Highlights of Morocco

Arrive at the hotel at any time, depending on the arrival times of memebers

of the group there may be a briefing this evening or tomorrow morning. 

A modern and commercial seaport, Casablanca is a complete contrast to the

Morocco we are soon to explore. This morning we drive 4hours  to Casablanca

to visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world. Afterwards,

we drive 2 hours to Rabat, the political capital of Morocco, but second to

Casablanca in importance. Although mostly modern, Rabat has an excellent old

quarter that we take time to explore.

Strike out from Rabat 2,5 hours’ drive over the Northern plain towards

Meknes.  The scenery changes as the land becomes more cultivated, this being

one of the most fertile areas of Morocco. Sultan Moulay Ismail's old capital

of Meknes is our first example of one of the imperial cities of Morocco.We

meet our guide and wander the narrow streets of the old city, and explore the

souk, perhaps having your first chance at bartering for souvenirs. In the

afternoon we take a short drive 45min to the largest and best kept Roman

ruins in Morocco – Volubilis, once a large Roman town and now a UNESCO

World Heritage site. After exploring this site we continue our journey

approximately 2 hours drive to the ancient city of Fez, where we spend two

nights.

This fascinating city is the intellectual and religious centre of Morocco.

Founded over a thousand years ago, Fez has many mosques and medersas

(theological colleges) including the 9th century al-Karaouine University,

whose architecture is very similar to that seen in Moorish Spain. The medina

in Fez is one of the largest in the world, an immense warren of souks, home

to thousands of craftsmen with their tiny shops opening onto the narrow

alleyways. Noisy and pungent, the medina of Fez is a totally absorbing and

unique experience. Our city guide walks us through different sections of the

souk - including those selling leather brass and copper. Of course, no visit

to Fez is complete without a visit to the tanneries. Outside the medina we

shall visit the Jewish District (mellah), the exterior of the Royal Palace

and take a drive up to a panoramic viewpoint over the city. 

Today we have a long journey of approximately 10 hours, however there will be

frequent stops and beautiful scenery along the way. We travel over the

stunning Middle Atlas, down through the picturesque Ziz Valley to the Hamada,

a flat stony desert, gradually approaching the spectacular site of the golden

sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. We stay in a small and welcoming auberge (inn) on

the edge of the dunes from where it is easy to climb to watch the sunrise. 

There is time today with a free morning to explore the largest sand sea in

Morocco, or to relax in the shade of a palm tree by the dunes. The sand sea

is famed for its pink tones that take on a spectacular rose colour at sunset.

In the late afternoon, we partake in a genuine Saharan experience - a 45min

camel trek through the dunes, where we watch the sunset. We then come back to

the camp at the edge of the desert to spend the night.

After sunrise, we leave our desert camp head towards the little city of

Skoura, nestled on a beautiful palm grove and located near Ouarzazate. From

here onwards to explore Todra Gorge, and the picturesque oases they hide in

(journey time approximately 4 hours). Following the 1000 Kasbahs Road for

approximately 2.5 hours, you will marvel at the breath-taking vistas of

impressive ancient Kasbahs nestled in lush palm groves. 

There is the opportunity to take a 1 hour drive to Toundout Valley and enjoy

a 3 hours guided hike crossing through a Berber village, where you will learn

a little of their culture. Alternatively, relax in and around the lodge

walking through the magnificent lush palm groves. Considered as the palm

grove capital of Morocco, Skoura will certainly offer peace and relaxation

through its various walks discovering multiple palm groves, and Kasbahs.

Leaving Skoura, we re-join the main road and drive west along the 'Route of

the Thousand Kasbahs' via the desert city of Ouarzazate and on to the

well-preserved Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one

of the most spectacular sights of the Atlas, made famous as the location of

several Hollywood films including 'Gladiator'. After admiring the view, we

may see something of the simple village houses. Continuing into the mountains

we branch east through a wide flat mountain valley, finally arriving at

Anmiter, where we leave our bus and take a 1.5-hour picturesque walk on a

gentle uphill gradient to the village of Tigzha, where we spend the next two

nights. Our luggage will be transported to the gite for us. For those who do

not want to walk, mules are available (100 MAD, payable locally). 



*Kasbah Oliver or similar*

We start our day with an optional walk through the villages of the Tigzha

Valley, heading up into the hills on mule tracks with the peaks of the High

Atlas acting as a fitting backdrop to our walk.  The length of our walk

will depend on the ability of the group, but it is likely to be

approximately 4 hours. The afternoon is free to relax with a book, enjoy the

mountain views, take a stroll through the beautiful landscape or challenge

the village children to a game of football!



Tigzha is just one of four villages in this remote valley that has been

supported by Exodus for over ten years on various responsible tourism

projects. We will visit the village hammam, built with money raised by Exodus

clients. This is a truly authentic experience and terrific fun. It is very

much a traditional hammam and you are likely to get the opportunity to mix

with the villagers, which further adds to the experience. A standard

treatment is included, but you will need to purchase a scrubber and soap for

20MAD (£1.50) plus customary tip of 20MAD. Refreshed, we return to the riad

for our final dinner in the mountains. 

Leaving the gite, we walk back to our bus for a short drive to the palace of

Telouet. This once grand building stands abandoned and crumbling but we can

visit a small part of this labyrinthine, fairy-tale like structure. We

continue our scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, via the

Tizi'n'Tichka pass, which at 2,260m is the highest road in Morocco. The

scenery is spectacular and there are some wonderful views of the mountains.

We stop at a women's cooperative Argan Oil farm, where you can see the trees

growing, get a demonstration of the production process as well as have the

opportunity to purchase products. Our journey finally brings us to the flat

arid plains of Marrakech, and then onwards to the pretty seaside town of

Essaouira. Journey time is between approximately 10 hours, with plenty of

comfort breaks and photo stops along the way. 

A free day in Essaouira, a charming old Portuguese fishing port overlooking

the Atlantic Ocean. The settlement dates back to the 15th century but the

present town was constructed around 1760 by Sidi Mohammed ben Abdullah, who

needed a base from which to suppress a revolt from Agadir. Today, the town is

extremely relaxed and its whitewashed houses with painted shutters, artisan

workshops, boat yards and fishermen provide a marked contrast to the desert,

kasbahs and cities we have so far visited. Our hotel is situated in the heart

of the old walled city, where we have plenty of time for some shopping in the

souks or strolling along the beach. With many pleasant cafes and some

outstanding seafood restaurants, there is plenty of choice for our evening

meal.

After breakfast, we drive back to Marrakech, journey time approximately 2.5

hours.  In the afternoon we enjoy a guided tour to help us find our bearings

and soak up the atmosphere of this amazing city. Our guide will take us to

the Bahia Palace, ending in the Djemma el Fna, where the town becomes a maze

of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. It is worth seeing this renowned

landmark in the evening, as Marrakech revolves around this open-air central

square, with food stalls, juice-sellers, snake charmers and acrobats. It is

a place of night-time entertainment for both local people and tourists. 

Today is free in Marrakech and there is no shortage of things to do. You

might wish to visit the largest mosque in Marrakech, Koutoubia, or venture

through the souks and old streets of the medina. After bartering for

souvenirs, there will be time for a short visit to the Koranic School and

Museum of Marrakech. After this, you can unwind by taking a ½ hour calèche

ride (a bright green horse-drawn carriage) to the Jardin Majorelle. These

tranquil gardens are decorated throughout in indigo blue and were once owned

by Yves St. Laurent, the perfect place to escape the hectic rush of the

city. 



For your lunch we would highly recommend the Amal Women's Training Centre and

Moroccan Restaurant, which we at Exodus support in their cause to empower

women from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are a non-profit organization

dedicated to training their students to become self-sufficient and improving

their quality of life through acquiring new skills in a professional

restaurant setting. For a superb traditional Moroccan meal and the

opportunity to support this worthy cause, do pay them a visit.



This evening it's common for the group to enjoy a final meal together on

Djemma el Fna. 

Trip ends after breakfast.

**