dossier

The Imperial Cities

Day 1 - Arrive in Morocco
We meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Casablanca (45 mins) in time for dinner.

Day 2 - Casablanca and Rabat
This morning is spent strolling around Casablanca, including a visit to the Hassan II Mosque - the largest in the world outside of Mecca. It’s then on to the mediaeval city of Rabat which houses some of the finest Arab monuments in the Muslim world: the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, delightful Kasbah des Oudaias and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V where the late King Hassan II is buried. It’s then off to Fes where we spend the next five nights.

Day 3 - Valley of the Cedars
After a 2-hour drive south, our walk starts in the historic town of Azrou, with its traditional Amazig Berber, green-tiled roofed market. From here, it’s a gentle climb through holm oak and cedar forest to the plateau – wonderful views of the distant peaks of the Middle Atlas – where we have lunch. Brightly-coloured Berber rugs will have been laid for us, and a camp fire prepared in advance. In the afternoon, our path through the Cedar Forest – trees up to 800 years old - is a myriad of colour: pink peonies, blue germander, vibrant wild orchids. Look out for the regional Barbary Apes begging for biscuits!

Day 4 - Villages of the Middle Atlas
We drive south this morning passing ancient medinas, ruined kasbahsand troglodyte villages where people still live in their cave homes. Starting from the Beni-Mguild tribal village of Ain-Leuh, our shaded path takes us through the colourful Tisfoula Valley – excellent bird and butterfly spotting – dotted with Alpine- style houses. One highlight of the day is the farming village of Zaouia d’Ifrane at the foot of the impressive Ifrane waterfalls.  It’s like stepping back in time: houses support natural springs and locals gossip over mint tea and sweet pastries.

Day 5 - Exploring Fes
A full day to explore Fes, the oldest of the Imperial cities and the symbolic heart of Morocco. We take in the hugely atmospheric medina– a maze of traffic-free, narrow, winding streets, covered bazaars, fondouqs, medersas and mosques. You’ll find everything here from brightly coloured jellabasto pretty little ceramics, wonderfully pungent spices and, of course, tobacco and mint tea. We visit the famous tanneries – where Berbers work the leather by foot – the Karaouine Mosque and the Royal Palace in the Jewish Mellah area.

Day 6 - Foothills of the Middle Atlas
We start today’s walk in the ancient Berber village of Bhalil – pastel-painted houses, elegant stone bridges, stunning mountain setting. Our path takes us past limestone sink holes (formerly homes to families escaping opposing marauding tribes) and on through meadows ablaze with bright red poppies, olives, cherries and wild gladioli. We stop for a picnic at the Oued Aggai waterfalls, then continue on to the pretty village of Sefrou from where we get a lift back to Fes.

Day 7 - Fes to Volubilis & Meknes
The gorgeous Roman ruined city of Volubilis, squatting proudly beneath Jbel Zerhoun and visible for miles, is, without doubt, the finest archaeological site in Morocco. It was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1997. We visit the superbly preserved basilica, the triumphal arch and the famous mosaics. We then head east to Meknes - the “Versailles of Morocco” and Moulay Ismail’s Imperial City - where we spend the afternoon exploring. Our tour ends in Rabat where we spend our final evening.

Day 8 - Leave Morocco
We take you to the airport (90 mins) after breakfast.

Extra nights:

Casablanca:  Hotel Royal Mansour Meridien, Casablanca 5*

$138, B&B singles $240, $184, half board, singles $286 (Jan 1 to Apr 30 2008 for Fri, Sat, Sun stays) and $168 B&B, singles $291, $214 half board, singles $327 (Jan 1 to Apr 30 2008 all other days),

$145 B&B, singles $245, $191 half board, singles $288 (Oct 1 2008-Apr 30 2009 Fri, Sat, Sun), $176 B&B, singles $294, $214 half board, singles $332 (Oct 1 2008-Apr 30 2009 all other days).