7 nights from
£2195
Homing in on Morocco’s highlights, this tour includes visits to five UNESCO World Heritage sites. The first is the medieval medina of Marrakech, in its heyday the capital of an empire from Spain to Senegal, with eighteen souks, and 3,000 alleyways leading who-knows-where. From here we travel to Rabat, spreading from the banks of the Bou Regreg River to the Atlantic shore, its Kasbah a capsule of calm, its UNESCO listing covering both the Modern Capital and Heritage City. The Archaeological Site of Roman Volubilis is recognised as one of the richest sites of the period in North Africa, with evidence of several civilisations over the thousand years that the city was occupied; and we visit nearby Moulay Idriss, not yet listed but under consideration by UNESCO for its spiritual character and religious architecture. Our fourth site is the Medina of Fez, filled with 14th and 15th-century fountains, mosques and palaces, its labyrinthine lanes opening onto lovely squares; and the last on the list is uncrowded Meknes, where the magnificent Bab el Mansour gate leads into the walled medina, a blend of Islamic and Maghreb styles. The tour concludes in Casablanca, intriguing, if not as romantic as the Bogart/Bergman film suggests.
Exploring the medinas can be hectic and includes a couple of hours walking.
There is ongoing construction work taking place in Meknes with no official completion date. Whilst the medina remains open to visitors, with plenty to see including its scenic courtyards and ornate riads, some areas may be obscured from view.
On occasions, it may be necessary for the group to stay in separate Riads in Marrakech. All Riads are within walking distance of each other.
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 6 lunches, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Secret Morocco
From the mystique and magic of Marrakech to the High Atlas mountain village of Imlil, the walled Berber town of Taroudant, and Essaouira’s Atlantic shore, this tour reveals Morocco’s many facets, and adds absorbing character with stays in historic riads
The VJV Riad
A brilliant short break in magical Marrakech, this tour is based within the old medina, staying at the traditional Angsana Riad, where historic character is combined with contemporary comfort, and landmark sites, from souks to palaces, are all within easy reach
Grand Tour of Morocco
A superb circling of Morocco, this is a journey from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains, seashore to Sahara sands, Imperial cities to oasis towns, and souks to spectacular scenery
Highlights of Jordan
This journey focuses on unmissable monuments, with time to explore ancient sites to the astounding rock city of Petra, and to enjoy the Red Sea, the Dead Sea, and the desert landscapes