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Grand
Maghreb and North Africa
25-Day tour : From Marrakech to Chartage and the Nile
Tour Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt
Getaway
to North Africa , the kingdom of Morocco, a beautiful,
peaceful land graced with arabesque palaces, where the local people
dress in flowing robes. An exotic land, but one which has adopted
the French tradition of elegant hospitality and refined cuisine. Tour
the best of Egypt & Tunisia
25 days , start weekly departures on Tuesdays in Morocco ,
year round . Including a 5 day Nile Cruise, Cairo, Luxor,Aswan
, Tunis, Hammamet, Sousse, Monastir, El Jem, Sfax, Djerba Island,
Gabes, Matmata, Kebil, Tozeur, Chott El Djerid, Kairouan, Gafsa, Skeita
.
Click
here for the 20-Day Edition
or the 14 day version Tunis &
Egypt .
DAY
1- CASABLANCA- Weekly Year Round - Tuesday
Arrive at Casablanca. Our staff greets you at Casablanca's Mohamed V
Airport and escorts you to your hotel. We'll drop our luggage, have
a refreshing cup of tea or coffee, then head out for a panoramic
tour of the city before returning to our hotel ( Royal Anfa for
5 stars ( Category A ) or Idou Anfa or similar 4 stars hotel category
B )
DAY
2- RABAT - FES -Wednesday 195 Kilometers (cBD)
Start the day with a visit to Casablanca's majestic new Grand Mosque
of King Hassan II, second only to the Great Mosque at Mecca in size.
We'll drive on across the lush countryside to Rabat, Morocco's
capital and our first Imperial City, to visit the magnificent Mausoleum
of King Mohammed V, the historic Hassan Tower minaret, in
the afternoon we drive through forests of cork oak trees, we
continue on our way to Meknès, the "youngest"
of Morocco's four great imperial cities surrounded by towering medieval
walls. We visit the monumental gateway of Bab el-Mansour in the
city walls and the palace tombs of Moulay Ismail before continuing
to Fez, We reach Fez early evening , where we settle in for the
night and our dinner, Sheraton hotel or similar 5 stars.
DAY 3- FEZ -Thursday (cBD)
Oldest of the four Imperial Cities, Fez is endlessly fascinating. We
tour its medina (Old City) and souk (bazaar), stopping
at the gateway of the royal palace, the fortifications of the
Kasbah, the 9th-century Karaouine Mosque and University,
the medersa (theological college) of Bou Inania, the shrine
of the city's founder Moulay Idris II, and the Nejjarine Fountain.
On the way to our hotel, we enjoy panoramic city views from the
heights overlooking this fabled city.
DAY
4- AZROU, BENI-MELLAL & MARRAKECH -Friday (BD)
Out for mountain scenery, we take a leisurely drive along the flanks
of the mighty Atlas range via the charming village of Immouzzer
du Kandar, the lake of Daiet Aoua, the mountain Ifrane ski resort and
town of Azrou before descending to the Kasbah Tadla plain
and the fertile region surrounding Beni-Mellal. In the late afternoon
we arrive at the palm groves of Marrakech, the fourth of Morocco's
great Imperial Cities, to settle in at our hotel, Imperial Borj or Marrakech
Plaza or similar 5 stars hotels.
Dinner
at the hotel or join an optional " Soiree " at Chez Ali ,
a traditional Moroccan dinner with folklore, in an oases/palmgrove on
the outskirts of Marrakech, the additional cost is $50 per person including
transfers.
DAY
5 - MARRAKECH - Saturday (B)
There is much to see in this great city which Winston Churchill called
"the most beautiful place in the world at sunset." We tour
the stately Koutoubia Minaret, the hidden tombs of the Saadian
dynasty, and Bahia Palace. In the afternoon, during our tour
of the souk (market), we see some of the age-old guild artisans
at work. Finally, we end up in famous Djemaa el-Fna square with
its medieval circus atmosphere of itinerant dancers, jugglers, acrobats,
storytellers, soothsayers, snake charmers, medicine men and public scribes.
Finally,
you'll see the Menara pavilion and gardens , the Majorelle Botanical
Gardens of Yves Saint Laurent, planted with trees and flowers from all
over the world.
DAY
6- MARRAKECH -Sunday
(B)
Now that you've got your bearings, Marrakech is yours to explore as
you wish, Lonely Planet guidebook in hand. 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.
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 ! You'll be invited
to a family dinner, and enjoy a wholesome home-cooked specialties Of
course, you may enjoy dinner back at the hotel by letting us know your
preferences in advance .
Day
7 - Marrakech - Tunis - Sousse - Monday : (B)
Our local staff will assist with your transfer to Marrakech Airport
to board your flight to Tunis via Marrakech and maybe via Europe depending
on the day of the week. Air fare in economy class is included in our
rate.
In Tunis our local rep meets you upon arrival at Tunis Carthage International
Airport. You'll be assisted with the formalities, and escorted to the
Sheraton Hotel or similar 5 star hotels .
DAY
8 - HAMMAMET TO SFAX (cBLD) -
Tuesday
We drive along the beautiful blue Mediterranean seashore to Hammamet,
passing picturesque castles, stopping occasionally in local souks (bazaars)
for shopping. Continuing to Sousse, once the Phoenician city
of Hadrumatum, we walk through the medina (old city), cooled by breezes
off the harbor, and visit the Roman catacombs and, if there's time,
a local museum. We stop to explore a typical ribat (fort) before enjoying
lunch at Monastir. Our next stop is El Jem, which boasts
a Roman coliseum very similar to the famous one in Rome. Finally we
reach Sfax, and our hotel.
DAY
9 - DJERBA & GABES (cBLD) - Wednesday
We explore the old city of Sfax, then board the ferry to the
island of Djerba (Jerba) for lunch. Fertile Djerba, a large island
on the south side of the entrance to the Gulf of Gabes, bears many traces
of Roman civilization and produces an abundance of delicious fruit.
We travel to Gabes in time for shopping in the local market,
and for enjoying the shade of a typical palm grove before dinner and
a good night's rest.
DAY
10 - MATMATA TO CHOTT EL DJERID (cBLD) Thursday
Our journey continues to Matmata where we visit troglodyte (underground)
houses where descendants of the Berbers still live as their ancestors
did. We continue to Kebil for lunch, then across the Chott El
Djerid to see its desert Berber villages. We spend the night in a desert
oasis.
DAY
11 - CHOTT EL DJERID & TOZEUR (cBLD) Friday
We explore our desert oasis before driving to Tozeur in time
for lunch. In the afternoon, wander at leisure in Tozeur, our
base for the night.
DAY
12 - GAFSA, KAIROUAN & TUNIS (cBLD) Saturday
We drive to the ancient Roman pools of Gafsa, then to Sbeita
to climb around its Roman ruins. After lunch at a local restaurant,
we continue to Kairouan, an Islamic holy city boasting several
historic mosques and a souk famous for its carpets and leather goods.
We reach Tunis in time for dinner.
DAY
13 - TUNIS (cBLD) Sunday
The famous Bardo Museum, with the largest Roman mosaics in the world,
is our first stop, followed by a visit to Tunis's medina (old city)
for last-minute bargain-hunting. After a relaxing lunch in a seaside
restaurant, we visit the ruins of ancient Cartage, including its theater,
circus and baths. Finally, we stop in the picture-perfect medieval village
of Sidi Bou Said before returning to our hotel in Tunis.
DAY 14 - TUNIS (cB) Monday
Full day at leisure to enjoy exploring Tunis on your own ,or do your
last minute shopping.
DAY
15 - CAIRO (cB) - Tuesday
Our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight to the African
city of light: CAIRO . Our
staff meets you, assists with entry formalities, Complimentary Egyptian
visa fee (valid only for American & Japanese citizens. Passports
must be valid for at least 6 month upon arrival). A visa will be issued
at the airport upon arrival in Cairo. We'll
escort you to your hotel.
DAY
16 - CAIRO (cBL) - Wednesday
Today,
we'll explore the wonders of the Egyptian Museum, with its treasures
of the ancient pharaohs: mummies, statuary, precious stones and metals.
Travellers have long come to Cairo just to gaze on these sights, but
our day has just started. We'll motor to the edge of Cairo, to the mysterious
Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza. Then it's onward to the Citadel of
Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali. Lunch will be served
at a local restaurant.
DAY
17 -Alexandria (cBL)-Thursday
Today,we
tour Alexander the Great's ancient capital , we'll get to known Alexandria
in depth, as we visit the Greco-Roman Museum, the Roman Amphitheater,
the Koum El Shougafa Tombs, the fortress of Kayet Bey, and the Museum
of the Crown Jewels. After lunch in an Alexandrine restaurant, we'll
travel souththward to Cairo through the lush delta of the Nile River,
the source of the wealth of ancient Egypt.
DAY
18 -Cairo (cBD)-Friday
Today Cairo is yours to explore on your own, or just relax. In the evening,
it's all aboard! We'll settle you into your private wood-paneled sleeping
compartment on the train bound along the banks of the Nile. You'll enjoy
dinner on board , as the lights of villages reflect in the river.
DAY
19 -Nile Cruise /Camel Caravan (cBLD)-Saturday
After breakfast
on board, the train arrives in Aswan, where we'll settle you into your
cabin on a Nile steamer. During the train ride, you will have seen feluccas
sailing the Nile. Now we'll experience Egypt at its most authentic,
as we sail in one of these graceful craft. Then, to really immerse yourself,
try your hand at camel riding! We'll take willing passengers on a traditional
caravan to enjoy tea with Nubian villagers. Only Travel in Style affords
this unique opportunity to meet and interact with local people. We are
proud to offer this insight into the Nubian way of life.
DAY 20 - ASWAN, KOM OMBO - (BLD) - Sunday
After breakfast on board, we'll visit the dams at Aswan, including the
High Dam, a modern wonder in this ancient land. At the ancient granite
quarry, we'll see an obelisk left unfinished, then board a launch on
Lake Nasser to visit the Temples of Philae, rescued from rising waters.
Back aboard our cruiser, we'll sail northward down the Nile at a stately
pace, disembarking for a visit to Kom Ombo, the twin temple dedicated
to the crocodile river god, Sobek.
DAY 21 - EDFU, ESNA - (BLD)- Monday
Horse-drawn carriages or vans meet us at riverside to take us through
Edfu to the Temple of Horus, best-preserved in all of Egypt. Later,
we'll cruise to Esna, and by evening, we'll be in fabled Luxor.
DAY 22 - LUXOR - (BLD) - Tuesday
We'll cross the Nile to view an array of ancient splendors: the tomb
chambers of the Valley of the Kings; the imposing tomb-temple of Queen
Hatshepsut and, the Colossi of Memnon.
The Pyramids circa 1920 before
Building the dams on the Nile
DAY
23 - LUXOR, CAIRO - (B) - Wednesday
Check out from our cabins. In the morning we'll visit the imposing Great
Temple of Amon at Karnak and the great Temple of Luxor before heading
back to the airport & the flight back to Cairo and our hotel.
DAY
24 - CAIRO - (B)
You'll make your own program for your last full day in Cairo. Perhaps
you'll do some shopping at the fabulous Khan El-Khalili bazaar, or return
to the fabulous Pyramids, or take an optional tour, or spend the day
with new friends. Don't miss your chance to mingle with the crowds,
the peddlers, and the street entertainers who give life to Cairo!
DAY 25 - DEPARTURE FOR HOME - (B)
After breakfast, our staff will see you to the airport and assist
you with all the formalities before you board your flight for home.
You'll arrive the same day. Bon Voyage!
Rates per
person in US$
| Hotel/Cruise |
In
Triple occupancy |
Double |
Single |
| Deluxe
Hotels |
$
5310.00 |
$5550.00 |
$6135.00 |
First
Class |
$
5020.00 |
$5270.00 |
$5970.00 |
Tour departs
from the USA every Sunday , year round. For Christmas, New Year's &
Easter weeks, please add %20 supplement.
Your
tour includes:
- Airport
transfers in Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt .
- Complimentary
visa fee for Egypt, valid for American, EU , most of the South East
Asian countries, China & Japanese citizens, passports must be
valid for at least 6 month at time of arrival, no visa is required
for Tunis or France.
- Air
fare with taxes from Morocco to Tunis and Cairo , in economy class
, tax included
- Hotel
accommodations in simple but comfortable Five four category in the
major cities in Tunisia , yet modest 4 -star (first-class) hotels
for rest of Tunisia : Sfax: Sfax Center Sfax; Gabes: Chems; Tozeur:
Ramla);
Egypt
: Cairo : Deluxe stars : Grand Hyatt , Conrad over looking the Nile
, or similar .
First class : Oases, 3 Pyramids or similar.
Nile Cruises : M/S Solitaire , M/S Al-Kahila, M/S El-Jamila. M/S Amarco.
M/S Monaco, M/S Monte Carlo, M/S Mojito .
- Meals
as indicated: cB = Continental breakfast; L
= set-menu lunch; D = set-menu dinner
- Guided
sightseeing as indicated, including all admission fees, by air-conditioned
motorcoach . Please note that in Tunisia, touring & guiding will
be in French and English.
Not
Included :
Tips
.
Air
fare from / to your home country
Drinks.
Trip
cancellation insurance, travel insurance ( Please ask for the flyer)
Add
a spa package to your stay :
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