Ultra Deluxe Moroccan Escapade (15 Days)

Luxury Upscale Romantic Escapade
For Your Honeymoon or Anniversary Vacation
Private Tour Of Morocco

Choose Your Own Arrival date
A Grand 15 day Tour of Morocco
with extended stay at the seaside Essaouira

Experience the romance of old Morocco everywhere on this 15-day tour of ancient kasbahs standing sentinel against invaders, along the winding lanes of the medinas of Fez and Marrakech, the seaside towns of Essaouira and in your very lodgings, palaces and venerable homes that have been brought to life again as Riads – combining the best of Arab hospitality with the appointments of fine boutique hotels. Compare with the 20 day edition, or the 11 day version.

Day 1 – Marrakech (arrive any day – private touring)
You’ll land at the airport of fabled Marrakech. Our local rep. will greet you and usher you directly to your accommodations at La Maison Arabe (or similar upscale Boutique Riad/Hotel such as Jardin de Medinah, Riad Monceau. Riad Kniza, or similar based on the category you choose and subject to availability at the time we receive your booking), where a traditional welcoming mint tea and a fruit basket await you. Your personal requirements and relaxation are foremost.

Day 2 – Marrakech (BD)
This morning you’ll take a private tour of Marrakech by horse-drawn carriage. You’ll see the Koutoubia, the landmark mosque of the city, and perhaps you’ll note its similarity to its sister tower, the Giralda of Seville, in Spain. You’ll continue to the Bahia palace, built in the nineteenth century, with room after stately oriental room of intricate plasterwork and finely detailed columns, and sedate hidden gardens. Finally, you’ll see the Majorelle Botanical Gardens of Yves Saint Laurent, planted with trees and flowers from all over the world. In the afternoon, you’ll discover the old city and always-lively Djemaa El Fna Square, populated by water sellers, magicians, peddlers, politicians, and animal tamers, who carry on an endless flurry of activities straight out of the Middle Ages. If you have a spare moment, the souks of Marrakech will always keep you entertained. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3- Marrakech (BD)
Morning tour of the local souks and bazaars, a shopper’s paradise. Return to your hotel for the siesta.

Late afternoon, we’ll escort you to the Palm grove on the outskirts of Marrakech for a wonderful experience of camel riding at sunset. Before we head for our gourmet Moroccan dinner with staff in traditional dress, Gnaouas singers and dancers, their music reflecting both Arabic and African influence. Arab-Andalusia music well serenade us and the evening will culminate with the traditional Belly dancer performance, while we enjoy the gourmet Moroccan food.

Day 4 – Trek in the High Atlas (BLD)
Enjoy breakfast in you hotel, leave to Amizmiz, 54 Kilometers from Marrakech. On the way you will see the Oumnast Kasbah then the Lalla Takerkoust Dam built between 1929 and 1935 with it man-made lake. It will take you about an hour to reach Amizmiz, a typical Berber village, where we tour the Kasbah and the “Mellah” (Jewish quarter). Every Tuesday an important country market is held, where all the villagers from the area come for their weekly shopping and gossiping… There you can buy interesting Regragra potteries. Your guide will welcome you in his home or tent for tea and then you will start your hiking first through Sidi Hossein valley to reach Tizi Oughourane. On the way you will see picturesque landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, Berber villages with their houses built in stone and earth. After a typical lunch accompanied by mint tea, you will come back to Amizimiz by a different itinerary and be transferred back to busy Marrakech by late afternoon. Remainder of the day at leisure. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel.

Day 5 – Marrakech – Ouarzazate- 203 Kilometers (about 2 hours) (BLD)
In the morning you will be driven to Ouarzazate through the impressive scenery and the beautiful landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains range and crossing the Tichka Pass, at more than 2,000 m high. Enjoy the wide range of fossils available en route. Before reaching Ouarzazate, tour the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah region made famous by Hollywood, which served as the backdrop for several of movies, protected now by UNESCO. It is an area of Kasbahs grouped among patches of wheat fields, terraced orchards, olives and date palms. It ascends a small mountain and is surmounted by an “Agadir” (grain storage tower) giving it an epic scale. Lunch will be served at a restaurant facing the Kasbah. In the afternoon we continue to Ouarzazate, a small town set at the foot of the arid southern slopes, where we may find Golden Oriole, Melodious and Bonelli’s Warblers, Cattle and Little Egrets, Kentish Plover, Black-winged stilt and Bee-eater. Dinner and overnight accommodation at hotel: Berber Palace or similar.

If you prefer to visit the Merzouga Oasis camping one night in the Sahara (deluxe camp-tent), please click here.

DAY 6 – Ouarzazate- Taliouine – Taroudant- 292 Kilometers (about 3 and half hours) (BLD)
Heading westwards we travel to Taliouine from where we can explore the fine gorge at Aoulouz, one of the few remaining areas in which the Bald Ibis can be expected, as well as Peregrine, and possibly Lanner and Barbary Falcon which may be seen in the air together. The long-legged Buzzard and other species of eagle are also likely, as well as Roller, Spanish Sparrow, Red-rumped Swallow, Bulbul etc. Between Aoulouz and Agadir the principal species of tree is the Argana which gives the region an East African Savannah appearance. Here Great Grey and Woodchat Shrikes are common, and we look out for the Tawny Eagle and Chanting Goshawk. Lunch is included enroute. Late afternoon arrival in Taroudant for dinner and overnight, we check-in at the Gazelle D’Or Rida a true gem boutique hotel.

Day 7 -TAROUDANT (BL)
This morning we tour the charming old town of Taroudant, with emphasis on the local souks and jewelry. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, maybe to enjoy this unique palace /hotel facilities or go on a half day trip on camels or horses into the desert with a lunch box (with our compliments).

Day 8- IMOUZZER IDA OUTANANE (BD)
Morning departure for Imouzzer Ida Outanane. We cross the Anti Atlas mountain range, with palm groves, green valleys and narrow gorges – before reaching the village & waterfalls of the “Bride’s Veil” with its small lake surrounded by olive groves. Dinner and accommodation at the Cascades hotel.

Day 9 – IMOUZZER IDA OUTANANE / ESSAOUIRA (BLD)
Drive to Essaouira, a a charming fishing harbor. Renowned for generations for its production of “Murex”, a small shellfish used to make the purple dye for Roman togas, Essaouira is now a very active fishing harbor, which was influenced by the Portuguese who settled here in the 16th century. Later on Sultan Mohamed Ben Abdellah used it as a base for his corsairs. Today, protected from the sea and the wind behind its commanding fortified medieval walls, Essaouira shelters a flourishing craftsmanship in marquetry, working wood with ebony, mother of pearl and silver thread to make tables, chessboards, caskets and bracelets. Enjoy a seafood lunch before heading back to the hotel: accommodation in a suite at Riad Al Madina, Heure Bleue or similar. Dinner is included at one of the local charming restaurants.

Day 10- Essaouira (B)
Full day at leisure to enjoy this sleepy small town by the sea, as you wish, or ask us for available optional tours.

We were out at the port before 8 AM to see all of the activity. We have been there 3 times today, the boats and the fishermen are fantastic. The fishing boats range from small individual boats to large ones but none of these are huge commercial boats. For every one fisherman 5 more jobs are created. In Morocco…… Everyday we see “the next great thing”!
Kathy & John – Florida

Day 11 – Essaouira (BL)
Half day walking tour of the old souks, bazaars and old town. We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before we head back to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 12 -Essaouira – Casablanca – Fes (BL)
Breakfast is included daily at the hotel. Lunch is included today: Lunch box or at a local restaurant enroute.

Private air-conditioned vehicle as always: heading for Casablanca to tour King Hassan Mosque (entrance fees included. Closed to visitors for Friday Prayers), then on to Fes by car, where you’ll be met and ushered to: Riad Fes/Relais & Chateaux, Riad Kniza or La Maison Bleue (or similar high end boutique Riad / Hotel – subject to availability at the time we receive your booking), the Blue House. This superb nineteenth-century home is the seat of the Abbadis family, one of the forebears of which was an eminent astrologer, lawyer, and professor at the Karawiyine University. It has wooden doors and its walls are covered with blue Zelliges. Its fountain is one of the most sumptuous in the city. La Maison Bleue offers five royal suites as well as a junior suite, and fully three dining rooms where Moroccan specialties may be appreciated. A Hammam (Moroccan steam bath) is available to guests. La Maison Bleue is literally one of the most prominent of houses in Fez, affording commanding panoramas of the old town from its terrace. You’ll be welcomed with a traditional mint tea, and a fruit basket. Your dinner is at La Maison Bleue or similar enchanting establishment.

Medina of Fès, Morocco. Video by Amazing Places on our Planet.

Day 13 -Fez (BD)
Put on your walking shoes this morning for a trip in time back to the ninth century, as you explore the old city of Fez. Its Medina and its labyrinth of souks have been declared a world cultural treasure. Your afternoon is free for relaxation or shopping or further exploration as you wish. In the evening it’s dinner and a show, with a difference. The food is Moroccan-style, of course; and the show is a fascinating view into Moroccan life, including a traditional wedding ceremony, Arabo-Andaluisan music, and an enticing performance by a belly dancer.

Your Private Culinary Class in Morocco

Day 14 – Fez- Culinary Class (BD)
Spend a day in appreciation of Moroccan pleasures. In the morning, you’ll join a demonstration of Moroccan cuisine, known around the world. You will have tasted Tajine, harissa, couscous, and much more. Now you’ll learn more about how these plates and sauces are prepared and of the many influences that have created the national cuisine. In the afternoon, you will savor the benefits of the Hammam traditional relaxing and restorative steam bath. Your farewell dinner will be set at La Maison Bleue or a charming local Moroccan restaurant.

Day 15 -Fez – Casablanca (B)
Early morning drive from Fez to Casablanca airport, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur. Bon Voyage!

Your tour includes:

• All transportation in morocco, private air conditioned sedan, mini van depending on the number in your party.
• Domestic air in Morocco, economy class, including tax, as per itinerary.
• All airport transfers in Morocco as described in the tour itinerary, always on a private basis.
• Accommodation as described, (always subject to availability, we keep the right to use alternative hotels within same category).
• Welcome mint tea, roses, and fruit basket upon arrival at each location available only with the
• Ultra Deluxe category.
• Meals as indicated: cB = Continental breakfast; L = set-menu lunch; D = set-menu dinner.
• Ground transportation in chauffeured, air-conditioned Mercedes Benz automobile or where applicable chauffeured four wheel drive Turbo Land Rover. As well as horse-drawn carriage tour where applicable.
• Services of private licensed English-speaking guide.
• Entrance fees to sites visited.
• Camel ride in Marrakech palm grove.

Not included:

• Personal expenses
• Gratuities for local personnel
• Trip interruption and cancellation insurance
• International air fare from/to home country.

The grace and splendor of the Orient, traditional Arab hospitality, and the fine service and amenities of a boutique hotel all come together in the Moroccan Riad.

Hotel of charm Les “Jardins de la Medina”
A former Royal property, where the mother of the late King Hassan used to live a few years back. It is located close to the Royal Palace in Marrakech, with a superb Andalousian style garden planted with palm trees, lemon & orange trees. You’ll enjoy the old charm of the original Riad, even after its transfer into a modern hotel/Riad, “Les Jardins de la Medina”. The new French owners employed local artisans when they refurbished, restored & repainted the Riad. All work was done in cooperation with the Marrakech Dept. of Historical Monuments. From the old Royal Riad you’ll still be able to enjoy the original Grand Salon of the 19th century, the bar and the reception (meeting) room. New spacious rooms were built around the fabulous Andalusian gardens, thus profiting from the calmness and the coolness of the surrounding fruit trees. All rooms are refitted in the Marrakech architectural style, offering all the comfort and luxuries as modern hotel rooms: balcony, solarium and corner salon for most, air conditioning, satellite TV, Internet access, safe, minibar… The Riad services do include hammam, salon de massage, swimming pool heated toute l’année, parking, and money exchange. One room is handicap friendly.

Tina and Vishal on their honeymoon trip to Morocco.

Hi Omar,

I wanted to post about my experience with Travel in Style.com. The company based in San Fran planned the most amazing trip for me and my new husband for our honeymoon. It was a trip that combined Morocco and Egypt into a 11 day trip. We signed up for a private tour and the only people with us during the trip were our guides and drivers (which was great for an intimate honeymoon vs. a tour bus with 20 plus people all waiting for each other to go places, etc).

First, we got to Morocco and already had a driver through the agency there to greet us to take us to Marrakesh (from the Casablanca airport). The drive was nice and the car clean. Our driver was really nice and was very professional. We got dropped off and brought to the cutest hotel named Riad Chergui (more like a bed and breakfast which was much more intimate and fun!) and shown to our rooms after we were greeted with tea and cookies from the staff there. They were just absolutely helpful in helping us get anything we needed throughout our stay there (i.e. dress ironed, a bag to carry home souvenirs, cigarettes, etc.). The hotel itself was clean and charming, and we had a very nice room with windows that opened to the courtyard below. The pool and chairs were spotless everyday and the breakfast was always tasty and served to us when we came to downstairs to eat. I absolutely recommend this place to everyone.

While in Marrakesh, we went to do activities pre-planned by Travel in Style and everything worked out exactly as described in our itinerary. We always had a guide and driver on time when we were going around the city and our guide even came with us to help us bargain with the stores to get the best souvenirs at the best prices. It was a relief to us, who were a little hesitant to visit some of these countries at first, to have a very knowledgeable guide and to have someone around when we wanted him and not around when we wanted to do our own discoveries. The trip was set up so that some days we only had plans in the morning and after our planned lunch, we would have the rest of the day to do our own things (perfectly planned in this way!). Our lunches and dinners planned in our itineraries were at beautifully decorated restaurants with the best service, and we really had a chance to experience Moroccan food. It was great.

While in Marrakesh we had a camel ride and a cooking class scheduled, which were great since we wanted to do some different types of activities while we were there. The camel ride was so fun and we got some great pictures. The cooking class was hands-on and we learned how to make a Moroccan meal with the recipe so we could take that home with us and be able to have a Moroccan dinner. We just loved it!

We continued on for the second half of the trip to Egypt which was planned just as nicely. We ate at the best restaurants and really got the feel for the country. Here we did a lot more site seeing of course, and we always had our guide and driver there to take us around and show us the sites. They took us to a pyramid that was the first successful one created and when we went, we were the only tourists there (of course we also went to see the ones in Giza) so we really got to enjoy the scenery and pictures without a ton of other tourists around. Also, while in Egypt, we had a planned dinner with an actual Egyptian family who opened up their home to us. It was great to see the country from that perspective and really get to know what the people are like.

In summary, these are just a few great things I could say about the Morocco/Egypt tour we took through Travel in Style and I HIGHLY recommend them for anyone looking to experience these countries without all the hassles of planning it all in detail (since they do this for you) and of trying to figure out how to get around while there (that is where the private drivers really came in). They really took out all our worry and we had an amazing experience.
THANKS!!

Tina and Vishal
Posted on Frommer.com

Henna party (For ladies only – Complimentary Basis):
Subject to Availability
One of the “insiders” excursions into Moroccan culture is a chance to attend a henna party. The painting of hands and body with this natural red dye is a symbol of joy at weddings and regarded as a way to enhance one’s beauty. If interested in attending a Henna party, please let us know in advance.