Relais & Chateau Signature Morocco )

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.

• Casablanca

  Casablanca is a city in western Morocco, on the Atlantic coast. It is the country's largest city and chief port. The site was used early on as a port for Romans and Phoenicians, eventually becoming a town under Portuguese rule, and later abandoned in the mid 1700's after a devastating earthquake. In 1907, the French took control of the rebuilt Casablanca and retained power until 1956. The city still retains much of its French colonial architecture and culture.

• Fes

  Fès is the most ancient and impressive of the imperial cities. Built in the eighth century, it has more history and mystery than anywhere else in Morocco. The medina (market) in Fès El Bali is one of the largest in the world and is also on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. It is a huge maze of winding streets and covered bazaars where you can buy almost anything. It is particularly good for carpets, rugs and ornate metalwork.

• 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.

• Merzouga

  The dunes of Erg Chebbi are a spectacular natural formation, the highest dunes in the country rising up to 300 meters at their highest point and best appreciated for watching the sun rise or set. They are approximately 28 kilometers in length and stretching away from the dunes, east and south towards Algeria, is a vast expanse of barren, rocky plains known locally as ‘hammada’.

• Skoura

  The oasis of Skoura's claim to fame is its long line of kasbahs along two seasonal rivers. Its appearance may be deceptive to many, being so long, it may recall images of a forest more than a huge oasis. Still it is even larger, most of the oasis runs north from the road. The most impressive among the many attractive kasbahs is the Amerhidl, dating back to the 17th century. Its design and grand size made it fit to illustrate the back of the Moroccan 50 dirham note.

• • Fez Mosque
  • Riad Fes Lobby

  Day 1: Casablanca - Fes

  Welcome to Morocco!  Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by our local representative. 

  Upon arrival to Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, be welcomed by an English speaking guide before being transferred to your hotel in Fes. En route you will visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, the second largest mosque in the world after Mecca in Saudi Arabia (direct payment for the entrance). Continue to the diplomatic and administrative capital of Morocco, Rabat. Visit the Royal Palace, the wild gardens of the Chellah, the 4th-century Merinid necropolis, and a walk in the Andalusia Gardens which rest within the walls of the Kasbah of the Oudaya. Enjoy a stop at the Hassan Tower, a huge unfinished minaret, built mostly at the end of the 12th century. The tour is complete upon arrival to the hotel in Fes.

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

  Accommodation: Riad Fes

  Riad Fes is located in the heart of the ancient city of Fez. The Relais et Châteaux Riad Fes has succeeded in combining refinement with inspiration and invites you to relax and enjoy your stay in a serene atmosphere. The prestigious history and refined civilization of this Imperial city is reflected in the Spanish Moorish architecture and attention to detail seen in the décor. Its opened Andalous pavilion, in a simpler and contemporary style and its new baroco-andalous pavilion come to complete the traditional patio with a style even more contemporary and purified, to the full satisfaction of the guests who wish to spend some time in the middle of an oasis of harmony, comfort and luxury

• • Fez

  Day 2: Fes

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

  Explore the cultural and spiritual center of Morocco during this full day tour of Fes. Also known as Fes el Bali, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in the 9th century, and is home to the world's oldest university. The city of Fes reached its true economic and cultural height in the 13th–14th centuries under the Merinids, when it replaced Marrakech as the capital of the kingdom.   Although the political capital of Morocco was transferred to Rabat in 1912, Fes has retained its status as the country's Artisan centre. Artisan workshops in the medina are as active today as they were 100 years ago, and strongly contribute to the city’s industrial economy. Trades such as blacksmithing, leather working, ceramics, silk, tapestries, and sculpting are still practiced in these workshops today. The original ramparts still protect this ancient city and its estimated 9000 narrow passageways and bustling streets.

  Dinner not included in tour price.

  Accommodation: Riad Fes
• • Merzouga
  • La Belle Etoile tented camp

  Day 3: Fes - Erfoud - Merzouga

  A private vehicle with English speaking driver will provide a transfer between Fes and Erfoud. Travel through the scenic cedar forest and across the Middle Atlas Mountain range to Midelt, where a lunch break is scheduled.  Continue onwards towards Erfoud through the Ziz Gorge passing en-route the ancient, holy city of Rissani and the ruins of Sijilmassa, a once capital stopping locale for the old caravan routings of the 8th century. The approximate travel time is 7 hours.

  A 4x4 vehicle will be waiting for you to continue your adventure by heading towards the dunes of Erg Chebbi, possibly the largest dunes in the Sahara desert. The dunes of Erg Chebbi are a strikingly strange natural formation. On the top of the flattest area you could imagine, suddenly a long mountain of sand rises. This mountain is surrounded by flat and desolate nature on all sides, and you could end up wondering if it really is real. But so it is, even if its existence is so weird that it has given rise to legends and myths among the locals. Upon arrival at the camp you will witness the sunset from over the desert dunes and be astounded by the peace and calm as well as the changing colours of the landscape. If you're up to it you can also ride a camel!

  Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch at the hotel Taddarte in Midelt.

  Accommodation: La Belle Etoile Bedouin Camp

  Enjoy your special night under the stars at this beautiful Oasis in a premium tented camp. Experience a camel ride at sunset and sunrise from the top of the dunes. Your desert experience includes an authentic Moroccan dinner under the stars and breakfast in the morning.

• • Skoura
  • Dar Ahlam

  Day 4: Erfoud - Skoura

  Travel today between Erfoud and Ouarzazate with private vehicle and driver.  En-route, stop in the Dades Gorge located just southwest of Tinerhir and some 110 km (65 miles) from Ouarzazate. Experience the unbelievable glory of the massive canyon walls reaching some 300 meters (900 feet) high and continuing for some 100 meters (300 feet).   A little north-east of the southern city of Ouarzazate, lies the Dadès Valley-stretching out between the peaks of the High Atlas and the Jbel Sarhro mountain range. Known as 'The Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs', it is the most prominent of the oasis valleys that dominate southern Morocco. Before reaching Ouarzazate, you will make a stop in Skoura - one of Morocco’s beautiful oases.  Skoura offers travellers a chance to rest their weary feet and enjoy the abundance of nature. At first glance from the road, it resembles a sort of thin, long, oasis. However once you get off the road you discover that Skoura in Morocco is very large and that what appeared to be a line of trees is actually a flourishing oasis.  Continue to your lodging in the Ouarzazate area.  

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

  Accommodation: Dar Ahlam

  Between the peaks of the High Atlas and the gateway to the South Moroccan desert, Ouarzazate paves the way to luxurious oases. Situated in the region of the thousand Kasbahs, the Skoura palm grove is a refreshing stop, a true labyrinth of luscious gardens. In the shade of the hundred-year-old palm trees, hides a dream house which lives according to tradition: almond trees in bloom, festival of roses, date and olive harvests.

• • Ait Benhaddou

  Day 5: Skoura - Ouarzazate

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

  After breakfast, departure for visiting Taourirt Kasbah at the gateway of Ouarzazate. Continue to Ait Benhaddou where you'll have a 1h tour visiting the old fortified kasbah, protected by UNESCO. On your way back, you will visit Ouarzazate's Cinema Studios.

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

  Accommodation: Dar Ahlam
• • Koutoubia mosque
  • Villa Des Orangers

  Day 6: Ouarzazate - Marrakech

  Sleep in this morning and relax at your hotel.

  Travel today between Ouarzazate and Marrakech in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver. The route through Ouarzazate to Marrakech offers wonderful photo opportunities including views of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Aït Ben Haddou, where movies such as Gladiator and Jesus Of Nazareth were filmed, and the dramatic Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass.

  Dinner not included in tour price.

  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 7: 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 8: 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.

  Today you'll spend your time exploring the Mellah: A Jewish district and visit the Synagogues and cemetery. Marrakech had a strong Jewish community specialised in commerce and handicrafts. You'll have a private guide and driver for the day so they will be able to take you to the various synagogues in the Mellah.

  Accommodation: Villa Des Orangers
• • Casablanca

  Day 9: Marrakech - Casablanca

  A private vehicle with English speaking driver will provide a transfer between Marrakech and Casablanca.  The approximate travel time is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Casablanca 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.

• • Riad Fes Lobby

  Riad Fes

  Riad Fes is located in the heart of the ancient city of Fez. The Relais et Châteaux Riad Fes has succeeded in combining refinement with inspiration and invites you to relax and enjoy your stay in a serene atmosphere. The prestigious history and refined civilization of this Imperial city is reflected in the Spanish Moorish architecture and attention to detail seen in the décor. Its opened Andalous pavilion, in a simpler and contemporary style and its new baroco-andalous pavilion come to complete the traditional patio with a style even more contemporary and purified, to the full satisfaction of the guests who wish to spend some time in the middle of an oasis of harmony, comfort and luxury

  • More information
• • La Belle Etoile tented camp

  La Belle Etoile Bedouin Camp

  Enjoy your special night under the stars at this beautiful Oasis in a premium tented camp. Experience a camel ride at sunset and sunrise from the top of the dunes. Your desert experience includes an authentic Moroccan dinner under the stars and breakfast in the morning.

  • More information
• • Dar Ahlam

  Dar Ahlam

  Between the peaks of the High Atlas and the gateway to the South Moroccan desert, Ouarzazate paves the way to luxurious oases. Situated in the region of the thousand Kasbahs, the Skoura palm grove is a refreshing stop, a true labyrinth of luscious gardens. In the shade of the hundred-year-old palm trees, hides a dream house which lives according to tradition: almond trees in bloom, festival of roses, date and olive harvests.

  • More information
• • 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

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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