Moroccan Discovery

This land of dramatic contrasts invites encounters with its ancient ruins and sacred mosques, endless desert and storied mountains, imposing kasbahs and spirited souks.  On this 14-day small group tour, limited to 24 travelers, eyes and hearts open to a truly foreign land, an age-old culture, and genuinely hospitable people.  Your touring begins in seaside Rabat, the Moroccan capital, where highlights include the Roman site of Chella, the contemporary art museum, and lunch in a private home.  Visits to two of the itinerary’s five featured UNESCO sites follow – the imperial city of Meknes and the impressive Roman ruins at Volubilis.  During a three-night stay in Fez, Morocco’s oldest imperial city, exploration reveals the fascinating medina’s many treasures, complemented by dinner in a family-run riad.  Crossing the Middle Atlas mountains, reach Erfoud, where a tour highlight awaits:  a sunset camel excursion to Merzouga’s breathtaking sand dunes on the Sahara’s edge.  Experience more spectacular scenery en route to Ouarzazate in the snow-topped High Atlas, including the dramatic Todra Gorge; and journey along the ancient “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs.” En route to Marrakech, stop to view Ait ben-Haddou village, a UNESCO site made famous in film shoots.  Touring in fabled Marrakech includes beautiful Koutoubia Mosque, cobalt blue-accented Majorelle Gardens, the Yves St. Laurent Museum, and a walking tour of the medina that ventures to the city’s heart, Djemaa el Fna Square.  Spend a final night in storied Casablanca, where we take time to explore the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, the world’s second largest Islamic house of worship.