Art & Gardens of An escorted tour of the history, culture & landscapes of Morocco 3rd to 12th March; 9th to 18th April; 10th to 19th September; 4th to 13th October 2015 Atlas Mountains

SPAIN

Strait of Gibraltar

xplore the heart of Morocco with a focus on Marrakech and the surrounding valleys and mountain villages. Staying in a range of beautifulE accommodation including a luxury riad in Marrakech, a Kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, and a delightful property in the Ouarzazate MOROCCO Valley, we will take an in-depth look at this exotic land. Looking out over ATLAS MOUNTAINS Marrakech Ourika Valley the mountain and desert landscapes, exploring dramatic gorges and Todra Gorges immersing yourself in the colourful souks of Marrakech is the perfect Ouirgane Asni Imlil Ouarzazate escape from modern life. We will explore art galleries, historic houses TOUBKAL NATIONAL PARK and palaces with their beautiful gardens and enjoy fantastic cuisine in ALGERIA some of the best restaurants in Marrakech.

Our View I remember once reading somewhere that Morocco assaults all the senses. It certainly does. The “colours, the smells, the tastes all combine to give an incredible experience. I recently had the pleasure of joining the first section of our inaugural Art and Gardens of Morocco tour. I can honestly say that La Maison Arabe is one of the most beautiful properties I have stayed in. Tucked away in a quiet side street very close to the Medina, stylishly decorated, service second to none and with wonderful food. We also visit their country gardens for lunch on Day 4, a truly relaxing place. As gardens are one of our themes of this unique tour, we could not miss the Majorelle gardens, a highlight for many. The garden was created in the 1920’s by Jacques Majorelle and restored in later years by Yves Saint Laurent, whose ashes are now scattered there.

The hospitality shown to us by the local family who hosted our dinner in Marrakech was touching, the food was wonderful and the wine flowing. La Mamounia is as elegant as I had expected and Yacut restaurant is enchanting. Take a stroll up to the terrace for great views of the Medina and Koutoubia Mosque. After the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, Imlil is a beautiful contrast. Peace, quiet and seclusion are the order of the day and the city seems a million miles away. Here you will enjoy stunning views of surrounding valleys and welcoming hospitality at Kasbah du Toubkal. You will definitely want to return.” Palm trees Alexia Williams Product Manager Marrakech

Landscape near Ouarzazate

Jardins Majorelle

The Itinerary

Day 1 London to Marrakech. Fly by scheduled to the 12th century, the artisan quarter, and Palmeraie where we enjoy a delicious lunch under flight. On arrival, transfer to our Riad, La Maison the colourful souks. Take a late afternoon stroll the trees. This afternoon shop with our guide, Arabe, for a four-night stay. This evening enjoy around Jemaa El Fna, the main square where relax or use the health centre at our riad. Dinner welcome drinks and a private dinner at the Riad. hundreds of locals and tourists come to spend tonight will be at La Tarattoria. the end of the day watching jugglers, dancers, Day 2 Marrakech. After breakfast, we will take fortune tellers, story tellers and traditional Day 5 Ouirgane & Imlil, Atlas Mountains. After a guided tour of this second imperial city with musicians. Return to La Maison Arabe and this breakfast we visit the Majorelle Gardens, one of its rich monuments, including the Koutoubia evening enjoy a private hosted dinner. the most visited sites in Morocco. It took French minaret, a symbol of the city for 800 years, the painter Jacques Majorelle forty years of passion with its lovely courtyards, late Day 3 Ourika Valley. This morning we will take a and dedication to create this enchanting place Moorish architecture and the scenic drive across the plains south of Marrakech in the heart of the city. We then drive south to including the royal pavilion. Enjoy lunch at La towards Ourika Valley, in the spectacular Atlas the lush valley of Asni where we enjoy lunch Mamounia, where Winston Churchill liked to Mountain region. Visit the Nectarome Herb at Sir Richard Branson’s exquisite property, stay, and visit the beautiful gardens where he gardens where essential oils and perfumes are Kasbah Tamadot, which he bought during one often set up his easel. In the afternoon we will produced and enjoy lunch. Return to Marrakech of his ballooning expeditions. A magical walled visit the oldest building in the city, dating back and enjoy another hosted private dinner tonight. complex with peaceful courtyards, intriguing staircases, landscaped gardens and breathtaking Day 4 Marrakech. This morning, visit the Bert views. In the late afternoon, continue to Imlil in Spices Flint Museum at Maison Tiskiwin which houses an the pretty Mizane Valley, where we walk or ride excellent collection of Moroccan art and artefacts. by mule to Kasbah Toubkal for a two night stay The museum belonged to Dutch anthropologist (please note the climb to Kasbah Toubkal takes Bert Flint a collector of local art. Close by we 20-30 minutes and is fairly steep). stop at Museum, a beautiful palace housing the very essence of Moroccan art. Day 6 Imlil, Atlas Mountains. Today enjoy a walk Continue to The Lawrence-Arnott Art Gallery or mule ride to Armed Village (2000 metres), which opened in Marrakech in 2007, and displays located at the foot of Jebel Toubkal, the highest artwork by new Moroccan and international peak in North Africa at 4167 metres. Explore the artists. We visit the Museum of Palmeraie which Berber village and stop for lunch in a Berber has a garden of two hectares and houses a house before continuing downhill on a different permanent exhibition devoted to contemporary path to Kasbah Toubkal. Alternatively spend art in Morocco and then head to the traditional the morning at Kasbah Toubkal. Relax for the country gardens of La Maison Arabe in the remainder of the day. Bahia palace

Ourika Valley inhabited for hundreds of years. The valley of at leisure. Our farewell dinner tonight will be Dades is also known as the ‘valley of roses’ due taken at Yacout, the most spectacular restaurant to its colourful oasis. Return to your hotel in the designed by the American Bill Willis, now owned late afternoon. by the Honorary British Consul of Marrakech.

Day 9 Ouarzazate to Marrakech. This morning Day 10 Marrakech to London. After a morning you will drive back to Marrakech for an overnight at leisure we transfer to the airport for the return stay at the Sofitel Marrakech. Remainder of day scheduled flight to London.

2015 Departure dates and prices per person Today we leave Based on double occupancy Day 7 Imlil to Ouarzazate. Imlil and drive through the valley along scenic 3rd to 12th March; 9th to 18th April; 10th to 19th September; 4th to 13th October 2015 mountain roads, enjoying spectacular views. Before reaching Ouarzazate we head south over Cat Accommodation Description Double Occupancy Sole Occupancy dirt roads to Ait Benhaddou along the fabulous Standard room at La Maison Arabe and Kasbah du Toubkal, A Deluxe room at Berbere Palace and Sofitel Marrakech £2795 £3995 Ounila Valley. Used as the location for many Deluxe room at La Maison Arabe , Kasbah du Toubkal, films such as Kingdom of Heaven, Gladiator and B Berbere Palace and Sofitel Marrakech. £2995 N/A Babel, this fortified village is now a UNESCO Standard suite at La Maison Arabe, Standard room at Kasbah du Toubkal, World Heritage Site. Take a walk up to the old C Deluxe room at Berbere Palace and Sofitel Marrakech. £3295 N/A village and visit some of the Berber families Standard suite at La Maison Arabe, Superior room at Kasbah du Toubkal, still living there. Looking west back to the high D Deluxe room at Berbere Palace and Sofitel Marrakech. £3395 N/A Atlas Mountains and east across the flat plains Junior suite at La Maison Arabe and Kasbah du Toubkal, E £3695 N/A to Ouarzazate and beyond where the Sahara Deluxe room at Berbere Palace and Sofitel Marrakech Desert lies is a truly spectacular sight. Continue Junior suite at La Maison Arabe, Apartment suite at Kasbah du Toubkal, F Deluxe room at Berbere Palace and Sofitel Marrakech. £3995 N/A to Berbere Palace for a two-night stay.

Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, nine nights hotel accommodation as described, all meals Day 8 Todra Gorges. Today will be devoted (excluding lunch on days 9 and 10) with mineral water, wine with welcome and farewell dinners and hosted dinners, to exploring the Todra and Dades Gorges and all excursions as described, entrance fees, Tour Manager, English speaking guides, gratuities, one complimentary some of the towns and villages in the area. Enjoy spa treatment or cooking class at La Maison Arabe. beautiful scenery of green oases that have been Not Included: Travel insurance, lunch on days 9 and 10. Atlas Mountains

Your Accommodation in Morocco

Bedroom Restaurant La Maison Arabe Since opening in 1946, La Maison Arabe has achieved a legendary status in Marrakech. Ideally situated in the medina, the hotel features 26 rooms and suites, most with a private terrace and fireplace, three restaurants, a piano bar, a world famous cooking school as well as a new spa including a traditional hammam. Admire the traditional Moroccan craftsmanship of this atmospheric hotel as you relax in the flower-filled patio or take a swim in the hotel’s heated pool.

Each of the 12 rooms and 14 suites, most with fireplace and private terrace, is unique in layout and refined decoration. All are air- conditioned and centrally heated, and feature a mini-bar, safe, satellite television and WiFi internet access. The bathrooms, designed using Moroccan marble and granite, are of the highest level of international luxury hotel standards. Breakfast is a choice of either continental with homemade pastries or Moroccan and can be served in your room, or at the buffet by the swimming pool downstairs. An impeccable room Patio Terrace service offers light meals or snacks for those who wish to dine in private.

Le Berbere Palace Pool With its fragrant alleyways surrounded by jasmine and roses, Le Berbere Palace offers luxurious accommodation on the edge of the desert. Sumptuously decorated, the hotel offers a relaxing environment with spacious and well-equipped guest rooms. Relax by the pool under the typical Berber tent, sip a cocktail in the piano bar or make use of the fitness centre, hammam, Jacuzzi and sauna.

The guestrooms in this exclusive property are sumptuously decorated and luxuriously equipped. The decor has been inspired by traditional Moroccan houses with a modern twist. All rooms have an opulent decor and stylish furniture. Some feature a balcony or a terrace. Rooms feature a range of modern comforts such as hairdryer, desk and mini bar to name but a few. Room service is Suite provided 24 hours a day.

The hotel restaurant offers a variety of International and Moroccan specialities. Relax by the pool under the typical Berber tent and indulge in a calm and serene atmosphere. The more active can play tennis in one of the three tennis courts or exercise at the fitness centre with gym, hammam, Jacuzzi and sauna. Bar The Hotel Kasbah du Toubkal Located on the slopes of Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains, known as the “roof of North Africa” on account of the majestic panoramic view that it commands, the guest house is surrounded by vast spaces, plateaus, plantations, cliffs, a lake, waterfalls, and deep ravines. More than a simple guest house, Kasbah du Toubkal offers an extraordinary environment: the opportunity to experience the touching sincerity of Berber hospitality, in a captivating, beautiful setting.

The Kasbah is the result of a unique partnership with its British owner and the local Berber community; with a five per cent levy included in guests’ accommodation bills being funnelled back to the villagers. The Kasbah du Toubkal is not a hotel in the traditional sense, it is more an extension of the Terrace hospitality, warmth and friendliness of the Berbers who run it. A stay at the kasbah is a unique chance to learn about the Berbers culture and the simple lifestyles of these proud mountain people who have changed little over the centuries. Competent local cooks are trained, allowing them to develop their skills further and aiming to offer good and wholesome local Berber food. There are just 14 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, rustic decor including hand- woven carpets and intricately carved woodwork. Rooms feature WiFi, a radio, Bedroom CD player, refrigerator with complimentary soft drinks and hairdryer.

Hotel Sofitel Marrakech The Hotel Lounge Lounge & Spa Just a short walk from the Jema El Fna square, the five star Hotel Sofitel is a contemporary Andalusian-style hotel set in exotic gardens. A place of calm and relaxation, the hotel offers a high level of service and hospitality. There is a choice of bars and restaurants, an extensive spa area with beautifully furnished guest rooms. Each guest room features a balcony overlooking either the town or hotel gardens, marble bathroom, Lanvin complimentary items, hairdryer, WiFi, cable/satellite television, minibar, safe, Bose radio/CD player and air-conditioning. There are four top Marrakech restaurants and bars at the hotel, a luxury spa, two swimming pools, a golf course, tennis courts and gym.

2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE NC-007-080514-S +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk

Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Menara Imperial Garden, Marrakech, Morocco