2009 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 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 with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest religious monuments in the world. 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 prayer halls, ablution rooms and sweeping outdoor plazas before setting out to explore Casablanca. Walk through the impressive fortress of the Oudaya Kasbah, whose walls date from 1195, as it reveals what life was like in the past and is like in the present. After viewing Place Mohammed V, the United Nations Square and environs of the Royal Palace, set off to drive along the coast to the ancient city of Rabat.
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 Dar el Makhzen, a residence of King Mohammed VI, home to various government offices and approximately 2,000 inhabitants. During a walk through the Chella Necropolis, take in the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Sala Colonia as well as the remains of a 13^th-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 Hassan Tower, begun in 1195 AD, before enjoying some leisure time followed by an Arabic lesson.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: La Tour Hassan, Rabat, Morocco

Day 4: An imperial city and a World Heritage Site
Named for a Berber tribe that once inhabited the area, the Imperial city of Meknes was the capital of Sultan Moulay Ismaïl in the late 17^th and early 18^th 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. Walk through the Dar el-Ma, the huge structure that held the city’s water supply as well as the Heri es-Souani, stables and granary he built to house 12,000 horses, considered to be among his finest projects. See the magnificent Bab Mansour, adorned with marble pillars, colored tiles and artfully carved stucco 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 on, tour the fascinating archaeological site at Volubilis and explore 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. What you discover today will be a treasured memory of your Morocco tour.
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. Your exploration of this impressive city includes the Fes el-Jadid, the “new” section of the city built by the Merenids in the 13^th 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. View the beautifully decorated theological college of Bou Inania Medersa built in the 14^th century and the Karaouiyine Mosque, founded in 859 AD and one of the oldest mosques in the western Muslim world. You’ll be welcomed to La Maison Bleue, an elegant riad, for an unforgettable dinner this evening – a 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. There’s a special treat in store this evening in Marrakech as you board a horse-drawn carriage for an intriguing introduction to this fascinating city. Alight at the 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. It’s a magical part of any Morocco tour.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sofitel Marrakech, 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. Absorb the flavor of Marrakech as you explore the souks of the medina on foot this morning. You’ll find stalls and shops selling just about anything that anyone could ever want or need, from the mundane to the exotic. Admire 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. View the venerable Koutoubia Mosque, the largest in Morocco, and its imposing minaret, which date from the 12^th century. After a visit to the opulent 19^th-century Palais Bahia, discover the beautiful, richly decorated Saadian Tombs. Dating from the time of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in the late 16^th century, they weren’t discovered until 1917. Later indulge yourself in the cool, very-blue oasis of the Le Jardin Majorelle, the stunning gardens surrounding Villa Majorelle, home of the noted French painter, Jacques Majorelle. 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. This afternoon of your Morocco journey is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Sofitel Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco

Day 8: Meet the Berbers
The Berbers are the indigenous people of Morocco. Venture into the verdant Ourika Valley, where the once-nomadic Berbers now live in villages on the banks of the Ourika River. You’ll be invited into a typical Berber home to experience the warm hospitality of the family. Later, lunch will be served in a restaurant managed by the local villagers. Join us this evening for our farewell reception followed by an elegant dinner at an exquisite, exclusive restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sofitel Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco

Day 9: Homeward bound
Tauck’s Morocco tour ends in Marrakech with an included transfer from the Sofitel Marrakech 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 travel in indulgent Tauck Style on our inspiring and comprehensive new Morocco tour in 2009!

Tauck is currently working hard to provide information regarding this tour. Please check back soon for more information.

If you have an immediate questions, please call us at 800-788-7885 or email info@tauck.com.

Did you know that you can link-up Tauck itineraries to create longer journeys? Many of these trips are in the same region, and depending upon availability you might connect with them before or after your trip. Alternatively, you might find one of these options better suited for your interests and preferences or for when you are available to travel.

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