Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat 9 Days & 8 Nights Page 1 of 22
Over 260 Years of Discovery Thank you for choosing Cox & Kings to plan your journey to. As the world s most enduring travel Company, Cox & Kings has designed, organized, and led exceptional journeys for over 260 years. To celebrate this milestone birthday, we re pleased to introduce our new Luxury Small Group journeys. These five-star, premium journeys were crafted with care by our team of Destination Experts, offering exclusive access to a variety of worldwide destination, all in the comfort of a small group. The inventive itineraries are designed to enlighten and excite first-time and veteran travellers alike. 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 2 of 22
Content Why Travel With Cox & Kings... 3 Map of the Region... 4 Journey Highlights... 5 Your Itinerary in Brief... 6 Inclusions / Exclusions / Notes... 8 Your Itinerary in Detail... 9 Hotel Information - Main Journey... 17 Reading Guide... 19 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 3 of 22
Why Cox & Kings Luxury Small Group Journeys? History & Heritage Above all else, Cox & Kings founded in 1758, is a travel company you can trust. Our experience, knowledge, service and business ethics are all underpinned by 260 years of heritage. Award Winning Travel Experiences Cox & Kings is proud to be recognized by international travel media, including Travel + Leisure, Afar Magazine and the World Travel awards for extraordinary travel experiences. Small Groups Enjoy our small group experience, with an average of just 18 fellow travelers. Traveling in a small, flexible group allows us to access sights that larger groups cannot. Exclusive Access Discover unique experiences and signature curated experiences plus VIP access to certain sights. Guaranteed Departures Once you re booked, you can start packing with confidence. All trips guaranteed with two guests minimum. Designed by Experts All journeys curated by our in-house team of destination specialists regional experts with deep destination experience. Knowledgeable Local Tour Directors and Guides Handpicked by Cox & Kings with years of experience, helping to unlock and uncover the unique charms of the country you re visiting. Think of your Tour Director as your travelling concierge. Luxury Accommodation We curate characterful 5 star properties of the highest quality or the best available in the region. Big Company Value with Personalised Small Company Service We care and we are proud that we continue to build on the tradition of high quality service, attention to detail and innovation that made Sir Richard Cox so successful 260 years ago. At your Service We will be with you 24x7, before you travel and on tour. Nothing is too small for us, so don t hesitate to ask. 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 4 of 22
Map Climate & Weather Chart Between October and March, days are normally warm and sunny while nights are much cooler, particularly in December and January. The pre-monsoon months of May and June are very warm (air-conditioned transport is recommended), while the rains usually arrive in July and continue to early September. Fez JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Max av temp (F) 61 64 66 70 77 84 93 93 88 77 68 63 Min av temp (F) 43 45 46 48 54 59 64 66 63 55 48 43 Av rain (mm) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 5 of 22
Highlights of Explore the medinas of all four of Morocco's imperial cities: Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Meknes See the stunning architecture of Morocco's mosques, palaces, and other landmarks Visit Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Enjoy wine tasting and gourmet cuisine at Morocco's oldest winery Partake in a traditional tea ceremony with a local family Barter for fresh ingredients at a souk and prepare and enjoy tagine with a local family Enjoy dinner and traditional musical entertainment in a riad Visit a local synagogue in the Jewish Quarter of Marrakesh Cox & Kings Recommends Excursion to the Agafay Desert 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 6 of 22
Your Itinerary in Brief Day Description Meals Accommodation MAIN JOURNEY Day 1 Rabat Arrival transfer from Casablanca Airport to your hotel in Rabat. Enjoy a welcome dinner. Dinner La Tour Hassan Day 2 Fez Transfer to Fez. Visit Meknes, the 17th-century imperial city. Breakfast, Dinner Palais Faraj Experience Volubilis, Morocco's largest and best preserved collection of Roman ruins. Enjoy dinner with traditional Moroccan music. Day 3 Fez Delight in a full day of sightseeing in Fez & New Fez. Visit Karaouine, one of the oldest universities in the world. Breakfast, Dinner Palais Faraj See Attarine Medersa, a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture. Wander Nejjarine Square & the nearby Fondouq. Take in the Museum of Morrocan Arts (Dar Batha). Visit a local family for a traditional tea ceremony. Feast on a traditional Moroccan dinner. Day 4 Fez Enjoy a Moroccan culinary lesson and market visit. Take the remainder of the day at leisure. Breakfast, Lunch Palais Faraj Day 5 Casablanca Transfer to Casablanca. Taste wines at Morocco's oldest winery. Enjoy the remainder of day at your leisure. Breakfast, Lunch The Four Seasons Casablanca Day 6 Marrakesh Visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Transfer to Marrakech. Breakfast La Mamounia Day 7 Marrakesh Embark on a full day sightseeing in Marrakech. Visit the Saadian Tombs, an ancient cemetery. Breakfast La Mamounia Tour the colorful El Bahia Palace. Stroll through the Jewish Quarter. Take in the wonders of Djemaa El Fna, the city's main square. 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 7 of 22
Day 8 Marrakesh Visit Majorelle Gardens. Celebrate with a farewell dinner at Dar Yacout. Breakfast, Dinner La Mamounia Day 9 Marrakesh Transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca Airport. Breakfast - 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 8 of 22
Inclusions / Exclusions / Notes Your Journey Price Includes Private arrival and departure airport transfers to and from your hotel Accommodation as noted in itinerary, based on double occupancy Guided sightseeing in late model, air-conditioned vehicle (exceptions may apply) Services of Professional English-Speaking Guide(s) and/or Tour Director as detailed in your itinerary All entrance fees as mentioned in itinerary Tips for porterage, drivers, restaurant staff and local tour guides (Tour Director tips are not included) Meals as mentioned in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) Baggage handling, 1 piece of luggage per person unless otherwise noted. (Please note that any additional luggage may require modification in vehicle size) Other inclusions as noted in your itinerary Your Journey Price Excludes International airfare, unless otherwise stated Meals other than those mentioned in itinerary The cost of personal items such as laundry, drinks with meals or otherwise, additional incidentals, etc. Gratuity for tour director Airport Security Charges if levied by any airport to cover the cost of security arrangements and payable locally and Airport Departure Taxes (if applicable) Optional and additional sightseeing not included in itinerary Cost of obtaining passports or required visas where necessary Any fees associated with using air miles for your air travel Transport between your home and home airport/port/station Gratuities unless stated in "What Your Land Price Includes" Travel Protection Insurance Other inclusions if not noted under "Includes" 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 9 of 22
Your Itinerary in Detail Experience the rich culture and diverse landscapes of Morocco. Visit historic and exquisite architectural landmarks, from Roman ruins to palaces, mosques, and riads built by sultans. Stroll through vibrant medinas and understand life today, with specially arranged opportunities to interact with locals. Savor delectable cuisine throughout your journey, including a visit to the country's oldest wine estate for a gourmet meal and wine tasting. Day 1 Rabat Arrive in Casablanca / Rabat Arrival transfer from Casablanca Airport to your hotel in Rabat. Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival in Casablanca, you will be escorted to Rabat, the country's capital and one Morocco's four Imperial Cities. Known as the "Pearl of Morocco," Rabat sits high on the banks of the Bou Regreg, where the river with green hues meets the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a welcome dinner. This evening, enjoy welcome cocktails and dinner with your fellow travelers and your Cox & Kings Tour Director. Overnight at La Tour Hassan Rabat., Dinner Hassan Tower, Rabat 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 10 of 22
Day 2 Fez Fez Transfer to Fez. Visit Meknes, the 17th-century imperial city. This morning, set off through the countryside to Meknes, the third of the Imperial Cities. Built in the 17th century by the powerful sultan Moulay Ismail, Meknes was intended to rival the court of his contemporary, Louis XIV of France. See the impressive Bab Mansour city gate, large granaries, and royal stable, which was built to accommodate some 12,000 horses. Visit Moulay Ismail's mausoleum, one of the few shrines that permit non-muslims. Experience Volubilis, Morocco's largest and best preserved collection of Roman ruins. Next, explore Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With triumphal arches, basilicas, and capitols typical of Roman architecture, Volubilis is the largest and best preserved collection of Roman ruins in Morocco. Among the greatest treasures are its beautiful and intricately designed mosaic floors. Enjoy dinner with traditional Moroccan music. Journey to Fez, where you will enjoy dinner and an evening of traditional music at a riad, a large traditional Moroccan home. Spacious and imposing, the homes are generally luxurious andillustrate Morocco's cultural history. We are invited to one of these riads for a traditional Moroccan music performance. Listen as a band performs Andalusian music, considered the most refined Moroccan classical music; followed by a group of Sufi drummers and Gnaoua musicians, who play sub-saharan African rhythms. Overnight at Palais Faraj Fez. Breakfast, Dinner Volubilis, Meknes 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 11 of 22
Day 3 Fez Fez Delight in a full day of sightseeing in Fez & New Fez. Step back into the Middle Ages as you explore Fez today. Founded in the 8th century by Moulay Idriss I, this imperial city was a renowned center of medieval learning. Visit Karaouine, one of the oldest universities in the world. At its heart lies the Karaouine, one of the oldest universities in the world, which still operates today. See Attarine Medersa, a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture. Next to Karaouine is the Attarine Medersa (Koranic College), a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture. Wander Nejjarine Square & the nearby Fondouq. Visit Nejjarine Square and its beautiful mosaic tile fountain, and the nearby Fondouq (Caravanserai). Formerly a way-station inn, today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an excellent museum of carpentry. Take in the Museum of Morrocan Arts (Dar Batha). This afternoon, tour Dar Batha (the Museum of Moroccan Arts) to view its collection of wood carvings, embroidery, tribal carpets, and ceramics. Next, continue to Fez El Jedid (New Fez), built by the Merinid Dynasty in the 13th century. Visiting the medieval medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living history museum, view the Royal Palace, mosques, madrasas, souks, and the city walls. A highlight is the Mellah (the old Jewish quarter) and its excellent examples of Jewish architecture. Visit a local family for a traditional tea ceremony. While exploring the medina, you will be welcomed into the home of a local family. The private and intimate experience allows you the opportunity to learn about traditional family life in Fez. Sit in the living room and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, the symbol of hospitality in the Moroccan society. Feast on a traditional Moroccan dinner. This evening, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at Riad Maison Bleue. Overnight at Palais Faraj Fez. Breakfast, Dinner Bab Bou Jeloud, Main Western Entrance to Fes El Bali 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 12 of 22
Day 4 Fez Fez Enjoy a Moroccan culinary lesson and market visit. Learn some basic Arabic from your guide before venturing into the medina to meet a local family for a Moroccan cooking lesson. Begin by making bread, then take it to bake in a public oven, just as the locals do. As your bread bakes, visit food stalls with the family and barter for fresh ingredients before retrieving the bread and returning to the kitchen to prepare tagine, a traditional and fragrant Moroccan stew. Enjoy the dishes you've created over a shared lunch with the family. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore Fez. Overnight at Palais Faraj Fez. Breakfast, Lunch Walled medina of Fes, Morocco 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 13 of 22
Day 5 Casablanca Fez - Casablanca Transfer to Casablanca. En route back to Casablanca this morning, explore the Moroccan wine country. Taste wines at Morocco's oldest winery. Stop at Domaine des Ouled Thaleb, the oldest winery in the country, dating back to 1927. Enjoy lunch at the winery's Riad des Vignerons and some wine tasting: white, roses, and the local favorite, gris, made from Caladoc and Marselan grapes. Arrive in Casablanca mid-day, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight at The Four Seasons Casablanca Casablanca. Breakfast, Lunch Picking grapes outside of Casablanca 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 14 of 22
Day 6 Marrakesh Casablanca - Marrakesh Visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. This morning, visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque. Built for the 60th birthday of former Moroccan King Hassan II, it is the largest religious monument in the world after Mecca, with space for 25,000 worshippers inside and an additional 80,000 outside. Over 6,000 Moroccan artisans worked for five years on the mosaics, stone and marble floors and columns, sculpted plaster moldings, and carved and painted wood ceilings. Transfer to Marrakech. This afternoon, depart for Marrakesh. Considered the "Pearl of the South," Marrakesh was once the imperial capital of an empire that stretched from Spain to Senegal. It is also known as the "Red City" due to the distinctive hue of its brick buildings. Enjoy a three-night stay in Marrakesh at La Mamounia, a favorite outpost of the rich and famous. Overnight at La Mamounia Marrakesh. Breakfast Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 15 of 22
Day 7 Marrakesh Marrakesh Embark on a full day sightseeing in Marrakech. Your full-day tour of Marrakesh explores attractions both inside and outside of the medina, the old walled section of the town. See the 12th-century Koutoubia Minaret, an iconic Islamic landmark that dominates the local skyline. Visit the Saadian Tombs, an ancient cemetery. Visit the Saadian Tombs, the ancient cemetery of the Shorfa, the descendants of the Prophet Mohammed; some tombs date back to the mid-1500's. The Mausoleum displays a very high level of decoration, using traditional stucco and Granada-style carving, typical of classical Moroccan buildings. Tour the colorful El Bahia Palace. Next, tour the colorful El Bahia Palace, built in the 19th century for a sultan and later owned and improved by a former slave. Stroll through the Jewish Quarter. Your morning continues with a stroll through the Jewish quarter, including a visit to the local synagogue. Take in the wonders of Djemaa El Fna, the city's main square. In the afternoon, visit the colorful and aromatic souks of Marrakesh. This is a maze of colorful alleys and small squares are home to a bewildering array of stalls and ateliers devoted to specific crafts. As evening approaches, head to Djemaa El Fna, the city's main square and one of the world's most exotic locales. Witness a tumult of fire-eaters, snake-charmers, and street musicians performing and competing for your attention. Overnight at La Mamounia Marrakesh. Breakfast Djemaa El Fna, Marrakech 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 16 of 22
Day 8 Marrakesh Marrakesh Visit Majorelle Gardens. Enjoy a morning visit to the Jardin Majorelle. Designed by the French artist Jacques Majorelle, who took up residence in Marrakesh, the grounds contain displays about his life and work and his burial site. Take the afternoon to explore more of Marrakesh or relax at your luxurious hotel. Celebrate with a farewell dinner at Dar Yacout. This evening, celebrate your journey with a special farewell dinner at Dar Yacout, a landmark Marrakesh restaurant that serves traditional Moroccan cuisine. Overnight at La Mamounia Marrakesh. Breakfast, Dinner Jardin Majorelle, Marrakesh Day 9 Marrakesh Marrakesh - Casablanca - onward journey Transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca Airport. Bid farewell to Morocco as you are transferred to Casablanca airport for your departing flight or next destination. Breakfast Traditional Crafts, Marrakesh 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 17 of 22
Hotel Information - Main Journey Rabat La Tour Hassan Luxury Room, 26, Avenue Chellah BP 14, Rabat, Morocco, Tel.: 212-537 - 239000 Facilities: Air Conditioned Room Service WiFi Internet Gym Lift Bar Pool Parking Banquet Travel Desk Business Centre Restaurant Fez Palais Faraj Luxury Room, 16 18 QUARTIER ZIAT, DERB BENSOUDA, FEZ, Fes, Morocco, Tel.: 212-5-35635356 Facilities: Air Conditioned WiFi Internet Pool Parking Golf Lift 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 18 of 22
Casablanca The Four Seasons Casablanca Luxury Room, Boulevard de la Corniche, Anfa Place Living Resort, Casablanca 20050, Morocco, Tel.: 212-5290 - 73700 Facilities: Air Conditioned Room Service WiFi Internet Pool Parking Banquet Business Centre Gym Lift Restaurant Marrakesh La Mamounia Luxury Room, Avenue Bab Jdid,, Marrakech 40040, Morocco, Tel.: 212-524 - 388600 Facilities: Air Conditioned Room Service WiFi Bar Pool Business Centre Internet Gym Lift Restaurant 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 19 of 22
Reading Guide for Morocco Tahir Shah The Caliph's House, A Year in Casablanca 2006, 343 PAGES A great storyteller, of Afghan descent and English-raised, Shah leads us through Moroccan society an dculture with deft portraits of ordinary neighbors and craftsmen as he and his wife transform a crumbling palace in old Casablanca. Fatima Mernissi Dreams of Trespass, Tales of a Harem Girlhood 1995, 242 PAGES This captivating memoir by one of Morocco's most outspoken women opens, "I was born in a harem in 1940 in Fez, a ninth-century Moroccan city." Mernissi captures not only the spirit of the place, but also the hierarchy and decorum of a Muslim family compound. Eyewitness Guides Eyewitness Guide to Morocco 2015, 396 PAGES Gorgeously illustrated and filled with excellent maps, this compact guide introduces Morocco's history, culture, and attractions. Lonely Planet Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook 2014, 256 PAGES This handy phrasebook includes pronunciation, basic grammar, and essential vocabulary. Edith Wharton In Morocco 2010, 223 PAGES Wharton's enjoyable account of her month-long journey through Morocco after WWI captures the landscapes, architecture and many aspects of Muslim culture and history with emphasis on the cities of Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech. Paula Wolfert The Food Morocco 2011, 517 PAGES A Mediterranean cuisine icon brings a lifetime of experience and taste to this gorgeously illustrated cookbook and cultural guide. 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 20 of 22
Margar Bidwell Morocco, The Traveller's Companion 2005, 309 PAGES Pepys, Defoe, Twain, Orwell, and Wharton, as well as famous Muslim travlers such as Leo Africanus and a host of others-merchants, sailors, consuls and scholars-are all included. 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 21 of 22
Shukran (Thank You) We look forward to sharing your adventure in. To book a Luxury Small Group Journeys or for more information: Call : 1-844-536-9560 or Email : groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com Download a brochure for Luxury Small Group Journeys, for detailed itineraries, dates and pricing : www.coxandkingsusa.com/brochure To book a Private Journey or for our special offers: Call : 1-844-536-9560 or Email : journeys@coxandkingsusa.com 1-844-536-9560 groupjourneys@coxandkingsusa.com www.coxandkingsusa.com Page 22 of 22