For reservations call 1-800-788-7885
or contact your local travel agent.

Road to Morocco

2010 – 9 Days from $3,590

Come with us to the kasbahs… and the medieval medinas and the bustling souks on Tauck's 9-day Road to Morocco tour. A diverse cultural kaleidoscope of Berber, European and Islamic influences, Morocco has a fascinating history and rich, exotic traditions that continue to shape life in the 21st century. From fabled Casablanca to the four Imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech, ancient Morocco reveals its many faces, and present-day Morocco embraces the future on an incredible journey of discovery. Visit an astounding contemporary mosque that is the largest outside Mecca and view monuments and sacred places dating back a thousand years. Explore mighty kasbah fortresses and age-old medina towns. Wander through the maze-like souks, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of daily life in these bustling markets. Admire splendid riads, lavish houses built by the wealthy a century or more ago, and be invited into a private home to experience how the Berbers of Morocco live today. As you travel from the Atlantic seacoast to the edge of the Sahara Desert on Tauck's Morocco tour, you'll stay at the best hotels and enjoy a variety of intriguing dining experiences that provide a taste of Moroccan cuisine as you discover marvelous Morocco in Tauck Style.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

2010 Itinerary


Day 1 - Welcome to Morocco!
Tauck's Morocco tour begins at the Hyatt Regency Casablanca at 6:00 PM.  A transfer from Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport to the Hyatt Regency Casablanca is included. Casablanca is Morocco's economic capital and the country's chief port. Please join us for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner this evening.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Hyatt Regency Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco

Day 2 - Modern-day Casablanca and ancient Rabat
Begin your exploration of Morocco's economic center by viewing the United Nations Square and local Casablanca neighborhoods, then visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest religious monuments in the world - and one of the few Moroccan mosques open to non-Muslims. Completed in 1993, this ornate modern marvel is the work of over 6,000 artisans and craftsmen whose talents are evident in the intricate decorations and embellishments. Visit the Mosque's absolution rooms and the hammam. Have a truly memorable Casablanca lunch at Rick's Café - a re-creation of the mythical saloon owned by Humphrey Bogart's character in the 1942 movie that helped to make this city synonymous with romance and intrigue. Then you're off on a drive along the coast to the ancient city of Rabat; walk through the impressive fortress of the Oudaya Kasbah - whose walls date from 1195 - and the Andalucian gardens for a glimpse of Rabat past and present. This evening, you'll enjoy fine à la carte dining at either a Moroccan or French restaurant... the choice is yours!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: La Tour Hassan, Rabat, Morocco

Day 3 - Remarkable Rabat
A highlight of any Morocco tour, the lovely capital city of Rabat offers something intriguing at every turn. View the Royal Palace (Dar el Makhzen), a residence of King Mohammed VI, home to various government offices and approximately 2,000 inhabitants. During a walk through the Chellah Necropolis, take in the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Sala Colonia as well as the remains of a 13th-century mosque and an ancient royal burial complex. Delve into the swirl of life at the Rabat public market; visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the father of Moroccan independence; and view the huge minaret of Hassan Mosque, begun in 1195 AD. After lunch at a Moroccan-style seafood restaurant with views of the Atlantic, enjoying time at leisure exploring Rabat as you please.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: La Tour Hassan, Rabat, Morocco

Day 4 - Imperial cities and a World Heritage Site
Continue your Morocco tour through the country's "breadbasket" today, en route to Fes. Named for a Berber tribe that once inhabited the area, the Imperial city of Meknes was founded in the 10th century and served as the capital of Sultan Moulay Ismaïl in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Putting his subjects to work, he transformed Meknes into an extravagantly impressive walled city known for its babs, or gates, and its Spanish-Moorish style. Take a close-up look at the Heri es-Souani, the stables and granary built to house 12,000 horses, considered to be among the Sultan's finest projects, and visit the Musee Dar Jamaï. Originally built in 1882 as the home of the wealthy Jamaï family, it now houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts. Later, tour the fascinating archaeological site at Volubilis, exploring the best-preserved Roman ruins in this part of Northern Africa with a local guide. Extensive remains of a Roman town as well as remnants of an early medieval town have been unearthed at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today's final destination is the magnificent city of Fes; get set to create more cherished memories of your Morocco tour during a two-night stay at a landmark hotel where your rooms overlook Fes' ancient medina.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sofitel Palais Jamaï Fes, Morocco

Day 5 - Fascinating Fes
No Morocco tour would be complete without time spent in Fes, the oldest of Morocco's four Imperial cities and the country's spiritual and religious capital. Following a lecture on the role of women in Morocco by a noted university professor of women's studies, your exploration of this impressive city includes the Fes el-Jadid, the “new” section of the city built by the Merenids in the 13th century. Here, you'll tour the old Jewish quarter and see the impressive gates of the Dar el-Makhzen, the Royal Palace. Travel back in time in the Fes el-Bali, the ancient medina, or walled city, of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site believed to be the largest car-free urban area in the world. With its labyrinth of narrow, endlessly twisting streets bustling with shops, tanneries, workshops and stalls selling fruit or spices, it is one of the largest living medieval cities on the planet, with some 300,000 residents. View the beautifully decorated theological college of Bou Inania Medersa, built in the 14th century, and the Karaouiyine Mosque, founded in 859 AD and one of the oldest mosques in the western Muslim world. During your stay in Fes, you'll be welcomed to La Maison Bleue and another elegant local riad for unforgettable dinners - another highlight of your Morocco tour.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sofitel Palais Jamaï Fes, Morocco

Day 6 - Through the mountains to Marrakech
Travel through the spectacular scenery of the Middle Atlas mountains as we journey from Fes to Marrakech. Drive through diverse landscapes, from abundant orchards and fertile farmland to mountainous terrain, and through many villages and towns that reveal more of the varied lifestyles in present-day Morocco. You'll arrive in Marrakech early in the evening for a three-night stay amidst the courtyards, fountains and lush gardens of the Sofitel Marrakech Imperial Spa, situated near the ancient medina in the heart of the city.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sofitel Marrakech Imperial Spa, Marrakech, Morocco

Day 7 - The "Pearl of the South"
Marrakech - the very name brings images of magic, mystery and intrigue to mind - has fascinated travelers for centuries. Begin a remarkable day in Morocco's "Pearl of the South" by indulging yourself in the cool, very-blue oasis of the Le Jardin Majorelle, the stunning gardens surrounding Villa Majorelle, once the home of the noted French painter, Jacques Majorelle and later owned by the late designer Yves Saint-Laurent. Over 400 species of plants and over 1,800 different types of cacti compete for your attention outdoors, while beautiful artifacts of Moroccan crafts and culture await your discovery in the Museum of Islamic Art now housed in Villa Majorelle. View the venerable Koutoubia Mosque, the largest in Morocco, and its imposing minaret, which date from the 12th century; visit the opulent 19th-century Palais Bahia; and discover the beautiful, richly decorated Saadian Tombs. Dating from the time of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in the late 16th century, they weren't discovered until 1917. Later, there's a special treat in store as you ride a horse-drawn carriage to Djemâa el Fna Square, the largest city square on the African continent, where you'll see dancers, snake charmers, acrobats and magicians entertaining the crowds who gather here. Then, accompanied by your local guide, absorb the unique flavor of this amazing city as you explore the souks of the medina on foot, finding stalls and shops selling just about anything that anyone could ever want or need, from the mundane to the exotic. Admire the colorful costumes of the water-sellers and the work of the craftsmen practicing traditional skills like blacksmithing, saddle making and basket weaving, as well as the leatherwork that seems to be everywhere. It's an experience you'll never forget - and a magical part of Tauck's Morocco tour. Spend the rest of the day pursuing what interests you most in Marrakech.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Sofitel Marrakech Imperial Spa, Marrakech, Morocco

Day 8 - Meet the Berbers
The indigenous people of Morocco, the once-nomadic Berbers, live in ancient villages on the banks of the Ourika River. Today you'll venture from Marrakech into the verdant Ourika Valley, where you'll be invited into a typical Berber home to experience the warm hospitality of the family as well as a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony. Later, lunch will be served in a restaurant managed by local Berber villagers. Return to Marrakech for an afternoon spent as you wish; this evening, your extraordinary Morocco tour concludes with a flourish with cocktails and canapés followed by an elegant farewell dinner at an exquisite, exclusive riad.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sofitel Marrakech Imperial Spa, Marrakech, Morocco

Day 9 - Homeward bound
Tauck's Morocco tour ends in Marrakech with an included transfer from the Sofitel Marrakech Imperial Spa to Marrakech-Menara Airport. Please allow a minimum of 2 ½ hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Meals: Breakfast

Seize the opportunity to discover Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes and more on Tauck's unforgettable Morocco tour in 2010!



Prices

9 Days from $3,590 plus airfare


2010 Price Per Person
Double Single Triple
April – May; Sept 16 – Oct 31
$3790 $4699
$3838
June; September 1 – 15 $3590 $4499 $3638

21 meals included.

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.

Note: This tour features extensive walking; please remember, the antiquities are thousands of years old and do not have elevators!



Need to Know

Inclusive Prices


Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, entertainment, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling, and the services of the Tauck Director, local guides and drivers are included. A representative of Tauck will meet you at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca and provide transportation to the Hyatt Regency Casablanca, regardless of the day or time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to your departure date. Tauck will also provide transportation from the Sofitel Marrakech to the Marrakech Airport regardless of the time of your departure.

Hotel Accommodations ―The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are accommodated in two rooms and must be requested at time of booking.
 
Meals ― Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
 
Tauck Director ― Road to Morocco is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck World Discovery.

Gratuities Included ― All customary gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, local guides and drivers are included.

No Options Sold ― Your Tauck Director will assist with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.
 

Not Included

Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.

Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours ― To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may prefer to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.

Luggage Responsibility ― Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. Therefore, it is important for your own protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to Tauck Protection Plan on this website for more information.

Personal Expenses ― Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport departure taxes, individual airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.

Tauck Director Gratuities ― The customary gratuity for the Tauck Director is not included. We ask that you extend any gratuity on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.

Additional Information

Airline Security Measures ― In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.

If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.

Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.

You may also wish to visit the Transportation Security Administration website by clicking here.

Air Services ― Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.

Holiday and Museum Closures ― Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.

Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility ―
Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to passengers. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of printing.

Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM at the Hyatt Regency Casablanca. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, please allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends when you check out of the Sofitel Marrakech on the last day of the tour. If you extend your stay through Tauck, transportation will be provided to the Marrakech-Menara Airport upon checkout. We suggest you allow at least 2½ hours for flight check-in.

Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.

Photography on Tour ― Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
 

Preparing To Go

Air Conditioning ― All of the motor coaches used on this tour are air-conditioned for your comfort.

ATM and Credit Cards – We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be ‘suspicious’ charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
 
ATM machines are readily available in Casablanca, Rabat, Fes and Marrakesh.
 
Clothing and Packing ― Dress throughout your journey is casual. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. During the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Nights and mornings may be cool. For the welcome reception and farewell receptions, casual cocktail attire is appropriate.

Valet dry cleaning is available at all hotels.
 
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack:
  • Casual daytime wear - shorts, slacks and short-sleeve shirts
  • An optional jacket and tie for men
  • Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
  • A light sweater or jacket for cooler weather
  • Swimwear
  • Gym wear
  • Lightweight, comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen , hat
  • Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and plenty of film
  • Binoculars (7x50 recommended)
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Raincoat and collapsible umbrella
  • Zipper lock bags or daypack for camera equipment
  • Pre-moistened towelettes & plastic refillable water bottle
  • Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room or cabin while traveling
Mosque etiquette and attire You must remove your shoes upon entering a mosque. Speak quietly, move slowly, and take only non-flash pictures. Avoid walking in front of worshippers performing their ritual prayers. Wear modest, conservative clothing – no sleeveless shirts or shorts for men or women. Ladies should wear a dress or skirt at least to the knees with elbow-length or longer sleeves and a head scarf. Men should wear long pants and a sleeved shirt.
 
Elevation ― The maximum overland elevation on this journey is 6,923 ft (2,110 m) in Ourika Valley and the maximum overnight elevation is 1,529 ft (466 m) in Marrakech.
 
Health ― You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over varied terrain, as much of the sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. Your journey to ancient lands will lead you through lower levels of mosques, medieval alleyways that have inclines and steps, and Roman ruins whose pathways are rugged and irregular. In Fes, you will spend four hours exploring the old quarter ― or medina ― by foot. The pace of the itinerary has been carefully planned to intersperse sightseeing with leisurely days to ensure our guests have a most enjoyable time.

Bottled water will be available on the motor coaches. Please be aware that there are no restrooms on the motor coaches as they are forbidden by law.

Unfortunately, walkers, wheelchairs, and motorized scooters cannot be accommodated on this tour. We also cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.

Smoking
You should be prepared to encounter smoking in public places to which you may not be accustomed.
 
Vaccinations

Before visiting Morocco, you may need to get vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk of contracting while in Morocco. We recommend that you see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect.
If you will be arriving in Morocco within five days of leaving an area infected with Yellow Fever, you will need to provide an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever upon arrival.

Routine vaccinations are recommended. Although childhood diseases, such as measles, rarely occur in the U.S. and other western countries, they are still common in many parts of the world. If you are not vaccinated, you may be at risk for infection. Routine vaccinations include inoculations for influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/ tetanus (DPT).
 
There is no risk of contracting malaria in Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Fes. Because the risk of malaria in North African countries is so limited, taking an anti-malarial drug is not recommended. However, you should protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Medical Facilities

Adequate medical care is available in Morocco’s largest cities, particularly in Rabat and Casablanca, although not all facilities meet high-quality standards. Specialized care or treatment may not be available. Medical facilities are adequate for non-emergency matters, particularly in the urban areas, but most medical staff will have limited or no English skills. Most ordinary prescription and over-the-counter medicines are widely available. However, specialized prescriptions may be difficult to fill and availability of all medicines in rural areas is unreliable. Emergency and specialized care outside the major cities is far below the standards to which you may be accustomed, and in many instances may not be available at all.

Medical Insurance

We strongly urge our guests to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please click here to view a description of Tauck’s Travel Protection.

Medical Emergency Information

If you are a U.S. citizen who requires medical attention or hospitalization, you may contact the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca for information on available physicians and hospitals. The U.S. Consulate General may not recommend any particular doctor, but can provide a list of several doctors and medical centers from which to choose. Consular officers visit Americans who may be in need of assistance. If requested to do so, the Consular Officer can also notify the family in the United States and communicate any requests for funds from home. The U.S. Consulate General has no funds to assist with hospital or physicians’ fees.

The U.S. Social Security Medicare Program does not provide for payment of hospital or medical services outside of the United States. The Veterans Administration will only pay hospital and medical service outside the United States if you are a veteran with a service-related disability.

If you are a citizen of another country, we recommend that you determine what emergency medical services may be available to you through your country’s representative in Morocco before you travel.
 
Luggage Restrictions ―

Checked Luggage ― General

While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.

In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.

Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.

Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.

Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
 
Carry-on Luggage – General

Although oversize bags and carry-on luggage with wheels are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Travel Document Requirements – If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the tour. No visa is required for a stay of 3 months or less.

If you are a citizen of another country, please contact a consulate or embassy of Morocco to determine if you are required to obtain entry visas.
 
Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
 
In addition, we recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

Travel Safety
― U.S. citizen residents in Morocco and U.S. citizen tourists who plan to visit Morocco are encouraged to register their presence in Morocco with the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca. U.S. citizen residents may register via the U.S. Department of State’s Internet- Based Registration Service, which provides the data directly to the Consulate's databases, or in person at the U.S. Consulate General. Please be sure to provide your name, date and place of birth, passport number, itinerary or place of residence, and points of contacts in the U.S. and Morocco. The Consulate does not accept telephone, email or fax registration.

If you are a U.S. citizen, we recommend that you regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found. You may do so by clicking here.
 
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

We urge our guests to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures that you can take to protect yourself in an overseas environment, please read the U.S. Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad by clicking here.
 
Travel with Children ―

Age Recommendations Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.

BabysittingTauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.

Safety and Welfare Responsibility
We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.

Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel

If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.

CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.

If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.), any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.

All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.

Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.

Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
 
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
 
Special Travel Warning for Children Born to a Moroccan Father

Children born to a Moroccan father may have difficulty when leaving Morocco without the father's permission. Under Moroccan law, these children are considered Moroccan citizens. Even if the children bear foreign passports, immigration officials may require proof that the father has approved their departure before the children will be allowed to leave Morocco. Although women, regardless of their nationality, are normally granted custody of their children in divorces, the father must approve the children's departure from Morocco.

For further information on entry/exit requirements for Morocco, you may log on to the Internet website for the Embassy of Morocco by clicking here.
 

Destination Information

Cell Phones ― We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone during motor coach travel or group functions. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.

Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your cell phone service extends to Morocco.

Currency and Exchange Rates - The currency used in Morocco is the Morocco Dirham (MAD). ATM machines are readily available in Casablanca, Rabat, Fes and Marrakesh. A 24-hour currency exchange machine is located in the lobby of your first hotel, the Hyatt Regency Casablanca.

Contact your bank in advance of departure to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM or credit card at locations abroad.
To obtain the most current exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website, oanda.com, by clicking here.

Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – Morocco’s customs policy for non-resident visitors permits the importation of the following items provided they are exported (taken home) at the end of their stay:

  • Clothes for personal use
  • Tobacco (200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 25 cigars, or 250 grams of assortments)
  • Alcoholic drinks (1-liter bottle)
  • Jewelry, perfumes (150 ml) and toilet water (250 ml)
  • Souvenirs, presents whose value should not exceed 2000 DH
  • Camera, camcorder, binoculars or CD player
  • Tape recorder, radio, TV, camera, typewriter or calculator, portable computer, mobile phone
  • Sport fittings
  • Musical instrument
  • Bicycle, tandem, bicycle having an auxiliary motor
Morocco also permits non-residents to export without formalities:
  • Products of Moroccan origin (craft industry, etc) acquired locally
  • Souvenirs
  • Ornamental, fossiliferous or semi-precious stones (should not exceed dozen)
Exportation of objets d’art and antiques require the authorization of the Moroccan Ministry of Culture.

If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the United States. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs website for further details and up-to-date limits by clicking here.

If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.

Morocco currently levies a Value Added Tax (VAT) of approximately 19% on consumer goods and services. (The tax rate may be higher for luxury items and lower for basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union) in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
 
Electrical Current – The electrical current in Morocco is 220 V, 50 Hz. If you plan to bring electrical devices that do not conform to these currents, we suggest that you bring an electrical converter with an adapter plug set.

Internet Access is available as indicated below:

Hyatt Regency Casablanca – High-speed access in rooms and the Business Center
La Tour Hassan - Access in rooms and the Business Center
Hotel Natura - High-Speed accedd in rooms, WiFi in common areas
Sofitel Palais Jamaϊ – WiFi access; internet access in the Business Center
Sofitel Marrakech - Business Center
 
Time Zones – Morocco shares the same time zone as London, the home of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). Currently, Morocco has no plan to switch to Daylight Savings Time in 2009. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, timeanddate.com, by clicking here.

Weather – Morocco has a wide variety of climates. The western coast has a mild Mediterranean climate tempered by trade winds. Inland areas have a hotter, drier, continental climate. Southern Morocco is hot and dry throughout most of the year, though temperatures can drop dramatically at night, especially in the months of December and January.
 
Average Temperature
 
Casablanca, Morocco
Rabat, Morocco
Month
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
January
63 / 48
17 / 9
63 / 46
17 / 8
February
64 / 49
18 / 9
65 / 47
18 / 8
March
67 / 52
19 / 11
68 / 50
20 / 10
April
68 / 54
20 / 12
69 / 52
21 / 11
May
71 / 59
22 / 15
72 / 56
22 / 13
June
75 / 64
24 / 18
77 / 61
25 / 16
July
78 / 68
26 / 20
80 / 65
27 / 18
August
79 / 69
26 / 21
81 / 65
27 / 18
September
78 / 66
26 / 19
80 / 63
27 / 17
October
75 / 61
24 / 16
76 / 59
24 / 15
November
69 / 55
21 / 13
70 / 53
21 / 12
December
65 / 51
18 / 11
65 / 49
18 / 9
 

Fes, Morocco

Marrakech, Morocco
Month
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
January
60 / 39
16 / 4
65 / 44
18 / 7
February
62 / 41
17 / 5
69 / 47
21 / 8
March
67 / 44
19 / 7
74 / 52
23 / 11
April
70 / 46
21 / 8
76 / 54
24 / 12
May
76 / 51
24 / 11
82 / 58
28 / 14
June
86 / 58
30 / 14
90 / 64
32 / 18
July
94 / 64
34 / 18
98 / 69
37 / 21
August
93 / 64
34 / 18
98 / 70
37 / 21
September
87 / 60
31 / 16
90 / 67
32 / 19
October
77 / 54
25 / 12
82 / 60
28 / 16
November
67 / 47
19 / 8
73 / 52
23 / 11
December
61 / 42
16 / 6
67 / 46
19 / 8
 
 
Average Rainfall
 
Casablanca, Morocco
Rabat, Morocco
Month
Inches
Millimeters
Inches
Millimeters
January
1.8
46
2.1
53
February
1.3
33
1.6
40
March
1.1
28
1.5
38
April
0.9
23
1.3
32
May
0.3
9
0.4
11
June
0.1
3
0.1
2
July
0.0
1
0.0
0
August
0.0
0
0.0
1
September
0.2
4
0.3
7
October
1.1
28
1.4
36
November
2.1
53
2.5
64
December
2.1
54
3.0
77
 

Fes, Morocco

Marrakech, Morocco
Month
Inches
Millimeters
Inches
Millimeters
January
1.7
42
0.7
19
February
1.3
33
0.8
19
March
1.4
35
1.0
26
April
1.5
38
0.9
24
May
1.0
24
0.2
5
June
0.3
6
0.1
2
July
0.0
1
0.0
0
August
0.1
2
0.1
2
September
0.5
11
0.2
6
October
1.6
40
0.6
14
November
1.7
42
0.7
17
December
2.0
51
0.7
18
To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, weather.com, by clicking here.
 

If You Have to Cancel

Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in its Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers Tauck Protection Plan.

If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties reduced. Click here for more details.

If you choose not to purchase Tauck’s Protection Plan, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:

60 days or more before departure
$600 per person

59-8 days before departure
$1,250 per person

7-1 days before departure
$2,000 per person