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The History of Morocco

The History of Morocco

We invite you to join us on an adventure in “The Farthest Land of the Setting Sun.”

Exotic spices, narrow, winding streets lined with artisans, local people in long caftans and djellabas and others in Western dress, donkey traffic and modern cars — Morocco is a place of amazing diversity. It also possesses an unusually wide variety of terrain: stark, high mountains; lush green oases; the rugged Atlantic coast; cedar forests, where Barbary apes can be found; and the magical Sahara — this is truly a land of contrasts.

At the extreme northwest corner of Africa, Morocco lies on the westernmost edge of the Muslim world. Moroccans are highly aware of their unique situation, positioned between Africa and Europe, and also of the unique history and ethnic mix which distinguishes this from other Arab lands. Traditional ways of life are still practiced here; craftspeople today use techniques developed in ancient times. You will learn of Morocco’s culture, as well as its beautiful, intriguing architecture, cuisine, history and natural wonders. Hospitable people will welcome you as an honored guest. Good highways, comfortable hotels, delicious food and special activities — this will be a most memorable journey.

Highlights

  • The Roman ruins at Volubilis
  • A tour of Fes and introduction to CIPA, an organization working to preserve ancient medina architecture and culture
  • Sunrise over the Sahara by camelback
  • Jemaa el Fna Square and the ancient city and souk of Marrakech
  • Fortified harbor of Essaouira, with quaint whitewashed buildings and blue doors
  • Unique visits with our expert Moroccan guide
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Itinerary

The History of Morocco

Day 1: Home

You will depart on an overnight flight to Casablanca.

Day 2: Casablanca - Rabat

On arrival in Casablanca you will be met by a local guide and driven to Rabat. Oudaia Kasbah is a delightful whitewashed Andalusian village built by refugees, combining winding city streets, public gardens and iridescent blue and white houses. Arriving at your hotel in time to freshen up before enjoying a welcome dinner. (L, D)

Days 3 - 5: Rabat - Volubilis - Fes

The ancient town of Volubilis holds beautiful roman ruins and tilework, some of the public buildings still remaining date back to the first and second centuries. You can stop to view the ruins before arriving to your hotel in Fes.

The next day will be a full-day guided tour of Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and the center of culture and religious learning. Fes is arguably the symbolic heart of Morocco, as all the great dynasties have left their mark on the city; it has, however, retained its Arab identity. The medina, Fes el-Bali, is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world. Its narrow winding alleys and covered bazaars are intricate in their design and are awash of brilliant colors – a veritable assault on the senses as you squeeze past recalcitrant donkeys and submit to the sounds and smells of this jostling city. The dye makers, hills of spices, vats of tanners, and palaces of merchants will beckon us. During a visit to a tannery you can watch the tanners as they work in the varied colors of this land. (B, D)

The History of Morocco

Day 6: Fes - Erfoud - Sahara

it will be an early departure from Fes this morning, arriving in Erfoud this afternoon, where you will take four wheel drive vehicles to the dunes. there will be sunset photography in the Sahara with a camel ride either this afternoon or tomorrow morning before departure. Overnight Auberge du Sud (berber tents). (B, D)

Day 7: Skoura

Continuing west you travel through Dades Gorge to Skoura, relaxing on the hotel veranda, with views of the Atlas Mountains, or take a leisurely walk through a small palm grove leading to the gorgeous site of Amerhidil, a Kasbah located on the opposite side of the river. Overnight Skoura. (B, D)

Days 8 - 9: Marrakech

Leaving Skoura, you drive west to Ouarzazate, with an optional visit to Kasbah Taouirirt or Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, UNESCO World Heritage site. Driving on then to Marrakech, with a late afternoon visit to Djemaa – el- Fna square, stay for dinner and entertainment in the square. Marrakech follows the beat of an African drum. This imperial city has been almost continually occupied since Neolithic times, and was once the Berber capital. Traveling back in time 2,000 years, there are snake charmers, magicians, acrobats, and dancers, delighting children and adults alike.

Tomorrow morning you can have an optional visit to the exquisite Majorelle Garden, or visit more of the ancient souk in Marrakech, with its maze of vendors, selling Berber rugs, dried fruit, and spices. The garden is part of the former residence of French artist Louis Majorelle, now owned and beautifully renovated by couturier Yves St. Laurent. In among the floral smorgasbord is what was Majorelle’s deep-blue villa, which is simply breathtaking. Overnight Marrakech (B, D)

Day 10: Essouira

Today we continue west to Essouira(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 will find narrow lanes, whitewashed houses with blue painted doors, tranquil squares, pleasant cafes, and artisans in tiny workshops carving away at fragrant thuya wood. spend this afternoon and tomorrow morning 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.

Day 11: Casablanca

Late this morning you will drive to Casablanca, in time to check in to the hotel, feshen up and enjoy a farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 12: Casablanca - Home

You will be driven to the airport in time for flights home. (B)

Accommodations

Accommodations range from four and five star hotels in cities, to quaint traditional lodging in countryside, and an overnight stay in berber tents in the Sahara.

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Pricing

Tour land cost: $0 US Dollars based upon minimum of paying participants. All our program prices are based on double occupancy unless noted in exceptions.

Single room supplement: Please contact us for more details about the single room supplement. We try to accommodate travelers who request single accommodations, as well as travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a single room is requested, or if we are unable to find a suitable roommate, you will be required to pay the supplement.

Note: The land costs on international tours is based upon current exchange rates. Although the rate has been relatively stable, should it change, there may need to be an adjustment in the land cost.

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Details

Deposits, Cancellations and Refunds

A deposit of $750 ($500 on domestic programs) per person is required. Specific tours may require an additional deposit due to accommodation bookings or transportation requirements. If applicable these will be noted on your invoice. Payment in full is required when bookings are made less than 120 days before the departure date. Space is subject to cancellation by Strabo if payment is not received when due.
If a passenger wishes to cancel they must send notification in writing to: Strabo International Tour, Co., P.O. Box 580, Dryden, NY 13053; fax 208-545-4119. At the time we receive your notification, the following per person charges apply:
• 91 days or more before departure: $300 cancellation fee ($150 fee on domestic programs), plus Strabo’ costs, as well as fees that are charged by the suppliers providing the services included in your program, and/or the airlines providing the air transportation.
• 61-90 days before departure: $500 ($250 on domestic programs) minimum cancellation fee, plus Strabo’ costs, as well as fees that are charged by the suppliers providing the services included in your program, and/or the airlines providing the air transportation. Fees may range from 25% to 100% of program costs.
• 60 days or less before departure or anytime after departure: NO REFUND
REFUNDS FOR SERVICES THAT ARE VOLUNTARILY NOT USED BY YOU CANNOT BE MADE.

Includes

Group transportation for tour events in the tour van.
Accommodations based on two people sharing a room, singles are assigned on a first come, first served basis and are not guaranteed.
Services of driver, cultural guide (bilingual if applicable) during the tour.
Meals as listed in itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).
Park entrance fees, day tours and excursions as shown in the itinerary.
Extensive pre-departure information and services.

Excludes

Domestic or International air fare; other airfare if noted in exceptions; air fare tax; airport departure tax; airport transfers; additional transfers or accommodations that may be required by those not traveling with the group; excess baggage charges; meals not included in itinerary; activities listed as optional, or those taken on your own; passport/visa expenses; personal medical or travel insurance; any expenses of a personal nature, such as room service, laundry, beverages not included with meals, medical expenses, film or processing, any activities not specified in tour itinerary or listed as optional, or any items not listed in what is included; upon the completion of your trip, modest gratuities to the local guides and the drivers are customary; tips for meals not included in itinerary.

Air

Please note on your trip application form if you would like us to assist you with your airfare needs, a charge is added for this service. If making your own arrangements, it is important to discuss flight times with Strabo Tours before booking any airline tickets. This will avoid you having to pay airline cancellation penalties.

Please contact Strabo Tours for destination airfare estimates, specific flight time arrivals, and departures.

Health

Fitness and Health
The majority of trips are not strenuous (see exceptions below for particular destinations) and anyone who is reasonably fit should be able to take part in most of the activities. You may experience general fatigue due to the long flights and the change in time zones. You will need to be sufficiently agile to climb in and out of the tour van and should be able to carry and manage your own equipment. We will frequently hike trails ranging from easy to moderate. Some hotels do not have elevators or air conditioners.

If you have any special needs or any physical condition that you feel might prevent you from fully participating, please contact Strabo Tours with your concerns (607-756-8676).

You should also be aware that medical services or facilities might not be readily available during all or part of your trip. This could include emergency medical care, presence of physicians, or adequate medication.

Exceptions:
The following destinations require more physical activity. China, Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, New Zealand, Scotland, Domestic tours. On the African Safari you will spend many hours in a vehicle on game drives, land travel will sometimes be over very bumpy and dusty roads. Galapagos Cruise accommodations are in upper and lower berths (bunk beds) only.
There will be several hours of walking each day, sometimes over rough terrain or at high altitude. It is important for you to be able to get around easily, since you will be hiking rough trails.

Insurance

Each participant must be covered by medical insurance that is valid overseas.
We strongly urge you to evaluate your risk and to take out insurance on your trip. It is vital for you to realize that if you experience a delay or find it necessary to cancel or cut short your trip for any reason, you will lose part or the entire sum you’ve invested in it (see the section “Deposits, Cancellations and Refunds” in the trip brochure).

Travel insurance helps to minimize the risk of monetary losses you would incur in the event of a delay of your departure due to weather, airline strike, missed connection, etc., your inability to travel for reasons such as illness, injury, unforeseen financial complications and other personal circumstances, or if you were required to cut your trip short for medical or any other reasons.

There are restrictions and limitations on any insurance program. For this reason, please read carefully the enclosed pamphlet, which outlines their program of trip cancellation, baggage, and medical insurance. Trained agents are available to answer your questions, so don’t hesitate to call the toll free number in their brochure. It is to your advantage to apply for insurance at the earliest possible time, so don’t delay in making a decision.

Subject to Change

This itinerary has been carefully constructed to assure participants the best this destination has to offer; however, should events arise that are beyond our control, activities and hotel arrangements are subject to change without notice. Above is a summary of typical areas you will explore. Since there is no possible way to visit all of them, your guides will plan each day considering the interests of the group and the weather at hand. Be assured that we will make substitutions that are as similar in quality and interest as possible.

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