Morocco in Luxury

Itinerary

• Morocco

  Morocco is located in North Africa with a population of nearly 34 million. It has a coast on the Atlantic Ocean that reaches past the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco has international borders with Algeria to the east, and Mauritania to the south. Morocco was drawn into the Mediterranean world by Phoenician trading colonies and settlements in the late Classical period. This strategic region formed part of the Roman Empire, Vandals, Visigoths, Byzantine Greeks, and Islamic empires. During this time, the high mountains of most of modern Morocco remained in control of their Berber inhabitants. The Treaty of Fez (1912) made Morocco a protectorate of France, but in 1955 the country regained its independence. The capitol city is Rabat, and main economic center is Casablanca. Tangiers is a port located very close to Spain, and receives a lot of European traffic. The cities of Marrakech and Fes are both UNESCO sites. There is a broad range of other sites, the ancient seaport of Essaouira, desert gateway of Ouarzazate, and the mountain passes of the high Atlas Mountains.

• Essaouira

  Essaouira is a laid-back fishing port whose narrow streets are lined with whitewashed, blue-shuttered houses. Long considered as one of the best anchorages of the Moroccan coast, during the 5th century BC the Carthaginian navigator Hanno established a trading post. The actual city of Essaouira was only built during the 18th century by Mohammed III, wishing to reorient his kingdom towards the Atlantic for increased exchanges with European powers. Today it is a city of charm and relaxation with gorgeous ocean views and plenty of optional activities on offer.

• High Atlas Mountain

  High Atlas, also called the Grand Atlas Mountains, is a mountain range in central Morocco in Northern Africa. Among the summits at 1600 m height lies the Kasbah of Télouet on the road to Marrakech. The canyons and ravines of the Dadès and the Todra are also impressive.

• Marrakech

  Marrakech, founded over 1,000 years ago, is also known as the ‘red city’, from the natural red-ochre pigment that colours its walls and buildings, and is perhaps the most famous city in Morocco. A combination of the old (the Medina) and the new (Guéliz), Marrakech is an exotic cocktail of sights and sounds. Its roots are Berber, rather than Arab, having developed as the metropolis of nomadic and Atlas tribes (from the plains and Sahara desert). Once upon a time, Marrakech was the marketplace for goods of all type (slaves, gold, ivory) brought by caravan from distant Southern empires, a commerce which shaped its souks and carnival way of life.

• • Koutoubia mosque
  • Villa Des Orangers

  Day 1: Marrakech

  Take an airport transfer in Marrakech with a private vehicle and driver.

  Accommodation: Villa Des Orangers

  Part of Relais & Chateaux, Villa Des Orangers is one of the top places to stay in Marrakech. The moment you set down your bags here you know you are in for a real treat. A big garden and patios full of exotic plants, health facilities and beauty salon, a restaurant that blends French, Mediterranean and Moroccan influences, a cigar cellar, two swimming pools, one on the roof overlooking the Koutoubia Mosque and the Atlas mountains, a bar open all day so that you can sip mint tea and nibble at Moroccan sweets at your leisure

• • 

  Day 2: Marrakech

  A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal for the day.

  After breakfast you will be met at your hotel and taken on a full day guided tour of Marrakech. Your tour usually starts at the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque but you can discuss all of the options with your guide. The mosques beautiful minaret dominates the skyline of Marrakech and can be seen from almost every approach to the city thanks to a long-standing planning ordinance that forbids any other building in the old city to rise above the height of a palm tree. You will also visit the El-Bahia Palace, this 19th century palace is elaborate in its decoration and was built over a period seven years for Ba Ahmed, the son of the Grand Vizier Si Moussa, there are row after row of apartments—that once housed Ahmed's harem—a trapezoidal garden, a huge tiled courtyard, and many hidden treasures, both in the form of antique objects d'art and the palace's convergence of Andalusian and Moorish architecture. One of most visited sites in Morocco is the Saadian Tombs which were only accessible via the mosque next door. However, in 1917 they were opened to the public and can now be accessed via a narrow passage that leads to an enclosed garden watched over by two mausoleums that include more than one hundred mosaic decorated tombs. The Koranic School Medersa Ben Youssef which is a Theological college founded by the Merenid Sultan Abu Hassan in the 14th century, and restored in 1564 by the Saadians who made it the largest theological college in the Maghreb and a rival to the important Medersa Bou Inania in Fés.

  Accommodation: Villa Des Orangers
• • Hrse Dawn Crriage

  Day 3: Marrakech

  A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal for the day.

  Morning guided tour by horse drawn carriage of the Gardens of Majorelle, a property acquired in 1922 by the painter of the same name. Since 1980 it has belonged to Yves Saint Laurent and is an oasis in the heart of the city rich with flora. You'll also explore the Gardens of Menara. Planted with olive-trees, the park extends for over a hundred hectares and has in its center an immense pool dating from the XIIth century. At the edge of water, a small Saadien house completely rebuilt during the last century takes on an array of beautiful gilded colours as the sun sets. The rest of the afternoon/evening is free for you to enjoy the city.

  Accommodation: Villa Des Orangers
• • High Atlas Mountain
  • Kasbah Tamadot

  Day 4: Marrakech - High Atlas Mountain

  A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal for the day.

  The walking in this region is fantastic and here we have listed some of the most scenic and spectacular. There are some fabulous walks from the Kasbah which can be tailor-made to suit your needs. You can also choose to do 4X4 excursions, Horse or Mule Treks, Mountain Biking or choose to just relax at this fantastic property. All activities can be booked direct at the hotel or if you would prefer us to book them prior to arrival we would be happy to make the arrangements. (activities not included in the tour price)

  Accommodation: Kasbah Tamadot

  Sir Richard Branson's Moroccan Retreat; bought in 1998 during one of his famous ballooning expeditions, Kasbah Tamadot is set at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains one hour's drive from Marrakech, Morocco.

• • High Atlas Mountains

  Day 5: High Atlas Mountain

  The High Atlas Mountain region boasts a wide variety of trekking possibilities, and is suitable for visitors of all ages. For those unable to meet the physical demands of trekking with equipment, mule support for transporting bags or travellers can be provided.  An experienced guide will accompany each trek, and will provide historical information about the area`s visited. During the trek, a picnic lunch is provided.

  Accommodation: Kasbah Tamadot
• • Essaouira
  • Palais L'Heure Bleue Room

  Day 6: High Atlas Mountain - Essaouira

  A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal for the day.

  You will be met by your private car and driver.

  After breakfast, set out accompanied by an experienced guide for a tour of Essaouira, a charming, white-washed town and former Portuguese colony. Explore the lively port area, the colourful souk and market places, and the lovely street of thuya craftsman.

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Accommodation: Palais L`Heure Bleue

  The Palace Heure Bleue is a sumptuous 19th century residence deserving of Essaouira's rich past, on the crossroads of the African, European and Arabic civilisations. Situated in the Essaouira port, overlooking the new town, the medina, and its walls; the former palace falls under the exclusive family of “Relais and Chateaux” hotels, designed to meet the standards of French living. With 35 rooms, this private getaway is ideally located near the beach, where a multitude of facilities exist for the active guest. The restaurants offer authentic fusions of preparations passed down over the years. With the history of colonisation of Morocco, and this village in particular, have created a culinary explosion of an eclectic sort. Some choose to spend their time at the resort dining, while others take advantage of the library, spa, and nearby marketplace. The Palais' very ambiance warmly welcomes you for an exceptional stay.

• Day 7: Essaouira

  A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal today.

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Accommodation: Palais L`Heure Bleue

• Day 8: Essaouira - Marrakech

  A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal today.

  Enjoy a scenic transfer along the Atlantic coastline from Marrakech to Essaouira.  Travel in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver across the the rugged terrain and through the olive grove lined villages for approximately 3 hours.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Marakech international airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• Culinary Delights

  Moroccan dishes are replete with wonderful, healthy ingredients such as garden-fresh fava beans, vine ripened vegetables, and a medley of legumes (chickpeas, kidney, navy, and lentils Many dishes feature pastas and grains like couscous, vermicelli, and orzo. What sets Moroccan cuisine apart from other Mediterranean cooking, however, is the liberal use of spices. Turmeric, saffron, cinnamon, cumin, and sweet Hungarian paprika lend dynamic flavour and a rich, warm colour that enhances the meals' visual quality. Almond paste, ginger, harissa, mint orange-flower-water also add to the exotic flavour.

• Natural Wonders

  The Argan is a rare and endangered tree that grows in warm arid climates and is most commonly found in Morocco. Similar in appearance to an olive tree, it is an important natural resource, producing a nut that provides rich and delicious oil used for cooking. Goats climb the broad, gnarled tree-trunks of the tree to eat the olive-like fruit; however they discard the hard shells and the nut. Farmers then collect the shells and nuts to press for oil, and afterwards the remains are burned and used in cooking. Argan oil is expensive and a rare commodity made mostly by women. It has as divinely smooth and nutty flavour, making it a treat in salad dressing of for dipping bread.

• Cultural Moments

  The medina (market) in Marrakech is one of the largest in the world. Here, one can buy almost anything. It is particularly good for carpets, rugs and ornate metalwork. As in all of Morocco, the market business is conducted in a leisurely, although decidedly earnest way, with the accompaniment of endless glasses of sweet mint tea. Miles of narrow winding streets are crowded with stores selling everything from brass plates and trays to sweet pastries and richly patterned carpets.

• • Villa Des Orangers

  Villa Des Orangers

  Part of Relais & Chateaux, Villa Des Orangers is one of the top places to stay in Marrakech. The moment you set down your bags here you know you are in for a real treat. A big garden and patios full of exotic plants, health facilities and beauty salon, a restaurant that blends French, Mediterranean and Moroccan influences, a cigar cellar, two swimming pools, one on the roof overlooking the Koutoubia Mosque and the Atlas mountains, a bar open all day so that you can sip mint tea and nibble at Moroccan sweets at your leisure

  • More information
• • Kasbah Tamadot

  Kasbah Tamadot

  Sir Richard Branson's Moroccan Retreat; bought in 1998 during one of his famous ballooning expeditions, Kasbah Tamadot is set at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains one hour's drive from Marrakech, Morocco.

  • More information
• • Palais L'Heure Bleue Room
  • Palais L'Heure Bleue Lobby

  Palais L'Heure Bleue

  The Palace Heure Bleue is a sumptuous 19th century residence deserving of Essaouira's rich past, on the crossroads of the African, European and Arabic civilisations. Situated in the Essaouira port, overlooking the new town, the medina, and its walls; the former palace falls under the exclusive family of “Relais and Chateaux” hotels, designed to meet the standards of French living. With 35 rooms, this private getaway is ideally located near the beach, where a multitude of facilities exist for the active guest. The restaurants offer authentic fusions of preparations passed down over the years. With the history of colonisation of Morocco, and this village in particular, have created a culinary explosion of an eclectic sort. Some choose to spend their time at the resort dining, while others take advantage of the library, spa, and nearby marketplace. The Palais' very ambiance warmly welcomes you for an exceptional stay.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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