Morocco is a colourful mix of Islamic, Arabic and African influences. Spain and France have left their mark too, making for a rich and unique travel experience.

9 days, Priced from A$1675

Premium Escorted, Departs from & returns to Casablanca

Tour code E938A

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Itinerary

Day 1 – ARRIVE CASABLANCA

Welcome to Morocco, considered the ‘Jewel of North Africa’! Known to the Arabs as “the farthest land of the setting sun!”, it is a land so intrinsically beautiful and rich with heritage, it has attracted seekers of the exotic over the centuries. Even for the most seasoned travellers, there is much to see & do. On arrival at Casablanca Airport, your airport transfers leave for the tour hotel at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 & 15:00. Then relax & settle in. Tonight join your Tour Director & fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink.

Hotel: Sheraton Casablanca. (D).

Day 2 – CASABLANCA – RABAT – MEKNES – FES

After a sightseeing tour of Casablanca, depart for the capital Rabat to see the mausoleum of King Mohammed V & the Royal Palace. Now on to one of the kingdom’s imperial cities, Meknes, dating back to the 11th century, its surroundings remaining unchanged for centuries. Make a rare highlight visit inside the mosque & see Bab el-Mansour gateway before continuing to Fes.

Hotel: Ramada. (BB,D).

Day 3 – FES SIGHTSEEING

A day packed with fantastic sights & smells as you tour this carefully preserved university city, which had its golden age in the fourteenth century, during the reign of the Merinides dynasty. Visit the medina of Fes & walk through its old streets. See one of the oldest universities in the world, taking time to haggle in the Bazaar & see Moroccan pottery. Oriental rugs are an attraction for bargain hunters – witness this most important handicraft of Fes. Enjoy a superb Moroccan dinner & a folklore show with drums & belly dancing. (BB,HD)

Day 4 – FES – ZIZ GORGES – ERFOUD

Leave the bustle of the city behind & head for the spectacular snow-capped High Atlas Mountains. Pass through Ifrane before reaching the great cedar forests of Azrou. Travel up through the magnificent Ziz Gorges, past palm fringed towns to Er Rachidia, built by the French at an important crossroads. Your destination is Erfoud, on the edge of the Sahara Desert. This evening there is the option to witness the glorioussunset in the Sahara.

Hotel: Chergui Kasbah. (BB,L,D)

Day 5 – ERFOUD – TODRA GORGE – DADES VALLEY – OUARZAZATE

Venture towards the oasis of Tinehir, noted for its silver & jewelry workshops. Take a detour to explore the Todra Gorge – the Grand; Canyon of the Sahara. At Boumalne-du-Dades, encounter the dry rugged Dades Valley, dotted with oases of figs, olives, date palms & with castellated mud houses hugging the slopes. The route concludes at Ouarzazate, film capital of Morocco, with everything from Lawrence of Arabia to Star Wars being filmed here.

Hotel: La Berbere Palace. (BB,L,D)

Day 6 – OUARZAZATE – AIT BENHADDOU – MARRAKESH

Get your cameras ready as you stop at the village of Aït Benhaddou, boasting one of Morocco’s finest kasbahs. Continue via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass before descending past charming mountain villages, dense woods & green fields to the ochre coloured city of Marrakesh.

Hotel: Atlas Medina & Spa. (BB,D)

Day 7 – MARRAKESH

Sightseeing includes an exploration of the fascinating Medina (old town), the Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret dominates the Marrakesh skyline, & a visit to the secluded tombs of the Saadi dynasty, hidden behind high walls. After some time to watch the dancers, storytellers & acrobats at the bustling Djemaa El Fna Square, take a scenic drive south of Marrakesh to the beautiful Ourika Valley. Visit a Moroccan family home to witness a traditional mint tea preparation ceremony before returning to your hotel. Tonight, maybe consider an optional horse & buggy ride to the magical Jemaa el Fna Square to enjoy the sights &sounds by night, followed by dinner in a typical Moroccan restaurant? (BB)

Day 8 – MARRAKESH – CASABLANCA

Heading towards the Atlantic coast, say goodbye to the snake charmers of Marrakesh & drive back to Casablanca. Now you’ve experienced the traditional charms of the country, Casablanca is a fascinating place to return to, offering a unique insight into modern Morocco. In many ways, the economic capital represents the hopes & dreams of the country. Spend your last afternoon at leisure, enjoying this vibrant city at your own pace.

Hotel: Sheraton Casablanca. (BB,D)

Day 9 – CASABLANCA

Our Moroccan adventure comes to an end with departure transfers arriving at Casablanca Airport at 07:00, 10:00 & 12:00 hours. (BB)

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Tour Dates & Total Prices 2012

Departs on Returns on Total Twin Share per person Total Single per person
Sat 07 Apr Sun 15 Apr A$1799 A$2214
Sat 14 Apr Sun 22 Apr A$1799 A$2214
Sat 21 Apr Sun 29 Apr A$1799 A$2214
Sat 28 Apr Sun 06 May A$1799 A$2214
Sat 05 May Sun 13 May A$1799 A$2214
Sat 12 May Sun 20 May A$1799 A$2214
Sat 19 May Sun 27 May A$1799 A$2214
Sat 26 May Sun 03 Jun A$1765 A$2180
Sat 02 Jun Sun 10 Jun A$1735 A$2150
Sat 09 Jun Sun 17 Jun A$1735 A$2150
Sat 16 Jun Sun 24 Jun A$1735 A$2150
Sat 23 Jun Sun 01 Jul A$1735 A$2150
Sat 07 Jul Sun 15 Jul A$1735 A$2150
Sat 21 Jul Sun 29 Jul A$1735 A$2150
Sat 04 Aug Sun 12 Aug A$1735 A$2150
Sat 18 Aug Sun 26 Aug A$1735 A$2150
Sat 01 Sep Sun 09 Sep A$1735 A$2150
Sat 08 Sep Sun 16 Sep A$1735 A$2150
Sat 15 Sep Sun 23 Sep A$1735 A$2150
Sat 22 Sep Sun 30 Sep A$1735 A$2150
Sat 29 Sep Sun 07 Oct A$1765 A$2200
Sat 06 Oct Sun 14 Oct A$1765 A$2200
Sat 13 Oct Sun 21 Oct A$1765 A$2200
Sat 20 Oct Sun 28 Oct A$1765 A$2200
Sat 27 Oct Sun 04 Nov A$1735 A$2170

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Early Payment Discount on Early Bookings

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* Pay in full 10 months prior to your tour departure date and SAVE UP TO 7.5%

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Extra Tour Discount – ON YOUR 2ND TOUR

Book two Insight vacations, and you will receive a reduction of 5% off the cheaper of the two tours. Take three tours and save on two! Ask your Travel Agent for suggestions!

Exceptions 1, 2 & 3. All tours must be booked at the same time to qualify.

Young Traveller Savings – 5-17 Year-olds

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This discount applies only to tours featuring the “Young Traveller Discount” in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE!

Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date and accompanied by an adult, sharing a twin room (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). Children under 5 years old are not accepted on any escorted tour. This discount cannot be combined with our Small Group or Milestone Celebrations Discount.