Morocco in Style
Programme Overview
Duration: 5 days
A shorter programme designed to give a taste of Morocco, including sightseeing in the imperial cities of Fes and Marrekech, and an overnight stay in the desert.
Highlights: Fes, Moroccan desert, Marrakech.
Arrive Fes
On arrival at Fes Airport you wil be met by a local representative and transferred by air-conditioned, luxury vehicle to your hotel.
Fes is the oldest of the four imperial cities in Morocco. It dominated the country’s religious, cultural and political life for thousands of years and was the political capital of the country until 1912, when the French moved it to Rabat.
This afternoon, split into small groups and enjoy a walking tour of the medieval medina, second in historic merit only to the medina in Cairo. It is divided into the Andalusian Quarter where refugees from Moorish Spain were housed, and the Kairaouine Quarter which originally housed refugees from Tunisia seeking a purer form of Islamic worship. In the golden era of the 14th century, a medersa, or university, was established here, and you will visit Bou Inania Medersa, one of the student residences that is most celebrated for its architectural beauty.
Also on the list of sites to see will be the Fondouk Museum and the amazing tanneries. Plenty of time will be given to the famous souks where merchants set up stalls and sell all manner of exotic goods.
Private drinks reception and dinner at local riad with a guest speaker tonight.
Overnight: Palais Jamai
Meal Plan: D
Fes - Desert camp
This morning depart after breakfast for a private charter flight to Er Rachidia, in the deserted east of the country on the edge of the Sahara Desert. On arrival you will be driven by 4x4 into the Sahara, discovering the magical landscapes and villages en route.
After lunch at Kasbah Xaluca, the whole party will continue on road to the oasis town of Rissani to discover antique kasbahs. Then your journey continues off road into the desert on camel back, the only mode of transportation for the next leg of the journey.
The caravan will make its way across the desert dunes to an isolated setting where your very private campsite is set. Local dancers and singers will welcome you, and mint tea and Moroccan pastries will be served.
Enjoy an unforgettable evening under the stars. You will experience Bivouac cuisine, the traditional cuisine of nomads. During dinner you will discover the famous Gnaoua singers and dancers, and will be introduced to their culture made of Magi, spiritualism and a deep African influence.
Overnight: Exclusive desert camp
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Desert camp - Marrakech
After your night in the desert, you will depart by 4x4 vehicle to the oasis town of Erfoud and back to the airport at Er Rachidia to board a private charter flight to the magical city of Marrakech.
Discover the historical monuments of Marrakech including the Koutubia and the famous gardens around the city.
Tonight, dinner will be served in the Crystal, while a party in the Pacha Club is scheduled after dinner.
Overnight: La Mamounia
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Marrakech
This morning, you will have a choice between several activities:
• Cooking classes followed by lunch of what you prepared under guidance of one of Marrakech's best chefs.
• Discover the pleasure of being looked after in one of the best Marrakech hammams (steam bath) or in the spa of your hotel.
• Private guide and vehicle at disposal for a very private tour of Marrakech's best shops and designers with appointments taken in private show rooms.
• Try one of the many golf courses in Marrakech.
• Enjoy a balloon flight over the Berber villages near Marrakech.
In the late afternoon join your guide for a walk through the souk, starting with a visit to the Ben Youssef Medersa, probably the most fascinating and best kept Koranic school in Morocco, before finishing with a refreshing drink at the Djemâa el Fna, the main square in the medina. No one is really certain how it came into being, but over the years it has become the heart of Marrakech. in the early morning it is completely lifeless but as the day progresses it becomes busier. At dusk the square comes completely into its own and lines of kitchens cook a variety of dishes, musicians play, snake charmers perform and storytellers gather huge crowds. Drinks will be served on a terrace above the square.
Tonight you will attend a 1,001 Nights farewell dinner with traditional local entertainment.
Overnight: La Mamounia
Meal Plan: B,D
Depart Marrakech
Today you are transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: B