Day 1 ~ Depart USA

Day 2 ~ Casablanca

Today we will arrive in Casablanca at Mohammed V airport, the largest and the heart of Moroccan business. After security formalities we will be met and transferred to our hotel in downtown Casablanca.

Day 3 ~ Rabat

Before we leave for Rabat, we will visit Casablanca and our tour includes United Nations Square, Central Market, HASSAN II mosque (view from outside only), harbor district and the Royal Palace. Our next stop is Rabat, the administrative capital and one of the four imperial cities. We will walk through the imperial quarter where we will see beautiful gardens, many interesting Moorish royal buildings including the Royal Palace. We will drive by an impressive necropolis going back to the Roman time and visit the complex of Hassan Tower and Mosque plus the famous Mohammed V Mausoleum, archetype of the finesse of decorative art in Morocco, and finally to visit the walled village so called Oudaia Kasbah overlooking the Atlantic Ocean

Day 4 ~ Tangier

Today our drive along the Atlantic Ocean to Asilah once a very important Phoenician and Roman trade city is a charming and beautiful town. This small Andalusian-style city offers beautiful walks in narrow, winding streets where you will see houses lining the streets with different colored balconies and doors. In the afternoon we continue along the ocean to our final destination, Tangier.

Day 5 ~ Tangier

"A dove poised on the shoulder of Africa" - Tangier has long been coveted for its strategic position. Since Tingis was founded in the IVth century BC, Carthaginians, Romans, Phoenicians, Vandals, Arabs, Spaniards, Portuguese and the English have jealously fought for the right to control it. No African city is closer to Europe; no other "oriental" city is more dearly loved by European or American artists - painters, musicians or authors. Delacroix, Saint-Saens, Matisse, Kees Van Dongen, Tennessee Williams, Jean Genet, Joseph Kessel, William Burroughs and Paul Bowles, to name but a few, have all lived in Tangier - and been captivated by its spell. Follow their footsteps, and enter Tangier in style. By the Bab Er Raha gate, breaching the ramparts and guiding you towards a breathtaking view over the city and the bay. Listen to the sounds of the port and the kasbah coming up from below. Let yourself follow your whims and inspiration as you set out to explore Tangier. This is the Grand Socco (the Great Souk), so dear to Joseph Kessel, dominated by the minaret in multicoloured faience which rises above the Sidi Bou Abid mosque.

As an optional trip: we could take a ferry across Strait of Gibraltar to Gibraltar for a day trip

Day 6 ~ Chefchaouen

This morning we depart for Chefchaouen which is certainly the one of Morocco's most delightful spots. The blue and white town appears at a turn in the road, with its two-story houses and round roofing tiles, and with its twenty odd mosques and sanctuaries. The holy town of Chefchaouen breathes an atmosphere of profound serenity. After the pleasures of the beach at Cabo Negro, it is a delight to stroll through these cobblestone streets and idly dream in a peaceful, shaded square as you sip your coffee in a Moorish café!

Day 7 ~ Fez

Today we are heading to Fez with a stop in Meknes, famous for its beautiful city gates and another one of the four imperial cities. We will visit the palace of the ancient Ismaïlian rulers and Royal Granaries. Grains were an important crop from ancient times. This is followed by Volubilis, site of the most important and extensive Roman ruins in Morocco, having been annexed by Rome in 45 AD. Our final destination today will be Fes for overnight.

Day 8 ~ Fes

Fes is the spiritual, cultural center in Morocco and the most prestigious of the imperial cities; the first in Morocco's history. We will drive to the citadel for a magnificent panoramic view of the old and new city and spend the rest of the day to explore Fes's world famous and fascinating old city (medieval Medina) with its over one million alleys, full of madrassas, mausoleums, living quarters and handicraft quarters.

Day 9 ~ Erfoud

Today we will have one of the most interesting and scenic drives through the Atlas Mountains. We will drive through the Berber villages, towns to see their pastured animals and colorful costumes. We will stop in Midelt famous for its fossils and local Berber handicrafts and continue to drive along the Ziz River and its oasis growing more than million date palm trees. Our final destination is Erfoud the capital of dates in Morocco.

Day 10 ~ Merzouga-Desert

The entire day will be spent in the Sahara with a camel ride into the desert camp. Climbing the sand dunes for a spectacular sunset afterward we will have a special dinner together with musicians. We overnight under tents and ending with the sunrise in the world over the sand dunes and back to civilization on the camels.

Day 11 ~ Quarzazate

Departure for Quarzazate via Rissani to see the mausoleum of Moulay Ali ash-Sherif, the ancestor of the Alawite dynasty which still rules today. Passing through Tinejdad we will stop at Todra Gorge for a spectacular view. Quarzazate is the capital of African movie studios where many American movies are made. We will have a city tour including a beautifully walled city called Kasbah and cinema museum.

Day 12 ~ Marrakech

We are heading to Marrakech spending some time at Ait Benhaddou, the most spectacular fortress of Morocco. We continue to Marrakesh via Taddert village and Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass (6,800 feet) offering a wonderful view of the Atlas range.

Day 13 ~ Marrakech

The entire day will be devoted to sightseeing of Marrakech, the second oldest imperial city and definitely the "Pearl of the South", founded by the Almoravids at the end of the 11th century. You will visit the famous Saadian Tombs, Menara Gardens, Koutoubia Mosque, and Bahia Palace. Continue with sightseeing in the souks and the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square.

Day 14 ~ Essaouira

This morning we are heading to Essaouira (pronounced Esa-weera), the most popular of the coastal towns, with magnificent beaches and relaxed atmosphere. The fortifications of the old city are a mixture of Portuguese, French, and Berber military architecture, and their massiveness lends a powerful mystique. You'll find narrow lanes, whitewashed houses with blue painted doors, tranquil squares, pleasant cafes, and artisans in tiny workshops carving away at fragrant thuya, a dense hardwood, and renown in the area. We will spend the day exploring this delightful place, with time to absorb the unique flavor of the old town, the harbor, and the friendly people. Essaouira is full of the irresistible angles and picturesque sights that are attractive to photographers.

Day 15 ~ Casablanca

Morning at leisure for exploration on one's own of the old medina. In the afternoon, we will drive to Casablanca to get ready for our morning flight to home.

Day 16 ~ Home

Transfer to the airport for the flight home.

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