers a number verdant gardens and bustling souks. At the of uniquely decorated rooms in a traditional heart of the medina is Djemaa El Fna, the city's

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Moroccan style. Free WiFi is provided L'empreinte D'Ifrane belies it's Moroccan Dar Amoudou throughout the property and a restaurant location with it's European chalet style serves a variety of Moroccan specialities. wooden architecture. The spacious rooms Adam Park Hotel & Spa are decorated in the same style, with warming wooden interiors, and private Guests can expect a very comfortable stay bathrooms. Free WiFi is offered throughout at the Adam Park Hotel & Spa. Each of the the hotel. elegant rooms feature a patio or balcony with views of the surrounding area. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. Several restaurants offer a variety of options including Italian specialities, Moroccan Riad Dar Dar favourites and international cuisine. There are also plenty of ways to unwind after a day Dar Ba Sidi & Spa exploring Marrakech, with an outdoor pool, fitness centre and a spa offering rejuvenating Surrounded by nature, with a large Desert Camp swimming pool, Dar Ba Sidi offers a quiet massage treatments. oasis for guests to relax. Bright spacious Set amongst the towering dunes of Erg rooms are decorated in the traditional Riad Chebbi, the Berber camp is designed with a style with ornate architecture and mosaics. traditional Moroccan theme. The permanent You can also sample some Moroccan cuisine tents include multiple beds and electricity at the Moulay Ismail restaurant. (after night fall) Camping out in the desert is a wonderful experience, due to the lack of light pollution, the stars come out in abundance and really are a sight to behold. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements Hotel Atlas Saiss Fes As of 01 November 2021 it is a condition of Hotel Atlas Saiss Fes is a popular 4 star travel, as detailed in our Terms & Conditions that all travellers over 18 years provide proof hotel, conveniently located just a 15-minute Kasbah Tizzaouirine walk from Nouvelle Ville. The hotel offers of COVID-19 vaccination. spacious and comfortable guest rooms, Overlooking Oued Dades, Kasbah We recognise any vaccine that has been equipped with free WiFi, flat screen TVs, Tizzarouine offers rustic Moroccan authorised for use in the country where air conditioning and en suite bathrooms. accommodation. Guest rooms vary from the vaccine was administered. This includes Facilities include a restaurant, 24 hour room the quirky cave rooms to the more palatial vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Covaxin, service and a sauna (at an additional cost). Berber suites. The hotel also includes an Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer- Start the day with a generous continental outdoor pool and seating on a beautiful BioNtech, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Sputnik. breakfast before heading out to explore the terrace giving great panoramic views of enchanting imperial city of Fes. After a busy the surrounding hills and valley. Staff at the In all instances, you must be fully immunised. day, relax on the hotel terrace, enjoy a tasty Kasbah are very helpful and the restaurant This means you must receive the full dosage meal at the restaurant or rejuvenate in the comes with great recommendations. Those of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow a minimum sauna. who are in to local music can enjoy and join of 14 days before travelling in order for in with drumming sessions that take place immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 each night. vaccine has different dosages and timeframes for immunisation, so please check the related medical advice associated with your vaccine. Children under 18 years are not required to provide evidence of vaccination to travel at this time. L'empreinte D'ifrane

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If you are unable to be vaccinated due local currency). Tipping your guide and driver Welcome to Morocco - Arrival to medical reasons, you may apply for an is an entirely personal gesture and ultimately transfer exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on the amount is up to you. We provide a complimentary airport arrival a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must transfer on day 1 of your tour or if you provide supporting documentation from a Guides & groups arrive early and have booked pre tour medical professional. Some of our group tours are sectors of a larger accommodation with us. Please proceed tour. Some travellers on your tour may only to the arrivals hall and look for our Proof of COVID-19 immunisation must travel with you for part of your tour. It also representative holding an On The Go Tours be provided to us no less than might be that you end your holiday part way sign. Pre and post tour accommodation can 4 weeks prior to travel. We accept through a longer tour and others in the group be arranged upon request, please contact us COVID-19 digital certificates, NHS Covid continue on. As such, you may have more than for rates. Pass or Vaccination Record Cards e- one guide during your holiday. mailed to [email protected] or you If you are arriving earlier and you have booked can upload your vaccination history In order that we show the best of Morocco in a your accommodation independently, you will yourself via our traveller login. https:// non-hurried fashion to you, it is imperative you need to make your own way to our start www.onthegotours.com/Login are ready for departure each day. Please do hotel, which will be centrally located. The not delay and inconvenience fellow travellers. hotel name and address can be found on your The information you will need to upload It is your responsibility to be at the proposed Tour Voucher. includes: Administering national authority or meeting point for the group in time. We will government, document No, name of Vaccine, depart at our specified times. If, for any reason you have trouble locating date/s of vaccination. our representative (after waiting 20 minutes Please note: If there is only one passenger in the arrival hall) or your flight to Morocco is Entrance fees on the Imperial Morocco & The Blue City tour delayed, please call or send a text message Entrance fees are not included in the price returning to Marrakech on day 7, then instead (standard text message, not Messenger or of your tour, although reasonably priced. We of driving, we will arrange a flight from Fes to WhatsApp) to the emergency contact number collect the entrance fees at the Welcome Marrakech and airport transfers to and from as stated on your Tour Voucher. Meeting on day 1 (the amount is noted under each airport, whilst passengers on the Magical exclusions on the first page of this document). Morocco tour will continue with their touring Visas & passports A breakdown of the entrance fee total is arrangements. For groups of 2+ passengers Visa requirements are subject to change and provided upon arrival. Entrance fees and on the Imperial Morocco & The Blue City visa procurement is the responsibility of the optional excursions that you may wish to sector, we will return to Marrakech in an air- traveller and not On The Go Tours. Please also undertake are payable in local currency - conditioned vehicle. ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 Moroccan Dirhams. USD, Euro or GBP are months from your planned date of departure accepted at the current exchange rate. Optional activites from Morocco. During your free time in Morocco you are welcome head out and independently Tipping kitty After booking your holiday, please provide explore, relax or take part in any of the us with your passport details as soon A tipping kitty (the amount is noted under following optional activities, time permitting. as possible so that we can proceed to 'what is not included' on page one of this These activities are not operated by On The book all services. Please be advised visa document), will be collected by your guide Go Tours and it is important that you make requirements are subject to change, therefore at the Welcome Meeting on day 1. This is sure that Quad Biking and Hot Air Ballooning it is essential that you check current payable in Moroccan Dirhams. USD, Euro or are covered by your travel insurance provider. visa requirements with the embassy before GBP is also accepted at the current exchange Prices are indicative and bookings made travel. For information about visas, head to rate. The tipping kitty is distributed throughout locally. www.onthegotours.com/Morocco/Visas your tour to hotel porters, hotel waiters, local guides for city tours, airport transfer drivers, Marrakech: Hammam - From MAD150 Shopping Berber camel herders and local restaurant Marrakech: Hot air ballooning - MAD2000 Morocco is a shoppers' paradise. The souks of tips. Ouarzazate: Visit to Film Studio - MAD50 Fes, Marrakech and Meknes are full of pottery, Ouarzazate: Quad biking - MAD450 The tipping kitty does not include a tip for carpets and kilims, leather goods, spices and cloth. Keep space in your backpack for your your guide or driver. For a job well done, we Morocco Country Guide suggest you budget approx USD$2-3 per day, purchases! Best buys are: carpets – from per traveller for your guide and USD$1-2, per the High Atlas mountains or a woven and day, per traveller for your driver/s (payable in embroidered Kilim; the burnoose, an elegant

Magical Morocco hooded cape; spices; or traditional pottery • Tour Voucher and a copy of your travel customs, currency, etiquette, WiFi and other and leathers from Fes. insurance policy, spare passport photos and a helpful information to prepare for your photocopy of your passport holiday. In the tourism industry it’s common practice • Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume, for commission to be offered in exchange for torch and money belt RAMADAN recommending particular shops or suppliers. • Either a rucksack or suitcase is suitable. A Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by This can become an issue when clients feel small daypack for your day-to-day needs Muslims throughout the world and adherents obliged to purchase. We do our best to avoid • A towel for swimming of the Muslim faith fast during daylight hours this by monitoring all shopping experiences • A torch for your night in the Sahara Desert and break their fast with lavish meals and offered. • If travelling on our Essential (Budget) group lively celebrations in the evening. Ramadan culminates a month later in a 3 day celebration tour range, a sleeping bag for the Sahara All shopping experiences on your tour called Eid al - Fitr. Many shops (excluding have been noted in the itinerary and they Desert camp is required if travelling between Oct - Apr, a cotton sleep sheet will be those which cater mainly to tourists) and been carefully selected based upon positive attractions close earlier during Ramadan. As feedback from On The Go travellers. You adequate if travelling from May to September (Signature group tour travellers do not need such we will start our tour earlier during this are under no obligation to partake in a period to make the best use of time and listed shopping experience and you are this, as bedding is provided) Drones are not permitted itineraries will be slightly altered to ensure most welcome to wait inside or outside the we visit all attractions, leisure time will be premises. It is forbidden to bring drones into Morocco (even small ones that might fit in hand offered in the late afternoon. Non-Muslims are Although we only visit reputable retailers, luggage), a special permit has to be arranged not expected to fast over Ramadan, but it is please note that we cannot explicitly with the appropriate department in Rabat and considered impolite to eat food or drink on the guarantee the quality of their products. All this can take months to arrange. street. NOTE: Traffic is exceptionally heavy purchases made whilst on holiday with us are during Ramadan, especially toward the time at your own discretion. Please make sure that Hotels of breaking the fast. Forthcoming Ramadan you are completely happy with your purchase. The hotels in Morocco are simple, clean, dates are as follows, (approximate) 12 April – On The Go cannot be held responsible for comfortable and centrally located. We try to 11 May 2021 any items that you buy if they fail to meet utilise local and traditional hotels with plenty expectation, or any shipping arrangements. of character wherever possible. In smaller Proceed with caution. towns, the choice of accommodation is often limited, but we will always book the best Health requirements & water accommodation available for our travellers. You should seek medical advice for Please be aware that hotels in Morocco are vaccinations and about medications before not of the same standard as Western hotels travelling. While tap water in Morocco is and facilities can be more basic. generally considered safe to drink in main cities, it is not advisable in smaller towns and It's not like home, what to remote areas. Drink bottled mineral water, expect & Ramadan which is readily available in hotels, shops and Travel to far-flung corners of the earth restaurants. involves lifestyles and conditions that are sometimes very different from what you Essential packing are used to back home. You must come Please check local temperatures so prepared to cope with unusual situations, you can pack accordingly. Visit local inadequacies and unpredictable events www.worldclimate.com as and when they occur. Foreign travel is • Lightweight cotton garments in summer, definitely not suitable for people who expect warm clothing for winter (temperatures can or demand everything to go exactly as get quite low at night) planned. With the greatest respect and in the • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes interest of your ultimate enjoyment you must • Universal travel adaptor understand this. Things can and do change in • DEET based mosquito repellent and foreign countries. antihistamine cream • First aid kit including Dioralyte Please visit www.onthegotours.com/ Morocco/Travel-tips-and-useful-info for local