9 Days Morocco - Imperial Cities, The Great Sahara & The Mighty Atlas

9 Days Morocco – Imperial Cities, The Great Sahara & The Mighty Atlas with Istanbul (Specially Prepared for Ms Victoria Yim)

For decades, Morocco's charm has drawn in travellers from all over the world - so come along and discover the

magic for yourself. On this trip, we will relive a glorious medieval past in the ancient 'Imperial Cities' of Rabat,

Meknes, Fes and Marrakech; explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis; enjoy sunset over the sands of the Sahara

on camel back; discover the wild Todra and Dades Gorges on foot; admire intricate clay architecture in Ait

Benhaddou; head up into the High Atlas Mountains; and enjoy drinking mint tea with the locals, eating cous-

cous, socialising and simply soaking up the legendary magic of Morocco. This is a fast paced trip that

encompasses the sea, the desert, mountains and Kasbahs so to cover all this ground in a short amount of time

means some long travel days. With plenty of interest along the way though, it is a fabulous trip of 9 action

packed days encompassing the best icons of Morocco.

Welcome to Morocco!

Flights At A Glance:

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G)

[email protected] Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

Fly 03Dec Singapore / Istanbul TK 067 0030/0640 (12h 10m) – Daily

Fly 05Dec Istanbul / Casablanca TK 617 0950/1300 (5h 10m) – Daily

Fly 12Dec Casablanca / Istanbul TK 618 1430 / 2100 (4h 30m) – Daily

Fly 13Dec Istanbul / Singapore TK 066 0040 / 1720 (10h 40m) – Daily

DAY 00 02nd

DEC (TUE) SINGAPORE / ISTANBUL

Make your way to Singapore Changi Airport this evening for check in for your flight to Casablanca on Turkish Airlines.

DAY 01 03rd

DEC (WED) ISTANBUL

On arrival Istanbul Ataturk International Airport early in the morning, be met by your guide and transfer to Old Istanbul for a half day city tour. Starting from Hippodrome, which saw many major events that change the course of history, we proceed to Hagia Sophia (closed on Monday). This was formerly a church, one of the largest at its time and after the Turks sacked Constantinople and renamed the city Istanbul, it became a mosque. Today, it is a museum. Explore the Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most unusual attraction. The ancient underground reservoir was built during the reign of Roman Emperor, Justinian I in 532AD and most synonymous with the mysterious Medusa head columns. We then proceed to the fascinating Blue Mosque. After lunch, it’s Topkapi Palace (closed on Tuesday), the center of power during the heyday of Ottoman Turks. Explore the King’s & Queen’s Chambers as well as the Harem (closed on Tuesday) with many interesting tales of the royal families.

Overnight: ON OWN ARRANGEMENTS

Meals: Breakfast refreshments, Lunch in local restaurant

DAY 02 04th

DEC (THU) ISTANBUL Today is a full free day at leisure to explore the sights of Istanbul. You have the services of a guide and driver for the full day at your disposal to visit any part of Istanbul. (admissions are not included – to pay direct) Consider visiting the Oktakoy, take a Bosphorus River Cruise to sail between 2 continents, explore the Dolmabahce Palace, or shop at the atmospheric Grand Bazaar.

Overnight: ON OWN ARRANGEMENTS

Meals: ON OWN ARRANGEMENTS



Fly 03Dec Singapore / Istanbul TK 067 0030/0640 (12h 10m) – Daily

DAY 03 05th

DEC (FRI) ISTANBUL / CASABLANCA

Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Casablanca, Morocco.

On arrival at Casablanca Intl Airport, be met by your driver and English-Speaking guide and transfer to downtown Casablanca for some refreshments. Thereafter, we begin our half day tour. We start with a visit to the United Nations Place, followed by Mohammed V Square and the Central Market before continuing to the Habbous quarter to admire the Royal Palace from the outside. The royal complex featuring impressive architecture and meticulously landscaped surroundings has limited public access, so while you can't enter the palace itself, you can still stroll around the grounds and admire the external architecture. Next visit the Mehkama and the Cathedral Notre Dame de Lourdes before heading to the famous Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco and the seventh-largest in the world. Admire the exterior of this beautiful structure overlooking the ocean – be sure to visit this more in-depth after your tour! Your last stop is the Ain Diab

Corniche, where you’ll have free time to walk down the promenade lined with restaurants and swimming pools before hopping back in your vehicle and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Hyatt Regency, Casablanca

Meals: Dinner

DAY 04 06

th DEC (SAT) CASABLANCA / VOLUBILIS / MEKNES / FEZ

This morning, we head towards the Roman ruins of Volubilis, high on a plateau overlooking the Holy City of Moulay Idriss nestled in a lush valley below. The Atlas Mountains in the background add to the beauty of the setting. The 2nd and 3rd century Roman town of Volubilis is noted for its colourful and interesting mosaics depicting daily life, the capitol and triumphal arch. A short drive further on would take you to Meknes, another imperial city with over fifty palaces, with almost 30 kms of walls and 20 gates. Visit the most impressive of these gates, Bab Mansour with its vivid green tiles and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum and Bou Inania

Medersa. Then, continue past fields of wheat, mint, mimosa and cork trees to Fez.

Overnight: Sofitel Fes Palais Jamai Hotel, Fez

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner



Fly 05Dec Istanbul / Casablanca TK 617 0950/1300 (5h 10m) – Daily

DAY 05 07th

DEC (SUN) FEZ

Enjoy a half day tour of Fez. Founded in 807, Fez is the most ancient of the Imperial cities and is considered to be the most complete medieval city of the Arab world. It is a unique and remarkable place that stimulates all your senses, with haunting and beautiful sounds, visual richness, and wafting smells - suspended in time between the Middle Ages and today. The exploration includes the Fes el Bali (Old Fes) with its palaces, mosques and madrasas (Koran schools). Visit the Bou Inania Medersa, Chouwara Tannery, Nejjarine

Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts. A walk in the souqs are not to be missed.

Overnight: Sofitel Fes Palais Jamai Hotel, Fez

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 06 08th

DEC (MON) FEZ / ARFOUD / MERZOUGA

Drive through fertile valleys and into the cedar forests and beautiful lakes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Pass through Ifrane, a charming European looking ski resort and Azrou, a typical Berber town with flat-roofed earthen houses. Stop for lunch at the nature reserve of Midelt before reaching the first slopes of the High Atlas. After Tizi Ntarghempt (1880m), begin your descent into the impressive palm groves and fortified villages of the Ziz valley and Erfoud, your base for exploration. At Erfoud, enjoy a 40-minute drive on landrover to Merzouga dunes, where your Kasbah-style hotel is located. Meet the camels for short ride to the dunes to watch a sunset.

Overnight: Kasbah Hotel Tombouctou




DAY 07 09th

DEC (TUE) MERZOUGA / ARFOUD / TODRA GORGE / OUARZAZARTE

Following breakfast, we drive through the ancient fortified desert town of Rissani, the last visible point of the Ziz River and the beginning of the desert. Continue to the barely visible ruins of Sijilmasa, which flourished in the 8th century and was the famous capital of a caravan route. Continue though lunar-like landscape to Tineghir, one of the largest and most beautiful oases in Morocco. At the nearby Todra Gorge, enjoy lunch of tagine at a restaurant looking out at canyon walls rising 750m on either side. Continue towards Ouarzazate along the southern flank of the High Atlas Mountains. Stop in the heart of the Dades Valley at the oasis Kelaa Mgouna, famous for its Persian roses and rose water perfume essences. Your drive takes you on through this rather desolate valley, hemmed in by the High Atlas Mountains, dotted with decorated kasbahs of the local Berber people to arrive at Ouarzazate.

Overnight: Temple des Arts, Ouarzazarte


DAY 08 10

th DEC (WED) OUARZAZARTE / MARRAKECH

After breakfast, visit the magnificent Kasbahs of Taourirt and Ait Benhaddou, the backdrop for famous films such as “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Gladiator” and “Kingdom of Heaven”. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou is a communal housing compound, typical of a type of construction that is traditional to the Maghreb. The buildings lie in a strategic position against a mountain. They have angle towers and are surrounded by steep defensive walls. The Ksar consists of larger and smaller private houses, but also communal areas like a market place and a mosque. All are made from moulded earth and clay brick. The walls and towers are often ornamented with decorative motifs. Continue to Marrakech along the River Imini through stretches of desert, picturesque farmland, Berber villages, and ruins of ancient kasbahs. Arriving mid-day, you will get your first glimpse of exotic Marrakech. Positioned in the shadows of the High Atlas Mountains and blessed with a perfect climate, Marrakech, founded in 1062, was twice the capital of Morocco and evidence remains of its historical significance.

Overnight: Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial




DAY 09 11th

DEC (THU) MARRAKECH

Today, spend a full free day at leisure to explore the colours of Marrakech, the sights, the smell, the daily lives of the people. Marrakech is a gem to stroll, enjoy local street snacks and cuisines, shop for souvenirs and celebrate your sojourn in Morocco with a lasting impression. Consider pamper yourself to a rejuvenating spa experience at the Sofitel Marrakech for a fitting finale to your trip.

Overnight: Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10 12

th DEC (FRI) MARRAKECH / CASABLANCA / SINGAPORE

After breakfast, we say farewell to Marrakech and drive towards Casablanca Intl Airport for your international flight return to Singapore.

DAY 11 13th

DEC (SAT) ARRIVE SINGAPORE

END OF TOUR

TOUR PRICE PER PERSON: - The following prices are based 2 persons travelling together; - The prices stated can only be indicative and may be adjusted once we have your date of

travel, the exact number of people in your groups and other specific requirements.

Recommended Hotels: BEST Price Per Person

1N in Hyatt Regency, Casablanca 2N in Sofitel Fes Palais Jamai, Fez 1N in Kasbah Hotel Tombouctou, Merzouga 1N in Temple des Arts, Ouarzazarte 2N in Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial

S$6,800 PER PERSON

Turkish Airlines Airport & Fuel Taxes

S$695 PER PERSON

GRAND TOTAL (2 PERSONS)

S$14,990



Fly 12Dec Casablanca / Istanbul TK 618 1430 / 2100 (4h 30m) – Daily

Fly 13Dec Istanbul / Singapore TK 066 0040 / 1720 (10h 40m) – Daily

Cost includes: - Return Economy Airfare on Turkish Airlines (SIN-Casablanca-SIN) via Istanbul; - Half Day tour with Private Guide and vehicle in Istanbul on arrival; - Full Day vehicle with driver and guide at disposal in Istanbul; - Transfers to and from Istanbul Intl Airport; - Accommodations on twin share basis with daily breakfast as stated; - All visits, activities and admission as stated; - Air-conditioned Private Car; - In-car water, nuts and dried fruits; - Services of Professional Driver & English-Speaking Guide; - Meals as stated; - Porter-age at airport upon arrival and departure;

Cost excludes: - Gratuities to guides and driver; - Personal and other expenses not stated. - Travel Insurance - Camera / Video charges at monuments if any; - Any extra meals other than specified; - Any expenses incurred beyond our control due to natural disaster, weather conditions, etc.

Hotels:

Casablanca: Hyatt Regency Casablanca – Situated 900 metres from the Port of Casablanca, this luxurious hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and a night club. Live music and shows are organised at the Dar Beida, one of the on-site restaurants. Provided with free Wi-Fi, all of the air-conditioned rooms at Hyatt Regency Casablanca are equipped with an LCD TV, minibar and free toiletries. A safe, telephone and private bathroom are also available. You can have a glass of wine or a cigar at the Cafe M and music entertainment is offered in the 2 lounge bars. International cuisine is served at the Bissat restaurant while continental dishes are proposed at Les Bougainvillees. Hyatt Regency Casablanca also features a business centre, a fitness centre and 2 squash courts. Limousine rental and airport transfers are provided at a surcharge. The Ain Diab Beach is a 10-minute drive away and Mohamed 5 Airport is a 40-minute drive away. http://casablanca.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909

Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) [email protected] Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

Fez: Sofitel Fes Palais Jamai – This former palace with traditional Moorish decor overlooks the Fez Medina. Surrounded by superb gardens, the Sofitel Fès boasts 5-star facilities and features luxury rooms decorated in an oriental style. The Sofitel Fès Palais Jamaï is located in central Fez, within easy access to all the city’s attractions. The nearby Fez Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a work-out in the Sofitel’s fitness centre you can unwind in the hot tub, sauna or outdoor swimming pool. For a real treat, the hotel’s beautifully decorated spa offers a range of treatments inspired by oriental techniques. You can sample international gastronomic cuisine in the hotel’s 3 restaurants. The traditional Moroccan restaurant serves local cuisine in a lively atmosphere, with belly dancers and a live band. Enjoy a barbecue on the poolside terrace, which benefits from magnificent views over the Medina. After dinner guests can relax with a drink and enjoy the music in the Sofitel’s sophisticated jazz bar. http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-2141-sofitel-fes-palais-jamai/index.shtml#./presentation.shtml

Merzouga: Kasbah Hotel Tombouctou – This hotel is located in the Erg Chebbi Desert in Merzouga, at the foot of the Golden Sand Dunes. It has a swimming pool, restaurant and terrace with a panoramic view of the desert. Free Wi-Fi and a minibar are included in every guest room. Each is equipped with air conditioning and has an en suite bathroom. The restaurant at Hotel Tombouctou serves international cuisine and Moroccan specialities and there is a clay oven. In the morning, guests can choose between a continental breakfast, buffet breakfast or American breakfast. Hotel Tombouctou offers a bar to relax in and gardens to take a walk in. It also has a spa with a hammam and sun beds on its sun terrace. http://www.xaluca.com/en/hotel/tombouctou/



Ouarzazarte: Temple des Arts – In the heart of Ouarzazate, this luxurious 5-star hotel offers design rooms and suites, each with a unique film-inspired theme. It features an outdoor pool, and a spa and wellness centre with Hammam. The air-conditioned guest rooms at Le Temple Des Arts are decorated with unique features, such as hand-painted walls, fireplaces, Buddha statues and marble bathrooms. Each is equipped with free Wi-Fi access and a flat-screen TV, and most also have balconies overlooking the garden or swimming pool. Guests can enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine at the Temple Des Arts’ gastronomic restaurant, Out of Africa. http://www.templedesarts-ouarzazate.com/en/le-temple-des-arts/

Marrakech: Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial – Sofitel Marrakech Le Palais resembles a Moorish palace and is surrounded by gardens with exotic plants and flowers. It offers an outdoor swimming pool and is located a 15-minute walk from Jamaâ El Fna Square. Its traditional architecture along with its ochre-coloured walls gives it an irresistible charm that can also be found in every room. Each room is equipped with comfortable bedding, air-conditioning and a bathroom with L'Occitane products. Unwind in the hotel's lush gardens or in its palm-fringed swimming pools. Guests can also relax in the hammam and sauna or exercise in the modern fitness room. The Sofitel's restaurants and bars provide the perfect setting for relaxing and socialising and offer refined French cuisine with the latest in fusion dishes from around the world. https://secure.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-7335-sofitel-marrakech-palais-imperial/index.shtml#./presentation.shtml



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9 Days Morocco - Imperial Cities, The Great Sahara & The Mighty Atlas