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Morocco tour - Women Rock the

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Morocco tour - Women Rock the Kasbah - Chefchaouen - Fes - - Merzouga - - Ait Ben Haddou - 12 Days / 11 Nights Group Size: 14 Pax

Introduction

Accommodation Destination Basis Duration

Barceló Casablanca Casablanca B&B 1 Night

Puerta Azul Chefchaouen B&B 2 Nights

Riad Ibn Khaldoun Fes B&B 2 Nights

Hotel Taddart Midelt HB 1 Night

Azawad Luxury Desert Camp Merzouga HB 1 Night

La Perle du Dades Boumalne Dades HB 1 Night

Riad Ksar Ighnda Ait Ben Haddou HB 1 Night

Riad Palais Des Princesses Marrakesh B&B 2 Nights

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Key HB: Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast B&B: Bed and Breakfast

Included

Accommodation

Transport

Activities & Meals as per the itinerary

Excluded • International airport departure tax • Flights • Any visas required • Late check out at hotels • Meals and drinks not mentionedintheitinerary • Expenditure of personal nature • Personal Insurance • Tips • Optional activities

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Day 1: Barceló Casablanca, Casablanca

Casablanca Fondly known by locals simply as ‘Casa', the capital of Morocco is the industrial, economic and cultural heart of this remarkable country, as well as its most cosmopolitan, liberal and progressive city. While most visitors overlook Casablanca in favour of Morocco’s more popular and exotic tourist areas, this sprawling metropolis has plenty to offer the discerning traveller and has many hidden historical and cultural gems just waiting to be discovered. The city is famous for its spectacular Art Deco and Moorish Revival architecture, constructed during the Colonial Period. Explore the Old Medina, a tiny, ancient, walled village; visit the impressive King Hassan II ; discover the ornate rooms, masterfully tiled floors and intricately carved wooden ceilings of the Hispanic-Moorish Mahkama du Pacha; or simply watch the world go by at one of the many ocean-view cafes along the waterfront boulevard.

Day Itinerary Ahlan wa Sahlan & Welcome To Morocco!

Upon arrival at Casabanca Airport, Our representative will be waiting for you outside with an airport sign (Amazing Morocco),as well as our private vehicle that will take you to your hotel where you will start your journey in Morocco. There will be a welcome Moroccan mint tea waiting for you upon check-in , Depending on your arrival time the evening will be at leisure.

*Please note that in order to organize your transfer we need your flight details at least 30 days in advance.

Overnight: Barceló Casablanca The Barceló Casablanca hotel**** is situated in the centre of Casablanca, on Bulevard D'Anfa, one of the most modern areas of this Moroccan city. The recently built hotel is an excellent option both for business trips as well as enjoying a leisure trip and relishing a pleasant stay in Morocco.

It is situated 25 kilometres from Mohamed V International Airport and it has 5 fully equipped function rooms for meetings, events and conferences. The hotel offers free Internet service in all rooms and has a cyber corner for guests.

Stay in the hotel rooms with fabulous views of the Hassan II mosque. The a-la-carte restaurant Tubkal offers a selection of Moroccan and Spanish cuisine accompanied by a carefully selected wine list. The Anfa Tea House offers the country's best tea accompanied by a select array of local pastries.

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Meet and Greet Welcome meeting with tour leader

Activities

Basis Bed and Breakfast All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included

Included *Arrival Transfer from Casablanca CMN Airport

* Welcome Meeting

*Welcome Drink

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Day 2: Puerta Azul, Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen Hidden high up in the Rif Mountains of northeastern Morocco, Chefchaouen is a relatively large historical town known for the striking, variously hued blue-washed buildings of its picturesque Medina. Visitors can look forward to wandering along narrow, cobblestone streets lined with leather and weaving workshops and an array of historical monuments. Must-see attractions include the town's waterfall which lies to the east of the Medina; the ruins of an old mosque on a hill behind the waterfall; and the shady main square of Uta el , which is home to the red- walled casbah, a 15th-century fortress and dungeon displaying ethnographic and art exhibits. This charming town also serves as an ideal base for travellers eager to explore the traditional villages and dramatic mountains of the spectacularly scenic surrounding area.

Day Itinerary This morning Your Amazing trip starts with a visit to of the most impressive sites in Casablanca – the Iconic edifice of the Mosque of Hassan II. Opened in 1993 after 7 Years on construction work of dozens of Moroccan architects and thousands of workers from all over the kinkdom , this mosque has the tallest on the entire planet and is the 3rd largest Mosque in the world , the huge building is part on land and part on sea, and in one area water can be seen through a glass floor. It is one of the only religious sites open to non-Muslims. Later, you will leave Casablanca and drive north along the coast to , the capital of Morocco and its Main Imperial city. It contains numerous fine Berber , mauresque and arab monuments, on this tour you will visit an old quarter known as the Kasbah des Oudaias . Afterwards minaret of the Hassan Mosque and the 2 late kings of Morocco's Mausoleums. In the afternoon, continue on to the charming ''Ismaiilite'' city of .

Overnight: Puerta Azul Puerta Azul is a bed and breakfast accommodation located in Chefchaouen, Morocco. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, a kettle and air conditioning. Guests are offered a complimentary breakfast every morning.

Activities Hassan II Mosque

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Hassan II Mosque The mosque was built in 1989. The minaret measuring 200m in height, but the muezzin who comes to make the call to prayer has an elevator to go up. It is the second largest mosque in the world after ! It was built by the French architect Pinseau and Bouygues.C'est an advanced sea that did not exist before, half the course is actually on the Atlantic ocean.On a visit the prayer room and then ablution places where they wash before d'aller pray 5 times a day. This place also has modern touches, chandeliers descending from the ceiling all alone, the sunroof or the protection against earthquakes.

Basis Bed and Breakfast All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included

Included * Hassan2 Mosque visit

* Chellah site visit

*Kasbah des Oudaias visit

*Mausoleum Mohamed 5 & Hassan 2 Visit

Day 3: Puerta Azul, Chefchaouen

Basis Bed and Breakfast All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included

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Day 4: Riad Ibn Khaldoun, Fes

Fes Morocco’s second-largest city and the country’s former capital, Fes (Fez) is an exotic mix of architecture, ancient alleyways, calls to prayer and colourful markets; all mixed in with a good dose of modern culture. Home to the venerated Karaouine Mosque, which dates back to 859 AD and incorporates an Islamic university, and to the country’s most hallowed shrine, the Zaouia Moulay Idriss II; Fes is regarded as the spiritual seat of Morocco. Music lovers should try to synchronise their trips with the annual Festival of Sacred Music, one of the highlights of the city’s cultural calendar showcasing diverse performances of spiritual and religious music; while those with a penchant for shopping can browse the mesmerizing colourful markets selling an exquisite array of silver, leather and other handicrafts up for grabs.

Day Itinerary Get in your comfy shoes , grab a bottle of water , put on your sunscreen and get ready for an outdoorsy day full of exciting historical sites , after breakfast you will explore the historical streets of Meknes’ medina walk to the shrine of Moulay Ismail who, in the 17th century, turned Meknes from a small town to an important Imperial city of a strategic importance ( Hence the famous name = Ismaiilite city) wander around the Hedim square before visiting the Dar jamai museum which has a magnificent collection of ancient copies of the Islamic holy text, jewellery, art, and more . After the time spent in Magical Meknes head to the city to the ruins of Volubilis .

Take a guided tour of The Mauritanian capital, founded in the 3rd century B.C., The Roman ruins of Volubilis, This site became an important of the Roman Empire and was graced with many fine buildings. Extensive remains of these survive in the archaeological site, located in a fertile agricultural area. Afterwards Head to the spiritual capital of Morocco known as the city of Fes.

Overnight: Riad Ibn Khaldoun Located in the heart of the Al Andalous district of the Medina of Fez, Riad Ibn Khaldoun is close to the historic monuments of El qaraouyin University, Al Andalous University, the Medersa Attarine, the Medersa Sahrij and the Medersa Cherratine.

This accommodation features eight charming suites, a beautiful single room, restaurants and a patio paved with white marble.

Basis Bed and Breakfast

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Included *Meknes guided tou

*Moulay Ismail Mausoleum

*Dar Jamai Museum

*Volubilis entrance and guided tour

Day 5: Riad Ibn Khaldoun, Fes

Basis Bed and Breakfast

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Day 6: Hotel Taddart, Midelt

Midelt Sitting on a plateau between the and Middle in central Morocco, Midelt is an important agricultural trading centre. It has recently begun gaining traction as a tourist destination due to its relatively temperate climate, as well as the hospitality and warmth of its largely Berber population. The town is also known for producing exceptional handicrafts - particularly carpets, blankets and embroidery - and for its outlying traditional villages, where life has changed little over the centuries. Midelt is an excellent base for desert safaris to the Sahara, as well as exploring the rugged granite slopes and fertile palm oases of the High Atlas Mountains.

Day Itinerary This morning enjoy some free time before heading south towards the Magnificent erg chebbi desert and the gateway into the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert. Leave your luggage at the camp's auberge before riding your camel on the way to your desert camp. you’ll have the chance watch the sun set over the golden dunes. Your home for the night will be a Nomadic-style tent in a private tented area, Fully equipped with bedding, blankets and sheets, toiletries , after you are all set in your tent get ready to have a festive dinner by the firecamp.

Overnight: Hotel Taddart Hotel Taddart is located in Taddamoute near the mountains of Ayachi in Morocco. The accommodation is equipped with Wi-Fi, cable TV, air-conditioning, a minibar and a work desk. For guests' enjoyment, there is an on-site restaurant serving international and Moroccan cuisine, a bar, swimming pool, spa, sauna, Jacuzzi, hammam and a fitness centre. Travellers can visit the Museum of Taddart to view the collection of minerals and stones or explore the surrounding areas.

Basis Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Included *Camel ride

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Day 7: Azawad Luxury Desert Camp, Merzouga

Merzouga Situated on the edge of the Sahara Desert, close to the Algerian border, the small Moroccan village of Merzouga serves as the gateway to the Erg Chebbi, an expanse of impressive dune fields. Merzouga is a Moroccan desert dream destination for visitors who come here to explore the sensational surrounding landscape. This remote village provides an excellent base for visitors to explore the Erg Chebbi, which stretches twenty-eight kilometres from north to south and seven kilometres across. The area offers a fantastic selection of activities including: taking a camel safari through the desert; watching a magical sunrise of sunset over the rolling dunes; immersing yourself in traditional Moroccan culture in the heart of the village on a village tour; or visiting the seasonal salt lake of Dayet Srji, home to an array of desert and migratory birds. Don’t miss the golden 150-metre-tall Grande Dune de Merzouga, known to be the tallest dune of the Erg Chebbi.

Overnight: Azawad Luxury Desert Camp Azawad Luxury Desert Camp is a fashioned accommodation mixing modernity and authenticity accommodation in the desert of Merzouga, South-eastern Morocco. The accommodation offers different categories of rooms in the shape of nomadic tents, decorated with the finest Berber art crafted materials and furnished with bright, modern equipment. A dining tent-hall is also available as well as bathrooms in the camp.

Basis Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

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Day 8: La Perle du Dades, Boumalne Dades

Boumalne Dades Boumalne Dades is located in southeast Morocco’s Tinghur Province, at 1500 metres above sea level in the High Atlas Mountains. It is a spellbinding destination - a city of terracotta buildings set between rugged red cliffs, palm oases and fields of crimson wildflowers. The city’s scenic beauty is matched by its cultural intrigue - it has a rich heritage that includes its traditional art, music and architecture - some of which has remained virtually intact over several centuries. A hiking trail leads between the Dades and the Rose Valley and is a wonderful way to experience the area’s ancient palaces and forts, Berber villages and spectacular scenery.

Overnight: La Perle du Dades Located in Dades, Morocco, La Perle du Dades offers accommodation with an on-site restaurant serving French and Moroccan cuisine. This accommodation features a recreational centre, an outdoor pool, surrounding gardens, and is a popular cycling area. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a seating area as well as a private bathroom.

Basis Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

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Day 9: Riad Ksar Ighnda, Ait Ben Haddou

Ait Ben Haddou Set along the former caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara, Ait Benhaddou is a popular tourist destination in the province. This ancient Moroccan village is a traditional mud-brick city edging the High Atlas Mountains. It has featured in many Hollywood movies including Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, Jewel of the Nile, Gladiator and thanks to the Hollywood touch ups through the years, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is well preserved. It is a ‘ksar’ which means fortified village and served as a convenient stopover for hundreds of caravans of camels following the renowned trans-Saharan trade route. Visitors can wander the ancient alleyways, view the traditional architecture, and visit the Granary perched at the top of the hill. Don’t miss the opportunity to view the Mausoleum of Ben-Haddoun at the foot of the hill on the opposite side of town and soak up the breathtaking views.

Overnight: Riad Ksar Ighnda On the edge of the desert at Ouarzazate, where the stunning light shines on a setting of natural beauty, Hotel Riad Ksar Ighnda offers a superb destination for lovers of luxurious sensations and relaxation. In an authentic modern setting, the hotel blends in with the environment. Guest accommodations feature 55 comfortably equipped suites and rooms. Hotel facilities also include a spa and Jacuzzi.

Basis Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

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Day 10: Riad Palais Des Princesses, Marrakesh

Marrakesh Situated to the north of the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and fringing the famed Sahara, the bustling UNESCO-listed city of Marrakesh is an enchanting travel destination in Morocco. It’s easy to lose all sense of time in Marrakech, with its maze of narrow alleyways scattered with donkey carts, snake charmers, castanetists, acrobats, story-tellers, dancers, water-sellers and potion vendors to entertain. If you don’t find all of these as you journey through the winding streets of the ‘Red City’, you will be sure to find them and much, much more at its famous markets. Marrakesh is home to the largest traditional Berber market in Morocco and one of the busiest squares in the world, known as Djemaa el Fna. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this square in the evening as it transforms into an enormous, open-air restaurant.

Overnight: Riad Palais Des Princesses Located in Marrakech, Morocco, Palais Des Princesses offers accommodation about a 2-minute walk away from the Jamaâ El Fna Square. This hotel features free Wi-Fi access, an indoor pool, a spa as well as an on-site restaurant.

All rooms are air-conditioned, spacious and include a private bathroom, and certain rooms have a 4-poster bed.

Basis Bed and Breakfast

Day 11: Riad Palais Des Princesses, Marrakesh

Basis Bed and Breakfast

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Day 12: End of Itinerary

Basis Bed and Breakfast

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Transport

Transfers Date Company Pick Up Drop Off Time Vehicle

Mohammed V International Barceló Casablanca Transfer Airport [CMN]

Barceló Casablanca Puerta Azul Transfer

Puerta Azul Riad Ibn Khaldoun Transfer

Riad Ibn Khaldoun Hotel Taddart Transfer

Hotel Taddart Azawad Luxury Desert Camp Transfer

Azawad Luxury Desert Camp La Perle du Dades Transfer

La Perle du Dades Riad Ksar Ighnda Transfer

Riad Ksar Ighnda Riad Palais Des Princesses Transfer

Riad Palais Des Princesses Marrakech Menara Transfer International Airport [RAK]

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Travel Information

An exotic fusion of Southern Mediterranean, Arabic and African influences, Morocco is an enticing combination of ancient cities and Roman ruins, sweeping deserts and centuries-old medinas, and , winding alleyways and vibrant markets, gorgeous beaches and rugged mountains. The Imperial Cities of Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat have all had a stint as the national capital and are liberally studded with attractions, including a plethora of ancient architecture, museums and souks (markets). The coastal city of Casablanca boasts one of the largest mosques in the world, while , on the Mediterranean coast, features some beautiful bays and sandy coves. Visitors can look forward to sampling exotic Berber cuisine, sipping on a fresh cup of coffee or a mint tea at a streetside cafe, hike Toubkal - ’s highest peak or enjoy camel trekking in the desert.

Banking and Currency Currency

Moroccan Dirham (MAD; symbol Dh) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Dh200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Dh10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes.

Banking

Mon-Thurs 0830-1230 and 1500-1830, Fri 0830-1200 and 1500-1830.

Most major credit cards are accepted in larger restaurants, hotels, guest houses and the occasional shop in the souks, with Visa and MasterCard being accepted most widely.

Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs in larger towns, although service in smaller towns can be erratic. Most major hotels now have more reliable ATMs.

Traveller's cheques are accepted in some areas but are not advised, as the exchange can be problematic and it can be difficult to find a bank able to cash them, although some of the main tourist hotels offer this facility.

Travel, Transport and Getting Around The high-speed toll roads connecting Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Meknes, Fes, Marrakech and El Jadida are of excellent quality. Coastal communities and most large towns are also well served by good roads. In the interior, south of the High Atlas Mountains, road travel becomes much more difficult, especially across the Atlas Mountains in winter.

International and local car hire companies have offices in major towns, cities and airports. Car hire is generally expensive, and prices vary with the season. The minimum age for driving a hired car is 18, although many hire companies will require drivers to be 21 or over.

Metered petit taxis are available in major towns. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped, although it is common to round fares up at least to the next dirham on short trips. Larger, grand taxis are usually Mercedes cars, used for travel

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Bike hire is available in most major towns - although attempting to cycle through city traffic is inadvisable. For those travelling longer distances, bikes can be transported on trains and buses.

Making use of the extensive bus network is the cheapest and most popular way to get around Morocco. Buses serve most communities, and private operators compete for custom on the more popular routes. The major bus companies are Compagnie de Transports Marocains (www.ctm.ma), Trans Ghazala (0536 685 387), and ONCF (www.oncf.ma). There are extensive bus services in Casablanca and other main towns. Pre-purchase tickets are sold.

Traffic drives on the right in Morocco and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory. The speed limit is 40kph (25mph) in cities and built up areas, rising to 80km (50mph) on more major roads, up to 120km (75mph) on motorways. No alcohol at all is allowed in the bloodstream when driving.

Foreign driving licences are accepted, as well as International Driving Permits. Third Party insurance is required. Insurance documentation and a licence must be carried with you at all times. Insurance can be arranged locally.

The Moroccan rail system, run by Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) (www.oncf.ma) provides regular services. The network runs from in the northeast to Casablanca on the west coast, Tangier on the north coast and Fes and Marrakech in the interior. However, only a small part of the country is served, and even large centres such as and Essaouira are not covered.

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice Water sources outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Bottled water is the best bet and is available everywhere. Milk is unpasteurised, so boil before drinking. Meat and fish should be freshly cooked and served hot. Vegetables are typically served cooked. If eating fruit, try to stick to fruit that can be peeled before eating. Most produce is grown organically, without chemical pesticides or fertilisers but it’s highly likely to have been washed in unsterilized water.

Fusion isn't a new trend in Morocco, where the cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean, Arabic, Jewish, Persian, West African and Berber influences. Meals range from the diffa, an elaborate multicourse feast featuring couscous and grilled meats, to quick brochettes (kebab) from a roadside stall. Produce is seasonal, grown locally and typically without chemical pesticides or fertilisers.

Tagines, the fragrant stews of meat, vegetables or fish, named after the distinctive conical earthenware vessel they’re cooked in are the Moroccans main staple. Flavours revolve around a subtle array of spices, and traditionally every spice shop would have its own secret ras el hanout spice blend recipe.

Restaurants range from buffet diners to high-end establishment serving gourmet fare. Many now offer à la carte menus and a three-course fixed-price menu is still common at dinner. Restaurants in cities and large resorts are cosmopolitan, offering a good selection of cuisines, including typical Moroccan fare, plus French, Italian, Spanish and fusion dishes.

The best way to experience the true flavour of Moroccan cuisine, however, is to sample the street food. Djemaa el Fna square in the centre of Marrakech sees an explosion of pop-up food stalls after dark, and most other cities have their own foodie quarters. Scrumptious local specialities such as almonds, olives and a rainbow array of spices can be found in souks across the country.

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Laws on alcohol are fairly liberal (for non-Muslim visitors) and bars in most tourist areas stay open late. Wines, beers and spirits are available to tourists. Muslims are forbidden to drink alcohol. By law, no-one is allowed to drink alcohol in view of a mosque or during Ramadan, although tourist establishments sometimes flout this rule. Locally produced wines, beers and mineral waters are reasonably priced, but imported drinks tend to be expensive.

Tipping waiting staff is expected (if service is satisfactory), usually up to 5 dirams on small bills, and around 10% for larger bills.

Climate and Weather Morocco’s climate is very diverse, varying with the season and region. In general the country has a tropical climate, with temperatures reaching as high as 35°C (95°F) and as low as 5°C (41°F) in the Sahara. The coast has a warm, Mediterranean climate tempered on the eastern coast by southwest trade winds whilst inland areas have a hotter, drier, continental climate. In the south of the country, the weather is very hot and dry throughout most of the year, though temperatures can drop dramatically at night, especially in the months of December and January.

Rain falls from November to March in coastal areas, and the country is mostly dry with high temperatures in summer and a cooler climate in the mountains. Marrakech and Agadir enjoy an average temperature of 21°C (70ºF) during the winter.

Owing to the relatively high winter temperatures, and summers that are dry rather than unbearably humid, Morocco is an all-year round destination. If you really want to avoid the heat, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of April to May, and September to November.

Clothing and Dress Recommendations Lightweight cottons and linens are best worn during summer, with warm medium weight wear for the evenings, during the winter, and in the mountains. Waterproofing is advisable in the wet season, particularly on the coast and in the mountains. Both men and women should be careful to wear clothing that is cognisant of cultural sensitivities – long sleeves and low hems will be looked on favourably. Sunscreen, a sunhat and sunglasses are essential especially in summer.

Electricity and Plug Standards Electrical sockets (outlets) in Morocco are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E" and "Type F" Schuko. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all three types.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in the Kingdom of Morocco usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. North American sockets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the rest of the world. Consequently, North American appliances are generally built for 110- 120 volts.

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Terms and Conditions

Itinerary Terms and Conditions Upon confirmation you are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 30% of the booking total with the remaining balance due 45 days before the trip starts.

This Is a quotation only and NO reservation for services nor hotel bookings have been made.

Availability of all services is guaranteed upon confirmation of reservation.

The prices quoted are valid for limited time from quotation date.