Marrakech Express

For the Independent Traveler
The 10 Day edition with a stay at the seaside town of Essaouira
Click here for the 5 day   7 day or 12 Days edition

This 10-day Friends Abroad^sm adventure to Essaouira, Casablanca, Fez and Marrakech allows you to go at your own pace, establishing your own itinerary.

We'll send you a copy of the Lonely Planet guide to Morocco, so you can read up on this romantic destination, and also so you can learn some useful phrases to ease your way.

WE MAKE THE IMPORTANT ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOU.

We'll make all of the basic travel arrangements for you: reserve hotel accommodation (including continental or buffet breakfast, tax and service); buy your first-class train tickets between Casablanca and Marrakech, and Casablanca and Fez; meet you at airports and train stations and transfer you to and from your hotel; and give you contact numbers for our local Friends Abroadª representative whom you can call with any questions or requests. As well as the domestic air Fez/ Casablanca. All of this is included in the Friends Abroad^sm program.

International airfare is not included in the rates, so feel free to use frequent flyer tickets, or ask us about our special fares.

Come with us! As Crosby, Stills & Nash sing, "We're riding on the Marrakech Expressly taking us to Marrakech!"

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

DAY 1 - CASABLANCA
You arrive in the Kingdom of Morocco, landing at Casablanca, our staff greets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel where dinner awaits you . When you arrive by ferry to Tangiers , we'll meet you at the pier provide you with a complimentary panoramic tour of Tangier then proceed to the train station and voard your first class train : Tangiers/ Casablanca.

DAY 2 - Atlantic Coast to EASSAOUIRA (BL)
Morning tour of the Grand Mosque of Hassan II, a panoramic tour of the old souks & local vegetable markets in the old Medina with the Witches Market , where herbs and spices used in traditional cures, magic spells, talisman and potions are sold, Olives souks and the market of Bab Marrakech, before we drive along the Atlantic coast heading south for Essaouira. Lunch enroute. Late afternoon arrival . With the remainder at leisure to enjoy exploring with guide at hand, this sleepy seaside town.

DAY 3 and DAY 4 - ESSAOUIRA (B)
Essaouira is yours for these two days , a charming fishing harbor. 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 harbor , with some Portuguese character who settled here in the 16th century. Later on Sultan Mohamed Ben Abdellah used it as a base for his corsairs. Today, protected from the sea and the wind behind its commanding fortified medieval walls, Essaouira shelters a flourishing craftsmanship in marquetry, working wood with ebony, mother of pearl and silver thread to make tables, chessboards, caskets and bracelets. Enjoy a seafood lunch, before heading back to the hotel.

DAY 5 - MARRAKECH (B)
Drive north east to Marrakech, and your hotel. Then, this afternoon take your first plunge into this wonderful, exotic city. With your guide book at hand.

DAY 6 - MARRAKECH (B)
There is much to see in this great city which Winston Churchill called "the most beautiful place in the world at sunset." Grab your guidebook and explore! The top sights include the stately Koutoubia Minaret, the hidden tombs of the Saadian dynasty, the Menara pavilion and gardens, the ruins of sprawling Badi Palace, the Bahia Palace Museum, the Ben Yousef medersa, and the Koubba (chapel) of el-Ba'adiyn. If you'd like an orientation tour (optional at extra cost), just contact our local representative, who will be happy to make your reservation.

DAY 7 - MARRAKECH
Culinary Experience and a home hosted dinner (BLD)

This morning you'll ride through Marrakech in a horse-drawn carriage.
One of the special ways of understanding a culture is through its cuisines--not only sampling exotic tastes, but experiencing the preparation of dishes, how they figure in ritual and ceremony, and how they have grown out of the earth and traditions, we'll proceed to the Ecole Hotelière, Marrakech's own hospitality & Culinary Academy and training school, for a demonstration of the preparation of pastry-style doughs. We'll stay for a lunch of salads, tagine of Maghdour kebab, and refreshing fruits.

Later, we'll call on you to take you for your sunset camel ride, in the 13,000 acres of palm groves around Marrakech. You'll finish the day with a memorable experience of Moroccan hospitality, dinner in the home of a Marrakech family in the old Medina.

Complimentary Dinner is included at a local home:
Meet the locals, you may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family ( T shirt , small souvenirs of your home town):
This evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right into the homes of some of the people of Marrakech l! You'll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you'll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they're sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you'll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences.

DAY 8 - MARRAKECH TO CASABLANCA & FEZ (B)
Today you board the Marrakech Express bound for Casablanca! Roll across the beautiful Moroccan countryside, admiring the towering Atlas Mountains in the distance, and the timeless scenes of North African village and town life right beside the rails. When you arrive in Casablanca, our staff meets your train then escorts you by car to Fez, another of Morocco's four royal cities. When you arrive in Fez, our staff will escort you to your hotel, and the city is yours to explore, guidebook in hand. The Lonely Planet guide includes all the important things to see, and recommendations for restaurants in all price ranges, so you'll never be at a loss for advice.

DAY 9 - FEZ (B)
Oldest of Morocco's four Imperial Cities, Fez is endlessly fascinating, and today it's yours. Top sights include the medina (old city), the 15-century Borj Nord Arms Museum, the gateway of the royal palace, the fortifications of the Kasbah, the 9th-century Karaouine Mosque and University, the medersas (theological seminaries) of Bou Inania and Attarine, the shrine of the city's founder Moulay Idris II, the Nejjarine Fountain, the monumental gateway of Bab Boujelloud, the old harem gardens, Dar Batha Museum, and the artisans' guilds in the souks.

DAY 10 - DEPARTURE- FEZ (B)
Very early morning transfer to FEZ Airport , connecting with your international flight homeward.
Bon Voyage

Rates per person in US $

Rates per person	Deluxe	First Class
In Triple Occupancy	US$ 3760.00	US$ 2951.00
In Double Occupancy	US$ 3808.00	US$ 3196.00
In Single Occupancy	US$ 4370.00	US$ 3890.00

DEPARTURE DATES
You may begin your Marrakech Express Friends Abroad^sm tour in Casablanca on any day of the week.

For Dec 20 - Jan 3 :Please add 10 % to the listed rates.

Sample First class;

Fes : Riad Perle Medina , Merinides or similar

Casablanca : Idou Anfa

Essaouira : Villa Quieta

Marrakech : Riad Slitine , Medina & Spa , Maison Rouge , Tikida Garden or Kenzi Farah

Sample Deluxe Hotels:

Fes : Riad Fes


Casablanca : Royal Mansour


Essaouira : Villa Quieta

Marrakech : Riad Mehdi

Your Friends Abroad^sm tour includes:

• Hotel accommodation at a carefully-selected hotel in the class of your choice (Deluxe, First Class), including tax and service.

• Breakfast daily

• First-class train transportation ,as per itinerary.

• Consultation and referral services of our local Friends Abroad^sm representative in each city on your tour.
  
• Private car/driver guide for the drive Casablanca/Essaouira/Marrakech
  
• Lonely Planet guidebook to Morocco

What's not included:

• International airfare to or from Morocco

• Lunch or dinner

• Escorted tours and local guides, which are always available at extra cost if you would like them

• Admissions fees to sights, museums, etc.
  
• Tips

Henna party ( For ladies only ) :
One of the "insiders" excursions into Moroccan culture, a chance to attend a henna party, the painting of hands and body with this natural red dye is a symbol of joy at weddings and regarded as a way to enhance one's beauty , if interested in attending a Henna party , please let's know in advance.

Luxury stay & Spa Experience at the new & luxurious Sofitel Essaouira

The Land of the Caliphs
A 12-day Grand Tour of Morocco, Egypt and Jordan

Accommodations at a Riad :
This is where a traditional welcoming mint tea and a fruit basket await you. Your personal requirements and relaxation are foremost. These luxurious yet delightful Riads are usually a former palace , mansion, or large residential house restored to 1930s , 1940s grandeur.
The Riad classical plan is : substantial walls and orientation to a central patio with venerable trees provide a haven of peace in the midst of bustling Marrakech. Guests are accommodated in usually only five - ten guest suites, each with sitting area and the finest oriental appointments, fireplace ( subject to the category you choose) ,air conditioning, and European-style dining room ( subject to the category you choose) . Some are with private terraces that provides a secluded window on the active life of romantic and mysterious Marrakech.