Castle
Hotels of Morocco
The Ultra
Deluxe Edition - All in 11 Days
The Ultimate in Touring Morocco in Comfort - A Grand 11 Day Private
Tour of Morocco
Including Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis,
Fes, Merzouga Dunes, Ouarzazate, Asni/Imlil, Marrakech and Essaouira
Tour
starts Daily - This is a Private Tour - Choose your own Arrival date
- Year Round
Including Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis, Fes, Merzouga Dunes, Ouarzazate,
Asni/Imlil, Marrakech and Essaouira.
Day
1 - CASABLANCA, RABAT MOROCCO. ( D)
Arrive off your international flight. After clearing customs and immigration,
your English speaking driver will meet and transfer you via Mercedes
car to your boutique hotel, the Villa Mandarine, about 01h15 drive from
the airport.
Villa
Mandarine, once a private family’s holiday mansion, has been transformed
into a warm and inviting luxury hotel with 31 rooms and 5 suites. The
rooms and common areas are appointed with Berber rugs, art, and beautiful
architecture everywhere you look. The magnificent gardens are full of
a variety of citrus trees and are a great place to sit and relax.
Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
All tours are flexible and at your discretion
Website: www.villamandarine.com
VILLA MANDARINE, DELUXE ROOM
Day
2 - RABAT, MEKNES, VOLUBILIS, FES - MOROCCO. (B,D)
After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a visit to Rabat, the capital
city of Morocco.
Walk into the Mohamed V Mausoleum, the burial place of the present King’s
grandfather.
Also see the well-preserved Hassan Tower and the Chellah, which were
built by the Merinids in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Then drive to Meknes (about 02 hours), visit to this former Imperial
city of Morocco: the old ramparts; the Agdoul Basin, which was used
to water the royal gardens and amuse the favorite concubines; the Moulay
Ismail stables, granaries, and House of Water (Dar el Ma), which were
built in the 17th and 18th centuries to house, feed, and water the sultan’s
12,000 horses; Bab el Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco;
the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, one of the few holy sites in Morocco which
may be visited by non-Muslims; and the intrigue of the Meknes landscape.
After visiting Meknes, continue on to explore the ruins of Volubilis
(approximately a 30-minute drive). Volubilis was the Roman capital of
northwestern Africa and has impressive and well-preserved Roman ruins,
including approximately 20 mosaic floors dating back to 25 BC. Built
about 40 CE, probably on the site of a previous Carthaginian settlement
from the 3rd century, Volubilis takes its name from ancient Latin for
the oleander flower, which is common in the area. Volubilis was the
administrative center of the province in Roman Africa called Mauretania
Tingitana. The fertile lands of the province produced grain and olive
oil, which were exported to Rome, contributing to the province's wealth
and prosperity.
The Romans evacuated most of Morocco at the end of the 3rd century,
but unlike some other Roman cities Volubilis was not abandoned. Volubilis
survived until the 18th century when it was demolished, and part of
the marble was taken for construction in nearby Meknes. In 1915, archeological
excavations at Volubilis was begun by the French, and extensive remains
have been uncovered.
Continue
by road to Fes (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes) and check into the
RIAD FES.
Riad Fes is renowned for its luxury, impeccable service and fine restaurant.
Its new Andalous pavilion and lounge have brought an even more vibrant
edge to Fez’s most stylish Riad. With spectacular views of the
Medina and the Atlas Mountains, Riad Fez is ideal for those travelling
for business or pleasure. Enjoy Moroccan specialties and French cuisine
as well as the swimming pool, and nearby golf course.
Dinner and overnight at your riad.
All
tours are flexible and at your discretion.
Website: http://www.riadfes.com
Riad Fes - Deluxe room.
Day
3 - FES - MOROCCO. ( B,D )
Your private guide and Mercedes van will meet you in the hotel reception
for a full-day tour of Fes, the religious capital of Morocco. Your tour
will include the old and new medinas, the 14th century Medersa Attarine
(religious school), and the Arts Museum of Batha. This Hispano-Moorish
palace dates from the end of the 19th century houses an admirable collection
of traditional art from Fes: sculpted wood, wrought iron, sculpted plaster,
and decorative materials that are works of art in their own right. Also
embroidery, carpets, jewellery, and coins compete with one another for
the visitor’s attention.
Afternoon, explore the impressive labyrinth of souks in Fes, declared
by UNESCO to be one of the world’s cultural treasures. The afternoon
will also include photo opportunities at the imposing gate of Bab Boujloud,
the splendid fountain at Place Nejjarine, the ancient ramparts, and
the beautiful façade of the Royal Palace.
Evening, enjoy your Moroccan dinner at la Maison Bleue Restaurant.
Overnight
at your Riad
All tours are flexible and at your discretion.
Website: http://www.riadfes.com
Day
4 - FES , MIDELT, ERFOUD, MERZOUGA - MOROCCO. (
B,L,D )
You will need to make an early start this morning for a full-day drive
to southern Morocco. You will travel through cedar forests and picturesque
scenery of the Middle Atlas Mountains to Erfoud , stopping at Kasbah
Asmaa in Midelt for a typical lunch en route. Erfoud, situated among
the impressive sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, is one of the largest
oases in Morocco.
After you arrive and check-in the hotel, then from Erfoud you will travel
approximately 60 minutes by Jeep to the impressive Merzouga dunes.
Ancient
stories tell that the biggest dunes of Morocco, Erg Chebbi, were created
as a result of God's punishment of local wealthy families that while
having an enormous feast--eating couscous, meat, fruit and washing hands
with milk--refused to help a poor woman and her children by letting
them join the party. From that time on, continuous sand storms and extreme
heat have brought the sand to the dunes of Erg Chebbi, with their highest
point at 160 meters (480 feet).
You are encouraged to have one hour camel ride in the golden dunes to
watch extraordinary and unique moments at sunset in the dunes.
Accommodation : 04 sleeping tents surrounded by the dunes, comfortable
mattresses double or twin, sheets, berber blankets, a small low table,
2 chairs & mineral water on arrival 2 glasses, candles and matches.
Sanitary:
in each sleeping tent the shower & toilet are separated from the
sleeping area by a thick curtain (actually it’s a berber carpet
used as a curtain), the distance between this curtain and the toilet
/ shower is 2 meters. The sanitary in each tent is composed of a toilet
separated by a plastic wall from the shower, the washbasin is located
in a corridor of about 3 meters long facing the sleeping area and all
is inside the tent that is 8 meters long and 4 meters wide.
Food
facilities: 1 tent for the kitchen, 1 tent for the restaurant, and a
small area for the bar. 2 menus are suggested and guest can choose on
spot.
Restaurant : Table with tablecloth (high like in restaurants), traditional
plates.
Silver set for the Tea Ceremony, Tas Ouidou for the traditional hand
washing before dinner, mejmar (kettle on high stand), incense burner,
mrach traditional rosewater sprinkler, poufs.
Aside, one kitchen tent with all the equipment to prepare the dinner
and breakfast.
Breakfast
menu: Freshly squeezed orange juice, coffee, tea, eggs, cereals, cheese,
yogurt, honey, 2 different kinds of jam, fruits, croissant, Moroccan
bread & pancake.
Complete
privacy is guaranteed, torches surround the whole camping area;
Staff:
01 waiters, 1 cook and his assistant & 1 night watchman
Entertainment: A party of 03 local singers to entertain during the dinner.
Dinner
and overnight under the stars in Deluxe private Bedouin camping in the
heart of the desert.
All
tours are flexible and at your discretion
Website: http://www.xaluca.com
Day 5- MERZOUGA DUNES, RISSANI, ERFOUD, TINGHIR, BOUMALNE, SKOURA, OUARZAZATE
- MOROCCO. ( B,D )
After a Bedouin breakfast in the dunes, board the 4x4 then drive to
Rissani the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty now reigning in Morocco and
visit from inside of the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif and go inside
the Abou Aam Ksar fortified village. Then depart for Ouarzazate (a six-hour
drive) through the beautiful 1,000 Kasbah Valley. Along the way, you
will visit Tinghir, a former military outpost built on terraces above
a magnificent palm grove and the route into the awesome Todra Gorge
“at the ends of the earth” between 300 meter (900 feet)
cliffs. Farther on there is a holy spring said to cure sterility in
women. Time free for lunch in Todra Gorges
Then on to Boumalne du Dades, a large town and local administrative
center at the foot of the gorge of a dry riverbed followed by a series
of Kasbahs (huge adobe fortified houses), to El Kelaa de Mgouna and
Skoura. After Skoura, the palm trees are replaced by orchards and irrigated
gardens. Roses for making perfume are the specialty of El Kelaa de Mgouna
. Paris, the famous perfume by Yves Saint Laurent, is made from extract
of these roses.
Situated in a valley at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate
is a former outpost of the Foreign Legion and has now become an important
center for the film industry due to the quality of its light and unpolluted
atmosphere.
Dinner and overnight at The Berber Palace Hotel.
The
Berber Palace Hotel is built in the Kasbah style, with a mix of Berber
and traditional crafts, and an ambience of space and charm has been
created. Centrally located on a high point, the hotel has 240 air-conditioned
rooms each with private terrace/patio, satellite TV, phone, mini-bar,
bath, and shower. Facilities include a large pool, dining room serving
Moroccan and international cuisine, grill, and piano bar.
All
tours are flexible and at your discretion.
Website : www.palaces-traditions.com
Berbere Palace hotel – deluxe room.
Day 6 - OUARZAZATE, AIT BEN HADDOU, TIZI N’TICHKA, AIT OURIR,
OURIKA, TAHANAOUT, IMLIL - MOROCCO. ( B,D )
After breakfast, will depart for Imlil, first visit to the ancient Kasbah
complex of Ait Ben Haddou, an impressive 11th century structure, declared
by UNESCO to be an historical treasure. A photographer’s wonderland,
Ait Ben Haddou is still home to five families. Recent movies made at
Ait Ben Haddou include "Gladiator" (2000), directed by Ridley
Scott, and "Alexander" (2004), Oliver Stone.
Then through the High Atlas Mountains at Tizi N’Tichka Pass (6,600
feet). Arrive at Ait Ourir village at the foot of the high Atlas mountains
then cross the fertile countryside of the Haouz Plain to Ourika valley.
(Total driving time is approximately 4h30 hours.)
Just 5 miles from Ait Ourir starts the green valley of the Ourika River.
From its small beginnings in the Berber country, it streams down the
slopes of Atlas mountains, between the Tlemcen peak and the Timeskar
plateau. The green landscapes of this valley, the lazy meandering torrent
of the river combined with the small red adobe Berber villages hanging
on the slopes will enchant you.
Then, as you round the bend in the road, appears the potters village
where you can be tempted by colourful plates, salad-bowls, flower vases
or lamps in either traditional or modern style; also for sale are collections
of precious minerals : quartz, amethyst, and many other rocks that are
found in this area.
Afterwards continue driving to Tahanaout then to Asni for about 30 mn
to reach the impressive luxury Tamadot Kasbah.
Kasbah
Tamadot is the newest addition to the Virgin Limited portfolio, emerging
as a divine hideaway where the spirit and charm of traditional Moroccan
design is beautifully infused with contemporary elements, creating an
ambiance of luxurious serenity with a hint of exotic adventure. Bought
by Richard Branson in 1998, during one of his famous ballooning expeditions,
Kasbah Tamadot is a magical walled building located near the village
of Asni in Morocco’s high Atlas region.
Dinner and overnight at the Kasbah.
All
tours are flexible and at your discretion.
Website : www.virginlimitededition.com
Kasbah Tamadot - Deluxe room.
Day
7- ASNI, IMLIL, ASNI - MOROCCO. ( B,L,D )
After breakfast at the Kasbah Tamadot, at 09.30 meet with your guide
and your car then drive for a half an hour to reach Imlil village.
The High Atlas, the greatest mountain range of North Africa, is perhaps
the most beautiful and intriguing part of Morocco. It has retained a
remoteness which until recent decades was virtually complete, and contains
villages where the way of life has changed little for centuries.
Outsiders to the mountains are constantly surprised when they encounter
the friendliness and openness of the villagers, as they go about their
everyday tasks. Hiking in the High Atlas is one of the best possible
experiences in Morocco – feasible exploration of stunning natural
beauty, and of a rigidly individual world.
10.00 Arrival in Imlil, meet and greet by local mountain guide and mules
then depart for two hours and half soft trekking around the Kasbah.
Walk through the village of Mzig, hidden away around to the West. The
views of
Imlil and the terraces are beautiful from here.
Enjoy a Berber Tea ceremony with a berber local family.
13.00 Drive back to Kasbah, time free to relax by the pool.
Lunch & dinner at Kasbah Tamadot.
Note: All tours are flexible and at your discretion.
Website : www.virginlimitededition.com
Kasbah Tamadot - Deluxe room.
Day
8 - Kasbah Tamadot – MARRAKECH, Morocco. (
B,D )
After breakfast leave for a full-day guided tour to Marrakech.
Marrakech dates back as far as the year 1070, and several monuments
stand out as landmarks in the course of its history. First of all, you
will visit the Koutoubia Mosque, sister tower to Seville's Giralda,
the minaret of which has become the symbol of the city.
Then visit the more recently built Bahia Palace (19th century), which
is often inhabited by His Majesty's guests, and its succession of rooms
finely decorated in Arabic style, and gardens and "Riad" planted
with orange and jasmine trees.
You
tour will continue to the Museum of Dar Si Said with the best display
of Berber arts and crafts from all over the country, and the remains
of the Badii Palace, an historical monument chosen to host the annual
National Festival of Popular Art, beginning the second Friday in June.
Check into Riad Farnatchi.
Riad
Farnatchi has been created out of five small Riads in the heart of the
oldest part of Marrakech. Houses have stood on the site for many centuries
and some of our walls go back over 400 years.
The current owner, a retired award winning British hotelier, spent two
years converting the first three riads into a holiday home for his friends
and family. He only decided to
change it to it's current use when approached by the ex manager of one
of Marrakech' most respected hotels. Lynn suggested that it would fill
a gap at the very top of the Riad market in the Medina of Marrakech,
by combining the wonderful interiors with her outstanding experience
of hotel keeping in Marrakech. Riad Farnatchi now has the feel of a
beautiful, highly individual, private house, but the facilities of a
world class 5 star "boutique" hotel.
Riad Farnatchi has been totally rebuilt incorporating modern wiring,
smoke detectors and heavy quality room doors. The furniture, whilst
fabulously designed, is also
comfortable - possibly a 'first' amongst Riads in the Medina! The bedrooms
have adjustable lighting that can be both romantic and practical, rather
than one or the other.
The public areas on the Ground Floor are a collection of traditionally
proportioned rooms and B'hous (covered sitting areas with one side open
to an internal courtyard) that allow guests to either meet together
in groups or to find their own private corner. In addition, every room
has at least one private sitting area. Quite uniquely, almost every
piece of furniture has been specially designed and made for Riad Farnatchi
in
Marrakech. The style reflects a fascinating fusion of traditional Moroccan
and modern European design. It is unmistakably Moroccan and exotic whilst
being supremely comfortable and practical.
Dinner and overnight at your riad.
All
tours are flexible and at your discretion.
Website : www.riadfarnatchi.com
Riad Farnatchi – Junior suite.
Day
9 - MARRAKECH- MOROCCO. ( B,D )
After a breakfast at your riad, take a morning tour along the old city
ramparts and through the lush botanical Majorelle Gardens, privately
owned by Yves St. Laurent. Enjoy some time in the gardens.
Then to the Souks of Marrakech! Certainly these are the most colourful
and the liveliest in Africa. The different trades are grouped by services
they offer: the dyers, the blacksmiths, the babouche and shoemakers,
spices, and fabric sellers.
This
afternoon ends at the renowned Djemaa El Fna Square, a popular entertainment
area where each afternoon storytellers, snake charmers, tooth-drawers,
and dancers appear to entertain the crowd in a scene that is pure street
theater. It’s a shopper’s paradise and a discovery for all
five senses. Anything can be found here, from a blue silk thread to
a wrought iron table, from a jar of pickled olives to a full bucket
of “Khlih,” the local homemade beef preserve!
In the evening, enjoy your dinner at Dar Moha Moroccan inventive cuisine
restaurant.
All tours are flexible and at your discretion.
Website : www.riadfarnatchi.com
Riad Farnatchi – Junior suite.
Day
10 - MARRAKECH, ESSAOUIRA, MARRAKECH - MOROCCO. (
B,L,D )
After breakfast, depart for a full day excursion to Essaouira, about
02.30 hours drive.
Charming fishing harbour at 170kms from Marrakech, renowned for generations
for its production of "Murex" a small shellfish used to make
the purple dye for Roman togas, Essaouira is now a very active fishing
harbour still showing traces of having been occupied by the Portuguese
in the XVIth century.
Later on Sultan Mohamed Ben Abdellah used it as a base for its corsairs!
Today, protected from the sea and the wind behind its commanding fortified
walls, Essaouira shelters a flourishing craftsmanship in marquetry,
working citron-and-lime wood with ebony, mother of pearl and silver
thread to make tables, chess-boards, caskets and bracelets.
Enjoy your seafood lunch at the Taros restaurant with a nice view overlooking
the Atlantic ocean.
Drive back to Marrakech.
In the evening, enjoy a panoramic tour by a traditional horse carriage
followed by a transfer to Yacout the best gourmet Moroccan restaurant
in Marrakech ( drinks are included )for your fare-well dinner.
All
tours are flexible and at your discretion.
Website : www.riadfarnatchi.com
Riad Farnatchi – Junior suite.
Day
11- MARRAKECH - MOROCCO. ( B )
Breakfast at your riad, then transfer to Marrakech airport for your
flight back home departure. Bon Voyage . Add a foray into the luxury
resort at el Jadida.
