Moroccan Discovery

This land of dramatic contrasts invites visitors to encounter 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, you open your eyes, and heart, to a truly foreign land, an age-old culture, and genuinely hospitable people.  Begin the journey in the Moroccan capital, seaside Rabat, 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, along with dinner in a family-run riad.  After crossing the Middle Atlas mountains, reach Erfoud and enjoy a tour highlight:  a sunset camel ride along the breathtaking sand dunes on the Sahara’s edge.  Experience more spectacular scenery en route to Ouarzazate in the snow-topped High Atlas, including dramatic Todra Gorge; and journey along the ancient “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs.”  En route to Marrakech, visit Ait ben-Haddou village, a UNESCO site made famous in film shoots.  Touring in fabled Marrakech includes the beautiful Koutoubia Mosque, the cobalt blue-accented Majorelle Gardens, the Yves St. Laurent Museum, and a walking tour of the medina ending at Djemaa el Fna Square, Marrakech’s heart.  Spend a final day in storied Casablanca, Morocco’s largest and most sophisticated city, and visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque.